&nbsp;Thanks to GreyKitty, LakosWolf, and DrewTheWolf for help! Parts of the story written by DrewTheWolf.<br /><br />"I suppose secrets should always remain buried," SHE sat on the edge of town on the cold Alaskan night. Tundra snow barrelling down. The town of Nome wasn't always like this. Happier times had been seen: Bulbo's great feat, a miracle which had saved the town; the birth of his children. But this? No...never. But it had happened, to them. It could have happened to anyone...but they were chosen and now the burdens had been endured and because of one night of truth, an entire story had unfolded and ended in this?<br /><br />Two months earlier, one of Nome's mail teams were entering the town, late for the first time, this week. They were usually late at least once a week, but lately they have been tardy almost every other day, and Mr. Simpson was on the verge of losing his job. Stress would strike him harshly with the thoughts of him not being able to support himself and what would happen to his dogs after he got rid of them. He brushed aside as often as he could so that he could concentrate more on delivering the mail and supplies on time.<br /><br />Idok pushed himself harder on this mail run. If SHE weren't connected to the other dog's, SHE would've passed the lead dog, his best friend, Meta Knight. He knew about Mr. Simpson possibly losing his job and he didnt't want that to happen, so he tried his best to keep the other dogs motivated, but pep talk never seemed to work for this "enthusiastic" bunch.<br /><br />"Idok! Slow down!" cried Dustbunny, the only girl huskie on the team, from behind.<br /><br />"Oops, sorry, Dust," Idok apologized in between breaths. Idok's family kept bugging HER about if they were going to be a couple. Truth to be told, SHE wasn't very interested in looking for a guy. But SHE always told HER father that SHE was just too shy to talk to it, just to make him happy. Besides, everyone knew that Dustbunny and Spot liked each other best.<br /><br />"Quit daydreamin', Idok!" shouted Meta Knight, tugging on the harness. "Don't worry, for once, will ya? We'll make it to Nome in time!"<br /><br />Idok smiled in responce, keeping a good speed going. Good ol' Meta Knight. If there was one thing the two had in common, it was that they had confidence in themselves. Idok envied Meta Knight for his carelessness. Meta Knight was always carefree and was never stressed out over anything. Idok hoped that SHE wouldn't worry as much as SHE did, and grew to be like him And Meta Knight was right, like he often (but not too often) was: the team made it to Nome on time with the mail, for once.<br /><br />The team trotted to a halt in front of the post office and shook the access snow from their fur. Mr. Simpson unloaded the sled and after, unhooked the dogs from their harnesses to let them roam the town, as they often did. Hank, and Kano stayed behind to be fed, while Dustbunny and Spot ran off to the beach together. Meta Knight caught up with them soon after. Idok wandered around town trying to relax, when his father approached him from the front.<br /><br />"Hey, Idok," Bulbo smiled. "How's it going?"<br /><br />"It's going fine, Dad," Idok sighed. "For now, anyway,"<br /><br />"How're things working with Dustbunny?" he asked, joining his son in the stroll.<br /><br />"Eh..." Idok shifted. "Fine." SHE lied.<br /><br />"You tell it you like it yet?"<br /><br />"No,"<br /><br />"Well, you should do that really soon," Bulbo said as they neared the beach. "That's what I did when I was your age."<br /><br />"Sure, Dad," Idok smiled and rolled his eyes. "Look, I'm gonna join these guys soon. I'll talk to you later. Tell Mom and Mackerel I said hi,"<br /><br />"Ok, bye," Bulbo said, taking his leave. Idok's father visited her whenever he could, nowadays. Since all of his siblings, aside from Mackerel, were gone living their own lives elsewhere, Nome wasn't as eventful. And whenever Bulbo wasn't with Jenana, he was extremely lonely. Maybe havning grandpuppies to tae care of would make him less lonely and that was why he was urging Idok to make a move with Dustbunny. To bad for Bulbo that it was a move Idok planned on never making. It was a possibility when SHE first joined the team, when SHE first met Dustbunny, but SHE was always shy around people, so SHE never really talked to it alone. It was too late now, though, because it was with Spot. And that was fine with Idok. SHE was in no hurry.<br /><br />In all ofHERdaydreaming, Idok didn't notice right away that SHE was staring at HER friends running on the beach. SHE wasn't watching Dustbunny, SHE found himself watching Meta Knight. SHE figured SHE must have really envied him if he was studying how he ran. Meta Knight noticed Idok staring and Idok automatically froze. SHE gulped when Meta Knight approached him from the beach. Why was SHE feeling nervous around him? It'd been happening alot lately...maybe he was afraid of him?<br /><br />"Hey, Idok!" Meta Knight greeted, shaking the snow from his fur onto Idok, who chuckled. "What are you doin' daydreamin' again? Are ya gonna come down and race or what?" He turned around and started running, urging Idok to follow.<br /><br />"You bet!" Idok barked, wagging HER tail and following Meta Knight. Idok found himself chasing Meta Knight to catch up to him. The bigger dog would zig and zag through the snow to evade his persuer. It went on like that for a few minutes. No one around seemed to be paying attention, especially Idok with HER surroundings. SHE ended up slipping on some ice and sliding across it. Meta Knight stopped in his tracks when he heard Idok cry out and ended up being plowed into. He almost fell on top of Idok. <br /><br />"Whoa, there!" Meta Knight laughed, peering over his fallen companion. Idok blushed in utter embarrassment. "Since when were you so clumsy? I thought wolves were always light on their feet?" Meta Knight said slyly, winking. Idok felt HER heart bounce up into his throat. SHE hated feeling so embarrassed. SHE only felt this way around guys, SHE didnt need to start feeling this way around HER friends too.<br />"What's wrong with you two?" asked Kano, who must have returned from being fed. He scoffed,&nbsp; "It looks like you two are gonna kiss or something--"<br /><br />"Zip it, Kano," Meta Knight spat.<br /><br />Idok picked herself up from the ground. SHE didn't really care for Kano. He and Hank were the most racist...specieist...out of anyone. They didn't know that Idok was part wolf, and if they did they would have probably beaten her. Naturally, Meta Knight wasn't afraid of them, because he beat them in weight and size. Idok admired that about him too. Meta Knight wasn't afraid, while Idok was plenty afraid, though SHE tended not to show it.<br /><br />Kano shut his mouth and went to race with Hank on the beach.<br /><br />"Eh, forget about them," Meta Knight said, "You know how they are."<br /><br />"Yeah, I just hope they don't find out about me being--" Idok started<br /><br />"I won't tell anyone. I wouldn't want those losers beating you up for something dumb like that!"<br /><br />"Heheh, thanks, Meta Knight!" Idok smiled. When Meta Knight said that, Idok remembered when Mr. Simpson first adopted him. Dustbunny, Spot, and Meta Knight were all a bit older than him, so they were already getting used to the training of a sled dog. Dispite Idok being new to their "family," SHE was quickly accepted when SHE was old enough to pull the sled with them Out of Meta Knight, Dustbunny, and Spot, Meta Knight had become HER best friend. They were with each other all the time lately, since Dustbunny and Spot were always together.<br /><br />Meta Knight looked back at the beach to the dogs who remained running on it. The sun was starting to set and the air was getting colder. He looked back at Idok. "Wanna head back to the boiler room?" he asked.<br /><br />"Sure!" Idok said without missing a beat. Catching himself, SHE said, "I mean, uh...sure, why not?" Meta Knight shook his head and started walking. Idok quickly padded up beside him. Idok innocently studied Meta Knight's face. His face was much more round than any other huskie Idok knew. It was a peculiar trait, but it suited him well... Meta Knight's fur was also raggier, making him look fat. "Well, not fat," Idok thought. "Pleasantly plump...Wait. What am I thinking? What's gotten into me!" <br /><br />Meta Knight felt himself being stared at and looked at Idok looking at him. Meta Knight gave him a quizzical look. "What are you lookin' at?"<br /><br />"Oh! Uh," Idok shook HER head. "I was wondering...what breed are you?"<br /><br />"Heh! Not wolf, that's for sure," Meta Knight grinned to himself. Meta Knight didn't really know, himself, what breed of dog he was. All he knew was that he was part huskie. They found themselves at the door leading into the boiler room. Meta Knight pushed the ajar door open wider for them to enter. He looked at Idok and smirked. "Ladies first!"<br /><br />fdjgfdhglkjfhglkh Idok whipped around and started pushing Meta Knight into the boiler room with HER head. "YOU should be first!" Meta Knight struggled to keep his ground. Idok was pushing into him really hard. Meta Knight grinned and cleverly jumped out of the way, letting Idok stumble into the boiler room first. After picking herself up from the floor, Idok looked back at the laughing Meta Knight.<br /><br />"Ha! Ha! Very funny!" Idok lunged after HER friend, who led HER on in a chase around the room. Then Idok lept into the air and tackled Meta Knight to the ground. They struggled over each other in laughter. Idok found himself peering over Meta Knight, who had given up. Meta Knight chuckled in exhaustion as they lay there panting. He felt his face get warm as he looked at Idok, looking down on him.<br /><br />The younger dog's eyes widened, then closed when SHE lowered HER face down to Meta Knight's. SHE roughly nuzzled him under his chin and licked his neck. SHE felt Meta Knight tense up and SHE stopped.<br /><br />"What are you doin'?" Meta Knight asked.<br /><br />"Uh--" Idok pushed himself off Meta Knight and felt HER face flush. <br /><br />"Don't stop there," said the bigger dog, picking himself up and slowly walked towards the younger dog. He licked the side of Idok's muzzle. Meta Knight just kept walking towards Idok until he softly layed himself on the ground to let Meta Knight stand over her. Idok wanted it to last forever.<br /><br />"Idok!"<br /><br />SHE looked towards the door where he heard his name called from, and seen a familiar brown hybrid standing under the doorframe, his eyes wide with fear.<br /><br />Panic rushed it's way through Idok. He would never be able to explain the truth behind this one. What was his father going to think of him now? He was going to be banished for sure.<br /><br />Bulbo sprinted towards the two, his teeth bared and his eyes rimming with anger. He snarled and tackled Meta Knight from Idok and stood over Idok with his fur bristling. Meta Knight caught his ground and just stared at Bulbo, surprised.<br /><br />Idok opened one eye to see HER father standing over him. But he wasn't snarling at her, he was...protecting her? From...? Idok looked to the side and seen Meta Knight standing there with his father growling at him.<br /><br />"You disgust me!" Bulbo shouted. "What nerve have you for raping Idok?"<br /><br />Rape? Is that what Bulbo thought Meta Knight was doing to Idok? Meta Knight looked at Idok desperately, unsure of what to do. But neither of them had to do anything. Bulbo just glared at him, angry at the thought that this brute would rape jfkhgdgfdl.<br /><br />"You better get out of here, before I rip your throat out." Bulbo threatened. Idok was taken aback. The wolf was really emerging from HER father. SHE had never seen him act like this before. Meta Knight looked at Idok's shaken form. He knew it was best not to get his friend wrapped up in this, so he just ran out of the boiler room alone.<br /><br />Bulbo sighed. "Are you ok, son? Did he hurt you?"<br /><br />"No...Dad," Idok sighed as well. At least SHE was off the hook. But what about Meta Knight? SHE stared out the door, wondering if he should chase after him. But then Dustbunny and the others poured into the room.<br /><br />"What's going on!" Dustbunny asked.<br /><br />"Yeah, I just seen Meta Knight run right by us!" Spot said, looking around. "Is everything ok?"<br /><br />"Everything's fine." Bulbo stated, looking back at Idok, looking for reassurance that SHE was ok. Idok just looked at him with the same startled look on HER face and said nothing. Bulbo nodded, still unsure, and exited the boiler room. Idok knew why HER father didn't say anything. He didn't want anyone to know. And Idok was just fine with that. No one had to know anything.<br /><br />"Hey, Idok, you ok?" asked Dustbunny, approaching him from the side. "You look like you've seen a ghost."<br /><br />"I'm fine, Dustbunny," Idok said softly, not taking HER eyes off the door. "Fine..." SHE needed to go find Meta Knight and talk to him. SHE needed to set things straight now. SHE couldn't wait to get things done. SHE stood up. "I'll be right back, guys." And SHE dashed through the door in Meta Knight's direction. SHE used HER nose to find him. It wouldn't take HER long because Idok could run on Meta Knight's alluring scent for ages. SHE hoped to find him before morning.<br /><br />Within about an hour of looking in and out of the alleys of Nome, Idok found who SHE was looking for on the outskirts of the town opposite HER father's boat. Idok could see Meta Knight's silhouette in the full moon that was peeking over the top of the hill he was sitting. Idok swiftly made his way up the hill and came behind Meta Knight. SHE was looking into the mountains, not really paying Idok any mind. He sighed heavily.<br /><br />"Your Dad's gonna kill me," said Meta Knight. "He thinks I was... He's not going to be happy when he finds out what was really going on."<br /><br />"I know," Idok said, looking up at the moon. "He doesn't need to find out. I mean...It's nobody's business."<br /><br />"We can't live a lie, you know that." Meta Knight scoffed. "I can't lie, I'm a terrible liar."<br /><br />"Heh, I know," Idok chuckled. "But we'll figure something out." Idok leaned in to snuggle with Meta Knight, but he stood up and stepped away.<br /><br />"Don't," Meta Knight said. "We can't...I...I feel like I'm influencing you."<br /><br />"So?"<br /><br />"I don't want to lead you down this path, it's," Meta Knight snorted. "It's just wrong!"<br /><br />Idok took the word "wrong" in consideration. SHE had made mistakes before, but SHE always atoned for them. Why should this be any different? HER family and friends would accept their decision. Otherwise, they wouldn't even be their friends in the first place! It would just be another lesson to learn and live.<br /><br />"Wrong?" Idok snuffed. "You always tell me what's right and what's wrong. You're not always right, you know."<br /><br />"I'm right this time!" Meta Knight growled. "We're going to regret everything we ever do."<br /><br />"I'm not," Idok stated. "I've never regretted anything. And I'm not about to start." SHE nuzzled Meta Knight under his chin.<br /><br />"We're gonna get in trouble." Meta Knight said matter of factly, accepting the nuzzle.<br /><br />"It's ok." Idok said. "We're not going to tell anyone."<br /><br />"Is that a promise?"<br /><br />"It's a promise."<br /><br />The two of them sat on the hill for about another hour until they decided to head back to the boiler room to rest up for the next day's mail run. By the time they entered the door, everyone inside was asleep. Meta Knight slept on the side of the room opposite Idok, but both of them dreamed of the other repeatedly, smiles forming on them both.<br /><br />Even with their lack of sleep, they were more energetic than ever. The rest of the team couldn't understand their energy. To them it seemed impossible, because they were dead-tired. One Meta Knight and Idok were hooked up, they fought each other playfully, tugging at each other as if they were pups.<br /><br />Dustbunny yawned and shook its head in irritation to their constant joking and laughter. They payed it no attention and continued in their play.<br /><br />"Meta Knight! Idok! Straighten up!" Mr. Simpson called from the back. They stopped. The man gave the command to run and they took off quickly. Meta Knight and Idok wanted to get back as soon as possible so that they could have some alone time.<br /><br />"Meta Knight!" called Spot. "For the last time, stop pulling me! I can't keep up!"<br /><br />"You're gonna have to, Spotie-boy!" Meta Knight laughed.<br /><br />For the first time ever, the mail dogs were early to their destination and back to Nome. The dogs stood before the mail carrier, the town before them as Jenana sat with Bulbo, Jenana closely snuggled up to him as Bulbo's eyes blazed. Idok could have sworn that who stood before HER was not HER father...but Badguy. The sled slid to a stop and Idok felt as if it was just SHE and HER parents. As SHE was unhooked from the harness, which felt oddly heavy, SHE took a step forward, the snow crunching beneath HER paws.<br /><br />"Dad," Idok started.<br /><br />Bulbo snapped, "He'll be banished, Idok, just like he should be. No dog should have to undergo such a--an atrocity!"<br /><br />Idok jumped forward, "He didn't do it, Dad!" Jenana's eyes widened and all the dogs stood, flicking their ears forward, the world's eyes on Idok, "I went along willingly."<br /><br />Bulbo sank back down and his ears layed back at a loss for words. "Meta Knight didn't rape you..."<br /><br />Idok swallowed, "No, Dad...he didn't."<br /><br />"Oh Idok..." Jenana whispered. SHE stood up and started towards Idok. Idok lowered HER head a bit. SHE knew that HER father had told her. SHE felt terrible about making her worry about HER. But at the moment, SHE seemed more relieved than anything. Idok glanced at HER father and wished SHE could say the same for him.<br /><br />Bulbo shook his head and walked away with the most disappointed look displayed on his face. Some dogs watched him leave the scene, but more were looking at Idok. Jenana looked confused, looking back and fourth from her mate to her child. SHE decided to go after Bulbo.<br /><br />Idok sighed. SHE felt a great sense of relief for stating what really went on...but now SHE felt worried about what would happen to him and Meta Knight. And also would HER own father hate HER for this? SHE felt many eyes digging into HER and it was not helping the situation. SHE viciously whipped HER head back and glared at everyone.<br /><br />"What are all of you looking at?!" Idok snarled. The mail dogs slowly scattered away from the area, leaving only HER and Meta Knight. Idok didn't look at him.<br /><br />"Well, it's only a matter of time, now," Meta Knight said sourly.<br /><br />"What is?" Idok asked, quietly.<br /><br />"That our lives are gonna be a living hell."<br /><br />"We'll be fine," Idok said. "All I've gotta do is patch things up with my Dad, then things'll look up again."<br /><br />"Right..." Meta Knight snorted.<br /><br />"I'll see you soon." Idok departed in the direction HER father went, which was towards the wrecked boat. Along the way, SHE seen HER mother, walking alone. SHE stopped in mid-trot and approached HER cautiously, with HER head lowered and HER tail in between HER legs. "Mom?"<br /><br />Startled, Jenana looked up and gasped. "Idok." SHE ran up to HER and nuzzled HER. "I'm so glad you're ok."<br /><br />Idok was confused. Why was SHE glad to see her? This was very unexpected. "You mean...you're not mad about...me and Meta Knight?"<br /><br />SHE stepped back to look at her. "Well...right now...I can't say I'm proud...But I'm just happy nothing bad happened to you." SHE nuzzled HER again. <br /><br />"Is Dad ok?"<br /><br />Idok felt HER mother shake her head. "I don't know...you might want to wait for him to cool off first."<br /><br />"I can't wait that long." And Idok sprinted to HER father's boat.<br /><br />Meta Knight wandered the streets alone, feeling like he belonged no where without Idok. He was too afraid to go to the boiler room...too tired to travel all the way to the beach. He felt that he should have gone with Idok to talk to HER father. They were, after all, in this situation together, and they should make things right together. Meta Knight decided talking to Bulbo was the right thing and started headed towards his boat.<br /><br />"Hello, Meta."<br /><br />Meta Knight whipped his head behind him to see the mocking Hank standing there in the alleyway. "What do you want?" Meta Knight asked.<br /><br />"Shut up, you!" Hank spat, throwing insults at Meta Knight left and right. <br /><br />Kano appeared in front of Meta Knight. "There's a reason dogs like you keep their mouths shut," Kano bared his teeth. Meta Knight did the same.<br /><br />Idok made it to HER father's boat. SHE sniffed around trying to find her. HER father was perched on the bow of the boat, staring into nothing.<br /><br />"Dad?" Idok said, softly. "Look...uh...Dad...I'm sorry."<br /><br />Bulbo stayed silent for a moment. "For what?"<br /><br />Idok knew what HER father wanted HER to apologize for, but that was one thing SHE wasn't going even think about saying to anyone. "I'm sorry for lying to you...and having you and Mom worried."<br /><br />Bulbo faced Idok, his eyes fiery with anger. "Is that all?"<br /><br />Idok frowned. If HER dad wanted to butt heads about HER apologies, then so be it. SHE couldn't possibly make things any worse. "Yes, that's it."<br /><br />"You're gonna say nothing about the--the things you've done? No apology for that, either?"<br /><br />"Look, Dad, it took me alot of guts to face you today!" Idok growled. "You can't count on me being everything you want me to be! Why can't you accept me anymore? I'm the same!"<br /><br />"You're not!" Bulbo shouted. "I didn't ask for the truth! You should not have let guilt taken you over! You should have just remained quiet!"<br /><br />Idok had it. SHE was tired of being told what to do and what not to do. SHE had HER own mind. But for a moment, SHE didn't use it and tackled HER father out of the boat and the two barrled to the ground. They landed roughly onto the snow and wrestled clumsily until a deep cry echoed through their grunts of frustration. They both stopped what they were doing and looked into the direction of the wail. Idok struggled to get up from HER position and ran towards the cry's source.<br /><br />"Oh, god, please," Idok whispered, running frantically through Nome. SHE turned a corner and the bloody sight made Idok's control rapidly begone. Meta Knight lay on the ground motionless with crimson staining his raggy light brown fur. And standing over him were two dogs once thought to be a part of his family.<br /><br />A startled Hank and Kano turned their head in Idok's standpoint. Blood dripped from their mouths, tainting the snow beneath them. Idok's eyes widened and all of the fur on HER body bristled in outrage. Idok lunged at the dog nearest her, Kano and ripped at his throat, drawing blood. Kano cried out loud and pulled away. Hank went to attack Idok, but Bulbo pushed Idok out of the way from behind and tackled Hank to the ground, biting him.<br /><br />"Get out of here!" Bulbo roared, chasing the two tinged dogs away from the alley. He turned around to see Idok staring down at HER friend's dead body. Idok's eyes were large and were becoming misty with tears. Idok broke down and howled mournful cries through the air. Hearing HER cry nearly brought Bulbo to tears himself. But he kept strong and comforted his grieving child.<br /><br />Months passed after Meta Knight's death and ever since, Idok felt grief unlike ever before. Every day SHE couldn't help but think that SHE was the cause of Meta Knight's death. And ever since, Idok's life was never the same. SHE was still taunted by others who weren't HER close friends. They threw insults and spat on HER at every opportune moment. And there was nothing SHE could do about them... Dustbunny and Spot still comforted HER in any way they could. But they weren't there for him all the time. And the wounds, even the greatest of doctors could tend to, would still be there. Maybe HER father was right all along... <br /><br />"I suppose secrets should always remain buried," SHE sat on the edge of town on the cold Alaskan night. Tundra snow barrelling down. The town of Nome wasn't always like this. Happier times had been seen: Bulbo's great feat, a miracle which had saved the town; the birth of his children. But this? No...never. But it had happened, to them. It could have happened to anyone...but they were chosen and now the burdens had been endured and because of one night of truth, an entire story had unfolded and ended in this? <br />