Bayani (Virtue)/Memento
Ren:
I pray that this letter finds its way to you, sweetie. The war has reached a very desperate hour and Hero One himself asked for volunteers to join Omega Team and assault the Rikti Homeworld to end this arduous conflict. Your father answered the call immediately, though I am shamefully embarrassed to say that I hesitated.
The probabilities of surviving this mission are slim and after all these years of battling the supernatural and “fighting the good fight” alongside your father, I am beset by nightmares of all the horribly evil things that would prey upon you when I’m not there to protect you. I realize how silly that sounds now given that the Rikti menace has already arrived and is threatening your well-being.
I write this letter now because ultimately I decided to join your father…out of love for him and my love for you. It may not be the most selfless reason, but both of you are my only family and I refuse to fail either of you. My one last piece of advice to you is this: find your role in the world and embrace it. I spent centuries tucked away from the world, warring in petty battles with supernatural forces who sought to conquer my coven’s dominion. It wasn’t until I met your father that I discovered what I have missed. So, live well for all of us, Ren. Otherwise all of this will be for naught.
Love,
- Josephine Angeles
Son:
While I did not truly believe that I’d retire quietly from duty, I never pictured how exactly my career would end. Hero One needed volunteers for Omega Team and I immediately volunteered. My gut instinct tells me that joining Omega Team will be my final mission, and I have no qualms about this. Your mother, to put it mildly, is furious and demanded to know why I made the decision without consulting her first. My only answer was "faith". She scoffed. Admittingly, my decision isn’t as big a leap as I had made it sound, because I know something that your mother did not. (Believe me when I say that that is the first and last time that occurred in our marriage.)
A few months before Rikti chaos erupted, God blessed me with a glimpse into your future and what I saw lifted a heavy burden from my shoulders. As a parent, I’ve always wanted you to have more than I ever got. Regrettably, that lead me to make poor decisions in raising you. I sheltered you from hardship...instead of teaching you the skills to overcome it. Decades of war and hardship took a toll on my optimism, and I feared you would not be able to handle the enormous pressure that I've had to endure. I realize now how foolish I've been, and I hope you will forgive me. Your accomplishments in the years to come fill me with great pride and hope. It is pride and hope that will carry me through this portal to the Rikti home world with no regrets. Though this is my final hour, I can take great comfort in knowing that you will carry on when I am gone.
Attached to this letter should be my second suit of Lawin Armor. You have a uniform already, but as your father, it is my privilege and honor to pass the suit as "the torch" on to you. As Bayani both in name and deeds, it rightfully belongs to you.
With Deep Regards,
- Richard “Lawin” Angeles
