Steele was a dog who had almost always got his way. He always acted on impulse, without thinking of the ramifications, because he never had to take responsibility for his actions. He had been so used to being praised and being the center of attention, that he only saw the world from the perspective of what he wanted. But ever since he had become an outcast he had plenty of time to think about his actions. He no longer constantly had his ego stroked; he was despised by all the dogs in Nome. For the first several days he had plotted his revenge against Balto. But he had also heard about how bad the Diphtheria epidemic was and how it nearly devastated the population of the town. For once in his life, Steele felt a small sense of remorse over his actions. He understood why Balto did what he did, but he still hated him for it. With these thoughts on his mind, he set out to find Balto.

Steele spotted Balto, alone, and quickly moved towards him.

“Hey, wolfdog!” Steele called out. “We need to have a chat.”

“Steele?” Balto said, turning around and expecting the worse. Surely whatever Steele wanted could not be good.

Steele closed the distance between him and Balto.

“There was a full moon out last night, lobo. Did you howl at it?” Steele teased, not being able to resist antagonizing Balto. “I am sure you mother would approve.”

Balto let out a low growl and stared daggers at Steele. Steele had a smug look on his face, satisfied from being able to torment Balto once again. It felt just like old times to Steele, who wanted more than anything for things to be just like old times.

“Ooh, I struck a nerve.” Steele smirked. “What’s the matter, wolfie? Can’t take a joke?”

Balto, trying to control his temper, wondered what Steele really wanted. Surely he did not come here just to torment him again?

“Steele,” Balto replied, trying to keep a cool head. “What do you really want?”

Steele was having such a good time aggravating Balto that he had forgot why he went out to seek Balto in the first place. Steele knew what he had to do.

“Actually, I am glad you asked, wolfdog.” Steele replied. “I have something for you.”

Steele closed more distance between him and Balto, which made Balto back away a few steps. Suddenly, Steele pulled his Golden Collar off and threw it at Balto’s feet.

“I think you deserve this more I do. It’s yours.” Steele said.

Balto looked at the collar in disbelief. Was this the same Golden Collar that was given to the winner of the sled race, a symbol of achievement and pride? Why would Steele give this to him?

“Steele…I don’t know what to say…” Balto replied, still in a state of disbelief. “But I can’t take your collar.”

“You’re always so modest, wolfdog.” Steele retorted as he sat down. “But actually, there was something else I wanted to tell you.”

Balto was completely off guard and alone. If Steele wanted to get rid of him once and for all, now was the time to do it. It would be so easy, he could rip out his throat and be done with it. But then what? Steele would still be an outcast, and the rest of the dogs of Nome would probably hunt him down. Even more than revenge against Balto, Steele wanted to be accepted among the dogs of Nome once again. He abhorred being an outcast more than anything else. If he apologized to Balto, maybe the other dogs would forgive him. But if he apologized, he would also look weak. And besides, what did the half-breed ever do to deserve an apology? Steele knew what he had to do.

“Balto, I…” Steele struggled to swallow his pride, while at the same time trying not to appear weak. However, deep down Steele did feel some remorse, and his face betrayed his feelings. “Balto, I’m sorry.”

Balto could not believe what he just heard. Did Steele, the most prideful and vain dog in Nome, apologize to him? Was this just a ploy, some part of a greater scheme to get back at Balto? Steele looked sincere, but Balto also knew Steele was an accomplished liar. But then again, maybe Steele had finally hit rock bottom and was desperate to redeem himself and gain acceptance again. Balto decided to give him the benefit of a doubt.

“All is forgiven, Steele.” Balto said with a warm smile.

“Thank you.” Steele replied. “Oh, and Balto, don’t rub it in. I still have a reputation to uphold.”

Balto chuckled. “Sure thing.”

A short excerpt from my fanfic. Read the rest here;

Yes, I know Steele’s eyes are off and Balto is off as well. If I had the time, I would draw them again.

Balto and Steele are © Universal Studios
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