Prologue
Jini cut her eyes from side to side, checking to see if he was there. He wasn't there. She let a deep, trembling breath out from between her teeth. Then she heard a noise behind her. She gasped, and turned around. It was him! Smoke! He was staring at her with a devilish grin, panting from the long chase, running his tongue over his teeth. He lunged at Jini. she screamed and ran. Her legs were a blur beneath her. Her eyes were wide with fear. Smoke was gaining on her! She screamed again. Behind her, Smoke slipped on some wet snow. “Curse this spring snow!” he growled. Jini got farther and farther from his view. “I will find you Jini! Don't think you're safe! Because you're not! I will find you! I will get my revenge!” he roared.
Chapter One
Togo’s feet were flying. He sped through the snow. Snow was flying in all directions. The snow flew into mist-like clouds from under the runners of the sled. “Gee!” Sepp holerd to Togo. Togo crossed his right paw over his left one. The sled turned the bend and Togo could see White Mountain in the distance. He howled with joy and increased speed. It had been a long day and three fourths. He and his team were tuckered out from the long journey. They ran faster and faster in eagerness to get to the roadhouse and deliver the mail. Fritz panted hard and said “could we slow down please? I’m too tired to keep going this fast!”
“Come on!” Togo said leaping in the air with abark of joy “don’t you want to be by that nice warm fire, on that nice dry wood floor?”
“No!” Fritz said
“Why?” Suggen said cocking his head to one side
“Being dry reminds me of summer!” Fritz said “I despise summer!”
“Don’t worry!” Kodi said “I’m sure Sepp will let you sleep outside! I mean who wouldn't? you're such a burden!” Everyone laughed at that.
“Grrrrrr.” Fritz said “stop that! It’s not funny!”
“But it’s hilarious!” Niyki laughed
“Yeah!” Ivan said
“Stop it!” Big Mary scolded “stop picking on Fritz!”
“Spoil sport.” Niyki mumbled to herself.
“Woohoo!” Kodi said, leaping into the air “it’s awesome going with you on your mail run Uncle Togo! I’m so happy that mr. Simpson is letting me come with you!”
“Yeah!” Togo said “now let’s hurry! I want you to see are favorite roadhouse game: Steal Sepp’s Pillow!”
* * *
Jini sat in a clearing in the forest, and cried. She missed her old family in Nome. They had moved to Atlanta Georgia after the serum run, and had to leave her behind. She had lived in an alley next to Jenna’s house, but Smoke chased her off, and she had to live in Golovin. Now she was being chased by him again, and she had to escape. Then, she thought of her secret. She flinched. She would never tell anyone. Never! She laid down, and kept crying.
She heard something behind her. Heavy breathing. She jumped and gasped. It was Smoke! He had a sly grin on his mouth. He ran his tongue over his teeth again. As his tongue caressed over his teeth, he snorted an evil laugh. “Your mine know Jini,” he said in a loud whisper. “All, MINE! HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HAAAAAAA!”
Jini leaped up and screamed the loudest she ever had before. She thought it was the end of the road. She was cornered. She thought she would go down with a blaze of glory. She stood taller. “You’ll never get me, Smoke!” she said with fake confidence. “Ha ha ha! You think you can intimidate me?” Smoke laughed “HA! You’ll never scare me, you scrawny siberian.” that was it. She squeezed her eyes closed, and tensed her muscles, trying her hardest to not feel the awful pain that she knew was coming. But it didn’t!
Chapter Two
Jini couldn’t believe her eyes. A dogsled team came tearing through the forest, running Smoke over! She walked over to him once the team was gone. He was unconscious, not dead. She sighed in relief. He may have wanted her dead, but she didn’t want him dead. Then she realized that the sled team was probably going to a town. And if she followed them, she would reach the town! She limped after them as fast as she could so she could get away before Smoke woke up.
* * *
Togo yawned and stretched as he curled up by the fire at the roadhouse. He had fun playing Steal Sepp’s Pillow, and was ready to go to sleep. Sepp came up and stroked his back. He was tired too. He had chased Togo and the others to get his pillow back. “Good night boy.” he said and hugged Togo “see you in the morning.” Sepp climbed into his bed and looked down at Togo, who by that time was already snoring loudly, and smiled.
Outside, Jini looked in and signed. How she longed to climb up beside the warm embrace of the fire, she hadn’t been able to for two long years.
* * *
Togo got up and stretched. He glanced at the clock and saw that it said 5:00 A. M. “good. An hour before the others. Now I have time to walk about town. Now that’s what I call an early riser.” he walked outside and stretched again. He filled his lounges with delicious fresh spring air. He trotted off into town. Jini saw him and followed him.
She followed him to a butchers shop, where Togo scratched at the door. The sign said “Pete’s Meats”. Jini licked her chops. Then the door opened and a man came out. “Ah, Togo! You're back in town again. I thought you were.” he held up a letter “I just read this. Come in and have a snack.”
At the word “snack” Jini leaped for joy. She hadn’t had a meal for three days. Smoke had been chasing her. That reminded her that Smoke had probably reached town by now. She gave a shudder. Then she remembered the meat. She slipped in the door just as it was closing. Inside she saw Pete giving Togo a piece of brisket. She licked her lips again.
She watched as Togo swallowed the brisket. She couldn’t hold herself back. She barked with joy and ran over to Pete and Togo . Pete glared down at her “what are you doing in my store you low-down, good-for-nothing stray!” he kicked at her and drove her out. Once outside Pete slammed the door on Jini. she hung her head. She was so hungry! She went off to the alley. She sighed. “I guess this is where I belong.” she started to sniffle. Then she froze. She heard heavy breathing behind her.
Chapter Three
She whirled around and gasped. It was Smoke! And this time someone was with him. “Hello Jini.” Smoke said with a sly grin “I would like you to meet my brother, Steele. He is mean, cruel, and ruthless.” his sly grin got bigger. Steele grinned.
Jini screamed, then she fainted. “He he he.” Steele said evilly.
“Back of, Steele.” Smoke and Steele whirled around to see, Togo!
“Don’t you dare lay a paw on her.”
The brothers growled and started toward him. Togo lunged at them and knocked them over. They got into a giant fight.
Ten minutes later, Jini woke up. The brothers were still fighting Togo. A few minutes later, Smoke and Steele were gone.
“I’m sorry about that, ma’am. Those two are always……….” Togo stopped mid sentence. He looked into Jini’s beautiful brown eyes. She was beautiful. Togo realized how awkward it was. “Always bullying people. I need to get back to the roadhouse, Sepp will be up by now. We need to get back to nome. See you around.”
“Wait!” Jini said “could I come with you?”
“Sure.” Togo said.
“Oh.” Togo said “my name is Togo.”
“Mine is Jini.” she replied.
* * *
As they arrived home, Sepp came out. “Hey Togo” he said “where have you been? Having a snack at Pete’s?”
Togo barked. “Ok. wake up the rest of the team.” Sepp said. Then Sepp noticed Jini. “hello there.” he said “do you live here?” he scratched her “I have to go get breakfast for the team. See you later.” and he left.
Togo looked at Jini. “Well, I have to wake up the team. You wait here.” Togo went inside. He grabbed Sepp’s pillow and whacked Fritz with it.
“Yipe!” Fritz said and leaped to his feet.
“Wake up sleepy-head! Sepp’s bringing breakfast, and we need to get on the trail!”
“Awww.” Fritz said laying back down “just five more minutes?”
Togo slapped him again.
“Ok, ok,” he said “I’m getting up. Sheez!”
“Wake Rusky up.” Togo said.
“Rusky?” Fritz said “No way! He’ll bite me!”
Togo growled “Chief's command, now get!”
“Fine, fine,” Fritz said “I’ll get him up.”
He walked over to Rusky and gently poked him with his nose. Rusky didn’t move. He poked harder. Still, Rusky didn’t budge.
“No, no.” Togo said “not like that! Do it harder.”
Fritz did it hard. No movement.
“As hard as you can!”
Fritz did and Rusky pounced on him.
“YAAAAAH!!!” Fritz screamed “leave me alone!”
Rusky stepped off and Fritz sighed.
* * *
Togo ran fast. His tongue flapped out of one side of his mouth. He howled with delight. How he loved to run at top speed through the snow, sending it flying in all directions!
A bit behind Jini ran as fast as she could. She yearned to see the familiare streets of Nome again!
Then she heard something. She looked behind her to see Smoke! Then, she wasn't just running to get to nome, she was running for her life! She sped up, going faster and faster! He was getting closer and closer to her! She made a sharp turn, and scrambled into the woods. Smoke growled and turned to use a shortcut.
Togo heard the commotion and turned his head. He saw the end of it.
“Togo, Lookout!” Suggen called. Togo looked and stopped just in time. They nearly ran into a big tree.
“Wew.” Kode said “that was close.
“Yeah,” Togo said, “real close.”
Chapter Four
Togo stretched as he lay on the forest floor. It had been a long run, and Togo was ready for sleep. He couldn't wait to get to nome tomorrow. Kodi walked up and lay down beside him.
“Goodnight uncle Togo.” he said
“Goodnight Kodi.” Togo said
He was just closing his eyes when he heard something.
“Pst. pst.”
Togo looked up and saw Jini in the trees. He sat up and went to her. Kodi followed.
“What is it Jini?” Togo asked.
“Who’s she?” Kodi asked.
“Wait a minute Kodi.” Togo said.
“I heard something back there.” she pointed over deeper into the woods.
“Let’s go find out what it is.” Kodi said.
They sniffed around. As they sniffed Togo explained to Kodi about Jini. Then they heard something behind some bushes.
Togo and Kodi prepared to defend Jini.
But, out came Pepa!
“Pepa!” Kodi said happily.
Pepa looked concerned “quick, I’m being chased!” she said.
They heard something in the bushes. It was like a lion's roar.
Jini screamed “it’s Smoke!”
“And Steele!” Kodi said.
“Run!” Togo said.
They ran and ran. Behind them, they heard him coming.
“Why….” Togo said, panting “why are they chasing you!”
“I don’t know.” she said “they just chased me!”
“Hurry!” Kodi said “they're gaining on us!”
They heard them howling behind them.
“Faster!” Pepa urged.
“Can’t …… keep…… going……” Jini said between deep breaths “too.….. tired……”
She dropped down and passed out.
Everyone stopped.
“You two keep going.” Togo said “I’ll help her.”
Kodi and Pepa ran off.
Togo eased his nose under her belly. Then, he lifted her up ever so slightly, and eased his head under her. Then, he stood his front legs up, so she rolled to his back. Then he stood his back legs up and he ran steadily off. In the corner of his eye he saw Smoke and Steele. He sped up.
He panted under her weight. But soon caught up with Kodi and Pepa.
They found refuge in a cave. They listened cautiously. They heard Smoke and Steele run past. Everyone sighed.
They curled up in a line and talked among themselves.
“What do we do?” Pepa asked, concerned.
“We stay here.” Togo said.
“But what if they come back?” Jini said (by then she had woken up.)
“I’ll fight them off.” Kodi said.
“No.” Togo said “what would Jenna say if you came back all torn up?”
“Jenna?” Jini said.
“Yeah, what about her?” Pepa said.
“Oh, nothing.” Jini said “the name just sounded familiar.”
“Hmmmm.” Togo mumbled to himself “suspicious.”
* * *
Jini woke up with a jolt. She heard something outside. She crept out to see what it was. Then, she was jumped! Smoke and Steele cornered her on a ledge. She was scared. They almost had her, when Togo jumped into the middle of them!
Chapter Five
He had them pinned down when he noticed that the ledge with Jini on it was cracking! He jumped over just as she was falling, and grabbed her! When they reached the bottom he broke her fall.
At the bottom he stood up and shook the snow off his back. He walked over to Jini. he helped her up.
“Why were Smoke and Steele chasing you?” he said siverly.
“I… I can’t tell you.” she said
Togo glared “why were they chasing you, Jini!”
“Fine.” she said “before the serum run, I lived with a family in nome. But after the serum run, they had to move to Atlanta Georgia. They had to leave me behind. So, I lived in the street. But I met Jenna. She took me in, and I lived next to her house. But, Smoke fell in love with me. But the feeling was not mutual. He kept coming after me until I up and left town. I went to live in Golovin. I lived there for two years, until Smoke came back. He came to me in the street. He asked me to marry him. I was tired of him asking, and I……” her voice grew fainter.
“What!” Togo said “what did you do?”
“I slapped him. And he stumbled back. And his nose started bleeding. His expensive collar ripped. He was angry and his brother came up and they cornered me.
“A big dog that saw me came to help. He got in the fight and……” she stopped.
“What?” Togo said
“I can’t tell you!” she said and turned her head away from Togo.
Togo’s ears pricked up. He heard something. It sounded like Smoke and Steele coming down!
Togo took Jini’s head in his hands and said “what happened?”
“And the dog accidentally killed Smoke’s brother! The dog looked guilty and tried to say he was sorry, but Smoke knocked him out. Then he turned to me and said that it was all my fault! He jumped at me and I ran. He chased me until now.”
Then they saw something. It was Smoke and Steele!
They ran. Faster and faster. Smoke and Steele were gaining on them! Then Togo noticed something. “Look up there!” he said “a trail! Quick Jini, Run!”
They ran up the trail, but the brothers followed!
They kept running with the brothers hot on their trail!
A storm started brewing.
Then a bolt of lightning struck in between Togo and Jini. They went flying to the sides, and were knocked unconscious. From the place where the lightning struck, Aniu arose. Smoke and Steele skidded to a halt. A small snow flurry picked them up and lifted them into the air. Just then, Togo woke up and saw the end. Smoke and Steele faded away. Aniu tuned to Togo. “shhhh.” she said, and faded away in the mist.
Togo picked Jini up and ran back to the cave. He laid down next to Pepa. he laid down too. He was soon fast asleep.
* * *
Togo woke up to see Kodi coming in with breakfast.
“Where did you learn to hunt, Kodi?” Togo asked, looking at the large piece of meat he was carrying.
“I guess since I’m part wolf, I’m naturally good at hunting.” he said “well, dig in.”
Togo did.
Pepa did.
Kodi did.
Jini didn’t. She was nervus. No one had given her food in years. She always had to steal her meals. She cautiously sniffed it. She had this feeling that Kodi would snap at her and say that it was his. He didn’t and Jini slowly started eating. She ate faster and faster. Until she was snarfing the meat down. It tasted delicious! She hadn’t had a meal this good in years! Then she realized that she wasn’t being very lady-like. She slowed down.
A conversation began between Kodi, Pepa, and Togo.
“Jini told us what happened.” Kodi said.
“Yeah,” Pepa said “Smoke is awful!”
“Yeah,” Togo said, “he’s so mean.”
Chapter Six
Togo let out a deep breath and looked forward to nome. They hadn’t had any trouble from Smoke and Steele (for obvious reasons).
He bounded forward and ran across the long clear stretch to nome. Togo and Jini ran around each other, laughing and having a good time.
Finally, they reached the end of the stretch. Jini stopped and looked at the familiar streets of nome. She was almost scared to go in. but she took a deep breath and walked down.
Then she became happy. She leaped up and down happily.
She did until she saw her old house. Her heart and happiness seemed to be melting. A tear appeared in the corner of her eye.
Togo came up and laid his paw on her shoulder. “It’s ok,” he said “I’m sure they’re happy.”
They kept going. Then Jini saw someone and ran up to him.
“Hey,” she said, “you are the dog who saved me.”
“Yeah.” he replied.
“Hello, Bonzo.” Togo said.
“You know him?” Jini asked.
“Yeah, he’s part of my team.”
“Oh.”
“But what was he doing in Golovin?” Kodi asked.
“A business trip.” Bonzo said.
“Oh.” Pepa said.
“Come on Bonzo, we need to get to the kennel now.” Togo said.
“Can I come with you?” Jini asked.
“Sure.” Togo said.
* * *
Togo scratched at Sepp’s door. Sepp opened it and gave Togo a huge hug. “Where have you been!” he said “I was so worried about you!” Then he saw Jini.
“Hey, you’re the dog that I saw in White Mountain.” he said “you must have come a long way. You look like a survivor. I like survivors. And you don’t seem to have a home, so I think I’ll adopt you.”
Jini gave a leap of joy. She had a home! And no one could take it from her! She gave Sepp a big lick. She liked him already. She was finally happy.
Chapter Seven
Togo and Jini sat alone on Seppala's porch, looking up at the stars. “I’m afraid.” Jini said.
“Why?” Togo asked.
“What if Smoke and Steele come back?” she asked, sounding concerned.
“They won't,” Togo said.
“How do you know?”
“Just a hunch.”
Jini looked at the stars. “It's a beautiful night.” she said.
“Yes, it is.” Togo replied, smiling.
“The stars are beautiful.” Jini said
“Just like your eyes.” Togo said, standing up, and stretching.
Jini turned to look at him in surprise. “What do you mean, Togo?” She asked.
“I mean,” he said shaking some snow off his coat. “Your eyes are beautiful.” He said, and smiled. Jini jumped to her feet with surprise. “You mean?”
Togo touched his nose to hers. “I love you.” He said. Jini leaped forward and hugged him, whispering “I love you too.”
Epilogue
Three small pups ran up main street in White Mountain. One of them ran ahead of the others. Then, out of nowhere a small snow flurry appeared, and Smoke and Steele plopped on the ground. The pup stopped and his friends ran into him. they went running back to their mothers, screaming “Mommy! Mommy! We just saw two dogs appeared out of nowhere!”
“Oh, that’s nice honey.” the mother said.
Smoke and Steele looked around. Smoke gasped and pointed at a sign. “We’re stranded in White Mountain!” Smoke said.
“Don’t worry.” Steele said “we can just take the next dogsled out of town.”
“Look!” Smoke said “a dogsled team! After them!”
They chased them, but the team was too fast. They walked back to the mail office.
“Don’t worry,” Steele said, “we’ll take the next one.”
Just then the mail person came out. “Ah, last sled team. Now Duke will be delivering the mail for the rest of the summer.
Smoke and Steele exchanged worried looks.
Smoke fell to his nese, and moaned “I’m going to die of boredom in White Mountain!”
The End