Balto’s new life. Cronos and Cinder.

I once again give credit to Street Boris, and Balto is property of Amblin Ent. And Universal Studious, I give special thanks to Idok, Phantom Wolf, Kari, Suka, DW, InuTaishu, and Danman. Danman for helping me out, Phantom Wolf for being a friend, along with Idok, and InuTaishu for making me feel welcome here. And last Kari, and Suka, DW for knocking since into my head they made me realize I was acting of what they called EMO. Note being emo sucks but the music isn't!^^  Then another special thanks to, Tibb_Wolf for encouragement for me. I’m sorry if I have same names as in other Fanfics I’m reading them all still, so sorry if I used same names. I’m trying not to.   
 

 It has been eight weeks since his pups where born, and that also marked where he died that day, but came back somehow. Balto still hadn’t told Jenna about the wolf attack on his life, for reason he didn't know for him Jenna didn't deserve to know about it. He started to wonder why but was fixed on not telling her.

     Balto let himself get to him, he couldn’t wait to see Cinder, and Cronos again. The two seemed to be his only thoughts, Boris had noticed. He did worry much about this is normally are given to other owners but thanks to Jenna’s owner Rosie they where able to stay in their house, since there was only two. Though her father still didn't think only two was small. His huanting dream was still the same as the one where he had died to huge wolf again. He now started to fear sleeeping. 

He was about to leave when Boris stopped him seemingly right on time to stop him in his tracks, how Boris did it was annoying to Balto.

“Balto first you go off forever and nearly die, now you can’t wait to leave to see Cinder, and Cronos, they’re not your life my dog.” Boris said to him pointing to the ground as come over to him.

He laughed, “As, I said before Boris, ‘did ever think you’re the reason the geese fly south.’”

Boris twitched an eyebrow, “I’m not going to say what I did before.”

He gave him a smile, “Sorry Boris I thought I wouldn’t ever get to see them, when they were born, I broke.”

Boris laughed and patted his head, “You fret too much dog! They mean everything to you, and you thought you would make them miserable.”

“Hey, Boris that was long ago.” He replied to Boris the events still ever clear in his mind.

“Eight weeks ago.” Boris said with a laugh.

He chuckled, “You never fail to bring a smile to me Boris, and, and how do you recall timing and events so well? I'd like to remember things so clear." 

Boris made a frown, "Well if you did remember things like I did Jenna I think would love you whole lot more, and I annoy you with it so I guess it's a hobby."

He had small laugh that grew to a bigger one, "Well..that's true Boris, very true." He took slightly depressing breath, "Has Hector shown up at all?" 

Boris slowly shook his head trying to make it easir to say no, "I'm sorry, I am seen him sense he ran off, after he thought you passed away." 

He gave a long depressed sigh, “Thanks Boris.” He wondered if he ever see his friend again, eight weeks had barely any hope left. The thought made him depressed.

“Don’t blame your self my dog. He is bound to come back to see what he thought your grave, he’ll be surprised when he sees your better than ever.” Boris said to him reassuringly Balto looked over at him with the look as if he was lying.

“Hey, Boris?” He asked old goose.

“Vhat?” He responded rather loudly.

“Do want to have Cinder, and Cronos over with me?” Balto asked raising a eyebrow.

He laughed, “I’ll safe myself, until they tear me apart, which I know they will. With there tiny minds 'look a goose lets tear it apart!' they’re bound to visit and I’ll, be ready.”

“Like you are with Muk, and Luk?” Balto said with a chuckle in it with a small growl not in his liking to mock his pups. 

“That’s a different story.” The old goose answered it seemed more like a warning.

“Very well Boris, I’ll just drop by and visit.” Balto replied to Boris with a devilish smirk.

“Vhat!?” He yelled.

“See you soon Boris, wish you luck.” He called out as he went down the wooden plank causing the old wood to bend as he went down.

“I wish myself sense not luck!” Boris called out to him, he looked around wondering about his own answer. 

Balto heard his remark it reminded him when he ran that race, race to be on the sled team. He raced to the town of Nome. He just couldn’t wait, he just ran for it. He went to the alleys, which he always went.

He had use different routs due to snow melting he couldn’t go the ways he liked best but, it still worked for him. Time and speed always went slow for him when he was a rush. He jumped off a barrel over fence for a short cut. Balto still ran at his top speed till Jenna’s house was in view.

He panted he brought smile to his face as  he could see the wonderful sight. his panting slowed as he came closer to the house his breath catching up with him. He remembered how he thought he wouldn’t be a good father. He thought made him stop walking. That thought had gone, and brought his mind back to where he thought he was turning and lead him practically to killing himself. This action also caused him to run into his pack or his mother's pack and the wolves that tried to kill him. He shook his head to be rid of that awful thought. Though he knew it wouldn't go away.

He heard his stomach growl he moved his ears back embarrassment. Opps forgot, no breaky I’ll survive He thought to himself. He turned at the side of the house where Jenna usually hung out with Cinder, and Cronos. I’m going scare Cronos he usually gets scared easily a bit too easy. He took a few quit sniffs, with a small laugh. He could smell Cronos well, but Cinder, and Jenna’s where dull as if still inside. Works anyway. He crept slowly up the side of Jenna’s house. The scent of Cronos was getting closer. He was moving, He paused, he’s patrolling? Balto went a little closer he had to be right or Cronos would see him.

Balto was at the edge of the corner of the house. He dared to peer over he smiled at what he saw; Cronos he’s back to him; he was looking up at the sky he tilted his head looking at a cloud. Cronos looked much like Balto but he only had little less wolf details, with a longer tail then most.

Balto kerpt a bit closer then jumped behind Cronos yelling, “Gotchya!”

Cronos just simply bolted in one direction, with total fear gripping him, he kept running till he ran into the fence that stop him entirely. Balto laughed as he went to his son aid, he could hear him groaning in pain. He appeared behind Cronos. Cronos turned around; he brought a smile to his face, though his head ached badly.

“Dad!” He yelled out, as ran the short distance between them. The pup rubbed himself on Balto. Balto could feel the little guy’s heart racing.

“How you been Cronos, where’s your mother?” He asked, Cronos was the only one in the yard, He looked down at his son.

“They’re inside.” Cronos answered tilting his head in the direction, “But can we talk before going inside?”

He sat down next to Cronos, “What do want to talk about, why alone? Is something bothering you, Cronos?” He eyed his son worried about him.

Cronos sighed, “Dad..Did..Did you really, get in trouble, and, the pup paused finding hard to bring up the word, “Die?” the pups voice was low and soft.

He gave his son a worried look, he looked away from his son. He felt his temper nearly spike to a flare Why did Jenna tell him? She should't have told them without talking to me first, why does she think she can do whyat ever?! He took a breath debating weather to tell him. He looked back at his son, who had an even more worried face. He gave in to the look. you can't fight the puppy's eyes.

“Well let me tell you something about your daddy, he tried to change the way he was, and...a lot things went wrong.” He noticed his pup take a quick glance at his scars he had on his right upper paw. Balto grew weary; they’re soon going to ask about that scar on my right upper paw. I can’t let anyone know that I put that scare there. Balto tried to get back to the question of weather he died or not. “I met a very pretty husky, a white one.”

“What’s her name?” His son asked eagerly. It almost seemed he had forgot what they where talking about.

“I was getting to that, her name was Terry.” He answered his pup question. Raising his paw tapping his son's head.

“Did you talk? Are you friends still?” Cronos just as eagerly asked, but asked faster.

He paused Terry is weird since she calmed to know Balto’s pain was more than hers. “We sort of are, and you know she has a litter too now.”

“Could me, and Cinder play with them?” Cronos asked shyly he thought he was talking too much.

He paused he really didn’t like talking to Terry so much; her father must have been a prophet, her mother a psychic putting it mildly. “Well actually I had something else planned today.”

“All the same, do with your plan.” Cronos could now tell his father didn’t want to talk about his so-called ‘death.’

A voice behind caused Cronos to jump, Balto turned. He could see Jenna and Cinder coming out the door, with Rosie. he gave a bark and walked half way towards them. Cronos followed. Rosie walked over to Balto, “Hey Balto, what do we have here?” She went over and patted Cronos, “Spending some quality time? Well I have to go school be good Jenna.” She then walked back to the house. Balto whimmpered.

Rosie turned around, "Oh sorry I forgot." Rosie ran up to him and gave him a few pets on the head, before going back hearing her father calling. He waited a bit before turning looking at Jenna who seemed to be waiting for it.

“Hey Jen.” He kindly said to her.

“Hey da, err father!” Cinder shouted out. Balto smiled, Cinder always tried to be more mature, and use what he called ‘big words’.

“Hi Cronos, spending some time with your father are you?” Jenna asked him teasing in blameful tone.

“Oh, dad and I were talking about Ter.tree.ee. Uh, tere’.” He noticed his son was trying to say Terry. He leaned close to his ear and whispered, “Terry.”

“Oh, yeah Tarry, Terry!” Cronos corrected himself. Cinder was far ahead in language then Cronos was.

“Who’s that?” Cinder quietly asked wondering it was name or an object.

“A friend of your father’s Cinder.” Jenna answered to him.

“Oh, alright.” He quietly replied thinking about something.             

“Dads got a plan!!” Cronos shouted out his excited mind racing.

Balto laughed, “Ahh, Cronos it was supposed to be a surprise.”

Cinder made a playful growl, “Nothing came surprise me!”

Jenna chuckled, “I’m sure nothing can. So what is so called surprise?”

He sighed, “Well, I think it’s up to your mother now.”

The pups whimpered in protest, from what they knew they secretly called her 'Ms. No', “Come on mom.” Cronos begged to his mother.

Cinder whimpered really wanting to go but wouldn't beg and answered, “Its mother’s decision not mine.”

She could not deny the whimpers, whimpers always seemingly gave them power over her. If they did it enough the could get her to do almost anything, almost, “Alright, ok surprise boy, what’s the plan?”

He smiled, “It’s a small field trip, bout time you guys could see Nome.” He gave a wink towards Jenna. Cinder, and Cronos haven’t left the yard or house yet this would be big for them, especially Cronos.

“Leave the house?! Sweet!” Cinder yell out, he was really exited to finely leave.

He looked over to Cronos he could see he was nervous, his legs shook, a little. “What are we waiting for?” Cronos nervously answered.

“Great, how bout you Jen?” He asked her knowing sometimes Jenna's yes no which she sometimes did.

She laughed knowing what he was thinking, “Who’s else is coming?” he knew that meant yes.

He lead them to the side of the yard, “Stay close now.”  He told everyone. When they got to the street, he trie not to get confused, He leaned close to Jenna, “I could use some help I don’t know the streets just the alleys.” He felt somewhat guilty about it, but not that much.

She gave him a look, “I told to get to know the streets Balto, not the alleys." He laughed sheepishly. “Alright where do want to head?” she asked twitching an ear with annoyance.

He perked up his ears, “Just to an old run down boat simply.” She knew where he wanted to go she nodded her head with smile. Oh you want them to see where you live eh, and Boris, he’s going to be eaten. She thought to herself. They walked down the street they had to slow down every now and then for Cronos he didn’t have much stamina. Cinder was always up and often wondered ahead. But he reminded them about how Cronos wasn’t that fast when he thought Cronos wouldn't be able to hear him.

Cronos felt himself getting tired, but refused to ask for a break he didn’t want to be weak, but not in front of his father. He hated himself. Cinder is always ahead, doesn’t ask to much even when he wonderers he stays quiet, and me...I’m slow, no energy, I ask too many questions even I can tell that. Mom says it’s a phase, but how I’m going be a shaman but if I’m a loser. He couldn’t hide it anymore he started panting heavily, great now they know, dad knows… He looked down he felt a slight burn in his eyes, "Why can't I be..." He didn't finish 

Cinder turned he thought he heard something ,and ran over to Cronos who was lagging greatly, “Hey you need a break?” He asked him.

Panting, Cronos answered him, “No I’m fine the last thing I need is break!” He paused between words while panting.

“Don’t try to do that Cronos, your exhausted.” Cinder replied to him, with some concern. “There’s no point if we’ll just go slower in the long run, there’s no shame in asking for a break Cronos.” Trying to make him ask.

“I told you it’s the last thing I need!” He angrily answered to Cinder talking was an effort to his panting.

“Alright then I’ll just walk with you.”  Cinder kindly remarked him trying to keep him calm, he knew that he really didn't want to ask for one.

After about five minutes Cronos was really tired his legs felt like lead, he heard the saying but didn’t know what it meant. He moved his ears back and lowered his head almost unable to take anymore steps, “Ok fine, I need a break.” He felt weak and helpless, and disapointed in himself.

A smile went over Cinders face; he was relieved that he had asked for one, “Hey Mother, Father Cronos needs a break!” He paused with regret the word 'need' I shouldn't have said that I SHOULDN'T HAVE SAID THAT!

Balto and Jenna turned, Balto saw Cinder was fine, he go for hours by his looks, his eyes moved over to Cronos, he was panting heavily, he also had his ears back, head lowered. He’s not the running type, why is so sad, is it about asking for a break? He questioned himself starting to get worried about him.

“Well then lets rest in the alley over there.” he suggested.

“Fine by me.” Jenna answered seeing Cronos so tired she more then wanted to rest for his sake. She slightly groaned at herself. Why didn't I see Cronos getting tired?! I knew he was behind us but he must have be struggling to keep at the rate he was going. She felt incredibly disappointed in herself she didn't keep an eye on her own son, she started to wonder what else she was missing.

Cinder happily nodded his head, “Let’s rest!” trying vainly to cheer his brother just slightly more.

Balto, Jenna and the two pups went to alley, just by fates this was the same ally where Steele had tried to howl, but made a fool of himself, but got him angry. Hey this is short cut follow this it leads right out of Nome close to my boat.

Cronos plumped him self-next to a barrel, and his head was still down. He hoped no one would really see him next to the barrel. His mother noticed and walked over to him, she was still angery at herself for not being aware of him getting so tired, “What’s wrong, dear?”

“Nothing.” He sadly answered he turned his head away from her.

Jenna sighed and sat next him, she heard Cronos talking, “Why don’t you sit with Dad or Cinder?”

“Then who will sit next you?” She questioned him wonder why he would ask a question like that.

“I don’t mind being alone.” He answered her the answer made her more disappointed in herself is he alone a lot?

“Being alone isn’t right, even your dad could tell you that.” She was trying to comfort him; she now knew that he was sad for asking for a break.

“It is for me.” He answered with some despair and put simply making his mother more worried about him.

“It isn’t right for anyone, you should know that.” She kindly said to him in her mother voice.

“Will you please stop puppying me?” He asked, she knew Cronos was still half depressed and now getting annoyed with her trying to help him. That, made her start to get depressed Cronos wasn't turning to her for aid, it started to really hurt her.

Cinder and Balto were having there own conversation, but Cinder was doing most of the talking questions mainly.

“Hey father, what was your puppy hood like, could I see your mother or father?” Balto winched whenever someone mentioned his father or mother.

“Not now, or at least for a long time.” Balto hoped he wouldn’t ask why.

“Alright, I never had the bravery to ask this but how do you kill a bear?” His son nervously asked.                   

Balto’s ear twitched, “Why do want to know that?”

“Well mother said we were going to spend some time at what she said, pre-school thing and I just want to learn the most I can.” He paused, "Didn't you kill one?"

“I will only answer that if they ask you, Cinder.” He half laughed out. "And yes more of short of the bear kinda killed me too."

“Oh, all right. Nah you pawned the bear.” Cinder took a glance over to Cronos to see how he was recovering hoping for more then what he had guessed.

Cronos panting had stopped, but need a few more minutes to get ready for a long run. He impatiently waited for himself to recover. Everyone was waiting on me, just me! Just me.....just me... 

“Alright I’m ready!” He yelled out before his mother could say anything more to him she was starting to ask a question. 

“Great!” Cinder answered he looked over at his father already starting to get up.

“Don’t worry you won’t need another we can just go down here.” Balto used his paw to point down the alley.

Jenna rose up from her sitting position, now Balto will lead the way. I need to tell him about Cronos, after close watching it doesn’t take much to get him depressed what did I do wrong? Balto started to lead the way, She caught up to him.

Cinder decided to stay back with Cronos, he knew he had gotten depressed in over asking for a break. I know he doesn’t like it when he has to get a break, but what makes it worse for him when others know, I fear Mom will tell Dad then he’ll never get better.

Cinder tried to cheer him up, “So what do you want to do at the boat? Chew on it? most likely bend when we bite it, cool thought eh? Help the hurting teeth?”

“Maybe.” He quietly answered him not really paying much attention to his brohter.

He sighed, “You don’t take anything seriously do you?” Cinder half smiled at the joke.

“Hey!” He called out; His brother jolted away, “Come back here and take it back.” 

Cinder laughed mocking his brother, “Make me!”

Cronos felt happier, Cinder didn’t notice his depression. He chased after him but always was far behind every now and then, Cinder would stop, waiting for Cronos to catch up then start running again.

“One of these days I’m going to get you when you do that!” He called to him getting annoyed and playful with it.

“One day, but not today, I am faster then you! And smat enough not today brother!” Cinder yelled to him.

“That day might be today.” Balto he slightly called out to him. 

He went a little back to pick up Cronos by his scruff. He looked at his father in bewilderment, “Wait you’ll see.” He said to him with a smile, He turned to his side and jumped on a few boxes and barrels, and on to the fence.

Cronos laughed, as his carefully ran on the fence he caught up to Cinder quickly, and went a little behind Cinder. He waited for Cinder to turn around to see where Cronos was. “Ready?” He asked his son.

“Yeah I’m ready.” Cronos answered with cheerful laugh.

He lightly threw Cronos on top of Cinder. The two rolled Cinder stopped him self, Cronos though kept going he hit the fence.

“Ouch.”  Cronos whimpered as he walked up to Cinder.

“Man, I guess you really didn’t need a break were did you get your speed?” Cinder asked as he rubbed his head. You have a rock hard head!  

Cronos smiled at his brother with pride, “I have my ways.”

Balto jumped down from the fence, that was close I almost fell when I threw him.          

“Balto I saw that.” Jenna smiled at over at him but quickly faded.

“What I do?” he said sarcastically said playing a puppy's act. 

“You almost fell, I saw it.” She said to him sternly, You should be much for careful when you have up with you to when you do that act!

“I’ll be more careful next time...if there is.” He happily replied seeing Jenna's very stern face slightly nervous. 

“How’s your head?” She asked Cinder turning away from Balto.

“Oh, it’s fine just, that is that big blue thing the ocean?” Cinder took the paw off his head, then pointed with his paw.

“Yep and there’s that old boat I promised you guys, and lady.” He remarked trying to get Jenna to say something. 

“It doesn’t look old.” Cronos said out loud tilting his head looking at it. 

“It might look older as we get close.” Cinder suggested tilting his head oppisist of Cronos. Balto looked at them odd do they plan that?

“There’s a surprise there too.” Jenna reminded them.

Cinder went to his mother, “Hey, mum, can I talk to for sec?”

“Sure what is it about?” He looked at Cronos, “I don’t want father to hear.” he looked at her with his stern puppy face also half hard to take serious.

Respecting her son, she complied. “Hey Balto I’m going to show Cinder the ocean, you show him the boat.”

Balto nodded to her with some wonder but let it be, “Come on Cronos. Lets see that not so old boat, I’ll tell you something about it.” Cronos followed his father his mind widely wondering what he was going to tell him.

Jenna led Cinder to the ocean, but he didn’t go play in it. She noticed looking at the ground and back at her, and seemed to be debeating over something, “Mother I saw you and Cronos, and now you know he’s depressed when he feels he does anything wrong in any degree, but promise me you…” He paused finding hard to say this to his mother about Cronos.

“Promise you what, Cinder?” She asked him worrying about what he wanted or was going to reveal something she had missed.

“Don’t tell father, please don’t! That will be the worse thing for him.” Cinder with worry in his voice. “He’s happier that he feels that no one knows. He doesn’t like it when someone knows he has a problem. I know it seems adultish but I know mother I really do!” She could see a slight glazing in her son's eyes.

She frowned, but she understood how he must of felt, it reminded her when Balto said something long ago, ‘better not talk me Jenna, I might turn on you.’ He wanted to be alone. “Alright I won’t tell him.” She really didn't like her answer if Balto found that out on his own, he would ask why she didn't notice or tell him.

Cinder rubbed his head on Jenna’s leg, “Thank you! Thank you! Mom so much!”

Balto and Cronos reached the old boat. Cronos started to wonder around, “Hey Cronos you want to see what’s on the boat?” He asked him giving him a look. they get happy just by looking at something new. But I thik I'll run out of new things to show them. Cronos turned toward him, and walked next to his side. He somehow knew that meant yes, he led him up the wooden plank. He turned around, and chuckled with amusement.

Cronos wrapped himself around the wooden plank every time it made a sound. “Don’t worry its rock hard.” Cronos slowly stood up and carefully walked up the wooden plank his legs shaking the entire way up. When he reached the top he looked around. He jolted around when he heard something run up the plank. He turned to see Cinder already at the top.

“Wow, it’s bigger than I thought.” Cinder mentioned looking around and taking quick sniffs of the wood.

Jenna followed Cinder, “You said, you where going to tell them something special about this boat?" 

“That I did.” He confessed in truth forgetting about that. He felt something push agaisnt his leg He looked to his side, Cronos was by his leg shaking, “What’s wrong?”

He looked up to see Cinder back up to his mother, “Ok, I’m surprised.”

Cronos spoke out fear, “There’s a huge turkey inside the boat!”

Balto was about to say something when Cinder interrupted, “Dad I think I’d like how to kill a bear, or bears now.”

He and Jenna laughed in unison, Cronos and Cinder were confused and looked at them oddly. “You don’t have to worry about anything, that huge turkey is a goose, Boris.”

Jenna finished for Balto, “Those bears are Muk and Luk.”

Both Cinder, and Cronos questioned almost in unison, “Muk, Luk, and Boris?”

“Yes, Boris is my oldest friend.” He answered for Cinder.

“Does that mean, he’s old like a grandpa?” Cronos asked slightly annoyed.

“No,” Jenna said though Boris was old, “And Muk and Luk are real friendly so don’t worry.”

“Ok.” Cinder said with confidence trusting his mother though doubted her.

“Nice.” Cronos nervously put, he was still was afraid. Cinder started to explore again, he reached out and touched something. “Quake! Quake!” the noise made a sound, he jolted back and growled at it.

Balto laughed when the cat toy moved out behind the box it was behind it. It kept going till it hit another box and died out. Cinder growled and hit it with his paw to make sure it dead.

Cronos went to the stern where Boris was. “Vhat?” Boris asked him. Cronos lifted a paw and hit Boris’s beak. Boris’s head moved up and down, Cronos looked at his beak as Boris bobbed his head, following where it moved. He curiously put he paw on Boris beak to make it stop. “Your nose his hard and warm are you ok?” He asked Boris.

“I’m a bird I have a beak not a nose, you tell I’m sick in different ways.” Boris answered the pup.

“Then how do tell?” Cronos curiously asked again.

“Oi!” Boris called out, “I knew this was going to happen!” Cronos slightly lowered himself with his shouting moving his ears back. 

“Boris!” Jenna called to Boris, she was about to shake her head but she remembered not to tell anyone how easy Cronos got depressed agaisnt her will she spoke. “Their just eight weeks give them a break.”

“Err mom, dad?” Cinder asked his parents as he backed away from the two polar bears. He sighed and came to his side.

“That’s Muk, the little one, the big one Luk.” Luk made a sound made Cinder tilt his head.

“So you’re the red one is it Jenna jr.?” Muk asked.

“I’m a guy!” Cinder angrily replied he really didn't like getting teased.

“Sorry so can you run, Jenna jr.?” Muk teased.

“Beware, I’m teething!” Cinder warned looking away from the annoying polar bear cub.

Balto laughed seeing his son get angered, “His name Cinder guys you now that I told you many times.”

Luk suddenly gave Cinder bear hug though he lifted Cinder in the process. Cinder couldn’t breath; he closed his eyes and bit Luk as hard as he could which wasn't much but puppy teeth are fairly sharpe. Luk dropped him allowing him to breath. Cinder ran behind his taking some deep breaths. Luk made whimper to Muk slightly pushing him down.

“What are talking about of course he loves you, he’s teething remember?” Muk said to Luk, Luk made a some sounds that Muk somehow understood.

Jenna walked up behind Cronos and Boris, she heard Cronos ask another question since she left his was rambling questions. “So what does Vhat, mean?”

Boris bumped his head, “Vhat means Vhat!” He had been saying that for a while.

Cronos finely got it, “Oh! Vhat means what, and what does da mean?”

He grumbled getting highly annoyed with the pup, “It means, yes.”

“So how did you meet my Dad?” He asked curiously asked him nearly as instantly after he answered the last question.

“All you do is ask! And ah, um,” Boris debated weather to tell him or not. “Lets save that for a story alright?” Boris said to the pup.

“Cronos how bout you talk about yourself to Boris.” Jenna suggested, He turned unaware he was being watched. 

“Yeah, I’ll ask the questions this time.” Boris said agreeing with her annoyed with questions being asked to him.

“Question one, how old are you?” Boris asked him.

He answered him quickly, “Eight weeks and two or three days!”

Oh no, he is answering to fast! Boris grumbled to himself. “Two, are you a boy or a girl.”

“A boy!” He answered angrily he didn't think he looked like a girl at all.

“Just checking, so three how fast do you run?” Boris asked somewhat slowly. 

Cronos paused looking at the ground with his eyes; Boris decided to skip the question, “How long can you run?” Boris noticed he remained silent which he found odd. Must of hit a soft spot. “Four, what do want to be when you get bigger?”

He finely answered lifting his head a bit higher, “I’m going to be a shaman!”

Jenna asked for the sake of asking, “What makes you want to be a shaman?”

“A shaman just reminds me of someone that’s all.” He answered not wanting to tell who it was.

“Alright but first you have to be a sled dog at least.” She told him.

“I know, I think.” He answered his mother not even paying attention to her just answering hearing her talk.

Balto, Muk, Luk, and Cinder now still talk.

“So, Jenna jr. how fast can you run?” Muk asked Cinder asking as if he was slow.

“Stop calling me that! And a lot faster then what you can do!” He yelled out at the two his started to bare his small teeth at them getting very angery.

“Now Muk, he’s name is Cinder.” Balto warned seeing his sons temper lost.

“I’m sorry he’s looks like Jenna except he’s a boy but little.” 

Balto cut him off, “A little small, just smaller!” Balto almost shouted at Muk, he shrugged. 

“Alright, smaller, that’s jr. comes from.” Muk confessed teasingly.  

Balto strictly did not want them to now they had any wolf qualities, but he wondered, I’d have to tell Cronos someday. He has almost as much as me.

“Cinder, my names say it! Cin-der!” He was trying to make Muk stop calling him Jenna Jr which really annoyed him.

“Alright Cin-der.” Muk laughed out putting his tong out Cinder wished he was closer so he could bite it.

“Start calling him his name.” Balto finely said to Muk getting annoyed himself.

Cinder spoke out of anger, “I doubt you guys can even swim.”

“You better bring it.” Muk happily said to Cinder swiming seemed to spark something in Muk.

“I’m the racing not swimming type.” I don’t know if I can even swim... Cinder thought to himself he wondered if he shouldn't have said that. 

“Alright lets race, Uncle Boris!” Muk shouted happily starting to jump around.

“Vhat? No huggy! No licky!” scolded Boris.

“No it’s for race Uncle Boris!” Muk exclaimed going in his race way, with his brother.

“Hold a sec Cronos.” He hopped down and walked up to where the other where. He raised his feathery hands, “Race into the show one, two, three, go!”

Muk and Luk jumped off the boat. “What the?” Cinder questioned as how he had to use the wooden plank to get down. He knew he couldn’t catch up but smiled. I lost my bet, but I’ll just run all the way around the boat and get back on, the two forgot to ask what to race to. He raced himself around the boat and met up with his father and mother and brother.

“Back all ready?” Cronos asked confused looking over the rail seeing the two  cubs still racing.

Balto laughed seeing the two go they were much faster then Cinder, “The two forgot to ask where and how long the race was, by the looks Cinder just wanted around the boat.”

“Sharper than any knife.” She remarked to his insight.

“Man, no beating you in anything.” His brother remarked with a defeated tone.

“Only if you listen you can beat me, which you do.” Cinder smiled at him but faded his brother had his mind elsewhere looking at the ground.

Jenna bumped him using her paw, “Hey, you alright?”

He was surprised she was looking at him, “Eh, I’m fine.” He looked back towards the ocean, still dumbfounded with its size. A chilly breeze flowed and it caused his tail to go with it.

“Your tail is getting longer.” Cinder told his brother seeing go with the wind, “What’s eaten ya?”

He smiled at his brother, "I have hunger." He looked at his brother as he laughed, He sighed and spoke very quietly, “What does exhausted and special mean?”

Cinder quietly answered his brother, “Exhausted means really tried, and special means unusual or great I think.”

“Oh.” Cronos quietly replied softly disapointed in himself.

“And what are talking about?” Balto interrupted them hearing them whisper to one another.  

“Hi father, we were wondering what’s special about this boat. What is it?” Cinder asked and lied to his father.

“Well, what’s special about it, is that I live here.” He answered them with a smile, but also not very proud of the fact.

“You live here?” Cronos asked his mouth somewhat agape.

“Sure do.” He answered his son.

“Wish I lived in place like this.” He remarked liking the idea of it.

“Oh, you shouldn’t it’s bad for blizzards.” He warned them his mind recalled the bone chilling nights the cold froze to the soul sometimes.

“Why do you stay here then?” Cronos asked wondering why someone would stay in cold.

“It’s just where I have lived for most of my life.” He answered simply to his son stopping father questions.

“Where did you live before?” Cronos asked him. Cinder hoped he say it so he know his fathers puppy hood.

“I don’t like talking about it.” Balto answered them slightly softer then his normal voice. 

“I see…” Cinder replied disappointed he just keeps shut about that.. 

“Do you not like talking about because it’s sad?” Cronos questionly asked wondering about it, while tilting his head.

“Something like that.” He answered them he looked away wanting the questions to stop.

“So, I haven’t asked you guys yet but what do you want to be when you’re older.” Balto asked changing the subject.

“A lead sled runner!” Cinder asked. Like most but he has what it takes Cronos probably has the same.

Cronos smiled, “I’m going to be a Shaman.” Balto looked at him slightly oddly. A shaman? What are you thinking, Cronos...that was the same as...  

“My second question, is why do you want be a sled lead runner, or Shaman?” He asked them next.

Cronos waited for Cinder to tell his first by simply looking at him. his brother nodded his head and went “Well you’re where a lead dog right? I think I should follow foot steps.” Cinder answered boldly.

Cronos remained silent; he wished his dad didn’t mention it, his ears moved back a bit slightly looking at his father.

“It reminds him of someone and that’s all to It.” Jenna answered to his relief. Who does it remind him of?  

“What did you want to be Father?” Cinder asked him twitching his ear.

“I” Balto paused, I originally I wanted to be a greatest hunter, then to be noticed do to my. I’ll have to lie. “Like you Cinder I wanted to be a sled dog.” Like my, father.

“Really?” Cronos asked quietly slightly wanting no one to hear what he had said. I don't to seem to have anything from dad, nothing is the same about us.  

“Yes, but no lead dog.” Balto said quietly, he said too much with those small words, it reminded of him, of what he lost in a painful mannor. The pups waited for him to answer but only looked away with no sound. 

Jenna noticed he didn’t like questions concerning his past she herself tried asking a few times but only got silence, and a depressing glare. “How bout we spend more time on the beach.” She broke the silence.

“Fine by me.” Cinder shouted he hated quiet moments, which made it hard to put him to bed. Cronos seemed to want to know about it. Balto turned away.

“Your mother is right it’s great day for it.” He said as he went to the wooden plank.

Cronos felt like he did something terribly wrong, to his father. He felt a dark pain slam it’s self into his chest. Cinder hit his head to break his thoughts.

“Where are you today, in No Where land?” He asked him. He knew he got depressed; He won’t eat much for dinner today. He thought to himself. “I’ll race you to the beach, maybe you can push me in.” he joked, “Like before!”

“Alright.” Cronos complied with his brother and started the chase. Jenna watched the two run down the wooden plank. I thought it was temporary, but now it’s very vivid if you watch him. She followed them, down the ramp; she decided to watch Cronos very carefully to see if it only happened for a few minutes at a time, hoping it was just that. 

Balto sat down on the beach and let the two pups play. she sat down next to him watching Cronos; she hadn’t really paid attention to his depression seriously, but she noticed what she didn’t want see, Cronos wasn’t smiling much at all. He only smiled when Cinder was looking at him, after that it faded. She grew concern. With the question how long had she missed this? 

Balto noticed, something was bothering her she seemed very troubled about something, “Jen, something wrong? You haven't looked that way until you found out that Rosie was very sick..what is wrong?” He eagerly asked her. 

She turned to face him, “No nothing, there just.” She paused, he patiently waited for her to continue, “There just growing so fast it only seems like yesterday they were born, is it like that too, for you Balto?" She really couldn't figure why she was doing not telling him about it, but part of her kept it a promise.

Balto sighed, “Yeah, where does all that time go?” He asked the world, somewhat depressed witht he question. 

“I guess it goes to love.” She answered him. Balto smiled warmly at her and nudged her with his nose.

Cronos stopped and stared out to the sea, Cinder is faster smarter, stronger. Why do try to beat him? He panted trying to catch his now lost breath.

Cinder jumped on him, “Neva let your guard down!” He made Cronos roll in the sand. Why can’t I keep up? He got up and tried to jump on him but he moved out of the way. He gasped he didn’t see where he went he looked around.

“Behind you!” Cinder jumped on him again and made them both roll. “Hey Cinder I need a break, k?” Half of it was lie, he wanted to be alone again.

“Sure, I’ll just play with Dad.” Cinder happily replied to her, as he walked to his mother and father, Jenna asked, “How’s Cronos?”

“Oh he’s fine, he just need some resting I did kind of go rough.” He looked back at his brother, “He’s fine.” Cronos looked at his brother then away. There he goes one with endless energy..who is like dad as well.  

“Hey dads want to play!” Cinder said trying to draw attention from Cronos who he knew wanted to be alone.

“Sure just let me stand, ah!” He stated but it was too late Cinder jumped on him, biting his ear, rather painfully.

Cronos could hear his father and Cinder laughing, he hoped his mother wouldn’t walk to him. He stared out at the see he never seen anything nearly this size in his life. But he hated himself he couldn’t do anything right. I can’t run fast, nor can I run for a long time, I don’t know every word like Cinder does. So why I’m I stuck. I’m just a loser! He turned to see his mother walking to him, doesn’t she see I need to so-called rest I want to be alone! She is now Ms. bother!  

“Did you forget to eat all of your breakfast this morning? You’re tired.” Jenna asked him she noticed when he didn't eat much his engery wasn't much.

“I ate all of it, so don’t worry I just get tired easily that’s all. I don’t have as much strength, I lack it.” He confused to his mother with a mad tone.

“Every one has strength and weaknesses you just haven’t found yours yet that’s all.” She tried to cheer him up. Cronos slightly growled. I don’t see my strengths mom! I can’t run, run at my speed for long, or learn or remember well! I don’t even know what unusual means, or normal or many words, Cinder knows them all!  

Trying to find his strength he asked, “Mom what do think my strengths are, my weakness is obvious.”

She quickly responded, “Your mind is your strength I see you wonder a lot that’s a great talent, your father has that one, but I personally think yours is better.”

He thought about it, he did always remember stories well some stories most he forgot entirely, he often thought a lot he mainly thought of how he could impress his father and keep up with Cinder, but never worked.

“Your right mom I never noticed that, but does dad really wonder a lot?” He asked eagerly he really couldn't recall his father staring at nothing but thinking.

“Just watch him you’ll see it easily, I’ll help you watch.” She offered.

“No thanks he might think I want to catch him myself! I’ll finely prove myself to be great as Cinder in my own way!” a confidant smile came over his face. “Thank you mom!” He exclaimed to her.

She smiled; it does seem to be phases thank heaven.  

Cinder got up from his sitting position to take action in his plan. Ok I have on clue...what ever that means, I have no knowing of how to do this.

They spent the rest of the day at the beach, Cinder never need a break, Cronos needed a lot of breaks though. They headed home on the way back Cronos didn’t ask for a break but still did lag a little behind them.

Balto noticed that he started panting again, he’s trying to hide how tired he is poor guy, and he’s always trying to be stronger. He stayed back for Cronos to catch up. He was panting just as heavy just when he asked for the break beforehand but he kept going at the same pace. Must be forcing himself. He went behind him and picked him up by his scruff.

Cronos quietly asked, “What are doing?” he restarted his panting after he finished the question.

“Given’ you a lift.” He answered his son with a smile.

“Why?” He sadly asked.

“Because I want to get to know you better, you can talk to me easier this way.” He reassured his son.

“You should talk to Cinder I don’t have much strength.” He sorrowfully admitted demoting himself to his brother.

“Why would I want to do that?" Cronos was in shock by his answer to him, "I kind of spent the day playing with mainly Cinder.” He confessed sheepishly.

“Is that bad?” He asked his father starting to worry.

“Sort of, I should spent more time with you, I’m going to make it up to you.” He happily said to him, while slightly swining him in the air, he noticed his son start to laugh.

“Are going to spend the night with us, you never have.” He asked his father slowing his laughter.

“Sure I don’t see why I can’t.” He happily answered. Come to think ot it...I haven’t spent the night at Jenna’s before. Darn I doing things I’m unaware of...  

Cronos’s words broke is thoughts, “Did I ask too much?” He questioned with frown.

“No not all just I was thinking that’s all.” He answered slowly, Cronos sighed believing he asked too much, but he made a small smile he noticed his father wondering about something. He noticed, “What’s wrong little guy?”

“I just wondered about something, why is my tail longer than Cinder’s?” He asked his father as he slightly stuggled to see it making it hard for his father to keep his grip.

“You’re just different that’s all Cronos.” He reassured his son, he gave another sigh, “What’s wrong now?” he started to worry about his son.

“What does ‘different’ mean?” He dreadfully asked ashamed he didn't know what it meant. 

Balto was half surprised by the question, “Sorry Cronos, ‘Different’ means not the same.”

“Oh, what does…race mean?” Cronos asked another question slightly lighting up his mood. His father smiled at him. The entire way back Cronos was asking machine asking from wolves, words, bears, snow, and all types of things.

When they reached Jenna’s house Balto set Cronos down and let him run on to the back with Cinder.

“Cronos never has his mind empty.” He remarked to Jenna with a smile, "Didn't think I could even answer all those questions."

“That’s how all pups are I was like that when I was there age, weren’t you?” She told and asked Balto.

He twitched his ear, “Yeah I guess so.” He didn’t really wonder at their age they were at he tried to find his mother and try to stay alive, He blocked the thought from his mind. “Hey Jen?”

“Yes, Balto?” She answered without turning to him looking at her pups. 

“Cronos asked me to spend the night, is that fine?” He asked poking her with his nose trying to make her look at her.

“You don’t need ask Balto you can visit or spend the night any time.” She happily answered to him as she thought about the thought of him staying with her for a change, she had spent the night at his boat, where she felt like she froze to death nearly.

They both walked down the side of the house; they saw Cronos and Cinder wrestling Cinder was winning by a long shot. “Hey, you two time for bed.” She told as Balto and herself approached them.

Cinder yelped in protest, “No, man. Always when I’m active.” sleeping was the only protest Cinder had the rest he put aside.

“Your always active.” Cronos joked while Cinder had paw on the side of his head forcing his head to the ground.

“You heard mother, to bed.” He said to his sons in nice but very commanding tone.

Cinder complied, Cronos paused to look at his father, and unsure if was going to stay the night he hadn't said anything about it to him, but went inside. He and Jenna followed them.

“So where do I sleep when I come over?” He asked sheepishly looking around.

“Just follow me.” Jenna told him with laugh.

He followed them to room, which he saw a dog bed it was a little big. Probably for Cinder and Cronos. He thought to himself. 

“Well where’s dad sleeping?” Cinder asked his mother.

“In that coroner over there.” Balto answered for Jenna as he looked at the spot.

“Is that ok for you dad?” Cronos asked his father looking at the spot with odd wonder thinking it would be uncomfortable.

“Yeah it’s fine, I sleep on boat that sails in the night, it moves up and down.” He joked laughing to himself.

“It really sails at night? How do you get back?” Cronos asked, Cinder rolled his eyes he knew it was a joke as Cronos played along, Cinder found it very puppyish.

He laughed, “That’s my secret, little dog.” at the end mimicing Boris's voice. Cronos tilted his head not getting the last part with Boris's voice mimic.

“Don’t make them laugh...they draw energy from It.” she warned him recalling some of her own misdoings of losing great amounts of sleep.

“Really?” He said with a smirk, slightly half saying to her he keep doing it.

“Alright you two now to bed, we all need some rest.” She told them again, as she lay down in the dog bed giving a slight look at Balto; it made him take a few steps away. She wasn't joking? They can't be that bad  

“You heard her.” He agreed with her as he went to the corner to sleep he would ask for one to sleep next to him if they wanted but something about Jenna's look beforehand it almost seemed like a warning. So he chose not to. 

“But I so much energy!” Cinder complained. 

“Then use it to sleep.” He joked to his son with a wink, he heard his small growl towards him.

“Very funny.” Cinder grumbled not happy with it, Cronos laughed at him till his brother slightly hit him hard on the head with his paw, soon Cronos fell asleep very easily.

He saw both Cinder and Cronos huddle up next to Jenna. Cronos closed his eyes when he got comfortable, while Cinder got comfortable he kept his eyes open, he grumbled his eyes could easily tell how annoyed he was, he definitely doesn’t like sleeping. He laughed to himself. He looked at Cinder till he finely gave into his sleep during that time he tried talking to his mother and his father Jenna would keep her mouth shut, Balto would talk back but after a few of Jenna's looks and mouthing 'they sound much louder from my point.' Balto stopped as well. 

He found himself in a battle of two wolf packs he saw a white grayish one kill a lot by himself it seemed more like a slaughter at one point, who is that it’s just a pup! He saw the wolf look in his direction, “You!” He froze then noticed a big white wolf, with grey on the tip of her ears and tail. What, could it be?

A flash of light blinded him, when he could see again he saw the white wolf on the ground struggling to get up. He herd the other white grey wolf talk, “Shame I had admired you, for being a lone wolf like me, but.” He paused, “Your pathetic!” the words echoed for what seemed miles.

He growled him self awake; he stopped realizing he was growling. He sighed then looked around, he saw Cronos sleeping across from him; he was in the same position as he was in. Balto tilted his head, he thought for moment and moved his leg getting more comfortable. He noticed not much later he saw Cronos quickly open his eyes just to a slightly opening and moved his leg in the same position. Balto smiled, as he moved he tail. He saw Cronos open his eyes at the sound, he looked at him then his tail, he quickly closed his eyes then moved his tail to his fathers same position.

He paused waiting for his son to open his eyes. He smiled, as he realized his son was fixed on coping his own movement. He stood up from his laid down position. He saw Cronos do the same thing. He laughed he walked up his son and put his paw on his head. Cronos gave him a most curious look. He put his paw off his head and walked out to find Jenna.

He noticed it was on the later than he normally woke up. Now where is she? Balto pondered around the house, looking for her. Cronos was following from behind, Balto turned.

“Hey Cronos do you know where your mother is?” He asked him still half tired.

“Yes, and no...I know she left with Cinder but I don’t know where...I'm sorry...” Cronos nervously answered his father, feeling disapointed with himself.

“Thanks.” He replied to his son, I guess Jenna wants me to puppy sit him.        

Cinder, Cronos 6 months old.

Cinder jumped around his brother, “Hey aren’t you exited Cronos?”

“About the race for jr. teachings yeah, I guess so.” He sorely answered.

“What’s eaten ya?” Cinder asked his brother.

“What if I do real bad? Like last place...I think I will be there, what if I can't learn the commands what if...” He asked, his brother interupted him.

“You’ll do fine! Don’t worry just because your not as fast as me doesn’t mean your going to be last, and it’s two mile race just to the marker it can’t be that bad.” Cinder encouraged his brother.

“Yeah, easy for you to say.” He complained he turned his head away from his brother.

Cinder and Cronos waited on the line, the other pups were there, Cronos paid no attention, he just waited for the others to bolt he felt his heart pounding. Cinder nudged his brother noticing he wasn't listining.

“Aren’t you listening?” Cinder asked somewhat shocked his brother wasn't doing what he did normally.

“No, are you?” He have laughed staying honest.

“Well to sum it all up this race is going to show how we will be placed as sort of like sled race positions the fast in front and the last in back but the back need to be strong so first might be last.” He explained to his brother, he wouldn't admit he only have paid attention.

“I’m going to be back.” Cronos predicted with no doubt in his voice.

“No, you don’t know that! You might beat me.” Cinder could tell his brother had no moral in his sprit, it came around when ever physical in challenge he predicted the worst, and sorrowfully was right most of time.

“Well it’s about to start.” He announced to his brother trying to say it in way his brother would be comforted somehow.

Cronos waited for the dog teacher to announce the race to start. What I’m going to do? I’m going to be last! I can’t run! He dreadfully waited for it to start, he thought of the disapointment he would put on himself and his family. He heard they was great thoughts about the two racing wise, seeing their father talent for it, was expected. It put much pressure on him, he knew Cinder would live up to it, he on the other hand would be the disapointment, he heard some words in his head about his weakness. He heard him say start, he paused with a quick sigh bolted himself forward.

Cinder sprinted as fast as he can, he managed to get him self in first but knew if he got cocky he would lose it he had to keep going his hardest. He did feel tired but he kept his mind focused on the two-mile marker. After a while he noticed he was far ahead of everyone. What the heck?Why I’m so ahead well I just hope Cronos is fine. Cinder got to the finish line he wasn’t really tired either. He asked if you had to run back but they said no. Which annoyed him, another Mr. No

After about five minutes the second dog came across the line. Cinder decided to look around, getting bored he didn't like watching. He saw a Wolf pub somewhat far off, hey why is he alone? He walked over to him quitly not wanting to get attention.

“Hey!” He called out to the wolf that was a white and grey mix.

The wolf pup turned to Cinder, with hurt stare he moved away from him.

“What do want?” the wolf coldly asked trying to show he wasn't weak.

“What’s your name?” Cinder cheerfully asked him trying to show he meant no harm though it seemed the wolf didn't trust him.

“Fang, and you do best to forget it!” He demanded he didn't like a dog knowing his name.

“Alright, How old are you?” Cinder requested while shrugging.

“Six months.” Fang murmured not really wanting him to hear.

“My age eh? Well where’s your parents?” He asked trying to find out more about him tilting his head looking around.

“That’s none of your knowing.” Fang uttered under his breath quietly, “Leave!”

Not wanting to upset a wolf Cinder walked away from Fang. He tried to measure the time but couldn’t how long did it take for me to do it? Cinder paused about this. He smiled as he saw Cronos pass; he was all-alone no in sight after him. He frowned with some sadness, he didn't want this to happen he heard about what kind of pressure seemed to be on this for both of them to do well. His brother panted heavily, but walked his way to his brother very tired. 

Panting Cronos asked out of breath, “How long have been waiting? How long you have been waiting?” He corrected to himself.

“I’m not to sure I’m weak in time judge...meant.” He admitted he wanted to stop himself but it came too late.

“I see.” Cronos knew now he had been waiting for a while. How much was I behind him? He turned he figered he was fist and now he was last by now long shot between the two he knew comparison would happen he as far weaker one. He wanted to ram his head into something in frustration with himself.

The voice of the dog teachers broke cinder’s and Cronos’s silence. Not wanting to talk they complied with the demands. They where told to head back and meet in the boiler room, for placement, if they be for sled team. 

Cinder and Cronos head back from the two-mile marker, Cronos was more quiet than usual, he was quiet often but sorrow and disapointment he knew was the cause. Cinder kept trying to think of something to say, Cronos had gotten last place as he feared. He was about to talk when his brother interrupted him.

“You were first where you not?” Cronos asked his brother with some criticism.

Cinder sighed at the question, he knew if he said no, his brohter would know he was lying, “Yes...I was in first.”

“By a lot wasn’t I could tell by, ‘I’m not to sure I’m weak in time judgment.’” Cronos slightly growled.

“Look I’m sorry, but you’ll get faster I know it! They say by how you look you will be a fast runner.” Cinder tried to sound confident, but part of him doubted it.

“What’s up with ‘Look, your different, your just not the same,’ it pisses me off.” He said to brother with glare.

“Sorry.” Cinder apologized. The rest of the way to boiler room was dead quiet, knowing nothing would cheer him up for being last.

Cinder made one more remark, “You can find more cheer in a grave yard. More then me that's for sure.” he smiled at his brohter but the look his brother gave back made it fade.

When they reached the boiler they told everyone to get in there spots. Cronos noticed a grey-white wolf followed them from the two-mile marker. He didn’t really care about though, wolves didn't go near town was what he was taught. 

“No to tell your ranks.” The dog teacher announced to everyone. Cronos once again paid no attention; he noticed no pairings, till he heard his name.

“Cronos, Cinder you will be paired.” The teacher told the two.

Cool. Cinder thought to himself. The only ones paired up! Oh no!  It took a moment to realize the two reasons. 

Something Cronos just bust, he broke he knew why he was paired up. Not this time!!! He bolted up.

“Hey why in the world I’m I paired up with my brother!!” He wanted to hear the answer from them he truely didn't know the main reason wasn't because he was last.

The teacher grunted, “Cinder’s time was five minutes ahead of second, Cronos you were dead last by ten minutes!” all the other dogs in the roomed laughed. He closed his eyes. The teacher continued, “We want you to do well, the only chance is if you’re paired up with the first place, you might, just might not be dead last!”

Cinder trying to cheer his brother up once more, “Don’t worry Cronos, dead first and dead last make dead winners.” He gave him a smile. Cronos looked away from everyone. 

Cronos uttered something under his breath, "Yeah dead." 

“So, wolf dog! Sit down!” the teacher demanded. Cronos eyes opened with shock as tripped down. Wolf Dog? Whhhaaaat… 

Cinder kept his thoughts to himself though he wanted so much to yell at the teacher. What wolf? I don’t see it! Show me what’s different in Cronos he’s always been like that! These questions revolved in his head he thought because he looked different he paired up with him and the fact they were brothers but it seemed different now. 

Cronos was shaking at what he heard from his teacher, though out the rest of the day, the other pups mocked him with it ‘wolf dog, sit down. Hahahahah he’s a wolf and was dead last, that shows his potential!’

Cinder didn’t defend his brother he knew if he did he would not eat normal that day and be very depressed. He pained him to see him mocked while he was adored, ‘wow, five minutes ahead, hard to believe wolf dog is your brother, the dead last loser!’

The next week continued in this ‘wolf dog’ and ‘Dead last’ and ‘Loser’ and it wouldn’t go away, Cronos now believed that he didn’t belong he became more and more quiet each day, but they kept on, and went on played pranks on him. The last one is common they dump cold water on Cronos before the daily run. Something he and his brother didn't do was to tell their parents on Cronos's problems.

He had gotten water dumped on him that day as usual before the day run. At lunch he didn’t eat anything. Why me? Why? He couldn’t figure it out, ‘Wolf dog’ what do they mean? He could feel tears coming to his eyes, the voices broke his loneliness.

“Hey aw, his crying!” two older pups came to him, “how bout you cry to mommy.” The two dogs stopped to laugh. Cronos could feel a lump in his throat. “Want to go home Wolf-E?” the two said his mind shortly after they started laughing again. Cronos knew he was crying but stood up.

“Stop it!” He yelled at them doing his best to glare.

“Is that a threat go ahead you get first move.” One of the dogs taunted him.

“Do that to your momma she’s waiting.” Cronos murmured doubting he should have said what he said.

“What did you say?” the other dog asked him with a push to the shoulder causing him to give out an, "uff"

“Do that to you momma she’s waiting! She knock you out!” Cronos called out to them anger starting to get to the best of him.

“That’s it! Wolf Dog.” The two dogs lost there temper and with single strike, hit him  to the ground, He stumbled back up fear starting to take him.

“Jealous.” He murmured anger and fear he tried to stay on top of things.

“What!” the two dogs hit him to the floor once again. Some dogs made a circle “Fight! Fight!” Cronos murmured it again, “Jealous.” It was only word he could figer to say.The two older dogs hit Cronos on floor; Cronos yelped in pain as they hit him. I’m so useless! Why!

“Come on, wolf dog do somethin!” They continued to paw Cronos till he bled but didn’t stop the rant of the other dogs he could barely hear.

Cinder went over to what the commotion was, when he saw Cronos being pawed he howled out in a instint. He called the teacher over. The teacher grunted as he walked to the fight but didn’t say anything till he got there. He was angry with the teacher. Why don’t you say something! Cinder knew he couldn’t take two almost adult dogs on at once. He would end up like his brohter if he tried to.

The teacher finely broke up the fight; it was more of a ‘beating’ to Cinder’s sight. The two dogs said the unthinkable they said Cronos attacked them and when the teacher got there they did a little beating. And they wouldn’t take Cinder’s word because he was his brother. Cinder found himself growling a lot though out the entire explaining. 

The teacher talked to the two dogs and Cronos had to stay after for 'making' a fight. Cinder became so angry if he had the chance he would fight the two dogs that Beat Cronos. He waited for Cronos, he could finely leave at night. He had bruises all over him and was cut and bleeding in some places.

“Hey Cinder, can you visit dad for me I’m just heading home I got explaining to do, I’ll just do one parent at a time.” He voice shaky and weak.

“Sure thing Cronos.” Cinder decided not to ask about the fight till after he told mom and dad. "But are you sure you can walk home after..." His brohter's face made him quiet.

He walked towards where his father lived, he glanced back to see him limping towards home, and we’ve only been in school for two weeks and this?

Jenna had been told about the fight, but still wanted her son's side of the story. She had been told Cronos was a little beat up but fine from the fight, she was also told the other two dogs got hurt worse than Cronos did. She could see her son limping. That’s what you get for fighting. She thought to herself.

Cronos stayed where light was little to hide his cuts and bruises. He had great emotional pain in his eyes. Before she could say anything he spoke.

“Mom…what’s a…a…wolf dog?” He asked he still didn't catch on to what it meant, like a bullet it hit her. She understood what happened, she felt her eyes water she ran over to Cronos, she could see the cuts and bruises on her son. She snuggled with him to try to comfort him, but he just  simply cried.

“What…what…does…it mean?” Cronos sobbed out trying to brave about the whole question that he didn't understand, his mother just snuggled with him tighter.

Cinder had reached his fathers boat. Wonder if he is home.  He thought to himself with a sigh slightly tilting his head. “Hey dad!” He called out.       

“Hey, Cin.” Balto said as he came out the boats door, “How was your day at school, you didn’t show up after it, it’s night fall.”

“Yeah, Cronos had to stay after it got out.” Cinder tried to leave the subject about his brother for now.

“What did Cronos do?” He curiously asked his son but slightly upset.

“You just ask him, anyway I beat my old record for the two-mile marker." Doing his best to leave the matter of his brother. 

“You only get faster and faster don’t you?” He commented, “What did Cronos get?” Balto asked fearing the answer and trying to figure out what Cronos had done.

Cinder sighed, “He was last again. By five minutes.”

He tried to forget about it, “Well he’s no longer ten minutes behind, that’s an improvement.” He laughed.

“Yeah I guess so.” Cinder laughed. I want to scream out what the teacher did with the fight, but I need Cronos to tell him first.  Cinder continued, “So eat from the trash again?”

“Hey, it’s a liven!” He half laughed. "And I just don't eat from the trash.."

“Dad what made you get in love with mom at first?” Cinder asked quickly changing the subject of how his father ate.

“I told you before I guess it was because she was different, and beautiful.” He answered.

“Very well, very well, but, you haven’t answered how are puppies made?” Cinder teased slightly backing away from his father just in case he'd would tackle him again over the question. 

“I’ll tell you when you’re older.” He smirked, "I see I think your getting smarter." He could see his son take a few steps away. 

“You always say that.” Cinder complained. "Always when your older I am older!"

“Then I guess I just won’t ever tell you, and it comes natural anyway.” He remarked to his son shaking his head. "I wonder why you want to know."

“Because you always keep you mouth shut on it since I asked you. Dad…can you spend the night again?” Cinder asked thinking of his brother.

“I can’t Cin, I have to do something.” He didn’t want to tell him he’d be looking for his friend, Hector.

Cinder shout up. “Please just this once!” Cinder was begging. Balto paused, remembering Hector's words ‘Never put your family in font of me, you hear!’

“Alright I’ll stay over tonight.” He said giving in to his son. He turned his head to the forest for moment then looked back at his son. 

When they arrived in Jenna’s house strangely Cinder went straight to bed He was slighlty shocked in his son's behavoir. That’s odd he hates going to bed. He thought to himself. He was about to enter the room where they all slept when Jenna came up to him.

“Hey Jen, I heard something happened at school with Cronos he had to stay after, and Cinder he beat-” He stopped seeing how her ears were down her eyes where little red from crying, and her bandana was off too, then everything turned to worry, “Jen?”

She was still crying a little, “Does the words,” she paused to breath in, “Wolf dog…mean anything to you?” He felt a dark pain twisting in his chest; he turned his head away from her. He knew what happened he looked at her, letting her know she didn’t need to say anything else. He walked past her to the room Cronos was; asleep in one of the corners. Cinder was in the other. He walked up to Cronos he was wearing the bandana. He patted beside his son laying down next to him, “I’m so sorry Cronos, so sorry.” Cronos I’m sorry it’s my fault but…He let a tear fall from his snout. He could see the bruises and cuts on Cronos. He sighed as, he stood up and returned back to join Jenna. 

The next morning, Cronos awoke earlier than normal. Wolf dog. Part wolf that’s great now, I know I’m different but why. Father he looks me he must have gotten the same treatment, so don’t complain Cronos don’t! Cronos made his way to his mother with his father not far behind her, he lowered his head to give back the bandana taking it off. She’s still asleep. Well might as well take a walk.

Cronos exited the home it was still slightly dark. Cloudy day. He said to himself, he smiled, I’ve got enough time to go to the forest and return, before school starts I can go. He made a run for the forest though he couldn’t run all the way. He panted as he ran and walked to the forest. 

He finely arrived at the edge of the forest. Better hurry and look, I can’t stay long. He turned hearing a sound. He looked and listened for another sound, but didn’t see anything. He shrugged seeing it was nothing. Then a grey fur ball tackled him. He rolled in the snow Cronos heard some laughter. Not again! He realized he was on his back facing a grey wolf with scars all over him. Oh no…

“You’re not…” the grey wolf replied, “You’re a lot smaller up close, you reminded me of…” the grey wolf paused. "It's better if I don't find him, I know his gone but..."

Cronos heart raced, what do you want? He could see the grey wolf was a hunter and really strong. If he wanted to kill he would have, or did he mess up? The thoughts pounded at his head, giving him a headache. The cold snow on his back made him move. 

“Sorry.” The grey wolf apologized to him, and with that he left as swiftly as he came. What was that about? He turned and realized the rolling he did twisted his ankle. Now I have to limp straight to school. He started he long march to his school. What did that wolf mean, ‘you reminded me of someone.’ Who could mistake him for anyone? These thoughts stayed with him till he got to the school or rather the boiler room. He got there faster then he wanted he slightly growled. 

When he arrived he could see he was running a little late. Oh well I’m here. He looked for Cinder he saw him at the corner as usual.

“Hey Cinder.” He called to his brother limping his way there.

“Cronos! You gave mom a heart attack! When you left early, with out telling anyone I might ad.” He laughed with Cinder after long laughter he continued, “Seriously! Dad went out looking for you.”

“What dad?” He asked starting to regret hevily what he had done.

“Yep, and mom thought you might’ve ran away.” Cinder replied to him. He to thought he might have ran away.

“Well that’s dumb where would I run to, we live in the middle of nowhere.” Cronos was rather baffled by the thought of him running away. He tilted his head at the question.

Cinder laughed at that, “Yeah, so you’re still limping?" He asked.

“Yeah a lot better though.” Cronos sighed, “The two mile run gosh I’m going to set the record two hours one mile an hour!” He declared out. “I’ll be remembered that way.” He faked a smile to his brohter.

“Maybe but we’re paired up I can’t leave you behind.” Cinder reminded him with a smile.

“We have problem then, I’ll drag you to be a loser just leave me.” Cronos told his brohter his tone strict. 

“No way! I’d rather be last every race then leave you.” Cinder declared to his brother.

“It won’t be worth it.” He whispered to himself.

“Alright everyone now that everyone’s time is better for the two mile will do three today.” The teacher announced. Great I’ll limp the three miles.  Cronos thought to himself.

Cinder grumbled, yeah my brother is beat to a cat toy now he has to run a three-mile he can only limp! I want to kill that teacher. I wish someone would kill him. He kept his thoughts to himself at all times no matter what he thought.

“Alright follow me please.” The teacher told the pups, they all followed, but Cronos still limped and Cinder refused to leave him. They arrived at the line two minutes late. Cinder growled at anyone who would make a statement about it.

“Just go straight nothing more.” The teacher explained.

Cinder looked at his brother as his ears perked up, “We should do this tomorrow, a small storm is coming I can smell it.”

The teacher scoffed, “every one will be back here before it reaches the two-mile marker.” Yeah everyone expect me will be back. The teachers voice broke his thoughts, “Ready set go!” The pups bolted as they always did but he limp ran, he cost him more energy then a normal run but it wasn’t walking speed. He tripped a few times landing on his shoulder, he growled as each time hurt more then the last.

Cinder kept at his brother’s side not caring what time he got. At the two-mile marker he turned to look at Nome. He widened his eyes. Oh no!! Cronos was right! He can’t smell on land storm but the sea storm. The storm was at Nome and half way to them.

“Cronos?” Cinder asked his brother, he replied, “I know we have to hurry..but" 

Cronos growled, "I refuse to go back!”

Cinder protested at his brother he looked back at the storm, “You fool it isn’t worth your life!”

“It is for me!” He yelled at his brother with anger in his voice.

“What are trying to prove you’re strong by limping though a storm!” Cinder was angry with his brother. "You plan on dieing?!" 

“It’s my only chance! We, Uh! You wouldn’t know!” Cronos yelled out forced him self away from his brother’s side and ran off the trail.

“Cronos!” Cinder howled after him, he started in pursuit. “Can’t you see that’s off the trail?” Cinder caught up easily to Cronos and tackled him out of rage. The two rolled in the snow; it was now getting windy and snowy air. Cronos yelled at his brother for tackling him and starting yelping rather loudly. 

“You idiot!” Cronos yelled out inbetween yelps of pain.

“Who’s the idiot? You’re going to die if you stay out here!” Cinder yelled to his brother the cold wind blowing in his ears.

He yelled out his hardest ingouring the pain he was in, “I CAN’T WALK!”

It took a moment for Cinder to realize what that meant. Crap I crippled him! I can’t carry him I’m not that strong! Cinder felt his heart race, as he started to panic and paniced whimpers took over his voice, what to do? What to do?

Cronos told him what to do, “Just get dad!” Cronos tried to move but left front leg wouldn’t allow it. Darn it I must have broken it! Cinder painfully blamed himself.

“But.” Cinder started confussion and worry.

“No I’ll be fine just get dad mom I don’t care! Just get someone to get me out.” Cronos grunted out. The pain was growing in his leg. Cinder nodded seeing only arguing would cost time. Cinder ran as fast as he could to Nome the snow was getting blinding, he slowed down, me paws are cold, no hurry! Cinder screamed at himself.

He made it back to town where he could see the teacher and the other pups around with some older ones, he growled at them though they couldn't hear. He didn't trust the teacher who he knew could help Cronos, but doubted it he gave the teacher a quick glare before starting out again.

It had only been ten minutes since Cinder left but Cronos felt himself freezing he shrived the most he had ever done before. He tried counting to get him focused on something but was jettering and couldn't count to 5. He could see an body moving towards him Now what?!

The body turned to a wolf pup a grayish white one, he came over to him. “Hey, you cold?”

He answered jettering, “Dieing.”

“Very well I see your leg broken, but by looks it was fractured before it broke.” What is this wolf talking about? Cronos tilted his head trying to figure the wolf out.

“You’re going to die, but not if I have to say about, I have.” The grey white wolf said to him, the wolf pup slightly laughed "You don't mind that talk do you?"  He shook his head not knowing what he was talking about.

“What’s your name?!” He asked the wolf pup. Man he knows a lot.

“Fang, now this will hurt but I’ll stick mainly to your right side k.” Fang told him, he nodded his head taking an ice chilling breath of air. Fang bit Cronos scruff on the right side, he felt it but also didn’t. He started dragging Cronos. After a little dragging Fang noticed he wasn’t shivering, “Crap!” Fang increased his speed. He knew when they stop shivering that means hypothermia, from what he had been taught.

Cronos felt himself getting tired he closed his eyes then a Sharpe pain stabbed at his side. “Ouch!” He yelped jolting his eyes at Fang, “What was that for?!”

“If you sleep you’ll die so I will force you stay awake using pain only.” Fang yelled out against the wind, closing an eye feeling both eyes getting cold.

“Well that hurts!” He whimpered he complained in tired voice.

“Better than dieing.” Fang uttered under his breath, as he hit Cronos in the left leg, he yelped out again loudly. He kept this up till they reached a cave going with the wind so no snow wasn’t getting in. Fang set Cronos down, then laid on stop of him, he still hit him to keep him awake Keenly the left side.

My body warmth isn’t enough to warm him up just to keep alive. Fang knew this storm had to end by tomorrow, or his body warmth would die out too. I have to stay awake and hit Cronos.

Fang tried his best to hit and stay awake but he feel asleep, despite his best efforts to stay awake. He awoke with a jolt not realizing he feel asleep. No!! Fang went and looked at Cronos was still alive he was shivering but alive. He sighed with relief. Well time to get something to eat but I can’t leave him here I’ll have to wait.  

he waited an hour for Cronos to finely wake, “Well look what the dead thing lives...barely” Fang joked, though he didn’t find it funny. Cronos groaned his leg really hurt. Fang heard him say something but couldn’t make it out. “Well your someone who doesn’t give up.” Fang remarked, he grunted and gave a half yelp, as he remembered something. The screaming of wolves.

“Hey, you alright?” Cronos managed to say loud enough to interrupt his thoughts he swallowed realizing he was thirsty.

“Yeah I’m fine how bout you?” Fang asked already knowing he wasn't.

“My leg has slaughtered me.” He half laughed but the pain made him stop midway with an uttered "Ouch."

Fang laughed finding his pain funny, “You don’t have to hide your pain let it out.” It makes it funnier.

“Then it will attract bears.” He grunted out while closing an eye.

He’s a lot smatter than I thought. “Your more than you appear.” Fang complemented. Heh, This one has a lot of quotably of Odyssey’s Aniu’s only mate from long ago. Must be a grandson. But he has no talent?!

“Well I might as well get you back home.” Fang said as he walked to him with slight hit to his left shoulder causing him to yelp, “But this time it will hurt real bad now that you’re no longer frozen.”

“I figured so.” He smiled at Fang but it real small knowing he was in for a lot of pain. Fang bit into his scruff I didn’t hurt till Fang started dragging him. The pain-staking much feeling like fork was stabbing into his shoulder, an hour it took to get Nome passed like days to him who grunted and yelped all the way. Man you cause a racket! Fang thought to himself he didn't think someone could yelp so much in one hour.

The last part of the journey was long and hard for Fang he grew tired of dragging Cronos, he was the same age as he was and same size, expect that Cronos had more wieght then Fang. Fatty.

“Hey you have to tell me where you live I can’t just suddenly know where at the town outskirts.” Fang asked Cronos annoyed and tired from dragging him with his ears hurting from his constant yelping.

“Oh...you can just leave me here.” He told Fang he raised an eyebrow at the command. Very well then. he turned to the woods Blood Wraith’s wolves are here it must be the war. but all the way  out here the losers..

“Thank you Fang I’d be dead with out you.” He thanked Fang he seemed off guard by the thanks he was given.

“I’d do it any day for a friend.” Fang said as he started to leave, rather quickly. 

“Wait! Will I ever see you again?” He eagerly asked in small atempt to stand but pain drove him back down.

“Yes I’ll drop by and visit every now and then.” Fang gave him a smile, “You’re my friend!” with that he ran back from once he came.  Cronos looked down with slight frown, Wow he is fast...faster then Cinder? I don't know...

He watched him run off in the distance slowly growing smaller. He knew he had to howl for anyone to notice he was there. Man this is humiliating I’ll return with a broken for fractured leg. He smiled now it was for sure mom will have a heartattack. He laughed at the thought.

He sighed, might as well get it over with. He was about to howl when he heard his fathers voice he turned in the direction he heard it coming from. He could see running to him. Oh no I failed him once again... He felt a pain in his chest worse then the one in his leg.

His father finely reached him, panting he spoke “Cronos, are all right?” He noticed his sons left front leg was hanging, Cronos acted like he didn’t notice, “Can you walk?” He asked worriedly looking at his leg.

“No, I think I fractured it, not badly though.” Cronos tried to act normally about it but he’s sudden jolt of pain gave him away. “It’s fine...I...I just can’t walk.” He wanted to be tough but his pained face gave him away.

“Come on Cronos we need to get you to your mother.” He said to his son as he put him on his back in bit of hurry. Cronos yelled out at the pain it caused him. And it wasn’t that comfortable to be on his father’s back. He thought being carried liked that would be nice. Balto gently headed for Jenna’s he knew how bad it hurt to have a fracture. For he had three but it made no difference Cronos was only six month’s old.

He arrived at Jenna’s house he pawed at the door for Jenna’s owners to open them. No one answered, Balto whimpered and pawed once more at the door, again nothing he growled and pawed harder. Until they answered, they gasped at Cronos. He chose to  whimper telling them Cronos was hurt. He moved Cronos causing him to yelp again. Rosie parents took Cronos from Balto though a part of him wanted him to stay with him.

“It looks like he hurt his leg.” Rosie father said to Rosé.

“Then he needs to see the vet.” Rosie exclaimed rather loudly.

Balto watched them as they took Cronos to the vet. He followed them. Along with Jenna who had followed Balto seeing him at the door. Cinder later joined his parents. Cinder went up to his mother face to face.

“I have to tell you something mom.” Cinder started, but paused and wondered how to say it he knew she would punish him badly; with a slight whimper he spoke, “I fractured his leg mom...”

Jenna paused she wasn’t trying to get angry at her son; she well knew they tried things and sometimes play a little rough. But her temper spiked anyway, “How?!”

Balto didn’t really hear the two arguing at each other Cinder defending himself, Jenna scolding him. He slightly growled with the annoyance of noise, “Jen I’m sure it was an accident things like this happen-” The voice of the vet shut his mouth off instantly.

“Well it looks like he has two factures the first is small the other was small but an impact caused it to grow it, but it's still very minor.” The vet assured them, “It doesn’t need a cast, just the first couple days he won’t be able to walk perfectly, but after try to have him not do anything big, such as running or too long of walks, don't get him jumpy.”

“When will he get better?” Rosie asked the vet while tugging his pant leg getting his attention.

“Very soon, in two weeks should be it.” The vet answered Rosie slightly annoyed with children.

Balto glanced a smile at Jenna, “See Jen, minor in two weeks nothing very bad, no need to fight over.” He gave her a quick wink, but her expression made his head turn away, she wasn't pleased.

Cinder felt relieved that he father came to his rescue; to an amount, but he figured and probably his mother and father heard the vet. He had two but an impact made the other one bigger. The only problem he wouldn’t walk for about two days.

When they returned home the set Cronos on the dog bed Rosie told Jenna she wouldn’t be able to use it for a day or two. She didn’t mind though he temper was shortened. Cinder was frantic about sleeping that night more then normal.

“Could you sleep mom?” Cinder protested.

“That’s not the argument here Cin. You need to go to bed.” Jenna told Cinder again.

“Listen to your mother, Cinder.” He helped silence Cinder to his sleep. After about an hour Cinder fell asleep grumbling to himself.                  

“Well things just keep getting better.” He said sarcastically.

“First the Wolf-Dog, now this.” she went on for Balto.

“Yeah that’s true, but we all need some rest, especially you Jen, the last few days have been really hard for you.” Balto said to Jenna as he nudged her with his nose.

She sighed, “I guess your right.”

Balto and Jenna cruelled up next to each other for the night. He had woken up; do to Jenna’s moving, must be having a nightmare. He thought as he went back to sleep. He awoke from his nightmare this time. That dream about Aniu and the white grey wolf is killing me. He admitted in his thoughts.   

He could see Jenna had woken up and went next to Cronos. Cinder had left his school like thing. How long did I sleep inn, it feels like I haven’t. I’m going to look for Hector once more today. He got to his feet, he knew he looked tired, but he would just say ‘I’m slow in the morning’ as an excuse.

“Hey Jen.” He said to his mate as he approach.

“You look tired, nightmare?” Jenna asked him, concerning about him lately he seemed so tired.

“Sort of, I’m going to look for Hector again today.” He said to her, “I know it has been six months but I can’t just give up.”

“I know Balto.” She knew she couldn’t make him stop looking for him, “Just be careful the storm left some ice.” 

“I’ll be safe Jen. Tell how Cronos is when I return.” He said to her with confidence in his voice. He turned and headed out the door. He used the main road this time trying to know the real roads better. This is slow but easier.

He had walked out of town, and head for forest where he last had seen Hector, before I made that mistake. He remembered how he basically got himself shot three times. He wished he could go back and stop it from happening but knew wishing couldn’t do anything.

When he arrived he tried sniffing for Hector, he smelt a wolves sent. Wolves? He wondered what they’d be doing here. The thought struck him, are they back? He wanted to run but he refused to. I can’t run from every wolf I smell.

He went on looking he ventured to Gut cave, where he first met Hector, but didn’t find him there. He decided to head back he didn’t want the wolves finding his scent. He was about to leave the forest when a tree ahead of him with what he could tell a wolf. Balto put his front paws in front of him, to stop himself.

He waited for the wolf to revel himself. The wolf came around the tree it was Hector. “Hector!” He shouted, “I’m not dead! Well I did but I came back!” He stopped; his friends face was full of anger. “Hector?”

“Have I ever asked anything from you?” Hector angry questioned him.

“No, but-” He cut him off.

“Then will do something for me, and for many wolves?” Hector hissed at him.

“Sure what is it?” Balto asked kindly trying to make his friend stop yelling.

“Then will you go to war with me?” Hector asked in his normal voice.

He was shocked by his request. “Go…to war?” Balto couldn’t believe what he was hearing, “Hector I don’t know if I can even fight.” For moment he seemed pleased with the questiion but his face went to a normal expression.

“Just being there is enough.” He told him his voice tweaked with anger.

“Hector I’ll have to tell Janna and think about this.” He said to him.

Hectors voice went to a roar, “You’ll let three hundred wolves die, so you can just think about it!”

“What are talking about 100 hundred?” He asked frantic about the number he just hear.

“We need you, and it’s for your protection as well.” Hector hissed at him. 

“Protection?” He questioned raising a brow, how is getting into a war protection?

“Yes, Blood Wraith is targeting you, can you smell the wolves if we don’t leave tomorrow, they’ll attack not you, but your family.”

“My Family!” He shouted he felt himself growl, “Why would he target my family! Tell me!”

“He wants to fight you... \and he believes a wolf fights best when they fight for revenge. And he doesn’t want you in this war! He’ll kill you and your Family!” Hector hollered at him. 

“I’ll leave in two days. I have no choice.” He firmly said to his ‘friend.’ Though a part of him wanted in on the war for some reason.

“I told you bring your family with you Damn it!” Hector roared at him, his voice was different from the other small talk they were having.

“One of sons can’t walk till then I will wait for him even it coast a hundred wolves.” He hissed at Hector showing his teeth at him ending the questioning about it.

“They’ll attack you by then!” Hector reminded him, with worry in his face, he seemed to be having split ways of speaking.

“If you really want me in this you will help me protect my family.” He again growled at Hector he turned his head in several ways.

“Fine.” Hector angry agreed to wait till then, “I’ll do my best but I can’t enter Nome. If they get there say you lost something dear.”

“I’ll see you in two days.” Balto angrily said to hector. I’m forced into a war I wasn’t a part of!

Jenna licked Cronos cheek her son didn't like all the attention he was getting, “Mom I’m fine it doesn’t hurt that bad.” He wanted for the worry for hhim go away. Hearing some noise they turned to see Balto with Cinder.

“Cinder here?” She asked him not really wanting to he mostly burned his never ending energy when he was outside.

“No one leaves the house got it?” He said to his family they were rather in awe by how strict his voice was.

Cinder looked at his father, completly confused, “Why can’t we leave?”

“Because I said so.” He answered his son sounding calm, “Jen I mean the same to you too.”

“You can boss me around?” she angrily asked her him.

He gave her a look of despair; which got her slightly confused with him, “Yes.”

“Alright.” She angrily agreed. Something is wrong why is being, abusive. She wondered about this all day. she noticed he stayed at the doors to make sure no one left. She watched his expression change as the day went on. His face would be angry, then for an hour it would change to despair and sadness with tint of defeat. What getting to him?

Cinder asked a few times to why he couldn’t leave but Balto would only give him a glare. After a few of the glares he would give up and take a nap to try make the day pass by quicker. Jenna took one nap, but mainly watched Balto. She could tell he was getting tired but refused to let his eyes even lower.

she acted asleep even till two o’clock by watching the clock in the house, when he finely fell asleep. She got up and went to him and hoped his tired mind would give her some answers. What is wrong? Balto you can tell me. She nudged him with her nose gently. He awoke and jolted up.

“Jen.” His voice was very tired, very tired.

“What’s wrong? You can tell me.” She told him, “You can’t do this alone.”

“I can try.” He tiredly replied.

“Balto!” She protested at how he wouldn’t tell her.

“Get some rest Jen we have long day tomorrow.” Balto half yawned.

Jenna gave him a long ice-melting glare then returned to bed. Sorry Jen I don’t want you to worry, till you need to. He waited half an hour before he let himself sleep. He awoke to Rosé’s family waking up. He yawned as he woke up. Rosé said some things to him and Jenna. He paid no attention.

He finely lit up, “Alright you guys you can go to the yard but nothing more.”

The day past on this way Cronos finely started to walk around. Cinder mainly stayed inside every now and then he’d chase his tail. Cronos tried running around and itching his ear. He would come opposite of his father and copy him every now and then. Jenna only gave him a glare of hate.

When nightfall came Balto heard Hectors howl. He was about call everyone when Jenna came up to him. “Is this game to you?” She asked him colder than ice.

“Game? Heck no.” He answered, Jenna put a spark on his temper.

“Then what the heck are you doing keeping us locked up!” She demanded to know.

Balto’s temper came to boil, “You want to know the truth!”

“Yes I do!” Jenna snapped.

“Alright! All right here’s the truth where all been forced to a war by Hector. And if we don’t Shadow Wraith won’t kill me but he’ll kill you, Cinder, and Cronos and leave me out for revenge! I can’t lose you like that!”

She froze at what she heard, “A war.”

He took a breath, “Yes, nothing is alright now, we must leave now.” He panted out.

“Leave but so soon?” She asked.

He could feel his eyes burn, “Yes now, get Cinder, and Cronos.” She saw how badly he didn’t want to do this but she complied

“Cinder, Cronos, we’re leaving.” She told them.

Cinder twitched his ear, “Where are we going?”

“Just follow your father.” She answered her son. Cronos isn’t asking many questions. Cronos stared out the door.

“Who’s that?” Cronos finely said. He spun around, it’s hector but he said he couldn’t go to Nome. Hector approached the door.

“We have to leave now!” Hector warned them, Cronos shock at the sight of him he had blood on his mussel. “Two wolves have already made a move there’s five in all three are still left.”

He nodded to him. “You heard him.” He and his Family followed hector. They left Nome, and into the forest.

“Hector how far is your pack?” She asked him.

“Far.” Hector firmly answered Jenna.

“How far!” He shouted at Hector.

Hector looked her dead in the eye, “One hundred miles got it?!”

“One hundred miles! That will take for ever.” Cronos protested.

“I’ll carry you then.” Hector gave a glare to Cronos, “It’ll only take ten days, so get over it.”  Hector looked away. “Do the math.”

“Ten miles a day.” Cinder mumbled, “We can go farther.”

“And we will.” Balto said to hector.

Hector shot Balto a glare, “I hope you’re up for that Challenge, with that pup.”

Balto, and Hector, Jenna, Cinder, and Cronos will walk the one hundred miles to Hectors pack. ‘You’ll let three hundred wolfs die so you can think about it!’ this can’t be pack vs. pack this is far, far more. He thought to himself, what is this war? Jenna nudged Balto.

“What is it about this war.” She asked her mate.

“I don’t know but I know this is more than a pack vs. pack, it’s bigger. A lot bigger.” He said trying to sound calm.

END

The next will be the story, Balto’s War! Where some of Balto's dreams are answered, and others off. Violence (in rewritting)

Hector, Cinder, Cronos are TM by MGM, my initials these charters are for free use so if you want go ahead!

Slight telling of the edit Rosé I changed it to Rosie the other one looked cool but got annoying so I change it!

Once again, thank you for reading my fanfic! By Arcturus075.