held on strong, his neck clenched tightly round the larger dog's neck. He hadn't found the right spot yet to choke him but he wouldn't. He leapt off and Orca took a shot and threw himself at the smaller dog. Franz whirled round at him, teeth bared so much that his gums were on full display, his face was creased into a terrifying other-wordly form, and his pupils were almost nonexistant. Dakota jumped as she heard the sound of teeth snapping together. Orca seemed to stop moving as much and then he seemed to have a fit. He tried ripping the flesh of his neck that was between Franz's teeth away from him but was only making his condition worse. They were close to the edge of the river now. The rapid water was impatient and only added to the tense feeling surging through Dakota. But Franz had the upperhand and Franz was smart. Using Orca's weight against him, he whirled around. Orca was still pulling away from Franz. He pulled hard and Franz took the chance and let go. Orca fell backwards and teetered over the edge of the river, plunging into the rapid water. Dakota and Franz watched as he thrashed around and continuously bobbed under the water and back up. Eventually the large hunk of fur became still and slowly sunk beneath the rushing water, where it was carried away downstream.

It seemed like an eternity before Franz pressed his head into Dakota's neck, both comforting her and propping himself up. Dakota seemed to thaw and she rested her head against him. They were both panting, Dakota from fear and Franz from exhaustion. The cream dog was beat up quite bad, with deep cuts bleeding and fur missing. But Dakota was just so happy that he was alright. She couldn't help it. She laughed.

''He's gone!'' she smiled, breathlessly.

''He's gone.'' Franz nodded in agreement.

''Let's go home, Franz.'' Dakota said.

He nodded again and they got up to head back to Nome, easily a mile's journey now. They walked slowly through the trees, heading back the way they'd come. It was easily marked out by the broken branches and crushed plants from when Orca was rampaging after Dakota.

''Franz, wait!'' Dakota stopped suddenly.

''What is it, Dakota? What's wrong?'' Franz asked, worried.

''There's nothing wrong.'' Dakota chuckled. Then her face became serious, ''I just wanted to tell you 'I love you'.''

Franz stared at her and then his face softened.

''I love you too.''