Having flown deep into the Misty Forest, Az came to a place where the mist was too thick to fly through. He landed with a running stop in the midst of some trees, barely making it safely with all the think fog around. He stopped there, looking around and not seeing much at all. He could slightly make out the trees around him, but that was it. He couldn't hear much either. It was almost perfect silence, which was rare anywhere in the world.

Retracting his wings, he walked forward deeper into the fog, curious as to what might be here. What he didn't know was that it was fabled Realm of Dreams, where anything could happen. Being fully armored in his bone armor, he was quite confident nothing was out to get him. Yet. But he walked on deeper into the fog. He almost ran into a tree that was dead ahead of him, and stopped as soon as he saw it just inches from his face. He frowned at it, just looking at it and went around it. He realized he was going to have to forget about sight, even though it was still light out.

Being able to function without sight, he just closed his eyes and let the sound of his light footsteps paint a picture in his mind. Now he saw the trees around him perfectly, and was able to react around them like normal. He continued walking deeper into the mist, now confident enough to know nothing was going to happen to him.

Az then heard something to his left, and looked to see what it was. He heard it, but his mind didn't paint any picture to what it even might be. He frowned, and opened his eyes, thinking maybe he might be able to catch something. And he did see something. Frowning harder, he wondered why he could see with his eyes through the fog, and not in his mind. And it was like there was no fog in looking.

To his left was another man, wandering through, and looking weary. Az turned to face him and stood still. He could see this man perfectly as if there was no fog, but he could still the fog around himself. It got Az wondering where he really was. He watched the man approach and stop just a few feet from Az and take notice of Az. Az knew this man at a first glimpse and further increased his confusion. Az looked hard at the man, seeing it was father.

His father was taller than Az by a few inches and skinny. Looking at up his fathers face, Az saw that he had a shadow of a beard growing in, his eyes were practically blacked out, and full brown hair hung straight down over his eyes. Az's father finally said something. "Az? Is that you?" Az took a step back in shock, knowing his father was still at home at the town he came from. His father never left home or work or the town. Did he really leave? Why did he leave? Was he looking for Az?

Az's father continued in his deep voice, seeing Az's reaction. "Oh, my son, it's been a long time. I've missed you so. Where have you been? Come home with me, we'll talk things over." He smiled warmly and took a step forward to Az, holding out a hand. "Take my hand, let's go." He jiggled his hand a little bit, motioning Az to take. Az wasn't sure if he should. He liked being out and away from him home town travelling, and he didn't miss home or his dad at all. Az stood up straight and stood still, looking hard at his father with a hard look.

"No dad, I told you, I wanted to leave, and I never plan on coming home. I might visit sometime in the near future, but I will never go back with you for good." Az said in his proud tenor voice. A hint of nostalgia stuck in his voice, as it was a little tempting to go home and see what's changed. But he held firm and kept himself from taking his father's hand. "I have a life out here, and I'm not going back."

His father seemed to think differently, as he kept his hand held out and kept a glowing stare at Az. "Well, maybe if I told you your mom has come home. She came clean, told me that she knew she did wrong by leaving you to grow up in my hands without a caring mother. She's grown to be quite the nice lady around the house. She would make you feel right at home," He said.

Hearing something behind his father, Az looked behind him and saw a womanly figure walking towards them. She looked vaguely familiar, but he couldn't make out anything specific. He kept quiet until she approached, ignoring his father. Az almost gasped once he saw who the woman was. It was his demoness mother. On a few accounts she had tried getting him to join her army of demons and lead it, creating chaos in the worl. Az denied every opportunity she gave, but was told it was his destiny. Az preferred to stay in control of his life, so he did his best not to give in, even if it meant total power.

"Azlateen, come home. We miss you." His mother spoke softly, just like a caring mother should. She stood next to his father, looking down at Az. Az suddenly found himself a little kid, wishing to be with his parents. Badly. Both of his parents were right here, in front of a young Az, holding out their hands to him. Little Az made a slight move to take their hands, but snapped out of it and hardened his expression. He was now back to his normal self, 26 and built like a fighter.

"No, and you want to know why?" He asked them fiercly, taking a step towards them. The both backed down their hands and took a step backwards. He looked to his shorter mom and his taller father, and continued, "Because I know that the both of you would never even want to be seen together in public, nonetheless see each other in private. Mom, you never cared if I even grew up. All you wanted me for was to lead your stupid demon army into this world and create chaos.

"Dad, all you wanted me for was to take you place in the bank when I was old enough. It was a generous offer, but it's not what I wanted. I'm not going home." He finished, saying it firmly. He made a move to turn back in the direction he was originally going, but they stopped him stubbornly.

His father said, "No Azlateen, you're coming home with us, whether you want to or not. Now let's go before I get angry." Az felt the fear of a little kid getting grounded, and found himself a little kid once again. He cringed a little at the threat, these feeling being very real. But he couldn't believe them. He couldn't give in. He wanted to live on his own, not like a spoiled little kid.

"No!" Az said in his own voice angrily. Suddenly back to an adult, he leaped at them and throwing his feet forward. He aimed two kicks at the same time, one foot heading for each of their happily glowing faces. They never changed their expression as his kicks just flew right through them. He didn't expect that to happen, and he went flying and crashed into the ground a few yards behind what he thought was his real parents. He slide a few feet and stood up at the end of it quickly and still saw his parents there, backs to him. He walked back to them, through them, and stood in front of them.

They were now just still frames of illusions, hands still outstretched, looking down at a little Az. Az looked at this little scene and broke down, falling to his knees. He buried his face in his strong hands, and let off a stifled scream. This was a childhood dream he hid day and night, and to himself because of it's sentimental powers it had on him. Who wouldn't want two parents that were willing to care for their kid and treat them like they're supposed to. The realm of Dreams was reaching to him, but why? He still didn't even know that it was the Realm of Dreams. It was so real for a moment there, he way his parents offered themselved to him again. And to only have it an illusion? Why do that to anyone?

Seeing the illusion soon fade away, Az got up and stood there a moment, thinking about what just happened to him. He walked back out to the spot where he originally was, and stood there a moment, closing his eyes again. A mental picture was refreshed in his mind, still showing nothing was around but trees and fog. Then he heard another sound of movement, this time right in front of him. Again, his mental picture showed nothing. Something wasn't real here.

Opening his eyes again, he saw yet another man walking toward him, and this time looking all to familar. It was another Az, in full demon form, walking right to him. Illu Az had his wings spread out fully on either side on him, and his head was bent down as he walked. Az took a step back and turned to the side, watching Illu Az approach him. He didn't know what was going on or what Illu Az was going to do, but Az couldn't let his guard down. He had a feeling his worst nightmare was going to be unleashed in a cold harsh reality in just a few moments.

Illu Az stopped about 10 feet away and stood there. He looked at Az his own pure black eyes. Az looked at his illusion self up and down. It was an exact copy of himself, full fledged demon form, wings, everything. But he knew he wouldn't be able to touch this illusion, even if he wanted to fight it.

Suddenly Illu Az sped forward, flying at Az's incredible speed. Just out of reflexes, Az threw a punch aimed to slam his copy down, but again, he went right through it. Illu Az sped right through him, towards something else. Az didn't know what, but he spun around to see what it was going to be. Illu Az just kept going, and disappeared into the thick fog of the forest. With Illu Az's disappearance, it seemed like that was an introduction to a bigger show, along with the appearance of Az's parents.

And it was. As soon as Illu Az disappeared, many images appeared around Az in the fog. His parents show up in the same pose as they left, holding their hands out to a young Az. A dream, no doubt. Another image showed Az fighting himself full on, hit for hit, block for block with no end in sight. A nightmare. Az let off a sighing laugh, as it was was piece of philosphy he taught himself. "Your worst enemy is yourself." He said to himself shaking his head.

Then Az realized he was in the Realm of Dreams. He had heard about a few times, but never knew where it lie or what it was. Now he did. He looked around some more, and saw more images of his dreams and such. He saw himself with a beautiful girl, and recognized her as a childhood friend that he used to know. And particularly liked. Az and her were holding hands strolling through the forest around Az. They disappeared for a moment, and drifted back into sight in another part of the forest near Az, repeating itself in the fog. The image of his parents was the only one that stayed in one spot near to Az.

All of these images were as if they weren't in the Misty Forest, but the scenery of the Misty Forest remained the same for all of the occasions. It was just the actions that showed through the fog, not anything else. He stared at himself and his long lost friend for a while before looking back to his parents. He walked over to them and stood about 3 feet away from them. He looked at them with a strong feeling of nostalgia once again, wishing he could have had that something more in his childhood instead of Az training day and night.

The images of Az's parents came back to life, but didn't interact with Az this time. Instead Az saw a little version of himself run past his feet and jump into his mothers arms. A strong feeling of nostalgia rushed over him at the sight of that, never having a mother that could actually do that. It was Az, just as a little kid in his mother's arm. It was exactly like him, eyes and hair all the same. Just a little bit less built like a fighter. Breaking down again, he fell to his knees, and sat back on his rear, watching the illusion play it's part. He did his best to hold back from letting go of his tears, but one slipped and rolled down his face as he watched his little self be smothered with motherly affection. He was then passed to his father, where he spun little Az around in a circle, laughing merrily. Both his parents laughed happily, and little Az squealed with childish delight. Another tear slid from Az's cheek as this went on. He couldn't help but watch, but he missed these non existent memories so.

Gwen found herself traveling through her forest home once more. It felt so good to be back within its wooden walls. She had been away for so long that she had almost forgotten who she was. The calling of the wild could never be forgotten though, and when she made her first step into the forest all the memories came rushing back to her. She felt knew life being so close to the whispering trees and frolicking creatures.

The young nymph danced on through the misty forest, going further and further in without thought. She knew exactly where she was going to end up, but did not give it a thought. She had been in the realm of dreams before, the place where the line between reality and fantasy was thinnest, hidden away deep within the forest.

Gwen had never feared the areas power, for she did not know the full extent of it. She had never had nightmares and great worries when she had traveled in to the realm of dreams. She had been sheltered by the forest, keeping out all the worries and evils of the world outside hers. This time would be different however. She had experienced much since she had been in the realm last. She had been kidnapped and torn away from her forest without choice to see the harsh reality of the world. She had also left the forest willingly before to travel with her love Eratnu and see all there was to be seen in the outside worlds. She knew of its temptations, evils, and strife. She had also seen its pleasures, beauty, and friendliness. Her mind had been opened now that she had left the forest. She no longer thought like a nymph, thinking that everything was good in the world, playing in their forest homes ignorant to the rest of the world. She knew that the world was not easy, things were gray and not just black and white. She was still a child at heart and was very playful and loving, but she was no longer ignorant. She knew pain and strife. Her mind held fears and worries. Gwen did not fear going into the realm however. It had always been kind to her and made her dreams into partial reality. She did not know it could also do the same to fears, for she had never before had fears. She would most definitely be in for a surprise

Soon Gwen found herself in deep fog. The world was blurred, but she moved on without fear or hesitation. She knew exactly where her steps would lead her, for the trees whispered their warnings if she was ever going to run into them. Nymphs were never lost in their element, no matter how horrible the terrain got.

As the dryad walked on the realm began to weave its magic on her. Flowers bloomed into explosions of color before her eyes and trees bore wondrous fruits and the prettiest flowers. Illusionary butterflies fluttered and suckled on the plants sweet nectar. A vine curled along her arm and then bloomed beautiful flowers. She loved nature so much and the realm of dreams was able to make more beauty than even Liara herself.

She moved onward in her own illusion, totally captivated by it. But things slowly began to change. The trees trunk began to twist slowly, leaves turning a brown before falling to the ground. This startled Gwen, not expecting the trees to die. Then the blooming flowers lost their awesome shine and color, fading away and wilting. The beautiful green she saw began to turn brown and dead. The vine around her arm soon began a chain and shackle. She screamed and pulled away, not believing this horrible sight, but also not knowing the dark powers the realm of dreams held. She was shocked, not knowing how this could happen.

The shackles were gone and all the illusions were. She sat in total darkness, a few warm tears running along her smooth pale skin. She tried not to focus on the darkness, but rather the whispers of the trees to comfort herself. She tried to clear her mind of all thought, but it was much to hard for her. Thoughts were constantly moving through her curios brain. Soon the magic of the realm found its ways into her pregnant mind and pulled out more fears.

She heard the calling of familiar voice, one she loathed more than all else. The voice was willed with the arrogance and conceitedness of its owner. She turned quickly to see the dark and charming face of Jupiter, the man that had been most cruel to her in all her immortal life " Did you think you could get away from me you little nymph! Did you think you would be sheltered by your forest! not after you had betrayed it to go live a life with that foolish little elven boy! Now you are mine once more!"

Gwen pushed herself off the ground, trembling at the sight of Jupiter " I will never be yours! I will never be owned, just as no living creature should! I have not betrayed Liara and her home and they will protect me against your evil ways" Soon images of his evils flashed through her mind. How he so easily mocked nature and its power. How he took the beastly wood golem down on his own. How he so willingly shackled Gwen and kept her as his property. She could swear that she felt the cold metal digging into her wrists.

Gwen knew that she could not take Jupiter alone. She was too weak, only one little nymph against the greatest evil she had ever known. Was he right? Had she really betrayed nature and her forest by leaving? Had Eratnu been a test sent by Liara to check her loyalty? Had she been angry that I denied her gift of a life without danger and worry within her forest home? She could not handle that and began to cry. She would not let Jupiter have the satisfaction of watching her cry. She turned around quickly and began to run into the darkness, not caring how deep into the realm she ventured. She could not let him get her once again. She had hoped every night to not see that vile smirk or his hansom face ever again. She only kept running, thoughts racing of her possible betrayal and of her enemy.

Finally she stopped in her tracks when she no longer heard Jupiter. Her face was flushed and her heart was racing. Never before had she run that hard. She hated so much being alone. She wished for companionship in any form. Once she had gotten her breath back her green eyes scanned the surrounding area as if she could see through the fog with her own eyes. She did see another dark figure however, stepping back from it. Was it Jupiter? Was this horrible place playing more tricks on her? Was it even a person? She felt words coming up even if she did not want to talk " Hello?" Her voice was shaky and scared like that of a lost child. Oh she hoped so much it was a real person! She could not take being alone any longer.

Still watching the illusion of his parents play with little Az like a happy should, he couldn't help but bear the feeling of nostalgia. Just watching this though kind of helped him realize that he could have had better parents by chance only. He looked at his miniature self, and couldn't have been any younger than 5. Little tough guy... Az thought to himself with a small smile. He felt sorry for himself then, knowing that that was only a dream and nothing close to being real. If only the little guy could have had something as real as that. But now Az was pretty much stuck fighting to live, and living to fight. Well, he couldn't argue with it. It was his favorite past time he had to admit. But Az now new there could have been something better.

Little Az was then set down on the ground, and he looked at the bigger Az with his pure black eyes. Seeing his own eyes made a chill go down Az's own spine. He had never really had the experience of looking into someone's eyes like that, and now he knew how others felt with he looked at them. Little Az then made his way to Az, or, well, at least it looked like it at first. Az knew Little Az couldn't acually be going to him. He was only an illusion.

But Little Az did. Big Az was sitting cross legged, and Little Az came and sat in his lap. Az felt actual weight, and actual butt take a seat in his lap. Az frowned a little, knowing it was an illusion, but didn't know how this was possible. Oh well, he didn't worry about it, because little Az made himself comfortable by leaning his back on Az's chest. Trying to get even more comfy, he turned on his side and snuggled into Az's side. Az felt a feeling of comfort rush over him as Little Az got comfy. He had really never felt this feeling before, but he could live with it.

Az looked up at his parents, both of them standing together with an arm around each, smiling down at the two Az's. He couldn't know what they were thinking, but they soon faded out and Little Az remained. Az looked down at Little Az and put an arm around him, seeing the illusion parents abandon Little Az.

They sat there awhile until Az heard a call from a woman voice. It sounded all to familiar, but there was a certain trait of the voice that didn't match what he remembered. Well, not like he knew who it was, but he never remember this trait when he first heard the voice. Az looked to the voice, and saw a slight silhouette form approaching. He could sort of pick out characteristics, but had to see up close because of the fog.

He nudged Little Az a bit and whispered softly, "Come buddy, let's go see who it is." He picked up little Az and stood up, setting Little Az on the ground and walked to see who it was. Little Az followed, and took Az's hand. Az looked down at Little Az, and smiled at him, giving him a little wink and giving the small hand a little squeeze. He walked to the silhouette, and seeing that it was someone that he would never expect to leave her spot. She sounded scared, and Az never knew that she could have that feeling the way she lived. Did something happen to her? Az didn't know.

"Gwen?" He called out. "Hey it's me, Az. You alright? You sound a little syked." He said, walking closer until he could see her perfectly. Yep, same ol' Gwen standing there. Little Az just watched curiously, watching what his big brother, so to say, was doing with this person. "Hiiii!" The little one called out childishly. Az chuckled a little at Little Az's innocence. He didn't remember being like that, but he probably was.

Gwen knew that voice. She had remembered the time well. He had given her flight. He was the first person to ever take her out of the forest, even if it was only a small distance away. She moved closer to him slowly, brushing a gentle hand along his cheek. He felt warm and so real, but you could never be too sure in a place like this " Az I have not seen you in ages!" She wrapped her arms around him, resting her head against his muscular chest. She took in a deep breath to comfort herself. She was no longer alone.

The nymph let go of her embrace " Yes I am ok. This place had just startled me! It is different then before, colder." Her lighthearted and charismatic voice began to return to her. Az brought nothing but good memories to her, of times still spent in the forest.

Gwen then looked down to greet the little boy, giving the stranger a hug without even thinking about it " Hello too you too! You look so much like Az." She brought her head gaze back too him, locking into his eyes " Have you settled down since we last met? Have you found love?" So much had happened since she had seen him last. She had experienced fear, pain, and weakness. She had found love, seen death first hand, traveled through town. She had even wore dresses a few times. She had never gotten used to clothes, thinking them silly and pointless. That was another great part of the forest. She was truly happy to be back.

Her hair stood on end and a chill ran through her. She could swear she was being watched. She still felt as if Jupiter was lurking in the darkness, waiting till the right time to strike. She had never before feared the dark until he came into her life. It had always been a time of peace, beauty, and tranquility. She used to lay in the grass and listen too the music of night, the hooting of owls, the chirping of crickets, howls of wolves, and the croaking of the toads. Now when the darkness came she could only hear that horrible voice and see that attractive yet utterly horrid face.

The feeling made her move closer to Az and his little friend. The human contact made her feel at ease. Gwen's face took a more serious look, as serious as a nymph could be anyway " How long have you been in this place? You know that many men get lost in this place! They are mesmerized by their fantasies and dreams that coming to life before their eyes! They get lost in the beauty of this place, lost in their own heads till they starve." The kinder nymphs, Fae, Satyrs, and other woodland creatures always gave travelers warning before entering the Realm of Dreams. It had the same effect as poisonous plants. They used beautiful colors to attract their victims and when they gave into their desire to feed on the beautiful plant, they died and became food for the plant they so longed to eat themselves.

Ah! It was Gwen! What a sight for sore eyes. He too was glad that there was something real here. He returned her embrace, hugging her tightly and letting go once she let go. He remembered their flight and how she helped him out in his time of need. He was near death, and she nursed him back to perfect health. He would be forever grateful for that. "Yes, it has been a long time." He said with a smile.

"Glad to see you're ok though. This place is a little different than others," He said looking around through the thick fog. Az watched Gwen give Little Az a hug, and chuckled a little. "Gwen, meet little me." He grinned oddly, still finding it a little mind boggling that he had a little version of himself to interact with. Little Az returned the hug with a little childish squeal and stood by Az's side again, holding onto Az's pant leg. He could tell Gwen was going back to normal the longer she was around Az. Her confience came back, and her ol' cheerful self came back.

He smiled and shook his head at her sudden questions. So much to talk about, and plenty of time! "No, I haven't settled down permanently yet, and no love has come my way yet." He chuckled a little. "But I'm still on the lookout, don't worry." Not many people have come his way that he could form a relationship with, but he always hoped. A lot of them were too young for him, a little too naive, or were trying to kill him or something. He shrugged them all off really, knowing he'll find something eventually. Now he was a little curious as to what Gwen was doing here. her voice had sounded scared not too long ago, and he had never known she could have that tone from where she stayed all the time.

He nodded at her facts of men being entranced here by dreams. He was just in that state not too long ago. "Yes, I know this. I was just in a dream, but you brought me out of it. Thank you," He chuckled again. It was a little hard to be in that dream, but it was even harder to get out. Maybe it was luck that it disappeared and Little Az came out of it, Gwen coming around. At least he was out, and he also knew his way out.

Still being curious as to what she had been up too while they were apart for that whole age, he asked, "So what have you done? I never knew you had fear in you, since you never experienced it in the forest. What happened to cause this?" He was just curious, and he didn't know Vaud had kidnapped her and planted fear in her. If he found out he would have yet another bone to pick with his bitter arch rival. They were always fighting, even if they were just looking at each other. They would fight each other in their heads.

Gwen gave him a happy smile " Well it looks as if we found each other at just the right time, for both of us!" Being together again brought back memories of the two back when they had first met. He had given Gwen quite a scare, looking as if he would die at any moment. In the end he helped her almost as much as she helped him. We was the first person to show Gwen life went on outside her forest. He had given her the initial courage to leave.

It was now time for Gwen to tell her stories. So much had happened that she did not know where to start. When the nymph opened her mouth the words came up as if a dam had been knocked down. She had planned to omit the sadder parts, as she did not want to put a damper on this reunion, but she could not control what came out " I had done a lot of growing up since we last met! I have met two unforgettable people, but for two very different reasons. The first was a man named Jupiter who had shown me how cruel life was. He shackled me and tore me away from my home. He took me too the underworld, the most horrible place in the world, where i was almost sold into slavery..." She talked quickly through that part, being embarrassed about the entire situation. Her face lit up as she came across the happier part "... Then there was Eratnu! He had found me and talked me into traveling with him. He showed me city life and all of its strange customs. He showed me that there was nature that was just as beautiful as my forest. I fell in love with him, and he loved me!"

Gwen would forever remember both people. Eratnu had been her first love. He was the first person and only person she had made love too. He saved her life more than once. Jupiter had shown her what it meant to be evil. She had met lecherous travelers before, but nobody had hurt her like Jupiter. He stole Gwen's innocence, but in a way helped her. She did not blindly trust people any longer after that. Because of him Gwen was less bubbly and less naive. Gwen was no ordinary nymph to be sure.

As each of the thoughts ran through her mind, she could swear that it played out in front of her. The magic of this place was wonderful. It was only until now she found out it could also be a horrifying place.

Az smiled at her as she said they found each other at the right time. He was glad to see her again. Az could tell that Gwen had a lot more confidence, and had obviously seen the rest of the world, good and bad. Though he wondered how she lived away from her forest. Wasn't it that she couldn't go far without feeling weak or did she overcome it? Az would have to find out, but for now he listened to Gwen stories and was amazed on her experiences.

He frowned a little though when she mentioned Jupiter. Maybe he heard wrong, but if he heard right then he had a bone to pick with him. Juptier was Az's arch enemy ever since he beat Az in the tournamet and trying to kidnap another little girl. Az tried to stop it all, but the outcome was never found. Either that or Az didn't remember much of it. "So wait, Jupiter? Vaudeux Jupiter kidnapped you? You're kidding right?" He sighed a little, shaking his head. Little Az could tell Az was distressed about that, and tugged at Az's pants, looking up at him. He could tell that Jupiter was no good at all. Az looked down at Little Az and ruffled his hair a little bit, giving him a smile. "It's alright little buddy, you'll be fine." He looked up back to Gwen. "We'll all be fine if he decides to come back," He said reassuringly, hopefully at least reassuring himself. I just got another bone to pick with him now...

Az grinned as she mentioned her first love. "Well someone has sure been busy." He said sarcasitcally, still grinning. Az hoped the best for the both of them, and that her love Eratnu kept his word. He looked around, seeing more images that weren't his, and must have been Gwen's. He saw her and Eratnu together, saw Jupiter even. He frowned at the sight of Jupiter, but knew it was only an illusion. But was it really? Well, Little Az came out of the Realm an illusion, and was real to the touch, sight and sound. Maybe the Realm decided to keep Illu Jupiter an illusion for now. He was better off that way.

He saw himself as a teenager and his friend walk by again. He saw her face and smiled a little, knowing Gwen saw him with the girl he liked as a teen. "Well, I had found love once I suppose." He said with a shrug. He watched himself and her walk past. That was probably a dream of his, a long forgotten one. Now thanks to the Realm it's going to haunt him for a while. And he still saw himself fighting himself in the background, but his parents were no where to be seen. Ha! Better off that way anyways... It was good that Gwen found herself someone, and had to wonder why she wasn't with him now. Maybe she had to return to the forest or something.

"I'm you experienced the world now, good and the bad. Now you where I come from and what I've dealt with over and over don't you?" He asked with a half grin. "And you probably know why I've had so much fun in doing so." He didn't have much to talk about himself, since he hasn't done much. Though he did come out with his full demon form a while ago, he wasn't going to mention it just yet.

Gwen was happy that Az was the fighter type now. When she had first met him she found it odd that he liked to beat people up and fight. When she had felt weakness and how she had wished so bad she could fight back, that she could be stronger, she realized that Az had the right idea. There was more too it than just fighting. It was not just black and white, good and bad " Yes that's the one! those are not the memories I like to think about, but I often have no other choice." Gwen felt reassured to be in his presence.

She forgot all about Jupiter as he joked about Eratnu and her " We had fun together! It was a very exciting time to be out of the forest and with someone that loved me. Slowly we began to grow apart though. He had experienced so much and I had done so little! We decided to go our separate ways." She remembered how the heartbreak of that separation had been far worse than any pain Jupiter had made her feel. It was strange how someone you loved so much could hurt you the most, but it must have been the same for him.

Gwen came out of her own dreamy state and watched as illusions of a teenage Az played out with a pretty girl. They looked carefree when they were near each other. They held that confidence that youth bestowed upon people, the sense of invisibility. They were truly a beautiful couple. She could not help but wonder what happened to their love. Was it the same thing that happened to her and Eratnu.

Gwen looked down at little Az. She wanted so much to just pick him up and hold him forever. She was a natural caretaker and loved to satisfy. He was such a cute little kid that looked so happy at the side of his taller self " Yeah after I experienced the world I would not have given up that trip for anything! I know now why you travel so often! It is a very seductive life. You get too see all of the beauty of the world and leave before your troubles can find you again!

He sighed at Jupiter's evil stupidity. He was never satisfied, and didn't have a lick of common sense in him. He knew soon he would have to fight Jupiter again, and this time he was going to take him down. He was determined too. He shrugged it off though, seeing that was moving on to her love subject. At least she some good to balance out the bad. Everyone needed that, even Jupiter.

He frowned sarcastically at her as she said they went they're seperate way. "Oh come on, there's no reason you two should be apart!" Apparently the guy was too full of himself to bring himself down to earth and be with her. Either that, or Gwen had to stay in her forest once in a while, and he wasn't a nature type of guy. Well, whatever it was, it was too bad they didn't decide to stay with each other. Hopefully Az will find someone that will be willing to stay with him for as long as he wants to stay with them. That might be a while, but it could also come soon.

He smiled as she said her trip opened her eyes. At least she knew why he travelled. He liked seeing the countryside, the people along the way, the violence even. He wondered how she adjusted, and how differently she saw him now as a fighter. "See? I told you it would be worth it. How did you adjust to the violence? Glad I'm a fighter now?" He teased, being sarcastic. He chuckled a little, grinning, and squinting his eyes sarcastically at her. He was glad he was a fighter, able to handle just about any situation.

From the cloud of settling mist, a rather particular occurrence seemed to be forming. The shapeless vapor was slowly spinning in a certain area, the tiny white flecks were morphing into darker particles, barley noticeable from their obscure position. The popped into the unfathomable atmosphere and seemed to be multiplying just as quickly. And, just before they became a noticeable form, they were on the move. Spiraling through the air, weaving in and out and parting through the sea of mist of the Realm. With numerous mentions, and thoughts solely pertaining to his form, it was only a matter of time before the realm answered their unwilling calls. Amongst the immobile bodies of the pair a familiar cackle mocked them, echoing off invisible walls, brushing their annoyance, and sounding oddly distorted.

The mist had since then gained momentum, and it was hurtling towards its nearest target in a sweeping mass. She had been weakened and strengthen in a short amount of time, so her mind was more susceptible to the preying of her nightmares. It swept up behind her, first a chilling wind, next an unwanted embrace. It was like a figure, hulking up behind her, whispering in her ear, “My, my Gwen..” It mocked, in her most hated and memorable rendition of Jupiter. “Never thought we would be here would we?” Suddenly he was looking down over her, twenty feet tall, eyes flaming red. The area around him was burning with the painful memories of her underworld captivity, multiplied horrifically before her in a private mirage. Slowly, the giant shadowed figure with the blazing eyes, began to crouch and bore itself down into the escaped Dryad. It was closing in, ready to strike her down, and his face seemed to move into an imaginary light, lines magnified tremendously and twisting into a hellish representation of want, want to break Gwen, steal her away from her home, and lust for gold from her hide.

And, just as quickly as he appeared, the image dissipated, forcefully blasting its way past the tormented and spiraling back into the mist. For one, horrific, minute there was silence. The impact of what had happened was surely encompassing its victim, and drawing the pair into a false sense of security. But, for not long afterwards, the shapeless mist was suddenly approaching its next target. It was as if it were sensing the hate radiating off his body, waning to the calls for bloodshed. It spiraled towards Azlateen, wisping up until it was, too, brushing up to a close and private ear. It didn’t offer words this time, instead it gave another sardonic cackle before catapulting itself over the martial artists shoulder. With a single movement the strange haze seemed to envelop the fuming fighter, bringing forth a whole new illusion, real as if it were Az himself. Instead of being insulted first-hand, he had to watch himself, bloodied and grasping his cracked ribs on the sodden ground in the clearing of the Outdoor training Arena.

Jupiter was wearing a terrifying expression as he gazed hatefully down at his competitor, mocking loud enough for Azlateen to hear the words repeated to him… “Maybe you should stop playing in the dirt and fight then, or do you want to ask the judge for a more polite competitor?” And, just like with Gwen, the scene imploded right before its target’s eyes as soon as it was reacted to, leaving an unsettling film over the empty chasm of the realm. The scene was now tense, anything could happen, but nothing did until the unsettling chill of what was to come had reached their bones. The white fog had evaporated and left the space dominated by black, a chilling nightmarish tone. Then, from the black abyss, a figure was approaching. Rapidly he strode, parting the sea round him, black seeming to pull away from his form as if it were silken cloaks. Jupiter pulled from the darkness, holding his shoulders high in all normality, but his gaze was foreboding and evil. He had adopted the same rich attire from the underground slave market and the established devilish grin from the first round of Nafalen’s tournament. Now, more than ever, was he real, before the two, his enemy and his victim. A reachable figment.

Gwen got goosebumps as the whispers of Jupiter's loathsome voice was heard once more. She threw her fist back to strike him but her hand just moved through the air. He wasn't even there. It was then that the seen began to change. The mist distorted into the underworld, the lifelessness and woe returned too her, making her body shake fiercely. She remembered how that placed had drained her, almost killing her. It was then that Jupiter appeared greater then life. He stared down at the timid nymph with burning eyes, full of greed and conceit. She bit her bottom lip hard to keep herself from shouting out. She buried her face in Az's chest, trying her best not to look back at the the horrible sight for if she did she would lose it.

Gwen took a few deep breaths and forced herself too examine her surroundings once more. The mist had reverted to its old self and she let out a shaky sigh " This place takes so much pleasure in reopening my fresh wounds! It had been so kind before, but now the only things I see are death and Jupiter." She could not stop shaking. She felt embarrassed that she hid behind Az as if she were still child. For the first time she had taken comfort in the darkness, for it hid her red cheeks. No matter how embarrassed she was, she could not just forget about Jupiter's face. The Realm would not let her forget.

This was the first time she had ever been scared in the forest. She had always taken comfort inside these wooden walls, but now she was feeling alone and out of place. It was a horrible feeling, second only too when she had her heart broken. Gwen was suppose to protect the forest. She was suppose to be one with nature, but she could not stop herself from feeling she betrayed nature by leaving her forest home. That only made her feel more alone and even smaller.

The realm was definitely weaving something sinister. Az seemed on edge and Gwen's heart was pounding so hard she felt as if it would rip right out of her chest. Why did Jupiter make her feel this way. No matter where she was or who was with her she became sick just at the thought of him. It was then that his face took shape again out of the mist. Gwen shrunk to Az's side, but was more prepared for him this time, still thinking him nothing but an illusion. Her hand wrapped around little Az and she held him as tight as any mother protecting her own child. She feigned confidence and hoped her voice was not as shaky as she was as she whispered towards little Az " Do not be afraid, I will not let him hurt you!"

Az straightened up like a stiff board when he saw an illusion creep next to Gwen. It disappeared, and Az couldn't but be on his guard like life depended on it. He didn't know what it was that appeared next to Gwen, or couldn't be sure. He thought it might have been the Realm playing tricks on them again, but in the sight of what Az thought was Jupiter, he couldn't be sure. He knew Jupiter had strange evil powers, and the Realm could have nothing to do with this, unless the Realm was helping the real Jupiter. If that was the case, then where was Vaud?

Then he saw a familiar sight that happened a long time ago. His loss in Nafalen's tourney. He was beaten badly, and was determined to never let that happen again. He had a slice across his stomach, a good stab in his shoulder and his tigh, ribs broken. It was a rough fight. That was nothing to get revenge for against Jupiter, since it was in a tourname and a loss was a loss, but from what Az had seen and heard about what Jupiter does, he has a few bones to pick with him. And he might as well get back for the stupid publicity Jupiter was pulling on him from his loss.

Az stared straight ahead, expecting everything to happen at this moment. A voice whispered in his ear about his loss, a taunt about it, but he kept his cool. He didn't flinch, and he didn't listen to voice. He knew Jupiter was around somehwere, trying to wreak some trouble on them. He let the voice and the images disappear, and waited for the next thing to happen.

Then Jupiter came out of the mist, out of the darkness. Az still stood strong, stoic once again. He heard Gwen whisper to his little self that nothing would happen to Little Az. He was glad she was there to look after him, because Az was going to be a bit busy. "I won't let anything happen to either of you." He said in a low tone. He wasn't about to leave without a fight in this place.

Az decided to go into his demon form just then, where he could last a lot longer, and perform even better. Out of the blue his body went through a slight transformation. His wings were extended once again, horns grew out of his head, tattoes were burned onto his chest and even face, and his muscles got slightly bigger. Once the quick change was complete, he stood there, hunched over slightly, breathing heavily. He rested his hand on the hilt of his new blade, his demonic blade, which was sheathed in back of him, the sheath latched onto the back of his pants. "Let's not start something harsh now." Az said in a dark, deep cold tone. It was a demonic sounding voice, cold hearted fury backing its strength. He grinned sinisterly, his pure black eyes squinting, his face twisted into a fury grin.