It had been eight days since Balto brought the medicine and in doing so saved the children’s lives and the residents of Nome from heartbreak. The town was now at the centre of a media storm, with telegrams and letters coming in from every from every corner of America. The town newspaper, the Nome Nugget had printed the story the day after the team had arrived back. Since receiving the medicine the children were making a full recovery. Quarantine had been lifted a few days before to the relief of all. The disease had run its course with only a couple of lives lost. Steel’s musher Gunner Kaasen was on the mend, despite having sustained a broken leg, concussion and pneumonia. By all accounts he had been very lucky to survive thought it would be at least another month before he was released from hospital. His son Richard, a friend of Rosie’s, had congratulated Balto the day after his return. Richard was had been one of the fortunate enough not to fall ill though he had been sick with worry for his friends.

“So Balto how does it feel, being one of the gang?” asked Nikki as he Balto, Kaltag and Star walked down the main street in Nome.

“Fantastic! It’s what I’ve wanted, to be anybody, one of the gang,” Balto replied smiling widely.

“Well what we did to you wasn’t fair at all, sorry,” replied Kaltag sadly.

“I understand why you treated me like in that way. I am half wolf, humans and other sled dogs tell stories about wolves. That is the past, let’s make a fresh start,” Balto replied, looking at his new friends.

“Still wasn’t right though we should have looked past that,” Star replied shaking his head.

“Well like I said I think we can start fresh now, I mean I didn’t do this on my own.”

“Well no but you saved us we were in trouble till you came along,” Nikki said gravely.

“I’m coming as well, my boy Harvey is in hospital,” Kaltag said as they reached the hospital.

Stepping inside no one looked twice at the pair was both walked through the wards, seeing a sandy haired twelve year old Kaltag grinned and ran up to him licking his face. Seeing Rosie reading a book Balto walked up to her jumping onto the bed next to her.

“It’s nice to see you Balto. Doctor Welch says that I can leave soon I can’t wait to go sledding. I am so glad I can talk to you now,” Rosie said stroking his head.

“Me too strange how that happen. I am just finding it strange being a normal dog in town.”

“That I am glad off. I have some great places to take you one you get out into the forest.”

“Rosie, oh this must be Balto,” looking round both saw a seven year old boy walk up to them smiling.

“Balto this is my friend Nathaniel, we call him Nat for short, he and I are in the same class at school,” Rosie replied.

Walking up the pair Nat jumped onto the bed, stroking Balto as he and Rosie made plans for a snowball fight once they had left hospital. Then a girl the same ages as them walked up, sitting down on the chair next to the bed.

“Balto this is my friend Anna she is Sylvia’s owner,” Rosie said as Anna patted Balto, running her hand through his fur.

“It is nice to meet you Balto thank you for saving me,” Anna said as he licked her cheek.

“Yes thank you Balto you are a nice dog,” Nat chipped in as he took Balto’s outstretched paw.

“Ah Balto I see you have come to see us again. I do hate to break this up but it is time for Rosanna, Nathaniel and Annabelle to get some sleep,” Doctor Welch said in a gentle voice using the children’s full names.

“Just a bit longer Doc Welch,” Anna replied giving Dr Welch her sweetest smile.

“Now now you are leaving soon so you need to fully fit, unless you want to stay longer?”

Hearing this, the children moaned but complied with the request, all climbing into their beds under Dr Welch’s watchful eye. As the children settled down for the night Balto left the hospital, a large smile on his face. Walking out of town he saw Aurora waiting for him on the frozen sea.

Walking over the sea the pair walked they chatted about life in the town and forest. Memories long suppressed surfaced as Balto laughed at the mischief of his younger days. Despite the years that had passed both chatted as easily as they once had.

“Of course, I am her spirit guide and we became friends when she was ill. It will be good to spend time with her once she leaves hospital.”

“I still have trouble believe you are an immortal spirit what I’m worried about is what you are not telling me.”

“Oh you will learn more in time little brother when the time is right,” Aurora laughed smirking.

“Sure I will,” Balto replied rising an eyebrow. “You want to avoid Rosie’s parents at all costs they would have a heart attack if they saw you.”

“I cannot stay to long, Boris is expecting me back and he’s been through the mill recently. He took the place of my father when he found me if it hadn’t been for him I would have died.”

“He did a great thing when he took you in. I will come with you I have wanted to meet him for some time.”

With that the pair walked towards the boat where they saw Boris shouting at Muk and Luk. Grinning Balto and Aurora howled, causing all three to jump round in fright.

“Balto don’t do that to me scared me stiff and who?” Boris said staring at Aurora.

“Boris this is my sister Aurora she helped me get home, Aurora this is Boris the two bears are Muk and Luk.”

“It is nice to meet you my brother has told me a lot about you” Aurora replied smiling.

“Of course not besides wolves do not eat bears, I would never eat my brother’s friends.”

“I am not sure about friends like you are with Balto. I have my own life and will not be around all the time. I am a wolf wild and free I do not want to get into town life.”

Aurora told them about her life in the wild, in return she learned more about Balto’s life in Nome and what it was liking living among humans. Soon all five were chatting with ease, Boris taking a liking to Aurora while Muk and Luk had relaxed somewhat. As the night wore on the friends chatted their laughter ringing out over the frozen sea.

It was a week later, at last Rosie and all the other children had been released from hospital a couple of days before to the delight of the town. In Rosie’s kitchen Balto and Jenna sat watching as Arthur headed out to work, muttering about annoying clients and wondering just where he had left his briefcase.

“I could have sworn I left it....…….” he grumbled as Rosie finished her pancakes.

Seeing said briefcase sat on a chair under the morning’s paper Balto picked it up, walking over to Arthur and nudging his hand with his nose. Looking down a relieved smile appeared on Arthur’s face as he saw the briefcase in Balto’s mouth.

“Thank you Balto I thought I’d lost it for a moment,” Arthur said stroking Balto’s head. “Well I’d better be off. Rosie be careful today when you are out playing, you have only been out of hospital a couple of days.”

“Have a good day Daddy I will be careful I promise” Rosie replied jumping off her chair and hugging her father.

“I will,” Arthur replied kneeling down in front of Jenna and Balto. “Take care of Rosie for me.”

At this Balto and Jenna barked a yes both licking his cheek, laughing Arthur headed out the door with a lighter heart. A short time later Rosie stood on the porch in her coat, mushers hat, gloves and a scarf with the picture of a wolf on it. Harnessed to her sled were Balto and Jenna, on the sled tightly wrapped was a flask of hot juice and a small snack.

“Rosie I am allowing you to play out with Balto and Jenna as long as you are careful. Everyone in town will be watching you children but please be careful, back by twelve thirty please,” Violet said hugging Rosie and handing her a blue watch with red roses on the strap.

Grinning at each other Balto and Jenna set off through the snow covered streets of Nome. Reaching the centre of town the pair slowed down to avoid any collisions as the last thing the hospital needed was another patient. As they passed lawyers office, where Arthur and his father Wilfred worked, Wilfred waved from the window of his office. Seeing him Rosie waved in return with Jenna and Balto their greetings, smiling Wilfred shut his windows, returning to his paperwork.

As they neared the town edge they past Head Nurse Emily Morgan and Sister O’Brien coming out of The Arctic Flower Tea Room which was part of The Arctic Flower Hotel. Seeing them Rosie stopped as both came over to see her.

“Time has certainly flown, well we had best get Emily,” said Nurse O’Brien petting Balto and Jenna.

Once out of town Balto picked up speed making Rosie laugh in delight as they ran through the falling snow. Looking up ahead they saw Boris wave ay them from the boat as they passed. Seeing the three, Boris smiled.

Running through the snow Balto and Jenna took Rosie to the hill above Nome, waiting there for them was Aurora. Stopping the sled Rosie climbed off and ran over to Aurora, hugging her while Balto and Jenna slipped out of their harnesses.

Aurora was half as tall again as Rosie meaning she had to look or sit down to talk to her. Seeing his sister Balto wagged his tail giving her a welcoming lick while Jenna smiled widely.

“Of course,” Aurora replied looking at Balto and Jenna. “Jenna Balto, would you mind?”

Lying down in the snow Aurora laid perfectly still as Rosie climbed onto her back, standing up gently so she did not fall.

Together the four set off through the snow covered landscape, as they ran Rosie’s hair came from her ponytail, the wind blowing her hair behind her. From her perch on Aurora’s back Rosie laughed a feeling of utter freedom and belonging surging through her. Above them a bald eagle swooped letting out a screech as it watched them. Running next to Aurora, Balto and Jenna looked up at Rosie’s smiling face their hearts leaping with joy at her happiness. The freedom of the wolf surged through Aurora, Balto and Rosie, their hearts soaring free.

Running across the land the group soon reached the mountains, their paws easily carrying them up the slopes. Reaching the summit they skidded to a halt the wind blowing through their fur as they regained their breath. Walking to the edge Aurora threw her head back in a howl, her voice carrying across the mountain. Balto joined her, his own voice mingling with hers then Rosie joined in too. Together the three’s song travelled across the mountains, as she howled Rosie felt something deep within her stir and for a moment she felt like a wolf.

Ending their song Aurora and Balto looked at Rosie with pride, grins appearing on their faces at her attempts to howl.

“I’ve always wanted to try howling,” Rosie replied blushing slightly. “I felt so free running with you, like my heart was flying.”

“You felt the freedom all wolves feel Rosie, freedom which is our birthright,” Aurora replied, her eyes shining with pride.

“All loves feel it, when we remember it, I feel it now, I remember,” Balto replied, his eyes shining with joy. “Who knew a human could feel that way?”

“As much fun as we are having we had better go back,” Jenna said suddenly. “Rosie has to be home for midday and Violet will worry if she is late.”

“Your right Jenna we have to set off the last thing we need is Violet seeing Aurora and Rosie together,” Balto replied glancing at his sister.

“Sorry Rosie but your mother cannot see Aurora,” Balto replied nuzzling her. “She was scared enough of me and I’m only half wolf.”

“Rosie humans cannot see me,” Aurora replied as Rosie climbed onto her back.

“Adults are silly at times, I wish all could talk you like I can,” Rosie replied as they set off.

Running back to Nome the group passed by a sled team led by Jenna’s father Fire the entire team doing a double take at the sight. That night the musher would relate the sight convinced he had been seeing things. Arriving back at the hill above Nome Balto and Jenna slipped back into their hardness and Rosie climbed off Aurora’s back.

“It was my pleasure Rosie I will see you soon,” Aurora replied licking her cheek.

Leaving the hill Balto and Jenna pulled the sled through town passing Kaltag and his owner Harvey on their way. Harvey and Kaltag called out a greeting to the group before heading on their way. Outside the Post Office they saw Steel standing next to Richard who was only a year older than Rosie. Seeing them Richard waved pleased at his friend was better. Seeing Steel standing there Jenna and Balto tensed, unsure what to say to the dog that nearly cost Rosie her life. Looking at them Steel snarled in anger, yet for the briefest of seconds sorrow flickered across his face and a longing for the past. Once Balto, Steel and Jenna had been close friends Steel had even defended Balto from his father Iron. Looking at Steel neither Balto nor Jenna saw any trace of their former friend. Turning away Balto and Jenna continued onto to Rosie’s house.

“Nothing has changed, I had hoped that some of the old Steel might have returned,” Jenna replied sadly. “Even after everything he did.”

“I understand Jenna, we had fun when we were younger, but we have to face facts that Steel is gone, he’s never coming back. I’m not sure if I could forgive Steel even if he did wish to be friends………His arrogance nearly cost Rosie her life,” Balto replied as they reached Rosie’s house.

“You’re right Balto things can never go back to how they were when we were younger, too much has happened,” Jenna whispered sadly.

As she finished speaking the Violet walked out of the front door her hands streaked with flour. Seeing the trio she smiled widely grinning as Rosie hugged her.

“It was so much fun we went all around the beach and a little way from town” Rosie replied, it was not lying as such, just being economical with the truth to protect her friend.

“Well that certainly is an adventure come on inside and you can tell me all about it, Jenna, Balto come on.”

Walking inside the house Balto and Jenna settled down as Rosie ate her lunch, chicken soap and bread, Violet making sure she had a large portion to build her strength up.

After lunch had been eaten the trio went out into town, soon meeting Harvey and Kaltag, Anna and Sylvia and a few other children and dogs. Under the watchful eyes of their parents the children and dogs played. Racing through the snow Balto and Kaltag chased Harvey and Richard, the humans running this way and that. Gaining speed Balto and Kaltag exchanged grins as they chased the boys down an alley between shops. In a brown streak Balto ran past the boys into the alley. Reaching the middle of the alley the boys grinned, they had outrun their chasers. Suddenly they heard a low snarl, ahead of them stood Balto, behind them stood Kaltag. They were trapped. Both boys stood still, seconds later both dogs jumped on them, covering their faces with licks.

“You both are smart dogs to pull that stunt,” Harvey replied pushing Kaltag off him.

Arriving back at their friends they found that a snowball fight had broken out amongst the children with the dogs helping the teams by pushing members of the opposing team into the snow. The humans could “defend” themselves against the dogs by covering them in snow. It was all innocent fun no one minded getting pushed or snow on them. As he pushed Anna to the floor Balto caught sight of Jenna wresting with Harvey both exchanged a grin, at last Balto as one of gang.

Exactly a month had passed since Balto had brought the medicine to Nome. Balto walked through the streets of Nome, greeting friends as he went, walking tall in the sunlight not slinking in the shadows. Reaching the hospital he stopped, turning right down a side street where it was possible to look into the main rooms of the hospital. On a barrel looking through the window of Dr Welch’s office sat Jenna, her gaze fixed on the scene inside. Looking into a pool of ice Balto tried to flatten is fur, taking a deep breath before he spoke.

“Jenna I was wondering if you would like to join me diner at the Arctic Flower Hotel, perhaps chase a few sticks by moonlight?”

“Oh hi Balto,” Jenna replied turning around. “I would love to join you for dinner.”

“Fantastic,” Balto replied jumping up next to her. “So it looks like Rosie is fine.”

Inside the hospital Rosie jumped off the bed in Dr Welch’s surgery, choosing a red strawberry flavoured lollypop from a tin on his deck. Shaking Dr Welch’s hand Arthur smiled as he, Violet and Rosie felt the room. Jumping down from the barrels Balto and Jenna raced to the front of the hospital to meet them. Seeing the family Jenna nuzzled Rosie while Balto jumped up at Arthur, sending him to the floor.

“Hi Jenna hi Balto,” Rosie said stroking both of them. “Dr Welch’s says I’m fully well now just like I was before. No more trips back to the hospital.”

“Rosie come on time to go, Grandma is expecting us,” Arthur said looking between his daughter, Balto and Jenna. “At times I swear Balto and Jenna understand you.”

“That is alright your Grandpa is unwell, I will see you later,” Jenna replied as Rosie left.

“At last Rosie if fully healthy, so about tonight I’ll pick you up at eight?” Balto asked.

“Eight would be perfect,” Jenna replied as Balto walked off his head held high.

Watching him play baseball with a group of boys, Jenna smiled to herself, happy that she did not have to hide her feelings for Balto. Walking through Nome, Jenna thought about her handsome wolf and how much things had changed.

“Angel in disguise
Stories in his eyes
Love for every true heart that it sees.

Was it just a lucky day
That he turned to look my way
Or is it Heaven right before my very eyes?” Jenna sang looking up at the church.

“He showed me all new things
The shimmer of moonbeams
I was blind, but now he's helped me see.

I was lost but now I'm found
His happiness surrounds
And now I find that my dreams can come true.

Cause I'm gonna love you for the rest of my life
I'm holding you safe here in this heart of mine
I can't live without you cause my soul would die
You know I'm telling the truth, I'll spend the rest of my life loving you.

It didn't start this way
It happened just one day
You smiled at me and I saw you, differently.”

Jenna’s thoughts drifted back to her first meeting with Balto when they had been pups and the friendship that had begun that day. With Rosie they pair had played in the snow. Her mind then drifted to the adventures she, Steel and Balto had experienced as pups. Then her mind shifted to the day she realized she had fallen in love with him.

“Now I'm a tremble just to be
A part of you as we
Begin a life that's sure to never end.

Cause I'm gonna love you for the rest of my life
I'm holding you safe here in this heart of mine
I can't live without you cause my soul would die
You know I'm telling the truth, I'll spend the rest of my life loving you,” Jenna sang watching Balto from a distance .

Gazing out from his boat that night Balto thought about his feelings for Jenna and how happy he was. Seeing him Boris put a wing round his shoulder.

“I am Boris I’m going to ask her to be my mate. I know it’s soon but I love and she loves me.”

“It is about time you and she were together. I have seen how happy you have been with her. You and she have been friends since you came to Nome.”

“Kiddo you are family to me,” Boris replied rubbing Balto’s head. “Besides, someone has to keep you from trouble!”

“Thanks for that. Jenna told me how you brought her know back, she said you took good care of her.”

“You charged with me her safety, you undertook that wild goose chase for her after all.”

“For her and Rosie, Rosie was the real reason I undertook it. I couldn’t have let her die, she saw me for who rather then what I was. She’s almost family.”

“Rosie is a sweet kid with a heart of gold and Jenna…..” Boris smiled causing Balto to blush.

“You know Boris you would make a great dad, you ever going to find a girl?” Balto grinned at the looking Boris’s face.

“Watch your fast mouth Kiddo. I did have one once before I met you but then….”

“She died in that blizzard the night before we met. I was knocked unconscious, when I awoke she was barely alive, she died in my wings. Maybe one day I will find love again.”

“Boris, why didn’t you tell me years ago?” Balto asked in surprise. “I’ve known you all this time yet whenever I’ve asked before you’ve avoided the question.”

“I wanted to put the past to rest Kiddo. What happened hurt me deeply,” Boris sight sadly at the memories. “Then I found you. You needed someone to take care of you. I decided to start again to leave my former life and morn in peaceful solitude. I am happy here in Nome with you, raising you helped me to heal. Now you have found your place I am proud of you.”

“You gave up a lot for me. Thanks Boris for everything I mean it,” Balto replied putting a paw around Boris.

Looking at Boris one last time Balto ran into town, from the boat Boris watched him glad that his adopted son had found his place. Reaching Rosie’s house Balto let out a howl, moments later Jenna walked out of the front door.

“Wow Jenna you look amazing, is that a new your collar” Balto asked, looking at a white leather collar hanging around her neck. .

“I had a helping paw from Aurora,” Balto replied blushing a little. “Are you ready to depart Madam?”

“The Arctic Flower Hotel,” Balto replied silkily as they walked through town.

“Impressive that you managed to reserve a table there, you have more connections then I realized,” Jenna replied flicking her tail at him.

“Well being the town hero does have benefits. When the maître heard I wanted to book a table he made sure to reserve the best in the house.”

“Of course I am. I do not wish for us to be seen, tonight is for us alone. We are going to walk across the roves of Nome.”

“It is easy, I have done it lots of times, the view is stunning” Balto replied looking at Jenna’s shocked face. “I won’t let you fall, I promise.”

Seeing the sincerity in his eyes Jenna took a deep breath following Balto onto the roof of the butchers. Gazing down at the streets below and stars above Jenna gasped in awe. Slowly she walked over the roves her confidence growing with each passing moment. Turning to face Balto she saw the moonlight shining on his fur bathing him in a soft light. Walking side by side Balto and Jenna made their way across the roves of Nome. Together they leapt over gaps between roves their paws thudding softy as they landed. Glancing down both saw their paw prints side by side Balto’s dwarfing Jenna’s. Putting his nose into the snow Balto drew a large love heart on the roof then he wrote the initials B+J inside the heart before placing his paw under the B. Walking over to the heart Jenna placed her paw under the J before drawing kisses underneath the initials and paw prints. Standing back the pair admired their work Balto’s paw laid over Jenna’s. From the house below came the sound the pair walked onto the adjoining roof.

“You were right Balto, Nome is pretty from up here,” Jenna whispered looking down at the people.

“I knew you would like it,” Balto replied smiling at her as they reached the hotel.

Walking on the hotel’s roof Balto led Jenna down the fire escape, their nails clattering on the metal. Reaching the ground the pair heard raised voices from the kitchen followed by the sound of breaking glass. Walking up to the back door Balto barked a couple of times before the door opened and a chief and head waiter appeared, the chief’s apron stained with flour.

“Not alone either he has brought a friend with him,” said a waiter catching sight of Jenna. “It would appear our hero has a girlfriend.”

“Well then they deserve the best leftovers we have” the chief replied heartily.

Sitting around an upturn box with an old blue tablecloth and ancient candelabra placed over it, Balto and Jenna eat char grilled caribou steaks with chips. A generous helping of blueberry pie and vanilla ice cream followed the main course.

“I enjoyed the meal, being here with you is wonderful,” Jenna said smiling shyly.

“You are the most amazing person I have ever met Jenna I’m glad I could share this perk of being a stray.”

“You are on angel in disguise Balto a wonderful angle in a fur coat. Without you…. when I thought I would never see you again my heart broke.”

“I would never leave you Jenna not now we can be together. You have ice cream on your mouth,” Balto replied licking the pie off Jenna’s mouth.

Looking at each other Balto and Jenna saw the love in the other’s eyes in an instant they kissed. Smiling at Balto Jenna kissed his cheek before darting off, stopping and waving her tail at him before running off again. Realising her tricks, Balto grinned a very wolfish grin before setting off in pursuit. As they entered the main street of Nome it began to snow soft flakes landing on their fur. Stopping Jenna barked again, running up to her Balto flicked snow at her with a paw sending the snow into her face. Shaking the snow out of her face Jenna looked at the grin on his face seconds later she flicked snow back at him. In a swift leap Jenna dodged another flick of snow from Balto. Running through down the street Jenna darted this way and that through the falling snow to avoid being caught. Running after her Balto let out a howl deliberately running slowly to give Jenna a false sense of winning.

Leaving town Jenna slowed down as she ran up the hill, in an instant Balto was standing in front of her. The pair looked at each other before Jenna tried to dart past him, seconds later she was laying in the snow. Standing above her Balto shook his head as she looked up.

“Perhaps I did. Anyway my plan worked I have you where I want you,” Jenna replied returning his kiss.

Through the darkness the Northern Lights appeared bathing the pair in light. Climbing to her paws Jenna turned to Balto both gazing at the lights in surprise and awe. Looking into the others eyes both saw that a beautiful pink light was surrounding them. Smiling shyly they kissed their souls at last finding their other half.

“Our lights Jenna, they guided me back to you. I love you Jenna you are the only one I have ever loved. For you I would do anything, if I could I would give you the world, would you do me the honour of becoming my mate?”

“Yes Balto I will you hold my heart in your paws. At last we can be together without fear. You are my soul mate Balto you are the one I chose. My best friend when we were pups my mate now we are grown. You claimed my heart simply by being yourself.”

Looking down at one another Balto and Jenna saw their soul mate their love for one another shining in their eyes. Under the Northern Lights two star crossed lovers claimed each other. Hours later the pair stood next to each other looking out over Nome. Lifting his head Balto howled a song pure love and joy next to him Jenna lifted her own head her own howl joining his. Together Hero and Princess proclaimed their love for one another, together at last.

Actual name of the musher who drove Balto’s team that brought the medicine to Nome. Here I am making him the owner of Steel, his son Richard is fictional

My name for the White Wolf

She was a real nurse who worked in Nome during the crisis and played a key role in caring for the children

Mountain that Balto and Jenna stood on in Wings of Change

Story of why Rosie can talk to wolves is featured in my fic Light of the North

I’m gonna love you from The Hunchback of Notre Dame 2

See my fic The Days of Spring to see this friendship from the beginning