Approval

Chapter 1: It's Official

Steele dragged Nikki's mangled corpse away from town. He buried him deep in the snow making sure no one found him. Then he wiped the blood of his face or what he could, he was covered in it, soaked in it. He smiled thinking about last nights kill. He enjoyed it, he wished he could repeat the moment but only make it look worse than it already was.

He started thinking how Balto's last moments would be. The wolf dog would probably cry and beg for mercy like the wimp like he already was. He smiled already knowing how Balto's life would end...

Kodi awoke and looked beside him. Clarie was sleeping beside him, she slept like a angel, a beautiful innocent angel. Her eyes slowly fluttered open she looked up to see his brown, hazel eyes. “Hey.” she said.

“Hey.” Kodi replied with a slight smile.

Clarie's eyes widened, she looked around then suddenly gasped realising she wasn't at home, she had slept over Kodi's. “Damm! Dad's gonna kill me!”.

Kodi smiled slightly. “Tell him you were with me”.

Clarie got up. “He'll think your a bad impression on me” she said.

Kodi smirked. “Your dad sounds 'harsh'”

Clarie smiled. “No he's just protective. Ever since my mum died he's been so protective of me and Ryan”.

Kodi chuckled getting up. “Over protective parents? Mine too.”

Clarie rolled her eyes and nuzzled him. “I'll see you later ok?”.

Kodi nodded. “Ok.”

Clarie smiled and walked out. Her father was going to be furious. She could already picture the punishment in her mind.

“Balto! Balto!”.

Balto awoke startled. He went outside to find Kaltag and Star rushing towards him. “Balto...” Kaltag took a minute to catch his breath. “Have you heard from Nikki?” he asked.

Balto shook his head. “No. Why do you ask?”.

“We haven't heard from him since last night” Star said.

Balto frowned. They sounded concerned, this wasn't like Nikki at all. “You sure he hasn't just gone for a run?”.

Kaltag and Star feared the worst. Balto frowned. “C'mon lets go find him.” He said.

“Where have you been!” Marvin yelled. “Honey, I've been worried sick!”. Clarie was right about her father being angry, he was furious.

“Dad chill. She spent the night at Kodi's”. Ryan said trying to lighten the mood.

Ewan frowned. “Kodi?”. His mood softened.

Clarie nodded blushing a little. “Yeah.. sorta”.

Marvin smiled lightly. “Are you dating?”.

Clarie shook her head quickily. “No! We're just friends-”.

"-I think we're going to have to have the boy talk.” Marvin announced with a grin. “Ryan, don't you agree?”.

Ryan nodded with a bright smile. Clarie groaned annoyed. She never thought her dad could be this protective and her brother.. well he was doing it just to annoy her!

“How was your date.” Kirby asked Kodi as he approached the team.

Kodi smiled. “None of your business.”

Ralph laughed. “It's funny how she'd go for you.”

Kodi frowned at this. “What do you mean?

“She's way out of your league.” Ralph said.

This made Kodi feel uncomfortable, he was right. Clarie was way too good for him. She came from a wealthy family, of course she was 'way out of his league'.

Dusty rolled her eyes. “You're just jealous! Kodi she loves you! I mean look at the the way she looks at you? It's that obvious.”

Kodi cleared his throat. “Uh... come on guys we better start training. I heard from Simpson that we have a race next week, where's Ryan?” he suddenly asked.

Kirby frowned. “Ryan? Y-you mean you actually think Ryan will be able to race? He might have joined the team and all but Kodi, he's not ready. He's not even here for practice!”

Kodi sighed, annoyed with the fact Kirby was right. “Come on then, everybody.” he finally said. “Move!”

“John it's good to see you again!” Rosy's dad exclaimed. Jenna smiled hearing the name. 'I know what that name means... Ewan's here'. Ewan was Jenna's brother, Kodi's uncle. He was quite fun when he came to visit, he was however a protective brother. So technically if any harm came to her, he would make sure the one responsible would pay. 'I might as well say hi' she thought. Making her way downstairs Jenna did not only find Ewan but she found- “Dingo?”

Dingo smiled sheepishly. “Hi mom.” Dingo was Kodi's older brother, he left town sometime last year. “long time no see”.

Jenna smiled. “It's good to see you both here.” she said giving both Ewan and Dingo a nuzzle. “How long are you staying?”

Ewan shrugged. “As long as you want us too really. How's Balto?”

Jenna rolled her eyes. “Charming as always, he'll be glad to see you.”

Ewan was always protective from the first day she met Balto, at first he didn't like him, he always thought Balto would do something to hurt her. “So... how's Kodi?” he asked smiling, now changing the subject.

Jenna laughed. “You seriously want to know?”

Ewan scoffed. “Of course I wanna know! He is my nephew after all!”

Dingo smiled slyly hearing Kodi's name. “Mom, how is he?”

“He's lead dog.” Jenna replied. Dingo had this charming but quite evil personality. Ever since he and Kodi were pups they usually had arguments which turned quite bad. It was a brothers thing.

Dingo looked surprised. “Lead dog? You mean he's actually lead dog of a sled team?” Ever since Kodi was a pup, he would go on and on about his dream to one day become the leader of a sled team. This surprised Dingo because he thought Kodi would actually never achieve his dream.

Jenna nodded smiling. “Yeah, I think they got a race next week.”

Ewan grinned. “That's quite impressive.”

“How's my baby?”

Alue rolled her eyes playfully. “Papa, for the last time I'm not a baby anymore.”

Balto found a shocking discovery while looking for Nikki. He had some grieve news to spread. To clear his head, he went to check on Alue. Kodi had already informed him that she would not be staying long, he wanted to spend much time with her as possible. Chuckling lightly he said. “You'll always be my baby.”

Alue laughed amused. “How's everything?”

Balto sighed.

Alue noticed how tired Balto looked. “You ok?” she asked walking over to him.

Balto smiled weakly. “I'm fine, you?” his smile turned sad. “I heard from Kodi that you'll be leaving soon.”

Alue bit her lip. “Today actually. I have to as Alpha leader, It's my duty to my pack. The sooner I leave the better.”

Balto sighed again. “Alue...” he began. “What happened that night?”

Alue sighed. “I was on the run from something. I don't remember what though, my memory's blank. I don't remember any of it.” Alue noticed something was definitely bothering him. “Dad, seriously what's wrong?”

Balto bit his lip. “You don't want to know...”

“So... tell me about this Kodi? What's he like?” Marvin was irritating Claire with all these questions. He was surely a overprotective father, Clarie appreciated it sometimes but this time, he was just being too overprotective!

Ryan just watched him talk with glee.

“Dad!” Clarie snapped finally having enough. “Kodi's just Kodi, nothing else. He's kind and sweet.”

Marvin smirked. “Kind and sweet? That's all you have to say? That's what you said about Damon, before he broke your heart-”

“-Don't you dare bring up Damon!” Clarie yelled. Damon didn't just cheat on her, he did much worse. Not even Ryan knew, they only knew the innocent side of the story. “Dad, Kodi's different.”

Marvin chuckled. “Different huh? I want to meet him.”

“What?”

“You heard me Claire. I want to meet him lets say ...tonight?”

“But-”

“-No buts young lady! Until you get you get my blessing you aren't dating anybody.”

Clarie scoffed. “What's with you today? Yesterday you were encouraging me to go for it?”

Marvin frowned. “I did?” Clarie had already left the room

“Dad, seriously? What's wrong?” Alue demanded getting a little nervous.

Balto sighed. “Nikki's dead.”

Alue frowned. “What?”

Balto nodded. “Me and Kaltag found his body near the outskirts of Nome.” he said.

Alue had heard of Nikki, Kaltag and Star. She had met Kaltag before, but never Star or Nikki. She however knew he was a close friend of her father along with the other two members of the trio. “Dad, I'm so sorry. What happened?”

“I don't know. All I know is we found the body …. torn to shreds.”

Alue gasped. “Oh god.”

Balto nodded. “Yeah. Look, listen I gotta head off to the boiler room. Take care ok?”.

Alue rolled her eyes. “I always do dad.”

Balto smiled slightly. “That's my girl.”

Kodi after 2 hours of training decided to make his way back home. The team actually did good today, he wondered where Ryan had been? Kodi frowned, his question was answered as he spotted Ryan himself, looking rather pleased. “Hey, Ryan!” Kodi called.

Ryan's ears perked up. His smile disappeared. “K-Kodi, h-hi.”

Kodi chuckled. “You ok?”

Ryan sighed. “Look man, I'm sorry, me and my big mouth.”

Kodi looked confused. “What?”

Ryan bit his lip. “My dad... kinda knows that you and Clarie are a ...thing.”

Kodi's eyes widened. “And?”

“He hasn't got a problem with it. He however wants to meet you face-to-face.”

“When?” Kodi asked hoping to get it over and done with. Clarie had mentioned her father was quite strict.

Ryan smiled hopefully. “Um, does tonight sound good?”

Chapter 2: Meet and Greet

Balto after a very depressing announcement in the boiler room decided to go and visit Jenna. He needed her company more than anything right now. He approached her home and scratched on her doggy door. Instead of finding Jenna he found: “Ewan?”

Ewan smiled. “Ah, Balto. Long time no see.”

Balto chuckled nervously. “What are you doing here?”

Ewan scoffed. “To visit my dear sister of course. How are you?”

Balto frowned. It was a random question to ask from someone he wasn't quite comfortable with. “Great.” he answered simply. “So... how long are you staying?”

Ewan grinned. “A while, sorry.”

It was now getting late. Kodi met up with Clarie, he was quite nervous about meeting her dad. He was a hundred per cent sure he wouldn't approve of him.

“You're ok with it?”

Kodi nodded. “I don't like it, but yeah... I'll do it.”

Clarie sighed. “I'm sorry for getting you into this. He's been like this ever since I ended my relationship with Damon.”

Kodi's ears perked up. “Damon?”

Clarie rolled her eyes. “He was this guy I knew, don't worry he's history.” she bit her lip. “We don't have to go through this if you don't want to.”

Kodi smiled sincerely. “Claire. I want to be with you. If this is the only way, then so be it.”

“Kodi?”

Both Kodi and Claire turned their heads around to see a husky who looked a little like Kodi approach them. Kodi frowned “Dingo?”

Dingo grinned. “Not happy? I knew you wouldn't be” he turned to Clarie and whistled. “And who is this beauty?”

“My girlfriend.” Kodi growled. “Clarie this is my annoying brother Dingo.”

“I'm Clarie.” Clarie said introducing herself.

Dingo flashed quite a charming smile. “It's great to meet you. I actually never knew my little brother had a girlfriend?”

Clarie frowned. “What?”

Kodi growled. “Dingo, don't.”

“He actually didn't even know how to date one.”

“DINGO!” Kodi yelled.

Dingo chuckled. “Calm down lover boy. No need to all bad tempered on me. It was nice meeting ya Clarie, Kodi.. we'll talk later” he said now walking off.

Clarie giggled. “Something tells me you two don't get along.”

Kodi sighed. “You noticed?”

Clarie smirked. “Um, the way you yelled at him preety much covered everything.”

Kodi chuckled nervously. “Shall we go and uh meet your... dad?”

Clarie nodded with a smile. “The sooner the better.”

Nightfall

Kaltag sat alone in the boiler room, it had been a long day. It had been quite a long day from him sighing he curled himself up and started to drift into a deep sleep.

“Well if it isn't my favourite chatter box.”

Kaltag gasped and immediately stood up. In front of him a few feet away stood no other than Steele, looking more strong and muscular than before. “S-Steele?”

Steele smiled. “Not happy to see me?” he asked walking towards him, backing him up against a wall.

Kaltag didn't know what Steele's intentions were, but from the way he was acting he wasn't hear for a 'friendly talk'

Clarie's home was quite huge. She lived in a mansion that stood a little far away from the town. Her home was bigger than the house Kodi lived in with Mr Simpson.

“Ah, glad you two could make it.” Marvin said with a smile. He turned to Kodi. “And who might this handsome young lad be?”

Claire smiled uncomfortably. “Kodi... this is my um... dad”

Marvin extended a paw. “Marvin, pleasure to meet you at last.”

Kodi smiled and shook his paw. “Pleased to meet you too sir.”

Marvin chuckled. “no need to be all formal, you can call me by my first name. Are you two going to stand here or are we gonna go inside?”

Clarie rolled her eyes and walked in followed by Kodi who was looking quite nervous. 'This is going to be intresting' he thought.

Chapter 3: Reason

“Kaltag?” Kaltag was the one dog Jenna wanted to see, she wanted to talk to him desperately she had to. She heard a weak cough. Her ears perked up as she turned her head towards the boiler room “Kaltag?” frowning she made her way there.

“Kaltag?” Jenna stepped inside and was horrified at what she saw. Kaltag had bruises and deep cuts covering all his body. “Oh my god!” she cried rushing to his side.

Kaltag's eyes slowly fluttered open. “J-Jenna?”

“What happened?” Jenna demanded.

Kaltag coughed. “Jenna...” he coughed again. “Jenna g-get Balto.”

Jenna nodded quickily and rushed out.

“So Kodi... tell us about yourself? Ryan tells me your the leader of 'his' sled team?” Marvin asked with curiosity.

Kodi looked quite uncomfortable answering this. “Well... um... Yes I am.”

Marvin smiled. “I used to love sledding when I was your age. Used to hear about it on the radio back home. I hear you run in harsh conditions?”

Kodi nodded.

“Dad!”

Marvin turned to Claire and smirked. “Something bothering you princess?”

“Could you stop being a embarrassment!” she snapped.

Marvin scoffed. “Embarrassment?”

Ryan leaned towards her ear. “Sis, your gonna make things worse.” he hissed. Claire sighed.

Marvin turned back to Kodi with a sly smile forming on his face. “So.. how did you two meet and finally confess your feelings to each other?” he asked now facing Claire.

“We just did dad, end of story.” Claire said irritated.

Marvin turned back to Kodi. “Ok, maybe that's a little to personal. Kodi why do you want to date my daughter?”

Kodi gulped. He just knew that question would come up. “Uh... well, Claire's … sweet, caring, beautiful, special-”

“-Dad I love him!” Claire yelled. “And there's nothing you can do about it!”

Marvin frowned. “Your grounded Missy.” he turned back to Kodi and smiled warmly. “It was a pleasure to meet you Kodi... you have my blessing. I'm so sorry about this whole get together.”

Kodi smiled weakly. “It was nice to meet you too sir.” The way Marvin said that wasn't exactly friendly. At least Kodi had his blessing.

“Kal buddy, what happened?” Balto asked. Duke was now tending to Kaltag's wounds back at his place.

Kaltag coughed. “I don't know... Steele-”

Balto's eyes widened. “-Steele?”

Kaltag sighed. “Balto. Steele did this to me.” he groaned in pain.

Balto sighed. “Rest buddy, you need it. You're staying here the night.”

“But-”.

“-No butts Kaltag! Your hurt! Stay here and don't move.”

Kaltag sighed and nodded, as Balto walked out of the house. Jenna and Ewan were wating outside.

“Is he ok?” Ewan asked.

Balto nodded. “He's lucky to be alive.”

Jenna frowned. “D-did he tell you who did this?”

Balto nodded. “We have a big problem.”

“That... went well.” Kodi said walking out.

Claire bit her lip. “I'm so sorry... you had to go through that.”

Kodi smiled slightly. “It was worth it.”

Claire giggled. “The look on your face was kinda priceless.”

Kodi chuckled. “it was huh?”

Claire licked his cheek. “You want me to walk you back?”

Kodi shook his head. “Nah, it's late. I'll see you tomorrow.”

Clarie smiled. “Goodnight Kodi.”

Kodi nuzzled her. “Sweet dreams, beautiful.” she meant the world to him already and it had only been one day. Kodi suddenly frowned realising Dingo was in town.

Kirby, Ralph and Dusty had all just got back from a little get together with a few of the other sled dogs in Nome.

“That was fun!” Ralph commented.

“Too bad Kodi couldn't be there!” Kirby exclaimed. “He was to busy dealing with his girlfriend.”

Dusty frowned. “I think they're a cute couple.”

Kirby raised a eyebrow. “I always thought you two would end up together? Don't you like him? I mean I know he once had a thing for you?”

Dusty sighed. “It was just a stupid crush.”

Ralph smirked. “There's someone else who likes you?”

Dusty raised a eyebrow. “Who? Who could possibly like me?”

Kirby smiled slyly. “Clarie's annoying brother.”

Dusty's eyes widened. “Ryan? No way!”

“Dusty I've seen the way he gets around you. He obviously has a thing for you. You also think he's cute-”

“-Kirby shut up! Your being ridiculous, he way to young for me! Besides why would he like me? He doesn't know me that well, he talks to you guys most of the time.”

Ralph giggled. “Dusty he gets nervous around you-”

“-Everyone does! Even you guys sometimes!” Dusty protested.

“You like him, you like him!” Kirby and Ralph sang together.

Dusty groaned and walked off. “You guys are a bunch of losers!”

Ryan had heard the whole thing.

Balto lay on the comfy living room floor of his home thinking. Kaltag was upstairs resting in a comfy room Duke had made, Balto sighed as the name 'Steele' came into his mind. 'If Steele really did this to Kaltag? He's probably a monster now' he thought.

“Dad?”

Balto ears perked up and turned to the door way to find no other than Alue standing there. “I came to say goodbye.” she said.

Balto looked at her in disbelief. “Your leaving now?”

Alue bit her lip and nodded. “I'm sorry.”

Balto smiled and walked up to her, he embraced her with a warm nuzzle. “I'm gonna miss you.”

Alue now had tears in her eyes. “Me too dad, I love you.”

“I love you too.” Balto replied with tears now forming In his own eyes.

“Look who finally came to see me.” Dingo was in the boiler room. He grinned slyly as Kodi entered.

“What are you doing back?” Kodi growled.

Dingo chuckled. “I missed my little brother.”

Kodi sighed. “Dingo, seriously what are you doing back?”

Dingo smiled sincerely. “I missed you bro, the pasts the past. I want to make up for all the things I've done.” he grinned. “Heard your the leader of a sled team.”

Kodi chuckled lightly. “Believe it or not, it's true.”

“So.. you gonna tell me more about this Clarie? Does dad know your dating?” Dingo asked changing the subject.

Kodi shook his head. “I haven't told him yet. It would be best if I didn't. How long are you staying?”

Dingo grinned slyly. “A while. Oh and Kodi, I have a lot of questions. You mister have a lot of explaining to do.” he said walking off leaving Kodi in the boiler room stunned.

“Dad what was that all about!”

Marvin frowned. “What was what?”

“You know what I'm talking about! You completely humiliated him!” Claire snapped.

Marvin smiled. “Princess your grounded for a week do you wanna make it longer?”

Claire groaned in frustration and made her way to the living room. She suddenly froze in horror.

“Hello Claire, long time no see.”

To Be Continued.......