Chapter 4: Aleu Returns Home!

The next morning, Aleu woke up laying on top of Kenai. She smiled as she deeply breathed in his scent and listened to his breathing. She then remembered the dream she had last night...

Aleu appeared to be standing near the edge of a mountain, overlooking a small human town in the distance. Kenai sat next to her as the two observed the sky and the landscape in front of them.

Kenai nuzzled Aleu's neck fur. "So, how does it feel to be back home with your parents and siblings?"

Aleu smiled back at him. "It's so wonderful, Kenai. As if things couldn't get any better, I get to be home... with you." Aleu leaned to nuzzle Kenai lovingly.

"I'm so happy for you, Aleu, and... I love you."

Aleu leaned over and rubbed Kenai's nose with hers, allowing their affectionate moment to linger. Then she slipped her head under his chin.

"I love you too, Kenai."

After taking a moment to remember her dream, she carefully got up to settle herself next to Kenai. As she did this, she saw Kenai stir awake and slowly open his eyes.

"Morning, Kenai." Aleu softly greeted.

Kenai smiled. "Good morning, Aleu."

Aleu wrapped her leg around Kenai and held him close to her as she sweetly licked and nuzzled Kenai, and he gratefully returned her affectionate gesture.

"Sleep well?" Aleu asked.

"I slept soundly last night." Kenai smiled. He instinctively stretched, but stopped as he noticed he was stretching his broken leg. However, something felt off about his leg.

"Wait a minute... my leg." Kenai said as he slowly moved his leg. "Its... it's healed." Kenai commented incredulously. He got up and slowly walked to test out his leg. Aleu accompanied him closely, and quickly caught him when he fell.

"But, how?" Kenai questioned.

Aleu beamed. "My grandmother came to us last night when you were sleeping. She healed your broken leg."

Kenai sighed with content. "Thank you, Aniu."

"You know her?" Aleu said.

"Yes." Kenai replied. "She and her daughter Juneau, who is also your aunt, came to me before I told you that I love you."

Kenai turned around to slowly walk back to where he and Aleu slept, and fell again, Aleu catching him once more.

"You alright, Kenai?"

"Don't worry, I'm alright. My leg feels a bit wobbly, but I'll get used to it again, now that it's healed."

"More good news, Kenai: now that your leg is healed, you'll be able to recover from your injuries faster. It will take two days for you to recover, then it will take us another two to return home." Kenai's eyes brightened wit hope.

"That is good news indeed, Aleu." He nuzzled her. "At least I'll have you to keep me company while I recover. That is, unless we continue with our journey back to your old home while I recover."

"I think it's best if you recover first, then we continue. That would be safer than if we go while you recover." Aleu said.

"Are you sure?"

"Positive. Trust me, Kenai." He nodded. "Like you said Kenai, I'll be here to keep you company as you recover. It's just us two... for now."

For the next two days, Aleu kept Kenai company as the rest of his body healed. Aleu did all the hunting while he recovered. Even when Kenai recovered and when he and Aleu started their journey to Nome, the pair grew closer and closer to each other with every moment they spent together. The night before they would arrive at Nome, Aleu and Kenai decided to make it a date. They stayed up, gazing at the sky, enjoying each other's company, then they went inside their shelter. Kenai laid down on his back while Aleu laid on top of his chest.

"You ready, Aleu?" Kenai asked. "We're only one day away now from home."

"To be honest, I'm still trying to believe we are almost there." Aleu replied.

"Don't worry Aleu. Just think that tomorrow night, you will be back with your mother, father, and your siblings! Believe me, I'm really happy for you."

"Thanks, Kenai." Aleu leaned down to nuzzle him. Kenai licked her nose, and Aleu sighed with content. They remained silent for a while, gazing into each other's eyes. Then, Aleu got up so that Kenai could roll over on his chest. She then snuggled herself against his side, and Kenai wrapped his leg around her to hold her warmly. As Aleu closed her eyes and settled in, Kenai affectionately nuzzled her.

"Night, Aleu."

"Good night, Kenai."

The following morning...

"Rise and shine, sleepyhead!"

Kenai energetically licked Aleu's face multiple times.

"Alright, Kenai, alright." Aleu said with a giggle. "I'm awake. Boy, you sound so energetic today.

"Aren't you eager to start the day and get back home today?"

Aleu giggled. "In that case, I should be the one waking you up, not the other way around."

Aleu got up, and Kenai walked up and leaned against her side. "Shall we go then?"

She beamed. "We go hunting. Then, we go home."

"Speaking of which..." Kenai went outside their shelter and brought some meat in his paws. He then laid them down at Aleu's paws.

"For you." Kenai affectionately licked her cheek. "You did the hunting for us while I was recovering. Allow me to return the favor."

"Aww, you're so sweet, Kenai." Aleu mused as she sweetly and deeply nuzzled Kenai's cheek to show her appreciation.

"Ladies first, then we can go."

Aleu and Kenai spent the next hour eating and resting before they continued their journey. The day went like a blur. By the time they knew it, it was night time. Aleu and Kenai were tired from their journey, but still pressed on, determined to reach Nome.

"Wait, Kenai..." Aleu said, as the climbed up a mountain, and she dropped to the ground panting. "Give... me... a moment... I'm exhausted."

"We should be getting home... soon." Kenai replied.

"Just gives me a few..."

Kenai complied, and settled next to her. They only rested for a minute, when a voice startled them.

"Don't give up, you two. You are nearly there."

Aleu and Kenai looked over their shoulder to see two pure white figures approach them. Aleu beamed in joy.

"Grandmother!" She then looked at the white female next to her. "You must be Juneau, my aunt."

Juneau nodded. "You must not stop just yet. You two are almost there."

"How far?" Aleu inquired.

Aniu grinned. "Your answer lies over that cliff."

Aleu and Kenai glanced at each other, then walked over to the cliff of the mountain, and the sight before them struck them: they could see a small human settlement in the distance.

"Nome!" Aleu exclaimed in excitement. She turned to hug Kenai and licked his face. "Kenai, we're-"

"Yes, Aleu! We're nearly there!" Kenai exclaimed with much excitement as Aleu as he held her. Kenai let Aleu go as she stared at the town. Her gaze was then fixed to the beach where she could see an abandoned, grounded boat.

"Papa..." She softly spoke. Curiously, her ears flattened. Kenai was caught off guard.

"Aleu?"

"What's wrong, child?" Aniu asked as she and Juneau approached Aleu and Kenai.

"It's just... I've been away for so long." Aleu turned to face Aniu and Juneau. "Aunt, Grandma, will my family even recognize me?" She then glanced at Kenai.

"Aleu, you've been wanting this for weeks now. We're almost there. Don't you want to see your family again?" Kenai comforted.

"I do, but..." Aleu faltered. Juneau walked up to her niece and spoke words of comfort and encouragement.

"Aleu, do not falter. Of course your family will recognize you. It didn't matter that you were gone for so long, for your family has still been missing and thinking about you... especially your father. I'll tell you this: they knew well in advance that you would return one day." Juneau leaned in and touched Aleu's nose with hers. "They will be overjoyed for your return, I promise you." Juneau walked back, and Aniu approached her.

"Juneau is right. Know this as well, granddaughter: a dog couldn't not make this journey alone. But, a wolf can, and two of them are close to completing it now." Aleu glanced at her grandmother, then smiled with courage. "Go, Aleu. make yourself known. Tell your family, you've arrived." Aleu glanced over at Kenai, and he nodded, beckoning her to do what he knows she will do. Then Aleu arched her head, and gave a piercing, triumphant howl.

Following, there was a moment of silence, then another howl can be heard.

"Papa." Aleu howled again. "Come on, Kenai!" Aleu exclaimed as they heard another howl.

"Right behind you!"

Aleu and Kenai ran with all their might, inching closer and closer with every step, with every second. In the distance, Aleu spotted two figures: a grey male, and a red female with a white underbelly and orange bandana.

"Mom! Papa!" As they got closer and closer, Aleu bounded faster, and Kenai slowed down, allowing her to bolt ahead.

"Aleu! Baby, I can't believe it!" Jenna exclaimed.

"Aleu! You're home!" Balto exclaimed in pure joy at his daughter's return.

After mere seconds, Mother, Father, and Daughter finally embraced, crying tears of joy, Aleu especially. Balto and Jenna embraced Aleu, licking her tears form her face and nuzzling their daughter.

"Mama, Papa, I'm finally back." Aleu cried, her voice trembling with a mix of sadness and joy. Shen then embraced her father, Balto, pressing her head against his throat and under his chin.

"Papa, I'm so sorry! It's been so long since I was last with you."

"It's alright, Aleu..." Balto embraced his daughter and nuzzled her to comfort her. He took in Aleu's scent, Aleu doing the same. "... what matters more is that you've finally returned home!"

Father and daughter parted, and Aleu turned to face her mother.

"Mom, it's been even longer since I last saw you." Aleu leaned her head against Jenna's chest, rubbing into her fur. Jenna rested her head over Aleu's. "I love you mamma! I love you too, papa."

"You don't know how much your father and I missed you." Jenna cried. "We love you too, Aleu, no matter what happens."

For a few more moments, Aleu embraced her parents, then they spotted a brown wolf walk up to them.

"You must be Kenai, Aleu's friend." Balto greeted with a warm smile.

Kenai blushed, but smiled back. "Yes I am. You must be Balto, and you, Jenna, Aleu's parents." He replied, addressing him and Jenna.

"Kenai, thank you so much for accompanying our daughter." Jenna said gratefully. Kenai nodded. Then, the four heard more footsteps approach them. Aleu beamed. It was her siblings!

"Aleu! You're back! I can't believe it!" Kodi yelled in excitement. Dingo, Yukon, Saba, and Nunivat all offered her similar greetings as they welcomed their eldest sister home. Aleu embraced them, still remembering their names. Then, a dark red husky walked up to her to address her, albeit, nervously.

"Aleu... I... I have something to tell you. And, good thing everyone else is here to see this." Yukon said.

"What's that, Yukon?" Aleu said curiously. He sighed, and mustered up all of his courage.

"Aleu, you remember when we were all pups, waiting to be adopted? Remember when you kept on howling and howling?" The siblings softly chuckled.

"Yes, Yukon, I do remember. What about it?"

"I don't know if everyone here knows, but in case no one does, I used to be very annoyed at that. I used to be very annoyed at you for doing all that. I'm sorry Aleu. That may have been so annoying to me back then, but since you left us, that got me thinking that I'd rather go through all that howling if it means having you here, not that you left because of that." Yukon blushed, and the siblings chuckled. Dingo and Kodi rubbed and patted his back. "I'm very sorry Aleu, but now that you're here again, I'm glad you're back."

"Aww, Yukon." Aleu mused. "I guess you've been waiting for two years to apologize."

"Yeah, you can say that." Yukon blushed. "Wh-what do you say?"

"Yukon, I forgive you." She then suddenly tackled Yukon to the ground and held him with her paws around his neck, licking and nuzzling him across the face.

"Ah! No! Aleu!" Yukon squirmed, trying to release Aleu's grip on him, but she firmly held him as she smothered his face. Yukon's siblings laughed in amusement.

"Aleu, you don't need to do this. Thanks just the same, but you don't need to." Yukon spoke.

"But Yukon, I have to!" Aleu teased. "Besides, you don't know how much your apologies to me." Yukon chuckled nervously as they stated at each other silently. But then Aleu went back to smothering his face with affectionate licks. Yukon didn't try to resist this time, knowing that Aleu would push her affectionate gesture anyways.

Yukon blushed in embarrassment as Aleu showered him with her affection and as his siblings continued to laughed in amusement. Even Balto and Jenna laughed along. Dingo went as far as to fall on his side while laughing, and Kodi fell on his back as he laughed.

"I can't breathe! I can't breathe!" Kodi exclaimed.

"My stomach hurts." Dingo humorously commented. The group laughed even harder.

With the group distracted, Yukon was able to spot a group of huskies watching at a distance. He saw his friend Yin grin in amusement, along with Yang, Saba, Josh, Thunder, Dana, and Dusty. As Aleu let go of Yukon and the two got up, Jenna walked over to Yukon and nuzzled his nose with hers. "That's so sweet of you, Yukon. I'm proud of you." Jenna praised.

"Me too." Balto added and nuzzled him.

"Hey, Aleu." Saba said.

As Aleu turned to face her sister, Saba suddenly jumped at her. The sister tumbled a few feet before Saba landed on top of her. The sisters giggled, and the family joined in with joyful laughter.

Just then, Saba got up, and Aleu spotted a group of huskies joining the group.

"Aleu, I would like to introduce you to our friends!" Saba exclaimed as a red husky joined her. "This is my friend, Josh."

"And my friend Yin, and her brother, Yang." Yukon said.

"And my friend Dusty." Kodi said.

"Meet Dana." Dingo said.

"Here is Thunderbolt, or Thunder for short." Nunivat added.

"Nice to meet all of you." Aleu replied as she familiarized herself with the friends of her siblings. "Speaking of which..." Aleu walked over to a brown wolf standing behind the group.

"Meet my friend, Kenai. He's the one accompanying me home." Kenai nervously introduced himself to Aleu's siblings and their friends, but gradually warmed up to them as they introduced themselves. Then, four more huskies joined the group.

"Well, hello there." Aleu greeted.

"Aleu, you remember Max and Molly?" Balto asked.

"Yes, I remember them." Aleu replied.

"Welcome home, Aleu!" Max greeted. "Now Balto and Jenna's family is complete with you."

"Welcome back home, sweetie." Molly added. Aleu nodded. "Thanks."

Aleu then turned her attention to two younger huskies. " I don't remember seeing you two. What are your names?"

"My name is Nathan, or Nate for short." Nate greeted.

"My name is Drake. We are brothers. We moved here last year, and we met your family and their friends."

"Welcome back home!" Nate said. Aleu blushed, but smiled at the brothers. Aleu introduced Kenai to Max, Molly, Nate, and Drake. Aleu was excited to give them some exciting news:

"By the way, I got a surprise for all of you, involving me and Kenai." Aleu spoke.

"What would that be?" Dana asked.

"Kenai and I are more than just friends. We love each other." Aleu smiled at Kenai and nuzzled him. He lovingly nuzzled Aleu back. The large group of huskies and wolfdogs cheered in excitement.

"Congratulations, you two!" Balto said. "Does that mean you are mates?"

"Well, soon to be." Kenai replied.

For the next half hour, Aleu and her family and friends spent the time together, until they parted ways, promising Aleu and Kenai that they would have more time to catch up tomorrow. Balto led Kenai and Aleu back to his boat.

"You can probably tell, Aleu, but you're old man has not been adopted since you left. Meaning, I still live on this boat."

"Maybe one day you'll be adopted, papa." Aleu replied.

"I once hoped the same for you, but you've never been adopted either."

"Fair enough. I suppose Kenai and I will be staying with you, then." Aleu replied.

"If I were already adopted, I would gladly give this place over to you and Kenai and give you two privacy. Hope you don't mind me staying here."

"That's alright, papa. It will be just like old times again!"

"No worries, Balto. Where ever Aleu stays, I stay." Kenai added.

Balto smiled at the two, and they entered together. Kenai was the first to settle down and sleep. At first, Aleu slept with him, but woke up as she spotted her father perched up near the front of the boat. She decided to join him.

"Papa, you still awake?"

"Yes, Aleu. I'm still taking things all in, that you are back after all these years."

"Papa, now that I'm back with you and the rest of the family, I want to tell you something." Aleu spoke.

"Go ahead." Balto beckoned.

"Papa, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry for what I said before when you told me that I was half wolf, and that my brothers and sisters have some wolf blood in them too. I regret saying that I hated you. I was so angry and upset. I didn't know any better." Aleu apologized.

Balto looked to his side, smiled at Aleu, and nuzzled her. "It's alright, my baby. I love you no matter what." Aleu blushed, He said those words to her before she left him two years ago. "Though Aleu, I should be the one who says sorry."

"For what?" Aleu gently asked.

"I'm sorry that I made you upset. I never wanted you to run away, to feel so different, so inferior. I only wanted to protect you, but I realize since that I was only hurting not only you, but myself by holding the truth from you." Balto said.

"Papa," Aleu nuzzled her father. " I'm curious. What exactly made you keep the truth of my heritage away from me?" Aleu asked.

Balto turned to face his daughter directly.

"Well, I'll tell you tomorrow. You do deserve to know the truth. But, long story short, I once went though what you did when you ran away. For a long time, I was shunned and hated when I was your age."

"I don't understand." Aleu said. "Everyone in town loves you."

"It wasn't always that way." Balto answered. "There was a time when everyone in town hated me because of being half wolf. Your mother and her owner Rosie were among the only ones who didn't treat me based on my heritage, Max and Molly among them as well." Balto paused to let Aleu take in the information. "Like I said, I'll tell you more tomorrow. But basically, I went through what you went through when I told you that you were half wolf, and that I was the reason why."

Aleu lowered her ears and her face, pondering her father's words.

"Though you will tell more of the story tomorrow, I still want to say thank you, papa. I never knew you went through those terrible experiences."

"Now you know." Balto softly added.

"Papa, I wonder now, what things would have been like if I never ran away."

"For one thing, you wouldn't have meet Kenai, or any of your other friends." Balto and Aleu glanced over at Kenai, who was still sleeping.

"That's true, and I realize now that I wouldn't want to live my life without him." Aleu said.

Balto nodded. "My mother told this to me once: as much as we would want to live in a perfect, peaceful world with no worries, no troubles, and no pain or suffering, sometimes good things do come from bad experiences. After all, I could have lived the life of a wolf, like you and Kenai were, and I wouldn't have met your mother, nor become the hero of Nome. Anyways, I never thought I would become a hero at all. One thing for sure though, I could never imagine my life without your mother. I love her, and she loves me with all her heart."

"Undeniably true, papa. Mom does love you a lot, and I love you too." Aleu smiled as Balto turned to face her. She leaned in and nuzzled Balto lovingly. Balto returned her nuzzle and they rubbed each other's cheeks.

"I'll always be your baby. I'll always be mom's baby too." Aleu spoke, saying the words she said when parting from her father 2 years ago.

"I love you too, Aleu. Your mother and siblings loves you as well. We're all glad you're finally home."

"I'm glad that I'm home again, papa." Aleu replied with a smile.

Father and daughter embraced each other for a few more moments, then parted.

"Let's get some sleep, Aleu. We'll all have more time to catch up tomorrow." Balto softly spoke. Aleu smiled and nodded. Together, Aleu and Balto walked over to settle down with Kenai. Aleu wrapped her leg around Kenai and pulled him towards her side. At the same time, she leaned against her father's side. Balto nuzzled Aleu, and she returned his nuzzle.

"Goodnight, Aleu. Sweet dreams."

"Goodnight, papa. See you in the morning."

With that, father and daughter slept together for the first time in 2 years. Finally, Aleu no longer needs to feel homesick for her family. she is more than prepared to continue her renewed life with her family again, this time, with her loving friend, Kenai.