When the jobs of the mail dogs depend on a race against an airplane, Balto sees their odds of winning to be impossible and guiltily refuses to lead the team. Kodi nearly loses hope when a former champion named Steele offers to take Balto's place in...
"How could this happen?" Balto sat with Jenna atop the bow of the boat he called home, the sun setting over the waters. They watched below where Steele raced across the beach with the mail dogs, barking praise and encouragement. Ralph tripped in the sand once or twice, but Steele wasn't angry with him. The sight of Kodi racing alongside Steele on the beach just as he and Balto had throughout his youth sickened him.
Jenna shook her head as she watched the strange scene. "I don't like it, Balto. I don't want him anywhere near Kodi."
"Me neither." Balto narrowed his eyes as Steele gave Kodi a nudge of encouragement. "I don't understand it. Why would Steele want to lead the mail team? All he cares about is fame."
Boris neared them as he mopped the deck of the boat. "Maybe he change? Bad dog could become good dog."
"No." He watched the black and white husky steadily. "I don't believe it for a second. If Steele doesn't care about dying kids, he's not going to care about delivering mail." He narrowed his eyes as the mail dogs ran further down the beach to practice alone. Steele stayed where he was not far from the boat, watching them. "He's got something up his sleeve..." He rose to his paws determinedly. "And I'm going to find out what."
Jenna looked at him sharply as he turned away. "Balto?"
"Ah, yes, Balto!" Boris huffed and joined Jenna as the wolfdog climbed down from the boat. "Go make conversation with killer dog, is genius."
Jenna stared down worriedly as Balto approached Steele on the beach. "Be careful..." She murmured.
"Don't worry, Jenna." Boris rested his wing on her shoulder. "Steele make dumb move, I whack him with broomstick!"
Balto cautiously approached Steele, who sat with his back to him. The setting sun gave his black and white fur an orange glow. "Steele." He greeted briskly.
The husky didn't move for a moment, and Balto wondered if he heard him. Then, Steele turned to face him, a smile spreading across his face. "Balto. So good to see you again." He stepped toward him as he looked over his shoulder at the mail dogs, who chased each other in the distance. "They aren't too bad, are they?"
He ignored the comment. "What are you up to, Steele?" He demanded. "Mail delivery isn't your profession."
"You're quite the clever wolfdog, aren't you?" Steele chuckled. "You know what, I'll tell you exactly what's going on. I'm sure you'd love to know." He began pacing around Balto, who tensed but stood his ground defensively, his eyes locked on his rival.
Steele's icy blue eyes glittered as he circled him. "Years ago, you stole the one thing that meant everything to me. Fame." He bared his teeth in a grin. "Of course, fame means nothing to the humble Balto." He moved to his side and fixed his eyes on the mail dogs. "But... I know what does."
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Balto's heart skipped as he realized Steele's attention was all on Kodi, who laughed as he leaped over Kirby and raced across the frosted shore.
A growl rumbled in Balto's throat as Steele turned to face him. "If you dare hurt him..." Red anger pulsed in his head.
"Relax, wolfdog." Steele smirked. "I have no intentions of hurting Kodi. Because I know what will hurt you even more." He stepped closer to Balto, his blue eyes narrowed. "Seeing your son admire me more than anyone. I'm gonna turn Kodi into a champion and make him see that you're no hero..." He bared his teeth close to his face, but Balto didn't flinch. "Only a coward and a half-breed."
Balto growled lowly as he and Steele locked eyes, sharing cold hatred for one another. Both seemed to be waiting for the other to attack. After a moment, Steele turned away, a grin spread across his face. "See ya, Balto. Give Jenna my love." As he neared the mail dogs, he called out. "Nice work, guys!"
Dusty smiled while Kirby and Ralph eagerly awaited Steele's arrival. Kodi watched him happily, his eyes shining with hope and excitement.
No. Balto stared at his son, love and sorrow filling his heart. Steele can't do it. Kodi would never turn against me... Would he..?
