Star-Crossed 

~ A Balto version of “Romeo & Juliet” ~

(started 7/23/07 - ) 

Summary: The hatred between the purebred Capulets and the wolf-bred Montagues rages on, this time taking place in 1925 Nome, Alaska. Two of the most unlikely canines fall in love, thus leading the ongoing family feud down its tragic course towards peace. (a retelling of William Shakespeare’s tragedy “Romeo and Juliet” in the animated Balto universe)

Rating: PG-13 for violence, blood, death, possible disturbing comments, sensuality and the typical things that have occurred in other versions of this tale (thoughts of suicide, abusive situations, etc.). However, the Prologue is rated PG.

Disclaimer: All characters used are from the movies Balto, Balto: Wolf Quest, and Balto: Wings of Change (all with exception of: Togo, who was added in by the author for dramatic purposes and also because he was actually a part of the true story of Balto; and Tasha, Tundra, Loralei and Monty, who are the author’s own characters, either created especially for the story or used in more than one fan-fiction) and are the property of Universal Studios, Inc. Also, the main story of “Romeo and Juliet” is the property of Mr. William Shakespeare and is artistically retold, while still maintaining the basic feelings and events that were shown in his original work.

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Author’s Note: 

I’m not sure if anyone has done this yet, but if it’s been done, this version will surpass it.

I thought to myself a couple of days ago: What if a “Romeo and Juliet” styled story took place in Balto’s animated world . . . with him and the other dogs as the cast? 

I knew in an instant that this could work. Sure, other cartoons have taken the same basic story and made them “kid-friendly”, all while still trying to keep the moral of the story in the end of love conquering over all obstacles and having a happy ending between the two lovers, but after watching the sappy “The Lion King 2: Simba’s Pride” (which is a loosely-told version of the main plot of “R & J”)and the many other remakes of the classic tale for children (all of them I actually like), I believe it’s time for a more traditional version of the tale, this time casting Balto and Jenna as the star-crossed lovers.

To tie in the other major and minor roles of the tragic romance, I used characters from all three Balto films (not including Balto and Jenna’s children of course), and even added a character that was crucial to Balto’s heroic journey in real life, but I have given him a most important role to set the story’s events in motion. Here’s a cast list of characters, in case you wanted to know: 

- The Chorus: Aniu (a perfect role for an all-knowing deity, eh? Originally, I was to cast her as Lady Montague, but I thought she would be best in a role that would allow her to remain ubiquitous or all-knowing and seeing, just like how she was in “Wolf Quest” when she silently and secretly guided her son and granddaughter through the wilderness. If you know Shakespearean works, the Chorus isn’t an actual character; the Chorus just makes the audience aware of the situation and summarizes the tale without the minor details. Makes sense, doesn’t it?)

Capulets:

- Lady Capulet: Tasha (fan character) 

- Capulet:Tundra (fan character)

- Juliet:Jenna (An obvious choice for the lead female) 

- Tybalt:Togo (fan character, based on the actual canine; I thought he was a good choice for Tybalt, especially since he, in many stories written with him as a character that is either jealous of the fame that Balto had received and wants his revenge or as a dog that crosses paths with Balto and his family.)

- Other Capulets: Nikki, Kaltag, Star, Ralph, Dusty, Kirby (all random dogs that actually are huskies seen in the original or in WoC, they all get a chance to show their aggressive nature at last) 

Montagues:

- Montague:Monty (fan character, who happens to be a pure wolf. His mate’s identity and breeding are unknown though.)

- Romeo:Balto (obvious casting here; I think he’s more of a wolf in this story, so read this as if he’s a full wolf, not a hybrid. He might have some husky in him, but it doesn’t show much.) 

- Mercutio:Boris (Balto’s best friend and confidant, his loyalty to the wolf-dog is very strong. Of course if you know the tale, you know what will happen to Boris later on . . .)

- Benvolio:Muk and Luk (yes, since only one of them can talk, it all works out in the end!) 

- Other Montagues: Nuk, Yak, Sumac, Niju (all lupines featured in “Wolf Quest”, they make great choices for Balto’s kinsmen . . . Hopefully they’re better fighters this time around.), Loralei (fan character)

Other Characters:

- Juliet’s Nurse: Dipsy (Her long ears from WoC made me think that Dipsy would be a decent choice as Jenna’s closest friend and one of the couple of characters that is trusted with Balto and Jenna’s secret of their love.) 

- The Prince: Morse (the little dog from the Telegraph Office; he seems like a dog that learns more things than the rest of town, so this is an okay choice . . .)

- Friar Laurence: Doc (the St. Bernard . . . I think that’s what his breed is – he wasn’t used much in the first film and briefly shown in WoC, but I always considered him to be a wise and trustworthy canine, one that all dogs would consider as a friend) 

- Messengers:Mel (the over-reacting terrier from WoC; he’s pretty neutral in the Capulet/Montague situation, so he’s a decent choice for the role.)

- The County Paris: Steele (Oh, what a perfect role for him! This is my first story using him as a character, so please be gentle with me!) 

- Town Gossipers (Juliet’s friends, but not members of her family): Sylvie and Dixie (Their personalities of spreading gossip and such make them great for trying to convince Jenna to find a mate. They know all the eligible bachelors and have probably flirted with them a lot too, so they make good companions for Jenna during parties.)

- The Apothecary: Nava (the only other choice for the part . . . I guess his spiritual abilities would be good for knowing which herbs can heal you or kill you . . . the same goes for Doc as well) 

Rosy is also included in the story, but the main focus in on the dogs, not the humans, so don’t expect her to appear too much. (Sorry, Rosy fans . . . I happen to be one, actually . . .)

And in conclusion, there will be an epilogue to follow the tale, just as there is a prologue to begin everything. 

I do hope that all Balto fans and Shakespearean fans alike read and enjoy my version of such a classic tale of family feud and forbidden romance. Thanks for reading and don’t forget to review!

- Juuchan17 

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Act 0: Prologue 

Friends, fans, readers – all who are near,

Please hear me out; you have nothing to fear.

I am a spirit, called Aniu by most;

I’m sure you can’t see me, I’m much like a ghost.

I come to invite you, to bear witness of this tale

Of the love between a dog and his beloved female.

Love is not alone as a player in this tale,

Prejudice, death and hatred, they too prevail.

Our tale takes place in a world bitter cold,

The tiny town of Nome, Alaska – events they will mold.

Things are different here, yet are also comparable,

The year be 1925, but things aren’t that unbearable.

Within this town, two families also dwell,

In strength, pride and dignity, they are equal.

Purebred Capulets, their husky blood well shown;

And the mighty Montagues, cries of the wild are known.

Although they live in the same small location,

These huskies and wolf-breeds, to the other, detestation!

Fights and brawls flood the alleys with rage,

To murder, blood and killing, the canines engage.

Yet throughout this hatred, two lovers come into view;

Their past days a mystery, but something starts anew.

Both the youngest of their line, the joy of their family’s being,

But another fate awaits the children as the final storm is brewing.

Within five days time, war turns to peace,

While lives change, time allows hatred to cease;

Yet out of the many kin each side will lay to rest,

No loss will be more tragic than the children they loved best. 

= = = = = = = = = =

The cozy warmth of a fireplace wasn’t the only happy feeling that filled the room that night.  

A brown husky was just allowed inside the snug two-floor house that was near the center of town. Happily, he wagged his tail as he felt the air change from the cold winter breeze outdoors to the comforting aura of the wooden home’s ventilating heat.

The smaller dog that allowed the husky entrance into the house through the front dog door, a faded mouse-brown Bassett Hound with floppy gray ears, stopped him for a quick word, placing a tan-dipped forepaw halfway up his left leg. 

“Dipsy, did she . . . Is she . . .” the husky asked, worry was evident in his tone. “Did everything go well?”

The hound only lightly laughed. “She’s just fine, hun. You know, for her first time, she did quite well! I never would have expected her to be so calm when it happened, but sure enough, she just let it take its course.”  

“Oh, where is she?” He queried anxiously. “I would like to check up on how’s she’s doing.”

Dipsy lifted up one of her long ears and pointed it deeper into the room. “Oh, she’s been waiting for you, Tundra, and there’s someone that she wants to introduce you to.” 

He gave her a nod of thanks then continued into the room. Dipsy carefully followed behind him, trying to follow the male’s large stride with her own tiny steps.