memoir of a forgotten pirate

XI

I've been writing for so long.

I'm tired.

I want to live, and yet... the Red Plague will take that from me too. I suppose the most I can do is continue to take care of the girl.

She reminds me of myself.

I wish I could do more for her— and if I was a better, more capable person— maybe I could. I could teach her a better way. But I'm not that person. I can't be that person. Like it or not, I am the sum of all that came before me.

I bear the Pirate King's legacy, no matter how much I want to get rid of it.

I'll leave my final words, I guess.

To Leon— If you ever find this, I'm sorry. Know that I never stopped trying to find you. I'm sorry I couldn't fulfill my promise to you.

To Tianyi and Sarovar— Thank you for being my friends. That favor did more for me than you'll ever know. Keep the girl safe. Promise me that she'll be okay.

To (y/n)— I wanted to keep you safe. I was so harsh because I saw a reminder of myself reflected behind your eyes, and I couldn't stand it. Forgive me. I'm sorry to leave you behind. But you're strong, and you'll make it.

To Mathias— I love you, too. I know you called me the sun and yourself the moon, but perhaps it ought to be the other way around— because I as the moon could never hope to shine without you, my sun. In another world, I would have said yes to leaving with you. In another world, as new people. I'm sorry.

Every day, I feel my strength fading more and more.

I'm scared.

But finally, I may be offered a chance to rest. Even though I might not deserve it.

But I want to not be forgotten. Hopefully I get to live on in one way or another.

Goodbye.