His jaw sunk a little. His eyes were wide with wonder as Aleu told her tale. After she fad finished her story, Vallcon's eyes grew wide.

   'Would I be welcome there?' he asked,

Aleu shrugged,
   'You can if you want. It's yours decide.'

Vallcon turned to his father. Lurth nodded slowly.
   'Your mother will understand and I believe this will be right for you, son.' he added, softly. 'I have always felt you needed something to be proud of. We love you, Vallcon. And will always love you.'

Both father and son gazed at each other for a long moment. Vallcon blinked, then turned back to Aleu. His eyes were wild.    

   'I'll come with you.' he said finally,' But first - I have to settle an old conflict.'

His eyes fell on Missy, who was standing by, talking to a group of huskies. Leaving Aleu and Lurth side, Vallcon walked directly to the party.

Missy saw him coming and turned away, her nose to the air. Lurth felt a rush of anger, but Vallcon spoke directly to Misissippi. His words was drowned with the mutter of the crowd.
   Misissippi's mouth dropped. She turned and stared up at Vallcon then blankly around the room. Eyes wide, she edged near to Vallcon and whispered something in his ear.
Valcon shrugged away. Missy's eyes narrowed, little glints of fire flashed through her eyes.
She sprang up to her feet in the center of the room.

   'Why you .... you .... ' she stuttered.

   'It's over Missy. I'm a wolf now.'

   'MONGRAL!'

   'MISSY!' cried Ragnel in shock. Misissippi paused. She realised that everyone in the room was staring at her.

She glared up at her father.
   'Did you hear what he said. Did you hear what he called me. Are you going to let him talk to me like that?'

   'Quiet!' shouted her father, sternly. 'Quiet I say, and none of that bottem lip!' Misissippi gave a loud wail. Ragnel shook his head, disgustedly as he turned to the guests.

   'Please forgive Missy. I've tried my utter best to be stern with her.'

   'For the last time. IT'S MIS - ISS - IP - PI!!!!!!!!'

   'Hold your tongue!' Ragnal barked. 'Leave the room, at once. And no back-chat!'

Heated with anger, Missy glared at her father and advanced out of the room. Ragnel shepered her out. Nodding to the party, he said, smiling, 'Carry on with the party, friends. I will see you tomorrow.'

The poodles departed.  

Vallcon watched them off, silently. Lurth smile faded as his gazed at his son and his eyes watered.
   'Take care of my boy, miss.' Lurth whispered to Aleu. Aleu nodded respectfully. Lurth turned to Balto and said sadly.' I believe this is right for him. But I have a sore feeling we shall never see him again. It's not easy letting your young nipper go.'

Balto nodded understandably,
   'That's what I said to Aleu, when her time came. She proved wrong when she suddenly returned.'

Vallcon came striding back to them, smiling widely. Lurth couldn't remember the last time he saw his son so happy.

   'Right,' Vallcon said to Aleu,' when are we off?' 

 

*********

The next day brought, Koltav and his brother Garco, who came to say goodbye to Balto and his family.

   'Sir, It's been a honor racing against you.' they said, with dignity.

The family wondered if they ever meet Koltav and Garco again. Perhaps not. But they would always remember them.  

Steele's team left for Anchorage that day and everyone was there to see them off. Standing beside Rig, Balto's family watched as the sled drew past, Nero and Steele leading in front.
   As he ran, Steele spotted them on the side of he road. His gaze settled on Balto. The two former rivals eyes met for a brief second, then Steele was gone. Forever.

  
                                                              ~

 

Sulski helped Ground prepare the team. The whole towns of Anchorage were ready to see them off. Cheers rang out as the team pulled the sled through the streets, towards the railway station that would take them all to Koyuk. Than later to Nome.

 

                                                              ~

 

(Three days later)

 

Home! They were finally home!

Jenna's heart fluttered excitedly. She thought this day would never come.

As she got off the tain to sit beside her mate, Jenna laughed. Balto looked at her knowingly and laughed along. Joyously, they led their team through the gates of their hometown. The people of Nome rushed to greet them. Everyone was there. Adults, children and dogs. Jenna spotted their friends. Duke, Mr Simpson, Dr Furguson, Rosie's parents, Rig's family, Old Doc, Morris, Niki, Kaltag, Star, her freinds Dixie, Slyvi, Kirby, Ralph, Dusty, Mel, Dipsy, Boris, Stella, Muk and Luk and many more.
   As they halted in front of the church, two girls broke out of the crowd. One was Chilla's girl, Moria who flung her arms around Chilla's neck. The other girl was Rosie. With a heartful bark, Jenna buried her head into Rosie's arms.

At last. They were home!  

Jenna turned to her mate. Her eyes met his.
   'Balto.' she whispered.

Balto gazed at her. Years ago, since Rosie's recovery he and Jenna had conciderd living with her and her humans, but the time never came. He doubted Boris would mind. It was Boris's wish that Balto would settle down happily, without fear of the Humans. Besides that, he still had Mac and Luk, had Stella now. Yet still, Balto was unsure. He felt strange fitting in with Humans. And he was used to living in the boat, by the sea, free. Quite alone, perhaps, but he didn't mind. But for how long now?

 

XXX

  

   'Love you, Papa.' Aleu said, warmly. 
Balto nuzzled his daughter's flank, tenderly.
   'I am going to really miss, my little baby.' he said to her. He glanced to Vallcon. 'you too Vallcon.''
Vallcon bowed respectedly. 'Take care of yourselves.' 

They were together beside the neglected boat. Balto, Jenna, Aleu, Vallcon Boris, Muk, Luk, with Kodiak, Saba, Tamill, Dingo and even Chilla. The evening sun rays shone around them as they said their goodbyes, sorrowfully.
   
As Aleu licked her mother and sisters goodbye, Balto turned to Vallcon,
   'You'll be fine out there, Vallcon.' he said to him. 'I just know you will.'

Vallcon looked up at him. As he did, a sense of pride filled Balto's heart. He shook his head in amazement. This young animal had gone a long way.

At last the minute arrived. Aleu, after licking Kodi, thanking Dingo, teasing Tamill and Boris and nudging Muk and Luk faced the wilderness. She was going home. 
Followed by Vallcon, she led the way towards the mountains. Their pace matched, as they crossed the vast, snowy lands.

The family sat staring at the two gray figures, pacing their way towards the forest. But when they were no more then a mile away, Aleu stopped and turned her head to gaze back at them. It was too far to read her features, but Balto was sure what she was thinking of doing. Sure enough, Aleu lifted her head and howled a soulful farewell howl to them. Vallcon stood by, watching her. Without knowing what he was doing, Balto lifted his head and repeated the song. Boris, Muk and Luk stood silently as the others joined Balto. The evening sun shone dimly behind the sea in the midst of the wolf cry. 
  Aleu halted hers and without another look, she and Vallcon resumed their way towards the forest until they were lost in sight. 
Apart from the roar of the sea, a hush silence came after. Dingo gave a sad sigh and turning away, walked back to the lights of Nome, followed by Saba, Chilla, Tamill, Muk and Luk. 
   Kodi remained with his parents for a few minutes. Boris too lingered, sadly. Both each to his own thoughts and memories. 
   Presently, they left the boat and walked together towards the shoreline, talking about the race, Aleu and the fun they had. Only Balto and Jenna remained, sitting in the sand. Balto's eyes were gray with pain and sadness.

   'He's like another son to me. Jenna?'

   'I know what you mean.' Jenna said, it was her turn to smile. They stood in silence, staring at the forest of trees and the mountains afar.

   'Balto,' Jenna said slowly. 'Rosie's parents say it would be fine if you could come and stay with us.' Jenna went on, 'If  you would be okay with that. Rosie will be really happy if you did. Me too.' Balto stared at her, in astonishment.' Would you like that, dear?'

 

Yes

 

Balto could not refuse.

 

 

 

 

 Ten months later....

 

   'Aleu, can I come in. I have a favor to ask off you.'The winter morning sun shone on the edges of the cave, Vallcon stood outside it, waiting. Blinking sleepily, Aleu raised her head to look at him.
   His days,

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