Triple Point

Chapter 101: The Letter

美鷹へ.txt

Mitaka,

Before I explain why I'm writing this, I am so sorry I have to do this to you. Ever since you were born, all I've ever wanted was to keep you safe and happy. Never in my life did I expect you to be dragged into my line of work, and I hope you'll forgive me for whatever pain I've caused you.

If you weren't aware of it by now, I'm a genetic researcher for Zenipro, a lab that is focused on uncovering the secrets behind meta-humans and their extraordinary abilities. My last assignment was to identify early signs of future meta-humans, and once my team and I were successful with that, I decided to expand on what we found. At the time, I had no idea what dangers would be brought forth because of it.

Unfortunately, my search for more knowledge was successful. With my research, I managed to detect genetic patterns that could identify a meta-human in children as young as five years old. Not only that, but I found ways to predict the potential of their abilities, that is, how strong they could be.

And then I made the first of several unforgivable mistakes, all for the need to satisfy my scientific curiosity: I tested you. It was a horrible thing to do; not only did I go against every ethical code I ever stood by, but I also failed as a father by treating my own child as a lab experiment. I knew at the time what I was doing was wrong, yet I ignored my every instinct for the sake of my work.

It only got worse when I processed your results. If my hypothesis was correct, you would grow up to be not just an ordinary meta-human, but one of unprecedented potential with abilities I've only theorized about. At first, I was thrilled, and I foolishly set aside all of my doubts for the sake of wanting to share what I just discovered. But before I could, I finally realized the harsh consequences of my actions.

At Zenipro, there is a young guardian scientist I worked with by the name of Bridgette Hester. She is unarguably brilliant, and while her mentality is questionable, I knew from the start that she would have an enormous impact on meta-human research.

Several days ago, I overheard a conversation between her and someone from the APO. The APO wanted Hester to speed up her research on making meta-humans stronger. Not only that, but they wanted her to find a way to control them, should they get unruly, by whatever means necessary. And they wanted her to use my research to find the strongest meta-humans our country has to offer.

As soon as I could, I deleted all my recent research findings on their servers; the only remaining copies should be stored on this memory stick, along with a recording of the conversation with Hester. But I know it's only a matter of time before they notice the gap of time in my research, and there's no telling what will become of me after that.

As much as it pains me to think this, there is a very high probability that I will not be around for you when you need me the most. It's likely that I'll never see the rest of your childhood, I'll never share your excitement when you're accepted into the Academy, and I'll never watch you grow into the noble, kind-hearted guardian I know you'll be. I'll know you'll become a hero that the people look up to, that I would look up to, and I am truly sorry I won't be able to support you during those times. And if there's anything I can do to help you in the future, I must do it now.

I'm afraid of what the APO will do with my research. I can only imagine how they'll begin to recruit meta-humans as young children, training them to fight, to kill, before they can even think for themselves. I see a war in the future of the world, a war fought by meta-humans, and a world destined for destruction. I see you, Mitaka, risking your life for that war, and I can't let that happen.

Once the APO manages to complete my research on determining the potential of meta-humans, it won't take them long to target you. To stop this, I developed a drug that can suppress meta-abilities, though it's only compatible with your genetics. Unfortunately, it could also end up altering your emotions and personality, and I can't risk giving it to you now while you're still so young. Instead, I've entrusted my friend and colleague, Zachary Stein, in getting it to you when you're old enough. Zach may have made some mistakes in the past, but he's simply ambitious, and I trust that his intentions are good.

I know that my actions are unforgivable. I, too, am ashamed of what I've done, and what I continue to do just to protect you from my own mistakes. So I understand if you hate me forever, for treating you like a lab experiment, for lying to you, and for leaving you. You deserve to hate me. And while I can't correct my mistakes, I promise you I will protect you until the day I die. Because as long as I know you'll be safe, I can rest in peace.

I'm sorry for everything, Mitaka. I hope that what I've done was at least enough to allow you to make your own decisions, and to choose for yourself the type of person you want to become. And no matter how you decide to live your life, just know that I am, and will always be, so very proud of you.

Love,

Dad

P.S. If you could, please tell your mother that I love her. I know she can be difficult at times, but she has a good heart. I hope you two will love and care for each other long after I'm gone.

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