Balto 4: SOTW: Chapter 21

Chapter 21: Back Home
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Eventually enough, the canines had finally returned to Nome. Nunivat and Thunderbolt were taken to the vet to get healed and Yang was giving Yukon his gratitude.

“Yukon, I owe you my sister's life, thank you.” Yang says,

“Nothing to it.” Yukon says,

“So, what are your plans for tonight?” Yin asks,

“I was thinking that we could go down to the beach.” Yukon says, “Are you OK with that?”

“Yes.” Yin says happily,

“Then that’s where we’ll go.” Yukon says,

That night, Yukon and Yin met up at the beach.

“Where’s Yang, he’s usually with you all the time.” Yukon asks,

“He decided to stay home tonight.” Yin says, “But he wanted me to tell you that he trusts you now and that you can help with watching over me.”

“I’ll be glad to do so.” Yukon says,

“Thank you, Yukon.” Yin says, nuzzling the dark red husky.

Meanwhile, at the vet’s…

“What's the damage so far?” Dingo’s musher asks,

“Well, Nunivat injured her paw and Thunderbolt's eye has gone red.” John says, “But they'll be alright.”

Outside, Balto, Jenna, Kodi, Dusty, Dingo, and Dana were listening to the men’s conversation and had heard everything.

“Thank goodness they’re going to be OK.” Jenna says in relief, “I don’t what I’d do if we lost one of our pups.”

“Well, let’s just be glad she made it, along with her rescuer.” Balto says, gently nuzzling Jenna.

Inside, Nunivat was slowly waking up, finding herself in the soft cushion of a bed alongside Thunderbolt.

“Hey sis, feeling better?” Saba asks as she and Josh walk in,

“Much better.” Nunivat says, then she looks at her bandaged forepaw. “I don’t think I’ll be walking for a week though.”

“More like five days.” Josh says,

“What about Thunderbolt?” Nunivat asks, looking toward the golden husky.

“He’s OK.” Josh says,

“But his eye got scratched during the bear fight and it turned red.” Saba says, “It’s a permanent mark sadly.”

“I think I can live with that.” Nunivat says, “He saved my life after all.”

“Well, you do know it’s a bit creepy in your way, isn’t it?” Saba asks,

“Yes.” Nunivat says, “I’m sure I’ll get used to it.”

Later, Thunderbolt woke up and found Nunivat by his side.

“You OK?” Nunivat asks, noticing the new red color in Thunderbolt’s left eye.

“I think so.” Thunderbolt says, “How about you?”

“I’m fine.” Nunivat says, “It’s only my paw that was injured.”

“Well, that can’t be any worse than what I’ve gone through.” Thunderbolt says,

“It isn’t.” Nunivat says,

“But what is my damage?” Thunderbolt asks, “Scars? Broken bone?”

“Neither.” Nunivat says, “Your eye was scratched.”

“But I can see fine with both of them.” Thunderbolt says,

“But your left eye turned red from the bear fight.” Nunivat says,

“Oh.” Thunderbolt says, “Does it look bad?”

“No.” Nunivat says, “Even though I don’t find it to be normal, I’m OK with it.”

“Really?” Thunderbolt asks,

“Yes.” Nunivat says, nuzzling Thunderbolt. “You did save my life after all.”

“I’m glad to have done so.” Thunderbolt says, “But how long do you have to stay off that paw?”

“At least five days.” Nunivat says,

“Well, I’ll stay here until it gets better.” Thunderbolt says,

“Thanks.” Nunivat says,

As the next five days passed, Thunderbolt remained by Nunivat’s side, ready to assist her whenever needed. Soon enough, Nunivat was ready to walk on all four paws again.

“OK now, girl. Just take it easy on that paw for now.” John says as he removes Nunivat’s bandage,

Nunivat took the advice and tested her paw, checking to see if it was OK. Then she tried walking, but she didn’t feel any pain.

“My paw has healed.” Nunivat says,

“That’s good to know.” Thunderbolt says, “But those five days were worth it.”

“It certainly was.” Nunivat says, “Want to go star-gazing tonight?”

“Sure.” Thunderbolt says,

As Nunivat and Thunderbolt left the vet’s clinic, they saw Balto and Jenna waiting outside for them.

“Hey, you two.” Balto says,

“Hi Dad, hi Mom.” Nunivat says, “How are you doing?”

“Just fine.” Jenna says, “We just thought we’d come by to see how you were doing.”

“And it looks like things have turned out fine.” Balto says,

“Yes, I can walk on all four paws now.” Nunivat says,

“What happened to your bandana?” Thunderbolt asks, noticing that Jenna wasn’t wearing it.

“It was torn in half during the journey back.” Jenna says, “But my owner is planning on getting me a new one.”

“That’s good to know.” Nunivat says, “What else has happened in the last five days?”

“Yukon finally found his true love.” Balto says, “You’re the only one left.”

“Well, I think I’ve found mine already.” Nunivat says, nuzzling Thunderbolt.

“That’s good to know.” Balto says, “You two enjoy yourselves now.”

“OK, see you later.” Nunivat says as she and Thunderbolt part ways,

Later that night, Nunivat and Thunderbolt got together on a hill and were looking at the stars.

“Sure is beautiful tonight, isn’t it?” Nunivat asks,

“It most certainly is.” Thunderbolt says, “Just like someone I know.”

“Thank you.” Nunivat says,

Soon enough, Thunderbolt and Nunivat turned their attention to each other.

“Did I mention how beautiful your eyes look?” Thunderbolt asks, looking into Nunivat’s bright blue eyes.

“Thanks, have I mentioned how handsome you look with that gold coat of fur?” Nunivat replies,

“Thanks.” Thunderbolt says, “But I think your eyes are more beautiful than my fur, I can see them sparkling like the stars in the sky.”

“Thank you.” Nunivat says,

Soon enough, the two huskies touched noses and remained that way for a few minutes before looking back at the stars.

The next morning, Nunivat and Thunderbolt woke up to find themselves back in Nunivat’s house.

“Last night was great, wasn’t it?” Thunderbolt asks,

“It certainly was.” Nunivat says, “The stars sure were beautiful that night.”

“They sure were.” Thunderbolt says, “But I think you look just as beautiful as the night was.”

“Thank you.” Nunivat says, nuzzling Thunderbolt.

Later, Nunivat and Thunderbolt went for a walk around town together, eventually finding Balto and Jenna again.

“Hi there.” Balto says,

“Hi, Dad.” Nunivat says, “What’s new?”

“Nothing much.” Balto says, “Except Jenna got a new bandana.”

Jenna walks up to show Nunivat and Thunderbolt her new bandana, which looked similar to the last one she had.

“It certainly fits you.” Nunivat says,

“Thank you.” Jenna says, “Did anything happen to you last night?”

“Let’s just say that Thunderbolt and I made it official.” Nunivat says, nuzzling her new mate.

“Congratulations.” Balto says, “It’s nice to know that all six of our children managed to find their true loves.”

“Yeah, it sure is great.” Nunivat says,