Web of Night

[Mitsuko]

Mitsuko had been on medication for her Postpartum Depression for a week now and she had been doing a great job in keeping a written record of how it was making her feel and she even let her family in on what she was feeling verbally. Unfortunately it was not good news that she was writing in her medication tracking diary that Zero had gotten her. She was having a hard time with the side effects but she knew that she couldn’t stop the medication because there was also a chance that these side effects would ease or even go away over time as her body continues to adjust to it and Mitsuko didn’t want to put herself at risk of going into a bad withdrawal. On the plus side she was beginning to feel relief from her depression symptoms since she started taking the medicine. She was smiling more. Laughing more. Just the side effects to her physical body felt like overkill.

Overwhelming.

But she didn’t feel well tonight at all. It was really late at night and all she wanted to do was throw up everywhere. She left her husband asleep and kissed his cheek before leaving him a handwritten note telling him where she’d gone-- Grande Archives as she felt like reading a few books to distract herself from feeling physically sick, and that she felt so bad that he had to clean up after her. Mitsuko apologized to her husband but thanked him for being there for her, and for following through every promise he made to her and that she loved him dearly. Mitsuko got dressed quietly being careful not to wake Zero up as he had such a long day of work, grabbed her car keys and off she went to the library but left her cellphone behind. There was something comforting about being surrounded by a ton of books.  Books were special to her because they would transport her to all kinds of worlds.

Worlds beyond the continent that they lived on.

And books were also one of the many ways she and Zero bonded- she had taught him how to read over the years from the moment they married. In fact one of her wedding gifts to him were two picture books. The angel smiled at that memory.

When she was under her dark heavy cloud of depression and felt so disconnected from her life, she had begun to wonder if moving away with her son Matthew would be the best decision for her. She didn’t feel that way now, but back then was such a dark time that the thought of her moving away with her firstborn crossed her mind. Deep in her heart though she would never hurt Zero like that. Matthew was Zero’s boy just as much as he was hers. They both conceived him together and Matthew needed both of his parents. Not just one. Every so often Matthew needed his daddy cuddles and snuggles as that was one of the ways that Zero and him bonded.

Mitsuko loved her family.

As soon as she arrived at Grande Archives she immediately went over to a computer, but not before she pulled a bin closer to her just in case she couldn’t control her nausea. For now though she took out a hard candy and began sucking on it to help with the urge of throwing up, and she began reading a digital book quietly. “This book has such nice cover art. Even the illustrations are extraordinary.”

[NPC: Female]

Hidden under her velvet purple cloak Willow kept a watchful eye on the beautiful angelic blond Mitsuko. She had heard whispers about this woman all across the domain－ about how she tried to help as many people as she could, and was kind to a fault. It was if Mitsuko had no boundaries to protect her own energy, which has resulted in her being drained out--everything was starting to affect her body. Willow could tell that this young woman needed some advice that wouldn’t harm her or her family, but advice that is healthy and helpful, and encouraging and could help this angel thrive in ways that she didn’t expect.

Not much is known about the woman hidden under the purple velvet cloak, but she’s able to read hearts, and give advice for the future. A fortune teller maybe? Who knows. Willow took a few steps behind where Mitsuko stood, and caught a glimpse at what she was looking at on the computer. A fantasy book. Willow smelled like soft roses whenever she entered a room, and roses were said to relieve depression and anxiety－effectively calming those that were in her presence.

Willow then gently spoke to Mitsuko, her voice kind yet stern. “There is nothing better than unwinding with a book you enjoy. Although how can you enjoy reading, when there are worries plaguing your mind and soul dear one? I can’t help but feel that you are distracted tonight. No use denying it. I see through lies. Including small harmless ones.” She smiled as she lowered her hood, her golden wavy hair falling to the sides of her shoulders, her face youthful, her lips painted in a burgundy shade, and her eyes the color of hazel.

[Mitsuko]

Mitsuko was a little startled as she thought she was the only one in this section of the Grande Archives, but the scent of soft roses calmed her down, and Mitsuko really wasn’t the type not to befriend strangers or at the very least make them feel welcome, even if they were the ones that appeared out of thin air. As she looked at the outfit that this mysterious woman was wearing she was slightly reminded of Faun. A man of her husband’s past that caused him so much trauma, but had trained him to be strong, and taught him the ways of a gun. Faun was at her wedding 14 years ago-- so that Zero could be released from his red bind. Faun was also the one that dubbed her as Mitsuko Clara Cipher after Zero and her were officially married.

What a scary man indeed.

But this woman in front of her seemed kind, and full of wisdom, and wearing a cloak didn’t mean she was evil, if anything it just amplified the mysterious aura she carried. It seemed that Mitsuko were meeting people that she needed to meet in order to give her wisdom and help her tap into a new found strength. “You’re right. I do have worries. And I haven’t been feeling very well lately. But don’t worry. I’ll feel better soon…”

[NPC: Female]

Willow listened to Mitsuko’s every word and responded matter of factly. “You will. If you really take care of your body starting today. Starting right now. Not tomorrow, or the day after. Right now. Your body can’t keep up much longer dear one. Now… Just for fun I have a deck of tarot cards. After I shuffle them I want you to choose at least three. No need to be alarmed. It’s how you use the cards that matter.” The mysterious woman reassured Mitsuko that even though she was using tarot cards to get a general idea of her future depending on the choices she makes, it wasn’t evil. It was all how a person uses the magical tools If Mitsuko was concerned about the reading then she had the power to change course.. No future is ever set in stone and the only one that can change its trajectory was Mitsuko. After Willow had shuffled the cards, the angel did as instructed and picked three cards-- ones that stood out to her the most. She then revealed them to Willow and handed them to her one by one, and Willow laid them out flat on a table in front of her.

“Ah I see. The Empress, The Sun and The Chariot. Interesting. Interesting indeed. Mitsuko.. Do you have any children?”





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[Mitsuko]

“I do. Two children.” Mitsuko replied her cheeks flushing red out of shyness. Even to this day she can’t believe that she is a mother to two kids, even though she doesn’t regret bringing life into the world and starting a family with her husband. Almost everyone in this domain had mistook her as the biblical version of an angel, at least it felt that way whenever people found out that she got married and had kids, but she was part human. She still had desires of her own, and what she wanted most out of her life was love. To have a family. To be a mother.

She was sure that people’s shock was understandable, and they didn’t mean any harm when they expressed that to her, but it did make her feel sad deep down, as if she wasn’t allowed to have what she desired.

[NPC: Female]

Willow took note of Mitsuko’s deepest feelings and smiled at her. “You’ve spent years helping people. People are grateful to you. Don’t feel ashamed that you followed your own path to bring in what you wanted into your life. Live for you. You don’t need to explain yourself to anyone. If the path you’ve chosen has made you happy.. then live without regrets. You are still doing god’s work regardless. You still help people. You still harbor true generosity and kindness even to those who treat you coldly, or who even try to kill you. That reminds me, when you first reunited with your now husband he was a little rude to you too huh?”

This mysterious woman knew things. Perhaps it was one of her abilities.
Claircognizance. Which basically means clear-knowing. People didn’t have to explain anything to this woman. She just knew things.

[Mitsuko]

“How did- ah never mind. In this world we live in, we all have special abilities, so yours is no exception. But yes.” Mitsuko laughed lightheartily. “I would have been rude to myself too if I spoke vaguely to a stranger causing him not to understand what I was trying to say. That would annoy anyone. Though… He didn’t mean any harm by it,. And once he found out that I was the one he was looking for, that softness returned to him. Zero became the Zero I had a childhood with. Much taller though! And from that day on he treated me with such respect, and kindness. It was still in there, and I didn’t feel offended by how he responded to me. We were two passing strangers in Ida Valley at the time. All the phone calls and spending time together in Sougen made up for it, and eventually he did become my husband.” Mitsuko smiled at all of the memories they made together as they flashed through her mind.

[NPC: Female]

Willow smiled. “Your kindness changed him. He’s still rough around the edges but I can see that he loves you dearly. Which brings me to the meaning of these cards. All three of these cards mean pregnancy. If you continue down this current path in your relationship, you should be expecting a third child. I would.. keep that in mind and don’t be afraid of any decisions you decide to make. But if you wish to have a third child, please take care of your body. Don’t take on more than you can handle. And Noah. Remember that name.”

The mysterious woman then paused for a moment.“I understand you are on medication right now for your postpartum depression, so it’s even more important that you not only continue on with your treatment but to be mindful when you need it adjusted. This obstacle that you are facing will get harder before it gets better, but it will get better.“ Willow than took something out of her cloak pocket and handed it to Mitsuko. “Take this elephant charm. Elephants symbolize the removal of obstacles, but they also mean wisdom, power, and strength, and they remind you to maintain the connection that you have with yourself. With everything you’ve been through you lost sight of who you are along the way. Keep that charm as a reminder of all the positive things coming your way. And yes elephants do symbolize fertility.” She then winked at Mitsuko.

[Mitsuko]

Mitsuko laughed harder and she blushed madly. “It sounds like you are rooting for me to get pregnant! Although… Since my kids are teenagers now and are starting to lead lives of their own… there would be room to welcome another baby in the family. And I’ve been wanting to give my husband a special present anyway.” Mitsuko was deep in her thoughts imagining what Zero’s reaction would be when he found out that she was pregnant with their third child. But having another baby also meant that Zero and Mitsuko would have consider their living arrangements. The Alamo Inn couldn’t be their forever home and to the angel it didn’t feel like their forever home. If Mitsuko got pregnant again, then they needed more space, so that their teenaged children could adjust easily with the changes that they were experiencing in their own lives as they were on the cusp of entering adulthood, and having a younger sibling.

For their newborn baby a new home in a new location also meant that he or she had the space needed to grow, thrive, and receive quality attention from Mitsuko and Zero. If they brought in a third child in their lives while still living at the Alamo Inn things would feel a little stressful, because the reality would sink in that the Cipher family just didn’t have room for a nursery, and the home would have felt cramped, and almost claustrophobic. It wasn’t like when Zero and Mitsuko had Matthew. The Alamo Inn was the perfect place to raise Matthew, because they were a small family. When they had Savannah they were certainly ecstatic to be blessed with a second child, but their living space had started feeling a little tight. Mitsuko and Zero did everything they could do for their baby girl, and with their little son helping out with his sister, it did make things easier, but they still didn’t have the financial resources to look for a new place.

Decades later Mitsuko and Zero were doing much better financially. “You know, I’ve been thinking about moving out of the domain… but after speaking with you, I don’t think it is the right decision. I thought that moving permanently away from this domain would help us get a fresh start and embrace the growth of my family, and help me get my energy back. But thinking on it more it will just invite more stress. The stress of culture shock. I can’t believe I was so selfish in thinking that was the right decision.”

[NPC: Female]

Willow put her index finger in a shushing motion up to her lips to stop Mitsuko for being so hard on herself. “Hush Mitsuko. I’m going to say this quote to you and I want you to remember it”. Willow then spoke the quote with conviction. “Don't speak negatively about yourself, even as a joke. Your body doesn't know the difference. Words are energy and they cast spells, that's why it's called spelling. Change the way you speak about yourself, and you can change your life.” And in this supernatural domain it was very true. “You weren’t selfish. You were just trying to sort out your feelings. Feelings can be confusing, decision making can be scary because we can never know the true outcome of something. We don’t have a roadmap in this thing called life. But if speaking to me has helped you clear your mind, then you are ready to talk to your husband. You also look lighter and at peace now. And it seems like you have a new idea to present to Zero when you talk about this.”

[Mitsuko]

“I wasn’t selfish? I… I guess we all come to a crossroads in our lives where we want a change of scenery, and just become confused on the right way to go about it. At least I didn’t talk about it with Zero yet. My husband has never been wishy washy. He’s always resolute in his decisions, and just goes for things, for example when he proposed to me I knew that he meant it, even if he needed some reassurance here and there. So my indecisiveness I won’t say annoys him, but it can sometimes get him confused about how he can help because if I’m unsure about what I want then he won’t know how to step in!” She laughed a little, and blushed at this next part. “I can’t just go to my husband and say: ‘hey honey let’s make a baby!’ Although he wouldn’t mind the intimacy. I-in fact he’d be all in! I just want to surprise him with this one.” Mitsuko was deep in thought for the next few minutes before sharing her idea with the mysterious woman, in the purple hooded cloak.

“I think moving to Ianne Forest country would be a great choice for my family . My high school just reopened its doors after huge renovations, so being near there would be beneficial.With its reopening, they have started offering free classes every season, and I was hoping to take one in the arts for enjoyment. An illustration course. I love being a pediatric nurse, but I want to nurture my artistic side. So if we move to Ianne I wouldn’t have to commute far to take a class, and my family will be closer to nature which will be healthy for them, and they would be able to enjoy its healing effects! And my husband and I can reconnect with our childhood roots. We lived together with my godparents in a house that was located near the forest.” Mitsuko felt excited at the prospect of this new plan, now all that’s left was to finally talk to her husband about it. With a renewed sense of hope and passion she stood up from her chair. “Thank you very much for speaking with me, I know what I want to do and it will benefit my family! Let’s hope Zero is on board! My time in this domain is not over. I’m still needed here.”

With that Mitsuko smiled -she truly was ready to embrace her next chapter in the domain.

                                  [END THREAD]