CHAPTER 1: EXTRAORDINARY THINGS TO SEE
Author's Note: I have been meaning to write a fanfiction in the first place, but it's also common to say that it was my first time doing it. Also, as if you didn't know, Aaronmcloud has a thing for Aleu and Taku shippings, and I have grown on this pairing ever since Summer 2020. Even if it takes me so much to remember about shippings between Aleu and an unnamed auburn-white wolf, then this is something that I shall have to recommend being a fan of. Some people name the auburn-white wolf as either Vike, James, or whatever they name the character in turn. But for Aaronmcloud, Taku was the best name for one of the Balto II background wolves to come by. Also, to be sure, Balto IV: The Tale of Alaku almost had any of the similarities of these literary works of Rudyard Kipling, Kenneth Grahame, and Mark Twain alongside others. To be safe, the entirety of my Balto reboot trilogy, especially Balto IV: The Tale of Alaku, would be rated T for affections in some chapters, but I'll be honest that they also would contain some violence, death and sadness. Also, Alaku is the name for the Aleu and Taku shipping.
After you read this chapter, please make sure to review and comment anytime. ;)
Aleu; daughter of Balto and Jenna, and a sibling of the litter; was gloriously surrounded by the splendor of the island, which is rejoiced by its marvelous setting, while the forests are still green, the sky and the ocean itself are still blue, and its canyons and mountains are still a true thing of beauty as far as the eye can see. If you had not noticed one thing about this wonderful island, many of the Northwestern wolves have not only reside in it, but these other mammals of any kind that still exist in there as well: bears, ravens, wolverines, foxes, caribou, moose, eagles, deer, rabbits, and rodents. Despite all of this, you may be concerned that there are not many wild felines on the island except a minimal number of lynxes and mountain lions that happen to be on the last side of it. I know that life may sound like a cat-and-dog story, but it doesn't matter what you realize entirely between these two species, or if they were misunderstood. Also, you should be able to understand that no human being has dared to visit there because every one of them can never be allowed to cross their territory, and eventually the progress would continue thirty-eight years from now.
Aleu and the clan are quite happy to enjoy themselves for any kind of reasons since they moved to one of the Alaskan islands, but never before that she should not ever be alone, for she had a new closest friend destined to be a mate for life while she learns the ways of the island's wilderness, Taku, an auburn white wolf who shows no fear the same way as she did, and happens to be a helper to the eldest and wise Shaman of the pack; Nava. In case if you've never forgotten that part about their friendship with other members of the clan almost reminded you of Mowgli in the Jungle Books learning the laws of the jungle from his wise animal teachers, like Baloo the brown bear, Bagheera the black leopard, Akelah the gray wolf, and Kaa the rock python, whom he treats them like friends. Well, if you are correct, then you, my friend, are correct, because the similarities despite unlikely mimicries are endless, for this is the tale of ancientism, and for indigenous purposes, an ancientist is one who is a human or animal and does not know where he/she belongs.
For as long as the half-breed can realize forever, she may be the new leader of the pack. At first for a year and a half, she has a bit of trouble getting used to the presence of the wilderness and learning how to hunt and survive like other wolves, but her support from Taku does not stop there. Until now, after mastering the skills, she slightly matures and grows fonder of Taku as well, alongside his siblings, Aga and Sukam. By any chance, members of the clan shared their worthiness with them as she was not only dubbed as a single alpha leader, but the mahogany-white wolf also became her second-in-command. Yes, they certainly don't mind sharing each other's jobs because they're the ones who had cooperation as you imagine. Even though Aleu and Taku are both young adult wolves, Taku was a bit taller than her as she came to expect more from any other male.
Before we begin this story, there are some lessons on how a wolf survives with the clan. The secret of hunting caribou apparently comes to the point is on an interesting but much more difficult scale as Aleu must learn. Hunting is never treated as a sport or a game, it's a strong matter of life and death, kill or starvation, and concentration and capacities for good. The technique was literally simple, when a wolf kills a caribou, one gives thanks by looking them straight in the eye with honor and respect and saying 'Quana'. The caribou brings them life by prolonging it, and for years they have been part of the grand design as the wolves are, and each animal and living thing has a purpose of its own. The power of life's respect is all for the wonder of ancientism, and with ancientism comes an unseen weapon that represents all respect, honor, bravery, loyalty, and all virtuous things.
One final word: the whole clan is a body, and if one of the members suffers, then they will all suffer. Being head leader of the clan is an important thing too. If the head leader suffers, they too will fall apart. So, it's best if one does not hunt big prey by itself, because doing so could easily lead to failure, getting hurt or worse.
And that's that.
Sometimes, when she and Taku are not hunting or attending at meetings with the clan, they would spend their time mingling with each other and even his siblings, sometimes they either spoke about anything interesting in turn or play with each other and such in their unlikely romantic antics, and sometimes they like to visit other members of the clan. Is it perhaps too much for you? Well, it doesn't matter which part you'd like best of all. Besides, it's only a half-dog/wolf relationship story.
There, they were under the silver moon at night visiting Wren Grey and their lengthy discussions.
"Gee, you still never fail to be alpha leader after all for a year on end." said Taku.
"I agree." replied Aleu. "So, Taku. Having enough stamina to help us hunt or fight was never easy, but seeing how much experience I got, I was still free to be with them as I please easily. Since then, we never knew each other often until we crossed the ice floes without rest."
"No doubt it." Wren Grey said. "It almost made me think of how young I was, like you guys."
"I can see that now. Too many thoughts to count in your head." Aleu chuckled, proving about Wren Grey's thoughts and minds.
"Land sakes!" said Wren Grey innocently. "That would've been too many with not enough to do. How are your siblings, Taku?"
"How are they? Oh, I think they're fine as usual. Usually, I've got some trouble finding them so that we could be together sometimes."
Aleu then told Taku as she laid her paw on her mate's back as an act of comfort. "You do have many troubles with them. But worry not, they would show up anywhere honestly. Surroundings tend to keep you cared for recklessly, and it's hard for your eyesight."
"Thanks. Never thought you'd know them the sooner the better, and Aleu?"
"Yes?"
"I loved them from the bottom of my heart, and so do you."
"It's getting quite repetitive, but yes." Aleu said. "There can be a time when you can never expect a special someone to keep you company if we stick together."
"You know? I was thinking back." Taku said. "I've not known the time that many of us have tried our best to stand up to Niju who threatens to take over."
"I think you're also talking about my father and I." Aleu added, and Taku then nodded in agreement.
Wren Grey then explained to our heroes. "Your father Balto would've tried to lead us, but Nava believed that leadership has already gotten you on our side since you have a proud heritage yourself. He knew that it was you who should lead."
Aleu then smiled, "I do declare your confidence, Wren Grey. You always helped us out a lot when we have our share of troubles."
Then the auburn white wolf suddenly realized something important. "Oh dear!" Taku exclaimed.
"Is something wrong, Taku?"
"I remembered something. I think we shouldn't have stayed out too long. We gotta get going now."
Aleu then responded knowing that Taku has to be on watch with his siblings. "Yeah, I bet your siblings are getting lonesome there without you. They tend to be tired of you being out on your own too long."
Just as the twosome were about to leave, Wren Grey questioned them. "Oh! Um, don't you want to stay a little longer with me and I'll tell you something else in turn?"
"We'd love to, but we can't." Aleu said. "Taku and I have our own businesses to attend to, staying with his brothers and all. We'll see you tomorrow, Wren Grey!"
"Bye, Wren Grey!" Taku called out.
"Toodle-oo! Take care, you two!"
However, after a few seconds, he then runs over to the two canines as he realizes something important.
"Wait a minute, hold everything you two, I must explain! It's a good thing I had company over entirely since then. Otherwise, without you, I'd end up in a sticky situation. Oh yes! Remember, our practices on communication with the species will begin tomorrow, so don't be late."
Aleu then replied. "Don't worry, we won't. We'll take anybody else with us too if you don't mind."
They then said their goodbyes to Wren Grey and continued on their way back to their den.
"Communicating with species, can you imagine such a thing?"
"Naw. It wasn't wise for my interest, but who knows what I think of this practice."
After leaving Wren Grey, Taku and Aleu continued to walk back home to their den knowing that they can't stay out anywhere too long, because they must stick with the clan. Apparently, the chance for these two now-alphas would be first used with a more common phrase...birds of a feather, always stick together.
"You know, visiting some of the members hasn't been such a very bad idea at all since then."
"Aleu, I gotta admit that it was worth anything, we almost forgot about our mingling."
"Yes, but everything on this island kind of got me to thinking."
"Yep. Ask away."
"Do you remember that we're the first wolves to reside on this island?" asked Aleu.
"I'm not sure. Are we?"
"I guess so. I bet it supposedly contained nothing besides other animals as normal." replied Aleu with interest. "I remember the part from Sage when we got here."
"Hopefully we have nothing to worry about, just as soon as most of us in the clan have the island to ourselves. Other mammals don't seem to mind us for company, I hope." Taku gulped.
Taku almost felt nervous with butterflies in his stomach whenever something bad may happen.
Meanwhile, Taku's siblings Aga and Sukam were sleeping in his den keeping guard of anything suspicious. They first became part of the clan ever since they were very young.
"All is well, and not an intruder is in sight!" said Aga.
"Yep. We unfortunately have no wits when we're apparently standard wolves for the clan between." Sukam said glumly as he scratches himself. "It's normally like every day our brother taught Aleu how to be like him even though she's the alpha leader, but it was thought to never happen when she already mastered the skills through and through."
"Well, we kept growing with him and we have no mates to go around with on our own." Aga then kicks the pebble with his paw. "I tried finding one after another, and no matter how I did, one just turned tail and left me alone."
"Same thing happened to me all the time, brother."
"Hopefully, there will be one that took a liking in you."
"I guess you do have a good point. It's not lucky for us to be single this time."
"Yeah." Aga murmured.
Suddenly, Sukam's ears suddenly twitches, as if he and his brother were awoken by the approaching sound of Taku and Aleu coming back.
"Hey!" shouted Sukam joyfully jumping up and down. "I hear Aleu and Taku coming back!"
Aga then rolled his eyes, despite feeling amused. "Ho boy! We're not trusting ourselves to do this, but it's just child's play."
They excitedly charged up to them and they slobbered and nuzzled over them. It was quite certain that they loved their brother as normal, as well as Aleu most of all. They couldn't decide who they loved, but they knew it was a marvelous idea to prefer both, and their companionship towards each other is much more possible than to Aleu and Taku's.
"Stop it! Relax, fellas, we just got back from our visit with Wren Grey!" Aleu giggled while being tickled over with licks.
"Yeah! Take it easy, guys!" Taku giggled and sputtered. After being bombarded with cold lovable kisses, he then made a comment on why they have been doing this to him every time. "That was the fourteenth time you pounced to lick on us for welcoming us back."
"Sorry, brother. We can't help but get too excited over you."
"I agree, because we loved the both of you as well."
Taku then blushed with no shame. "Oh, brothers."
After the excitement calmed down, they then stopped as he laid himself down just in time to join Aga and Sukam in settling down for the night, and all the while, stretched and yawned after such a long day.
"You guys are never too old to do much since you were young." explained Aleu. "You know, it kinda reminded me of when I was playing with my siblings when I was little, or as I was growing up a little, I played hide and seek with Muk and Luk. Heaven knows why."
"Your talk of age reminds me of one when I was, like, stuck in the forest with my siblings when we were very young." said Taku.
"I guess that can be a different story for you, wouldn't you agree, Taku?"
"Yep. Actually. You always knew that I had my mother's colors and my father's eyes, but Aleu, my beauty is much nothing compared to yours."
"You cared about your mother, your father and their natural looks, all the time? Incredible!" Aleu was dazzled at Taku's words. "Some goodwill has occurred to you, I reckon."
"Aleu, It will be most of the time that many of us shall even show some goodwill to others more than today. We the clan all have our own troubles in the days of yesteryear. But time went by, we did our problem-solving, the sooner the better."
"Both the wolf and caribou clans sometimes must make sacrifices for a living, because we have known each other best as becoming part of the grand design for the time being. If we were to ritualize with the puristic matter for our life and the aspects of the naturism habit, what can we ever learn? What do you think, Taku?"
"I don't know," yawned Taku as he stretches out, "but I guess it may seem much like a good question to me."
"Mmm-hmm." nodded Aleu while resting on the mossy area. "Well, I guess we all better get some shuteye right now, because our communication lessons with Wren Grey are due tomorrow."
"We agree." Taku, Aga and Sukam replied.
"I sure had the excitement going on!" whispered Sukam happily, and they all went off to rest.
But as they were sleeping, Taku and Aleu couldn't sleep knowing whatever may happen sooner or later as they quietly talked things over a little bit so that they wouldn't disturb his brothers.
"Aleu?"
"Mm-hmm?"
"Do you suppose that one day I will lose my courage?"
"I don't know. But I guess it might happen to you if you're not careful."
"I usually once was a generous and proud beta for the time being," Taku told his mate, "but I remembered being afraid when I was a young pup."
"That's not good." Aleu said softly. "Taku, I believe you've had bad experiences in your youth before, have you?"
"Guess so." replied Taku. "The next day, I would be afraid that there would be something new to the island."
"What's that?" wondered Aleu.
"Mountain lions." answered Taku, "You know, those giant wild cats who normally have no respect and wishes to kill and eat wolves like you and me."
Aleu shrugged it off and said, "Eh. No one dares to destroy me at all, why they'd only eat our tails if it's the last thing they'd do. And besides, I'm not afraid of them, especially all the other animals in Alaska."
"Well, I am…" Taku gulped, feeling nervous. "Uh, having many bad experiences with wild felines too will be the first time since then."
"Mmmmm." Aleu nodded in agreement. "I think we've done enough talking tonight. Hopefully things will look better in the morning. Good night, Taku."
"Good night, my love." Taku said softly, and they both went to sleep feeling content.
In spite of whatever dwelt in this island besides other wild animals that stayed there for many years, they drifted off to sleep nuzzling each other and smiled thinking that their communication lesson with Wren Grey would soon be their best day in their life, because they never have thought to communicate with other animals other than the caribou…by their language. Little did they know that their adventure around an ancient Alaskan island had not ended, because it had only begun. By the way, "Quanas" are only for the caribou who represent life, and Quana means thank you in Inuktuk.
