committed murder.

   This was all too confusing for the husky, as all these conflicting emotions were starting to make her head hurt. Instead of responding to his question, she merely rubbed her sore head.

   Balto didn't say anything after that, instead, he turned away from the husky, his yellow eyes occasionally glancing at Jenna next to him.

   After their little carriage ride, Jenna had been dropped off by Balto at her apartment.

   "I will see you tomorrow, my dear," He said, "Be prepared. I have an offer for you, one that you must no refuse." He then shut the door, and left the husky at the door to the apartments. She sighed, as she realized that the hybrid had left his cloak with her, and she went into the building, and went into her small apartment.

   She turned on the electric light, and quickly sent herself to the bed that was originally her Father's. She laid herself down on the old pillows, and reminisced what had happened. She couldn't understand what had occurred between the two of them. Why did she associate herself with this dog, that lived underneath the Opera Canine, and was literally a criminal? What drew herself to him? Was it his voice? Was it his strange demeanor, and the mysterious aura that was about him?

   Or was it something else? Yes, indeed, everything that he had done for her struck with awe and wonder and adoration, and the love and care that he felt for her touched her heart. But, there was still something that racked at her brain, something that she was somewhat afraid to ask about.

   It was that mask. That black, ebony façade that was always placed upon the hybrid's face, one that covered his snout, his nose, and his entire face. She was always curious about that mask, and it was one of the things that seemed to draw her attention. It was hiding something, something that she longed to see. But what was it? What was he hiding?

   Maybe he's been injured? She thought, or maybe he was burned in some kind of accident that scarred him. I just have to know what's behind that mask of his. Maybe I can ask him tomorrow. If he really does trust me, then he would probably trust me with seeing whatever he's hiding.

   Unfortunately, she would soon learn that it's nothing what she imagined it would be.

   Later that next day, Jenna had been called by Balto to his lair, much like she always did. But this time, Balto seemed somewhat excited, probably for whatever he had in store for the husky.

   "Um, Balto, can I ask you something?" She said to the hybrid, who was busy locking the front entrance.

   "Anything, Jenna." He replied.

   "Well, you told me that you had some kind of surprise for me?"

   "Oh, yes, I do. Well, it's more of an offer, one that I've been dying to tell you." He then ran over to his desk, and from inside one of the drawers, he pulled out a black folder which was filled with pages, all so neatly placed inside.

   He then displayed it like it was a trophy, "This, Jenna, is my greatest work, my greatest achievement!" He declared, "It's my very first full symphony, I call it Don Juan Triumphant! "

   "How long have you been working on it?" Jenna asked.

   "It's been in the works for some time, and I'm almost finished…but, there's still something missing." He then walked over to his piano and placed the work on the music stand, "But I don't know what."

   "Can I hear it?"

   "No, it's not finished."

   "That doesn't matter, Balto. Maybe I can help you w-," The wolf-dog then turned his head to face the husky.

   "I knew you would say that!" He smiled, "You see, it's been my dream to become a great composer Jenna. I've always wanted to show the entire world of what I can achieve. Much like you, Jenna. I can tell that you've always wanted to show off your skills as well. So, with that combined, I've had some kind of spark, a kind of jolt in my mind." He then paused, "You see, Jenna, you are my inspiration to finish it. Don't you see? The real reason why I've brought you here, it isn't just to make you a star...it's to show the world my music. If only they could see past...my...oddness, then they would be able to accept me for who I really am. I'm not evil, and I am not wicked, and I am not a ghost. I want to be around other dogs, I want to be around their parties, their social outings, I wish to see the world like a normal dog would ...not like a dark, mysterious shade would. Don't you see that I've done all of this is for you to shine? It's because I care about you, it's because you deserve the glory, and I deserve the recognition. That is why you must sing in my work, and after you have done so, after my words are put to your angelic voice, the entirety of Paris," He then paused to look up, his yellow eyes gazing at the ceiling, "No, the world will see my name...Balto...alongside the great composers of the classical age, probably alongside the new age as well. Don't you understand what I intend to do Jenna? With my work and your voice, we can be great together!"

   Jenna had never seen Balto this eccentric before, and she sort of felt sad for him. It almost felt like he was some kind of lost soul, pining away for the world above.

   "So, I'll be singing in your piece?" Jenna asked.

   "Yes, it's going to be a song of love, passion, and desire…" He then opened up the folder, as Jenna sat next to him on his stool, "Unfortunately, I haven't written it yet."

   "Would you like me to help you write it?"

   "Of course!" Balto replied, "If you're going to be singing it, then you might as well have some kind of contribution towards it."

   In the next few days, the two dogs spent hours brainstorming, coming up with what some kind of song that would fit the extremely dark piece that was Don Juan Triumphant. At times, Balto played the notes of his massive organ, the notes coming out with a thunderous power. Jenna couldn't believe how incredible his work was, as he played it with such skill and passion, almost like his life depended on making it perfect. As for the one song that would play at the end, Jenna obliged to help, and seeing how the composition was had a dark, mysterious feel to it, with low, black notes that seemed like it was trying to display the passion and soul-absorbing power of love, she came up with a song that wasn't really her style, but Balto of course helped in that, seeing how dark he was.

   Finally, at long last, on September 25th, 1885, the two had come up with a song that was filled with incredible passion, the lyrics flowing together as one, almost like it was meant for the both of them.

   "You're going to be onstage?" Jenna asked, as she realized that the piece was written for two singers. "Won't you be bothered?"

   "No, not really. I mean, I'm just the composer, and no one will really care."

   "But, you're mask it…" She stopped herself, as she saw that he seemed somewhat disturbed when she mentioned the dark façade on his face.

   "You…you want to know about my mask?" He asked somewhat solemnly.

   "Well, no, I was just…curious that's all." She knew this was a rather touchy subject with the hybrid, but she couldn't help but ask.

   "Well, I suggest that you didn't…" He replied solemnly. His eyes stared at her, almost as if he was saying 'I know what you want to do. You probably want to see what's behind this mask.' It's true, that black mask, that shining ebony mask that held so many secrets had puzzled the husky's mind for several weeks. I she truly longed to see his face, to see as to why he had to shield himself from her, from the world above. Surely it wasn't bad, right?

   "You...you want to see what's behind...this...don't you?" He said nervously, one of his large paws gently touching the smooth cheek of the black facade. "I... can't..."

   "But why not?" Jenna answered desperately, "You trust me don't you?"

   "Don't do that!" He exclaimed, "You're making me feel guilty. I've already told you once, and I will tell you one last time. You must never remove my mask."

   "Balto, you know I don't mean you any harm. Is it something bad? Is it an injury? If it is, just tell me, I'll understand."

   "No, you wouldn't," He replied sternly, turning his back to Jenna, "This is something far worse than any injury. Far worse. Your heart and mind would not comprehend what lies beneath this mask, what kind of...terror that lies on my face."

   Jenna then gently clutched his shoulder with her paw. He turned to look at the husky, an apprehensive and pitiful look on his face.

   "Balto, please, I truly understand what's wrong with you. You're afraid of whats out there, what others would think of you. You don't have to be afraid to show anyone who you really are. I mean, look at what you've done