To my dearest son, Jaxon.
I am positive you won't understand this letter when you get it, but later when you're all grown up, you might have a better idea. If you are reading this, it means I was killed in action fighting the invaders we refer to as the Kyr'Ozch.
I went into battle knowing, every day, that I wanted a brighter future for you, my son. More than anything, it means I want you to survive and perhaps be an even better man, than I was. When you're older and you have a son, you'll understand why hard decisions like this, while unsettling to think about, must be made. To live in todays world, you must make sacrifices. Sometimes, it means dying in order to achieve them.
You are my greatest creation, son. Do not for a moment ever feel that your mother and I did not care for you more than we cared for ourselves. I am not sure what the future holds, but this week I anticipate fighting the greatest surge of enemies our planet has ever had to deal with. The fleet was so large, we couldn't dare help but watch our tracking of it, with awe and forboding.
With this letter, is everything I've managed to scrape together that's will be useful to you, including a map to a location where I have stored various things that will help you as you get older and more experienced. I've also left things for you that will help you remember who we were to you, your mother and I. Don't forget that our sacrifices were made to make sure you could live to continue the line. Be strong, work hard, and keep honour between yourself and any worthy human being you come into contact with, even your enemies.
I often wondered how this might go, being a father and all. I was not like other men, and they laughed at me, when I told them I would be a father. Being an Atrox, no one suspected that our breed carried such wonders. Some people forget their beginnings, but I did not. Everything that I am, and ever have been, are with you now, and forever. I often mused to myself when we would watch you grow up, the advice we would give, the stories we could impart, and the lessons we teach.. But you, my son, will have to forgive me for not having those times with you. For that most grave error, I can only offer you my apologies.
Be strong. Be fair. Be honourable. But above all things, be true to yourself first. That which you carry with you, in the inner spirit of your heart, is nothing anyone can take from you, unless you allow them. Keep that fire inside you burning hot, and no one will dare strike out at you.
I wish you the insight of experience and wisdom of time and opportunity. Keep your eyes open, your head up and looking forward and behind you at all times. Be wary of people who are too friendly, or not friendly enough. Remember to listen to everyone's opinion, even if you don't like it. Always lend your ears and possibly a shoulder, but rarely offer your voice unless it carries sincerity of purpose. Always keep with you, a token of the values that which you hold to be truest in your mind. Make every decision with strength, and keep to your strengths. Honour and love your children and your mate, even as they love and honour you. People will recognize you if you are always true to your word and devotions. And finally, even as you might know that you are going to face certain death, do not fear it. Death is a change; a doorway. It is the final portal we pass through before we assume the beyond.
Remember these words. I may not be with you in flesh, but in spirit always. We will always love you, no matter what.
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Bubba looks up from the writing on the desk in front of him, and puts his pen down. He sits back in his chair, and with dread anticipation, draws a deep breath. His large hands, scarred from mortal fights across the last decade, placed upon his own head, as he looks up at the ceiling in deep thought.
He turns to his left, where the young Opifex boy and his mother are picking up toys in the front living area of their home. He smiles as he watches on. A tiny tear almost dares to leave the corner of his eye.
Looking back, he takes the paper and folds it carefully into a small brown envelope, before putting it in his back pocket. He will need to make sure the proper person will carry his message to its final destination, should the need arise.