Scar of the Moon

A female wolfdog arrives in Nome with her owner. Some of the dogs are scared of her because of the moon-shaped scar she has on her eye. Kodi, however, doesn’t find her frightening. He tries to be friends with her. Soon, they might be more than just friends.

Author’s Note: I don’t own any of the characters of the three Balto movies. But the characters: Jake Silver, Ellie and others belong to me. Rated G.

Prologue:

The whistle blew; the train heading to Nome was ready to leave. Many people were anxiously grabbing their luggage and putting it into the baggage car. Young Jake Silver, however, didn’t really have any luggage. All he had was a big bag full of clothes, a pocket filled with only a little bit of money, and a beautiful wolfdog named Ellie. Jake made his way through the crowd of people to the baggage car, with Ellie by his side. Dogs were being put into crates, all barking of disliking it. Jake bent down to Ellie.

“I’m sorry, girl,” He said. “But you’re gonna have to be put into a crate.”

Ellie made a whining noise. Jake chuckled.

“I know,” He said. “I wouldn’t want to be stuck in a crate for three days either. But you’re gonna have to if we want to get out of here.”

Ellie nodded. Nothing would please her more than to leave Anchorage. She and Jake had nothing but bad memories there. All Jake wanted was to forget everything about it. But no matter how hard he tried. Jake would remember at least one bad thing. It was the scar Ellie has on her. It was a permanent reminder why they were leaving Anchorage. The scar was shaped like a cresent moon around her right eye. Jake would get a little angry every time he sees it.  It was caused by someone loaths the most...

“All right, Ellie,” He began. “Once we get to Nome, I’ll get a job. Save enough money. We’ll both be training on my free days. Then, before you know it, we’ll both have our dreams come true: I’ll finally be a musher and you’ll be my lead dog.”

Ellie put her two front paws on Jake and started licking him.

“Okay, Okay, Ellie.” Jake said, getting her off.

“ALL ABORD!” shouted the conductor.

“We better go now.” Jake said.

He hoisted Ellie into a crate. Ellie started barking. After a wave good-bye to Ellie, Jake made his way to the passenger car. Ellie made a little howl when he left. Once everybody was finally settled in, the train started to move. Jake looked out the window. He could see the town slowly disappearing - and now, only trees were passing by.

“I can’t believe it,” Jake said to himself. “We’re actually going.”

The memories he had of Anchorage were all behind him now. The train was going to take Jake to a place where him and Ellie are gonna have good and wonderful memories. Ellie was happy too. She kept howling happily, they are finally leaving Anchorage.

Nome

Balto was happily flying with Duke around town. The bush pilot was making some moves with his plane.

“How do you that, boy?” Duke asked Balto.

Balto barked, saying he likes it.

“Say, how about one more spin before we land?” Duke asked.

Balto barked again, meaning a yes.

“I thought so.” Duke said.

He circled the bush plane around the mountains. Then to a clear field. Then around the ocean. And to the town of Nome before landing the plane. Duke unbuckled his seatbelt and Balto’s. Balto got off the bush plan and barked happily to Duke.

“Same time tomorrow, boy?” Duke asked.

Balto barked again, meaning yes.

Duke gave him a thumb-up and went into town. Balto made his way to the old fishing boat which he calls it home. The sun was setting and thought he could take a nap before going to see Jenna. When he got to the old fishing boat, Balto wonder where Boris is. Then he realized that he must be out with his girlfriend, Stella. Balto walked into the steering room. There, he heard a voice.

“Hello Balto.”

Balto jumped. He heard the voice giggled. The voice then came from out of the shadows. It turns out to be Jenna.

“Jenna?” Balto said, half chuckling. “What are you doing here?”

“I thought for once I’ll come to see you.” Jenna said.

“Well, I was going to you, Jenna.” Balto said. “But I thought I’d get some rest first.”

Jenna giggled.

“Well, since I’m here.” She said. “Why won’t we go out now?”

Balto smirked.

“Anything you say.” He said.

They both walked out form the boat. It was now nightfall. Thousands of stars could be seen out in the clear spring sky, along with the full-moon. Balto and Jenna were walking along the beach.

“Isn’t it beautiful tonight, Balto?” Jenna asked.

“Yeah.” Balto said. “But not as beautiful as you.”

Jenna blushed and nuzzled against Balto’s head.

“You always have the right thing to say.” She said.

They continued walking along the beach. Then, they went into town. Balto saw that the new train station was finished.

“Looks like the first train to Nome will be here soon.” He said.

“In about three days.” Jenna said. “The first train will be from Anchorage.”

“Wow, I wonder how many people will come.” Balto said.

“Who knows?” Jenna said. “There might be lots of dogs coming too.”

“I sort of doubt a lot of people and dogs would come.” Balto said. “Nome is peaceful town. Nothing really special happens here.”

Jenna giggled.

“Well, that’s what I like about it.” She said.

“Yeah, me too.” Balto said.

Then they continued on.

Three days later, Balto woke up early that morning. He wanted to see the train full of people and dogs from Anchorage. Balto walked out from the old boat, on his way to the train station. A lot of people were waiting for the train to arrive. Balto saw that he wasn’t the only one. A couple of dogs were waiting as well. He even saw…

“Kodi, Dusty, Ralph, Kirby.” Balto said.

All four dogs looked at him.

“Oh, hey dad.” Kodi said.

“What are guys doing here?” Balto asked.

“We wanted to see the dogs from Anchorage.” Ralph said.

“Yeah, see if any of them are cute or not.” Dusty said.

“Besides, since its spring, we’re out of a job for a while.” Kirby said.

Kodi heard something.

“Did you guys hear that?” He asked. “I think it’s the train.”

Indeed it was. The train whistle was blowing as it was getting closer. All of the dogs tried to close their ears. It was loudest thing they ever heard. Once the train went to a complete stop, steam was coming out of it. It was also the dirtiest thing they ever smelled. Passengers were coming out. The Nome people were greeting the people from Anchorage. Soon, the baggage car door opened. People from Anchorage went to get their luggage. Balto could see some dogs inside.

“Hey, there they are.” He said.

Kodi and the others tried to look through the crowd.

“Where?” Kodi asked.

“There, I could see one coming.” Dusty said.

A male malamute with black and gray fur could be seen walking with his owner. Kodi and others went up close.

“Hello, welcome to Nome.” Ralph said.

The malamute just stared at him and left. Ralph gave a look.

“Well, he’s off my making-friends list.” He said.

“Forget about him.” Dusty said. “Looks there’s another one coming.”

A male husky with dark red and white fur was coming their way. He sort of looked like Kodi. The only difference was that the only thing that wasn’t red on face was his muzzle. Dusty tried this time.

“Hi, welcome to Nome.” She said.

The husky smiled at her.

“Why, thank you.” He said. “It’s good to see that the dogs in Nome are friendly.”

Dusty smiled.

“Well, let me introduce myself.” She said. “I’m Dusty. And these are my friends, Kodi, Ralph, and Kirby.”

“Please to meet you.” the husky said. “I’m Gabe.”

“Well, nice to meet you, Gabe.” Dusty said. “Say, would you like to hang out with us later on? We’ll show you around town, and get to know the dogs here.”

“Sure.” Gabe said. “My owner needs to settle in though. But I think I can see you guys.”

Gabe’s owner made a whistle, telling him to come on.

“I better go.” Gabe said. “Later, guys.”

As he left, Dusty grinned at Ralph.

“See, I had no trouble.” She said.

Ralph snorted.

“Well, that’s because you’re a girl.” He said. “I bet ya he wouldn’t be that nice if you were a guy.”

Dusty was about to say something. But Balto cut them off.

“That’s enough you two.” He said. “Look, there’s another dog coming.”

A young man who looked no older than 17 was getting a female dog out of a crate. Balto got a better look of the dog. He couldn’t believe it. It was actually a wolfdog. The wolfdog had beautiful silver and gray fur. The guys wanted to get close to the wolfdog, but stopped. The wolfdog had a scar on its right eye that was shaped like a half-moon. Ralph, Kirby, and Dusty got a little scared.

“What a creepy scar she has.” Ralph said.

“No kidding.” Kirby said.

“It makes her look a little…evil.” Dusty said.

Kodi didn’t say anything. He just stared at the wolfdog. As the wolfdog and her owner were leaving, Kodi went to greet her.

“Hi.” He said.

The wolfdog just stared at Kodi.

“Hello.” She said in a low voice.

“Wel… Welco… Welcome to…” Kodi shook head.

“Why cant’ I say it?” He thought. “It’s not that hard.”

The female wolfdog looked curiously at Kodi. Her owner whistled her to come on. With one more glance, the wolfdog followed her owner. Kodi tried to say something. But no words came out of his mouth. Balto, Ralph, Kirby, and Dusty went to him.

“What was that all about?” Dusty asked.

“I…I don’t know.” Kodi said. “For some reason, I couldn’t say anything.”

Balto looked at the female wolfdog and her owner.

“Well, looks like we have something new in town.” He thought.

The General Store

Edward Thomas, the owner and store clerk, was carrying a heavy bag full of beef jerky into his shop. The bag was far too heavy for the old man. He places the bag next to the counter.

“Good, now that just leaves three more bags.” He said.

Edward walks back outside to retrieve another bag. His back was starting to hurt.

“Damn…Jerky is just like whisky.” Edward said to himself. “Men gotta have it. If only I had some help around here. Running this shop alone is killing me.”

He then picks up another heavy bag. This time, his back couldn’t take it anymore. Edward let goes of the bag. The bag then fell open. Half of the jerky inside came out. Edward cursed to himself.

“Need some help, sir?”

Edward turned around. A young man with brown hair and blue eyes was there. The young man was tall and skinny. Edward nodded.

“Yes, I’d appreciate some help.” He said.

The young man helps Edward into the shop.

“Thank you.” Edward said. “Would you mind bringing in those two bags of jerky for me?”

“Sure.” the young man replied.

“And just toss the ones that are on the ground.” Edward said.

“Okay.”

The young man ties the half empty bag back up and brings it to the shop. He then brings in the two full bags.

“Thank you, son.” Edward said. “Now, is there anything I can do for you?”

“Yes there is, sir.” the young man said. “I would like a job. Clean, stack, anything you want me to do here.”

Edward thought for a moment.

“Well, you don’t seem familiar.” He said. “Are you from Nome?”

“No, sir.” replied the young man. “I’m from…Anchorage.”

Edward’s eyes went up.

“Anchorage!” He said. “Oh, that’s right. The train from Anchorage came this morning. How is it in Anchorage? I’ve heard it’s a nice place.”

“Not where I’m from.” the young man said in a low voice.

Edward could see that the young man didn’t like the subject of Anchorage being brought up.

“Are you here alone?” He asked.

“No.” the young man replied. “I have my dog with me.”

“No humans, huh?” Edward asked.

“Nope.” The young man replied.

Edward started scratching his beard, thinking.

“Okay, son.” He said. “You can work here. You’ll be stacking and cleaning the shop for five dollars a day.”

“Oh, thank you, sir.” said the young man.

Edward nodded.

“Before I forget, what is your name, son?” He asked.

“My name’s Jake Silver, sir.”

“Well, for now on, you can just call me Edward, Jake.”

Jake and Edward then shook eachother hands.

Meanwhile…

“I’m telling you, guys.” Kodi said. “I don’t what came over me. I was only gonna tell her ‘Welcome to Nome’, but for some reason, I couldn’t.”

Kodi, Dusty, Ralph, Kirby, and Balto were walking the streets of Nome, on their way to the Old Mill to discuss about the new dogs. Kodi kept telling them (for the fifth time) why he couldn’t just say it to the new wolfdog of Nome. Dusty was getting annoyed.

“It’s all right, Kodi.” She said. “Maybe you were just nervous because she’s from another town.”

“Or maybe Kodi thought the new dog was cute.” Kirby said.

“Yeah, he always gets nervous when he has to talk to pretty girls.” Ralph said.

“What!” Kodi said. “I wasn’t nervous because of that. And I don’t get nervous whenever I talk to girls. I talk to Dusty and she’s a girl.”

“Gee, thanks for noticing.” Dusty said, sarcastically.

“I didn’t mean it that way, Dusty.” Kodi said. “It’s just I didn’t get nervous, because I thought she was pretty.”

“Oh, so you did think she was pretty.” Kirby said.

Kodi jumped.

“Wait! No… I didn’t…”

“Whatever, Kodi.” Kirby said.

They all kept quiet after that. Balto could tell that Kodi had crush on the wolfdog. He could see Kodi was blushing a little. As they were getting close to the Old Mill, Balto could see the female wolfdog, resting next to the General Store.

“Well Kodi, if you want to make things right,” He said. “There’s your chance.”

Kodi looks up and saw the wolfdog.

“No. I don’t think she wants to see me.” He said.

“Aw, come on, Kodi.” Dusty said. “It’ll make you feel better if you say sorry to her.”

“Yeah, Kodi.” Kirby said. “Just go and introduce yourself to her.”

“She’ll probably like that.” Ralph said.

Kodi thought for a moment. He did want to say sorry to the female wolfdog. But even more important for some reason, Kodi just wants to talk to her.

“All right, I’ll talk to her.” He said.

“Good.” Balto said. “We’ll meet you at the Old Mill. C’mon guys.”

The four dogs then left, leaving Kodi to talk to the wolfdog.

Okay… What should I say to her…? Kodi thought. Perhaps just say “Hello”. Yeah, everything would come up easy after that…I hope…

Kodi then walk towards the female wolfdog.

“Hi.” He said.

The wolfdog lefts her head up and looks at Kodi.

“Oh… Hello.” She said.

“Do you remember me?” Kodi said. “We met at the train station, this morning.”

“Yes, I remember.” She said. “You were mumbling something to me. It sounded like Wel… Welcome… or something.”

“Yeah…about that…” Kodi said, his face was getting red. “I was trying to say ‘Welcome to Nome’ to you. You know…just trying to make the dogs from Anchorage feel comfortable here.”

The wolfdog giggled.

“Well, that’s very nice of you.” She said.

“Yeah…” Kodi said. “Would you mind if I…start over. On introducing myself, I mean.”

“Sure.” replied the wolfdog.

“Great. Hello, welcome to Nome. My name’s Kodi.”

“Nice to meet you, Kodi. I’m Ellie.”

Ellie… Kodi thought. That’s a pretty name…for a beautiful dog.

Kodi just stares at Ellie. Her silver and gray fur was shining in the sunlight. And despite the horrid moon shaped scar on her right eye, Kodi was into Ellie’s blue eyes even more.

“Kodi…” Ellie said.

Kodi shook his head, trying to get back to reality.

“Oh uh…I was wondering, would you mind coming to the Old Mill tonight?” He said. “Just so you get to meet everyone in town.”

Ellie giggled.

“Sure. I’d love to come.” She said.

“Great! I mean…uh…good. I’ll see you then.” Kodi said.

After saying goodbye, Kodi then took off. Just then, Ellie’s owner, Jake, came out from the General Store. Ellie got up and went to him.

“Guess what, girl.” Jake said happily. “I got the job.”

Ellie barked excitedly.

“That’s right, girl.” Jake said. “Our new lives in Nome, so far, are turning out great.”

Jake couldn’t have been more right. Ellie had just met someone that wasn’t scared of her scar. He was really nice and invited her to meet the rest of the dogs of Nome. She only hopes that they are as nice as Kodi.