Balto,Jenna,and Kodi(c)Universal Studios.

Saska,and Stormbird(c)leapingwolf.

    It was a stormy night when it thundered. Saska nearly jumped a mile.

"I've got to get some sleep." Saska murmured to herself. There really was nobody to play with either.

"Only that stupid, furball, rockheaded cat is here to play with me." Saska enjoyed getting outdoors. Whenever it was time to get out of her house, and enjoy some fresh air, she would feel so good. But, Saska loved her sport more than just going outdoors. She was a sled dog. She loved it because her leader is ready for retirement, and she will be tested to see if she has the skills of a lead dog. She was in the position Point. She was right behind her leader.

  "I will be leader someday, and shall win and do all I can to help my team," she thought. But a sudden clatter inerupted her thoughts. What was that? But it was no surprise when she saw it was Tiger, the housecat.

"What do you want Tiger?"

 "I wanted to tell you that I your musher has decided who the leader will be."

"How do you know?"

"It says so on this note, on top of the desk."

"You know how to read?"

"Yes. Follow me."

"Fine." Saska followed Tiger into the darkness, which seemed like it would last forever. But it was just a hallway. Tiger showed her a slip of paper. Saska could just make out the words.

"The leader is.. I can't read that"

"I will help you Saska. It says that the new leader is Icebound."

"What?!" She felt like she was torn apart."This can't be happening to me."

"It is all right. I felt the same way when I couldn't catch a mouse."

"Oh shut-up. That's different." Saska wondered why Tiger mentioned a mouse. She knew that this had nothing to do with mice. But She had guessed that was Tiger's problem.

"Oh, really? Do you think that it wasn't depressing?"

"Maybe, maybe not." Then Tiger let out a mrrrow of laughter.

"Well, I guess I will catch ya later. See you soon."

"Yeah. See ya later Tiger."Saska watched as Tiger disappeared. It was the next day, when Icebound took the role as the new lead dog. Everyone except Saska was cheering on Icebound. After all, he was pretty popular with the team.

"Everyone, listen please. I am glad to take the role as your new lead dog. I am honered to have such a fine team. So, I shall do my best to please you all." Yeah right, is what Saska was thinking. Then, their musher Paul, said,

"Mush! Mush!" Then the team ran as fast as they could, through the tundra, as they headed to White Mountain. Soon, they were there.

"So, this is what I have for ya." One man said.

"A new sled dog?"

"Yep. They say his name is Cherokee."

"Isn't that a type of bird?"

"Yeah. But he makes a fine sled dog."

"Alright. We'll place you next to Saska." Saska wondered why they would need another sled dog. They had 6 dogs as it is.

"Hi. What's your name?"

"I'm Saska.You're that Cherokee dog, right?"

"Yes. But I am not a dog. I am a wolf."

"Why are you a sled dog then?"

"They started using us wolves, but then used dogs. Instead, I am the only wolf on my team."

"Interesting. Is your real wolf name Cherokee?"

"No. It's Stormbird."

"Mush! Mush!" Paul shouted. Soon, the dogs were running.

"Stormbird is a nice wolf name. He is kind of cute. He is so shy, but he will get used to things...Wait a second. Why am I talking about him like that?" Saska was thinking. And, she didn't even have the right to fall for Stormbird. He has even been there for a day yet.

"Whoa." Paul stopped the team and said,

"You guys need to get some shut-eye. Good night."

   Saska woke up feeling something pressed against her belly as she stirred. She saw Stormbird. He must have done this hours ago, because he was really, warm.

" He has some gorgeous, deep, piercing, blue eyes. It makes him look like he could gleam with pride, and make everyone Fall for him." Saska murmured to herself. She had become to be very fond of Stormbird.

  Stormbird felt really warm. He was curled up beside Saska. One reason why he was so close to her, was because she was the first dog to really know, and he always felt safe around her.

It was the very next morning. The dogs were going to race another team. They were told to run 11 miles. So then, they set off.

"Mush! Mush! Mush!!!" Paul shouted so fierce that Saksa thought that she did something wrong. But then she ran. They ran and ran as fast as they could. Suddenly, Icebound lost his grip, and slipped into the ice. Nobody followed because they stood firmly.

"Icebound is hurt," Paul started to say."Saska. This is your resonsibility. You and Stormbird will be the leaders for now. Help Stormbird cause he is not used to the duties."

"Me as the leader?" Saska thought to herself. She was half excited, and half nervous.

"What if we don't win?" Saska said lowly.

"Mush! Mush!" Then the dogs ran for the last 2 miles. Another team ran close by. But Saska pulled through. Now she could see the finish line. If she lost, her owner would know not to choose her as next lead dog.

"I've got to do this. Whatever it takes." It was close. The other team was about 5 feet away. But the finish line would not last forever.

"I am going to... WIN!!!" Saska had done it! She won this rac even though she had to run 2 miles, she won.

"We did it Stormbird!"

"Yeah! You are my best friend. We will be friends forever, won't we?" Warmth and pleasure glowed through Saska's eyes.

"Yeah. Forever and ever." Then they nuzzled closely, while everyone celebrated.