Author’s note: This is part three in a series of stories, so I highly suggest you go and read the first two parts right now, even if you had read them before. This fic needs the others to be read and understood to work, because this wraps up the story, and will seem really strange to hear without the first two. Ok? Anyway, this begins right where the last part left off, so that’s why I’m saying this. (If it isn’t good, then it’s because of the monster writer’s block I battled with. Sorry about that folks.)

Many thanks to redwolf03 and Dragon Tamer for giving me inspiration to get going with this and finish it, and to starwarsisme for helping to edit this!  Kelev

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Chapter one

 Kodi and Balto panted as they raced through the forest, the beauty of the night wasted on the two who were too preoccupied to notice the way the moon glistened on the snow banks and glittered on the icicles. There was simply no time to stop and appreciate the beauty of the night time winter wonderland. Tovah, Balto’s youngest daughter and Kodi’s sister, was in great danger, and her mate was in even bigger danger. It was up to them to reach the prejudiced dogs that had set out from town before they reached Tovah and Sitka’s den.

“We should be there soon, just another mile or so. We might actually beat those mutts there.” Balto panted, but then he screeched to a halt and began to look around cautiously.

Kodi looked uncertain as his ears perked up, the wind picking up and blowing into his ears, making it hard to discern what it was he had heard. After a moment he heard it again; it was the sound of snow crunching. “Dad, do you hear that?”

“Of course I do, now get down. They’ll see us.” Balto sank down behind a snow bank along with his son and listened to the dogs that they had been tracking. The ring leader spat on the snow, his livid green eyes blazing angrily. “Blast, I knew we wouldn’t find them!” The rest of the dogs growled in frustration as well.

Balto smirked in relief; his golden eyes gleaming in the dark as he watched them. If something was wrong for the dogs, then it was good for him and Kodi. “They can’t find Tovah and Sitka.” He whispered with an edge of relief in his tone. “They lost their trail, and they won’t find Tovah and Sitka’s den. It’s too deep in the woods.”

Kodi shivered as his father’s eyes bored into him. Suddenly Balto looked wilder and more wolf like then he had any right to be in the dark, with the moon shining on his fur and giving him a sort of other-worldly look with his glowing yellow and brown eyes. “I know a way to scare the heck out of those dogs,” Kodi said in a breathless whisper, “Just stare them square in the eye and their blood will freeze solid. You’re giving me the spooks!”

 Balto just rolled his eyes and looked back at the dogs, frowning thoughtfully as they stayed put and spoke in low tones. “They’re sticking around in the area instead of moving on or going home. I wonder why?”

They were about to find out. They heard the dogs scuffle to get into hiding spots behind snow banks and ice crusted bushes before someone approached. Balto’s gut twisted in fear as he saw who it was. Tovah! What is she doing here? I told her to go home!  He watched with a growing anger that some of the dogs were eyeing her with a not so nice look.

Kodi could barely contain himself. “She doesn’t know the danger! We can’t just let her come in and be hurt!”  He hissed furiously once Balto laid a paw on him to calm him down. He shook his head. “We wait for the right time, son. You don’t think I’m stupid enough to just sit here and watch her be hurt do you? There’s a right time to spring this, and now is not that time. Understand?”

Kodi nodded, though Balto knew that his words didn’t reach him. He turned his gaze back to Tovah and the dogs in their spots. She had stopped and had begun to sniff the air, and she frowned as she picked up an alien scent. The dogs began to grow fidgety. They had forgot that hybrids and wolves could smell better then regular dogs, and it made them wonder if they would be found out.

Suddenly, another form came out of the woods. “Tovah? Where were you?”

Balto’s eyes grew wide. Sitka!

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Tovah looked up and smiled in relief as her mate nuzzled her affectionately. She had been sure she had smelled something else, but she decided it must not have been anything worth worrying over. “Sitka, I had already told you where I was. You don’t have to worry, I’ve just been visiting Mom and Papa longer then I thought I would.”

Sitka still seemed to be a little worried. “I had a feeling…that maybe you weren’t alright. I suppose I’m wrong, but I would be more comfortable if we went back to the den.”

Tovah nodded, but just as she turned to leave an unfamiliar voice rang out. “Aw come on, leaving so soon? You only just came!”

Startled, Tovah whirled around and saw several figures come out of the woods. She narrowed her gaze once she recognized them. All of them were dogs she had seen around town; most of them had been known to terrorize her father and even her brothers because of their wolf heritage. She and Sitka both dropped into a defensive pose, a low warning growl rumbling in Stika’s throat. “Do not come any nearer. You step on my territory, dogs.” He snarled, his lips curling back and baring his teeth.

The lead dog laughed. “Like we care about your territory? How about we just deal with a certain problem we have and be done with it, shall we?” The other dogs snickered as they all exchanged meaningful looks.

Tovah had the distinct feeling that this was going to turn out very bad, but she shook off the feeling and drew on her reserves of courage. “Look, just get out of here and you won’t have any trouble.” She snapped, her eyes sparking dangerously. (Despite all her recent troubles, what with being half frozen in a snow bank and then the troubles of being pregnant; she actually was much stronger then most gave her credit. Some of the dogs knew this, since she had fought two of them before.)

The lead dog looked her over with contempt. “So we can see Kodi was right after all. You have been spirited away by this wolf, and even after you have been used, you converted to his barbaric ways. Looks as if we’ll have to deal with both of you now, being the creek scum you are. Kodi will just have to deal with the fact his baby sister isn’t coming home like he thought.”  He laughed at the horrified expression on Tovah’s face, which had slowly turned from horror into a look of pure fury as her fur stood on end. Kodi!  

 Chapter two

 Kodi tried his best to control his own rage. He had the most unbearable desire to rip apart those mangy, no good, flea-bitten mongrels. How DARE they??? Now if he and Balto sprang out, Tovah would think that they had come not to help her, but the ones who were out to get her and Sitka! His breathing was as irregular as his heartbeat as the rage mounted. Oh yes, after he was done with these dogs here he would deal with Kirby for starting this whole thing. “That stinking, no good, piece of”- He growled with each breath.

Balto laid a paw on him, looking at him sternly. Kodi wondered how his father could have that amount of discipline to make himself stay put and not go and rip those mutts apart. “Stay here until the time is right.” He ordered sternly. “Right now she won’t know you are helping her. It’ll make things worse if you come out, so let me do this. When the right time comes, you go in on the left, while I-”

Kodi was too infuriated to think rationally. “I’m taking them now!” He growled savagely as he bolted.

Balto jumped up, a split second too late to stop Kodi. “Kodi! Kodi NO!”

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With a howl Sitka slammed his weight against one of the dogs, knocking it off balance. He heard Tovah cry out in pain as one of them bit into her neck. He turned to help her but she had already thrown the attacker against one of his own comrades, (though it wasn’t without some slight difficulty due to her condition and petite size).

Red flashed by him, and without thinking Sitka grasped the dog by his collar and flung him against some of the other dogs, effectively knocking two of them down. Once he saw who it was he didn’t feel the least bit sorry. Kodi - The Traitor - had set murderous dogs after him and Tovah (Kodi’s own sister!) who happened to be expecting pups! According to the Code of the Wolf this dog should not be allowed to live long enough to see the next sunrise!

 Tovah looked ready to explode, her eyes a blaze of pure fury and hurt. “You!! How dare you? You betrayed us!”

“I didn’t! I can explain!” Kodi gasped as Sitka stepped on his throat with his giant paw. They didn’t have the chance to do or say anything further as some of the dogs recovered themselves and slammed into Sitka full force, setting him off balance and knocking Tovah over the drop off that lead to a very wide section of Anvil Creek. With a sharp yelp she thudded against the ice, along with some of the attackers.

Balto crashed out of hiding after Kodi just seconds after his son had jumped out and been pinned, and saw Tovah fall. “Tovah!”  All three cried out as they dashed to look over the edge where she and the remaining dogs had fallen. Sitka eyed the drop off. “It’s too steep to climb down and get her!” He said, in a panicked tone that Balto had never heard him use before. Balto felt relief flood him as Tovah slowly picked herself up. Thank God she’s ok! “Tovah! Take it easy ok? The ice might not be as stable as you think.” He called.

Tovah grinned slightly, though her side protested in pain as she picked her way around the dazed dogs. “Geez, I’m not that heavy Papa! You insult me.” She called back. She looked down and frowned as she was aware of cracks spider webbing under her paws while some of the dogs staggered to their paws.

“Aw, crap!” One of the huskies yelped as the cracks suddenly snaked and widened so that the ice was breaking up into large portions. Tovah knew no matter how badly it would hurt her; she had to run, or else fall in and drown in water that could probably kill her with its coldness alone.

“Tovah!” Sitka called, and she followed his gaze to the dogs behind her. One had fallen through, and the other two were running full speed after her (though it remained to be seen whether or not they were chasing her or just trying to get to shore before they went under). She grimaced in pain and ran as fast as she dared towards the bank. Tovah was nearly there when she felt her paw break through a particularly thin patch. She gasped and jumped, but just as she landed away from that part she broke right through upon impact and plunged into the icy water.  

Chapter three

 Sitka could be restrained no longer. Rushing past Balto and Kodi he screeched to a halt at the edge of the creek and peered at the spot his mate and best friend fell through. NO! His mind shrieked, his thoughts running and tripping over themselves to be heard. I can’t lose her! I was going to be a father! PLEASE, I love her too much to lose her!

Balto and Kodi slid to a halt next to him. “I’ll go in.” Balto said after a moment, eyeing the ice carefully. “Sitka, you’re too heavy, and Kodi, I don’t trust you out there on the ice. I’m not going to have two of you go under along with those mutts…”

Sitka watched with anxiety as Balto slithered carefully over top of the ice. He waited as Balto peered into the area that Tovah had fallen through, and he looked up. “I see her! She’s under, but she’s using her claws to make sure she won’t be taken by the currant. I’m going to pull her up. If I fall in, then you go and get help.” Balto’s eyes bored into Kodi with a warning glare.

Kodi sputtered. “What? I want to help now!”

Sitka growled lightly, wishing he could rip the dog apart where he stood. Only his fear for his mate’s safety held him back. “Don’t you think you have helped enough, Traitor?”

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Tovah’s mind screamed in pain as she held on with her claws, burying them into the ice above. Her lungs cried for air, and the cold gripped her in its iron grasp. She was aware that her side was throbbing from the impact of landing, and she hoped that her unborn puppies would be alright. 

Things began to swirl, and panic stricken she realized that soon she was going to black out from lack of air. Angrily she fought the currant, frustrated with her body’s weakness. It always seemed that she was taken for some weak little thing, and before she could prove herself to others things like this had to happen! I can’t die! I won’t die! I have my puppies to think of!

She clawed her way to the hole, losing strength with every movement she made towards air and freedom. I can’t give up! I’m almost there! Things began to swirl again, and this time she couldn’t hold her breath any longer.  

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Balto grasped Tovah’s scruff just as she lost grip on the ice and pulled her out. He dared not set her down and pause even for an instant, because the ice was breaking yet again. With a strength born of pulling heavy sleds he flung her from the water to the bank and jumped after her just as the ice broke up. Sitka and Kodi were already dragging Tovah away from the edge and Balto shook himself off and joined them. “How does she look?”

Sitka licked her and checked her over as she began to move faintly and cough up some water. “She’s breathing.” Sitka noted with relief, though his face looked strained with worry.

Tovah looked terrible. She shuddered so violently that they were beginning to worry that she was going into shock. “Get her into shelter right now. I’m going to go get Doc and Jenna.”  Balto ordered, turning to go. As he looked at his son he paused, visions of Kodi and Sitka ripping each other apart if he left them alone together filling is mind. It wouldn’t be wise to leave them here… “On second thought, Kodi can go. Run as quick as you can Son, and don’t stop for anything.”

Kodi was grateful for the responsibility and the chance to somewhat fix his mistake. He raced out of sight as quickly as he could, disappearing over the rise. Balto nodded to Sitka and the two began to haul Tovah back to the den.

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Shame, shame, shame Kodi’s paws seemed to shout as they pounded into the snow. He couldn’t get the look of utter betrayal in his favorite sister’s eyes out of his head, and now the thought that she could die without him getting a chance to apologize and make amends was too much for him to bear. Frenzied thoughts took over, and he was lost in them until he saw town come into view. The very sight of the little settlement was enough to get Kodi to speed up even more as the desperation of the situation burned into his mind. I have to get back there before it’s too late! I can’t fail this time…

Chapter four

Sitka paced while Balto sat curled up by his daughter to keep her warm as she shivered, somewhere in between being unconscious and awake. Sitka looked outside the cave before continuing to pace before the entrance. “Father, why must you put me in this sort of torment? Why did you send him to find help? He’s the one who caused it!”

Balto would have smiled at being called ‘father’ by his zealous son in law at any other time, but now the smile wouldn’t come. “I need you to clear your mind Sitka. I have something to explain to you, but first you have to sit down.” He smirked slightly. “You aren’t going to speed things up by creating a canyon in the cave floor, you know.”

Sitka sat down and faced his father in law with all due respect, though he was still clearly agitated. “Forgive me.” He murmured, casting a glance at his mate and calming down somewhat. He looked at the floor and gave a low growl in frustration. “But I do not understand why you let Kodi do this. He was the one who sent out those dogs in the first place! As a result my mate, your daughter, is in danger of dying as well as our little ones! How could you do something like that?”

Balto shook his head. “Sitka, Kodi and I were headed to stop those dogs. Kodi never sent them, and it wasn’t really his fault. He had complained to a supposed friend, and misunderstandings spread all through the town until there was hardly any truth left to it.”

The wolf snorted. “Something I would expect from dogs…”

 Balto inwardly sighed. If it isn’t the problem of being part wolf, it’s the problem of being part dog. Sometimes I think he doesn’t realize that I’m both.

Sitka lifted his head, realizing what he had said. “I’m sorry Father. I didn’t mean insult to you, I meant full blooded dogs. They aren’t as cultured and understanding as wolves are. Wolves always share the full story; we have the Code and standards to guide us. Dogs rely on baseless rumors. They cannot be trusted.”

“It’s not dogs in general that are to blame Sitka. It’s the ones who hate someone for what they are. Those dogs weren’t even going to take care of supposed problems; they were out for sport and nothing more. It wasn’t anyone’s fault, and hatred will be your undoing if you allow it to grab a hold of you.”

The white wolf looked at his father in law with renewed respect, though he still looked tense. Though Balto was obviously still a rather young looking canine he spoke with wisdom one gets only with age. Sitka respected him for that. “I suppose you are right. I will apologize once everything is sorted out.” He gazed at Tovah who groaned and held her side. His eye brows creased in worry. “I just hope help comes soon.”

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 Rosie giggled as she and Jenna played tug of war with her father’s long, well worn sock. Even though she was now ten years old, she still enjoyed Balto and Jenna’s company, and she was perfectly fine about the fact her best friends happened to be the family’s two pet dogs. Rosie grunted after a particularly hard tug on Jenna’s part that had nearly made her tip forward. “Gosh Jenna, you’re still really strong! Hand it over already! You can’t win for long; I’m now ten and not a wimp.”

Jenna just yanked harder, her eyes sparkling with mischief. I’d like to see just how long I can hold on to this thing! She’s getting stronger by the day. She had almost gotten it from Rosie’s grip when she heard frantic barking outside the door. In her surprise she let go of the sock, and Rosie went flying backward and landed on her rear.  “Oof!” She sat up and held the sock aloft. “Ha! I won this time!” Rosie crowed, but then she paused and watched Jenna curiously. “What’s the matter girl? You have to go out?”

Jenna barked to be let out, and Rosie opened the door for her. Jenna was met by the harsh February wind that slammed into her body. She looked up to see Kodi standing there. “Kodi? What are you doing here?”

“Mom, you gotta come quick! Dad and I found Tovah and Sitka, but some dogs had attacked them, and Tovah fell through the ice in Anvil Creek! We have to get Doc!”

Jenna snapped into action and was already running towards Doc’s place. “Alright, what are you standing in the snow for? Let’s move!”

Chapter Five 

The trip back was harder. Kodi and his two companions now had to face the stiff wind, and as if that wasn’t enough it was beginning to snow again. Jenna stumbled though a particularly deep bank of snow before righting herself. “Now I know why I’m a house dog. I’d never make it on a sled team.” She grumbled. Doc wasn’t doing much better in the snow, his bulky frame and his age made him lag behind the others a good four paces.

Kodi paused as he realized the fact that he never had been to his Uncle Kemo’s old cave before, (save one time as a pup, and he didn’t really remember that). He had been following his father this time, and now that he was alone he was unsure of where to go. “Uh, Mom? Do you remember the way to the cave? Dad never showed me where it was exactly. I doubt he would have Tovah right where I started from.”

Jenna didn’t say anything for a moment; she just plowed though the snow. “Alright, I’ll lead. Just stay behind me, and whatever you do, stay outside the cave.”

“Why?”

Doc grunted as he made his way after them. “Trauma can cause those who are pregnant to go into early labor. I have an idea that this may happen.”

Kodi gulped. He hadn’t known that, and now he was feeling twice as guilty. What if Tovah died because of this mess?

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Jenna finally got up to the cave. “Now, Doc and I will be in here, while you and the others stay in that other cave over there.”

Kodi sighed and waded through the snow into the small dugout cave that was a few yards away from the main den. He shook the snow from his fur and waited until he saw Balto and Sitka come inside as well. He stood hastily and swallowed. “Sitka, let me explain about my actions back there”-

Sitka held up a paw. “There is no need to say anything at the moment. I need to think over what your father told me, and right now I can’t think straight with what’s going on. Just don’t speak to me.”

Kodi wilted; his gut twisting as he watched Sitka curl up at the back of the dugout, back turned to him. Balto just looked on wearily and sat at the front of the cave, in silent vigil. Not even he truly understands. Kodi thought, wondering when this would end.

“I know now that it wasn’t truly your fault.” Sitka finally said, uttering a sigh and startling Kodi out his angsty thoughts. “I just wish you and Father made it in time.”

Balto looked out at the snow that was beginning to pick up again. Worry was almost tangible in the air as the three looked at one another. “Well, there’s nothing to do but wait.”

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And wait they did. Balto and the others waited for three hours, every minute almost killing them with suspense. Balto had finally begun to doze off when he felt Kodi paw him awake. “Dad, Mom just called for us!”

He sat up, all drowsiness forgotten. All three dashed out, and once they got in they stopped, breathless.

Four small fluff balls were at Tovah’s side, all looking as if the puff of wind would blow them away. Balto shook his head as he sat next to Jenna. “Now you’ve done it Tovah. You’re making me old.” He rubbed a paw ruefully over his snout, which was beginning to show lines of white now.

Tovah laughed weakly, and Sitka nuzzled her affectionately. “You had me worried.”

“I think the only one you should be worried about is yourself.” She huffed, though her eyes twinkled. “You are going to pay for doing this to me.”

Kodi looked at the puppies, absently wondering if he had been as small. “There’re…so small!” He whispered, forgetting himself here. He hadn’t realized that Tovah would be wondering why he was still around.

She looked up sharply at him, her brow creasing. “You! You think you can waltz in here and play happy family with that stunt you pulled? Who do you think you are?!?"

Kodi backed up when Tovah began to growl. “Listen, I can explain!”

Tovah looked as if she were a simmering pot ready to boil over. “Please do. An explanation on why you set beasts on us would be nice.”

Jenna frowned, turning to Balto in confusion. “Balto, what is she talking about?”

Balto cleared his throat, and told Jenna and Doc what had happened. He turned to Tovah as he wrapped it up. “It was a misunderstanding. Surely you know Kodi wouldn’t do anything intentionally to harm you.”

Tovah’s ears tilted backward, a sign that she hadn’t completely let go of her anger, yet was mulling over what was said. At last she glanced up at her brother. “Kodi, a lot has happened in a short time. I need time to adjust.”

Kodi nodded, taking his cue to leave when he was halted in his tracks by Tovah’s voice. “However, that doesn’t mean I don’t forgive you. You don’t need to leave just yet.”

Kodi turned; his face a mask of confusion. She was forgiving him that soon? If it were him, he would probably been angry for a long while! Females are so confusing.  “So, you’re forgiving me? After all I’ve done?”

“Well, I really don’t want to…” Tovah began, though a smile was creeping in her tone. “But it’s the right thing to do. I guess I owe you an apology, if you think about it.”

Kodi shook his head.  "No, I'm the one who should be sorry. I shouldn't have let you being Sitka's mate bug me so much. None of this was your fault at all."  He frowned.  "I guess I'm gonna be a really lousy uncle." 

Sitka smiled.  "There's nothing wrong with looking after your sister.  If I were in your paws, I wouldn't trust me with her either." 

Balto grinned at the comment and was going to make his own when Jenna stomped lightly on his paw to stop him. “Balto…”

“Sorry.”

Tovah scoffed. With a mischievous glint in her eye, she turned to Kodi. “Anyway, I have a deal to make with you.”

“I knew there was something up with all this sudden mushiness.” Kodi mumbled.

Tovah gazed heavenward, exasperated. “Will you listen please? I have a deal. If you decide to stop being so overly protective of us girls in the family, then I’ll let you name one of our pups.” She glared at Sitka who drew himself up to argue the matter, and he finally sat down, looking uneasy at the thought.

Kodi looked shocked at the sudden privilege, and he thought about it as he gazed at his nieces and nephews. His gaze paused on the lone white pup, the one that most resembled Sitka. His mind began wandering back to how this whole fiasco started, when he dared Tovah to race in the wilderness. Then the blizzard blew in, allowing Sitka to find a lost and half froze Tovah, and then fall in love with her after that meeting. If one really thought about it, it had all started with a storm. Storm. That has a nice ring to it… Leaning close to the white one, Kodi smiled. “How does ‘Storm’ sound to you, little guy?”

The pup was too new to the world to have any other opinion then to snuffle a little before yawning. “I’m guessing that means he likes it.” Balto quipped. He grinned then. “Since Boris isn’t here to say it, I’ll say it for him. Mazel Tov, you two!” His grin turned into a smirk. “With puppy rearing for the first time, you’ll need all the luck you can get.”

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The sun was up by the time everyone left the den. As they left the den, Balto and Jenna led the way while they spoke softly to each other about being grandparents for the second time, Doc trudging after them, talking about his own grandpuppies at intervals while Kodi trailed slowly at a distance behind them. “I guess everything worked out great,” he said to himself. “So why do I feel like a fifth wheel? Everyone ended up together except me. I wonder if I’ll ever find someone?”

Balto looked over his shoulder. “Kodi, you coming?”

 Sighing, Kodi trotted to catch up with the others. His time would come, he consoled himself. He just had to wait for it.

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Standing in the shadows was a single figure, watching Kodi. She stepped forward, then thought better of it. She would get another chance to talk. Dusty turned and headed back to Nome.