did. I needed to understand that you are a pup, not my father. Just because you’ve got his looks doesn’t mean you’ve inherited his heart. I’ll do anything to make up for my actions, anything and everything, even if it means letting my little boy go.” Balto whispered.

Balto bent his head and nuzzled his son and Jace nuzzled him back. “I’m going to miss you Jace, my son, take care of yourself. There’s always a place for you back home, always.” Jace looked up, hoping the tears in his eyes didn’t show as he nodded. “Alright, dad.” Balto blinked back a few tears himself before he looked to the sky.

“I have one thing to tell you. When ever you’re lonely or sad, look up at the stars. Search the sky for the brightest one when you find it know that I will be looking up at that star as well, whenever you’re lonely seek that star and take comfort in knowing that I will be staring back at you.”

Jace nodded. “Alright, dad. I will and I’ll remember what you have told me.” Balto licked his son’s ear and pride gleamed in his eyes. Jace looked over at his mother, she was staring at them. “I knew it would come to this.” She whispered sadly as Jace padded over. Jenna licked him all over his face. “I just knew this would happen…Jace… nothing I say will change you’re mind? Nothing?”

“No, mom. I’m afraid not. It’s not that I don’t belong here but more like I don’t want to belong here. I want to seek my own future, and Adder’s coming with me.” Adder nodded before sighing. “Well someone need’s to keep an eye on this little idiot and it so happened that I decided to come.” He grumbled but Jace knew that the tone of his voice was hiding his true feelings.

That was just how he was, right?

“Goodbye, Jace, I’m going to miss you…” Jenna whispered, nuzzling him. Boris walked over to the two of them and said. “I’m proud of you’re decision, Jace. I can’t say I’m surprised though, Jenna and I discussed this one day and we both thought this might happen.”

“Hold it, hold it. You and Jenna discussed my son’s future without me?” Balto cut in suddenly. “Well Balto you weren’t there so…” Boris winked at Jace while Jenna and Balto talked.

Adder padded over. “C’mon, kid,” he growled, prodding the back of Jace’s head with his uninjured leg. “If you don’t hurry I’ll leave without you!” “Right, Adder, right!” Jace said.

Adder looked at Balto, Jenna, and Boris and said. “Pleasure knowin’ ya!” “Yeah, nice to meet you too.” Jenna said. “If you ever come back I’ve got Balto’s baby pictures to show you!” Boris called. “They’re real nice!” “Boris!” Balto snapped. Jace laughed and looked over at his father.

“Remember what I said, Jace, no matter how far away you are, remember that I’ll always be watching over you. Go on, otherwise Adder will leave without you.”

Jace nodded. “I love you dad.” He whispered before he turned and ran after Adder. “Are you ready?” Adder asked, looking at Jace running right next to him. “We might never come back again.” Jace looked over his shoulder at his father and then back at Adder.

“Are you kidding, Adder?” he asked, his eyes blazing with life. “I’m Balto’s son. I’m prepared for anything.”

The moon shone down upon Nome Alaska, lighting the path for the two new friends as they made their way through the darkness. And as they ran through the forest they became mere shadows. But if you look more closely you could just make out the figure of a beautiful white wolf, staring down at them from the darkness of the cliff she sat on, her pale gold eyes following them. But then as the moonlight passed over her, she vanished into the night.

THE END

Jenna, Balto, Steele, Kodi, Aleu, Saba, Dingo, Boris Aniu, Rosie and her parents © Universal Studios

Adder, Jace, Doberman, Pit-bull, and Kevin © To SunAndMoon IchiRuki (That’s me!)