The letter to Alex

My dear Alex:
	When I first saw you, after months and months of silence and assumptions of your death, I could not imagine what you might be able to bring back to the family and the mafia as a whole. All I was happy about was that my daughter had returned, after already having lost one of mine. This business is not without sacrifices, but it was on that day that I understood that there is nothing in this world worth sacrificing family for.
	You have learned as well as I that nothing is without its costs. But I was blinded by your skills, your power, your dedication to the cause, and by our blood. I did not think about what you told us about the other world that could not benefit us. And perhaps, it is in the Laguardia blood to make enemies. So much for a meaningful last name, hmm?
	The enemy is at our doorstep, and we are ill-prepared to deal with them. We remember the conciquences of the last time this happened.
	I know that in my passing that the family's work will go down in history as the few most glorious years we had. But what they decide to do once this is all over is no longer of my control. And neither should you be under and control over my dead body, or my legacy.
	You made it clear that the business of the other world was yours to bear, and none of mine. Even as your business has disagreed with that notion I have honored your word. Even as your guests fancied around with devices, clothing and other items that us here could only dream of, I let them be. Even as I could see you go into the portal in our own back yard, I did not follow. And even as I saw others of normal blood pass through those same gates, I did not follow.
	Your mother may say you are sporadic in your presence, your cousin may call you a minor contribution to the business in the long term and your brother may say you're a force unable to be controlled nor directed, but I know more than the others that the heart of my daughter still beats in your chest. You came back from each mission I sent you on with a smile, no matter how much blood or soot got on your uniform or how exhausting it was for you. And it wasn't because of the contribution you did for the business; you did it because you wanted to make us happy with the powers you had acquired.
	And that is why you, out of all the others, I must plead this to the most: go.
	I cannot fathom the possibilites of the many worlds you have told lies beyond those gates. I could look into as many fantasy novels as I could and imagine you in them. I could read as many novels about the future as much and wonder how you could deal with such powers at play. But perhaps the most I learned from was the works of HP Lovecraft; who described our world and our people so impossibly small compared to universal vastness that is all that we exist in.
	Perhaps there is a day when men will be able to step off of this planet we call earth and go on adventures across the stars. But you, at this moment in time, have so much more to explore. You have told us of dangers that threaten entire worlds with their presence, of schemers and villians that would put poor old me to shame.
	And yet through it all, there are people like you. Elevated to positions beyond superhuman strength, will and cunning. Made to be defenders of those that have no ability to defend themselves from the dangers this multiverse can offer. It feels like something from the comic books, but then I am pulled from that fantasy when I see your pet dragon Aiden starting to nibble at my shoes. The fantasy is right here in front of me.
	I can only imagine that some of those who have heard of your work on this planet have found it distasteful. Perhaps even criminal, and deserving of death. That might be why this person here is so adament on the destruction of all you hold dear. It is also the reason that I so quickly agreed to the marriage between you and Sam. Someone who can love you past all of your work is someone to cherish, as I even do right now with my wife.
	When you look back on this note, I want you to remember not only the times we have had but also the reminder that most cannot defend ourselves. It is a primal aspect of man to seek those who we know are greater than ourselves and find shelter within. Be that, my dearest Alex, and it will mean more to me than words can say. I have already made many safe havens for those looking to escape, to find solace in drink. It may be breaking the law, but we all need a place to rest.
	You will still be welcome in the manor as always, but do not let the rest of my family bore down on whatever choices you make. There is a difference between being uncontrollable and being free. They will learn, and you will florish. I have no doubt you will.
	-Nicholas Ryze Laguardia