A/N: So this is one of the few cards that I found difficult to relate to the character. Overall most characters and card connections were easy to see but a few were a bit harder. The explanations are in Japanese so I can't get Takahashi-sensei's take on them. So if this chapter seems lacking I apologize, but I attend to finish this project despite the road blocks.

P.S. So I discovered that ffnet was not taking my asteriks! :( So these: / , indicate a change in perspective. I'm fixing it on all other chapters too, honestly this is why I have a hate/love realationship with this site. I apologize for my stupidity and I promise to be more vigilant when uploading.

Also note that after this chapter some characters will be interpreted by more than one card as well as several characters being represented by one card (Wheel of Fortune is a real winner…).

The night is leaving, the darkness and shadows receding before the growing light of a new dawn. The Fool awakens, ready to continue on his way. Thanks to the help of the High Priestess the young man has decided what shape is future will take. But he is anxious, impatient and unsure of how to go about making it into reality.

He bites his lip nervously; brown eyes slightly downcast as he strides forward into the world. The sunlight illuminates his surroundings, no river or shining stones, no rolling hills either. Instead he finds himself in a large lush field. The golden wheat shines in the new morning sun, bright and vibrant, feeling the Fool with hope.

As he raises his head he notices that the land in which he finds himself is full of abundance. A lush full garden shines in like a precious jewel at the edge of the field, full of delicious grapes, melons, strawberries, corn, tomatoes and even bright roses. All around him is the material abundance and fertility, there is nothing lacking.

As he gazes on this marvelous sight he notices something in the midst of the beautiful, green garden. A woman sits upon a large throne…

The Empress.

/

She sits tall and confident upon her throne, her hair shines like the golden wheat around her and her eyes look like purple jewels. A simple black tiara with a red jewel at its center it, and a black thin collar wraps around her throat. Her black dress is sleeveless, the top open and strung together like a corsette, and bracelets with large bright red rubies shining in them adorn her arms. The dark, contrasting outfit is completed with a dark mini- skirt and boots. She defines love, creativity, fertility, art, harmony, luxury, beauty and grace.

The Empress is a creator, be it creation of life, of romance, of art or business. While the Magician is the primal spark, the idea made real, and the High Priestess is the one who gives the idea a form, the Empress is the womb where it gestates and grows till it is ready to be born. She's Mother. Generally, Mother in a good sense, patient, loving, giving, generous. Of course, the Empress can also be the worst aspects of an attentive Mom; she can smother, not know when to let go, be possessive and jealous of those who would take away her "baby." She is the giver of Earthly gifts, yet at the same time, she can, in anger withhold them. The scepter she carries symbolizes her dominion over the created world and all its material possessions. Indeed, she herself sought after the luxuries of the modern world, all the wealth and prosperity she could ever dream of.

But at the same time something was wrong. She was discontented because something was missing or lacking in her life, or because she wanted to find something creative, meaningful or fulfilling to do, but she didn't know what. The card dealing, money, even trampling on the hearts of men did not fill the void. This was not a time to think, act or do. She was already overloaded and mental pursuits will not give her what she needs.

Her old life bored her until she met them. She is grounded in the material plane, which is a stabilizing influence, yet unable to reach into higher planes of consciousness. They showed her the ways to the higher planes and in turn she became like a mother for that one night, a solid rock in a twisting sea of strange events. That one meeting showed her a new view of life, a different road to take.

Now one of those people from that night approaches before her throne.

/

Kneeling, white hair swinging against the sides of his face, the Fool relates to her his story. Confidence waxing into arrogance flows about her like an aura, but she listens patiently. And she, in turn, smiles a motherly smile and gently gives him this advice: "Like newly planted grain or a child in the womb hun, a new life, a new love, a new creation is fragile. It requires fertile soil, patience and nurturing, it needs love and attention. Only this will bring it to fruition, kiddo." Despite her condescending tacks added in the young man is grateful for this advice, he can now move forward.

Understanding at last that his future will take time to build and create, the Fool thanks the Empress and continues on his way.

R&R. Also, can anyone find the Duelist Kingdom reference? After reading the manga and her online biography to better write this chapter I came across it and felt impression to put it in. If you can find it, you get any dessert or treat of your choice! See ya later!