Here it is. The final Chapter of Chaska's story., and once again a collab with Drac0Tam3r Rod. Hope you enjoy, and feel welcome to review :)

The sun rose over the horizon, casting shadows of the buildings over the streets of Nome. On the veranda of one house at the border of the city, a lone, dark brown canine rested. Though it was not peaceful. The canine lay on his side, his legs moving as if he was running, his mouth mouthing inaudible words. He woke with a start, screaming one word.

"NO!" The wolf-dog leapt to his feet, poised to strike. He looked around and saw he was no longer in the nightmare, and relaxed his muscles, laying back down on his stomach with his head to the ground. He sighed. Lately, he hadn't had much sleep, and it was getting to him. Even the smallest of sounds would make him jump. And that's just what happened when he heard a creak from his left. He jumped back into his striking position, lips pulled back from over his teeth, but his face was overcome with guilt as he saw the white husky before him, almost cowering from him with her black tail lowered at her back legs. "Kel, I'm sorry-"

"It's fine, Chaska. I understand. Now how about you come inside and have a proper rest?" she proposed with a sweet tone. Her smile was inviting, drawing him in.

"Guess it couldn't hurt." He followed her into the living room of the house and laid down in front of the fireplace, the heat warming him from the cold outside, welcoming him. "Ahh. That's better" he murmured. Kel got close to him, laying against his side with her head next to his, her muzzle just touching the end of his. He rubbed his muzzle against hers as a sign of affection.

"Chaska? Can I ask a question?" Kel asked. Chaska stopped and looked her in the eyes.

"Sure." He went to licking the fur on her head clean as she asked it.

"Well, how would you feel about...pups?" Chaska froze at the word. He was completely unprepared for the question. His heart beat started to speed up, and he saw that Kel felt it as her eyes darted to his chest.

"P-pups?" She looked back at him and nodded. His heart rate picked up more. "I..um..."He tried to search for the right words, but her expecting face made it harder for him, as if she wanted him to say yes. He quickly thought up the perfect plan to get out of it. "Um...hey, is that someone at the door?" Her ears perked and she turned her head to the door.

"What are you talking about? I don't hear-" she stopped mid-sentence, staring at the empty space that Chaska laid before.

He had made it out of the house via the window, and was running away, for he feared what would happen if she caught him.

"Chaska! You get back here!" He cringed at the anger in her voice.

"Sorry Kel" he said to himself. "But I need some advice." He ran down the street, heading to the only one he knew who could help him. He arrived soon after at the abandoned trawler at the edge of the town. Slowly he climbed the ramp onto the deck of the beached boat, following the familiar scent of who he searched for. He found who he searched for at the rear of the boat, inside the roofed area. Under a small blanket, another canine like him, except for his grey fur, rested. He nudged him with his nose, and the other wolf-dog responded by mumbling something in his sleep. "Balto. I need some help." After several attempts to wake him, he finally pulled off the blanket, which was wrapped around the wolf-dog. Balto came tumbling out and woke in an unhappy mood.

"Why did you do that?" he asked in a tired voice.

"I need your help" Chaska confessed.

"Let me get some sleep" he said in response, rolling back over.

"Come on. Help a brother out" Chaska whined. Balto groaned and reluctantly sat up.

"Fine. But once we're done, I'm going back to sleep." Chaska rolled his eyes at his brother and walked out, waiting for Balto to follow. He stumbled out, his tired eyes barely open. Once out, he started stretching and yawning.

"Come on and hurry up, already. I don't have all day." Balto scowled at Chaska and stopped, then sat down before him. "Finally."

"This had better be good."

"It is. You see, Kel, she asked me a certain..question." Balto's look became more and more confused as he went on. "It's something I'm sure Jenna has asked you once. Now, I'm not sure how you reacted, but-"

"I think I see now. She asked you about wanting to make the relationship more." Chaska shook his head. "No. Well the only other thing is if you want pups." Chaska flinched at what he said, giving it away. "Wow. Not even I saw that coming. You didn't run, did you?" Chaska looked down in disappointment at himself. Balto's jaw fell open in disbelief. "I-I-I can't believe you would do that!" Chaska cringed at his brother's tone. "You should go back."

"But what do I say? To tell you the truth...I'm scared" he said with his head hung low. Balto's expression changed to sympathetic.

"Oh. Is that why you're here?" He nodded slowly. "Well, my advice is tell her the truth. If you aren't ready, tell her. Unless it isn't about that."

"It's not. It's just, what if one of them is like me. They would be treated as an outcast. And I don't want that." Balto understood what he meant.

"Chaska. Remember Aleu?" Chaska nodded again. She was Balto's daughter, and was more wolf than dog. "Well, when I saw her, I was also afraid for her. But she proved to me that I shouldn't. Her difference gave her the chance to be a pack leader. And I'm happy for her. All they need is a little push. If it does happen, I'll be there to help." Balto rested a paw to his brother's shoulder. "And don't ever forget that." Chaska let off a smile and did the same with his paw.

"Thank you." Chaska started down the ramp, and headed back to the town. "I'll remember your advice!" he called back.

Kel stood at the window, watching for Chaska to return. She felt excitement and relief as she saw him coming down the street, the sun creating a silhouette of him. She ran out of the house and embraced him.

"Oh Chaska! I'm so sorry! I shouldn't have asked so soon. I-" Chaska stopped her mid-sentence by putting a paw to her mouth.

"It's fine. I had a talk with Balto, and I have made up my mind."

"And what is your decision?" He smiled and closed the distance.

"Yes." Kel was ecstatic, couldn't hold in her joy. She began jumping around, shouting out in glee. Chaska just smiled, waiting for her to calm down.

"Oh, thank you Chaska!" she cried, nuzzling against him. "You never let me down."

"And I never will." They both smiled in their sleep, enjoying the other's company. For the rest of the day, Chaska had a peaceful sleep.

I hope you liked it. For now, goodbye, and don't forget to review :)