The blizzard continued for the next couple of days. Unfortunately for Balto, he still had to go through the blizzard's freezing weather as he tried to find his way home. Unfortunately, trying to find the way home while facing the blizzard complicated the situation much to Balto's dismay. Balto was getting worried that he was straying farther and farther from home.

No... No... This is not good. There has to be something to show me where I am and what direction I'm going to. Balto thought. Maybe... any of the trees that marked the trail from when I went out to find the lost medicine about 3 years ago!

No matter how much Balto tried to find those trees, he could not find them. Balto started to get worried... and disheartened. He was becoming afraid over the thought that he may be getting lost, as well as afraid that he may not find his way home, and see his friends and family again.

Back in Nome

The blizzard cleared for a while. Yukon escorted his mother back to her house, just as he had promised before. By this time, Yukon and Jenna were overwhelmed by the thought that Balto was truly lost in the blizzard, as he did not return during the duration of the blizzard. Jenna and Yukon, with help from Yin and her brother Yang, helped spread the news of Balto being lost in the blizzard to the rest of town. Even the humans (starting with Rosy and her parents) started to get the news that their wolfdog hero was lost.

Yukon was at the beach, nearby the ramp lead up to the top of Balto's grounded boat. He was pacing back and forth in a circle, overcome by stress and fear over his father's fate.

Dad could be in danger out there. He could be anywhere out there, freezing. Or worse, he could be getting attacked by bears, or other wild animals, like the bear that almost killed him, uncle Boris, Muk, and Luk. Good thing mom saved them. Oh dad, where are you?

More and more, Yukon was gripped by fear, with images in his head of Balto being attacked by wild animals, or freezing in the middle of snow. His fear really terrified him, almost numbing him.

"Yukon!"

Yukon was snapped out of his thoughts, as he turned around and spotted a red husky and a yellow husky running towards him.

"Josh! Thunder!" He yelled.

The two huskies approached him, and the trio sat down.

"We heard about your dad." Josh said.

"Where is everyone?" Yukon asked. " I thought that you two would be-"

"Saba is looking for your dad with your mom, uncle Max, and aunt Molly. Same thing with Nunivat." Thunder cut in. "Josh and I were coming to ask you, want to come with us to join Kodi? Dusty, Yukon, and Yin are already with him looking for your dad."

"Sure!" Yukon exclaimed. With no hesitation, Yukon bounded towards town, with Josh running on his left, and Thunder on his right.

"By the way, Yukon, you alright? Josh and I saw you pacing around." Thunder said with concern.

"I'm alright. I'm just worried so much about my dad." Yukon replied.

"Don't worry, we'll help find your dad!" Josh added, hoping to ease his worries.

The blizzard clearing up was a huge relief for Balto. However, he was still lost. He still did not know where he was, or what direction he was going. To Balto's horror, his troubles were just starting... and starting to get worse. On the afternoon of the same day the blizzard cleared, Balto was attacked by a black grizzly bear. It terrified Balto so much, reminding him 3 years ago when he and his friends were attacked, and when he was crushed and almost killed by a black bear like the one he was facing. This memory proved to work against him, as he could not defend himself properly. This bear encounter happened in a similar manner like the last one, but no Borris, Muk, and Luk. Balto was able to escape from the bear. He came out injured though. After about 3 hours, the snow started falling again, the blizzard possibly starting once more, but not quite as bad as before. And if things could not get any worse, Balto was ambushed by a mountain lion. At one point, the mountain lion scratched at Balto, causing him to yell in pain. The mountain lion then jumped at him, and pinned him to the ground on his back, holding Balto down with it's paws. The mountain lion repeatedly snapped its head at Balto, intending to lock it's jaws around Balto's neck. Each time, Balto was able to swing his head, and dodge the mountain lion's fatal blows, while trying to pry the mountain lion off of him.

Balto was able to finally muster enough strength to push the mountain lion off of him. Balto hoped that he would be able to subdue the mountain lion without killing it, but that was not the case. The mountain lion fought with great ferocity, and near the end of the fight, both it and Balto were thrown off a cliff. Balto was able to land near a ledge, but the impact combined with all the injuries he suffered caused him to pass out. Before he knew it, Balto gained consciousness. He did not know how long he was unconscious, and he looked over the edge, and saw the mountain lion on the ground far below, not moving. For a while, Balto laid down on the snow, grimacing with all the pain he felt after the encounter. However, it seems as another blizzard was forming, which caused Balto to get up, keep moving.

Unfortunately, Balto found that he was much more wounded than before. He was covered in scratches and bruises. His body ached every time he took a breath. His muscles also ached with every step he took. Being attacked and almost getting killed by two wild animals was taking it's toll on Balto. Like before, Balto found he was frequently collapsing on to the snow, his legs feeling like they were going to snap at any moment. The wind started picking up, and Balto could barely see what's in front of him.

Balto collapsed on the snow, overwhelmed with fatigue. Snow was covering him, nearly blinding his vision. Balto started shivering. All he cold see was pure white in the air. However, some snow was clearing, and he could see a mysterious white wolf in the distance.

"Balto." The wolf said in somewhat of a whisper.

Balto could not recognize the wolf, but after a few moments, his eyes widened and his jaw opened up.

"Mom?" Balto asked.

"My son..."

"Aniu..." Balto whispered, and he got up and walked over to her, and she walked to him. However, Balto was limping, struggling to walk over to his mother. As they got closer, Balto fell on to the snow, unable to walk further.

Aniu approached him, leaned down, and softly nuzzled Balto's face affectionately. Balto took in his mother's loving nuzzle. Feeling his mother's muzzle rub across his face, feeling the warmth from her touch filled Balto with relief, yet Balto began to tremble with sadness.

"M-mother..." Balto began.

"It's alright, my son." Aniu comforted. "I am here now." Aniu briefly and gently pushed her nuzzle further. After they parted, Balto leaned in, buried his face in his mother's fur, and rubbed into her chest. Aniu gently rested her head on his neck and over his head, and rubbed against his neck fur to comfort him. After a few moments, Aniu lifted her head, and Balto pulled back from her chest.

"Hold on, my son." Aniu instructed." Aniu walked around Balto, slipping under his body, and carefully lifted him up. Balto rested his head on her body as she carried him to safety. Balto began to shiver as she carried him, and also began to lose consciousness, barely able stay awake. Aniu noticed this, and grew more determined to bring her son to shelter.

Within minutes, Aniu brought Balto to another cave, one a bit bigger than the cave Balto first rested in. Aniu turned around so that they both faced the front of the cave and gently placed Balto on the ground. Balto continued to shiver, and Aniu laid down on top of him to warm him up. Aniu rubbed her muzzle into Balto's fur on the top of his neck.

"It's alright, my son. We are together now. You are safe." Aniu soothed.

Mother and son remained silent for a while, taking in each other's warmth and company. Afterwards, Aniu got up and settled on Balto's right side. Balto turned to face her.

"Mother..." Balto said. "... I missed you so much. It's been sometime since I last saw you."

"I missed you too, Balto." Aniu replied gently. "It indeed has been a long time since I was with you, back when you saw your daughter off.

"Aleu..." Balto spoke after knowing who Aniu was referring to. "How is she? I hope she is doing fine."

"Do not worry." Aniu softly added. "Your daughter is doing well leading her pack. She has made close friends to spend her time with." Aniu reassured. "She is strong and wise. There is no need for concern over her well being. She has become a great leader who learns from her past mistakes, and still takes time to think about her family. She still has you in her heart and thoughts, as well as her mother, and siblings."

Balto slowly smiled. "Thank you mother. I am glad that Aleu is safe. I wish that I can tell her how sorry I am that I caused her to run away."

Aniu nodded. " I assure you, Balto, that she has forgiven you already. No matter what, she will always be your daughter." Aniu gently pressed her cheek against Balto's, and touched his nose with hers, while wearing a loving smile. "She will always be your baby, as you will always be mine." Aniu lovingly nuzzled Balto's cheek, then slowly slid her muzzle down to rub against his neck fur. Balto returned her nuzzle. He and Aniu smiled at each other.

"Know this as well, my darling son. It will not be a guarantee that you will see her again. However, do not lose hope that you may reunite with her one day."

Aniu's words gave hope to Balto. His thoughts glowed with the thought of possibly seeing his daughter again. Aniu smiled at her son, and wrapped her leg around his neck. Balto leaned over and buried his face into his mother's soft, thick neck fur. For a while, Aniu and Balto remained silent, as Balto deeply breathed in her mother's scent, and enjoyed his mother's presence.

After a while, Aniu turned to Balto and spoke. "I will be back, my son."

"Where are you going?" Balto asked.

"I need to take care of a couple of things." Aniu replied. "I promise, I will return later. Given your injuries, it is best that you rest and save your strength."

Balto acknowledged her wisdom. But still had concern.

"But..." Balto then hesitate. " How will I return home? I don't know where I am. My family must be so worried about me."

A few brief moments of silence passed. "I will tell you more later. But I will tell you this. You will return home to your family. I promise."

Balto opened his muzzle to speak, but hesitated once again. He sighed with sadness, but nodded.

"Rest and save your strength, my son. I will see you again later." As Balto rested his head, Aniu lovingly and continuously stroked the top of his neck with her paw. Aniu stroking his neck with her paw was so soothing for Balto that he slowly dozed off in a few minutes. Aniu carefully got up, and walked outside the cave.

Evening settled in Nome, as day was giving in to night. Jenna was disheartened that the search for Balto was unsuccessful.

"Thanks for your help, Kodi." Jenna said as she gently nuzzled her son. "Thanks to all of you." Jenna turned to look at Yukon, Dingo, Saba, Nunivat, and their friends.

"You're welcome, mom." Kodi replied with a disappointed look on his face.

Jenna addressed the group. "You are free to return to your homes and owners. Good night everyone."

"Mom, Dusty and I will be delivering the mail with our team tomorrow." Kodi spoke.

"I understand." Jenna replied. "You and Dusty do what you both need to. Good night."

"Good night Jenna." Yin, Yang, Dana, Dusty, Thunder, and Josh said.

"Good night mom." Yukon, Dingo, Kodi, Nunivat, and Saba said.

Jenna watched as Dingo left with Dana, Kodi left with Dusty, Nunivat left with Thunder, Saba left with Josh, and Yukon with Yin and Yang.

"I'm sorry for what happened to your dad, Kodi." Dusty sympathized. "I hope your father finds his way back home."

"Thanks," Kodi replied. "I hope my dad comes back."

Jenna watched as her sons. daughters, and their friends left. Jenna's ears flattened as she lowered her head. Noticing her sadness, Max and Molly walked to sit next to her.

"We're sorry that Balto is lost out there." Molly added as she and Max leaned against her to comfort her.

"Thanks for helping out, you two."

"Molly and I know how much Balto means to you and your sons and daughters." Max said.

Jenna nodded. Max and Molly walked back to the edge of town with Jenna, then Jenna separated from Max and Molly as she headed towards her house. When she arrived, she walked into her shed and kept the door open. She laid down and rested her head between her paws in sadness.

Back at Dingo and Dana's home, Dana watched as Dingo sat and looked outside a nearby window. "Dingo, I'm sorry that your father is lost." Dana sympathized as she walked up to his side. The two glanced at each other. "I'm sure your father is alright. I just hope that he isn't in any trouble." Dana gently rubbed into Dingo's shoulder to comfort him.
Dingo remained silent, but acknowledged her comforting gesture.

Jenna's thoughts about Balto raced. Jenna missed him a lot. She missed having him around. She also hated how his absence affected her children as well. Tears started to flow down her muzzle, and she began to weep in sadness.

"Do not be sad, Jenna."

The sudden voice startled Jenna. She turned around and saw a white wolf stand near the front of the door. Jenna stood still with fear. Before she could speak, Aniu opened her muzzle.

"Do not be afraid, Jenna. You will see your mate Balto again. I assure you."

"How do you know Balto?" Jenna asked, confused.

"My name is Aniu." She answered. "Balto spoke to you about me."

Jenna softly gasped. "You are Balto's mother?"

"Indeed I am, my dear Jenna."

Aniu walked over to Jenna as she gazed at her with awe. Aniu licked the tears from Jenna's face and nuzzled her.

"It... is a pleasure to meet you, Aniu." Jenna said. "Balto told me how he was separated from you, and how much he missed you."

Aniu nodded. "Do not worry, Jenna. I promise you Balto will return home safely. I will guide him home."

"Really? Oh, thank you so much!" Jenna said in relief, and nuzzled into Aniu's chest. Then she looked up at her. "Does this mean Balto is not in danger?"

Aniu softly breathed in. "Unfortunately, this is not so. Your mate was attacked by a bear, and then a mountain lion. He is heavily wounded." Jenna gasped in shock. "However, I brought him to shelter. He is many miles away, so you won't be able look for him nearby. No need for concern though, I will take care of my son until he recovers from his wounds."

Jenna's face lowered in disappointment, but she was relieved that Balto isn't dead.

"Rest assured Jenna, Balto will return home safely." Aniu reassured.

"Thank you, Aniu. I have to tell my sons and daughters-"

"No, Jenna." Aniu interrupted. "I came to tell you alone, so that you don't have to be burdened with Balto's fate. You may give hope to your sons and daughters that their father will come home. Just let everyone wait until he comes home."

"Oh. Um..." Jenna looked down at the ground for a moment, then shifted her head back to face Aniu. "...Okay." Jenna then leaned against Aniu, and she gave Jenna a warm hug. "Thank you for telling me that my love is alright. I miss him, and I will continue to worry for him. But at least I know that I will see him again. I will be able to sleep better tonight. I hope he will have a safe recovery." The two parted.

"I will guarantee his safe recovery. It will take some time for him to recover, but he will recover nevertheless."

Jenna smiled at Aniu, and she smiled back.

"Farewell, and goodnight, Jenna. I am proud that you and my son are mates, and that I have you as my daughter in-law."

With that Aniu walked out of the shed and disappeared into the night.

Jenna watched as Aniu departed. "Good night to you too, Aniu. I'm honored that you are my mother in-law." Jenna closed the door, walked over to her bed, and settled to sleep.

Good night, Balto. I miss you my love. I look forward to seeing you again.


Night fell, and as Balto woke up, he saw Aniu walk to him with some meat in her jaws. She carefully placed the meat at Balto's paws.

"Thank you, mother." Balto said and nuzzled her chin in appreciation. Aniu smiled, and licked her son's face. She sat down and silently watched as Balto ate his meal. Afterwards, Balto looked up at her.

"Mom, how will I return home? How can I return home when I don't know where I am?"

"I will guide you home, my son. I know the way back to Nome."

"You do?" Balto asked. "How do you know?"

"I have my ways. One of which, involves watching over you. Have faith, Balto, I will help you return home. But while you are wounded, I will remain and take care of you.

Aniu smiled lovingly, and reach out to hold Balto's muzzle with both of her paws, holding his head close to her.

"You have grown up so much, my son. You have become truly handsome. Not only that, but you look so much like your father."

Balto blushed in embarrassment, but smiled at his mother's compliments. Aniu held Balto for a few moments, then let go of his muzzle.

"Mom, what happened to dad? Why were you and I separated?" Balto questioned.

Aniu gently replied, "You will learn... in time. You do deserve to know the truth, but now is not the time. Focus on resting and regaining your strength." Balto nodded.

"You are strong and wise beyond your years, Balto. I am proud of you. I am proud to have Jenna as my daughter in-law, and your sons and daughters as my grandchildren. They have bright futures ahead of them."

"I love them, mom. I enjoy raising them as their father. They have met wonderful friends, and continues to be close to them. I hope that I will be able to introduce Jenna and my pups to you."

"I'll be honored to meet them. I have meet Jenna though. She and your children long to see you again."

Balto thought about his family, but he was assured that with his mother's care, he will reunite with them again.

Aniu got up to leave.

"Mom? Where are you going?"

"I must go and give you time to rest. Good night, my son. I will see you again tomorrow morning."

"Wait, mom!" Balto called out. "Don't go yet. I want to be with you. I've missed you so much since I met you again after Aleu left. I just want to spend more time with you." Balto spoke softly. His head lowered, facing the ground, ears flattened.

Aniu understood Balto's concern. She leaned her head down and gently pressed her nose against his, and looked into Balto's eyes.

"Do not despair, my son. While you recover from your injuries, we will have plenty of time to catch up and spend more time with each other." Aniu said reassuringly, and affectionately nuzzled Balto's nose with hers to console him. Balto pressed his head under her chin and against her neck (or her throat). Aniu nuzzled Balto with her chin as he trembled with sadness. After a while Balto's trembling stopped, and he parted. "Tell you what. I will stay with you tonight for a little bit longer. For you."

Balto smiled with relief. Aniu smiled back, and walked to his right side, and wrapped her body and tail warmly around him. Balto sighed contentedly and buried his face into Aniu's neck fur.

"Good night, mother. Thank you for taking care of me."

"Good night, Balto. You will always be my son, no matter what. I love you, more than you know. Have faith, and be strong. Rest, and know that you will be reunited with your family."

Even as Balto fell asleep, Aniu continued to wrap around Balto with her affectionately and warm motherly embrace. She continued to watch over her beloved son, as he dreamt of a joyful reunion with his loving mate and children...