Introduction
The sun shines brighty above you as you make your way through a lush forest. You have never been here before, and you have high hopes of exploring. You take a sip from your water bottle as you look around. You lean against a tree, and decide to take a break for a few minutes. As you close your eyes to relax, a voice reaches your ears, ringing loud and clear through the trees.

"I was counting down the minutes
I was wishin' on the stars
I was prayin' for a sign
And tryin' to beat the odds
I was dreamin' of you
From before I saw your face
And there you were
Waitin' for that day
Then you reached through the hurricane
When you baby you called my name

You broke through the storm
And you turned back the night
Baby you are the fire
Burnin' the midnight sky
And your love
Keeps taking me higher
Just when all hope was gone
Where the hero belongs...

There you were

Must have broken into heaven
Just to roll back the clouds
Were you on a mission
Were you seekin' me out
Was I that one in a million
Was I that one sacred kiss
That you couldn't chance
You just couldn't miss
Then you babe you whispered through the silent tears
When you, you swept away all my fears

You broke through the storm
And you turned back the night
Baby you are the fire
Burnin' the midnight sky
And your love
Keeps taking me higher
Just when all hope was gone
Where the hero belongs
There you were babe

Standin' in the middle of nowhere,
With your arms wide open and you,
You were the reason when there was no reason in my life
You're the reason in my life

You broke through the storm
And you turned back the night
Baby you are the fire
Burnin' the midnight sky
And your love
Keeps taking me higher
Just when all hope was gone
There you were babe

Like the light in the eye of the storm
Tellin' me not to cry anymore
There you were
Where I watched my whole world fall apart
Shinin' through like on angel from afar
Oh like an angel

You broke through the storm
And you turned back the night
Baby you are the fire
Burnin' the midnight sky
And your love
Keeps taking me higher
Just when all hope was gone
There you were babe."

As soon as the singing stops, a slender Purple Lupess emerges through the trees, humming to herself. Her gaze falls upon you, and she stiffens like a board as her cheeks turn a vibrant shade of red.
"Oh...hello..." she turns away from you, still blushing. "Um...were you listening to that?"
"I was," you admit. "You have a lovely singing voice."
"Really? That song I was singing...It's for my love, Garth..." she glances at you, a sheepish smile spreading across her maw. "Thank you, um..."
"#VISITOR," you say, taking another sip of your water. The fae grins, and reclines to her haunches, wrapping her bushy tassal around her paws as her sapphire optics shine.
"Well #VISITOR, it is a pleasure to meet you. I am #NAME, and I welcome you to this forest. While you are my guest, I would like to tell you a bit about myself. Listen up; There is a lot for you to learn."

The Beginning
"I was born into a wild pack on a cold winter's day. My siblings had either feathery, angelic wings, or were bareback, as myself. Except for one - My brother Kafe. His wings were incredibly bat-like, and when the Alpha saw him, he ordered us killed out of fear that we were demon spawn. Our father died at the Alpha's fangs moments later defending us. As we grew older, I was the only one who spent time with Kafe, as the others hated him because of his demonish attributes. We often went exploring in the forest, away from the pack and our family. One of our favorite places was a stream within a clearing that we had found on our travels, and we spent our days there, fishing, playing and hunting. One day there, however, we noticed a rather strangely colored Pteri flying overhead, and it swooped down and landed a few feet in front of us, pecking at the soil. Out of playfulness, I bounded towards it and attempted to pounce on it. I sprang into the air...just as a large cage dropped over me, trapping both me and the Pteri."

Captured
"Excited human voices could be heard in the distance, getting closer by the second, and Kafe retreated into the underbrush, not wanting to be seen. It was two boys, who had set up the cage so they could catch wild creatures and torture them for fun. That was exactly what they did. They picked up a bunch of stones, and began hurdling them directly at us, mainly aiming for me because I was larger than the Pteri and easier to hit. One by one, the rocks struck me, and since I had nowhere to go, I couldn't put up much of a fight. Some of the stones were sharp, and tore my flesh, some were dull, badly bruising me. Either way, the physical pain was agonizing, and before long, it made me pass out. When I awoke, I saw that I wasn't in a cage anymore. In fact, I was laying in a large plain, so large that it went as far as the eye could see. Questions began to race through my mind as I glanced around at my surroundings. Where was I? How did I get here? How could I get home? Nothing seemed familiar. I began to make my way across the plain, and as I went, the vegetation grew thicker and thicker, until I was at forest again. Was this the forest where my pack was? There was only one way to find out. Gathering up all my courage, I started into the woods, unsure of what I might find."

The Kindness of Strangers
"What I found, however, was not as horrible as I had expected it to be. It was a stunning fire mascu, his pelt a gleaming ebony black with blue flame markings engulfing his paws, pinnae and tassal. I approached him cautiously, and bowed in respect when I stood before him. He bowed back, and we began to talk, telling each other a bit about ourselves. He told me his name was Igneous, and that he was a traveler. He spent his time trekking across Neopia, and was finally deciding to settle down. In return, I told him of my pack and how I had been captured. After we had finished our introductions, we began to romp through the trees, laughing and playing happily. I am proud to say that was the beginning of my first true friendship, and when dusk came, we promised to meet at the same spot the next day. Saying our farewells, we went our separate ways."

An Unexpected Companion
"As I was walking home, I was stopped in my tracks by the echoing sounds of terrified mewing and furious barking. Before I could blink, a small white Angelpuss darted out from the bushes, an enraged Faerie Gelert only seconds behind him. Seeing me, the Angelpuss mewed desperately, and raced behind me as the Gelert skidded to a halt. I wrapped my tassal around the Angelpuss protectively as I demanded to know why he was treating the poor Petpet so badly. The Gelert replied that he had lost all his master's Neopoints betting on the Angelpuss in the Petpet Arena, and that he wanted to teach him how to battle properly, then asked me calmly to step aside. I could see the glint of a cold-blooded liar in his eyes, and it was rather obvious what he really intended to do, should I give him the Angelpuss. So, I did what any caring Neopian would - I spat in his face and told him to get lost; It wasn't my fault if he had a gambling problem. The Gelert muttered something angrily under his breath, and vanished in the mass of trees and bush. The Angelpuss purred loudly, and rubbed his head against my hind leg affectionately. I glanced back at him fondly, deciding I would call my new friend Takoda."

An Intriguing Assailant
"The next day, I met up with Igneous again, and as before, we spent the day playing, enjoying the weather and just having a good time. Time flew by, and soon Iggy had to leave. But before he left, he told me that he was thinking of starting a pack, and asked me if I would join. I promised I would, and we said good-bye. As I watched Iggy vanish into the trees, a menacing growl from nearby caught my attention. It seemed to be coming from a large bush, and I approached it slowly. Before I knew what was happening, a blur of brown and red hurdled into me, painfully tackling me and pinning me to the ground. Staring up at my attacker, I saw that it was a regal brown mascu, his optics glowing with an eerie red light. I closed my eyes, and prepared myself for the pain of his glistening ivories to sink into my throat. Instead, I heard pitiful whimpering as the mascu recoiled off me. He blinked, and when he opened his eyes, the glow had disappeared. He gave me a heart-filled apology as he helped me up, and told me his name was Nycta. Seeing my confusion, he quickly explained that he had been having similar evil outbreaks ever since he was a pup, and that he had managed to confine it before he actually did attack. A little shaken, I dipped my maw and introduced myself. He grinned, and told me that he thought I was the most beautiful fae he had seen in his life. As soon as he had said that, he vanished. There was no trace of him or of what had just taken place anywhere."

The Lonely Heart
"Days turned to weeks, and weeks turned into months. Soon it was Valentines Day, and the passion of amour was everywhere. I watched the couples go by from a little grove in the forest. This grove was kind of like my home away from home, as I came here whenever I wasn't with Igneous, which seemed to be a lot lately. I felt a sudden pang of loneliness tug at my heartstrings, and with a sigh, looked away from the many lovers. A rustle behind me brought me out of my thoughts, and I whipped my head around just as Nycta entered the grove, a dandelion clasped in his powerful jaws. He approached me nervously, and dropped the dandelion at my paws as he told me he had picked it just for me. Before I could stop myself, I leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. We both blushed, and he asked me if it would be possible to spend more time together. I whole-heartedly said yes, and was about to start a bit of a conversation, when I was cut off by a familiar voice calling my name. Nycta drooped sadly, and backed away into the shubbery and out of sight as Igneous, who had been searching for me, made his way into the grove. I glanced back at where Nycta had disappeared as Igneous and I headed out to start our day together, and I couldn't help but feel sorry for the way that the day had turned on him."

A Night to Remember
"When nightfall came, instead of saying farewell, Igneous asked me to follow him, as there was something he wanted to show me. He lead me to a the edge of the forest, where we stood on a ledge overlooking his den. He told me that if you waited on the ledge at night, you could get a great view of the Northern Lights, which occured every night. I planted myself beside my friend, and we anxiously awaited the dazzling show that he promised would come. It slowly got darker and darker, until soon the only thing you could see was shadows. But the darkness was suddenly split when beams of colorful lights began to dance across the night sky. It was the most breathtaking thing I had ever seen, and as Iggy and I sat there, watching it, I knew I would never forget this magical night. When the lights finally dissolved into blackness, I thanked Igneous for showing me such a beautiful night, and I headed home for a few hours sleep."

The Miracle of Love
"When dawn came, I raced back into the forest, desperately seeking Nycta. I had made a promise to him, and I did not intend to break it. When I finally found him, he was at my grove, anticipating my arrival. I smiled as I approached him, and we began our day together. As the days passed, Nycta and I spent more and more time together, and as our time together grew, so did our feelings for each other. Before long, Nycta and I couldn't bear to be away from each other, and whenever I looked into his eyes, I knew I was in love. One night, Nycta and I were in an empty field, stargazing happily, but I noticed he was rather uneasy about something. When I asked him what was wrong, he gazed into my eyes and told me that he thought I was beautiful, and that he really wanted to ask me something, but said to forget it, as he thought I would say no. I raised an eyebrow as I guessed what he was hinting at, and I told him that if he was about to ask what I thought he was, then the answer was definitely yes. He smiled, and asked me to be his mate."

The Fruits of Passion
"And so it was. I had finally found true love, and I wanted to share my joy with the world. I couldn't suppress my happiness as I burst through the forest, searching for Igneous so I could tell him the news. When we did find each other, he smiled, and told me that he was very happy for me, and to make sure my lover took good care of me. I smiled back, and replied that I would. As it turned out, Igneous also had news for me; He told me the pack had been started, and that I was free to join whenever I wished. I visited the pack as often as I could, and because I was Igneous' friend, I was awarded the rank of Beta. But my time with the pack was drastically cut short when our lives were interrupted by a sudden miracle - I had brought two gorgeous pups into the world for Nycta. They were twins; one girl, one boy, and the only way to tell them apart was their pelts. The fae was white, and the mascu was black. Nycta and I decided to call the girl Keires, and the boy Midnight."

Return to the Packlands
"I had been away from the pack for several months, as I was raising my two pups, and I decided it was time to make an appearance. So, leaving Kei and Midnight with Nycta, I started towards the packlands. When I got there, however, there was not a Lupe in sight. My breathing quickened in panic as I glanced around. Had I missed a move? Raising my muzzle to the wind, I calmed slightly as the fresh scents of Igneous and the pack reached my nostrils, and I heard hungry barks and eager yips in the distance. They had just gone on a hunt! I smiled weakly and sighed in relief. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw something enter the packlands, and I whipped around to face it. It was a split fae, and her optics shone with uneasiness as she took in the surroundings. Knowing she was new, I trotted over to her and welcomed her to the pack. I also told her of the Alpha and the other members, and I introduced myself. She smiled, and told me that her name was Split."

Quite a Scare
"A few days later, I decided to show my angels to the pack. Kei and Midnight had really grown, and were as energetic as any pup. Split greeted me happily when I emerged through the trees, and Iggy was amazed when he saw Keires and Midnight appear only seconds after me. The whole pack congratulated me, and I smiled at my pups proudly as they raced around, talking with each of the pack members. Turning my head, I began to chat with Split and Igneous, and was completely rapt in conversation. After a while, Igneous trotted off to join his own mate and son, and I began to glance around for Keires and Midnight. My heart leapt into my throat when I noticed they were nowhere in sight! Panic surged through my body as I raced around, asking the pack if they had seen them. They all replied that they hadn't, and my frenzy deepened by the second. Luckily, two Lupe came to my aide - Split and Ravine. They ventured off into the woods, searching for the twins. I would have joined them, but I was virtually paralyzed with apprehension. All I could do was sit and hope for their safe return."

Strong Friendships
"A few hours after they had left, the forms of Split and Ravine could be seen re-entering the packlands, Kei and Midnight clasped in their maws. Words couldn't express my relief and gratefulness as I bounded towards them, my tassal wagging wildly behind me. They placed my two pups on the grass, and we had an affectionate reunion. Then, turning to Split and Ravine, I told them that if there ever was anything I could do to repay them, to let me know and I would do it. They chuckled, and replied that they didn't need anything in return, though Split said some antelope would be greatly appreciated. Dipping my maw, I slunk into the forest, searching for the perfect antelope to pay Split and Ravine back. Time flew by, and the bond between Split and I grew more every day. Before long, it was as if she was part of the family; My sister. We would often go on treks through the forest, and take trips to exotic places, such as Mystery Island and Terror Mountain. We also went on numerous hunts, and continually enjoyed ourselves no matter what we did. I could always turn to her in times of need, and we would be there for each other always. There was never a dull moment when we were together, and it seemed that we were indestructible...Or at least, Split was."

The Price of Darkness
"The devastating blow came one chilly morning. Nycta, Keires, Midnight and I were curled up in our den, slowly awakening with the dawn. I was still quite groggy from the good night's sleep, and I was preparing myself for a few more hours of slumber when I heard Nycta and Midnight leave the den. I guessed they were just stretching their legs or grabbing a quick drink, but I decided to follow them anyway. Gently waking Kei, we left the den and hurried after my mate and son. As I had expected, they had ventured to a nearby creek and were lapping at the cold liquid - just as the unmistakable blast of two gunshots rang through the air. My heart nearly stopped beating as Nycta and Midnight collapsed in a heap onto the grass. The hunter vanished into the forest as Kei and I burst into the clearing, and I could barely hear my own screams as I called their names. Tears streamed down my face as my gaze fell upon the limp form of my little boy; Midnight had been dead before he hit the ground. Keires gave a mournful howl as I approached my love, who was breathing heavily, the light slowly fading from his crimson optics. Throwing myself over his body, I couldn't express the pain that was flowing through my veins that moment. With his last bit of strength, he told me that he loved me, and to find someone who I could really trust. He placed a necklace with a vile filled with the blood of him and his mother in my paw, and gently reminded me never to forget him. Those were the last words emitted from his lips."

The Depression
"I spent the days following filled with agony and grief. My only son and the love of my life...dead...it was just too painful to accept. The somewhat endless comfort of Kei, Igneous, his daughter Pix, Split, Ravine and my new friends Gudeg and Memorii helped me recover slightly, but the anguish in my heart just wouldn't go away. One day, I trekked into the deeper part of the forest, to spend some time alone and mourn properly. However, I didn't notice that Split had followed me, and when she approached me, I spilt my heart out to her. There was no point in living without love, and I told her how close I was to killing myself. I wanted nothing more than to end the pain and suffering that I was going through. Split was shocked at my statement, and told me that if I didn't exist, there would be no reason for her to exist. She helped me see all the reasons that my life was worth living, and somehow, I found the strength to carry on. It was then that I realized what I had to do; Say good-bye to Nycta and Midnight for good. With the help of Kei, Split, and our bird friend Garth, I got the carcasses of my husband and my son into our old den, and we buried them deep within the soil. My heart still ached, and I let out several sad howls and whimpers. Garth comforted me a lot, wrapping his wing around me and nuzzling me gently with his beak. He stayed by my side the whole time, until he had to leave to rejoin his flock. After saying farewell to Nycta and Midnight one last time, Split, Kei and I headed towards my niece Silent's den, to see her and her newborn pup, Rio. I was finally beginning to heal."

The Mysterious Stranger
"On our way to Silent Falls, we were intercepted by a handsome white Lupe, a black mask tied around his eyes, and blue bands around his ears, paws and tassal. There was something familiar about him, but I didn't have time to figure out what it was, as he planted a kiss on my cheek, and whispered in my ear that if I ever needed him, he would be there for me. Always. Before he vanished, he left a single yellow rose at my paws. I gazed at the spot where he had been, my mind racing. Who was he? We spent the night at Silent Falls with Silent and Rio, chatting with Silent and giving her advice with some of her dilemmas. When I awoke the next morning, there was another rose, this one placed by my maw. I immediately knew who had left it there, and I was quite confused. How did he find me? When Split awoke, she saw the rose, and a mischievous and teasing glint could be seen in her optics. I knew there was something she wasn't telling me. Days passed, and the Mysterious Stranger kept appearing before me, only to vanish within a few seconds of being in eyesight. Split found this highly amusing, for she seemed to know who he was. I pestered her about it continually; I just had to know his name! Of course, my sister refused to give me the information that I needed, only making me frustrated and more eager to get to know him. But one starry night, that all changed."

A Second Chance
"Split had gone off on a hunt with Ravine, Kei was out with her boyfriend Comet, and I couldn't find Iggy, Gudeg or Memorii anywhere. I was alone, and didn't exactly welcome the solitude. But then...who should appear but the Mysterious Stranger? His light blue optics shone fondly as he bowed, asking me if I would like to dance. I grinned, and shyly accepted. We danced under the stars all night, gazing into each other's eyes. It was quite a romantic moment, and even though I had just lost Nycta, I could feel myself falling for him. When he had to leave, I asked him for his name, as he had not yet given it to me. He was about to answer, when a thundering bird cry made him bolt into the trees. As I watched him leave, I noticed there was a piece of paper and a red rose a few feet from me. It was a letter he had written to me to express his true feelings.

M'dear Dez,
This is one of the hardest notes I've ever written to a fae in my entire life. Well, you are the first fae I'm writing to in my life. Anyway, I just wanted to let you know that tonight you won my heart, as you had already have done, but I just hope that I didn't persue to show my true feelings tonight after what happened just recently. But anyway, I just want you to know how I feel for you. And if you ever return these feelings, the curse that was set upon me shall be lifted-I hope. I like you more than words can express, for if I were to use the expression 'love' I'm afraid that I'd be too strong. I must take my leave.

Like Alot Always,
Garth

There simply was no denying love at first sight."

Our Little Secret
"After that night, Garth and I met everyday in private, keeping our new romance from the pack. We often went on picnics, and enjoyed moonlit walks through the forest. When others were around, we pretended we were just friends, but when we were alone, we were free to express our real feelings for each other. As time went by, he explained his curse to me a bit more, and told me how he was born a bird, but could change into a Lupe at will, but only for a short time. As he had said in his letter, there was only one way he could break the curse...To fall in love with a Lupess, and she fall in love with him. If he were to marry this Lupess, he would remain a Lupe for the rest of life. You can probably guess where this is leading. Just as I knew he would, a few days later, he proposed."

The Wedding
"Garth and I spent no time racing back to the packlands to tell everyone the good news. Only Gudeg and Ravine were there at the time, but the word of the coming wedding spread like a wildfire. Soon, the whole pack knew, and everyone was busy trying to get the proper preparations done and ready. Split put herself in charge of clothing, Gudeg and Ravine were on decorations, Memorii was to prepare the food, and the others just pitched in whenever help was needed. As for Garth and I, we couldn't wait for our special day, and wished many times it would come faster. At last, on July 7th, 2004, the big day finally came. Before the ceremony started, Gudeg and Ravine raced around frantically, making sure everything was in it's correct place, and that everyone was there while Split helped me get ready in my tent. When the wedding finally started, I didn't know whether to be excited or nervous, but as I made my way down the isle, and seeing the handsome mascu who would soon be my husband awaiting me proudly at the altar, I didn't know anything else except joy. The priest went through his speech, and Garth and I said our vows. When our lips touched in that first kiss as husband and wife, our love, which we promised each other for an eternity, was sealed forever."

A New Joy
"A few weeks after our wedding, I gave birth to Garth's pups - yet another set of twins, which we called Yugo and Aeil. Shortly after their birth, we got a wave of visitors, including Kei, Comet, Split, Silent, and Silent's daughter Light. But when Light entered the den, who was at her side but Kafe? As it turned out, Kafe and Light had fallen in love, and had become a happy couple like Garth and I. I silently congratulated my brother, and I could see him return it. More weeks flew by, and Yugo and Aeil grew rapidly into rambunctious pups. As far as I was concerned, with my new family, my life was complete. Little did I know, this peace wouldn't last long."

Decisions
"One day, I left Aeil and Yugo with Garth while Kei and I went out on a hike through the woods. On our journey, we came across a large, angry mascu who told us we were upon his territory. I gazed into his crimson optics, and I felt my heart catch in my throat as the familiarity struck me. He didn't remember us, but there was no denying it - It was none other than Nycta. He had been reincarnated, and had no recollection of his past. But after talking to us for a while, he finally began to remember, and greeted me and Kei affectionately. I was overcome with emotions; Happiness, relief, and panic. My first true love had returned to me...but what about the mascu who had completed my life? How could I choose between them? I had never been so confused, never had my heart torn two ways. My conflicting emotions made me break down into frustrated tears, and I explained Garth to him. I told him that my love for him was strong, but my love for Garth was stronger. He took it quite hard, and told me bitterly that it was probably for the best that I remain with someone who knew how to love properly, for the evil in him would never allow him to. After that, he vanished into the trees. Even though it had happened quite rappidly, I felt the huge weight lift off my chest, and we headed back towards the den. It was then I knew that the love between Garth and I would stand the test of time."

Farewell
"Well," the fae gets to her paws, and grins at you, her bushy tassal swaying behind her. "That is my tale. I hope you have enjoyed it, #VISITOR, for I enjoyed recounting it for you. But now, we must part, as I fear I have kept you too long." You glance up at the darkened sky, and you suddenly realize how long you had been engrossed in Dezui's story. Your gaze falls back to her, but she is no longer standing in front of you. You look around for her, and finally spot her form standing on top of a nearby hill. Suddenly, a large striped mascu joins her, and they nuzzle gently. She turns back to you, and dips her maw in good-bye before they run off into the shadows. You grin, and head in the opposite direction towards where you entered the forest, the moon shining brightly above you in the night sky.