DISCLAIMER: Don't own nuthin less it's me own OC's.

"Can you believe it!" a young black-haired woman with attractive features said excitedly. "We're going to Alaska!"

"Joy," her companion said sarcastically. She had long, white hair and stunning green eyes. "Nome, Alaska, home of the famed Balto, smallest and most remote town in all of Alaska."

"Don't sound so happy, Chris," the other girl chided. "This will be the best vacation ever!"

"I'm sure it will, Rebekah, I'm sure it will," Chrystal answered as they boarded the three-person plane with their luggage. It would be only them and the pilot, Duke.

"Where on earth did this fog come from?" asked Becky. I rolled my eyes.

"We're in Alaska," I grumpily explained. "It's always this... dreary."

"Hang on!" Duke said suddenly, his voice filled with panic. Both of us were thrown out of our seats as the high winds hit us suddenly. Ice was creeping over our windows, thick ice. Suddenly, the glass broke and I was jerked towards the open air. Becky grabbed my hand tight.

"Hold on, Chris!" she begged. Her own fingers began to slip as the seconds passed by. Becky's horrified face was the last thing I saw... before all went black.

I woke to excrutiating pain, my whole body thrumming with it. Each breath hurt a little more to take.

"Easy, my child," came a foreign, soft female voice. "Someone will be along soon... But you won't last long in this temperature. Please do not resent me for my gift to you."

The voice faded, but my pain did not. It increased for just a moment, then the chill in the air dispersed. With a painful sigh, I lay there, waiting for the promised help that would come.

"We're almost there!" Kirby cheered.

"We're gonna be on time!" Kodi agreed. Their joy brought on the speed of the entire team. Then, the musher began to slow them down.

"Woah," he said. Kirby, while confused, obeyed and slowed down. Then, they saw it. Right in front of them was a snow-white wolf. It was taller than Ralph by quite a bit and looked at them through saddened eyes.

"We don't want any trouble," Kodi said, quoting his father.

"And I only want your help," the wolf answered, though her voice seemed to echo. Without a word, she turned and walked away. After looking at one another, the team and musher followed.

"Kodi... there's no tracks," Kirby noted. All eyes went to the snow. Sure enough, there were no tracks.

"Where are you leading us?" Kodi called ahead, only to see that the wolf had stopped and was looking down at something. Kodi quickly walked forward, the team following.

"She is in your care now," the wolf said, then howled and vanished.

"What the..." the musher said, then walked around to the ground in front of them. A pure white dog or wolf lay there, injuries covering every inch of her being. "Oh no..."

The musher leaned down and gently brushed her cheek. Dark, emerald green eyes slowly slid open. A soft whimper was all they got before her eyes rolled into the back of her head again.

"Come on, team," the musher said, slowly dragging her to the sled where he hauled her on and set her as comfortably as possible on it. "Let's get home."

It had been quite the race to get home with the injured female. No sooner did we pull up, did our musher call out.

"Dr. Davis!" he cried. "Dr. Davis! Hurry!"

The vet came running down the street, only to stop still in shock as he took in the sight of the female.

"What happened to her?" he asked.

"I don't know," the musher answered. "A spirit of a white wolf showed her to me. We're meant to help her."

"A white wolf?" the Dr. repeated. The musher nodded. "I'll do my best."

"Thank you," the musher said, then turned as back toward the mail. As soon as we delivered, we all ran over to the vet's with our musher.

"Will she be all right?" he asked.

"She'll make a full recovery, she just needs time," Dr. Davis answered. "Poor thing. She's a half-breed, like our Balto."

"She is?" the musher asked. Davis nodded. "Her teeth told me that much, as well as her size. Poor thing. I can only guess how long she was lying there."

The musher shook his head.

"Please be okay," he told the unconcious female.

I woke slowly to sounds and smells that were completely unfamiliar. First off, I noted that I was no longer in pain. Secondly, I noticed that the room I was in seemed a wee bit big for a human to live in. I tried to get to my feet, only to fall... in front of a mirror. A high screech of shock and horror escaped me as I saw my reflection. Looking back at me was not my own face, but a pure white wolf!

"Easy girl," came a male voice. "You don't want to antagonize those wounds, now that they're almost healed."

My head spun around to see two tall men and a young husky. The husky was red and off-white in color. I backed away from all of them. One, in a doctor's uniform, slowly stepped towards me. I continued to back up.

"S-Stay away," I said, my terror in my voice. He took another small step forward, then had his coat grabbed by the husky. The doctor looked down at him and sighed.

"You try then, Kodi," he said. The husky nodded and looked at me.

"They aren't going to hurt you," he said calmly, not coming towards me, but not backing up either.

"Where am I?" I demanded. "How did I get here? How did any of this happen?"

"You're in Nome," he answered calmly. "My team and our musher here brought you here after you were pointed out to us by a white wolf spirit."

"A... white wolf spirit?" I repeated in disbelief, then began to pace as I thought it over. I'm a wolf-thing now. The plane... the crash...

"The plane!" I said suddenly, spinning towards the husky. "A plane crashed nearby and-"

"The people are safe here," he answered. "Are you with them?"

I sat down. Was I with them anymore? Finally, I just shook my head.

"No, I just was in the wrong spot when it crashed," I lied. Kodi accepted it. Then I went back to pacing. I remembered being cold... then a voice... now this. Could this be the gift she meant to give me? I looked in the mirror again. Yes, this was what she meant. She saved me from the cold and now from death. I bet the wolf they were guided by was the same wolf that did this to me.

But how do I change back?

I sat down hard, dispair taking me over. Uncaring of who saw, I lay down and cried. A soft, gentle hand rubbed my back.

"There, there," the doctor said. "Everything's going to be all right."

The musher and Kodi left shortly after my crying began. The doctor stayed to comfort me. Once I was done, he checked all my injuries again, then opened the front door.

"Go on out," he said. "You're safe here."

I looked at him, then slowly stepped out. Sounds and smells assaulted my senses, right along with a very old town and several people stretching out before my vision. Very, very slowly, I began to walk down the side of the street. One child in particular stood out to me. She walked up to me, another husky and a half-breed at her side. She gave me a soft pet, then a kiss on the head.

"All better now?" she asked. I noddded. "Good. Meet Jenna and Balto. I'm Rosy."

I smiled softly. Children were precious no matter where you were. I gave her a small lick on the cheek, then continued my walk. Balto soon stepped up next to me.

"How are you feeling?" he asked. I shrugged.

"I've been better," I answered, then paused as I saw another group of children nearby. I watched them play for a while, then sighed.

"Did you have a human family?" he asked. I nodded.

"Mom, Dad, sister, brother, best friend and her baby," I answered, only to close my eyes at the pain of the memory. "But they're gone now. I'll be lucky if I ever see them again."

"Well, you're lucky to be alive so I'd say there's a good chance of it," Balto answered. "Where will you be staying?"

"I don't know," I answered. "Probably with the doctor."

Balto nodded.

"What's your name?" he asked. I looked at the ground. Should I give him my name? I know no others, at least ones I'd answer to...

"Chrystal," I answered finally.

"Well, Chrystal," Balto said. "Welcome to Nome. There'll be a gathering tonight in the warehouse. All of us will be there. You should come."

I mulled it over, then nodded. He gave me a soft smile and walked away. I resumed my walk, taking in all the sights, the sounds... I even got petted by a few kids. One even gave me a bite of her beef jerky. Several of the adults weaved around me, but a few gave me a soft pat. Some even asked how I was, to which I answered as best I could in dog fasion. Some smiled at that. Some gave me a wide berth, pulling their children away.

"Careful," the mothers would say. "That's part wolf. We can't trust it yet."

I would sigh at their harsh words, then would continue on my walk. At long last, I caught sight of a long beach. Numerous dogs were playing out there, Kodi included. With a great deal of reluctance, I slowly stepped out into the open. A brown one saw me and his eyes opened wide.

"You're okay!" he said joyfully, bounding over. Three others (including Kodi) quickly followed. "Are you feeling better?"

I nodded.

"Thanks to all of you," I answered with a small smile. "Thank you... for helping me."

"It was a pleasure," the brown one said, flexing his muscles. "Would have brought you back myself, but the others insisted on helping."

Almost instantly, there were cries of disagreement. I smirked, knowing exactly what to do to put him in his place.

"And I suppose a dog of your stunning musculature could have done it all yourself," I commented, stepping closer in a seductive way. As predicted, he took a step back, a goofy grin on his face.

"Yeah," he answered.

"I'm single, too, you know," I continued, stepping forward again, making him step back again.

"I know," he answered, completely entranced by the moves I was putting on him.

"A fine prize for any dog," I continued.

"Right," he answered.

"A dog just like you," I said, enjoying the fact that he was now backed up against a boat. Then, abrubtly, I changed my expression and tone to one of unconcealed anger and disgust. "And every other pig-headed, self-absorbed, half-wit dog that I've seen!"

Without another word, I stormed away.

"Wait a minute!" he cried.

"Go jump in a lake," I answered and kept walking. I wasn't the least bit surprised when the female of the group joined me.

"My name's Dusty," she said. "Don't mind Kirby. He's awful full of himself."

I nodded in agreement.

"So I've noticed," I answered. "Are they all like that?"

"Only recently," she answered. "Your appearance caused quite a stir. Almost every male is entranced by your beauty."

I frowned, stopping in step.

"I'm NOT beautiful," I stated simply. She smiled.

"They think you are," she answered. We resumed our walk. "Are you coming tonight to the warehouse?"

I nodded.

"Balto invited me," I answered. "His human girl is very kind, too."

"Rosy's not his girl, she's Jenna's," Dusty corrected. "But yes, she is sweet. She loves all dogs thanks to Jenna and Balto."

"I heard about how he saved the town," I commented. "It only stands to reason that the whole town should like him now."

"Kodi's his son," she revealed. I stopped dead, shocked.

"No way," I answered. She nodded.

"Balto and Jenna's son," she stated. "Ralph's the big grey one. He's kinda a wimp."

I smirked.

"That fits," I answered. "Huge build, mind of a teddy-bear."

She laughed and we continued our walk.

"Wait til you meet Balto's closest companions," she said. "Two polar bears, Muk and Luk, and two geese, Boris and Stella."

I shook my head in disbelief.

"Guess when you have nothing else, you make friends with the most unlikely of creatures," I commented. She nodded, then a human called her name.

"Gotta go," she said. "I'll see you tonight. Warning, it's a sing-off amongst us all."

I rolled my eyes. Singing. Great. I used to enjoy that... then things when sour with my family. Perhaps a song would do me good.

Dusty walked me behind the warehouse, back to the stage entrance.

"Good luck," she said, then when back to the front. I was nervous, I won't lie. I hadn't sung for anyone in years! I just prayed my voice was still as good... and my song would be liked. Song after song went on through the night, each one different and as delightful as the next. Some made you laugh so hard you cried. Others were so sweet you could almost want to snuggle with someone. At long last, it was my turn. The musicians had their instructions... as well as a spotlight. Without a word, I got into place behind the curtain and prepared to do this just as the dog on All Dogs Go to Heaven 2 did. Please let me get it right...

"And last, but not least, the newbie to our town, Chrystal!" the announcer said. The spotlight came up, showing my silouette behind the curtain. Now I had to make every move count.

If you've got romance on your mind

If you'd like to stroll hand in hand

If you want to cuddle in the moonlight

And whisper "ain't love grand"

If you want someone to buy that sweet talk

That you boys all love to spout

Baby count me out

If you want to dance, cheek to cheek

Then go home and talk all night long

If you want to send somebody flowers

And share a stupid song

If you want a woman who believes that

You're what her life's all about

Baby, count me out

I've been there

I've done that

It's nowhere

It's old hat

Forget those thoughts you're thinking mister

And just regard me as your sister

If you want to send, Valentines

If you want to write poetry

Here's a little change, go call somebody

Who doesn't look like me

And if you've got plans to fall in love

Without a shadow of a doubt

Baby, count me out

That's what I said

I said Baby, count me out

Hound Dog

Loud cheers followed my performance, several whoops and jeers, but it told me all I needed to know. I'd done well. I came back around and was surprised at all the guys begging me to sit next to them. I shook my head with a smile and looked over those who were sitting at their seats. Kodi caught my eye. He looked as though he wanted to be just like the other dogs, but instead was struggling to stay in his seat. Without a word, I leapt over the crowd of wooers and walked right up to his side.

"This spot taken?" I asked. He shook his head and I sat down.

"That was a breathtaking performance," he said, trying to make conversation. I smiled.

"First time I've ever sang like this," I revealed. His eyes widened in surprise.

"No way!" he answered. I nodded. "Well, you're a natural."

I smiled at him. Suddenly, the door slammed open and all eyes shot to it.

"Steel!" came a stunned and disgusted voice.

"What are you doing here?" demanded another.

This dog was black and white. Every inch of him was sculpted with very nice muscle. He walked right up to me.

"What do you say we ditch this scene and go for a midnight walk," he said in what he believed was a sexy, alluring voice. To me, it was purely annoying.

"I'm fine right here," I answered. "Kodi's my companion tonight."

His eyes shot to Kodi, a look of loathing on his face.

"Like father, like son," he snarled, then turned back to me. "If you ever change your mind, I'm around."

I said nothing, only frowned more at him. Wordlessly, he spun and took his leave, but not before sending Kodi another glare. I shook my head and looked over at Kodi. He was wearing a goofy grin.

"Nice one," Dusty said from my other side. "Steel's a real asshole."

"So I noticed," I answered. "What did he mean by 'like father, like son', Dusty?"

"Jenna chose Balto over him," Dusty answered. "Now you are choosing Kodi over him. That says a lot."

I shook my head.

"It's nothing permanent yet," I commented. "I just don't want anything to do with Steel."

Dusty laughed.

"I think you just deflated Kodi's pride," she commented and we looked at Kodi. I shook my head as I saw how he seemed a little down. I smiled and leaned over, nuzzling him softly. Surprised, he just took it.

"Now, as you know, this sing-off comes with a prize, a prize of your choice," said a male dog, stepping up. There was a female at his side, both with smiles. "So now, it's time to vote. Nominate your winners."

"Chrystal," one dog cried. The whole group soon joined him. I blushed.

"Thanks," I said, slightly embarrassed.

"Guess that's an unchallenged winner," the female judge said. "Name your prize."

I thought it over, then smiled.

"I still have no idea where I'm supposed to stay tonight," I said casually. Almost immediately, every male offered to have me stay with them, minus the ones that were taken and the one beside me. I smiled softly. "Kodi, would you allow me to stay with you?"

His jaw dropped and he struggled to answer, stumbling over his words. So, I leaned over and softly kissed his cheek. He melted on the spot.

"Sure," he said, looking at me through dreamy eyes. I smiled softly.

"Thank you," I told him, then turned back to the judges. They just shook their heads.

"Now, since you're new, I'm sure we'd all like to know a little about you," the female said. "Feel free to tell us anything you want, just so we can know you better."

I thought it over. What could I tell them?

"I come from a much warmer climate, down south," I began, deciding the truth would work well. "I had a human family, parents and three kids, a best friend of the family, and a newborn. My own children were among them, and I'm sure the one's still there."

"How many children do you have?" asked Jenna.

"One left," I answered. "The other four were killed."

Immediately, all kinds of disbelieving and angry comments were made against what had happened.

"My son is currrently the guardian of the newborn babe," I continued. "He helps raise her and teaches her new things every day. I couldn't be more proud of him."

I paused, then continued.

"My family was on their way here for vacation, then changed their minds half-way," I continued. "I was all ready on the plane to Nome and couldn't get out. On the plane that crashed nearby, I could have sworn I recognized one person as the friend of the family, Rebekah. If she is here, I may still be able to return home or see my family again."

Several of them shook their heads.

"Can you describe Rebekah?" asked Jenna. I nodded.

"Raven hair, blue eyes, tall, but built along curvacious lines, not useful ones," I answered. Several of them exchanged looks.

"That sounds exactly like the newcommer," Balto stated. I stood up.

"Can you take me to where they're staying?" I asked. He nodded, then looked at Kodi.

"Kodi will take you," he said. I nodded and Kodi rose. Wordlessly, the two of us left. Soon, we came upon a house and Kodi scratched at the door. It was opened almost immediately by Duke, the pilot. He looked all right. He looked between me and Kodi, then stepped aside to let us in.

"Kodi, I need to do this alone," I told him. "I'll come back to the warehouse when I'm done."

He nodded and left. I stepped into the house. Becky was outside the back door in the fenced in yard. Wordlessly, I walked right up behind her, then around to face her. She smiled at me.

"Hello," she said. I smiled and then began to write in the snow.

Becky, it's me, Chrystal. I know it may be hard to believe,

but it's me in this body. When I fell out of the plane,

a voice told me she would make sure I was safe. A little

later, the mail team found me and I was in this form, not

a human one. Please believe me.

I stopped and looked back at her. Her eyes were wide as she looked at me.

"Chris?" she asked. I nodded. Almost immediately, she threw her arms around me and hugged me tight. "Oh thank God! We were so worried!"

"Worried about what?" Duke asked, coming out back. Then he saw the writing. His own eyes widened as he looked at me. Quickly, I wrote again.

This must remain our little secret until I figure out

how to change back into a human. Even then, no one

must know about this. Agreed?

Both agreed immediately. I smiled as Becky wiped the messages away.

"Where are you staying tonight?" she asked.

With Kodi, the red and white husky, son of Balto and

Jenna. After that, I'm not sure.

"Well, Chris," she said. "You're gonna be in a world of hurt for a while. I'll do what I can to make your time as a dog more... pleasant."

I snorted. She smirked.

"Try is the key word here," she stated. I smiled and nodded, then got up. She merely gave me a soft pat and let me out the door. I nuzzled her leg softly, then left for the warehouse once more. Kodi met me at the door.

"Is she your family?" he asked. I nodded. His expression drooped a little. "So I guess you'll be staying with her now, huh?"

I smiled and nuzzled him affectionately.

"We'll see," I answered. "Tonight, I'm yours."

He brightened a little at that and I smiled at him.

"Where to?" I asked. He dared a soft nuzzle, then led me away from all the others. We went towards the very edge of town, where he scratched on the door again. This time, the musher opened the door and let us in. Kodi then proceeded to walk down the hall, down to a room with a fireplace. The fire was lit, the room, cozy. A lovely persian rug lay in front of the fire, beckoning to me. Without a word, Kodi and I lay down on it, side by side.

"This is your home?" I asked. He nodded.

"It's small, but it works," he answered. I nodded. Then the musher came back, carrying food. It smelled like spagetti. I gave a soft whine and he smiled. He set the plate in front of me and Kodi. This was reminicent of the Lady and the Tramp. I smiled at the irony, then slowly ate a meatball. I ate with utmost manners, making sure not to get any on my fur... though I knew Kodi would gladly clean it off. He, on the other hand, was getting it all over his face. I smiled and reached over, cleaning his face for him. Too surprised to do anything, he let me. The musher chuckled.

"First time you've ever brought a girl home, Kodi," he teased. I smiled. and then continued to eat the spagetti, still not getting any on my fur. My companion was trying not to blush at his human's bluntness. "And she's a pretty one, too. If you'd like, my dear, feel free to stay here as long as you want. Our door is open to you any time."

I nodded and he left us alone. The room was lit by a single candle and the fireplace. Again, I took a moment to enjoy the coziness of the room. It was sparcely furnished, minus a few rugs and a kitchenet. The table was very, very small, telling me that this musher lived alone, minus the dogs.

"Are you comfortable?" Kodi asked. I nodded.

"Does your entire team live here?" I asked. He nodded. "And the musher, he is your human?"

"Yes," he answered. "What did your family do for a living?"

"The father did farming," I answered. "The mother sewed clothes and quilts. Becky does hair, cosmetology degree and all."

"A what?" Kodi asked, completely baffled. I got a sheepish smile.

"Sorry, I forgot you're not used to human technical terms," I told him. "See, I lived with a very well educated family and thus, became extremely well educated myself. That's not to say that all of you out here aren't educated. There are terms that you and your friends use that I don't understand because you had a different kind of education. You use some words that I just can't comprehend for the life of me."

He nodded, understanding.

"Cosmetology is a type of job or career a human can have after going to college to get their degree," I explained. "Without a degree, you can't do that specific job."

"Humans are so complicated," he stated. I laughed.

"They can be," I agreed. "The next youngest child works in fast food, a restaurant. She enjoys her work, but longs to go into cosmetology too. The son works at fast food, but wants to own his own buisness. Both will go to college for the necessary degrees. The rest are too young to have jobs, though during the summer they catch worms for fishing. They sell them to the nearest bait shop, a dollar for twelve."

Kodi shook his head.

"Don't they know how to relax and have fun down south?" he wondered aloud. I shrugged.

"Guess not," I answered. "They're always busy, but after supper, everyone's home together as a family. We play games, eat, rest, and tell or read stories. It's our family time."

He nodded.

"Makes sense," he stated. The plate now empty, I picked it up gently in my mouth and walked to the sink, carefully placing it inside and rinsing it off. Then I went back and laid down with Kodi again. He was watching me, the look on his face like he wanted to say something, but didn't know how to say it.

"Kodi, if you have a question, ask," I told him. "It's much wiser to be a fool for ten minutes than a fool for life."

He relaxed and nodded.

"What happened... to your... mate?" he asked. I looked away from him.

"He was NOT my mate," I answered quietly.

"What?" was his horrified reply. "He... forced you?"

I nodded.

"None of my children were of my choice," I answered. "I couldn't tell you who their father was, either. He waited til I was too sick to think or comprehend anything. I was basically a breathing corpse when he came. He got what he came for and left, never to return."

Kodi shook his head in disbelief.

"Why would anyone want to harm someone as wonderful as you?" he thought aloud, only to blush right after. I gave him a knowing smile.

"You hardly know me, Kodi," I said. "How can I be wonderful?"

His blush deepened.

"I-I gotta go meet with my Dad," he said. "I'll come back later, okay?"

"All right," I answered with a smile. I watched him go, then shook my head. Poor mislead boy.