some forgotten memory, the she-wolf beamed.  "Now let's get you rested up some more and get some food into you."

Nearly three weeks later...

Brite limped out into the harsh sunshine of the late afternoon.  The air, as aways this time of year, was brisk, but her spirits were high.  The bright sphere gently kissed her face.  The hunting group should be back any day now.  She could feel it.

And there they came.  At first tiny specks dotted the hills, then blobs, then miniature wolves.  With a little cry of joy Brite dashed back into the cave.  "Cal!  Aspen!  They're here!"

"Coming."  The pregnant wolf dragged herself out of her den.  She was huge around the waist, and it wouldn't be long now until the pups came.  Cal sprang to his cousin's side, though a slight catch in his gait made him flinch.  He had changed ever since Brite had saved his life, and not just because of his injury in his side.  He didn't leave her side often despite his permanent wound, and for once, she didn't mind.  Her cousin was tuned into her thoughts, and knew when she wanted company or to be left alone.  Brite had never realized that they were capable of a close connection before, but now she was glad.  And to top it all off, Juneau had finally returned.

"How do you think he'll react to me?"  Cal twitched nervously, watching the group sweep up the hill.

"Assuming you're nice to him, I'll tell him everything.  Well, he'll end up finding out everything either way,"  she amended, turning red.

Cal smirked knowingly but didn't say anything.  The two cousins waited for Aspen, and like so many bullets the little group romped out of the den yelling.  "Almost there!  C'mon, over the side now!  There!  You did it!  You're back!"

Juneau leaped for them.  He looked tired and travel-worn, but his amber eyes lit up when he saw Aspen and Brite.  The rest followed eagerly.  Pawnee was at his mate's side in an instant, nudging her towards the cave again.  She rolled her eyes but complied, and the rest of the hunting party followed suit.

Cal debated hiding until Brite could explain things to Juneau.  He weighed his odds carefully, then with a great sigh he stuck to his cousin like glue.  

Sure enough, Juneau's eyes narrowed as he spotted his old enemy.  "You.  How are you here?"

"Brite saved my life when I was out for an adventure in the mountains.  I got more than what I'd planned for, that's for sure," and he and Brite shared a laugh. 

Juneau was disgusted.  How could she do this to him?  It didn't make sense.  He thought she was on his side.  Or at least, he had thought.  Turning away and not looking back, the hybrid greeted Aspen and the others.  Then when it was almost dark, he trotted icily past the cousins and out the mouth of the cave.

Cal didn't ask why Brite got to her feet suddenly and limped quickly outside; he already knew why.  As Cal resignedly went to bed, he hoped he hadn't damaged the relationship between two friends as close as these.

The familiar rock that Juneau went to when his thoughts were troubled was still warm from the strong sunlight.  He sat rigidly on the edge, wary of voices inside the cave.  None of them seemed to be coming from outside, however, so he relaxed a little.  As a result, he nearly jumped out of his skin when a twig snapped behind him.

"Why are you friends with him?"  The automatic words from Juneau's lips sounded savage, even to himself.

"Friends with whom, may I ask?"  The Elder revealed himself, standing behind a gorse bush.  Cocking his head slightly, the elderly wolf crept with surprising agility onto the rock.  Juneau did not try to stop him; he was too surprised.

"Why is Brite friends with Cal all of a sudden?"

"It was not 'all of a sudden' as you say.  In fact, it took a near-miracle for them to come together.  If you will be patient enough to hear me out, I will explain."  Juneau was silent, respect stilling his tongue.  "Cal ventured up the mountain on a whim-yes, merely a whim.  He had no idea that either you or Brite was living here, and didn't care.  He was soon attacked by a bloodthirsty mountain lion.  Brite tried to call for help, but when no one immediately answered, she attacked it herself.  They were both injured, but Cal was defnitely the worst for wear.  Brite shielded him from the downpour of rain until help came.  It was she who signaled the help, by the way."

"How?"  Juneau was stunned.  Why hadn't he listened earlier?

"By howling."  The Elder stifled a smile.  "Her howl was so distinct that the rest of the clan appreared almost immediately."

"Yes, it was, and I don't care."  Brite's voice rang out.  The dog herself became visible soon afterward.  "So, did you hear about our grand adventure?"  Her tone was sarcastically directed at Juneau. 

They were suddenly alone.  The Elder had gone.

Juneau cleared his throat.  "Yes."

"So do you understand now?  Cal wants to be your friend.  He realizes that he underestimated you, and that you could teach him an awful lot about fighting, and honor, and courage, and kindness, and..."  She trailed off and looked away, embarassed.

"You really do like me, don't you?"  Juneau was gazing at her wonderingly.

"You don't have to be so blunt, but...y-yes, I do."

"Well," said Juneau, gaining confidence, "then I'll really have to take you to the little Northern Lights in town, won't I?"

"Yes, you will."  She nuzzled him, and he closed his eyes in satisfaction.

Balto, Jenna, Boris (c) Universal Studios and Amblin Entertainment

Juneau, Brite, Cal, Pawnee, Aspen, The Elder (c) Iditarod