The sun shone over the horizon at the crack of dawn, and lit up the small, yet lively town of Nome, waking up everyone who inhabited it. Everyone would then start their day as a normal community. The banker was counting bills from a customer, the butcher was starting to smoke the meat in the locker, and the doctor was finishing getting medicine to the kids infected by diphtheria. But somewhere on the costal line was a ship-wrecked boat with only a couple of passengers onboard. 

        One of these passengers was a tired out wolf-dog named Balto. He had just finished a very long few days on an adventure no dog could ever accomplish. He woke up around the same time the people of Nome did and stretched. He popped both of his sore hind legs and did the same thing with his arms. He ached everywhere and had trouble walking, but still managed to walk around.

       He walked up to the bow of the boat and looked out toward the city. It was getting brighter by the minute and he breathed in the smell of the ocean. He liked his home and enjoyed living in it, but he was an outcast of the city. No one loved him because of his heritage as a wolf-dog, but a few people did, like his best fried Boris, a Russian goose who thought he could control Balto’s life. He waddled over to his side.

“Vhat a night, last night vas, eh?” the goose asked with his accent. Balto turned toward him and replied.

“Aww not really, it won’t last any more, no matter how much the town may thank me.” The night before, he saved the town by bringing the medicine to the town to save the kids who were infected by diphtheria. He didn’t start the mission though, but he still managed to save the sled team that was stranded in the blizzard. They could have pulled it off without Balto’s help and brought the medicine in no time; but they had a bad lead dog, Steele, a malamute who didn’t care for anything, besides glory to himself.

“Are yeh kidding, Boychik? The town loves yeh now after vhat yeh did,” Boris paused, “and there is always another particular other who loves yeh a bit more.” Balto blushed to himself and smiled. Boris was talking about Jenna, a pure bred husky who had touched his heart when they met. She was the only person, other than Boris, who appreciated him for who he really was.

“I don’t think so, Boris,” he said, “She would have a better life with someone other than me. I mean, what do I have to offer her? A termite infested home, or a life picking out of trash cans? I can’t do that to her.”

Boris looked at him as if he were crazy, “Are yeh crazy?! She chose yeh out of all the other dogs in Nome!”

“That’s just it! I’m not a dog! I’m part wolf, and no matter what I do I’ll always be treated like one!” Balto snapped back. He wished what he said wasn’t true but he couldn’t believe, “What I did was just something that any other person would have done.”

“Oi!” Boris sighed, “You’re wrong, No other person could have done it because they don’t have a volf heritage like you.” He paused, “Let’s see vhat happens vhen yeh go into town.”

       Balto made his way into town and hesitantly walked in the middle of the street. So far there were a few people on the streets, but they were doing something Balto had never experienced before. They were calling out, “Good boy,” and, “The town hero!” which filled Balto with pride, but stayed the modest person he was.

       Kaltag, one of the dogs that was on the sled team he rescued, came up to him and said

“Hey Balto, where’ve ya been?” he asked. He started making a friendship with Kaltag after they got back. Before diphtheria swept the towns, Kaltag was one of the ones teased him with Steele, but after the night before, he apologized for what he did.

“Er, home.” He replied.

Kaltag stared shockingly, “Alone?” Balto nodded, “I’d thought you’d be with Jenna, after all, you two made quite a scene last night.” He winked and nudged him. Balto chuckled to himself and replied.

“I think we’re just going to stay friends, before last night I was a wolf-dog, after last night I’m still a wolf-dog, and I don’t think anything else is going to change.”

Kaltag smirked at him then said, “Well don’t look now, but your extremely ‘friendly’ friend is coming.” He left laughing ad Balto turned the other way to see Jenna walking up to him. She nuzzled his face and said

“Good morning.” She sighed, “Balto.”

Balto blushed and replied, “Morning,” he paused, panicking on what to say next. Every time they spend time together it’s an awkward moment, “Er, when’s Rosy coming home from the hospital?”

    Jenna stared at him and replied, “I don’t know, but I don’t think it’s going to be a long time until she does.” She smiled and started walking with him.

   Balto stared at her as they walked. She didn’t notice but turned red anyway. She had been the nicest person toward Balto as long as he could remember. Balto then remembered what relity was then frowned.

“What’s wrong?” Jenna asked. The red husky faced him as she asked.

Balto shook his head and said, “Nothing in particular.” He smiled with reassurance and Jenna licked his cheek. Balto smiled and kept walking down the street. More people started calling to Balto, humans and other dogs. Then a familiar voice came from an ally.

“You should’ve never taken full credit for that.” Said a figure in the dark, Balto expected it to be Steele but it wasn’t. It was his brother, Dusk. He came out of the dark and showed his teeth as he growled. Balto had never met Steele’s brother but new he had one. Dusk looked exactly like Steele, but had brown fur and had a crippled leg. Jenna stepped forward and said

“Just mind your own, Dusk. Balto had every right to be credited for what he did.” Balto saw Jenna’s wild side in her. The only other time he saw her like that she was rescuing Balto from a bear.

“Oh please,” he snickered, “Whose the one who ran all the way to Nenana and ran half way back? Steele did. He did the most work in this little expedition, and you think you could just take control of his team and leave him stranded in the snow? I don’t think so.”

    Balto felt hurt for what he said, and knew he was right. Steele should have been credited for what he did and he should be back in the boat where he belonged.

“It’s what Steele didn’t do that Balto got credit for! He wanted to save the children and asked for nothing in return. He did what no other dog did and went out on his own to help. Steele refused his help and look where it got him. If he would have excepted it, he would be here right now, would he?” Jenna growled. Balto felt joy that she stood up for him, but he didn’t know what happened to Steele.

“What happened to Steele?” Balto asked. He wasn’t worried what happened to him, he just wanted to know.

Dusk answered, “He was exiled from the town, and was chased out last night.”

Balto was horrified, he didn’t want that. He didn’t even want to be a hero or at least called one.

“Look,” Balto said, “I didn’t mean for that to happen to your brother.”

“Well just watch your back, wolf.” He threatened and limped off.

Balto looked at Jenna then looked down. Jenna nuzzled his face, which comforted him.

“Funny,” Balto joked, “After I finally get rid of one enemy, I make a new one.”

Jenna sighed and said, “Not everyone is going to see what kind of person you are, but just let Dusk get some time to think about who did the right thing.”

Later on in the day, Balto and Jenna met up with Kaltag and a female husky Balto had never met before. She looked at hi smiled. Balto hesitated a bit because he notice how pretty she was but then thought how much he cared for Jenna. No one could ever replace her place in his heart. Jenna didn’t notice his weird jesture and greeted them,

“Hi, Kaltag.” The she looked at the new person, “Who’s this?”

The girl stared at Balto and then looked at Jenna, “I’m Meria, I’m moved here yesterday morning. I wasn’t really known to any one because of the sadness around here.” Balto noticed Kaltag staring at her with affection and then nudged him as a joke. Kaltag nudged back harder and then continued to stare at Meria.

Jenna smiled at Meria and said, “Well, welcome to Nome.” She then leaned on Balto’s shoulder, which made him feel uncomfortable. He smiled at Jenna then looked at Meria. She continued to stare at him with affection, which put him in a bad spot. He was in love with Jenna and didn’t want to ruin that because Meria liked him.

Kaltag then said something to break an awkward moment of silence, “Why don’t we get together tonight at the celebration.”

Balto looked at Kaltag, “Celebration?”

Kaltag laughed, “For a successful expedition to save Nome.” He paused, “It’s also kind of a party for your new membership on the team. We’ve been needing a new leed dog for a while.”

Balto stared in disbelief, “Are you serious? I’m on the team?”

“Yep. The musher has personally picked you as Steele’s replacement. After all, you are the fastest dog in the city. It only seems right.” Kaltag replied.

Balto couldn’t believe it. He was going to fulfill one of his most valuable dreams. The other one was being with Jenna for the rest of his life. Janne licked his cheek then looked at Meria, “Well, we’ll see you there.”

Jenna and Balto made their way to the party in the afternoon. They had spent the rest of their day with Rosy in the hospital and was a joyful experience too. The celebration was in the mill and was filled with dogs. There were the dogs that were on the sled team, and the female dogs that were flirting with them. Then there were Jenna’s friends: Sylvie and Dixie, two dogs that used to be in love with Steele, but after the night before, hated him. Jenna walked off to talk to them and Balto saw Meria talking with Kaltag. She then looked at him and waved for him to come. He hestitantly obeyed and stalked off toward them.

      Meria smelled like she had taken a bath and was smiling at Balto as if it were trying to impress him. She the brushed up against him and gave him a friendly hug, but a little bit too friendly. Kaltag then rolled his eyes then said, “Good to see ya made it.” He paused, “Oh wait, it’s your honor, of cource you made it.”

Balto smiled at his friend and moved away from Meria who was still brushin up against him. Balto then looked at Kaltag and mouthed, “help me.” Kaltag understood and did what he had wanted do and asked

“Er, Meria?” he paused, “Can I talk to you?”

Meria smiled and said, “Sure.”

Kaltag took her to a corner and asked, loud enough for Balto to hear

“Do you want to go take a stroll through the moon light.” He added, “Just me and  you?”

Meria smiled but then said, “Sorry, I just moved here, and don’t really know anybody here, but maybe after I’ve met everybody and got a taste of the people here,” she winked at Balto, “I’ll go with you.” She walked off to Sylvie and Dixie. Balto made his way to Kaltag

“I didn’t see that coming.” He said. Kaltag was looking down.

“Don’t worry about it, maybe when she realized that you’re with Jenna, she’ll get it.”

“Look, I didn’t mean for that to happen. I’ll stick away from her and spend all my time with Jenna so she gets I’m not in to her.” Balto reassured him then turned as Jenna came walking up to him.

“Hey, you guys.” Jenna said, “Can I talk to Balto alone, please?” she asked blinking at Kaltag. Kaltag chuckled then walked off to Nikki and star, his best friends who are also on the sled team.

Jenna then blushed and then nuzzled his neck. He smiled and nuzzled the top of her head. He felt so good to be with her and couldn’t believe how much they’ve gotten closer. She then sighed with joy and then asked, “Balto?”

Balto smiled and replied, “yes?”

She then raised her head looking in to his eyes and said, “I love you.”

It took him off guard and then he felt week in the knees. She was his best friend and they’ve been through so much for the last few days. She was perfect in everything she did in, while he was an outcast and only limited people liked him. He then replied while he sniffed her nose, “I love you, too.”

        Balto walked Jenna home that night and led her to the shed. He walked her in and she lied down on her bed. Balto smiled and sniffed her nose. They closed their eyes as they did so.

“Good night.” Balto said opening his eyes. He realized he was kissing the prettiest girl in Nome. He gave a sigh at the thought.

Jenna smiled and opened her eyes, “Good night, my love.”        

Balto smiled and left to leave the shed but was called back, “Wait, where do you live? I’m sorry, but I need to know that your safe out there.” She asked

Balto grinned and told her about his boat. He had never told anyone about it before and was happy to finally give it up. She looked in disbelief.

“Well, at least stay here for the night. I would feel a lot better about your safety.” She offered. Balto looked at her and she stared at him with loving eyes filled with sorrow and caring. He licked her nose and replied

Balto woke up before Jenna did. He yawned and stretched his legs as usual and then licked Jenna’s nose. She giggled and opened her eyes. She wore a bright and beautiful smile on her face and licked his nose. Balto chuckled to himself, but then flinched when Rosy’s father opened the shed door. He stared at him and then did what he expected him to do.

“All right, out.” He said pointing out the door. Balto obeyed and walked out, “If there are going to be any puppies from Jenna, they’re going to be pure bred not mutts.”

Balto twitched at the comment. After all he did for their family, he was still treated as an outcast. Jenna walked out the door and caught up with him.

“Balto?” she asked, “I’m so sorry.” She nuzzled his face. He pulled away and said

“He’s right you know.” He said, “You would be better off with Steele then you would be with me.” He didn’t make eye contact, “maybe it’s for the best if we just stayed-“

“No,” she interrupted, “I will not let that ruin us. I love you, so much.”

Balto looked at her beautiful eyes and replied,, “I love you, also, but I need to be alone right now.” He walked off and he could hear her softly say

“See you later.” She paused, “Balto.”

Balto walked in an alley and lied down and stared at himself in a frozen puddle. No matter what he did, he still had the look and heritage of a wolf. He then thought of what his life would have been like if his mother didn’t die. Would the pack not accept him because he was part-dog? He then figured out there was no place for him. Then a familiar voice came from behind him.

“Now why is the town hero moping around?” He turned and it was Meria. He suddenly got a very uncomfortable feeling and backed away.

“Er, Hi, Meria.” He hesitated saying so. She smiled at him in a weird way.

“So, um, what happened to you last night? I didn’t see you leave.” She said getting closer. Balto stared at her.

“I left early with Jenna.” Balto answered. She made smirked when he ssaid Jenna’s name, then got even closer and their chests were brushing against each other now.

“Well,” she said. “You don’t need her you know.” She said. Balto stared at her, “After all, if her family doesn’t accept you, why would their loyal pet be any different?”

Balto growled under his throat, “Excuse me?”

She smirked again and said, “My family doesn’t care who I’m with. We could be together with no problems at all.” She then nuzzled his chin with her tail, still making a very creepy smirk. Then someone came up to them.

“Balto?!” it was Kaltag. He looked at Meria and then at him again and then glared at Balto, “I see.” He walked off. Balto didn’t want for any of this to happen and then he growled at Meria and raced after Kaltag.

“Kaltag?” he asked desperately. He was in front of him now, “That wasn’t what it looked like. I don’t care for her, she was all up on me.” Kaltag didn’t look at him, “You have to believe me.”

“Why should I? I saw how you two looked at each other yesterday. Why should it be any different today?” He had a point.

“I swear, I’m telling you the truth.” Balto pleaded.

Kaltag looked at him, “You think you could just steal everything away from the other dogs in Nome? Who do you think was supposed to be the next lead dog after Steele left us? Me, but then you took his spot and the musher only thought it was right to give it to you.” Balto couldn’t believe it, he hadn’t done anything, “and what would Jenna think if she saw that?”

“Saw what?” a voice came from behind Kaltag. Unfortunately, it was Jenna. A part of Balto died that moment.

“Balto flirting with Meria in an alley way.” Kaltag said. He then smirked at Balto. Jenna looked at Balto

“Is that true?” She asked as a tear ran down her face.

“of course not.” Balto said, “She cae up after I left and wouldn’t leave me alone. That’s all.”

Kaltag rolled his eyes, “Yeah, right.” His friendship with Kaltag just ended at that moment. He walked away.

Balto walked up to Jenna and said, “You know that’s not true, Jenna. Don’t believe it!”

Jenna looked in his eyes and she knew what the truth was, “I believe you.” She licked his cheek.

Balto sighed in relief, but then frowned as kaltag stormed off, “Give him some time. He really liked her.” Jenna reassured him. Meria then walked out of alley way and also stormed off.

“No.” Balto said, “I need him to believe, or else nothing will ever be different. Kaltag will still hate me, and probably get the whole town to hate me again.” He then followed Kaltag to where he walked off.

He was on his porch waiting for his owner to get home from work. He was looking down.

“Kaltag?” he asked as he walked up, “I didn’t flirt with her, I swear on my life that I didn’t. You have to believe me.”

Kaltag looked at him and then said, “I wasn’t mad at you,” he paused, “I was mad at the fact that Meria refused to go out with me because she tried to be with you.”

Balto looked down, “I’m sorry, and for the record, I don’t think she would have liked me if I wasn’t some kind hero.” He looked up at Kaltag, “Friends?”

Kaltag sighed, “agreed.”

         His owner let Kaltag in after a few minutes and Balto left to go see Jenna. She was in the boiler room and had her head down. He walked up to her nuzzled her face.

“What’s wrong, Jen?” he asked. She looked up at him and a tear came out of her eye.

“It’s just,” She sniffed, “Everything is different now. You are a famous person now, and now everyone wants to be with you, including Meria.”

     Balto hadn’t realized how much pain she was going through at moment then reassured her, “Maybe, but I fell in love with the girl that loved me before this all happened.”

She smiled and licked his face. Her filled with faith she leaned on his shoulder. They closed their eyes as they nuzzled each other. Then someone came in the room and laughed.

Balto, with his eyes closed, said, “Can you please give us about two minutes?”

“Sure,” the person said, “anything for the person who ruined my brother’s life.”

Balto opened his eyes to see Dusk in the room, and was not alone. There was a black female husky standing in the doorway. She glared at Balto, and then at Jenna.

“What do you possibly want, Dusk.” Balto growled. He hated nyone who was a-part of Steele’s family.

“Same thing as you, to spend alone time with my mate,” he pointed to the female with his nose. She smiled at him and continued to stare at Jenna.

“What an unlucky girl she must be to be with him,”Balto thought to himself. The female looked at Dusk  and nuzzled his face with her tail, “We were just leaving.” He said, then he and Jenna made their way out of the room.

“so where can we go now?” Jenna asked, she seemed upset about Dusk ruining everything.

Balto got a really crazy idea, “You know, you’ve never seen where I live. Why don’t we go there?”

Balto and Jenna walked up to the boat and Balto warned, “We have to be quiet. I don’t know if Boris is there or not.”

Jenna stayed quiet and Balto took her below deck where a lantern hung from the ceiling, “It’s as cozy as your bed or the boiler room, but-“

He got interrupted by Jenna nosing him, “I don’t care as long as I’m with you.” She then nuzzled Balto’s chin with her tail. He chuckled and blushed a bit. She smiled and whispered, “I love you.”