Name: Zero

Age: Adult (9 years)

 
Gender: Female

Breed: Chinook

 
Parents: Unknown

Siblings: Unknown

Likes: Icarus, peace, quiet, being alone (or being alone with Icarus), running, racing, winter, cold walks in the town, the cool breeze, cold weather, the smell of burning campfire wood (let's her know that winter is coming)
 

 
Dislikes: over crowded places, most people or dogs, rowdiness, loud noises, drama in her team, newbie racers, believe it or not she hates changes, Chase's smart remarks targeting her, however she is slightly intrigued by them, finding them bold and daring.

Personality: Zero is not one to be impressed easily and she doesn't want to be. She can be very observant, and if there is something that she finds very disapproving, she will DEFINITELY let you know. She is not afraid to speak her mind which can sometimes end her up in small clashes with members of her team..well depending on the teammate. Zero can be anti-social and not one to make friends, or want any. She is not out to try to impress or gain approval from anybody, she can really care less of what others think of her. Her quiet and "intolerable to anyone" demeanor left her to look very intimidating, making other teammates become afraid to associate with her. (Besides a few)

However, deep down, Zero truly is kind, loving, and compassionate, but she never expresses this to any of her teammates in fears that it'll ruin her intimidating image, and to have them start thinking that they can take advantage and walk all over her.
Zero is comfortable with sharing her soft side to her mate, Icarus and him only. They have a strong bond that no one can really explain.

Relationships:

Crush: Icarus

Mate: Icarus

 Friends: (well...she doesn't go out her way to make any, but let's just say her team is) Chase, Icarus, more to come...

Traits:

Build: NOT exactly like Jenna

-basic details: Not so much volume in her fur (Ex. Front neck, back neck, and chest); more muscle to her legs; bigger paws; and smaller tail, yet curls dramatically.

Smaller details: Slightly broad and longer snout; narrowed eyes; smaller cheeks that curves to her jaw; small, pointy ears; dark brown eyes
 

History:

Little is known about Zero's childhood and she refuses to talk about it to anyone. All that is known from her adolescent days is when she was adopted by a musher that was preparing his very first sled-team for the next sled-racing season. Zero can recall the musher having a sleek, onyx, husky trailing beside him as they approach the kennel. This particular husky had a strut in his walk, and a chip on his shoulder, that can make any girl faint to his convenience. They approached Zero and the group of dogs that were being sold with her, the young musher allowed the black husky to interact with the other dogs, basically to test his temperament, and to find a dog he will be tolerable to have around him. Within a few seconds of browsing the kennel, he didn't seem so impressed with the selection in front of him. Most of them lacked confidence and dignity, which is not a good way to portray their future sled team. He finally came across Zero, who was giving the impression that she couldn't care less if she was chosen or not. She saw him approach her in her peripheral vision. With a cold glare over her shoulder, he knew that she will be perfect for the team. He saw a lot of himself in her. Also her build was perfect, with enough muscle in her legs to pull a sleigh, but a sleek torso, which meant less weight to pull. Zero was indeed very shocked with his decision, but of course she never really expressed it at that moment. Her expression remained bland, besides the surprised perk of her eyebrows, which he responded with a large (and rather menacing) grin. She was in for a huge ride that will change her life forever.

As they traveled, Zero was informed by Chase of the reason why she was chosen and brought to Fairbanks ,which is to build a sled-team for the next season, also to note that there were a few more dogs already picked and in the process of training. Zero never really thought that she would take part in such an event, but it wouldn't hurt to try it out. Just as long as she was useful for something. The musher found her quite easy to train, compared to the rough times he would try to train Chase. However it was proven that nothing was really impossible. Chase was slightly impressed of how Zero took everything in stride, and her training was like cake-walk. She was a fast learner, and eventually it might be a huge advantage during an actual race. Between breaks, the dogs had enough time to socialize and learn more about each other even though Zero was a bit nervously and made less of an effort to make any friends. Yet Chase and Zero noticed that they had a lot in common, much to her surprise. They had similar personality traits with a few differences. They were actually glad to have someone that can relate to them in some circumstances. They're friendship eventually grew closer. Close enough to where they might've had a hidden relationship on the side. 

On the outside they just seemed like good friends, though it was hinted a few times of their hidden feelings towards each other. However it was never really an official relationship, but more of an attraction. Since Chase and Zero were seen together most of the time, the team began to see Zero as Chase's closest ally, (which was what they wanted to portray in the beginning). They secretly had something strong going on for a little while, but due to their similarities, they tend to clash and disagree on some things, and both being stubborn the way they were added more to their conflict. They made a mutual agreement that they should cease their little partnership and to remain good friends in fear of falling in too deep and ruining the great friendship they already had. Zero was a little hurt at this, since it was the first intimate relationship she ever had, but she promised herself that she wouldn't show any signs of weakness or harbor any hard feelings towards Chase. 

The sled team was almost complete, for the musher brought in a few more dogs to join their team. To protect herself from getting hurt again, Zero took measures to keep a fair enough distance from anyone as much as possible, and this time made NO effort to socialize with the rookies. One day Chase, had left their home in Fairbanks for a temporary amount of time, only to return with a young, splash-coated husky. He was cheerful, and filled with positive energy. He seemed to have admired, and looked up to Chase a lot, by trailing next to him most of the time as they walked. Zero really didn't pay any mind to it, until that same day she seemed to have caught his eye..big time! He suddenly stopped hanging out with Chase, and ended up spending more time with her instead. In the beginning Zero felt really uncomfortable with this, and became slightly annoyed of having Icarus around. It's not that she dislikes him, that's not what it is at all. It's just that she took great oath to herself to never trust others in fears of them betraying her one day. She hated the idea of hurting his innocent, young heart, but she had to in order to keep him away. By making up excuses of why she couldn't hang around more. Of course this shattered his heart to pieces, but it had to be done. The awkward feeling between them had greatly intensified, when the musher ironically paired Icarus with Zero. Even after hurting him, he still made an effort to reach out to her, to Zero's surprise. She found his efforts to be "gutsy" and she loved this in a man. She learned that Icarus was truly caring and he meant no harm. As the weeks passed by, she began to open up her true self to him. She felt like he was the only one she could fully trust, and he felt honored to know this. They finally spilled their deep, growing, love for each other, and made their relationship official. They were taunted by this a little from their other teammates, Icarus didn't mind, but Zero found this to be an over-used joke, so it didn't phase her as much.

Icarus was the complete opposite of Zero: high-spirited, blissful, and unpredictable. Zero on the other hand was indifferent, single minded, and somewhat monotone. This was a good thing for Zero, knowing that there would be fewer clashes, since they had different points of views and could possibly be opened minded to anything. Icarus was ever so gentle with her, and she loved his warm, loving touch. They are a perfect example of "Opposites Attract". During the off seasons of the race, it gave Zero and Icarus enough time to bond alone. Zero never felt such an intense connection with someone as much as she felt with Icarus. Later down the road, they had two puppies together which only made their love for each other grew stronger.

After a few tough races, they won some and lost some, but they were indeed the "it" team, noticeable for their winning streaks and becoming quite the challenge for the opposing sled teams. Chase in particular was receiving fame for his speed. This went on for a while, until they were notified of a Promotional race that could determine their future, and reputation. Which ever team had won, would receive prizes such as hefty sums of cash, and a dashing, golden collar for the lead dog.

After entering, they realized that this may be their toughest run. Taking on obstacles such as harsh, freezing weather, severe winds, and cheating mushers that wanted to fight dirty. However they pushed and they pushed hard. Wanting to prove the state wrong, that the "underdogs" will soon rise up on top, becoming champions. Towards the end of the race, the odds were definitely in their favor, and it was now in the bag. When they had won the race, the heavy collar was smacked onto Chase, and Zero's mate was the first to praise him. She was happy to see Icarus filled with joy, and happy to see her old partner, Chase, filled with confidence and pride. An image they all worked very hard for.

This story doesn't come with a happy ending...After one fateful day during a practice run, the team had came across a large, grizzly. Zero's fur on the back of her neck were standing sky high, sensing the danger that was near them. This ended up with Chase sacrificing his life to protect the team, and Gizmo's life was taken critically by the bear. Zero was very hurt, and somewhat traumatized after knowing her closest friends were gone, and out of her life forever, She was very thankful to know that Icarus is alive, breathing, and with her until the end. The team had dramatically separated after the unfortunate turn of events, gladly Icarus and Zero never parted, and both of them were sold together to a rather large kennel. They made a pact, as long as they are still together, they will be fine...and they will stay sane. With the kennel being disturbingly large, and slightly neglected, most of the dogs picked up a severe case of kennel cough. This worried Icarus and Zero, thinking that someday they might catch it. Sadly they did when their neighboring dog gave it to them. Even severely ill the way he was, Icarus did all that he can to lift Zero's spirits, like he always had when they were all together. Zero really wished that they were gonna be alright, but after a long time without treatment, she knew their fates were sealed. One night gloomy night, Zero had a depressing feeling that it'll be her last, and before falling asleep, she said goodbye and apologized to her mate for failing him, but that she couldn't make it any farther. Icarus was already sound asleep, and he couldn't hear her, and with that, Zero let her self drift off to a deep sleep, one where she will not wake up.....

Theme song- ???

Balto Related- Teammate of a former Championship sled-team with Jenna's grandfather as lead dog, Grandmother of Kaltag

((I would love to thank Zilch and Naegi for letting me adopt her, and for helping me develop her character and biography in the process!! THANK YOU SO MUCH))