19.

*Bang*

*Bang*

*Bang*

Mr. Richardson sighed as he let the hammer droop to his side. He stood in front of the post-office along with his daughter. He turned his gaze to Rosie, who was clinging to his side. "Do you think she's going to be ok daddy?"

He rubbed her shoulder, turning his gaze towards the sheet of paper. "Don't worry- she's a tough girl. And she's got Balto too, she'll be ok Rosie."

Rosie nodded, she looked up toward the sign. Mr. Richardson spoke. "Well, that was that last one. We should be home for supper."

The girl let go of his side, they began to walk away from the post-office. As they walked away, Mr. Cunner opened the door and spoke. "See y'all. I hope you find yer lost dog."

Mr. Richardson stopped and turned toward him, he forced a smile. "Thanks for letting us put the poster up there Mr. Cunner, Rosie and I appreciate it."

He waved it off. "Don't mention it, anything to help out a neighbor."

Rosie waved and Richardson nodded his head. They turned around once again, when they did Rosie noticed something on the horizon. "Hey daddy- there's somethin' out there."

Her father looked and squinted. "You're right- hey Rosie, I think it's a team!"

He walked back to the post-office, Rosie followed as he opened its door. "Hey Cunner, I think one of your teams is here."

Cunner blinked and then sped towards the door. "Oh- wonderful, yes yes!"

He blew past Mr. Richardson and his daughter, out onto the street. He smiled wide and raised his clenched fists. "Yes! It's them at last."

The two followed Cunner out onto the street. As the team drew closer Mr. Richardson spoke. "Wait a minute, is Balto leading the team?"

Mr. Cunner scratched his head. "It can't be- Star's the lead. But you're right, I think it is Balto."

The team drew closer and Rosie jumped, she exclaimed. "Look! Jenna's on the team too, she's just behind Balto!"

"Come on Rosie, she's not- Oh my gosh she is!" He turned to the mailman. "How could you do this to us!? You stole our dog for two weeks!"

Cunner backed away from the accusing finger of Richardson, he put his hands up. "Please, understand- I didn't mean for this to happen."

Mr. Richardson pressed his attack. "Sure you didn't- taking our dog for half a month!"

Mr. Cunner grew closer to the post-office, he pleaded. "Please, hear me out!"

Richardson drew closer to the mailman, he clenched his fist. "I'll here you out all right, over your-"

"Wait!" They turned their heads, it was the musher, and he pulled in front of the post-office, stepping off the sled and put his hands up. "Don't hurt him! It's ok- Jenna and Balto saved us."

Rosie ran to Jenna; she threw her hands around her neck. "Oh Jenna- I missed you so much!"

Rosie tightened the hold around her dog's neck, Jenna spoke. "Rosie- I missed you too. Don't choke Miss Jenna now- please, some air?"

"Rosie, give Jenna a little space; she's pretty tired." Her father walked over to her, Richardson pried Jenna from her grip.

Rosie loosened her grip; her father turned his attention back to Simpson. "So you said she saved your team?"

Mr. Simpson nodded. "She did, they both did- Balto and Jenna."

Mr. Simpson unstrapped the mail and Star, who had been harnessed to the sled. He hobbled off, lying down next to the team.

"What happened to Star? And that sled- why does it look so new?" Cunner walked over to Star, he rubbed the husky's head and looked at his wound.

Simpson picked up the mail and hoisted it upwards, placing it next to the post office's door, he spoke. "I know you got a lot of questions, how about we talk inside after the team is dismissed?"

The mailman nodded, he brought the sack inside. Mr. Simpson went about unstrapping the dogs, Mr. Richardson spoke. "So our very own Jenna is a hero?"

Mr. Simpson nodded. "She is, and not just that- but a real sled dog."

Rosie pulled back from her embrace; she brushed her hands against Jenna's neck. "Wow, you hear that? You're a real sled dog! I can't wait to go mushing with you Jenna."

Balto's harness was removed and he stepped from the line of dogs, Balto looked toward Jenna, he smirked. 'I'm glad Rosie's happy, Jenna must be so proud.'

Kodi came next to his father. "Mom did a great job, don't ya think?"

Balto nodded. "Yeah, your mom's a strong one."

The dogs began to walk towards the boiler room; Kodi went to follow, then paused. "Hey dad, they're going to the boiler to celebrate, wanna come?"

Balto smiled, went to speak, and then stopped himself. "Wait- Kodi I need you to do something for me."

Kodi's ears perked, he waited.

"I need you to call a meeting- tell them it's urgent, and that it's about Eran."

They gathered in the barn as the dogs scrambled to their positions. The sodden air was icy-cold as the golden afternoon shone through the barn's only window. They lined the walls of the room, in the center Doc stepped forward. "As many of you know we have all gathered today for another meeting about Eran; it was Balto and Jenna who called this meeting, so they will speak."

As Balto stood, Jenna walked alongside him. He spoke. "On our extended trip, we discovered some important information about both Eran and Kyle."

"We believe he may be what the Russians call a bodark," Jenna said.

One of the mass spoke. "What is a bodark?"

Balto nodded and turned to Jenna, who went on. "According to our Russian source during out journey they're men who have been cursed to walk as wolves. They smell like them, can growl when they're human, and can talk to all canines."

"When the full moon is out, they walk as wolves. When it's not, they walk as men." Balto finished. The room stood still, a draft stirred the fur of a husky. "B-but that's impossible, you speak nonsense!"

Balto shook his head. "I wish I did."

Doc stepped forward. "Then what is your proof?"

"Has anyone ever seen Eran out during the day?" Balto asked. He scanned the room as silence reigned. Continuing after a few moments of silence, Balto asked, "Have you ever seen Eran with Kyle?"

The silence continued, the creak of the barn chilled their spines. Jenna moved forward. "When did Eran disappear?"

"Only a couple weeks ago Jenna," one spoke. "Right after the week of the full moon."

"Right after the week of the full moon," Balto said. The silence continued, all looked on Jenna and Balto. Doc shook his head. "I think the evidence is overwhelming."

Doc took a second look at the couple. "Are you sure your source is reliable?"

Balto shook his head. "You got a better lead?"

Doc sighed. "Fine, then what do you suppose we do?"

Balto looked to Jenna, who spoke. "We were hoping you might have some ideas?"

"Well there's the obvious," Kodi began, "we need to make sure everyone knows about this."

Doc nodded, Kodi continued. "All the dogs, Boris, my sister's pack too."

Doc stepped forth, nearing the center of the room. "Any other ideas?"

"We drive him out of town."

All heads zoned in on the voice; it was Taylor, his tail was up and gums exposed.

"W-what!" Star began. "You're insane! I mean, of all of us you should know how terrifying this- this… thing is!"

"I agree. That's stupid, it's suicide to target him." Another said.

Taylor looked to Balto and Jenna. "What choice do we have? I for one am not going to just let this threat lurk around town."

He began to walk toward the door. "Go into hiding if you like- but sometimes, ignorance isn't bliss."

They watched as the yellow husky slipped through the barn door. A chill swept through the room as the door shut behind him. There was silence for a moment, then a voice.

"Taylor's right," Dingo said, "if Kyle really is what we think he is, then we can't let him stay here."

"I agree!"

"We will not let this filth stay in our town!"

The barn exploded into an uproar; dogs sneered at the air, trying to gain the attention of the couple. Doc tried to calm the mob, but it was of no use. Jenna and Balto tried to quell the ruckus, but their voices only added to the force already joined. Then, Balto howled into the air. The voices drowned out and all focused on him. He awaited the last voice to silence and then spoke. "While I do understand your intentions for getting Eran away from Nome, we can't just take him head-on."

Balto shook his head. "We barely even have an idea of what he is and what danger he poses." He scanned the room. "You have masters, companions, mates, some of you even have pups."

"We need to take this slowly; we can't let fear cloud our vision," Balto finished. He shifted his gaze to Doc. The dog scrunched his face. "Well then, we've no time to waste."

There was a scratching on the shed door; Kyle stirred, he rose from his bed and opened the door; it was Aleu, the ripe moon glittered over her grey coat. He grabbed a piece of paper and shoved it into his back pocket, stepping into the wintry night.

They walked alongside one another towards the forest, Kyle looked to Aleu. "I'm glad you came out here girl."

"I was getting lonely, all cooped up in my shed."

Aleu smiled. "Yeah, I was missing you too, even though I wasn't alone."

They entered the tree line and got to their usual spot, Kyle sat and Aleu rested on her stomach; there was a pause as they looked out on the field. Kyle reached back and pulled the paper from his pocket, he peered at it for a moment. "This article says that a farmer up at Belleau Wood found the remains of some marines."

He scanned the sheet; Aleu looked to Kyle who continued. "I wish Oliver were alive, but the chance just seems so slim."

"That farmer may have found Oliver." Tears began to dribble from his eyes, a breeze blew and they wafted away into the wind. He brought his hand up to push them away and smeared them onto his pants. Aleu licked his teary hand and looked toward him; her ears were flattened as she uttered a subtle whine.

Kyle did not shift his gaze, he stared at the newspaper; he grit his teeth and crushed the piece of paper. A few sobs escaped Kyle, then he collapsed, shaking at the onslaught of tears. He keeled over and pressed his face into the crumpled page, Aleu's cries followed suit as she let out a low howl to accompany him.

His chest stung and eyes sealed shut, Aleu's howl echoed through the field, she finished and dipped her head. She sobbed, he sobbed; they mourned as one.

Kyle dashed up the tattered hill, in spite of his throbbing legs and back, his feet felt as though they were bogged down by heavy chains. His stride was low and Kyle's brow hot and wet. He could hardly see through his mask, it was a repulsive smell, still making its way through his ventilator and into his nostrils. Something hit Kyle's foot, causing him to stumble. He placed his hands out in front of himself, dropping his gun as he did so. He fell with a splash, tumbling in the pool of mud.

Kyle ushered himself up, his head spun as his eyes darted from behind the glass of his mask. "No, no, no!"

He struggled through wet earth, raising his legs high and submerging them again into pits of brown and green, his boots already drinking the putrid water. "Come on! Come on! Come-"

He heard a cry in the forest, it was in a foreign language. He looked toward the woods; silhouettes seemed to approach from amongst the shadow of grey and burning green. Kyle rushed out of the marsh pit, he looked toward a German corpse and seized the rifle from the deceased man's arms, pulling the fingers from their grasp. Their footsteps rose. "Wir sollten besser aufpassen, ich hier fegen die Teufelshunde durch den Wald."

"Ja, wenn wir sie sehen, ist es am besten, wenn wir uns ergeben."

Kyle whipped around, finger quivered on the trigger, his legs trembled. They drew closer now so that he could see their masks, struggling, grasping for any clear breath.

"Ich möchte nur, dass dieser Krieg vorbei ist. Wie lange muss der Kaiser diesen Kampf verlängern?"

He skittered behind a tree as they drew closer, their footsteps rising closer with the clatter and clicking of their boots.

"Ich denke, es ist nur-"

"Arrrgh!"

He shot out from behind his tree, a splash of crimson spattering the bark as he leapt out and cracked the rifle into the first soldier's mask. Immediately gas seeped into his lungs, he writhed on the ground as he clenched his throat. The second made a quick insult and struggled to load his gun. Kyle spun around and knocked it from his hands, sending it splashing into the mud. He toggled the trigger, sweat beaded down his cheek beneath his mask.

"Surrender! Step away from that gun, don't move an inch." He touched the bayonet to the man's uniform.

He put his hands behind his head. "Please, Ich habe eine Familie."

He began to take steps closer to his rifle; Kyle tensed with his gun in arms. "Stop! Hold it-"

The soldier began to lower his hands then dived for his rifle. A shot rang through the forest the soldier fell to the ground. He dived upon him, thrusting the rifle's bayonet into the man's chest. The soldier screamed, not the warrior's sort of scream that one expected, but shrill and full of pain, like the scream of a dog being beaten; Kyle growled and thrust deeper into him.

His body relaxed; he twisted the rifle with a bloody squinch. His heart was a rush, panting, slowly calming as he rested the weight of his body on the butt of his rifle till the man's shaking was naught and nothing sounded but a million distant guns.

He wobbled onto his feet, his hands shuddered like the beat of a drum and the sweat began to seep out of his mask. He leaned against the tattered tree, looking down as he caught his breath. A sudden burst of noise tore through the ruins, there were lots of them. Kyle turned, looked in every direction, he ripped the gun from where it had been placed. He snatched the man's ammo and put it in his own pouch. He shot a glance to the horizon for a moment, the gas had begun to clear; his time was short.

He hid and took the blood, smearing it around his armpit, letting the stench of death clung to him like a perfume. Kyle laid the gun on the ground and let his arms dangle, allowing himself to slump over on his face. He stayed still and waited, their footsteps nearing. They trampled over the soft ground, he heard their ventilators as they walked around him. One of the soldiers came by stabbing the dead, another kicked him in the side.

He winced and his clenched fist tightened, the man who'd kicked him noticed the movement, prodding the hand Kyle had moved, he paused and went to fix his bayonet. The soldier pulled it from its sheath and clipped it in place.

"Komm schon," a voice began, "die Teufelshunde rücken vor."

The soldier nodded and stepped from him as he followed the others. He waited until the men had left before getting up. Their footsteps were at a distance when he got up from his position, Kyle picked up his gun and felt his earthy mask. He wiped the earthy mud from its lenses and brushed it onto his pants. Kyle supported himself with the gun, gasps racked his body, causing his lenses to fog. 'My gun- I've got to find it, before more come.'

He held onto the German, he fiddled with its components as he tried to load another round. He shook his head and kept searching for his lost rifle.

"Zurückfallen!" Voices and gunshots echoed through the forest, the mist had risen and Kyle could see them retreating.

They scrambled back, the same who had walked by him before. Kyle's heart rate raced, he looked towards the retreating aggressors. He jammed a German round into the rifle and forced the bolt handle in repetition, the gun refused to load. He grit his teeth and slammed it again, clicking it in; Kyle hesitated, then dashed toward the retreating Germans. He shot one from behind his back rupturing to a quick spray of red. Another man came and Kyle rushed him, shoving his bayonet clean into the man's tear duct, a squeeze of red oozing as the man screamed and then fell silent as Kyle thrust it deeper into his head. A third man made Kyle jump and turn to his right, his blood aflame with fear as he saw the shining blade on the bayonet approach.

He had no time to react, he tried to move from the bayonet's path but it was clear he would be too late. The soldier was about to thrust, then blood sprayed splattered Kyle's body and the soldier fell with a shrill cry, dropping the rifle and collapsing on Kyle. He heard the gnarly squish of metal and flesh as a bayonet tore the German open. Someone kicked the body off him and it fell to the side.

He saw an outstretched hand jutted towards him, as if by instinct Kyle grabbed it and was pulled up by it. The next thing he saw, a soldier. "Sorry about spilling him on you, just had to make sure he made it to Hell."

Kyle shuddered and threw his rifle down, the man spoke. "Behind the German lines, were you?" the man asked, "I see, well there's no time waste, the Germans are almost out of the forest."

He took his rifle and held it by the body, presenting it to Kyle. "Here you go, I see you don't know how to use the German one."

He took it and nodded, giving the German one to the other soldier in exchange for the rifle he'd been given. The man looked at the rifle and tossed it to the ground, pulling out his revolver; following the other soldiers in pursuit of their enemies.

Kyle took a step forward and stopped, he watched as the soldier who'd saved him disappeared into the fog. He gulped and pressed his lips together, checking to see if the gun was loaded and dashed after the others.

By the time he made it to the front, the battle was nearly over. He watched as the masked Germans walked in droves, hands behind heads and faces towards the ground. The marines guided them with rifles at the ready, marching them through blackened trees. Only the distant patter of guns and rumble of artillery echoed across the landscape.

He watched all the hollow faces, each empty in their own manner, whether defeated or victorious, all carried a similar face. He felt his own, grazing his leather mask and scraping the mud from its lenses; a new weight clung to his shoulders, 'What's the meaning of this?'

He jogged over the soft snow, kicking up dirt behind him. The day was new yet the usual orange hue was virtually non-existent, hidden by the dirty sky. The canine went past the house on a hill, but not before stopping to breathe in the scents which lingered on the air. 'Jenna, you always smell so wonderful, even when you're not around me.'

He let out a long stream of air and opened his eyes, he kept moving, passing the small wooden shed in its backyard. He took a glance as he ran, taking in the scents which surrounded it, 'I guess Eran's returned, the scent is stronger.'

Eventually, he cut into the tree line, dashing through the heavy air. He came to a halt, Balto lowered his nose to the earth and sniffed a tree. His ears twitched and he picked his head up, someone approached from within the trees, he turned to face the oncoming figure. "Who's out there?"

"Hello Balto."

"Nava, it's great to see you," he walked forward and met him.

"Likewise, how's the pack doing?" Balto said.

Nava was struck for a moment, his ears flattened. "Oh, about that…"

"I can't believe all that happened while I was gone, that's terrible," Balto said. They had since entered the pack grounds and were now approaching the ledge to the Alpha's den.

Nava nodded. "She's at least taken it better than most wolves would, you should be proud of her."

"You have no idea how much I am," he smiled and they moved up the slope. They made it to its height and saw Aleu facing Sitka, away from the oncoming figures. She raised her brow and head cocked. "You really found traces of her scent? I'm sorry Sitka but this just doesn't add up."

"I know Aleu, but you just have to-" he noticed the two approaching.

Aleu cocked her head. "Yes Sitka?"

"Oh- Aleu, turn around." Aleu stood and looked back, her mouth dropped and she whipped around. "Papa! You're here."

She ran to him and nuzzled Balto, he smiled and laid his neck across Aleu's. "How's my little pup doing, she hasn't hurt herself has she?"

"Papa, I'm not a pup anymore!"

"Come on Aleu, you'll always be my baby, no matter how old you are." They released and Aleu turned to Sitka. "Would you mind giving us some space? I'd like to speak with my father."

Nava nodded and chuckled, Sitka followed him down the slope. Balto and Aleu entered the den as she brandished a smile, the Alpha scurried in and sat down. "So what's been up? How's mom doing? Have Muk and Luk been causing their uncle too much trouble?"

"Woah, woah. Slow down there, let me sit first," Balto sat in front of Aleu.

He sighed. "Ok, take it slow this time."

Her ears shot up and a smile glowed. "So how's life?"

"Well, it's been crazy to say the least," Balto said.

Aleu's head cocked. "What kind of crazy?"

His head swayed a little. "Some good, some not so much- but mostly good."

"Maybe we could get the bad over with first?" she leaned closer.

Balto sighed. "Kodi's team crashed."

Aleu's mouth fell agape. "What!? Are they ok, do we need to go get them?" she moved on her feet.

"Wait, they're just fine; don't worry Aleu." He stood. "They all got back safe, everything's ok."

She hesitated, then nodded and sat back down. "So they made it back safe; if it's not rude, why did they crash?"

"Well that's quite a long story. How about we talk about that later and finish this first?" Balto said.

"That's fine, so what else did you have?" Her ears perked.

"We learned something about those two- Kyle and Eran," Balto said.

Aleu flinched and eyes widened. "Y-you did?"

"We did, we think that they're what the Russians call a bodark," Balto said.

"A bodark?"

"Yes; to put it short, we believe Kyle and Eran are one in the same," Balto said.

Aleu recoiled and stumbled onto her feet, her eyes wide as dinner plates. "That's not true, you're wrong!"

Balto shook his head. "Unfortunately, they all agree, there's no better explanation."

Her mouth gaped. "I don't believe you!"

"Aleu- I'm sorry but there's no other explanation, why do you care so much for a threat?" Balto stood and his mouth hung.

"I don't believe you!" She cried. Aleu shot out of the den, dashing down the ledge's slope.

Balto ran outside and watched as she hurried down the slope. She dashed through the pack grounds and to the forest, only hearing the distant call of another.

"Wait! Aleu come back!"

She paid no mind and disappeared under the looming trees, dashing through the forest and icy plane; she was intent on finding the truth.

Eventually, she broke the tree line and saw the little house which sat on the hill, along with the shed that stood behind it. She approached the shed and pawed the door. There was no reply, Aleu lowered her nose to the door's frame and scanned it for evidence, 'he's only been gone for a while, and it seems that Eran's been here too.' She pushed forward and followed the scent's path, her pace quickened.

Sweat brimmed along his forehead, his back ached and legs felt as though they were anchors holding him down on the ocean floor; Kyle strained under the weight of another oversized package. He let it down and rolled back onto his heels, scraping the icy moisture off his forehead; he moved to pick up another box, bracing himself for the weight he was to carry.

"Alright y'alls, lunch is up!"

Kyle turned his gaze to Joel who stood at the dock's end. "We got eggs today, so come round' and get yer rations!"

He straightened his back, dragging his feet along the musky wood and toward the shore. Kyle went along with the others, those who had been working in the same section as Kyle rolled their shoulders and wiped their sweat-drenched faces. Upon making it to the dock's end Joel met them with a plate of scrambled eggs, Kyle took it and the man spoke. "Sorry about the extra weight today, we had somethin' big come in."

Kyle nodded and moved past him, he walked to the office and sat against its wooded side; he wolfed down the food he had been given. Once he finished Kyle stood and brought his plate into the office, placing it on top of the others. He opened the door and found Joel at the entrance. "Hey kid, just wanted to tell ya the boys doin' heavyweight are off for the day; ya'lls have done a day's work, rest up for tomorrow."

Kyle's hand shot out and he grinned. "Thanks boss! I will."

"It's nothin', ya'lls deserve this one," Joel said. Kyle stepped aside and the man entered, the door shut and Kyle moved over to his sack and pulled a rag from its contents. He wiped his face and watched as the other men who'd been relieved went off to town. A long sigh escaped Kyle as he dried himself and pushed back his frosty hair; a voice called out.

"Kyle!"

He began to turn around, standing slowly as he picked up his sack. "Yes?"

He turned and locked eyes with a familiar grey figure, her mouth gaped. "I-I it can't be, you're Eran."

Kyle's heart shuddered and he dropped his sack. "Please, don't go away, Aleu don't do this."

Tears began to trickle from her eyes and she shook her head. "This isn't real, you've got to wake up."

"I'm sorry," his eyes stung and vision blurred.

"I'm sorry."

Aleu turned and began to walk the back way she came, she shut her eyes. "This isn't real you've got to snap out of this!"

Kyle left his sack and ran next to her. "Just let me explain, please!"

"Stay out!" she shrieked. The wolf shot through the town's streets, tears trailing behind her.

"Aleu!" he said. He watched as the figure drew farther and farther away until she was no larger than a speck of dust; Kyle's shoulders sagged and he slumped onto his knees. 'Who am I?'

The gloomy den loomed over the figures which stood inside, it cast a shadow which hid any sunlight that might enter. A cold set in and froze the moisture which stuck to the den's floor, it coated the den and nipped at their fur. Aleu laid in the corner, staring at the den wall, her flow of tears had ceased. Inside the den stood Balto, he walked next to her and spoke. "I hope you don't mind, but why did you act the way you did to the news?"

She looked away. "I don't want to talk about it."

"I know you don't, but the pack wants answers; you're their leader." He sat and moved closer, lowering his head to Aleu's.

Aleu paused, then moved onto her haunches. "I acted like that because," she took a deep breath.

"It's ok, take your time," Balto said.

She nodded. "I spent a lot of time with him, I'd gotten to know him pretty well, or at least I thought I did."

"Eran too, until he disappeared." She looked at her father. "Why does this all have to make sense?"

He shook his head. "I don't know Aleu, I just don't know."

She looked at her feet. "I think I-"

"Yes, I understand," Balto said.

Aleu's teeth grit. "How can you understand? Have you ever had feelings for a human?"

Balto shook his head. "You're right, I don't understand. But if you do love him, then go tell him. How did he react to you finding out?"

"Well, he fell on his knees, asked for me to not go away, and said he would explain." She said.

"Then go tell him, I'll inform the pack while you're gone," Balto said. She nodded and they walked to the den's entrance. Standing there were her Betas, they watched as she came out of the den with Balto. Just beyond the ledge the pack waited for an answer, they made it out and Balto looked at Aleu.

"Go, find Kyle, and tell him," Balto said.

She nodded. "I will."

Aleu ran down the slope and towards the forest, some of the pack began to stir; they took interest in where she was going, Balto stepped up. "Everyone, don't worry."

One of the crowd spoke. "Why shouldn't we? We've never seen our leader this way."

"Don't worry, she's on a mission," Balto said.

"What kind of a mission?" the wolf asked.

"To find someone she's lost."

'Thank you papa, I won't mess this up.' She slipped into the forest, jogging over the mounds of snow and under dormant trees. Aleu paused only to glance at the spot that they'd always met at. Traces of their footprints still visible from the following night; she lifted her nose and took in his scent, something hit her face. She opened her eyes and saw the piece of paper that Kyle had been holding the night before. She shook it off and refocused on her destination, increasing her speed.

Eventually, Aleu broke through the tree line and arrived at the old wooden shed, her stomach twisted and she gulped, she pawed the door, no answer. She did it again, nothing but the wintry gale and greeted her presence; Aleu pressed on the door and nudged it open. It was empty, Aleu scanned the room's contents; the bed wasn't folded, sheets not organized. A pile of bills was picked up by the wind and spread over the floor. The Springfield rifle lay on the wood, rounds scattered about like crumbs from a child's plate.

She sniffed the ground, his scent was scattered about every which way, every corner of the room smelled of Kyle and Eran. She found herself at the shed's door, 'This is the most recent scent.' She began to follow the trail and pair of footsteps which accompanied them, she turned and saw just how far she'd come. Aleu's head shifted back and forth, then, her gaze set on the footsteps in front of her. She followed them over the vast blanket of white, knowing someone awaited her on the other side.