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BUT FIRST, BEFORE YOU READ THIS CHAPTER...A SPECIAL INTRODUCTION FROM MARVELOUS GLOW!!!!!! :)
Greetings! This is Marvelous Glow, and I'm very happy to explain that I have finally come up with an upcoming Balto tetralogy that follows unlike any other, beginning with the very first continuation installment, Balto IV: The Tale of Alaku.
Prior to my upcoming tetralogy, there have been all three Balto movies that were released between 1995 and 2004 thanks to Universal and its defunct animation companies, Amblimation and Universal Cartoon Studios.
The series marked its beginning with the release of Balto, the first installment in the original trilogy. Released on December 22 1995, it was Universal and Amblimation's final feature film before the studio closed its doors. The remarkable true tale of a hero that inspired a nation and made him a legend. Based on a story of a real canine hero, a sled dog; who doesn't know where he belongs; came upon a diphtheria tragedy that forced him to find his noble spirit and restore hope to a small town in Alaska known as Nome. This adventure introduces us to a set of characters that people remember. Beginning with Jenna, his red-white husky girlfriend who became affectionate to the half-breed thanks to his kindheartedness. Aiding in Balto's side are Boris; the Russian snow goose who is Balto's adoptive caretaker; and those two playful polar bear cubs Muk and Luk. Then there came the bad guy that everybody dislikes, the arrogant gloryhound Steele, a rival antagonist malamute who doesn't appreciate Balto's appearance, is racial towards him, and has the audacity to become evil and egotistic in his right.
The original Balto movie was created and written by Cliff Ruby and Elana Lesser under the direction of Simon Wells. Ruby and Lesser are the writing duo behind popular shows such as Dragon Tales, Arthur and Molly of Denali, and a series of Barbie movies from 2002 until 2008. They were also a collaborator for both Hanna-Barbera and Ruby Spears during the late 70's and 1980's. Wells was the man behind the movies he directed, such as An American Tail: Fievel Goes West (alongside Phil Nibbelink as co-director), The Prince of Egypt, The Time Machine (the 2002 adaptation) and the infamous Mars Needs Moms.
On its original 1995 release, Balto underperformed at the box office which leads to Amblimation's closedown two years later, and it was also overshadowed by the success of Toy Story; the first feature-length computer animated film which is 1995's #1 instant classic thanks to Disney and Pixar. Naturally, Balto gained mixed reviews, with most critics and fans giving huge praises to everything they knew and love in the film. Because with the success of the first Balto movie's home video sales, there came two "so-bad-it's-good" direct-to-video sequels produced by Universal Animation Studios (formerly Universal Cartoon Studios until 2006) with main overseas animation production done by Taiwanese studio Wang Film Productions.
Balto II: Wolf Quest continued where the original movie left off, and it introduced us to new characters and new terrain unlike anything we'd seen in life, including Balto's headstrong daughter, Aleu. When she discovered her own wolf heritage, her father must understand that she must follow her heart into a new destiny in its entirety, by following the path, coming face to face with a renegade wolf pack leader Niju, and fulfilling her destiny with a little help along the way.
Balto III: Wings of Change has no deniability with a new journey that takes our hero to new heights. When a bush plane pilot named Duke claims that he can deliver the mail faster than the sled dog team, Balto and his friends, even his son Kodi, knew that they were up to the challenge. But challenges are cut short after victory when Duke ended up in a terrible situation that got him stuck in the middle of the forest, and Balto must gather the last of his own wits to save him, and doing so can lead to bigger and better achievements he wished for.
I have been quite a fan of all three movies myself nowadays, but nothing can beat the sting of defeat than the time in 2020 when I have my interest in one of my favorite Balto character pairings, and that includes Aleu (the daughter of Balto and Jenna) and Taku (the auburn white wolf in the clan of wolves).
To be honest, I grew on this pairing for years since the days of COVID-19. Prior to my upcoming tetralogy, I assumed that all three Balto movies are enough and that we didn't need a fourth Balto movie for no reason. Importantly, the Balto movie series officially ended that way after Balto III is because of all the crappy aspects depicted in the sequels. But right now, I was wrong. Thanks to the talents of myself, I had an idea of adding four more stories to close the franchise. The only thing I would accomplish for the Balto stories is from writing to completion of each story. Even when I got other things to do in real life due to writer's block, well that's okay, because everything I know can be a big promise that will be kept.
From the beginning, it all started with the working title, Balto IV: Tales of Courage. However, plenty of changes had to occur over time, and this work of mine would be renamed today as Balto IV: The Tale of Alaku.
At first, Balto fans are dissatisfied about why there won't be a Balto IV temporarily or for real. However, they might imagine that a Balto IV will depict anything in turn; whether it was the return of Aleu, the revenge of Steele, or a prequel before the original movie. What they can picture in their minds will be up to them. Also, any idea of a fourth Balto adventure of any different plot will do eventually either better or worse. Balto fans may each have their own Balto sequels depending on what plot explains. But for me, I have something special that'll only bring back the nostalgic roots of the original trilogy.
Anyhow, once my story, Balto IV: The Tale of Alaku, is completed, we may never know when it will be translated to the screen one by one, from the beginning to the end. Hopefully, the same thing will go on with V, VI and then VII (a prequel which would then mark the film series' goodbye installment). I knew that it was for the best.
Right beginning with the fourth installment: Balto IV: The Tale of Alaku. A majestic story which would somehow focus on Aleu and Taku and their togetherness with each other, their residence in one of the Alaskan islands with a clan of wolves, their confrontation with two cunning beasts, and their search for new sights and sounds all around the island that are never seen or heard before. Balto IV: The Tale of Alaku would depict something much more than just a half-breed stuck between two worlds, but it's also about the days of honor, courage and sacrifice, respect for all life, the true meaning of friendship, and most importantly, the power of love. These virtues are all what you come to expect from the upcoming tetralogy.
The fifth installment: Balto V: The Children of the Heart. An anthology of short stories featuring Balto's children each in their grown-up life, and in most of these short stories, they depict the romantic antics of these canine couples beginning with Kodi and Dusty.
The sixth installment: Balto VI: The Next Generation. This explains of a new generation in the Balto family tree living their own lives of carefree duty, survival and independence. But little do they know what their journeys lie ahead in the ancients of the Pacific Northwest, the Alaskan frontier, and even all the Northern parts of the world...including Russia.
And finally, the seventh installment which is made to close the series: Balto VII: The Beginning (again, it's still a prequel to the 1995 original movie, Balto). As told in the plot, this would focus on two human brothers; along with their golden-brown Siberian husky named Mintaq; who finally traveled to Nome Alaska as their new home. But when Mintaq ran away to the wilds because he heard a call of distress that came from far away, he knew that somewhere out there the white wolf named Aniu wishes to befriend him for her courtship.
These four new Balto adventures in my reboot tetralogy are each filled with wonderful new characters to be met, important lessons to be taught, and sparkling wonders to be delighted time and time again. Next, the first three in my tetralogy would still take place between the late 1920's and the 1940's, while the prequel took place in the early 20th century. But, unlike the first three Balto movies that are suitable for the whole family, the remaining four were recommended for mature readers only (as well as nostalgic adults) because of parts that are arousing, delightful and frightening at the same time. The tetralogy would act as a result from not just having true adult-themed non-educational humor.
Not to mention that they might also contain some definitive Deus Ex Machina moments.
One more thing. Although the fandom of the Balto franchise still lingers on, the series would come to a close, because fans were afraid that the Balto franchise will be overshadowed by the success of the Land Before Time franchise, and in future, some people would want the Balto series to be officially cancelled and cut-short after seven movies because I will have to predict that they wanted no more Balto movies anymore due to the reception of Balto II and III.
I know that things may sound quite sad about the movie series having closed out after Balto VII, but there's no turning back now. I have other Balto fanfics that would be done for the works in future during and/or after the tetralogy; some that contains mature content (e.g. Trial Error and Valor), and some that are family friendly (e.g. Balto's Sister).
Although some people never liked the idea of having more Balto sequels because of far too much crappy aspects depicted in Balto II and III, I only intend to do my Balto stories for art, even if they were dedicated to the real Balto himself which the original movie from 1995 was loosely based on.
As with seven Balto adventures coming together, each story will be filled with extraordinary characters, majestic terrain, memorable wonders, timeless appeal to fans everywhere, heart-pounding suspense, undeniable adventures, and a variety of lessons taught to people in more than 30 countries.
To seek much culture, to believe in the meaning of loyalty, destination, teamwork, friendship and love, and through each and every one of these amazing adventures, these are all what we learn from the Balto franchise in an upcoming tetralogy of my latest stories for all time.
In one of the famous words from renowned author/writer Rudyard Kipling (the Mowgli stories), everyone learns how to "follow the dream, and always the dream, and only the dream", no matter what.
As being four passionate stories with memorable possibilities and endless appeal, their own legacies through mind and talent, including my new Balto reboot tetralogy, still continue to shine in a new light, and the nostalgia within the franchise such as mine will continue to live on forever.
And now, sit back, relax, and get ready to enjoy...Balto IV: The Tale of Alaku!
"I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship." - Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart) from Casablanca (1942)
As a daughter of Balto and Jenna, Aleu was one of the many siblings who enjoyed the glorious splendor of an Alaskan island. This island is notable for its marvelous setting, where the forests remain vibrant green, the sky and the ocean still blue, and the canyons and mountains a true vision of beauty as far as the eye can see. Beyond its scenery, the island is a sanctuary for many Northwestern wolves, and even a variety of other wild animals, including bears, ravens, wolverines, foxes, caribou, moose, eagles, deer, rabbits, and rodents. But in this island, wild felines are rare here. The only exceptions are a few lynxes and mountain lions who live on the island's far side. Life may be peaceful in the wild, but because two species engage in bitter competitions for power, they were enemies in the wild rather than misunderstood creatures. Also, you should learn that no human being has dared to visit this island, because every one of them can never be allowed to cross their territory. Eventually, the progress would continue thirty-eight years from now.
Ever since their migration to this island, Aleu and the clan are quite happy to enjoy themselves for any kind of reasons. Fortunately, she never walked in the wilderness alone, because she was joined by a new friend and a teacher, Taku. Taku is an auburn-white wolf who teaches the half-breed the ways of the wilderness. What was interesting about Taku is that he was the helper of Nava, the wisest and eldest Shaman of the pack. Like Aleu, Taku shows no fear when bad creatures enter their way. Joining Taku are his brothers, Aga and Sukam, whom they were the last two survivors in his family. Aleu's friendship and bond with other members of the clan may remind you of Mowgli's friendship with his closest animal friends: Baloo the bear, Bagheera the leopard, Akela the wolf, and finally, Kaa the rock python. Legendary masters that only taught the boy the law of the jungle. The similarities are endless, although they were different in history. For indigenous people, an ancientist is a human being or an animal caught between many worlds trying to find a new home.
She may be the new leader of the clan, but she has several troubles learning at the beginning. At first, she tried getting used to the harsh realities of the wilderness, but to no avail. Next, she tried to learn how to hunt and survive like other wolves. Luckily, Taku also lends Aleu a helping paw in case she's in trouble. But for now, after mastering and learning every survival skill, Aleu succeeds in becoming a hunter. Her bond with Taku also counts as the true meaning of friendship. All the clan members hailed Aleu as the alpha leader, and Taku as her rightful second-in-command. They don't mind sharing their jobs of being leader day by day. Even though they are both young adult wolves, Taku was quite taller than his half-breed friend. This dazzles Aleu's senses, and she wishes she could be with him forever.
Before we begin this story, there are some lessons on how a wolf survives with the clan. Aleu may have been the alpha, but hunting caribou is not an easy task. Because it is a powerful sport for wolves, it was never a game. Hunting prey was only a life-and-death struggle that Aleu must face. A wolf would only look straight at the eyes of its prey after it was killed, and the wolf would say, 'Quana'. Though the life cycle is remained a sacrifice, both the wolf and the caribou were part of the grand design. With respect for life being a powerful unseen weapon that represent all virtues, this is the wonder of true ancientism.
One final word: the whole clan is only a single body. If a clan member suffers, then it could happen to them too. As an alpha leader, Aleu learns that because the strength only lies in unity, no wolf would hunt the big caribou all alone. If the rule is broken, then risking the safety of the entire clan could be worse.
And that's that.
When Aleu and Taku are not attending survival; like hunts or meetings with the clan; they would spend their hanging out with the other members of the clan along with Taku's brothers. They engage in conversations about anything interesting all because they were inseparable the rest of their lives. Whether they enjoy their quiet moments together or visiting their friends in the clan, their connection would prove that even a story of a half-dog and a wolf can have a heart of gold.
High on the cliffs of their island home, they visited Wren Grey, the eldest member of the clan who is Nava's helper. They would talk about their first difficult days in the wild and how they learned lessons since their arrival. After the pack finished howling to the full moon, the three of them remained in the grass, watching a blanket of stars. Their connection would serve a promise that they would be at each other's side. They may never know what 'sticky situations' lie ahead, and they would never face them alone.
"Gee, Aleu," Taku said, a hint of pride in his voice. "You have succeeded to become an alpha leader, and you passed it with flying colors."
"Thanks, Taku," Aleu replied softly. "I never knew that being an alpha could be tough. The troubles have passed after all this hunting and fighting, so it was really worth a shot. I have my freedom from the mainland and its dangers, but I wouldn't trade it for anything I deserve."
"And?" Taku asked with a smirk.
"It's odd that we barely knew each other until we crossed the ice floes without taking a nap," Aleu finished.
"No doubt it," Wren Grey smiled. "It reminds me of my only youth, and I once had my share of freedom."
"I can see that now," Aleu chuckled. "There were too many thoughts in your head that they scrambled together like eggs."
"I'm shocked at you, Aleu!" Wren Grey joked, catching his breath. "That would've been too many thoughts and not enough to think all of them at once."
Soon, after calming himself down, he turned his head to Taku with a smile. "If you don't mind, Taku, there's one thing I like to know: how are your brothers doing?"
"Aga and Sukam? Why, I bet they're in their usual spirits," Taku said. "Having to track them down so we can be together would be my unlucky chore."
Aleu laid her paw on her auburn-white wolf friend's shoulder. "It's a heavy burden to watch over your brothers, Taku. But they'll show up somewhere. The wilderness gets confusing, and it's easy to feel reckless when you can't see anything. Despite all of that, at least you're still a good wolf for teaching me how to get out of trouble."
"Thanks," Taku said with a light chuckle. "I would never have thought you knew them the sooner the better."
He then paused for a moment and looked at his half-breed friend with a smile. "And Aleu?"
"Yes, Taku?" Aleu asked, tilting her head.
"I not only love being with my brothers and all," Taku murmured happily. "I also love being with you...because I trust you more than anyone else."
"Of course, Taku," Aleu smiled back. "As long as we have each other, we will have plenty of company as needed."
"Darn!" The wolfdog thought affectionately. "I never knew that I would only have a wolf who is a special someone."
Taku then let out a contended sigh as Aleu nuzzled him with her head against his chest. His eyes were half-closed, all complete with a thankful expression. After their moment, Aleu pulled her head to look at her wolf teacher in the eyes.
Taku started to recall the clan's history, while Aleu transitioned from affection to seriousness.
"I was thinking," Taku said. "There was a time when Niju threatens to take over the clan himself."
"And there was a time when my father and I stepped in before we guided the whole clan to this island," Aleu added.
"That's right," Taku nodded in agreement. "And we forget that it's hard to fight and stand up to Niju. That Niju is a bad influence over time, and no longer innocent anymore."
Wren Grey cleared his throats and explained, "Balto was the greatest hero in Nome with all heart, but Nava proved that your mixed heritage was not a weakness because he saw the alpha inside you."
"Really?" Aleu wondered.
"Yes, really," agreed Wren Grey. "Nava knew that you were the one to stand by our side. You have been made a great hero at best, just like your father."
Aleu bowed her head in deep, graceful respect. "I appreciate your faith, Wren Grey. You were our greatest light that guides us through our darkest troubles."
Taku's mind suddenly snapped back into reality, hopping to his four feet.
"Oh dear!" Taku exclaimed, a look of realization on his face.
"Is something wrong?" Aleu asked, after Taku's movement startled her.
"I remembered something! We've been far away from our den too long, and my brothers are worried about me!"
"You're right, Taku," Aleu smiled. "Aga and Sukam are getting worried without their big brother around. Let's go."
"I'm with you, Aleu, my student," Taku smiled, his tail wagging in agreement. Aleu's tail wagged too.
Just as the two were about to depart, Wren Grey spoke up. "Oh, are you leaving soon? The night is still young, and I have lots of stories to share."
"We love to, but we can't," Aleu said with a respectful bow. "Duty calls. Taku and I have responsibilities to take care of."
"Bye, Wren Grey!" Taku called out.
"Good luck, you two! Keep on your paws!" The eldest gray wolf promised. "Whenever you need something, I'm never far away!"
Wren Grey watched the two canines start to leave. But as he glanced back at the night sky, he suddenly realized something important. He hurried back to Aleu and Taku, with his paws padding across the stone floor.
"Wait a minute!" He called out. "I have one more thing!"
Aleu and Taku then stopped and turned around, their ears perked with interest.
"I was very grateful for your company," Wren Grey told them, smiling. "Because if you weren't here, my loneliness would be nothing but trouble in these woods. By the way, another day of real work begins."
"Another day?" Aleu and Taku's eyes widened.
"Yes indeed," Wren Grey said. "The lesson on how to talk with the other wild animals will begin tomorrow morning. Don't be late."
"That must be different!" Aleu and Taku said together, their voices filled with awe.
"It's kind of necessary that I haven't taught this lesson to anyone for a long time."
"I see," Taku said with a smile.
"Don't worry, Wren Grey," Aleu replied happily. "We'll be right there on time, and we'll also bring the clan with us."
After saying goodbye to Wren Grey once again, the half-breed and the auburn-white wolf continued their way back to the den, keeping at a brisk pace as required by clan laws. Wren Grey knew that they were a pair, always sticking together while keeping each other safe from danger.
The question is: How is it possible that one wolf would understand the art of speaking with every wild animal in the Great Northwest? The mystery, that Wren Grey kept, was always stuck in the heads of Aleu and Taku as they continued walking back to their new home.
"Talking with other wild animals," Taku mused, "can you imagine that?"
"Not really," Aleu disagreed, shaking her head. "I've never been interested, but I'm starting to wonder if it was all wrong."
"You never know," Taku commented, offering his friend some advice. "Because when you're surviving in a new world, you have to make the most of it whatever comes your way."
"Yeah," Aleu said, looking at her auburn-white wolf friend. "But visiting other members of the clan is one of the best ideas."
"It was worth it," Taku agreed. "Unfortunately, my brothers would get grumpy if we spent too much time mingling with the members."
"I know, Taku," Aleu said, looking out on the evening sky. "Everything in this island has me thinking."
"Yep. Ask away, then."
"Do you think we're the first wolves to live on this island?"
Taku then paused for a moment. "I'm not sure. Are we?"
"I think so," Aleu replied with interest. "Sage says that there were only a usual number of wild animals living here. I remember that he told us when we first landed."
"We've got nothing to worry about," Taku said, though he gulped hard. "As long as our clan can have the island to ourselves, then other wild animals don't seem to mind for company. I hope."
Despite his words, Taku's ears twitched and his stomach felt uneasy, knowing that tomorrow wouldn't be as peaceful as it looks. He couldn't imagine some vision of a beast not just powerful enough to dwarf any wolf, but also willing to do anything to crush both leaders. The unknown beast would not just lead the clan, it would also train them to become a lawless army, forced to hunt and conquer under its evil power. Worst of all, they would be trained to steal from other clans in the Northwest.
Meanwhile, Taku's brothers, Aga and Sukam, were settled in the beachside den. They were trying to keep guard against intruders, but the night is always quiet and still. Knowing that they were the first to become part of the clan ever since they were pups, they knew the island's rhythm as well.
"All clear!" Aga declared, resting his paw on his chin. "Not an intruder is in sight!"
"Yep," Sukam muttered glumly, scratching behind his ear. "Since we were standard wolves, it isn't like we have wits for much else. It's every day that our brother Taku is always out there, teaching Aleu how to be like him, even though she's the alpha. She's already mastered the skills through and through, yet he still worries."
Aga kicked the pebble across the sand. "We always grew up with him, yet we're the ones with no mates to call our own. I've tried, believe me. But every time I find every female of my age, they just turn tail and leave me behind."
"The same thing always happens to me every time, Aga," Sukam replied.
"Hey, there's no point in giving up!" Aga offered, trying to sound encouraging. "If we're lucky enough, there might be a couple of she-wolves learning to like us."
"You're right," Sukam said happily, but still curled up on the ground. "Being single's not fun, Aga. It's just that our luck has run dry."
"Yeah," Aga murmured.
Suddenly, Sukam's ears twitched. His head snapped toward the den's entrance as the rhythmic sound of approaching paws echoed against the rocks. It was Aleu and Taku that came back from their visit with Wren Grey.
"Hey!" Sukam cried, jumping with sudden energy. "I hear them, Aga! Aleu and Taku are coming back!"
Aga rolled his eyes but still kept a firm smirk on his snout. "Ho boy, here we go again, Sukam. So much for not acting like pups."
Aga and Sukam didn't just greet them, they pounced themselves onto Aleu and Taku, showering them with slobbery kisses. It was believed that they loved their brother as usual, but also, it was Aleu who held a special place in their hearts. The brothers were unable to choose who to love, so they both bombarded them with affection. All the bond between the three wolves and a half-breed are unbreakable.
"Stop! Please! Relax, fellas!" Aleu giggled, squirming as she was tickled by a barrage of licks. "We only got back from seeing Wren Grey!"
"Yeah, ha ha, take it easy guys!" Taku sputtered in his laughter, "Calm down!"
Once they were done being bombarded with cold, lovable kisses, they then look at Taku's brothers with a grin.
All the while, Taku said, "That was the eighth time you pounced on us just to welcome us back, my silly wolves."
"Oh, sorry, my brother," Aga panted, thumping his tail on the earthy floor. "We just get too excited when you were around us."
Sukam rested his head on Taku's flank, "What Aga is saying that we love you both."
Taku then felt a warm blush over his face and smiled. "Ohhhhh, thank you, brothers."
"You're welcome," Aga and Sukam responded together.
The high energy has now turned into a soothing, ambient hum. The wolves settle themselves on the dirt ground for the night. Taku laid himself down next to his brothers after stretching and letting out a loud satisfied yawn, knowing that's the end of their exhausting day.
"The problem is that you never seem to outgrow your puppy days," Aleu explained, giggling briefly. "You remind me of my siblings when I was little. But, as I grew up, I played hide-and-seek with Muk and Luk in the deep woods. Heaven knows why I found them."
Sadly, her smile faded away as her happy thoughts dissolved into one aching memory, revealing her first experience with danger. It was a time that she was nearly shot by a hunter who had mistaken her for a wolf, until Balto, Boris and the polar bears Muk and Luk, came to her rescue. The event was a stark reminder of how her life changed since those innocent days.
QUICK FACT: Boris Goosinov is a Russian goose who happens to be Balto's caretaker and adapted guardian. Though specifically cantankerous and irritated in a comical sense, he was nothing more but a careful creature with just the right amount of wisdom.
"All this talk of age reminds me of when my brothers and I were pups, stuck in the deep forest together," Taku said, his voice drifting.
Aleu looked at him warmly. "Taku, I think your story ended differently than mine."
"Exactly," Taku agreed. "Everyone said that I have my mother's wisdom and my father's colors."
Aleu was dazzled by Taku's sincerity. "And what about your father's eyes?" she asked.
"His green eyes?" Taku lightly chuckled as he pushed himself up and padded over to her. "Can't forget those too."
"Naturally," Aleu added, her eyes following him.
"But Aleu," Taku murmured softly, leaning in close, "any perfection I might have is highlighted by your great beauty."
He gave her a soothing lick on Aleu's cheek, leaving her smiling warmly in the moonlight.
"It's wonderful how you were truly observant of your parents' legacy, Taku. Incredible!" Aleu said softly. "I reckon a lot of goodwill has followed you throughout your life. You have a good heart, Taku, and I respect you."
"We may show any of that goodwill whenever we can," Taku replied. "We clan members have been facing hard times every year, but we all learn that the sooner we solve every problem, the better we survive it."
Aleu nodded agreeably, her expression turning thoughtful. "Sometimes, I think that both clans must make any sacrifices just to exist. We've come to know each other because we were part of the grand design. If we can only care about the physics of survival, you know, the pure matter of living, what would we actually learn? What do you think, Taku?"
Taku stretched his limbs out on the ground, letting out a massive yawn. "I don't know yet," the auburn-white wolf admitted. "But it's a good question worth asking."
"Mmmm-hmmmm," Aleu agreed while resting her head on her paws. "It's best if we better get some sleep now. Our lessons with Wren Grey starts first thing tomorrow morning."
"Agreed," Taku, Aga and Sukam murmured sleepily.
"Our day was pretty good," whispered Sukam, with a happy sigh as the group fell into a peaceful slumber.
Then, Aleu and Taku settled on their backs watching the roof of their beachside den. Despite their exhaustion, they both couldn't sleep a wink. Because they knew that the weight of an unknown future pressed down on them, they decided to whisper in low voices so they wouldn't wake his brothers.
"Aleu?"
"Mm-hmm?" Aleu murmured softly.
"Do you suppose that...one day I will lose my courage?" Taku asked, his voice wavering a little.
Aleu turned her head slightly to face her teacher. "I don't know, Taku. But it could happen to anyone if they're not careful."
"Well, I worked hard to be a proud and generous beta wolf every time," Taku confessed, "but I still remember being a....small and scared little wolf pup trying to survive."
"Sounds terrible," Aleu said softly. "You have such bad luck with your childhood, haven't you?"
"Well, I did," Taku replied. "Even now, I would be forced to meet something new arriving on the island. Something dangerous to be exact."
"Something dangerous? Like what?"
"Mountain lions," Taku answered in a shiver. "Those monstrous wild cats were not just competitive and hostile, but they were also ruthless. They have no respect for us wolves. They'd only kill us in a moment they catch us for the sake of the hunt, or even a fight."
With her confidence unshaken, Aleu shrugged it off and said, "Eh. They'll never destroy us, Taku. If they catch us, they will only have a mouthful of tails. Besides, I'm not afraid of any other animal in Alaska for that matter, especially mountain lions."
"Well, I am," Taku gulped, slightly nervous. "Facing those wild felines once again...will be like facing a horrible nightmare of my own."
Aleu softened, knowing that his fear was deeper than she'd thought. "Mmmm. I understand. But I think we have done enough worrying for one night. Hopefully, things will look better in the morning. Good night, Taku."
"Good night, Aleu," Taku whispered.
After their short talk, the tension died off as they finally drifted off into a deep sleep, accompanied by a quiet contentment of being together.
Despite whatever lurks in the shadow of the island, they nuzzled each other as they slept. They also smiled at the thought of communication lessons with Wren Grey about how to speak the tongue of other beasts of the Northwest. They have never thought of speaking to wild animals other than the caribou, not at least in their own tongue. Little did they knew that their adventure in an ancient Alaskan paradise was far from over. In truth, it has only begun.
By the way, the word "Quana" is only spoken for the caribou who represent life, and "Quana" means "Thank you" in Inuktuk.