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What happens when two worlds created by two of the most popular fanfic writers on Balto Source collide?

This story (written by me; the idea inspired and blessed by Rotramel the Writer) results!

WARNING: This story has spoilers for the endings of a couple of RTW's fics, mainly "Balto: Must Come To An End" and Also, I have a lot of mentioning of events that take place in several of his Balto universe fics. If you have yet to read up to his recent "Aniu Trilogy" (which this story is set prior to it, yet those events do not take place . . . it's more like an alternate-universe of his universe), do that before you read this!


I'll post little bits of this here, but I won't guarantee that it'll be anything better than RTW's original style and storytelling!

Thanks and enjoy!

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Jadze: The Blessed Curse

(started 5/26/08 -)

Summary: (Summary removed so as not to spoil the main plot too much for you! - Based on Rotramel's Balto fanfictions - yes, I did get his permission to write this. Thanks, RTW! You are wonderful!)

Rating: PG-13 for a birth scene (not graphic), a chance of blood, and possibly some violence. It's nothing you haven't read in a Balto fic before.

Disclaimer: Official characters and events from Balto, Balto: Wolf Quest, and Balto: Wings of Change are the property of Universal Studios, Inc.; the characters of Shadow, Melody, Timbre, Dash, Jadze and the Talbourne Clan (and any others that I have missed), the many events mentioned within this story, as well as the created personalities of Balto, Aleu, Jenna, Saba and Aniu are all the creative property of Rotramel the Writer (Thanks again for supporting this idea!); and, any other characters (including Jadze III herself) as well as the idea of the story itself are the property of Juuchan17.

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Author's Note:

The only reason why I'm writing this story is because I took a liking to the way RTW created this character of Jadze. He didn't really describe her in detail, but the fact that both children (one being Balto's daughter from Jenna's third litter. and the other being his granddaughter, born from Melody and Timbre) were lost at such a young age made me pity her character, thinking that perhaps there would never be a third daughter with that name.

So I chose to do it. Third time's the charm, right?

Also, to you guys that are up to date with his fics, this tale mostly takes place after Aleu steps down as Alpha, allowing her sister Saba to take the title. (prior to the events of RTW's recent Aniu Trilogy - mainly after "Balto: . . . Must Come To An End") I hope this will help set some sort of setting for you guys.

RTW: I hope I did you proud with this. It's not that good, but I've enjoyed creating your world through my eyes!

- Juuchan17

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Prologue

Two months ago . . .

It was hard for the quarter-wolf to give up her title of Alpha to her little sister, but it was Aniu's will . . . and Aleu knew that her reign as Alpha wouldn't last forever.

She wanted to be with her family now - with herself as Alpha, she had been through many risky and dangerous battles and situations . . . she had even died a couple of times before, and she didn't enjoy the feeling.

Not yet . . . I don't want to leave the ones I love yet, she thought. They need me here . . . and alive . . .

That's why her sister had returned to her. Aniu had restored her lost sister's life and gave her a chance to step down. It was still strange to see Saba in the form similar to that of the white wolf Aniu, but it was indeed her. She was no longer red and white like their mother, but Saba was still inside there, no matter what her body looked like, Aleu knew that.

Thankfully, this chance to be with her family would give her that feeling yet again . . .

"Aleu?" The familiar voice called her as she lay on the ground of her new den. It was a wolf, one with that familiar color that she knew far too well.

"Oh, I'm still awake, Shadow," she replied back, lifting her head up with a smile. "You can come on in."

He stepped in, still in serious mode as usual, and laid down beside his mate. "How are you feeling, Aleu? I mean, do you still feel strange after, . . . you know, . . .”

Aleu didn’t need him to babble on like that. “I’m fine . . . relieved, actually. It’s nice not to have such large responsibility for once.” She smiled back at him. “I believe Saba will be a good leader – she has Aniu on her side, as I do after all, and I trust her with my very life.”

Shadow could only nod back. He understood why Aleu stepped down. Her skills as a fighter had started to wane after the arrival of Lima and Sheik, their two children, and the adoption of Thunder, an orphan that Aleu had rescued. In battles around those times when her children were old enough to be weaned from her, she suffered scratches and bloody wounds, clearly showing her weakening status to her enemies and rivals. She was still strong strategically, but her main care was for the future of her Clan – Aniu’s Clan.

She has faced so much, Shadow thought as he looked at his quarter-wolf mate endearingly. She’s fought in so many battles, endured so much heartbreak within our Clan and her own family . . . I never want her to feel such pain again. I love her far too much to lose her . . .

“I still can’t believe that Saba is back,” he replied. He was there when Saba perished to her death, training the once-tamed-now-exiled quarter-wolf to become in tune with her wolf breeding, but somehow she had been revived by the grace of the White Wolf spirit and with Aniu’s assistance, she had defeated Shade once and for all from their world. The new Saba would take some adjusting to, but now she was here to stay. “but yes, I feel she’ll be a great leader, but she’ll be nothing like you were, Aleu.”

“Of course – there’s only one of me, and I’m sure we don’t need another stubborn Alpha around here, right?” Aleu joked, but she soon let out a sigh as she heard the din of her three children pass by her den. She loved them so much, wanting to be there for them and protect them from any harm, just like any parent naturally would, . . . but it was time to allow them to defend their Clan as she had for many years. It was dangerous, but it was a natural part of life, and life was not without its own set of risks. “Oh, the kids are old enough to take care of themselves now. They’re no longer pups anymore – far too old to even be considered as pups actually . . .” Her light-beige cheeks began to flush pink. “and I’ve been thinking . . . since I’m no longer Alpha, maybe we should . . .”

“Expand the brood again?” Shadow completed her thought. Aleu was silent, blushing brighter than before and nodding her head. The dark wolf could only smile back. “Well, if you’re okay with it, so am I.”

Aleu’s face beamed. For once, the all-serious wolf was being sensitive. This was the Shadow she loved and adored. “Oh, I love you, Shadow.” She buried her nose into his dark red neck, allowing him to do the same to her.

She loved seeing pups, just like her father did. Perhaps that’s why he’s had four litters thus far, she thought as she felt the warmth of Shadow’s touch on her back. Maybe another litter of bouncing baby pups is just what the Talbourne needed to welcome a new Alpha into its midst. I know Saba’s children would enjoy having playmates around their own age. Most of the pups that she had seen only moments after birth had grown up long ago, following their own destined life paths and risking their mortal lives to protect her and their Clan. It nearly brought her to tears as she remembered that a few of those pups were now walking with Aniu now . . . But alas, life continues to go on, right? She somehow brought herself to smile at that thought.

“I love you too, Aleu,” Shadow said, playfully tackling her until he had his light-brown mate pinned with her back to the floor. He soon kissed her lips, savoring her scent and taste with his muzzle.

O Aniu, Aleu thought as she felt her mate’s fur gently touch her own. Her eyes were closed, enjoying the moment of passion using her other senses as she prayed blessings to the wolf goddess that watched over them all. I trust that things will only become even better for your Clan now that my sister has taken my place and that you have taken her under your wing . . . She suddenly felt warm all over as a sharp pain hit her from below – Shadow was completing his duty as a mate to her, she knew that for sure. However, she just ignored what she was feeling, knowing exactly what the outcome was to be. And now, this moment shall only be the start of something great for us all . . .

Well, at least I hope so anyway . . .


Chapter I

The former Alpha had collapsed to the ground an hour ago with a loud groan, feeling the pressure and contractions of labor overtake her body. It had been years since her first litter, so she had somehow forgotten how painful delivering pups was.

Ohh, it hurts! She cried out inside her mind. O Aniu, please be with me this night!

“Aleu!” That was Shadow’s voice . . . she couldn’t see him due to her tightly-clinched eyelids, but she recognized and felt his presence beside her as she tried to endure the early contraction. “Aleu! Hang in there!”

Another canine that seemed to almost be a spitting image of the former Alpha ran towards the dark wolf, nudging him on the shoulder. Her coat was more gray than brown, making her wild as the lupine blood within her veins. “Shadow, maybe you should step out for a little while.” She spoke with a gentle voice, despite her wild looks. “I’ll take good care of her, I promise.”

“But . . . but I can’t leave her to suffer like this!” Shadow cried back to her. “She’s my mate, and she needs me by her side!”

“And she’s giving birth, Shadow,” the she-wolf answered back. “I’m sorry, but this is no place for a male right now – mate or not.” She hushed and tried to calm the pregnant female down with gentle breathing techniques and nudges. “Easy, easy . . . calm down and just breathe, Aleu . . . shh . . .”

“No! I won’t leave her! Aleu’s in pain! She’s your own sister for goodness sake!” He retorted. “Can’t you think about that, Melody?”

The quarter-wolf was stung slightly by the comment, but she had no choice but to growl back at the wolf. “I can, Shadow, but right now, Aleu needs to stay calm in order to successfully give birth.” She calmed herself, giving him a glare. “If she panics, Aleu may hurt the pups before they’re born . . . their lives, as will as Aleu’s, are at stake, and we can’t take any chances of her getting overstressed right now, you understand?”

He did understand what Melody was saying, but he wanted to be there more than anything. “But . . . but . . .” Shadow stammered out, unable to snap back.

Melody signaled to a couple of other she-wolves waiting outside the den opening. “Oh, take him out of here for now, will you? We’ve got a litter that’s about to be born!”

The she-wolves nodded at Melody’s quick leadership and began to lead him outside, but all stopped when they heard a small voice cry out.

“No, wait . . . Shadow . . .”

“Aleu?” The male escaped from the hold of the females, returning back to his mate’s side. “Aleu, what is it?”

She was resting from a recent contraction now, so Aleu’s tone was calm yet slightly terrified as she breathed. “Shadow, . . . take yourself and Dash . . . to my father. Bring him here . . . I know he’s to be here – oh!” Another contraction gripped her, causing her to cry out in pain. “Hurry! Go now! Ohh . . . ah!”

At that noise, the she-wolves moved in, pushing the fighter out of the den. Although he wanted to remain by his mate’s side, Shadow had to do what Aleu had asked of him – he could not fail her right now. If that’s what will make her happy, then so be it, he thought. Fleet-footedly, he ran to get Aleu’s red and white brother.

Dash was currently on sentry duty with their dearest friend, Timbre, who happened to be Melody’s mate for many years. His brown and tan fur was indeed wolf-like, much the opposite of the more husky-looking Dash. Both of them had been members of the pack for years – Dash since he was about a year old and Timbre since he was about three or four years old – and were not afraid to risk their lives to protect their Alpha. That was the eternal duty of a wolf nowadays, and life was never easy for either of them.

One of Dash’s ears twitched as Shadow approached them, acknowledging the red wolf’s presence. “Hey, Shadow – what’s going on?”

“It’s Aleu,” the wolf replied. “She’s giving birth in her den right now, and Melody’s helping to calm her.” Another cry pierced the air, only adding distress to Shadow’s worried face. “Aleu wants us to get Balto.”

“Huh? Why?” Timbre joined into the conversation.

“I don’t know why exactly, but Aleu told me that he has to be here,” Shadow answered to the best of his ability. “My best guess is that she wants him to see her latest litter . . . which I fear may be her last.” His ears lowered. “Sheik, Lima and Thunder are too old to be treated like babies anymore, and since Saba’s return and rise to Alpha, Aleu has more time to be a mother again.”

Both males could understand how it felt to be a parent. Each of them have had pups of their own . . . and had loved and nurtured them to become great wolves.

“Ah, I see,” the brown and tan male nodded. Timbre then turned to Dash. “You can go with Shadow – you know how humans are in Nome, and you’ll be able to slip in and out easier than Shadow will.”

Dash nodded. “Are you sure you’ll be okay guarding all by yourself, Timbre?” he asked.

“Don’t worry about me; just think about how happy Aleu will be when your father sees another litter of grandchildren,” Timbre reminded him with a smile. “Now, go on.” As the two began to walk away, he managed to murmur. “Be careful, you two.”

Within moments, Dash and Shadow were on their way towards Nome with no time to lose. Somehow, the moon was shining, beaming down on the deep snow of early spring underneath their paws as they ran. The trip to Nome was about an hour’s run, and neither of them were in much of a talking mood.

Wait for me, Aleu, Shadow prayed in his mind as he ran. And Aniu, watch over her. Make sure our pups are safe . . . please.

Dash easily sensed the worry surrounding his friend. “Don’t worry so much about Aleu,” he told him. “I’m sure everything will be just fine. Aniu will protect her as she gives birth.”

“I hope so,” Shadow replied nervously. “Aleu’s not the youthful young Alpha from long ago, and I’ve heard that females are at higher risk of dying if they give birth at an older age.” Again, his ears lowered. “I knew what the risk was, but . . . but I loved her so much, and I just wanted her to be happy.”

“I’m sure things will work out, Shadow,” Dash consoled. “Now, we’ve got to be careful – we’re almost at the outskirts of Nome.”

The outskirts were not a place for the weak and careless – strays fought like wild loners for territory, food and rank here, and it was as dangerous out there as it was being a wolf that was always under the threat of being attacked. Thankfully, the two wolves safely passed through without incident this night, making their way into the town of Nome by the sea and the foot of the mountains to the Western border.

Balto no longer lived as a loner; he was soon adopted by a human named Luke and got used to being under a human’s care. Thankfully, the man was used to Balto’s constant running-off – probably understanding that the gray-brown dog was half-wild – as well as the visits from strange wolves and the beautiful purebred husky that birthed all of his children, Jenna. Dash was sure that his father would be able to make a trip to the Talbourne territory to see his beloved first-born daughter once more.

Within minutes, they reached the wooden house of Luke. Luckily there were bushes nearby, full of green growth and protection.

“Hide in there, Shadow,” Dash ordered him. It was strange to give an order to a wolf of higher rank than himself, but it was necessary for Shadow’s safety. He was a wolf after all, and humans had an instinct of shooting wolves in cold blood – they both knew that far too well. Many wolves were lost due to a hunter’s rifle . . . Dash couldn’t bear to have him get killed because of negligence. “I’ll signal when it’s safe, okay?”

Shadow replied without a word, leaping into the greenery and peeking his eyes through the tiny leaves. He trusted Dash enough not to argue back.

Dash, on the other hand, saw the doggie door attached to the bottom of the entrance and passed through it, hoping to see his familiar patriarch laying by the warm fireplace. Sure enough, the son smiled, seeing Balto fast asleep.

Mom must be at home tonight, Dash thought. He carefully tiptoed towards his father and nudged him on the shoulder. “Dad . . . Dad, wake up,” he murmured into his father’s ear, so as not to wake the human that snored nearby on his bed.

The hybrid groaned, but his head rose, seeing the sight of his son by his side. “Oh . . . Dash? It that you?”

“Yes, Dad,” The son nuzzled his father happily. “I’m here, but now’s not the time to explain myself. We have to get to Aleu’s.”

“Why?” Balto asked, completely confused by the way his son was acting. “What’s wrong with Aleu?” He soon let out a gasp, realizing what it could be. “Is she in labor?”

He had heard the news that Aleu was expecting another litter some time after learning of his daughter Saba’s mysterious return to life, as well as seeing her new figure. Naturally, he was ecstatic to the good news – Aleu was right about her father’s love for puppies, and it never seemed to fade, even in these difficult times.

“We’ll talk about it on the way, but yes, she is,” Dash responded as he passed through the dog door towards the bushes. “By the way, Shadow’s with me too.”

“It’s good to see you again, safe and sound,” Balto smiled at the red wolf. “Why aren’t you with Aleu? Doesn’t she need you more than ever?”

“I was getting in the way,” Shadow replied as the threesome began to walk out of town. “Melody’s with Aleu right now, taking charge. She’s really somewhat of a spitfire, even at her age.”

“That’s my sis, alright,” Dash commented as they approached the outskirts, but his composure quickly shifted to serious mode. “But come on, we’ve got to get moving.”

“Wait!” Balto halted them, remembering something at the last minute. “I need to tell Jen what’s going on.”

“No, Balto,” Shadow stopped the hybrid. “She’ll have to wait.”

Balto gave the wolf a yearning gaze. “I don’t want her to be worried about me if she wakes up in the morning and I’m nowhere in town.” He turned to Dash, still with concern in his eyes. “You know how your mother gets panicky when she can’t find me. She’ll hurt herself . . . or get lost . . . or . . .” He shook his head at the thought of what other horrible things could happen to his mate without any notice.

“I understand your concern, but we can’t do that,” The dark-red wolf refused to waiver. “I’m sorry, but Aleu asked for you personally. We must get you to our territory immediately.”

Defeated, Balto accepted. “All right.” He turned to his son. “Dash, I’ll go with Shadow. You can tell your mother what’s going on, all right?”

“Sure, Dad. Be careful, you two . . . and give Aleu my love, okay?” Dash nodded, running back towards Nome as the other two ran the opposite way towards where new life would soon begin.

Hang in there, Aleu, Shadow thought as he and his father-in-law treaded the snow that covered the forest glen. I’m on my way back to you . . .

Be safe . . . please be safe . . .


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Yeah . . . I think you can tell that I read his stories a little too much . . . to the point of being obsessed, actually. I've had this idea for a few months now, so it's an honor to use Rotramel's characters in my own way, to the point of putting a piece of myself into his world.

What will happen next? You'll have to wait until next time! (although there's a little bit of a spoiler within this chapters already . . .)

Please tell me what you think and feel free to critique however you which!

- Juuchan17

Oooh! The suspense!!
I don't think I've ever seen something like this done before: a fanfiction on a fanfiction. Cool.
And, as always, you've got me; hook, line and sinker. I can't wait for the next part!

Write on!
-LWf

Thanks for being my first comment for this story!

It's different, but it'll be rather interesting to see how things work out in the end!

- Juuchan17

UPDATE - 6/28/08

ACT I (including the Prologue) is up on the site for reading!

Find out what happens next!

Will Shadow make it back to Aleu in time? Will Balto again become a grandfather? What does this all have to do with the name "Jadze" anyway?

Find out now -----> Jadze: The Blessed Curse - ACT I

Please tell me what you think of it. It took me a lot of time to write (not to mention a lot of hours reading through RTW's fics to get things right!), so I'd love to see if I've gotten any new fans!

(Note: This fic is already at over 30,000 words . . . and I'm less than halfway through Act II!)

Thanks!

- Juuchan17

7/26/08 - NEW TEASER!

Yes, after a lot of typing, I've chosen to post another snippet of what is to come next on this fanfiction tribute!

(Note: If you haven't read RTW's fics or the first ACT of this one, you might want to read those before this!)

Okay . . . here we go!


WARNING: This is violent . . . and I've actually altered this one for posting, but it's necessary . . . wah. You were warned.




It was dark, and there were stormy gray clouds everywhere above where she looked. The brown-gray she-wolf was standing on a cliff, overlooking the forest outside of their territory, right near the large cave that the Talbourne inhabited. Things looked nice and normal only moments ago, but the blue skies quickly changed to gray clouds signaling an upcoming storm. The sun was hidden by the darkness, but a sudden form of a blood-red moon replaced it, brightening the dark and eerie mood of her surroundings. She could hear a evil cackling resound from the heavens, one that was quite familiar in her pricked up ears . . . but it was impossible . . .

No . . . Oh no . . . It can’t be . . .

Shade?

Aleu panted rapidly as she tried to run away from the darkness, knowing what Shade was capable of doing. Shade was a creature that was selfish and cruel, wanting nothing more than for everyone to bow down and worship him instead of Aniu. She knew something about him that not many other wolves knew – Shade was actually Aniu’s son, an evil child that eventually committed the first act of murder in wolf history by killing his own mother eons ago when the world was still new and wolves were the rulers of the animal kingdom. Guided only by his own power of hatred, evil and greed, Shade had many wolves to join his side until he was able to send all of Aniu’s faithful followers to the island of Ill’aenna, imprisoning them in seclusion forever. However, the Talbourne defeated Shade himself and he ended up burning eternally in Hell for his ultimate crime of murder; yet, he had succeeded in his main mission by keeping his mother’s Clan separated from the rest of the world so that his message of evil and power could continue to be taught to the remainder of the wolves that chose to follow him.

This was only the beginning of Aniu’s master plan to free her Clan, despite the loss of many lupines for the cause . . . and soon, Aleu’s destiny was to be the one to save them at last . . .

I thought Aniu used Saba to destroy him for good . . . He should be dead! She thought as she felt her heart pound as she hid in a mountain cavern. Aleu had fought him several times throughout her life, both mentally and physically . . . she had even sacrificed her own life in order to destroy his, and still, just like the legendary Phoenix, he continued to rise from the ashes and return to life, creating complete havoc for the many Clans of wolves around Alaska by using his manipulative words to cloud the hearts of vengeful wolves and canines in order to act on his own plans of revenge against the Talbourne. As a spirit, Shade could, unfortunately, change his appearance to suit his current liking, usually becoming either his traditional lupine form or as something else . . . The last time Aleu fought him, Shade was not on four legs – he returned as a human . . . and the ultimate cost to the Clan was severe.

She knew that if Shade was to appear, she should at least try to fight him once more . . . No, I can’t . . . Oh, I can’t move . . . but Aleu was completely immobilized by her fear. If he kills me, . . . I . . . I’ll die . . . permanently . . .

Darn it, . . . I can’t do anything . . .

Bravely, Aleu was able to peek from her hiding place, looking out at the cliff that was now lined with wolves all of a sudden . . . She managed to gasp in shock – her family and friends that were somehow defending her . . . Wait a minute, why are they risking their lives to protect me? I’m no longer the Alpha . . . Saba is! I don’t understand . . .

Shade’s burned flesh appeared before them from a cloak of mysterious dark mist, standing at the cliff’s edge that she had only stood moments ago. One who had never seen the dark wolf before would only wished that they had stuck to hearing the stories, mainly because just the sight of him would make one shiver in total fear and smelling him would make anyone throw up. Compared to the majestically perfect ivory form of Aniu, Shade was her exact opposite. He was once a black wolf, but his fur was mostly burned off by fire, leaving only the rotting flesh of pale skin that remained. His skin – well, what was left of it – was crawling with white maggots, and his eyes emanated nothing but evil, shining with a bright blood-red. His scent was so wretched and putrid, that Aleu tried to plug her nose, but it was to no avail – the stench was far too strong.

However, the group of fighters seemed to ignore the scent. They lowered themselves in a defensive position and growled with their claws out, ready to attack, but Aleu couldn’t believe that Shade would even have a chance against them, most especially because one of them standing in front of him was the same one that had destroyed him the last time before – Saba, Aleu’s successor to the title of Alpha of the Talbourne.

No . . . NO!

Her eyes were wide at what she saw – the reddish form of Shadow, as well as the now-white form of her sister Saba, was completely engulfed by the darkness of Shade. They were vaporized by the dark energy that filled the air, leaving nothing but battered pieces of what was once her mate and her Alpha.

My God . . . Just the sight of what remained of Shadow and Saba made Aleu vomit and want to turn away. Why is this happening? O Aniu, where are you?

Just when she said that, a glow filled the area where her defenders were all falling and disappearing into oblivion. She caught a glimpse of more of them as Shade’s howl blasted around them. As each one fell, Aleu shed a tear for each one, recognizing them by name as she did so.

Melody . . . Dash . . . Timbre . . . Everest . . . no, not . . . not the kids! She saw the red, gray and brown forms of her older children disappear into nothingness. Lima . . . Sheik . . . Thunder . . . No, no . . . Nooo! Aleu collapsed amidst her tears at the sight. There was nothing left for her to do . . . everyone she trusted and loved was gone from her sight and killed.

How can the Talbourne survive now? Without a leader, we are doomed . . . and Shade will be able to finish his plan, by killing me for good . . . She cried to herself as she felt Shade’s horrid presence begin to close in on her. She shut her eyes, waiting for death to welcome her, but a wolf’s howl began to clear her senses. What the –? That howl . . . The sound was piercing, almost unreal to the ears if one was able to hear it for themselves. Opening her eyes, she saw nothing but a bright blue aura in front of her, protecting her from Shade!

Who . . . who is that? Aleu wondered about the aura. It was a wolf, no doubt about it, but the glowing was so intensely bright that she couldn’t make out who the wolf was. It felt like the radiance was so warm against her own coat . . . it completely engulfed her body, causing her eyelids to fall as if she were merely preparing for a deep sleep . . . all feelings seemed to disappear into the brilliant light as the she-wolf had a final thought on the lupine’s identity . . . Could it possibly be . . .

Is it actually . . . Aniu?



Aleu gasped herself awake, eyes opened widely. She rapidly tried to catch her breath from what she had just seen in her dream. How . . . horrible . . . Flashes of Shade’s destruction onto her family and friends appeared in her mind. It seemed too real . . . far too real . . . She could still catch a whiff of the demon lord’s scent lightly in the air, making her nearly throw up again.

Oh God, . . . was he here? She tried not to vomit, but Aleu couldn’t hold it in much longer, releasing it from her mouth with a cough, nearly gagging on the thought. She had the sudden case of the chills, sensing the whiff of evil scent looming around her for a moment until it suddenly evaporated into the air.

He was here . . . I know it . . . She let out a slight whine of fear, knowing that somehow he had managed to get into her mind that night. But why? Why would anyone show me this? I’m not the Alpha anymore – I should no longer be the target, . . . right?



Ooh, cliffhanger . . . ACT II: CURSE is almost finished for reading - a cursed child, a new unlikely enemy, and the return of all things evil . . . all these things shall rock the Talbourne to their roots. Ooh, what will happen next? Find out soon!

- Juuchan17

Wooooooo! What a cliff-hanger!
You and RTW sure work well with dreams. Every time something terrible happens, I'm hoping it's a dream, but simultaneously believing that it's really happening. That makes it all the more relieving (or, often, devestating) when we find out for sure which it is: reality or dream.
I'm really liking this one so far. It's nice to have a little reminder of what happened earlier on (in this case, in RTW's fics). That's another thing you're great at: summarizing the past briefly and in just the right fashion.
Not much else to say.

Keep it up!

Thanks! I'm glad you like it so far! I wanted to keep the feel of RTW's style while also making it my own story set in his world. Besides, I don't want to delve into the pasts of these characters unless I have to (like Balto's thoughts of Jenna in ACT I, and the mention of how Saba came to be where she is now), because this is mainly a new story and a new future. But thanks for the comments!

I won't give much on spoilers, but I will tell you these little secrets on the next part (not ACT II):
- Another one of Balto's children will join the Talbourne
- Shadow will see someone he's close to die (well, that's a small list, yes?)
- A new enemy will join an old enemy out for revenge (hmm, that might be saying too much already . . .)

And . . . I can't think of any more secrets that won't spoil it for you, but ACT II is almost done! Expect it sometime by the end of the month (or mid-month, if I'm lucky . . .)!

- Juuchan17

Thanks! I may post more of it for you guys (since so many people read this . . . LOL understatement!), but I won't tell you if it's before or after certain teasers! (Just to confuse you!)

Actually, here's one now!

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I can’t argue with Aleu, Shadow thought to himself. She’s far too stubborn, even after all these years. Once she makes a decision, not even I can stop her. He let out a sigh. But . . . I’m still worried about something happening to our daughter. I don’t want her to be killed like . . . like she was . . . The images of her blood spray from the wound in her chest to the moments when he watched her eyes take their last glimpse of the material world ran through his mind. I don’t want her to grow like she did. As she died, she matured . . . He tried his hardest to shake away those memories of their last conversation together all those years ago . . .



A gunshot fired with a loud BOOM, not knowing exactly who it would strike first. Of course, its target was to be a wolf, . . . but the one it would hit was a complete surprise.

The bullet pierced the gray flesh of the young she-wolf sentry suddenly, hitting her in the chest . . . almost right at the heart. She fell onto the ground as if it were slow motion. It was somewhat beautiful, yet completely heart-breaking as the wind whipped against her blood-stained fur until the moment she fell to the hard floor.

The red wolf was nearby and had heard the shot, but turning to the guards that were close to him, he saw the gray female drop. He couldn’t believe that on her first real duty she would become a target, . . . but of course, the life of a sentry was a risk worth taking. It was their job to make sure that a pack’s Alpha was safe, while at the same time, they put their lives on the line for his – or in this case, her – own protection. Sometimes they would be merely wounded; unfortunately, most of the time, it led to a one-way trip to Aniu’s eternal light.

“Jadze!” Shadow immediately ran to her side. Other guards that had seen her fall carefully hid, hoping to save themselves from being the next victim of fire. His breath was paced, seeing how helpless the young female was, but he began to drag her carefully to someplace hidden from the firing range.

My God, who would do such a thing? Shadow had tears in his eyes while he sheltered them in a small patch of bushes lining near the outside of their territorial cavern. She’s so young . . . and this is her first venture as a sentry . . . I just spoke with her only seconds ago . . .

Despite his tears, he heard a small, weak chuckle from underneath him. It was Jadze, of course; every time she moved and tried to sit up, a little more blood squeezed out from her chest wound, only intensifying when she fell again. “Well, . . . isn’t this . . . ironic, . . . huh, Shadow . . .?”

“Jadze, please don’t move,” Shadow tried to calm her down, hoping that there may still be a chance to take the bullet out. “You’re hurt.”

Jadze only chuckled again, ignoring the pain she felt in her chest. “I know . . . It . . . it hurts to . . . breathe . . .” She gasped every time she took a breath, and more and more blood trickled from her.

“Then you shouldn’t talk so much,” Shadow replied back. It was hard for him to watch her struggle, but this was his friend, as well as a niece. He hated to see someone he knew in such pain, but this was sentry duty – always a risk, a possible chance to lose the most precious part of one’s life.

The gray wolf only chuckled once more. “You know, . . . life . . . life is . . . wonderful, Shadow . . .” She tried not to cry at the pain she felt, but her breathing continued to strain the strength she had left. She knew what this pain would lead to . . . she was going to die, but she didn’t want to show it.

“Yeah,” Shadow answered, trying his hardest to keep a strong face in front of her. He knew that she would die, but he didn’t want to believe it. He looked away, keeping his focus on saving their skins from any more danger. That’s how he was – always so protective and cautious.

A couple of minutes past before the silence was broken. It was more gunfire, shooting out from the every side of their cave. Shadow had no idea whether it was safe to take her inside the cave where he could get someone to offer some help.

“Shadow?” Her voice was calm, despite the shots that they could hear behind them in the battlefield.

“Yeah?” Shadow turned back to her. He kept his voice quiet, so as not to attract any enemy fire on them.

“Be sure . . . to tell my Mom and . . .” She stopped for a second to let out a quiet set of coughs, again causing blood to leak onto the ground. It sounded like she was really in pain, as if her heart was beginning to give out. Shadow was about to speak, but she silenced him with her voice. “. . . tell my Mom . . . Dad . . . and siblings . . .” She coughed again, this time it was shorter and less severe although a bit of blood spit out from her mouth. “ . . . give them my love . . . tell them not . . . not to worry so much . . . about me dying . . .”

“Don’t say things like that, Jadze,” Shadow comforted her with licks, trying to stop the bleeding from her chest. “You’re a fighter, girl – you can make it.” The blood didn’t stop at all, only covering his muzzle and the tips of his front paws. “You’re not going to die . . . not yet.” By the way he talked to her, it was almost like a father speaking to his own daughter. He wanted to believe every word that he told her – seriously, he did – but he knew the truth.

Her elegant yet scruffy head shook slightly side to side. “Don’t hide the . . . the truth from me . . . I know . . . I know it’s near . . .” Her lips curled up for a soft smile. “I am going . . . going to die . . .”

Shadow couldn’t help but to weep at her brave divulgence, but he had pride in the courage she showed. “Yeah . . .” He replied back, still in tears.

“You know, Shadow . . . I . . . I wanted to make . . . make a difference . . . for the Clan . . .” Jadze just disregarded the fatal wound in her chest and continued to talk to him. “I wanted . . . to take on . . . everything the world had . . . had to offer . . .”

“You did,” Shadow could only respond through his tears. “You’ve done a good job.”

She only chuckled again. “Yeah, right . . .” Jadze directed Shadow’s attention to her chest. “. . . and this is my . . . my reward, huh?” The soft chuckling continued.

“No, no, no . . .” Shadow shushed her, calming her down. “That’s not it – you’ve done all you can the best way you could, and I’m proud of you.” He seriously couldn’t help but to cry. If Timbre were here, I’m sure he would say the same thing . . . he added in his mind. I know he’s always been proud of you, Jadze.

However, she didn’t want him to treat her like a child or any other young wolf in the pack. She wasn’t a baby anymore and wanted nothing more than to be able to do something important in her life. Ever since she was a pup, she was a leader – the dominant and headstrong one of the litter of six. Now that she was old enough to do the more dangerous and effective things that were a part of Clan society, Jadze knew that it was time to make the Clan she was born into proud.

However, she just hid her emotions in the form of chuckles – that was all she could do. “At least you . . . you take notice . . . Dad still treats me . . . like a newborn . . . like a naïve, little pup . . .” Shadow’s ears pricked up at these words, but said nothing as he listened to what she had to say. Suddenly, tears began to flow from her eyes. Shadow had no real idea why Jadze was crying – he was thinking the pain had finally gotten through to her, of course – but he would understand the real reason once she explained herself. “. . . Sorry, Shadow . . . but can you . . . keep a secret?”

“Of course,” he answered. “Your secret’s safe with me.” Somehow, something about this whole conversation made his fur bristle nervously. What does she trust me with? Shadow wondered. “I won’t tell anyone. I promise.”

“Well, . . . I said something . . . to my Dad that . . . that I wish I could take back . . .” Jadze was still in silent tears, but she was still smiling somehow through the tears, as well as the pulsating pain in her chest. “. . . I told him that I hated him . . . right . . . right before I . . . I went to duty here . . .”

“Well, I’m sure he knows that you didn’t mean it,” Shadow responded. He was best friends with Jadze’s father, Timbre, so he knew the brown wolf’s personality well. Timbre was rather protective of his family – he cared so much for them, and living in this dangerous world in which there was a chance one could be killed off for no good reason and at any time by a random hunter only increased his love for his mate and pups. “He still loves you, Jadze – I know that as well as you do.”

Jadze tried to shake her head, but she could only manage to twitch instead. “No . . . I . . . I really meant it . . . at the time . . . I was angry, . . . upset at him . . . He was afraid to . . . to let me grow up . . .”

“That’s how all fathers are sometimes,” Shadow spoke from experience. “We love our children so much that . . . well, we feel like we just don’t want to let you pups go, that’s all.” His mind was filled with the thoughts of his own children. They were all so precious to him, even Thunder, his adoptive son. “My son Sheik’s a lot like you too, you know. He’s on sentry duty tonight as well.” At least, I hope he’s still okay out there, Shadow worried to himself. All three of his children were being taught how to be good sentries, but he knew that anything could happen as a guard.

“Oh, I wish . . . I could apologize . . . to him . . .” The wounded gray wept quietly. “I know I don’t . . . don’t have much time left . . . but . . .” She sighed deeply out of frustration. “. . . but at least I’ll . . . I’ll be with Aniu soon . . . I’m not afraid of it . . . I don’t have any other . . . regrets right now . . .”

Really, Shadow was admiring Jadze’s courage, even at only a year old. Every pup grew up learning about how wonderful the Great Aniu was for all wolves, and the gray female was no exception. Aniu knew what was meant to be and what the future held, and the white wolf was the being that met every lupine that followed her with open paws once they passed away, whether they were very old or even the tragically young. Young Jadze wasn’t afraid of death now that it was a sure thing for her, especially since the bleeding refused to stop and her breathing began to slow. He only wished that he had the power to save his niece – she didn’t have to have her life end this way . . . not as young as she was.

“. . . I love these trees . . .” Jadze began to look around at the beauty of nature around her. She chuckled lightly. “ . . . they were such . . . such good hiding places . . . while I trained outside . . . Tiru and I would . . . would always try to . . . scare Raize and the others . . . when we leapt out . . .” The memory of her sisters and brothers made her smile. She let out a soft sneeze as a soft flake of white landed on her nose. “ . . . Ah . . . the snow’s always nice, huh . . . Tiru always was . . . was so hard to find in . . . in the snow . . .” A few more fluttered down, surrounding her gaze and starting to cover her fur instead of melting at the instant touch of her warmth – she was beginning to get cold, almost becoming frozen.

Shadow noticed this and immediately took action. “Jadze . . . Jadze?” The snow covered more of her body, refusing to melt. He nudged her with his nose and felt how cold she was. “Hey, don’t you fade out on me, Jadze! Not yet . . . not yet!”

She continued to speak, completely ignoring Shadow’s words. “ . . . the sky . . . so dark and . . . and beautiful . . .” Jadze’s voice was quieter now, and she seemed to sound rather delirious. She was fading fast. “. . . the snow . . . and a bright light . . . it’s drawing me . . . closer . . .” Her eyes took a final glimpse of the nature around her and closed slowly. A smile came upon her face at whatever she could see and a sigh escaped her lips. “. . . it’s so . . . warm . . .” Within a matter of seconds, she was cold and still, her form was blanketed with the white snow.

“Jadze . . .?” Shadow called her again, shaking her gently. She didn’t respond at all, but that soft smile remained on her face. “Jadze? Jadze!” He continued to shake her; it was a tad more violent this time and tears dripped from his eyes, melting some of the snow on the gray female’s lifeless body. “Jadze, no! NO!”

Shadow didn’t notice that behind him a vision of a white wolf and a young gray she-wolf were silently watching him grieve over the body. The larger of the two was the ivory lupine, looking rather motherly and safe; the younger gray was unafraid and nodded to the larger wolf. In a moment, they soon made their way into the woods, disappearing into a blizzard wind of snow.



Of course, Shadow knew there was no way he could ever forget losing his brave niece in front of him. I understand your reasons, Aleu . . . He thought as he looked at his mate and his new and perfect daughter. Little Jadze was sleeping against her mother, with each of her colored eye-patch markings visible to his gaze.

The risks are far too great . . . and I just don’t want to lose another Jadze again . . .



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Ooh, talk about detail! Hope this tempts you to read more!

- Juuchan17

Wow... That was...deep.
You've got a real talent for description and imagery, Juuchan.
That was probably the most touching scene I've ever read. Just wonderful to read. I'm not one to cry, but I sure felt a lump in my throat.
Well done!

-LWf

Thanks. The weird thing is that most of that scene was based on RTW's story, "Balto: Only A Matter of Time" in which Timbre and Melody's daughter named Jadze dies. He didn't detail it, but it was briefly mentioned by Shadow, so I merely added my own touch to the scene, hoping to fill in some of the major details about why Shadow can't seem to forget about her. I meant for it to be touching - she knows she's going to die, and in her last minutes alive, she tells Shadow about her mistakes, her dreams, and things that will never be . . . Actually, I think I nearly cried while writing that scene alone!

Be warned: More scenes like this will be in later chapters, so be sure to have tissues nearby!

- Juuchan17

UPDATE: 8/9/08

Hey, dudes . . . I got crazy and posted most of ACT II on my account at Fanfiction Now, so check it out!

Act II: Curse . . .

I think I left off on a cliffhanger, so don't hate me for it. There's some characters that I'm sure you'll remember from Rotramel's fics in here, so it's nice to see them again.

And I forgot to work with italics and bold on here, so I got lazy . . . please forgive me!

- Juuchan17

RAWR - double post!

UPDATE: 10/30/08 - Jadze: The Blessed Curse - ACT II is up on the site for reading! Check it out NOW!

Oh, and Act III . . . *sigh* it's gonna be a real doozy to sit through. Loads of drama, battles, and yes, even death. (I'm not saying who dies though . . . that's a secret!) However, I will say that Balto and Jenna's relationship may take a turn for the worst . . . (If you've read Rotramel's Aniu Trilogy or the first ACT of "Blessed Curse", you should know what it is . . .)

But yeah, read it and tell me what you think!

- Juuchan17