Courageous

Chapter 1: What I Thought I Was

Baltos POV

I always thought humans and other dogs would like me, maybe even look up to me. No. I was always criticized for being half wolf, but what about my half dog side? Knowing that I'm a little different by my mom being a wolf, that shouldn't make Steele and his stupid buddies bully me. I thought I was mostly dog. The only thing I'm related to being a wolf is my paw layout and that I howl. I was also trying to be noticed by someone other than Rosy and Jenna. Although, It never really happened. Saving all of Nome's kids only got me noticed for a few days, then everyone didn't exactly trust me anymore.

"Hey look it's the dirty, cocky wolf." Steele said trying to get on my nerves.

Look who's talking! Whatever Steele actually is, he calls me that. How quaint. He knows how he is! I didn't answer though since I've had enough of him. Boris also covered my mouth with his wing to make sure I didn't say anything. I just turned around and walked away to avoid trouble. Steele responded by just entering the building where all the dogs hang out and no wolves are allowed. Feeling a bit down for everyone including Jenna not liking me, I kept moving forward on the frigid, wool white snow towards center of town to see why there was a crowd around Rosy's house.

"What is going on over there?" I thought to myself.

"Hey, my daughter is wondering if it's OK for a free for all race to occur. Does any dog want to join? Winner will be given a trophy and a luxurious place to stay." Rosy's dad and Jenna said to the humans and dogs. How convenient, I might as well join. Even if I don't win, I hope I'll be noticed, especially since I can easily outrun Steele. I kept heading towards Rosy's house feeling quite confident.

Jennas POV

I really want Balto to win, he barely got any attention for being a hero. Balto definitely deserves more attention in general. Who cares if he's a wolf. Wolves are dogs ancestors, aren't they?

"Balto?" I said to Balto gently.

He just turned around looking tired. I actually noticed that, he must feel terrible. One amazing thing Balto does and he gets forgotten. When Steele does something... amazing I guess, he gets remembered for eternity. Balto's faster than him though!

"Do you want to join?" I asked curious.

Balto just walked forward to Rosy's dad to collect his colored collar (that also glows in the dark for identification.) Balto got a bright white color. My favorite color, almost like Baltos' fur. White suits him so well, since he told me his moms fur was white. At least that's what he said to me.

"Balto, can we trust you to not be violent." Rosy's dad said.

That was insulting, I bet Balto took that completely differently. He looked down a bit more nodding yes. I felt so dreadful, I wish people besides Rosy and I would notice him, he helped Rosy get her hat back before Steele mauled it with his disgusting feet, and saved Rosy just for me. Balto then just started looking at all the dogs, which were mad at him.

"He can't race he's a wolf, he can't be trusted." Kaltag said annoyed and in disbelief.

"Why don't you go chew on Stars tail not Balto's!" I boomed back to Kaltag.

Kaltag looked back wondering why I said that.

"Oh come on beautiful, you can't be on his side." Steele said trying to sound serenading.

"Why are you not on his side, why are you being mean to him?" I asked to Steele.

Steele just chuckled. Who does he think he is? He's so cocky, so selfish, Steele walked forward to me trying to make me notice him. Not going to work. I hate Steele! His remarks about Balto, he makes me so enraged! Now I don't even want to talk to him. Steele lied to me, making me feel guilty by saying Balto was dead a few days ago.

Rosys POV

I went over to Balto to see if he was okay.

"Balto, I want you to win, and thanks for saving me, I'd be lost without you." I said a little sad for Balto.

Balto smiled a bit but didn't look at me. I know Balto will win, He's selfless, not like Steele where he is selfish. I bet Balto knows he's a dog, because I bet that's what he thinks he is. If only he would admit that to Kaltag, Star, Nikki and everyone else. It may give me some time for other dogs and people to get to know me.

Baltos POV

"Are you insane Balto, this is not going to be good!" Boris screamed at me.

I know he was going to be furious with me, but isn't everyone. I kept looking at the colored, glow in the dark collar. Now I know where I belong in this town, I'm a sled dog. Finally arriving at the metal boat, I lay down and go to sleep to be given further instructions about the race. Then, I noticed that I had to around all of Alaska. Nome, around, Nome. Of course I wasn't paying enough attention to notice what Rosys dad said. Well, I'm dead.

Hey Guys! Thanks for reading my first Balto fanfiction! If you liked this story keep reading and give me ideas if you have any about this story! If you also want to read more stories about Balto, take my poll on my page - click on the one that mentions Balto though please! Thanks again!

Your New Balto (and Alpha and Omega) FanFic Writer,

SpiritHowl2