SAM

By Andrew Heighway

“It’s funny how things turn in out in life. You often look back and wonder if things could have been different. Take my life for example... by the way my name is Sam. I’ve never had any place in the world and for good reason; I’m not the type that fits in a crowd for one thing. I get a lot things said about me, it’s not like I chose my family or anything... actually I never met my family... but I know what I am and you know what I don’t care.
I suppose it started when I was looking through a couple of garbage cans for some scraps to eat... when another dog approached me and let me tell you now that is really unusual. ‘Hey dad what are you doing?’ he said, when I turned around he apologised and walked away, he’d mistaken me for someone else... I mean how could he? This guy was quite young, reddish fur and part of the Mail run between Nome and White Mountain... I don’t venture into towns that often so I couldn’t understand how the little man servant could mistake me for someone... unless, I wasn’t alone I the world after all. So I waited and waited for the mail run to come back, and there the kid was now the leader of the group. I tracked them for days; right across the harsh Alaskan conditions... the snow was so annoying too. It’s a good job I used my hunting instincts to get food, the only good thing my mom ever gave me.
So here I was, in a little town called Nome. Charming little place in an absolutely no where else to go sort of way, in my opinion. I was sticking to the shadows following the kid, I was wondering if this was even worth it, it seemed a little sad to be following some guy I don’t even know because he mistake me for somebody else... actually no... Not just somebody else, his Father. Ahhh Father, who are you? Anyways... I followed him to a boat that was wrecked on the frozen shore line just outside the town. Why would he go here? He seemed like the classy type, someone who has an adoptive family with a nice home.

But then... like clouds clearing for a sunny day... it was revealed...

...It was amazing, the guy he met looked almost like me, there where some differences but still. But was he the guy he mistook me for, I still wasn’t sure until he said that one beautiful word... ‘Dad’. How could this be? His son looked like a dog, which meant that his mother must have been a dog too... unbelievable. I never knew my Mom and Dad... I just assumed I was alone in this world and had nothing to call family... now that really is a whacky concept for me. But I couldn’t help, just one word came to mind when I saw this guy, just one... Brother?
I thought about it for days and finally decided to meet this guy, but I had to learn more about him first. So I listened to stories and rumours about him. I was impressed... but also a little bitter, he got the good deal and what did I get? Jack is what I got. But before I judged him for that I had to see him in person... but will he accept me?”

Kodiak was walking along the frozen shore line on a starry winter night, he was tired after the constant mail runs he had been doing over the last month or so. It was nearly Christmas for the townspeople of Nome so it was understandable how tired he was. As he was walking along he felt like he was being watched by someone, and it made him uneasy. He was looking along the icy beach to see if he could see someone, suddenly he heard a crumbling noise behind him and looked in the same direction... and saw nothing. He sighed and decided to resume his journey, only to bump straight into Steele who was standing right in front of him. Kodiak jumped out of his skin...

“Oh man! What are you trying to do Steele? Give me a heart attack?”

“I’m just protecting what’s mine” said Steele.

“And that would be ‘what’ exactly?” asked Kodiak.

“I’m protecting my stretch beach little red riding dog!”

“I’m not little! And since when do you own this part of the beach?”

“Since always... now get lost before I chew you up into...” he stopped as Kodiak started to giggle. “What! What’s so funny?!”

“You know, since you became crazy homeless dog you’re not half as intimidating as you used to be.”

“Don’t be ridiculous! I’m bad, I’m tough and...” Steele stopped again as Kodiak was now laughing out loud. “Stop it!” he shouted almost childlike.

Kodiak just began to walk away whilst still laughing. Steele just stood there shaking with annoyance and grinding his teeth. Kodiak disappeared over the frozen sand dune towards Balto’s boat. Steele then began to pace up and down the frozen sea shore.

“One of these days... one of these days... I’ll show them I’ll show them all, I’ll...” Steele stopped as he heard a cracking noise; he looked down... and fell through the ice. After a few moments he poked his head out of the water and said...

“I hate my life...”

Steele climbed out of the water and started to walk away completely drenched. Over on the frozen dunes was a dark figure in the shape of a dog watching what was going on. He just ignored Steele and then followed in the direction that Kodiak was heading.

The figure arrived at the boat and climbed onto the deck and was watching both Kodiak and Balto having a conversation.

“So how was the mail run son?” asked Balto.

“Exhausting, it would have gone a lot faster if Ralph would exercise in between runs.” Replied Kodiak.

“Is there something else?” asked Balto.

“Steele has started patrolling a section of beach, claiming it’s his... I think he’s losing his edge”

“Or his mind, assuming he had one to begin with.” Said Balto. “Do you want me to get rid of him?” he continued.

“Nah... He’s not scary... just annoying. He really used to give you a hard time?”

“Yep that he did. Just because I’m half wolf. The guy really has no imagination; it’s all about looks to him.”

“Pity he didn’t work on his own, the guy looks a wreck.” Said Kodiak.

The figure then just walked away into the night, he had now found what he was looking for.

Meanwhile Steele was walking into to his new home... the garbage cans outside the butchers shop. He simply sat there wondering what the point of his existence was. To make things worse it was soon going to be Christmas... not his favourite time of year... it may have something to do with people other than him being happy. As he sat there, he heard a noise coming from the other end of the alley. At first he ignored it and wanted to get some sleep, but then he heard it again and decided to take a look.

“Is anyone there?” he asked.

There was no response, just another noise. Steele wasn’t amused by this and started to get annoyed.

“Okay, is this the part where I say ‘Who’s there?’ and something creepy happens?”

There was still no response, so he crept forward a few paces ready to kill who ever it was. But suddenly...

“Guess again!” shouted a voice.

Something started to charge at Steele and knocked him to the ground. Steele started to yell in agony and the sound of punching noises and impacts on trash cans. Unfortunately for Steele, not even the passers in a near by street cared what was going on.

The next morning Balto woke up after a good night’s sleep and saw Boris mopping the deck.

“I don’t know why you even do that.” Said Balto whilst yawning.

“It is called having pride with your home, you should try some cleaning yourself sometime.” Replied Boris.

“But does moving the dirt around the deck actually count as cleaning?”

“That’s funny; I ask myself that question when you go for a bath.”

Balto started to laugh sarcastically.

“You’re a real funny guy, you know that.” Balto started to walk away and said quietly “Herring breath.”

“I heard that!” shouted Boris.

Balto walked off the deck of the boat and saw that Dingo was waiting for him outside.

“Morning dad” he said with a silly grin on his face.

“Well you seem happy, which can only mean two things... you either finally had the nerve to ask Rose out on a date. Or you got a free lunch... and since I don’t see the remains of sausage meat around your face I’m guessing it’s the former than the latter.” Said Balto.

“That would be nice, but no. It’s something else and you’re gonna love it.”

“I’m intrigued so what is it?”

“Somebody beat up Steele in an alley last night, isn’t that cool?”

However Balto just stood there with no emotion on his face, he wasn’t pleased by this news at all.

“What’s the matter?” asked Dingo.

“That isn’t good news, it’s not tragic but it’s not good. Who did it?”

“Nobody knows, no one has owned up to it at any rate... You’re really not pleased by this?”

“Of course I’m not, I’m not exactly petty.”

“So why did you say it wasn’t tragic?”

“I’m not petty but I still don’t like the guy.”

Dingo just looked confused by the statement and simply carried on walking along the beach with his father.

As they where walking along they heard barking coming from the edge of the forest. Both of them decided to go and investigate, as they approached the area they saw Kodiak trying to fight off a wolf that had come near the town. Kodiak was knocked to the ground quickly, Balto then started to run straight at the wolf to chase it off... but then another ‘dog’ jumped onto the wolf before he could. Balto came to a halt; Dingo went over to Kodiak to help him up. The other dog was winning the fight with the wolf and managed to knock the wolf to the ground, the other dog turned to face Balto. He couldn’t believe it; it was like seeing a double, the only difference was the colour of the eyes. It was another wolf-dog...

“Hi, you’re Balto right?” said the Wolf-dog. The wolf then came back to attack the wolf-dog, but the wolf-dog again got the upper hand and continued with “I’m Sam, I guess that you and I are brother’s”

Balto just stood there with shock; he couldn’t believe what he was seeing. Sam as he called himself was doing a good job fighting off the wolf, the wolf then ran off back into the woods. Sam turned to Balto and walked right up close to him.

“I guess we have a lot to talk about.” Said Sam.

Dingo and Kodiak didn’t know what to think and Balto was still standing still. But somehow, Balto knew that this ‘Sam’ wasn’t lying.

Dingo and Kodiak where walking through town later that day, they where still in shock about what had happened. They didn’t know how to react to it. But Dingo’s first priority was to get his injured brother home.

“Are you sure you’re fine Kodi?” asked Dingo.

“For the third time yes, I’m fine. He caught me by surprise that’s all... I nearly...”

“Ended up getting your butt kicked, what where you doing near the woods anyway?”

“I was just walking, it’s weird I always take the route and this has never happened.” Said Kodiak.

“It’s just one of those things, if that... stranger wasn’t around dad would have saved you.” Replied Dingo

Kodiak stopped in front of Dingo.

“’Stranger’, that guy is our...”

“We don’t know who he is Kodi, for all we know he could some crazy stray” interrupted Dingo. “It’s best if we just leave it to dad okay, once it’s proved who he is then fine. I’ll welcome Uncle Sam with open arms.”

They continued to walk on back to Kodiak’s home.

“Heh, Uncle Sam... Do you get it?” said Kodiak. Dingo just looked blankly at Kodiak. “Well I thought it was funny” continued Kodiak.

Meanwhile Balto was back at his boat with Boris and Sam. Balto and Sam where sitting at opposite ends of the deck just looking at each other, however both of there expressions where blank. Boris was sat in between them both looking amazed at both of them. There was just a long awkward silence between them all, but Boris just couldn’t keep it up...

“So... erm... how are you liking Nome Sam?” said Boris who just had nothing sensible to ask.

Sam looked at Boris for a few seconds before replying.

“It’s okay, just a town you know.”

The awkward silence then resumed again, Boris knew that he had to leave them both alone now. So he just silently walked away. The Silence however was still continuing. Sam was the first to finally say something between them.

“That’s it... you’re just gonna stare at me.”

Balto still didn’t react right away. But after a few moments...

“I’m just trying to figure out something.” Said Balto.

“Figure out what?”

“Whether you’re a liar or just crazy... I know it has to be one of them.”

“Or there could be a third option, that I am who I say I am... you don’t know what this means to me Balto to finally...”

“Sorry” interrupted Balto. “I can’t do this, you better go. Thanks for... well just thanks.” Balto just walked away, but Sam went after him.

“Balto! Come on. You know I’m telling you the truth.”

“Alright! So you’re telling the truth... Where have you been? Do I have any other Brothers? Do I have Sisters? Can you even answer those questions? All I know is that I’ve been on my own most of my life, I thought I was alone... then you suddenly turn up and what? You expect me to welcome you with open arms.”

“To be honest, yes I did expect that. Because I’ve been alone all my life, just like you. If I’d known about you I would have been there with you... but I got separated from mom too when I was young.”

Balto walked closer to Sam and looked him straight in the eye.

“If you really knew mom... then what did she look like?” he asked.

“She had... she had a coat of white fur. I remember her eyes... and her voice... that warm caring voice that made you feel that everything was okay even when it wasn’t. If I am a liar as you claim, then how could I know this?” said Sam. But Balto didn’t react. “Well... I guess that’s that then.” Continued Sam. Sam then began to walk away.

Balto was about to just let him go, but something was telling him that he was his Brother and all what mattered was that he was here now and if he let him go he may never get another chance.

“Wait...” said Balto. Sam stopped and turned around to face Balto. “Do you... Do you wanna meet the rest of my family... our family?” continued Balto.

Sam just smiled and walked back over to Balto.

Dingo was waiting outside a house; he was looking at his reflection in the ice trying to tidy up his scruffy appearance. She then came out of the house, a beautiful Husky dog named ‘Rose’. She gracefully walked by Dingo...

“Good evening Dingo” she said.

Dingo’s jaw dropped slightly with a little drool trail hanging from the end, he then snapped out of it and walked after Rose.

“Hi...” he said in a high pitch tone, but coughed and put on a deeper masculine voice. “Hey Rose... how’s it going?”

“Just fine sweetie, how are you?” she replied.

“Well you know... I’m... good...” he replied. Realising how stupid he sounded he smacked his head. “So how are you?” he asked again.

“You’ve already asked me that once... tell me something, you don’t talk to girls that often do you?”

“What... of course I do... all the time in fact, ask anyone.”

“Hmm, and here I was thinking how special I am that I’m the first girl you’ve tried to ask out.”

Dingo was astonished... he kept thinking ‘How does she know?’

“Your Special! I mean... of course your special, don’t think otherwise.”

“So?” she said.

“So what?” he replied.

“Aren’t you gonna ask me out already? Or do I have to spell it out for you?”

Dingo was frozen, he didn’t know what do to.

“Okay...” she continued. “How about we meet up tomorrow night, on the shore line and take in the view.”

Dingo then started to shake, but was able to say one word...

“...yes...”

“Perfect, I’ll see you then.” She then kissed Dingo on the forehead. “You know, I could just eat you up.” She then gracefully walked away leaving Dingo still frozen on the spot.

Ralph then approached Dingo, he had seen everything.

“Was that?” asked Ralph.

“Yes” interrupted Dingo.

“And did you?” asked Ralph

“Not exactly, she asked me.”

“And did you say?”

“Of course I did... she said she was gonna eat me up... what do I do?” asked Dingo.

“I can’t help you there I’m afraid... you’re on your own.” Said Ralph who began to walk away.

Dingo was still frozen on the spot and it looked like he was going to be there for a good couple of hours.

“They seem like good kids” said Sam who was sitting back at the boat with Balto.

“They are. I’m proud of them all. I miss some of them like crazy, Saba... Aleu. I take you don’t have any...”

“No” interrupted Sam. “There hasn’t been anyone; I’m not exactly what girls want in a guy. Let’s just leave it at that. So where is this girl of yours?”

“She’s away with her adoptive family for Christmas, New York I think.”

“Must be lonely without the little woman. She you’re first love?”

“First true love? I suppose, if you believe in such a thing. But she isn’t the first girl I more than liked.... buts that’s another story.”

“No go on.” Insisted Sam.

“Her name was Jade, very pretty. I eventually asked her out, but she turned me down flat and with a lot of nasty name calling. I was new in town and you know... not her type what so ever.” Explained Balto.

“That must have hurt... still; she’s only a husky after all.”

Balto didn’t like how he said that statement.

“What the hell does that mean?” asked Balto.

“Just what it sounds.”

“Aren’t you forgetting that I’m in a relationship with one? Not to mention my kids?”

“Don’t worry about it, it’s not their fault.”

Balto was now starting to get annoyed; Sam just looked blankly at Balto like nothing was wrong.

“Not their fault?! Aren’t you forgetting about yourself?”

“Don’t remind me, it sickens me to think about it.”

“Do I sicken you? If I do then why are you here?”

“Man, what’s the big deal?”

“The ‘big’ deal is that you seem to think there’s something wrong with being part dog. You’re...”

“DON’T GIVE ME LECTURE BALTO! YOU’RE NOT MY FATHER!” He shouted.

Balto stood up and saw that Sam was in an attack position. But he then snapped out of it, and began to calm down.

“Sorry... I’m, sorry.” Said Sam, who had no exited the Boat leaving Balto looking confused about what had happened.

 Later that evening on the other side of Nome a female Husky dog was walking down the street and into an alley, she was holding a piece of butcher’s meat in her mouth. She was light brown and had green eyes; she was wearing a collar with the name ‘Jade’ engraved onto it. Suddenly a very bruised Steele stands right in front of her ready to attack her; she dropped the meat on the floor.

“Give me the meat little miss! Otherwise I’ll...” The female Husky then slaps Steele across the face “OWWW!” he whaled.

“Get out of my way loser!” she shouted.

Steele just stepped aside; his pride couldn’t take much more of this. The Female Husky just picked up her meat and continued to walk away.

“Wench” he said under his breath.

“I heard that!” she shouted back.

Steele just groaned and limped away.

The female Husky was now eating the meat she had collected form the butcher’s shop, as she was eating she could hear a strange noise. She looked up, she knew someone was there.

“Get lost Steele!” she shouted. But there was no response.

Something began to charge at her at full speed, all she could do was scream.

Steele was walking alone across the frozen beach, he was shivering cold and looking for a place to sleep. He then saw it and it occurred to him, that he really had only one last chance to find somewhere to sleep. He couldn’t believe he was going to do this.

He crept up the ramp trying to make as little noise as possible, when he reached the top of the ramp he carefully tip toed across the deck trying not to alarm him. He saw that he was asleep under his blanket...

“Wolf d... erm... Balto?” whispered Steele. “Balto” he whispered again this time nudging Balto with his paw.

Balto turned on his side and muttered...

“No dad I don’t wanna play with the other puppies”.

Steele just rolled his eyes and gave up.

“Wake up!” he shouted.

Balto yelled and punched Steele across the face.

“What! What!” reacted a very confused Balto. He then looked to see Steele rubbing his nose.

“Why does everyone keep punching me!” he shouted.

“Steele? What the hell are you doing...? In fact forget it, get out!”

“If you must know, I was... you know what it doesn’t matter.” Said Steele who had started to walk away.

“Good get lost” replied Balto.

“Oh you would just let me go back into the cold wouldn’t you!” said Steele who had now turned back to face Balto.

“Yes... that’s the general idea.” Said Balto.

“What did I ever do to you...?”

Balto didn’t even dignify that question with a response.

“Alright stupid question.” Said Steele. “Can I stay for the night?”

“No!”

“Look just for one night, that’s all and I promise I’ll never ask again... come on Balto you’re not a petty guy like I am... please?”

Balto just groaned and rolled his eyes at Steele.

“Fine... whatever...” said Balto.

Several minutes later Steele was tied up to the bulkhead with some rope, Balto was tightening the rope with his teeth.

“Is this really necessary?” asked Steele.

“I may not be petty but I still don’t trust you.” Said Balto whilst tightening the rope some more.

“OWW!” yelled Steele.

“Did that hurt?” asked Balto.

“Yes!” Replied Steele.

“Good...” said Balto, who was now heading to his Blanket to get some sleep. “If you wake me up again you’re out.” Continued Balto who had now closed his eyes and got under the blanket.

“What? Not wishing me pleasant dreams” said Steele sarcastically.

“Shut-up Steele”

A few moments of silence passed...

“Oh Balto...” said Steele pretending to be Jenna. “I really really love you.”

“Shut-up Steele!”

Another few moments passed...

“Balto.” Said Steele still pretending to be Jenna.

“Stop it!” reacted Balto.

The bickering continued on for another hour or so until finally both managed to fall asleep.

Early the next morning Dingo was walking on the out skirts of town pondering what he was going to do with Rose on their date. He then saw Kodiak was stretching and exercising, he was getting ready for the next mail run.

“And stretch and bend and turn and flex” said Dingo who was mocking his brother.

“And a good morning to you too little bro.” Replied Kodiak.

“I don’t think me being born two minutes after makes you the older sibling. Besides if anything that would make Aleu the oldest.” Asked Dingo.

“Look what do you want Dingo I’m busy.”

“I have some great news... about me.”

“If this is about catching your tail I’m telling you now, it’s childish and immature... plus you’d only throw your back out for like the 18^th time.”

“Very funny Mr. ‘I wet myself at age two’ but it’s something else... I got a date with Rose tonight.”

Kodiak stopped stretching and looked straight at Dingo.

“I did not wet myself! It was just very warm that summer!” he snapped.

“Well...” said Dingo.

“What?” replied Kodiak.

“What about my news?”

“So what you have a date with Rose... you’ll only screw it up like the last date you had.”

“It didn’t go that bad...”

“You sneaked into a warehouse and drank most of the ale in one of the barrels and threw up on her... it was bad.”

“It could have come from the other way that would have been worse.”

“I’ll pretend you didn’t say that because EWWW!”

“Look come on Bro, I really like this girl. I want it to work out.”

“What do you want me to do?”

“Give me some pointers you know. You’re sorta involved with someone... I’m serious about this.”

Dingo then started to walk down the street. Kodiak just rolled his eyes and followed.

“Alright fine. You want advice? Well here it is... Be yourself.”

Dingo didn’t answer for a few moments.

“That’s it? That’s the corniest thing I’ve ever heard.”

“She won’t want some guy that puts on an act, she’ll want you... amazingly enough.”

Suddenly Dingo just halted in his tracks and had a very serious look on his face.

“What’s wrong?” asked Kodiak.

Dingo sniffed the air and then looked quite worried.

“I can smell blood... dog’s blood.” He answered.

“What? I can’t smell anything.”

“Well you don’t have the acute wolf senses like I do. I’m telling you I smell blood.”

Dingo then walked down a near by alley with Kodiak in tow behind. Dingo was trying to track down the source. Dingo then stopped with a look of shock on his face, when Kodiak saw it too he turned away to be sick. They had found the dead body of a female Husky...

Balto was waking up, he was still very tired after a nights bickering with Steele who was still tied up against the bulkhead. He yawned and then saw that Steele was still asleep... he looked so peaceful Balto thought to himself... but he also knew that it was the perfect opportunity for a little fun for himself. Steele just kept on sleeping for a few moments, then SPLASH! He awoke in a panic covered with a bucket of iced water.

“ARRRGHH!” he yelled.

Balto approached Steele with fake concern.

“Oh Steele what’s the matter? You silly thing, you drooled on yourself.” Said Balto whilst batting Steele’s face in a bad effort to wipe the water off.

“Am I interrupting something” said a voice from behind Balto.

Balto turned to see that it was Sam, Balto’s expression changed from happy to concerned in a second flat. Balto walked towards Sam to ask him...

“Where did you go? Are you alright?”

“Yeah I’m fine... don’t worry about it. Just one of those things you know.” Said Sam who began to walk towards Steele. “Why do you have Steele tied to a wall?” he asked.

“Good question... who ever the hell you are. Why am I tied to a wall Bingo?” said Steele who was now shivering from the cold water.

“He wanted to stay for the night so I let him... but I sooner trust Jack the Ripper in my home then Steele.” Said Balto “No offence” he said to Steele.

“Oh whatever wolf dog.” Replied Steele.

Both Sam and Balto walked off the deck of the boat in order to talk privately, Steele was just left tied up.

“Err HELLO! You can’t just leave me here! If it makes you feel better Balto I’m sorry for all the... what am I saying? I’m not sorry... he started it.” He said to himself.

Sam and Balto where talking on the beach, the wind was picking as a storm was coming in on the horizon.

“I know I kinda freaked out last night, but I’m alright now. I just needed to let off some steam you know.” Explained Sam.

“It’s okay... but... what was the whole ‘Father’ thing in aid of?” asked Balto. “Have you met Dad before?”

Sam didn’t answer, he looked down at his paws. Balto then dropped the question.

“Can’t believe it’s Christmas Eve already.” Continued Balto changing the subject. “It only seems like yesterday that I rescued Duke from White Mountain... did I ever tell you about that?”

“Twice” replied Sam.

Balto was struggling for words, his brother didn’t look right at all.

“Tell me about you?” asked Balto.

“What?”

“Tell me about you? Childhood stories, good and bad? Where did you live before you came here? Do you have friends? Have you been in love? Anything... tell me.”

“There’s nothing to say.”

“Oh come on Sam. Everyone has a story, so let’s here it.”

“I told you there is noting to say.”

“Look Sam...”

“Just keep pushing hero boy!” shouted Sam who was no right in Balto’s face. Balto was stunned.

Suddenly Dingo came charging over to them both.

“Dad!” shouted Dingo.

Both Balto and Sam turned to face him.

“What’s the matter son?”

“I think you better come and see this?” said Dingo.

Balto then followed his son back towards town. Sam stood still for a few seconds more, he looked slightly concerned, but then followed them back to Nome.

It was now evening in Nome, the streets where extremely busy with the townsfolk making the last minute touches to make it their best Christmas yet. However back at Balto’s boat things were not so cheerful. After all they had a murder to figure out.

“So who was she dad? I’d seen her around sometimes but...” asked Dingo.

“She... her name was Jade. She was someone I knew from a while back.” Replied Balto.

“More like someone you asked out, she turned him down flat..” interrupted Steele who was still tied up.

Suddenly Sam hit him across the face, Balto objected...

“Sam! Don’t... he’s not worth it.” Shouted Balto.

Steele felt strange, almost like that punch felt familiar somehow. Steele remained quiet but kept a close eye on Sam.

“I’ve been hearing rumours from the dogs around town, some of them have been walking the streets at night feeling like someone has been watching them from the shadows... kinda like when a predator stalks it’s prey.” Said Dingo.

“So what are you saying kid” asked Sam.

“I’m saying that maybe there’s a Wolf or a Wolverine near by, it would probably have to be something vicious and bloodthirsty to do that.” Continued Dingo.

Sam’s brow dropped a little, he was not liking what Dingo had to say, but he remained calm about it in front of company.

“You mean like the wolf that attacked Kodiak? You think it could still be around somewhere?” asked Balto. But Sam didn’t respond. “Sam?” he asked again.

“What!” replied Sam.

“I said do you think the wolf you fought off could still be around?”

“Yeah sure, maybe. I’ll patrol tonight, see if he show’s up.” Said Sam, who was doing his best to remain calm.

“It could just as easily be another wolf, the one that attacked Kodiak was out near the forest, and it didn’t come close to town. Plus the attack on Jade was straight for the jugular, an instant kill... like the guy had no mercy at all. It’s more sadistic then just your average wolf looking for an easy target.” Said Dingo.

“I could smell something in the alley... the scent was familiar...but... I couldn’t track it. The guy is clever in his own sick way.” Said Balto.

All was silent in the group for a few moments. Sam was focusing his attention on Dingo, but Steele was watching Sam even closer now. Steele was onto something.

“We’ll figure this out the day after tomorrow. In the meantime we shouldn’t let it ruin our Christmas plans. Or lack of in my case... Are you doing anything Dingo” asked Balto.

“I’d love to spend Christmas with you dad... but I have a date with Rose in about... now. See you later.” Said Dingo whilst walking out of the boat.

“You choosing a girl over me?”

“I love you and all dad... but she’s hot. Don’t wait up.” Replied Dingo who had now gone.

Sam watched Dingo leave and then turned to Balto.

“I’m gonna go patrol, see if the wolf is about.” Sam was gone before Balto could respond.

Balto was slightly miffed, his son and brother had other things to do on Christmas Eve.

“I don’t believe... I raise the kid and finally find a long lost brother and I end up spending Christmas by myself... typical.” Said Balto.

“Yeah such a shame, can I leave you to your misery now?” replied Steele.

Balto didn’t answer right away...

“No...” he replied.

“You can’t keep me tied up forever”

“Just until tomorrow, look if it’s any consolation I’d rather spend Christmas with Rasputin then you... but I’ll be dammed if I spend yet another Christmas by myself.”

“But that’s not fair... I wanted to see you suffer for a change. It’s not fun when I’m suffering!”

“I’ll go steal a Turkey, be back soon.”

Balto dashed out of the boat before Steele could say a word.

“Balto! Get back here now! Before I get loose and make myself a wolf skin rug! BALTO!... This is the worse Christmas ever.”     

Dingo was walking along the beach in a quick pace to get to his date on time; he felt a buzz in the air, for in his mind she could possibly be the one. However he wasn’t going to get very far along the beach. Sam appeared out of nowhere and stood right in Dingo’s path.

“Sam... You scared me. What do you want?” asked Dingo.

Sam was quiet, no reaction at all. He had a stare that seemed to go right through Dingo, like he was seeing someone else.

“Look I gotta get going we’ll talk later” continued Dingo who then tried to get by Sam, but was blocked by him.

“I didn’t appreciate that remark” said Sam in a flat voice.

“What?” replied Dingo who had started to back away slowly.

“You know something pip-squeak, I’ve been called a great number of things in my life. A great many things, one or two of them where quite nice but the others well... you can guess what they where like. I don’t like it when things are said about me, not like your Father who just ignores it... I act on the nasty little things little runts like you say about me.”

“I don’t under...”

“NO! I don’t suppose you would...! Bloodthirsty am I? Sadistic! I’ve never killed anyone who didn’t deserve it! So tell me... who does that make me sadistic or cruel... it’s called justice!”

It occurred to Dingo, he was looking at the killer. He froze and started to panic. But the worse was about to happen.

“Dingo” said a voice from behind Sam.

It was Rose, she was approaching both Sam and Dingo.

“There you are, I’ve been waiting for you sweetie. Who’s your friend Dingo?” she asked.

Sam decided to react, by knocking her out with a punch. She fell to the floor.

“Just family” Sam said bluntly.

Suddenly Dingo hit Sam across the face and he jolted back, blood was dripping from his nose but he very quickly composed himself and looked straight at Dingo was ready to attack him. Sam just smiled with blood still dripping from his nose and into his mouth.

“Alright Dingo... Now it’s my turn.”

Before Dingo could react Sam charged straight at him and pinned him to the ground. Dingo tried to hit him again, but his punch was blocked and then a snapping noise was heard and Dingo howled in pain... Sam had broken his right paw. Sam just kept on hitting Dingo... over and over again. Until Dingo had stopped howling... the son of Balto was now unconscious. Sam stepped away and just looked at Dingo whose face was more bloody then his own. Sam just took a deep breath and started to think about his next move.

Everything was blurry and where ever he was the sound of water dripping was everywhere. Dingo tried to get up but was unable to stand, the pain he felt was intense. His vision was still blurry... he had no clue where he was.

Balto was walking back along the beach with a turkey that he stole from a local store, as he was walking along the beach he could smell something, whatever it was it made him stop. He dropped the turkey and began to sniff the air, he could smell his son was near by and began to look around the area. He walked towards the frozen water... he saw drops of blood on the icy sand, he knew without a doubt that they belonged to Dingo. He then heard a moaning noise from behind him; he turned to find Rose unconscious on the floor. He was stunned and tried to wake the poor girl up.

“Rose! Rose! Wake up!”

She was unresponsive; Balto was starting to get scared. What had happened here? Where was Dingo? Before he could ask any of those questions... Whack... he was hit over the head and was dragged away unconscious.

Balto awoke on his boat and was also tied up to the bulkhead like Steele. There was an oil lamp lit in the centre of the deck. He was dizzy at first but then saw that Sam was staring right at him.

“Hello little brother” said Sam flatly.

Balto was confused, but it didn’t take him too long to put two and two together.

“What... What the hell are... Why?” asked Balto.

“For you... I did it all for you brother. We where separated as children and I never want it to happen again.”

“You... killed Jade, my god you killed her... I take your the one who did this to Steele too... what the hell have you done with my son!”

“It was all for you! Steele, the one you tormented you! Jade the one who shunned you because of what we are! I did it for you!”

“What about my Son?! If you killed him I swear to god I’ll..”

“Dingo was more on a personal level for me! I don’t like things said about me intentional or otherwise. You see it goes back to when I was little, I used to get teased, bullied and beaten to a pulp by mindless bigots... just like you where. But then one day, I decided that if I was to ever survive in this world I’d have inflict some of my own torment... just between you and me... I’m much better at inflicting it on others than most.”

“Is that it?” interrupted Steele. “Are you finished boring us to death now... we get it... you’re a nut job with a crappy childhood, boohoo get over yourself.”

“Shut-up Steele, this isn’t helping!” said Balto.

“You see this is what I don’t get” interrupted Sam. “He has been a constant thorn in your side for years, why are you more inclined to defend him then me?”

“He’s about as low as it gets Sam... He even tried to kill me at one point. But in all the time after that he has never harmed or laid a paw on anyone that was close to me, why? Because I honestly believe that a small part of him has changed, made him learn from his experiences. He can do that... but you... why do I get the feeling that Jade wasn’t your first kill? Beating someone to a pulp, that’s cruel even if it was Steele. But murder is pure evil Sam... I’ve met plenty of bad guys before, one even took away my wolf half... but none have scared as much as you. It makes me sick to even think that your my brother! I swear to god that if Dingo is dead, I’m gonna make you pay!”

Sam was now shaking with anger, he hit Balto across the face. Balto just growled back at his brother.

“If he doesn’t make you pay, I’ll chew you up into kibble myself psycho-wolf!” shouted Steele.

Sam started to walk away, but turned one last time to say...

“I’ll see you soon little brother.”

Sam knocked the oil lamp over, the deck started to catch fire. Sam looked at Balto with a tear in his eye, but then made a dash for it before the fire spread towards him. The deck and eventually parts of the bulkhead where now a flame...

 "Okay where exactly did you find this mental case for crying out loud? Was he born this way or has he simply gotten to know you over a period of days?!" shouted Steele in a panic.
"Shut up! Let me think!" yelled Balto.
"Oh that's right! You think while we burn to death! Brilliant plan!"
"Look try and chew off the rope, it's our only chance!"
Both Balto and Steele started to bite at their restraints as quickly as possible, the flames of the fire where getting more and more intense with each passing second. The smoke was starting to become a problem, as they knew they'd most likely suffocate to death than burn. Balto was starting to cough as he struggled to bite through the rope, Steele however seemed to be racing away at his restraints like they where just wet pasta to him, he then noticed Balto was slowing down.
"Getting tired wolf-dog? If you quit now I'll kick your butt, understand?" he shouted.
But Balto didn't respond he just slowly continued hacking away at his rope. Steele began to race away again at his rope, completely ignoring the smoke and fire that was just spreading all over the place. Balto was starting to wheeze and stopped chewing at his rope; he was getting weaker and looked like he would loose consciousness at any moment. Steele's rope began to snap... he was now free from the restraint. He ran towards the exit that was still clear from fire for the moment, but stopped suddenly. He turned to see that Balto was now unconscious and had fire spreading towards him fast. Steele was about to dash off again... but just couldn't, he only had a few moments to make a decision that would probably change his life forever. Steele headed back to Balto. He began to bites and scratch at the rope that had Balto pinned to the bulkhead, once Balto was free he fell to the ground. Steele began to drag him across the deck towards the exit, but could proceed as the fire had completely blocked it off. Steele began to panic a little; there was no way out... until he noticed the weakened wall of the cabin on the deck. He lifted the blacked out Balto onto his back in an amazing feat of strength, and charged at the wall crashing straight through it onto the frozen beach. He placed Balto back on the floor and dragged him away from the burning boat. Balto looked dead, he wasn't breathing at all. Out of near desperation Steele pounced hard on Balto's chest. Balto started to cough and then to breathe normally, Steele then fell down ext to him with exhaustion. Balto was starting to regain consciousness.
"Wha... What happened?" asked Balto.
"It doesn't matter... just don't say it!" snapped Steele.
"But you-"
"I mean it fur ball, don't say it!"
"-saved my life..."
"Shut-up. And don't you dare get all mushy on me."
There was silence between them both for a few moment, both just didn't know what to say to each other. Nothing, not even an insult came to mind. Balto then struggled to stand up.
"Dingo... I have to find... I have to find him... my son" said an exhausted Balto, who simply fell to the ground again.
"Look just give yourself a few moments. You can barely stand... we'll find him... plus if you die whilst looking for him I'll only get blamed so shut up and just lie down for a few minutes." said Steele calmly.
Balto's home ever since he arrived in Nome was now in a complete blaze, the fire burned all through the night...

Dingo was barely conscious and still had no idea where he was. His vision was still blurry, but he could still hear the sound of dripping water, strangely enough it was quite warm. He managed to struggle up into a sitting position, from what he could make out he was in a metal casing, he looked up and saw a wooden ceiling lit up by what could be candle light. He had to get out where ever he was. He stood up slowly on his three other legs and limped around the small space, he began tapping against the walls, as he was doing this he hit a loose section... a hatch leading out. He tried to bang against the hatch but it wouldn't open fully. He tried and tried again as hard as his weakened condition would allow him. But suddenly he head a noise from outside, it was paw steps and they where approaching where ever he was. Then a clanking noise was heard just outside the hatch... then it burst open... the light from outside blinded Dingo at first, but it didn't take him too long to see who it was who had opened the hatch...

The sun started to rise over Nome, it was Christmas morning. Balto walking slowly around the streets of Nome with Steele trying to look for Dingo. There was still silence between them both, what could they say to each other exactly. Two bitter enemies where now in a position of mutual trust, the whole concept unnerved them both but yet could not dismiss what had happened.
"Where do you suppose we start?" asked Steele quietly.
Balto stopped and thought about the question for a few moments.
"I don't know... I don't know where to start anymore. What the hell happened back there exactly? Where exactly does this leave us now? Any answer I think of sounds stupid you know... Are we friends? Still enemies? Are we even? For crying out loud where do we start? This makes no sense!" ranted Balto.
Steele just looked blankly at Balto.
"I mean where do we start to look for Dingo?" said Steele in a flat tone.
Balto felt slightly embarrassed.
"Oh... well... let’s... just look in the alley ways, abandoned buildings. And forget Balto's little insane outburst alright." said Balto.
Balto walked quickly away from Steele towards an alley way, but Steele just followed.
"Wait a minute" said Steele.
Balto came to a halt but was still turned away from Steele as he continued to talk.
"I don't know where we start now... I don't know why I saved you... I don't know what happens now. Maybe... it's... forget it, it's stupid." said Steele.
"What?" replied Balto.
"When I saw Sam... He reminded me of myself... someone who was cruel and harsh for the sake of it, just to be horrible. When he admitted what he had done, I realised that maybe I don't wanna be that guy anymore... I'm not asking to be friends, I don't think I'll ever ask that. But I don't think I hate you anymore."
Balto turned to face Steele.
"I think I feel the same... it's-"
"Weird" they both said at the same time.
There was a long pause between them both. But a noise was heard from behind and both snapped out of it to see. It was Kodiak helping a badly hurt Dingo along the street. Balto ran over to his son's, Steele just stood and watched.
"I think I found something you lost" said Kodiak.
Balto hugged Dingo and licked his forehead with genuine father and son affection.

"It's funny... how the moments you remember the most in life tend to revolve around family, friends... even love. I've had none of those things... until now; well at least I did for a short time. My brother, the hero, the champion, the father, the friend... he's nothing like me yet we had the same childhood experience of discrimination and despair. I could have killed my dear nephew you know, but it would have only made my dear brother hate me completely... I mean a little is just enough, it's all part of the game and now I know for certain he's a part of it. Maybe I should kill his precious Jenna? Would that add more intrigue to the game or just be really funny like beating up Steele in the alley, I love watching the pure breeds from both sides bleed. I remember my first kill... the ignorant kid... he didn't have time to scream for his mother. Soldiers used to say that when you take a life in the field of battle that a part of yourself dies a little, in all honesty... I've never felt that, does that make me a monster? If so, please come and tell me. I'm sure I can change your mind... I'll see you soon brother, we're gonna have fun you and I..."

THE END