asked.

"I think you know," his mother said. Just then, the light of the whole scenery became much brighter, almost to the blinding point. When it dimmed, a series of images began to flash before Balto's eyes. It was as if he were watching a clip show of memories. He saw himself, standing at the bottom of the cliff, howling by his mother's side, the night he saved the town. "There is one thing you were meant to learn on that night, that you seemingly missed," Aniu's voice said. It echoed from an unknown source, as Balto watched this scene from his past continue. "All your life, you were abused, and pushed around by society. Everyone made you feel as though you were a low life...but you should know they were wrong. Don't you see, my son? You are so much more than you’ve ever made yourself out to be," she continued. Balto saw himself bringing the team into the town, and receiving praise from all of its residents. "You are a magnificent individual, my son. You are persistent, determined, moral, compassionate, and have never let anything keep you from doing the right thing. All of that has made you into a hero, and moreover, something you’ve always wanted to be…a sled dog!" Balto began to feel uneasy, as he watched himself pulling the team his first few days of practice. "This was all to show you, that all of the negativity you received when you were young was because, the other dogs saw the crowning jewel that you were. And they were intimidated by it. So, they pushed you around so you’d never threaten them. But now, you overcame all that, and were given the opportunity to have your biggest life-long dream become a reality." Balto watched in regret, as he saw himself jumping out of the harness, and fleeing in fear. "But, you didn't believe it all. You thought that you weren’t good enough. So you ran, and became the wandering generality you've been for so long...a tragic ending indeed."

"Yes," Balto answered. "You’re right, Mother. I shouldn't have. But, what can I do now?"

"You know what you can do, my son. Remember, your teammate Star showed you just how wanted you still are on the team..."

"You're saying..."

"Go back, my son..."

"But, I can't!" Balto pleaded, as the memories disappeared, and he stood before his mother once again. "How could I face the team after everything that happened before?"

"They very well may be angered at first by your returning, my son. But, you heard how desperate they are. Go back and you'll see...It's not too late to be you, my son...who you really are."

“Who I am…” Balto began to say to himself. “But, I’m afraid,” he said. “I’m afraid I might still get pushed around. Once I’m back on the team, what if someone still tries to tease me?”

“That is inevitable, no matter what you do,” Aniu explained. “Everyone struggles with rejection and negativity at some point in their life, Balto. The fact is, no matter who you are, or what you accomplish, someone will always try to bring you down.”

“But, why?” Balto asked. “It’s just wrong.”

“Indeed it is,” Aniu replied. “But, it is merely a part of life. The greater an individual you become, the more others will try to hurt you, because of jealousy, or insecurity. Indeed, if you return to the team, you will face more negativity from others than ever before. But, it will be nothing compared to the goodness that will come from it all...the friends you will make, the love you will know…You can overcome, my son…”

Balto continued to listen to the messages his mother told him. And as the dream went on, it all became clear to him. He understood the message that everyone has a purpose in life; a unique destiny, that although requires a great deal of struggle to achieve, it brings more excitement, pride and a sense of accomplishment than the individual has ever known. Being lead dog was what Balto always had wanted to do. So, why was he avoiding it just because of fear of failure? As these thoughts started to kindle in his mind, he began to feel more confident, and proud than ever before. He was no longer afraid, and decided he no longer wanted to live as an outcast. The scenery brightened once again. Feeling embraced by the light, Balto let out a glorious howl, like none he ever had before. Everything dwindled, as the dream was ending. But, Balto could hear his mother's howl as well, somewhere in the distance.

***

When he awoke, he looked around and found that daylight was beginning to show. Balto rejoiced as he jumped to his feet, and ran towards town. Boris, who was just beginning to awaken, leapt in surprise as he saw Balto bounding out of the boat.

"What de...Balto? Balto! Where are you going?"

Balto didn't slow his pace at all, but over his shoulder, he yelled, "I'll be back, Boris! Don't worry. I just have something to take care of."

Boris was confused. He had never seen Balto so excited in his life. What was he up to? He knew he would soon find out.

Balto came crashing through the dog door of Jenna's house, and called to her. When he received no response, he knew she must still be asleep. Sure enough, Balto found her sleeping soundly by Rosie's bed where she always did. Quietly, he crept beside her, and began to whisper. "Jenna! Jenna, I'm not afraid anymore!" he said excitedly. "Do you hear me, Jenna? I understand now." He cuddled with his mate, and closed his eyes, as he said, "I won't leave you this time, Jenna. I'm through with running away. I want to live my life, like it's meant to be..."

Jenna barely heard him, still in a deep sleep. But with eyes still closed, she did manage, "Oh, Balto."

***

"Boris!" Balto called, leaping back onto the deck of the ship.

"Ah, dhere you are, boytchik," Boris said in relief, seeing his friend in the flesh. It was quite surprising suddenly seeing Balto fleeing the ship that very morning, indicating that he had returned, and was now leaving again. Hours had past, and the sun was in the sky now. "Where did you go?" Boris started to ask.

"Boris," Balto said excitedly, "You're not going to believe this! The most amazing thing has happened!" He went on to tell Boris about everything; about his daughter joining the pack, about the white wolf Aniu, and about his dreams. He made it clear that he believed every bit of it, and was ready to give the sled harness another try.

"So, you've finally come to your senses, eh?" Boris laughed.

"I'm going back to the team, Boris," Balto said proudly. "I know they'll still want me."

Boris thought he was going to tear up. "Oh, kieddo," he said. Balto was just beaming on this morning like never before. Boris knew Balto was serious about everything. He had changed, literally overnight! "So," Boris said, his excitement gone for the moment, "I take it dis means you'll be living wit' Jenna, now."

Balto looked surprised, "Uh, well..."

Just then, a crash was heard right below the deck. Someone had apparently entered the ships hull. "Eh, probably just Muk and Luk," Boris said.

But Balto thought differently, sniffing the air around him, and the deck below his feet. "No..." he said. "I think it's..."

He turned his head in time to see Rosie's father poking his head through the opening in the deck to look above. "Well, wha'dya know," he said. "Here he is!" pointing at Balto as his wife emerged from below as well.

Balto was in shock. "How did they find me?" he thought to himself. He realized he must have been followed from a great distance. He would have surely sensed someone close by.

"So, this is where he's been going," Rosie's mother said, looking around at this seemingly abandoned ship. She tried calling out to see if anyone else was on board. Perhaps a secret owner that Balto had? "No answer," she said. "Is there where you keep hiding out on us, Balto?" she asked, kneeling to pet him. Balto smiled sheepishly.

"Hmm...Why would Balto want to keep coming to live out here, instead of at our house?" Rosie's father implied.

"Wait, who's this?" Rosie's mother asked, noticing a goose waddling up to Balto's side. Boris put his wing around Balto's neck to try and give these humans the idea. "A friend?" Rosie's mom thought out loud.

Rosie's dad was puzzled by this. "I guess so," he finally said in conclusion. They were both taken off guard by two polar bears suddenly leaping onto the other side of the deck. Muk and Luk ran towards their "Uncle" Boris jubilantly as they always did. But, they stopped dead in their tracks, seeing there were two humans on the deck as well. It wasn't until Balto assured them it was okay that they slowly preceded.

"And more friends," Rosie's dad added, beginning to smile. "I'll be."

"I think I get it now," his wife said. "Don't you see? This was where Balto lived before we took him in. I guess we could never part him from his friends."

"What do you think we should do?" her husband asked.

She didn't hesitate to answer. "Balto's an independent," she replied. "We should just let him do what he wants to do."

"You mean...?"

Rosie's mother placed her hands on either side of the canine's neck. "You're