IMPORTANT! In my stories, I always add a song that I think goes along with the scene. In this one, the sond is called "Sound the Bugle" written by Brain Adams, form the movie "Spirit"

"Oh, here comes the house dog" sneered Tansy

" Hello to you too Tansy" I relpied.

" So McKinley do you think you can keep up" she sneered

" Ha, I sure can"

I stretched out ready to run Cross Country with the town's strays. I enjoyed running. Most of the strays thought I was to soft and slow since I live with house folks, but I proved them wrong several times.

"Whats the trail, the beach?'

She threw me a look

"You dumb-dumb, with this weather? The beach is frozen, what do you want to do? Slip and hurt yourself." she snorted "Typical thinking for a house dog." 

I shrugged" Just asking"

She shook her head." Nah, we are going on a new trail. The woods, its also gonna be a race"

"Yeah, be careful of the scary wolves and bears," I turned my head. A big husky named Johnny was getting up from his stretches 

"They say their favorite meal are slow house dogs." He said in a mocking voice.

Before I could throw back an insult another husky stepped in "Oh knock it off you two. McKilney is just as good as you lot. Give it a rest, its not funny anymore. Its more annoying actually. I've seen him come first most of the time. " said a black and white husky with a swollen belly of unborn pups. I flashed her a gratefull look. Codae used to run with us, but she became preganat. Instead she waits for us to return. I've grown to really like her.

" Whatever" siad Tansy "Lets get started" she charged off for the direction of the woods.

*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *

I felt the snow crunch beneath my feet. The scent of the forest filled my nostrils. It was hard to find Tansy's scent. I kept running, I didn't realize that I had lost her scent until I noticed I didn't know where I was going. I stopped to take a sniff. Her scent was nowhere nearby. I walked around hoping to find her scent, but the forest scent made it hard. I also noticed nothing looked familiar any more. Okay just keep calm. But I couldn't but help feel the panic. Just then I heard a laughing voice.

" Oh look a lost dog. Well, I guess I found my prey. After all,  us wolves love a lost dog for dinner."

I whipped around. A beautiful white wolf stood against the forest trees. Her golden eyes had a comforing look and a humorous glint. But the fact that I was soon to become her dinner terrified me.

" What" I blurted out " I taste awful-"

She let out a howl of laughter "Eat you? I was only joking. You huskies are crazy." she stopped laughing "Although I'm sure that you are lost. Am I right"

I nodded embarrassdly.

"I'll take you out of here, But don't come back. If one of my clan mates found you, they won't be so nice" she began to lead the way. I let out a sigh of relief. Throughout the trip back, I couldn't help but admire her looks. In the sunlight her fur had a winter gleam. Her scent smelled sweet and the way she walked looked as though she were barely touching the ground. Her fur was so white, that it made the snow look gray. Her voice, which sounded lovely, interupted my thoughts.

"We're here" I looked up and sure enough I saw my town, Nome. I turned to thank her , but she was already walking away.

" Thanks" I called after her "Whats your name?"

She stopped to look at me "Aniu"

*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *

"Its about time you got back. What happend, did a bear get you"

 I shook my head. My thoughts were still on Aniu. I looked around.  

"Were is Codae"

 She smiled " Oh, she has a pleasant surprise for you. She is at home."

I decided to go see this "Surprise". I went over to the old shipwrecked boat she lived in. I smelled her inside, but I also smelled some other scents I wasn't familiar with. I stepped in, she was lying down, with her back turned towards me.

"Codae?"

She turned to face me" Oh, hi McKinley, look what I have for you to see"

I walked in. When I got closer I saw three small bundles suckling at her stomach. One was black and white like Codae, another was gray, and the other was black and white too. I smiled.

" Oh, you had your pups. Did it all go well."

 "Yes, I lost one though."

I gave her a comforting lick. " I 'm sorry. But these will be beautiful."

She beamed "Thank you"

*       *       *       *       *       *       *       *

When I left, my mind was still on Aniu. Her sweet scent, the way her tail flowed and golden eyes. I arrived at my house and saw "For Sale" sign swaying in the gentle breeze. But I hardly noticed it. I entered and was greeted with a dinner. As I curled up to go to sleep , I decided that I was going to go see her again. I just had to, I wanted to tell her how I felt about her and silently hoped that she'll feel the same way about him, despite the fact that we were from two different worlds.

*       *       *       *       *       *       *       *

I wandered into the forest trying to retrace her scent, but it was stale and faded. I wandered in deeper and saw three wolves, a dark brown with a scarred uzzle, a black and white one, and Aniu. See stopped and smelled the air. Her ears pionted forward, and I knew she recognized me. The other two noticed and I heard them soflty growl. She called to the other two wolves.

"You guys go on ahead, I think I'll catch some prey"

"You sure, I think I smell another dog". I froze. I silently prayed that they wouldn't see me

"I'll see to that go on" 

As soon as they left she called out.

"I know you there. You can come out"

I came out of where I was hiding she looked serious and her eyes hardened

"What in the name of SpiritClan are you doing here" I had no idea what SpiritClan was, but I didn't feel like asking her. I winced at her sharpness 

"I came to see you, I wanted to thank you" She nodded.  After a breif silence I told her something that I had been meaning to tell her

 "Ithinyu'reealieutiful" I could tell she was trying not to laugh

"Sorry, I didn't catch that."

" I ... I think you are really beautiful" She smiled " Thanks. whats your name by the way"

"Erm, McKinley"

She snickered " What an..uh,,, interesting name. But it suits you" She stood up " C'mon, now that you're here, I wanna show you something"

 She stood up and turned the other direction her tail brushed against my muzzle sending a sweet scent up my nose.I felt a sensaion in my stomatch and light hearttly followed her.

*       *       *       *       *       *       *       *

 " Fox dung!" I said out loud. She was late again. I couldn't help but feel angry at my sister. She has been more out of camp than spending time with me like she promised. We were both apprentices, although she was very close to becoming a Warrior. I heard someone enter the camp and saw my sister entering.

"Where were you" I growled.

 "I went hunting." she responded putting down the rabbit that was clamped in her jaws. "Why?" She asked sounding geuinely puzzled.

" You said you teach me that hunting trick"

Her eyes widened "Oh thats right. Oh, I'm really sorry Karti" she sounded as though she really meant it, but that still didn't help the fustration I was feeling. 

"Thats what you always say. Whats up with you. You are never here any more.

 She seemed surprised to be spoken to like that "Well its no big deal"

I snorted "You realy expect me to belive that"

She narrowed her eyes "It sounds as if though you don't trust me"

"Well I don't" I snapped " Its as if though I don't know you. Quit sneeking off"

' "Well nothing is going to make me" She barked. She strode off leaving me looking bewildered. Whats going on with her?

*       *       *       * several months later *       *       *

 "Aniu come up please" called Skiroout, our clan leader. Aniu walked up looking excited. It was time for her to become a warrior. "Aniu you have proved yourself loyal to BearClan and fight with the energy of SpiritClan. from now on you shall be recognized as Snowstorm."

 Howls of approvement and congratulations came from the pack. Snowstorm lowered her head respectfully. I would be the first to congratulate her, but since I was still angry I did it only half-heartly.

"Karti come here"

I turned a saw out healer wolf, Barksnout guesturing toward me. I padded over, wondering why would he need me for.

"Spirit clan have spoken to me. Your sister is in danger."

 I felt my breath go away. I new she was expecting pups soon, but how would that bring danger I nodded still feeling stunned. I decided to not tell her but try to keep her in the camp. I saw her begining to leave, I ran over.

" Snowstorm don't go" I cried urgently.

 The alarm in my voice caused her to whip her head and look at me in surprise. "Hey whats wrong. I'm only going to get a drink"

 " No I thnik you should stay. Please" I suddently felt as if I would never see her again. She licked me in reasurrance.

" Don't worry I'll be back." With that she walked out. I felt as if though I had done a big mistake. I looked up at the glittering stars over my head.

"Oh SpiritClan" I whispered to our Warrior ancestors." I sure hope you know what you are doing."

*       *       *       *       *        *         *       * 

I ran excitedly to where I would meet her. We have been seeing each other for months. I finally saw her coming down a hill, her swollen belly swaying. I greeting her with a touch or our noses.

"Hey Aniu"

"You can't call me that anymore"

For a second I thought she was angry wiht me, but i heard no hostility in her voice.

"I'm Snowstorm now. I'm a Warrior" she said proudly.

"Thats really great" I said responded beaming for her

 We sat down and lay our heads against each other, enjoying each other's company. A few minutes passed by and she let out a gasp of pain. I lept to my feet at an instant. 

"Are you okay"

"McKinley...I...I think they're coming"she panted

 "What!" I exclaimed feeling a bolt of electricity go through me "Now!?"

She began to lie down. I licked her flank and was murmuring things to comfort her. She was losing a lot of blood. The first pup came but she seemd too exhausted to take care of it. I like and it it opened its mouth to take a first breath. Three more came and were each alive.

"McKinley" I only just barely heard her.

 I immedieately ran to her side. She seemed to be slipping away

 "Take care of the pups. I love you." she rasped

I shook my head in disbelief  "Don't leave me Snowstorm, I need you here"

"Karti" she wispered very softly, as she lay her head down.

 That was the last word she had ever spoken. I didn't know who or what "Karti" was but she was gone. The truth stabbed at me like a dagger.

"Snowstorm" I gently nudged her not wanting to face the truth. She didn't respond. I raised my head a howled loudly to the whole forest.

"SNOWSTORM!"

*       *       *        *       *       *        *

 I buried her at the same spot she died. Her scent was still strong but mixed with the scent of blood.

"Oh Snowstorm what will I do without you"

 She meant everything to me. The sound of whimpering brought me back to earth. I glanced down and saw four bundles. One was pure white like Snowstorm, another was chocolate brown, a third was a light gray/sliver and the fourth was a pale brown. You need a mother was the first thing that came to my mind. Without thinking twice I gently picked up the chocolate grown puppy and rushed to my town. I had to hurry or they'll die.

 *        *        *       *       *       *       *        *

 All that Cross Country running has finally paid off, because I sprinted like never before. I arrived at the shipwrecked boat and came bursting in, making Coedae jump in alarm.

 "McKinley whats wrong?"

" I need you to take care of him" I said in a rush, as I gently put down the pup.

 "But why?!"

 " I have no time to explain" I panted "Please Coedae, I have to get to the others"

 "What?!" she exclaimed, her eyes wide "There are more?!"

"Please " I begged.

 She hesitated for a moment. The puppy whimpered loudly. her expression softened. She let out a sigh. "Oh, of course I'll take him" She picked him up and carried it over to the basket and allowed him to suckle at her stomach. I would've wanted to watch him settle, but I ran out to save the rest. The snow crunched beneath my feet, desperatly running towards the forest. I saw my house and halted.

"You dumb-dumb" I said outloud to myself.

 It would be much faster if I cut across my home. Without I secong thought, I burst through the Doggie Door. The house was strangely empty, with neatly packed boxes scattered in various places. I kept going anyway, until I was roughly grabbed around my collar.

"There you are, Mckinley, come on, we gotta go"

 How could I be so stupid. I have known that we were moving for ages, but I have been so busy with Snowstorm, I wasn't aware of what has been going on around me. I tugged and tried to get out of his grasp, but he only held on tighter.

 "Come on, whats gotten into you. Bad dog!"

 "No the pups" I howled, but I knew that he couldn't undrstand. I struggled harder, but I was only chocking myself.

 I was dragged into an automobile. My nails scrapped agianst the metal, but it did no goo. I howled and barked for all that I was worth, but it did no good. I heard the familar rumble of the machine and we began to leave the town. I saw the forset move further and firther away form my view. Snowstorm I thought, I'm sorry, I lost the pups I thought sadly. They were all that I had left from her. I lost my mate, I lost my pups, I lost everything. The weather echoed my thoughts as snow slowly began to drift. I felt hopeless.

Sound the bugle now - play it just for me

As the seasons change - remember how Iused ot be

Now I can't go on - I can't even start

I've got nothing left - just an empty heart

I'm a soilder - wounded so I must give up the fight

There's nothing more  for me - lead me away..

Or leave me lying here

We stropped to rest I sat on top of a hill, not to far away, and let the snow fall around me.

Sound the bugle now - tell them I don't care

There's not a road I know - that leads to anywhere

Without a light I fear that I will - stumble in the dark

Lay right down - decide not to go on

 A fog drifted in and I smelled a sweet famiiar sent.

Then from on high - somewhere in the distance

There's a voice that calls - remmeber who you are

If you loose yourself - your courage soon will follow

So be strong tonight - remmber who you are

 I sat too stunned to speak. She touched my nose with hers and felt my heart flutter

 "McKinley, I'm not angry with you. I'm in SpiritClan now"

"Snowstorm" I whispered, shocked.

"The pups are fine. They all have a mother to take care of them, except for Blizzardpup"

I noticed the white pup that had appeared next to her.

"I love you, take care"

She howled and disappeared with the wind.

Ya you're a soilder now - fighting ina battle

To be free be once more...

Ya that's worth fighting for

I smiled " Good - bye my love"

*       *       *       *       *       *       *       *

"Snowstrom" I yelped

I suddenly woke up. I could still smell the scent of blood. I was still in my den. It was just a dream I tried to tell myself. But it seemd so real. It was faded, but I heard whipereing pups and Snowstrom wailing. I shakily stood up and decided to go to Barksnout's den to ask him about it. As I walked in I saw my father inside talkimg to him. Not wanting to interrupt I sat outside, but I could still hear the conversation.

"SpiritClan have spoken to me" he said sadly "Snowstrom is dead"

I felt ice grip my throat

"But how" I heard my father whisper in a hollow voice

" SpiritClan have not shown me that much"

I remebered our arguement. It seemed stupid now, I despratly wanted to be with her. Her turned to leave but saw me at the enstrance.

"Karti" he said sounding surprised " I didn't -"

"She isn't dead" I said quitly

" Karti I'm sorry, but Barksnout wouldn't lie"

" He's lying." I was starting to raise my voice "Snowstorm isn't dead' I was practically shouting "I'll prove it"

Ignoring my fathers protests I ran out of the camp and ran though the forest, calling her name.

" Snowstorm!" I howled, but I heard no response.

"Snowstorm answer me" I shouted , but in reality I knew she was gone.

I went into a treeless area, our favortie place to hang out together.

" Please" I whispered " Answer me"

I rasied my head and saw the glittering stars overhead. For a second I was angry with SpiritClan. Angry for taking away my sister, but I let out a sigh and desperatly wished more than ever for her to be with ne. A slow fog drifted in and I felt even more alone and scared. I longed for her reassurance. Snow bean to fall and I felt my paws go numb, but I hardly felt it. Nothing no longer mattered anymore. She was gone. She was truly gone. A sweet scent drifted in and I felt someone touch my nose. I snapped my head back up. Standing against the falling snow stood my beloved sister. Her fur glowed like the moon's refelction in a lake. I felt joy fill inside of me. she wasn't dead after all!

"Hi Karti"

" Snowstorm! I knew you weren't dead!" I exclaimed, but she slowly shook her head.

"No, I'm in SpiritClan now. Take care, my sister. You'll grow up to be a great leader someday. I'll miss you. But as long you remember me, I'll always be with you."

She raised her head and howled and drifted away with the night. Her scent still lingered, but I felt much better. I once again began to felt the sadness return. Before I began to feel sorry for myself, I heard a cawing sound overhead. I looked up, a jet black raven was circling above me. It swooped and landed, not too far away, on a leaf bare tree. Did it want me to follow? I stood up, the Raven flew off and I ran after it. After a while I realized that I lost it. I was about to turn back, until I heard urgent puppy whimperings. I could also smell Snowstrom's scent. I wandered a while until I found three huddled pups. I nosed them each. They were all alive, except for the white one.  I picked them up and returned to where my camp was. I would never forget my sister, I miss her terribly, but I always felt better when the fog drew in.