I do not own Assassin's Creed or any part of it.

Warning: Contains major spoilers for the end of Assassin's Creed IV Black Flag.

My Dearest Mary,

You saw something in me. Something no one else saw. You saw me for what I really was. A man. Not a pirate, not a heartless sailor, but a man. You saw the good in me, the good that every man holds dear to his heart. I know it's too late now, Mary... but thank you. I was driven by my lust for wealth, and in my drive for madness, I knew you were there for me. And that was a comfort. I'm sorry for not seeing it when I needed it most, and when you needed me most.

All I wanted was to be somebody you could be proud of. But I failed you. I failed myself. In a world without you I'm forced to make hard choices. I don't know if I can do it, but I'll try my damnedest. I owe you that much. It won't be easy to do it alone, but I promise I'll try. I sail alone now, Adé has left to join the Assassins. I wish I was as brave as him. Maybe one day I will be.

It used to bring me such comfort knowing you were out there. I worried every day, but I knew you were strong. I always knew. All I wanted was a better life, but I didn't look at the wreckage I left behind me. I hurt you. I disappointed you. And I'm sorry.

I'm a better man now than I was. I'm sorry you didn't get to see me change. I no longer want the riches to bring me a better life, but I want the life of a better man. I wish I could do something to better myself. I'll try, Mary. I promise, I'll try. I want to be someone you'll be proud of. I want to help the Assassins. I want to do good. But more than anything I want you here with me.

Love,
Edward

. . .

Heaving a great sigh, Edward corked the bottle tightly. He rolled it between his hands, feeling the cool glass under his fingertips. The bottle held all his secrets, his pain, his regrets. He looked down at the foggy bottle once more before closing his eyes and casting it out to sea. He didn't wait for the splash or to see it bob listlessly in the open water. It was gone, no matter how desperately he wanted that insignificant piece of parchment back.

Turning away from the deck, he brought his focus back to the task at hand. His past was gone, fed to the waves to be swallowed up. Quiet relief settled in his chest knowing all his secrets were open and tossed away. He promised Mary he would be better. Jerking the wheel sharply to the side, he changed his course. Today was the day to make good on that promise.

Thanks for reading! I was really upset by the end of Black Flag so I wrote this for some closure! I hope you enjoyed and have a wonderful day.