Pirate and Shasta were enjoying a wonderful walk by the beach. They listened to the waves lapping the sand and the breeze playing around. Shasta smiled. "Hey Pirate…"
He turned his head to face her. "Yes Shasta?" Her smile told him whatever it was it had to be good. His tail started to wag.
"I haven’t even told you and you’re wagging your tail already!"
"Your smile brightens my world." Pirate smiled and Shasta lightly blushed.
"My family is unable to keep me any more." Pirate turned his expression to sad. "But Avalanche’s family is taking me in because you know…the families are related and ah the little one begged his parents for me to stay."
Pirate was the happiest dog at that moment. His tail wagged like the speed of the Shelby GT. His smile wide with his tongue sticking out. His blue eyes locked on her. "So you’re staying in Nome?" Shasta nodded.
"Yes!" Pirate became a puppy. Hopping all around with some excited barking.
"Pirate I’ve never seen you like this!" Shasta watched him, wide eyed. Pirate broke out laughing.
"Oh I’m so happy you’re staying!" Pirate came to a stop but his tail still wagged. "What are we waiting for? Let’s tell the rest of the gang!"
Shasta barked happily before the two started toward Nome with high spirits.
Pirate barged into the shed with Shasta close behind. "Jeez Pirate! You nearly tore down the place!" Ralph exclaimed.
"And I have a good reason too." Pirate replied. Avalanche chuckled.
"Oh he found out about Shasta staying." The gray husky spoke up.
"Really?" Kirby lifted his head. Shasta nodded her head yes.
"That’s great news!" Dusty said as she leapt down from her high place. Dusty and Shasta had a good friendship. They nearly were like sisters.
"I do agree." A voice from the back piped up.
"Oh hello Matt." Pirate sunk his head. Here came Matt to rain on his parade. Matt even got more annoying after him and the team saved Ashley.
Matt trotted up next to Shasta and brushed his shoulder against Shasta’s side. Shasta growled. "So that way I can watch your pretty figure even more." Matt grinned.
"Shut it Matt." Ralph growled.
"I would watch it chubby!" Matt growled back and stuck his muzzle in Ralph’s face.
"We don’t need a fight this early in the morning." Pirate snapped. Matt snorted before backing away.
"Tracker’s right." And as Matt started to walk outside he whispered to Shasta. "See you around pretty gal."
Right when he was out of range Shasta growled. "Who does he think he is?"
"A high class dog." Kirby answered.
"I’m going to fix that…" Shasta muttered.
"Hey let’s not let Matt take us down." Kodi piped up. Pirate nodded.
"Let’s take a walk around town. I heard someone from Montana was coming up for a moose trip. He has to have a dog with him." Avalanche spoke.
***
Pirate, Shasta, and the team strolled down the main street of Nome. Suddenly, a roar bellowed from the sky. "Well I guess Avalanche was right." Ralph spoke. Avalanche simply smirked.
As the plane landed on the outskirts of town some people looked to the plane before going back to their business. A broad shouldered man with a goatee peered out into the sunlight before stepping down. He picked up two bags, and shouldered the rifle bag. He whistled and a black/white husky hopped out. Her tail wagged as her owner patted her head.
"Come on girl." His gruff voice sounded soft as he spoke to his loyal dog. The husky barked then followed at her master’s side as they made their way to the local café. "Stay here Kiska." The man spoke again before walking inside to grab a bite to eat.
Avalanche sprung onto the sidewalk. The husky looked at her. "Oh hello." She smiled and wagged her tail. Avalanche returned the smile. The others joined the greeting.
"I’m Kiska. Who are you?" While everyone introduced himself or herself, Kirby was frozen. He hadn’t seen a husky as beautiful as her. She was smaller than he was but she was well built and firm. He would have fainted if Shasta hadn’t nudged him in the ribs.
"And I’m Kirby."
Kiska smiled. "It’s really greet to meet the mail team as well as you two." She looked at Pirate and Shasta.
For some reason the scent of Kiska seemed familiar to Pirate but he didn’t think about it. "It’s also really cool to meet you too." Shasta spoke.
"I haven’t met a female husky that hunted moose." Ralph said. "Hey Pirate I bet you can track down moose."
Pirate raised his head and imitated a voice of some pro, "Give me a scent and I can track it." Everyone broke out laughing.
"My owner is a skilled hunter. He’s always looking for a challenge. And so do I. When you’re hunting dangerous game, you’re always nervous but the rush of the chase that flows through your veins…is quite fantastic." Kiska spoke.
"Are you the only dog that he uses to hunt?" Kirby asked.
"Yes I am."
The little bell of the café rung as Kiska’s owner stepped out. Pirate barked. He knew this man. And he knew him well. "I see you’ve made some friends Kiska." He stooped down to kneel beside his dog. Kiska panted then licked the man’s hand.
"Pirate why are you so excited?" Shasta asked.
"I know him!"
The burly man patted each of the huskies’ heads. When he came to Pirate, Pirate reared on his back feet and planted his paws on the man’s chest. Kiska growled to warn him. "It’s okay Kiska. Wait a minute…Pirate is that you?"
Pirate barked. "Well it’s good to see you boy!" The man stroked the top of his head. "How about leading me home." Pirate barked again before he jumped down from his two-legged stand. "Come on Kiska."
"I’ll see you guys later." Pirate called out to his friends as he trotted away leading the man and Kiska toward his home.
***
Pirate and Kiska were playing outside. It turned out the man was Mr. Baker’s brother and so uncle to Ashley. Inside Ashley was telling her uncle how Pirate saved her even though he got the letter.
"I can’t believe you nearly risked your life to save her!"
Pirate looked at Kiska with a concerned look. "Wouldn’t you go find someone you loved as well and risk your very life?" Kiska became quiet.
"Yes…yes I would risk my life." Pirate nodded and Kiska smiled.
"Good…we’re on the same page." Kiska chuckled at Pirate’s response.
"How do you like Nome?" Kiska was going to change the subject.
"I like it well enough. Kinda nice to get out of the crowded city." Pirate smiled and Kiska chuckled.
"You lived on the outskirts of town!"
Pirate gave a sheepish grin. "Still…"
Kiska smiled. "That one dog Kirby…is he a friend of yours?" Pirate looked at Kiska like a teacher peering over her glasses.
"He is a good friend of mine. As so is Ralph, Avalanche, Kodi, Dusty, and Shasta." Suddenly his mind was wandering over the very image of Shasta in his brain.
"Uh…Pirate?" Kiska looked at the red husky. Pirate didn’t respond. Kiska blew into Pirate’s ear. He flicked it and shook his head a bit.
"What?"
"You have a bit of drool hanging from your mouth."
Pirate spat and Kiska laughed. "Got a girl on your mind?"
"Oh shut up!"
***
The next day Pirate was showing Kiska around town. Even though she would only be there for a week, Kiska was curious about Nome. That morning she met Mel, Dipsy, and even Jenna. "So what now?" Kiska asked.
"Well I don’t…" He paused for a second. "There is someone I want you to meet!" Pirate wagged his tail before sprinting off with the black and white husky at his side.
Meanwhile, a brown husky was watching them from afar. He chuckled deeply. "I wonder who this is…" Matt snickered.
Pirate rounded the bend and nearly knocked into Star. "I’m sorry Star. I didn’t mean to run you over."
"Oh Pirate! It’s good to see you and don’t worry about it. Oh hello! You are?" Star looked toward Kiska.
"I’m Kiska." Kiska smiled and Star gave a lopsided grin. "Is Kaltag home?" Star looked a Pirate. "Yes he’s home. Sunning himself on the porch." "Thank you. Come on Kiska." Pirate took to a steady trot with Kiska behind him. As he neared the home of his father, he slowed to a walk. "So who is Kaltag?" Kiska could feel curiosity yanking her leash. "Oh he’s my dad." Kiska nodded to show she understood. As they came closer, Kaltag could hear them and so he awoke from his doze. "Hello Pirate!" Kaltag rose to his feet and stretched to loosen his muscles up. "Dad I want you to meet Kiska. She belongs to Ashley’s uncle who is staying at my house for a week." Kaltag nodded. "It’s nice to meet you Kiska." "The same to you Kaltag." Kiska bowed her head. "So you up for just a visit or what?" Kaltag asked as he sat. Pirate and Kiska did the same. "Actually, up here on a hunting trip. My owner likes to hunt moose once in a while." Kaltag’s eyes widen. "Moose? Isn’t it a bit dangerous to hunt moose for such a pretty, little thing like you?" Kiska smiled a bit. "That’s what everyone says. But it’s quite exciting." Kaltag chuckled. "So how is everyone today?" "I’m doing good." Kiska replied. "Fine here." Pirate answered. Kaltag smiled as he looked at his son. He still couldn’t believe the handsome husky was his offspring. "Kaltag!" Kaltag looked in the direction of the front door. The door opened to reveal his master. "Hello Pirate!" Kaltag’s owner knelt and Pirate went up to him. He started to pet the red husky and Kaltag joined in to, for some of his own petting. "Oh I wouldn’t forget you old boy." Kaltag smiled and barked playfully. "Who are you?" He raised his hand to Kiska’s snout as so she could sniff it. She licked it. "Friendly one aren’t you." He rubbed behind her ears and Kiska gave a doggy grin. Kaltag’s owner chuckled. "Sorry to break up the meeting." The man rose to his feet. "But come on Kaltag’s it’s time for lunch." Kaltag nodded goodbye to the two younger huskies before slipping inside. "Your dad’s nice Pirate." Kiska spoke as they left the porch. "Yeah he’s pretty cool." "Wasn’t he on the team that Balto led to bring medicine back to the town?" She was curious as the name rung a bell. "Yes as a matter of fact, he was on the team." Pirate smiled. He was honored to be Kaltag’s son. Kiska barked as she hopped around a bit before settling down. Pirate chuckled. "Race you to my house for lunch." He grinned. "You’re on." Kiska smirked back. The two took off toward Pirate’s home. *** Kiska and Mr. Baker’s older brother left early the next morning. It was still dark when they left. Pirate prayed none of them would get hurt. When they left he went back to bed, as he never woke this early in the morning. Pirate yawned as he awoke again. He looked to where Ashley was laying. He was sleeping at the foot of her bed. Ashley was still sleeping. Pirate crawled slowly to her and licked under he chin. "Good morning Pirate." She yawned. His tail wagged as he grinned. Ashley giggled before giving him a hug. "I think I smell pancakes!" Ashley bolted out of bed and Pirate leapt down off of the bed and followed her downstairs.
Once his breakfast was finished he headed outside. It would still be a while before Kiska or the mail team would be home. As he walked through main street, some of the females stopped and watched the handsome husky. He just gave them a gentleman smile before heading on his way. Sure he was a bachelor, but only Shasta was on his mind. Just the thought of Shasta made uproar in his mind. She would be home. Pirate dashed for Shasta’s house through the alleyways. He was coming through the back way. A hole in the wooden fence was big enough where he could see some of the backyard. He looked through his peephole and saw Shasta just finishing her breakfast. Good he wouldn’t be disturbing her. A furious Shasta was worse than a rampaging moose or so he thought personally. Pirate hopped on two trashcans as quietly as he could before hopping onto the fence top. As he tried to balance, Shasta looked up and chuckled. "Morning Pirate." Shasta smiled. Pirate smiled weakly. His tail was straight in the air and his back hunched as he tried to balance. He looked like one of those black cats on Halloween cards while they’re hissing. He then lost his balance and came crashing down to earth. Shasta sprinted over to the red husky. "Are you okay?" Pirate looked up with a grin before standing and shaking his coat. "Now I know why dogs aren’t built like cats." Shasta giggled as she gave him a friendly nuzzle. "So how are you this fine day?" "Fine and you? Shasta gave a small smile. "Okay. How’s Kiska?" "Doing good. She met my Dad yesterday and this morning is hunting moose." Shasta nodded. "Do you know when they will be back?" Pirate shrugged his shoulders. Shasta smiled. "Come on. Let’s go say hi to Mel." Pirate nodded and followed the yellow/white husky. Few hours later, Kiska was back. As her owner was down at the store getting more supplies she slipped out to the Team Shed. Kiska was a bit tired and was proud of herself of bringing down a bull moose. The bull was an elder and was easier than being young. But that didn’t take the danger out. While it was swinging his head around, she was dancing around it. Nipping at whatever spot was free and her owner delivered the death shot. It was a wonderful day. "Hello?" Kiska trotted into the empty shed. "Must not be back yet." She thought to herself. "Well hello." Kiska wheeled around to face a brown husky. He walked sure of himself up to her and started to circle her. Kiska growled and followed his every move with her blue eyes. Her head was a bit low but she was ready for any attack. "Sorry to spook you." The brown husky settled down to a relax stand. "It’s okay." Kiska relaxed. "I’m Matt and you are?" The brown husky locked her in with his eyes. She could sense the longing and didn’t like it. He was between her and the door. Not good. "I’m Kiska. How come I haven’t seen you around?" As always, curious about new things. "You haven’t looked hard enough." He grinned and a shiver went up her spine. "I found out you hunt moose. Is this true?" Kiska nodded and Matt smiled again. "So what do you get from the hunt?" Kiska thought for a minute to found out the best way to say it. "What I get from the hunt…" She stood and circled him a few times to watch his expressions. "Is experience and the thrill." She smirked. Kirby and Kodi were racing to the shed. Dusty and Ralph were just walking behind to watch the two. As the two neared the door, they heard Matt and Kiska talking. Kodi slid to a stop and Kirby nearly ran into him. "Is that Kiska? What is she doing with Matt?" Kodi asked. Kirby just growled. "I’m sure Pirate won’t like it." Just then Dusty and Ralph came up. "What’s going on?" Ralph asked. "Go and get Pirate." Kirby snapped flatly. Ralph nodded and set off. "Over here. We can watch them without being seen." Dusty pointed to some crates that were in front of the open door. "The problem is to get over there." Kirby spoke. Dusty’s ears went to the side. Kodi took a glance in the door. "Matt’s back’s against the door. He’s blocking Kiska’s view." Kirby nodded and lowered himself to the ground and sunk behind a few of the crates. Dusty and Kodi followed. Back at Pirate’s home. Pirate was listening to his humans while they ate. The subject turned to Kiska. "Where did you get Kiska?" Mrs. Baker asked. The uncle looked up from his hearty bowl of chili. "Actually I didn’t buy her. Her mother, I bred to a champion dog. The mother died during birth so did most of her pups. Only Kiska was strong." Pirate looked at the uncle. "Wait a minute…" "Yep Pirate and Kiska have the same mother." Ashley gasped. "So they’re brother and sister?" Pirate’s bottom jaw dropped. "No way! Kiska my sister?" Pirate looked at the uncle as if he was crazy. "Half siblings." Her father corrected her. Suddenly, there was scratching at the door that woke Pirate from his thoughts. Pirate rose to his feet and went to the front door. Ashley bounced behind him. "Hey Ralph!" Ashley said as she opened the door. "Here’s Pirate." Pirate slipped outside and realized Ralph’s frantic look. "What is it?" Pirate asked. "It’s Kiska!" Ralph answered breathlessly. Pirate growled. "Where!" "The shed." That’s all Pirate needed to know and he was off like a rocket. If there was trouble involving his sister, he’d be there. ***
"What is taking Ralph so long?" Kodi growled. Dusty shot him a hard look. Kirby was getting restless. Kiska and Matt have been talking about their life. Matt didn’t tell her how much he disliked Pirate. He didn’t want to upset her.
"So seeing anyone?" Matt asked. Kiska nearly choked. She didn’t want to get this far.
"No I’m not seeing anyone." Kiska answered truthfully.
"Interested in anyone?"
Hell yeah she was interested in someone. And that someone was not Matt. "One dog has caught my eye." Matt thought that would be him. He became aroused.
"So sweetheart…what do you think?" He stood from lying down. Kiska was still down. She didn’t like where this was going.
"Excuse me?" Kiska hoped to hold him off for a bit. Sure she dealt with moose and other large game but she was small. And Matt was big in muscle.
Matt moved behind her. Kiska jumped to a stand but Matt planted a paw on her tail. She yelped and fell. Before she could stand or try to stand again, Matt tackled her. Kiska growled and bit down on his leg hard. He let out a howl. Kirby wasn’t going to take it anymore. He barged through the empty crates and into the shed. "Kirby?" Kiska was relieved to see him there.
"What the hell are you doing here?" Matt growled as he turned to face Kirby.
"Saving a damsel in distress." Kiska smiled at Kirby.
Matt laughed. "You can try Kirby but you know you can’t win." Kirby’s ears laid flat back and he growled deep.
Kiska wasn’t going to waste a moment. She reared up and her jaws clamped onto Matt’s tail. He yelped and wheeled around. There was Kirby’s chance. Kirby charged forward and tackled Matt. Matt collided into the wall and stumbled to the ground. "Get behind me Kiska!" Kirby yelled.
"No! I want to help!" Kirby growled slightly at Kiska.
"Why do you have to be so stubborn?" Before he could get the answer, Matt smashed into him. The two brawling huskies tumbled to the wooden floor.
"Enough!"
Matt and Kirby looked up. Pirate was standing in the doorway with Ralph, Dusty, and Kodi behind him. "Stay out of this Pirate!" Matt snarled. Pirate walked in.
"I have every reason to be here." Pirate spoke quietly. Suddenly, Avalanche appeared. She was out of breath as she had been running.
"What’s going on?" She asked Dusty. Dusty gave her teammate the low down. "Oh…" Avalanche replied.
"Oh yeah what’s your reason?" Matt growled. He was getting fed up.
"You don’t need to know." Pirate stood between Kirby and Matt. Kiska approached Kirby and nudged him gently with her nose. Kirby looked into her light blue eyes.
"You alright?" He whispered to her.
"I’m fine thanks to you." Kiska smiled and so did Kirby. Matt growled and Pirate warned him with his own growl.
"I thought..." Matt started. But Kiska stepped forward. If flames could be sprouting from her eyes, they would have.
"That I loved you? No I couldn’t love you! Because my heart was taken and also not really into the impatient kind." She glared at him.
"Who's your crush?" Matt asked. Kiska smiled, spun around gracefully and licked Kirby’s cheek. Kirby blushed deep red. He never would have thought that a beauty would fall for him. "You got to be yanking my leash!" Matt exclaimed.
Pirate chuckled. "I’d rather have Kirby and my sister together than you." It was now everyone else’s turn to be surprise. "Wait a minute…" Matt was trying to figure it out. "Kiska your sister?" Kiska was also in shock. "How can this be?" She approached him with her bottom jaw dropped. "Our mother was the same mother. She looked like me only with one black ear. Am I right?" Pirate grinned. "Oh me Sirius." Avalanche spoke. "Your right." Kiska smiled and nuzzled Pirate in a sister way. Matt growled and sulked outside back to his home. While everyone was talking about what had happened, Kiska and Kirby were sitting outside in the dim light of evening. "Hey Kirby thanks for saving me." Kiska spoke gently. "It was no problem." Kirby replied. "Hey Kiska…" Kiska looked at him. "Do you really like me?" Kiska smiled. "Of course I do. Kirby I love you." Kiska nuzzled him warmly. "Really? Cuz like the first time I saw you I thought I was going to melt!" Kirby could feel an electricity flow through him. He never felt anything like it. Kiska chuckled. "Oh Kirby." Kiska and Kirby touched noses. Pirate came outside and cleared his throat. Kirby and Kiska blushed crimson. "Come on let’s go home." Pirate spoke calmly. "Good night Kirby." Kiska turned to follow her older brother. Pirate stopped. "Kirby aren’t you coming?" Kirby looked back up. His tail started to wag then he trotted up to them. Kiska smiled at her brother. "I’m sure they want to meet the real hero." Kirby gave a sheepish grin. *** "Pirate! Kiska! Kirby?" Ashley exclaimed as she opened the door. Mr. Baker and his brother looked up to the door to see the trio of huskies. "There you are Kiska girl!" The uncle opened his arms as he knelt to the ground. Kiska barked happily and reared on her back feet to lick her master’s face. Ashley hugged Pirate and Kirby stood by the door lonely. But he wasn’t for long. Kiska walked to him and led him back to her owner. "Who are you?" The uncle patted Kirby’s head and rubbed his ears. Kirby smiled. "That’s Kirby. He’s a purebred husky that’s one of the lead dogs on the mail team." Ashley answered. Her uncle nodded as he stroked the tan, burly husky all over. "Kirby is Kiska your girlfriend?" Ashley asked. Mr. Baker chuckled. Kirby barked in response and his tail wagged. "I’ll take that as a yes." The uncle chuckled. "Hey Pirate don’t be surprised if you’re an uncle to." Laughter went up. *** Pirate was waiting for the mail team to get back. As he laid his head down he sighed. "Hey there!" Pirate looked up to see Kiska and Shasta coming toward him. "Well hello." He replied smoothly as the two joined him. "When did you get back Kiska?" "Just a short time ago. I headed over to Shasta to see if you were there." Shasta nodded and Pirate smiled. "The team will be in anytime soon. So how was your last hunt of the week?" Kiska was going to be heading home the next morning back to Montana. Kirby hated the fact that she lived so far away. "We found a few deer but didn’t shoot. Some squirrels and rabbits. But no moose. But hey we were lucky to get that huge bull moose!" Pirate chuckled. Suddenly the smell of the team reached his snout. "Here they come into town." Pirate spoke. Kiska looked to where the team always came in. Shasta just waited patiently next to Pirate, which was like torture for him! They were able to see the team. Kiska’s tail started to wag as she spotted Kirby. Pirate chuckled at his little sister. As soon as the team was to a halt, Kiska hopped down from the sidewalk and nuzzled Kirby. Kirby smiled as he panted. Kiska giggled. The huskies were let loose of their harnesses. "What do you want to do?" Ralph asked. "Calm down Ralph! All I know is I need a nap. I didn’t get enough sleep last night." Dusty spoke then yawned as if to prove it. "That was why you were a bit cranky." Avalanche chuckled. "Kiska and I are going to take a walk down by the beach." Kirby said. Kiska smiled and ignored the oh and awws. "Come on let’s go." Kirby said to Kiska. So they started down to the beach at a playful run. Ralph and Kodi headed for the Team Shed. Dusty went to her home for her needed nap. "What do we do now?" Avalanche asked. "Tug o war at my place?" Pirate asked. Shasta smiled. "Sure." Pirate led the way with Shasta on his right and Avalanche on his left. *** "I hate it that I probably won’t see you again." Kirby whimpered and Kiska nuzzled him to comfort him. "We’ll see each other again and even before you know it." Kiska spoke softly. Kirby smiled weakly. "Remember this Kirby…or these two things…when the sun shines we shine together and I’ll always love you." Kirby smiled and nuzzled her. Kiska licked his cheek. For some reason he was feeling feisty. So a match of roughhouse began between the two. As it turned to evening, Kiska asked if Kirby would stay over night. He agreed to that. Once they entered Pirate’s home, Ashley hugged each of the dogs good night before going upstairs with Pirate. Kirby and Kiska curled up in front of the crackling fire. The uncle headed to the guest bedroom upstairs. Mr. Baker turned off the lights in the house and made sure the fire would be okay for the night before joining Mrs. Baker in their bedroom for sleep. Kirby still couldn’t settle down. He needed to get outside or do something. "Kirby what is wrong?" Kiska asked. "Nothing just getting love sick." He smiled and nuzzled his love. Kiska licked his snout then got up and walked to the kitchen. Kirby followed her with his eyes then decided to go after her. As he looked around the kitchen he didn’t see her. "Where did she go?" Psst! Kirby looked around and heard it again. It led to the back room where the laundry was done and also had the back door. Once he entered the room, Kiska tackled him to the ground. "What the heck?" He asked in a whisper. Kiska closed the door with one of her hind feet. *** "Goodbye Kirby. I love you and I’ll miss you." Kiska said to him. She nuzzled him before she hopped onto the plane and her owner shut the door behind her. Kiska appeared in the window with a sad face. Kirby was lonely again and as the plane took off, he watched it until it disappeared from his sight. "It’s okay Kirby." Pirate said to comfort his friend. "I loved your sister." Kirby said softly. Pirate nodded. "You’ll see her again I bet." Pirate smiled. Pirate, Shasta, Avalanche, Kiska, and Matt-Jahara