Thy Name Is Brother

The sheer beauty of  Aniu that had perplexed his father now perplexed Balto as the small pup looked up at his mother who was as white a snow with stunning brown eyes full of love and affection as she nuzzled her only pup.

‘Oh Balto you are so important to me…I will always protect you.’ Aniu said in sweet voice as Balto huddled up closer to her. Balto had never known his father or had ever seen him but he always marveled at the stories his mother would tell him of a proud dog who brave and loyal, this world of man she spoke of fascinated her only son but Balto never wanted to leave his pack he was a wolf and thats how he wanted to stay.

Later that day whilst Balto slept in the warmth of the den beside his mother the large heavy paws of the Beta Male coming down into the den woke Balto up causing him to frown and dig his head into his mothers fur trying to fall sleep again.

‘Beta what news do you bring?’ Aniu said looking up at the Beta.

‘All quiet Alpha, the caribou are down by the plains and are plentiful for a hunt later today, our scout is keeping track of them incase they move.’ The Beta said proudly. The Beta had always thought highly of himself and when everything worked out smoothly he was more than happy to tell Aniu of what a great job he was doing.

‘Well done…gather the pack now we will hunt soon before it gets dark.’ Aniu said standing up as the Beta nodded before running out of the den to gather the hunters.

‘When can I go hunting?’ Balto smiled looking up at his mother who laughed.

‘Not till you are a little older, now rest my son the pup-sitter will be here soon to look after you.’ Aniu started to walk towards the den entrance when Balto quickly jumped in front of her looking up at her with his bright brown eyes. ‘Promise me one day you will take me hunting!’

Smiling down at her only son Aniu nodded and nuzzled him, ‘Of course my son.’ With that she slowly walked out of the den just as an exhausted looking pup sitter walked past her and down into the den.

Outside Aniu could see that most of her pack had gathered and were talking and laughing just like they had when she was only a pup, the pack was happy again. Every since what happened with her family and brother Aniu had been put under so much strain and pressure to reorganize her pack and settle everyone down, but now for the first time she believe she had done it, her pack was at peace, they were happy, and so was she.

The hunting trip was a successful one and all the wolves had plenty to eat and by the time they were on their way home they were all about ready to collapse and sleep off their bloated bellies.

Whilst they walked Aniu was cheerfully talking to one of her pack mates when the Beta suddenly hushed everyone down. Everyone stopped talking and looked around trying to find out why the Beta had called an alarm.

Walking up to her Beta Aniu whispered to him, ‘Beta what is it?’ Aniu trusted his judgment and new if he was on edge then he wasn't faking it and there could possibly be danger.

‘Wait here…’ the Beta said softly as he motioned for two others to follow him to an area behind a group of huge trees.

Aniu and the others watched as the three wolves disappeared behind the trees and for what seemed like hours they were gone before finally the Beta and the others reappeared but one of them was carrying something…a rabbit perhaps?

As the Beta got closer and closer Aniu soon realized that the object looked alive and was whimpering. When the wolves finally reached Aniu they gently put down the small pup on the ground and it cowered into the snow. ‘We found this Alpha…a dog…’ The Beta spat looking down at the pup.

Looking down at the small pup Aniu nudged it gently with her nose as it whimpered a little before looking up at her with its big blue eyes, Aniu wasn’t sure what it was but at that very moment she could see that this pup needed her and that a special bond seemed to instantly form between them.

‘We should leave this area…man may be about and with this lost pup who knows what dangers we will be in if they try and retrieve it.’ The Beta said looking at Aniu who looked back up at him.

‘I agree we must leave this area…and we will take this helpless pup with us…’

‘What!’ The Beta cried out in disbelief. ‘If they look for it our tracks will be easy to follow…in all respect my Alpha I believe…’ Before he could finish he stopped as a snow flake fell on his nose causing him to sneeze abruptly.

‘The snow will cover our tracks…no men have ever come this far, we will be quite safe…now lets get back to the den before nightfall.’ Aniu said looking at her Beta who obediently nodded before turning around and leading the way. Bending down Aniu looked down at the pup before saying gently, ‘What is your name little one?’

‘Lucan…’ the pup said taking a step closer towards Aniu who smiled down at him.

‘Where have you come from?’

‘Lost.’ The pup stuttered looking confused.

‘Not any more.’ Aniu said gently as she picked him up and followed after the Beta.

Balto couldn’t sleep as he waited  because he knew any moment his mother would be back and he was starving! Hearing the sound of voices Balto jumped up on to his feet and ran past the pup sitter and up the den till he reached the surface. Looking through the group of wolves he instantly saw his mother, running forward to her so fast Balto didn’t even notice what she carrying as he snuggled up beside her paws. ‘Mum I have been waiting so long…’ Balto said wagging his tail and looking up at her and that’s when he noticed that she was carrying something.

Slowly Aniu put down Lucan on the ground and Balto looked at the pup who was a little smaller then he was. ‘Balto this…’ Aniu tried to think of the right words to say and when the perfect word came to her mind she smiled, ‘…this is your brother Lucan.’

Balto turned from his mother back to Lucan and smiled as he looked at him, Balto had always siblings and although it was obvious that he wasn’t a wolf Balto didn’t care because finally he had someone to play with. Lucan looked up at Balto and smiled weakly before looking back up at Aniu as she slowly pushed him forward towards Balto with her nose. ‘Lucan meant Balto.’ Aniu said and watched as the two pups looked at each other, Balto’s tail wagged madly behind him and Lucan confused but safe expression on his face.

Balto no longer felt hungry as he jumped around Lucan laughing, ‘Lucan come on I must show you everything!’ Balto said running towards the den and for a few moments Lucan stayed where he was feeling a little unsure as all the wolves watched him. Looking back at Aniu for a brief moment Lucan nervously took a step forward towards Balto who was waiting for him outside the den. ‘I always wanted a brother.’ Balto said as Lucan walked up beside him and the two exchanged a smile before disappearing underground.

Watching the two Aniu smiled as she turned to the Beta who still looked a little unsure but didn’t say anything as he walked away to attend other duties.

That night when all the wolves were fast asleep Balto was woken up by the sobs of another, opening his eyes he turned to his mother who asleep beside him and he decided not to wake her as he slowly walked towards the entrance of the den where he could hear the sobs coming from. ‘Lucan?’ Balto said walking into the moonlight and seeing Lucan trying to hide his face from Balto who walked up beside him. ‘What’s wrong?’

‘This world is so different…and I’m scared.’ Lucan admitted turning to Balto who looked a little unsure about what to say. 'I want to run away...but I have no where to go.'

‘Listen to me Lucan, being a wolf means always looking out for your pack mates…’

‘But I’m different, I'm not a wolf.’ Lucan looked away.

‘That doesn’t matter because you are one if us now…you’re my brother and I will look after you and so will our mother and our pack.’ Balto said looking up at the moon.

‘Thanks…brother.’ Lucan said turning to Balto as the two smiled before walking back down into the den.

The two brothers did everything together, they got into trouble together, played together, annoyed the Beta together and would go off exploring in secret together and whereever one was the other was and it wasn’t long before Lucan began to feel like a wolf and apart of the pack. Lucan could never remember much about his old life before he had gotten lost and was reluctant to tell anyone but Balto of the strange memories of the men and how they lived when he did remember.

The Beta male returned from a border patrol and saw Aniu watching over her two pups who were playing together in the sun, he took a deep breath before walking up to Aniu who turned to him, ‘How was the patrol Beta?’ she asked.

‘Very well Alpha…but there is something I need to tell you.’ Aniu turned to him with a worried expression. ‘I want to apologize for doubting you with that pup, I was only looking out for the best interests of the pack and I thought I was doing the right thing.’

Instantly Aniu relaxed and laughed. ‘Beta you are my Beta because you look after the pack and I would expect no less from you than to do anything and everything to protect this pack and I respect you for help which has been invaluable.’ The Beta looked shocked as he smiled trying to shrug it off.

‘I just do my best Alpha and I am glad I am doing a good job.’ With that beta walked away as Aniu turned back to her pups who walked up to her.

‘That beta is so funny.’ Balto laughed watching him leave.

‘Yes he is all, rules, rules, rules!’ Lucan sniggered sitting down beside Aniu.

‘Now now my children he does what he can to protect this pack and he has done a brilliant job and even though you are the alpha pups…’ Lucan and Balto smirked at each other, ‘…you cannot demand respect from him or the other pack mates unless you give it so remember that.’ Both pups nodded before going back to play.

‘She is so wise.’ Lucan commented once the two pups were out of earshot of Aniu.

‘She is a great mother and pack leader! Just like I hope to be one day!’ Balto said holding his head up high.

‘You the leader, I’m stronger then you.’ Lucan said jumping around at him.

‘I’m bigger!’ Balto laughed standing next to his brother.

‘Come one lets see who’s stronger.’ Lucan laughed as the two brothers began to play fight each other both laughing and having a great time.

A few months later whilst the pack was out hunting Lucan and Balto managed to slip past the pup sitter who had accidentally fallen asleep whilst looking after them. The two managed to get away from the den undetected and as they ran into the forest they began to laugh. ‘I can’t believe we made it!’ Lucan said smiling.

‘I know we have never been able to get this far.’ Balto said looking back as the two continued to run as fast as they could but it wasn’t long before Balto began to worry and slow down to a stop. ‘We’re getting a little far from the den.’ Balto said in an unsure voice as he looked back the way they had come.

‘Don’t worry we can follow the tracks back and besides I have the best sense of smell.’ Lucan smiled.

‘I do!’ Balto said back as the two began to play in the snow both not noticing the sound of breaking branches all around them

It wasn’t until they both heard a yell that the two jumped to there feet and looked around them in the shadows where they could see movement and strange sounds that they had never heard before. ‘Quick we should get back.’ Balto said taking a few steps back with Lucan right beside him nodding.

‘Yes hurry Balto…’ Lucan yelled as the two turned around and began to run and as they did they soon noticed they were being followed by something quite large which made the two pups call out to try and get their pack mates attention.

The thing chasing them suddenly jumped over them and landed in front of the pups causing them to stop and in a panic and speed off in different directions with out even realizing because they were so scared.

As Lucan ran the strange thing easily caught up to him and as Lucan came to a stop he turned around and growled angrily, ‘Balto we can take…?’ Lucan said suddenly realizing his brother wasn’t behind him, ‘…Balto?’

‘Hurry young pup you need to get out here…’ A deep voice sounded as Lucan turned around noticing the thing that was chasing them looked almost exactly like himself and he knew instantly it wasn’t a wolf.

‘Get back…’ Lucan growled looking at this strangely familiar creature.

‘Young pup you must get out of here there are deadly wolves…’ The husky said as Lucan just looked at him before shaking his head.

‘No, wolves aren’t dangerous…I am wolf.’ Lucan said calming down and looking up at him.

‘Oh…’ The husky said shaking his head, ‘…please come with me you need to know wolves are killers and they will hurt you…’

‘No!' Lucan yelled shaking his head as he spun around and began to run away, the husky was about to give chase when a man yelled his name causing him to stop and obediently walk back towards his master.

Meanwhile Balto had realized that his brother wasn’t with him and had been running around trying to find him. If anything had happened to him he'd never forgive himself Balto said to himself as he ran and ran yelling out Lucan’s name.

‘Balto!?’ Came the voice of Aniu as Balto stopped his heart skipping a beat as he turned to look at his mother who ran forward towards him. ‘Balto are you alright, why are you here? Where is Lucan? Please tell me you are safe.' Aniu said comforting Balto who was shaking as he curled up beside his mother.

‘We went exploring and this strange creature chased us and…and we heard funny noises…’ As Balto finished Aniu turned to the Beta who looked shocked.

‘Beta gather everyone and spread out, find Lucan and be careful, avoid any contact with creatures you don’t know or haven’t seen before and keep quiet. Go!’ Aniu said to the Beta who instantly nodded as he and the group immediately spilt leaving Aniu with Balto who looked very distressed.

As Aniu comforted her young son the sound of someone approaching made Aniu instantly swing around in front of Balto with her teeth barred growling loudly. Standing beside his mother protectively Balto looked into the trees, he wasn’t going to let anything happen to his mother. Though all that appeared was Lucan who ran over to Aniu who quickly nuzzled him. ‘Oh Lucan are you alright…’ Aniu said never wanting either of her pups to leave her sight again.

‘I’m fine.’ Lucan said snuggling up as close to his mother as possible as his eyes turned a little teary.

When the two pups and Aniu finally returned to the den both pups were in deep trouble. 'Balto I thought you knew better then this!' Aniu said looking at her son who looked down at the ground sadly.

'No mother don't blame him i was the one who wanted to go exploring.' Lucan said stepping forward beside Balto who turned to him and smiled weakly.

'I am very disapointed in both of you.' Aniu said looking down at her two sons, 'I want you to promise me you'll never run off like that again, because if anything happened to you...'

'We're really sorry mum.' Balto said as he and Lucan stepped forward and the family nuzzled each other.

'I would do anything to protect either of you because I never want anything bad ever to happen to you...' Aniu whispered gently to her pups.

As the night went on more and more scouts returned telling of strange new scents, footprints and the distant sounds that sounded like claps of thunder which sent shockwaves through the trees. The two pups were together down in the den listening to their parents as they pretended to be asleep.

‘This was really my fault you shouldn't have taken the blame.’ Balto said turning to Lucan who shook his head.

‘No it was my fault…we should have known better.’

'I'm just glad everyone is alright and things can go back to normal.’ Balto smiled glad that everyone was alright, he and Lucan were a little shaken but they would live.

‘It was pretty exciting though.’ Lucan smiled turning to Balto who smiled a little as well.

‘Yeah…’ Balto laughed as the two pups crawled ever closer to the den entrance to try and over hear what was going on outside.

‘We need to get out of here before someone gets hurt.’ The Beta said pacing in front of Aniu who looked confused, she was still young and inexperienced as a pack Alpha and without the guidance of her parents and brother everything just seemed to be getting harder and harder again and she had to admit she was lost.

‘These tracks were quite far away…they won’t be able to get this far the forest is to dangerous this time of year with bears.’ Aniu said looking up at her Beta.

‘You would put the lives of our pack on this assumption? Your pups?’

‘That’s enough…’ Aniu snapped stepping forward to the Beta who knew instantly he had stepped out of line. ‘We leave in a week when my pups are stronger…tell the pack.’ Aniu said hanging her head low as the Beta quickly disappeared leaving Aniu alone, lost in her thoughts of what her parents would have done...

The next day the pup sitter had taken Balto and Lucan down to the shallow river for a play whilst Aniu and the others discussed where they were to go when they left in a few days time.

Balto was sitting at the edge of the river watching the fish and laughing at their startled expressions when they noticed him watching them. ‘Aniu told me that sometimes this river can swell to be so large it fills up the whole plain.’ Balto said turning to Lucan who was trying to catch the fish who were much to quick for him.

‘That would be so amazing to see, I can’t wait!’ Lucan said jumping in the water to try and catch a fish. ‘I just missed it! Wait here and I’ll get it, I bet I can!' Lucan said chasing the fish down the river as Balto laughed loudly.

Lucan went around a small bend in the river and as soon as he did he bumped into something causing him to look up and see the husky he had seen the pervious day looking down at him. He was about to yell for help when the Husky quickly whispered, ‘Pease be quiet and just listen…I am down wind and they won’t be able to smell me…’ The Husky said looking down at Lucan who at anytime looked as though he was going to make a break for it. ‘Young pup you must come with me now before these wolves hurt you…you are a husky and belong with me and the men. Met me here tomorrow at the same time.’ The Husky said looking at Lucan who was beginning to look a little unsure and scared. ‘Please think about it Lucan I…’ The husky instantly stopped realizing he had said the pup’s name.

Lucan who at the thought of this strange dog knowing who he was panicked and turned back around and ran back up the river to Balto who was still laughing a little. ‘You didn’t catch it!’ Balto said looking at Lucan who was shaking slightly, ‘Lucan are you alright?’ Balto said concerned as he stepped forward to Lucan who quickly just shook his head.

‘I’m fine, just disappointed I didn’t catch that fish and I'm cold from the water!’

‘Don’t worry there’s more fish down here come on you'll warm up soon!' Balto said as he watched Lucan run forward towards the fish, but Balto couldn’t help but know something was wrong…Lucan didn’t seem like himself but Balto just shrugged it off as they went to play.

Later that night in the den when Aniu and Balto were asleep Lucan was wide awake and was constantly watching the den entrance because he was scared that the husky was going to come down and hurt his family. Hearing his mother yawn Lucan looked over to her and for the first time noticed how large and sharp her teeth were. Shuddering to himself Lucan shifted a little way from Aniu before putting his head on his paws and falling asleep.

In his sleep Balto had felt movement and slowly opened his eyes and noticed that Lucan had moved away from them, looking a little confused balto put his head back down on his paws thinking that perhaps he had just rolled over in his sleep and that was all nothing to worry about.

Lucan was running as fast as he could away from a horrible monster but he was to small to escape in time and the creature leapt in front of him with their mouth opened wide showing huge teeth, ‘No…no…’ Lucan wept as from out of the shadows Aniu, Balto and the other wolves appeared all with teeth barred bearing down on him.

‘No!’ Lucan yelled in his sleep waking both balto and Aniu up.

‘Lucan whats wrong?’ Aniu said moving over to Lucan who looked up at her.

‘I just had a bad dream…’ He said looking away as Aniu laid back down beside him.

‘Don’t worry you’re safe now.’ She whispered gently as Balto sleepily walked up beside Lucan and yawned.

‘Yes your big brother will protect you from those evil dreams.’ Balto said before lying back down on the ground and instantly falling asleep. Lucan looked at his brother before slowly resting back down but for the rest of the night he couldn’t sleep and any sound made him jump…During the night he couldn't help but think what was he thinking? This was his family now they would never hurt him…Aniu loved him like her own son…Balto was his brother, they would never hurt him, but why was he starting to have these doubts about them?

‘Can you believe we will be going hunting with the pack tomorrow!” Balto said jumping on top of Lucan who had been snoozing in the sun.

‘I know, it will be very exciting…’ Lucan smiled thinking of himself as the best warrior in the pack and able to fight against anything and win. Looking up into the sky Lucan knew that the Husky would be wanting to met him soon and he wasn’t sure whether or not to see him or not, this was noticed by Balto who took a step back from his brother with a worried expression.

‘Lucan you haven’t been yourself since that strange creature tried to catch us.’ Balto said looking at Lucan who laughed.

‘I’m just tired I couldn’t sleep last night after my bad dream.’ Lucan lied looking at Balto who just walked up to his brother and smiled in a comforting way.

‘Don’t worry Lucan rememeber you are part of this pack and we will make sure nothing bad happens to you…’ The two brother shared a smile when Lucan slowly stood up.

‘I just need a drink I’m really thirsty.’ Lucan said looking towards the shallow river as Balto laid down on the ground.

‘Do you want me to come with you?’ Balto said stretching out in the sun and smirking as Lucan shook his head.

‘No brave Alpha Balto I think I can handle anything!’

‘Yes sir Alpha Lucan.’ Balto laughed as he watched his brother run off towards the river as fast as he could.

Lucan laughed as he ran because that morning the brothers had decided that when they were old enough they would both run the pack together and be great leaders like their mother Aniu, but as Lucan walked around the small bend in the river he looked up at the Husky looking down at him and almost instantly more doubt entered his mind about what he was even doing here…he could just call out and his pack would come running...but this dog knew something and he was going to find out what it was and then he would call Aniu and tell them.

‘Good afternoon.’ The Husky said looking down at the pup who frowned up at him.

‘I’m not here to play games…tell me how you know my name or I will call my mother.’ Lucan said looking at the Husky who sighed.

‘That wolf isn’t your real mother…’

‘She is! And tell me how you know who I am!’ Lucan said loudly holding back the tears from his eyes not wanting to believe the truth.

‘I knew your parents well…they were killed…’ Lucan felt himself tense and his eyes turning into a frown but he kept listening, ‘…they were killed by wolves and some how you escape and I must bring you home…’ It was at that moment Lucan’s whole world stopped, every thing went silent, his heart stopped beating and when ever he tried to speak nothing came out.

‘You’re lying!’ He said closing his eyes. ‘My mother would never kill dogs…Aniu and my pack would never do that…’ Lucan said shaking his head as tears began to flow down his face.

‘Come with me…I will save you and we can destroy these wolves together…get revenge for the death of your parents.’ The Husky said wide eyed looking down at Lucan who frowned and shook his head.

‘No you’ll never hurt my family.’ Lucan spun around and began to run away but the Husky quickly caught up to him and stopped him.

‘You’re living with killers you should either get away now or you’ll be next! Tomorrow more men and I will return to destroy these wolves now you can either come with us to your real life or stay here with these…killers…and share their fate’ The Husky said as Lucan pushed past him and ran back into the shallow river away from him, The Huksy remained where he was a smirked after him.

Once Lucan was far enough away he collapsed beside the river and began to cry as he looked at his reflection in the water, he looked so different from the other wolves, but he was so similiar to that husky, but his family weren’t killers, Aniu and Balto were his real family, he couldn’t let anyone hurt them but did they really kill his real parents like the Husky said? because if they did the Husky was right...but they wouldn't...so it must be a lie...it had to be. 

Balto who was nearby was beginning to worry about his brother who had been gone for so long so he quickly walked down the edge of the river where he saw Lucan looking down at his reflection. ‘You were gone awhile I was worried.’ Balto said sitting down beside Lucan who looked up at him.

‘Balto…you’re not a killer are you? Neither is mum or out pack?’ Lucan said turning to Balto who looked a little shocked.

‘Of course not Lucan…now come on I think mother has returned with something to eat!' Balto said jumping up and running over towards the pup sitter who was calling out for them.

As Lucan stood up he took a deep breath and turned away from his reflection in the water and as he walked back to the den to Aniu he looked up at her and felt a warmth as she smiled down at him and Balto, she was his mother and there was no doubt about that but why weren’t the words of warning passing his lips…why he couldn’t tell her and the others of what the husky told him. As he looked around at all the wolves he was starting to see them not as a loving family but as how the Husky told him…and the husky knew best right because they were the same but these wolves were different then him...

‘Hurry up Lucan or I’ll eat everything!’ Balto yelled as Lucan snapped out of his daze and turned to his brother he was motioning him over to get something to eat.

Aniu watched her two pups and had also noticed that for the past few days Lucan had seemed more distant from the pack and even herself and the only wolf he was really talking to was Balto. She watched her sons calmly as the Beta male walked up to her, ‘We will be ready to leave in 2 days Aniu and we will go far from this place.’

‘Thank you Beta, the further away we are the best it is for the pack and my sons.’ Aniu said looking back at them.

The next day whilst Balto was playing outside the den with a strange feather he had found Lucan was pacing from side to side in front of the den, jumping at any sound or movement. Aniu was nearby was snoozing happily in the sunshine whilst the other pack members were either asleep or in conversation with someone else about the move that would be happening the next day.

‘Lucan come over here and look at this!’ Balto said pulling at the feather with his sharp little teeth as Lucan ran over to him.

‘Balto…I…I need to tell everyone something.’ Lucan said sounding scared and panicked as Balto looked at his brother.

‘Don’t worry there is a meeting tonight maybe mother will let us stay up and listen and then you can speak then?’ Balto said continuing to play with his feather.

‘No please come with me to speak to mum.’ Lucan pleaded looking at Balto who dropped the feather and nodded as the two walked over to Aniu who slowly opened her eyes and looked down at the pups.

‘Yes?’ She asked gently as Balto turned to Lucan who took a deep breath and started shakily.

‘Mother…I…’ but Lucan didn’t get to finish as a sharp thunderous crack echoed throughout the area causing all the wolves to immediately jump up in fright.

‘Beta quick get everyone out of here…run as far as possible and don’t stop!’ Aniu said leaping up and turning to the Beta who nodded and quickly ran to warn other pack members who weren’t near the den.

‘Mum I’m scared.’ Balto said shaking slightly as more loud noises went off around them.

‘Don’t worry it will be alright Balto and…Lucan!?’ Aniu said turning around only to notice that Lucan had disappeared from beside her. ‘Lucan!’ She yelled in a panic. ‘Take Balto and run I need to find my son.’ Aniu said turning to a female wolf near her who quickly picked up Balto and began to run away.

‘Mum! Lucan!’ Balto yelled watching as his mother disappeared into the trees in the direction that the horrible sounds were coming from and were Lucan had disapeared to.

Lucan ran as fast as he could, he had to tell the Husky to stop this, they couldn’t hurt his family, he wouldn’t let them and would stop them at all costs. Every time a loud bang went off it frightened him even more but he couldn’t stop he had to do this for his family…his real family because he knew in his heart that they weren’t killers the Husky was lying to him and he had fallen for its lies.

Breaking through some low branches Lucan instantly saw a group of men who instantly looked at him pointing their guns causing him to whimper but stand his ground. The Husky he had been talking to ran forward towards Lucan who looked up at him. ‘Please tell them to stop!’ Lucan pleased, ‘Don’t hurt my family!’ he cried as the Husky shook his head.

‘Don’t worry pup you are safe with us now…we will deal with those wolves…’ The Husky said bitterly as Lucan’s eyes widened in terror.

Meanwhile Balto who was being carried off the female was trying to escape her grasp and because Balto was now bigger it was hard to keep him in her mouth and he kept slipping because he was struggling so much.

As they ran another male wolf caught up to them in a panic. 'Hurry we must run...I saw that husky pup running towards the men I tried to stop him but I paniced because of all the men and I had to run.' The male said shaking his head.

'What's Lucan doing?' Balto said looking at the male who just frowned.

'I bet that dog is a traitor...'

'That dog is my brother and he would never hurt us!' Balto cried out looking athe male who just frowned as another gunshot echoed around them.

'He was never one of us!' The male said as he suddenly ran away in fright from the more shots that were going off around him.

'He's my brother...' Balto said frowning and feeling sick inside as he struggled more and more against the females grasp.

Finally after struggling against her for so long the female dropped Balto on the ground and as soon as his paws hit the snowy ground he spun around and began to run back the way he came.

‘Balto!' The female cried out as she stood there trying to see where he had gone but Balto wasn't going to stop he had to save his brother...

Aniu who had been running through the forest instantly saw Locan and the Husky with the men behind him and she thought that he was being attacked. Growling and as like any protective mother she leapt forward in front of her son between Lucan and the husky. She snarled at him and the men as Locan hid behind her legs whimpering and shaking but he knew that now his mother was here everything would be alright and that they would be safe now.

‘You killer get away from that poor defenseless pup!” The Husky growled at Aniu who just snarled at him.

‘That pup is my son!’ Aniu growled in such a low tone that even the Husky took a step back and began to look worried.

'Mother I wanted to make them to stop...to save you...' Lucan said in an almost whisper he wasn't even sure Aniu could hear him as Aniu snarled madly at the men and dogs as she protected her son.

Balto felt his heart beat hard against his chest as ran and for some strange reason everything seemed to be too quiet and it was then that Balto thought that everything must be alright because if those horrible sounds had gone it meant the danger had gone as well, and Lucan and his mother was safe, right?

As he ran all of a sudden came a loud ear piercing sound which made Balto stop and freeze because the sound was so close it rang in his ears. Shaking himself out of it Balto continued to run knowing he had to find his mother and brother he had to make sure that they were safe and were alright and protect them if he had to.

Slowing down to a walk Balto slowly walked under some branches and when he reappeared on the other side of the large tree he saw a lot of men and dogs all walking away from something further into the forest. Quickly lowering to the ground Balto tried to hide until something caught his eye…it was Aniu on the ground but she wasn’t moving.

‘Mum!’ Balto screamed as he ran forward ignoring the men and dogs who completely ignored him as he ran up to Aniu who was lying on the ground with her eyes closed and her beautiful white fur covered in crimson blood. Balto was to devastated for words as he fell down beside Aniu and began to cry not even noticing Lucan who walked up to him looking just as devastated with tears in his eyes.

‘Balto…I…’ Lucan said as Balto turned to him.

‘Lucan we’re leaving come on!’ The Husky cried out to Lucan who hung his head at the disgusted and shocked look on his Balto's face

‘You…’ Balto yelled ‘You killed her! Your killed my mother!’ Balto screamed turning to Lucan who shook his head.

‘I tried to tell her and you...but I was so scared and confused, I didn’t know what to do Balto, oh please forgive me I have been so stupid….’ Lucan said taking a step forward towards Balto and Aniu.

‘Get away from me…’ Balto said in a low voice looking at Lucan who hung his head low.

‘Balto please I didn’t know this would happen…I didn’t want this to happen I was trying to protect you and mother…you're my real family and I realise that now, the husky lied to me...please forgive me...’ Lucan said as tears swelled in his eyes.

‘She was not your mother and neither am I your brother!’ Balto said looking up at Lucan and barring his teeth as warm tears streamed down his face.

‘You’ll always be my brother.’ Lucan said in a whisper out as tears streamed down his face, ‘Balto please forgive me I never wanted to hurt you…I just wanted to have a family and belong…it was an accident she was trying to protect me...please Balto.’

‘Get away…’ Balto said turning back to Aniu as Lucan took a step forward towards them, ‘GET AWAY FROM US!’ Balto screamed as Lucan turned around and began to run away  tears streaming down his face and once Balto knew Lucan was gone he collasped down beside his mother and wept.

Lucan ran as fast as he could until he reached the men and the Husky who turned to him, ‘Come with us Lucan…you’re home now.’ The Husky smiled looking at Lucan who looked up at them with a look of sheer disgust, but he had no where else to go…he had lost his family, his mother, his pack, his brother and he had no where to turn and so he followed these creatures knowing that the wolves could now never accept him. Tears streamed done his face, and he felt a pain inside that you could only have when you've lost someone...he had truely lost his real family and it was his fault...

Later that night whilst Balto cried beside his mother he couldn’t help but think how stupid he was to ever think that Lucan could ever have been his brother...look what he had done…but....why did he feel guilty about sending Lucan away? Balto knew he would only ever have one brother and no matter what he had done they were still family, turning around Balto looked into the forest and cried out, 'Lucan!' When he didn't hear a reply the young pup for the first time howled a tune that was the first and last howl he would make for many many years.

Whilst Lucan walked away with the huskies he heard a distant howl and for a moment stopped and turned around looking into the distance, but he simply sighed and shook his head and continued to walk.

As Balto crawled back over and laid beside Aniu he felt more tears flowing down his face as he wondered where Lucan was and he felt a guilt for sending him away when this was a time they should have been together to comfort each other but Balto knew in his heart he could never forgive Lucan but they were still family wern't they? Hearing a strange voice suddenly made him look up, ‘Hello…’ came a voice as Balto turned around and looked up at a strange white bird looking down at him.

That night whilst Balto laid beside this strange bird he felt a strange warmth and when he looked up towards the moon he knew inside that Aniu was there looking down at him, and that he would always be safe...in a mans hut many miles away Lucan laid down on the floor watching the moon and he too felt the warmth of his mother and he knew that she was out there and would always look after him, because she was his mother...and Balto his brother...

'My sons...live long happy lives and remember the bond between family...brothers is ever lasting and although you will live your own lives remember that you will always have a brother and a mother who loves you...be safe my sons...' Aniu's voice whispered in the wind as the two brothers looked up at the moon.

The End