BALEHO VILLAGE — Doctors reportedly warned Elena Paleheart, a new mother living in a humble village on a great continent, that her child will one day be the great hero of a legendary tale — meaning her days are numbered.
“This is a terminal condition,” the doctor told the new mother. “Many heroes have tried to save their mothers, but all have failed to reverse the hands of fate. Unfortunately, we aren’t able to provide a prognosis, as it’s rare for mothers of protagonists to even survive childbirth. You might get some clues by asking a local elder if there’s a prophecy. Your son is the one who was sent to this land to save all of us from the great evil… I am so sorry. Let me know if you need to read any pamphlets.”
Elena took the news with grace and, according to those close to her, she intends to make the most of her situation.
“The doctor has recommended I make end-of-life plans — I’m thinking a horrific murder, maybe even sacrificing myself for my child,” she said. “That way I’ll always be in my son’s life as a tragic backstory. He can’t forget me if, every time he goes into battle, he looks slightly up and sees a memory of me at low opacity.”
The child’s older sister was not so enthused about her mother’s predicted untimely death.
“I want the savior of our world to deliver us from evil just as much as the next person, but did it have to be my younger sibling?” she moaned. “I’m not looking forward to being their noble, aggrieved caretaker after Mom dies. Little brothers are the worst! Not to mention, I think I could be the chosen one even though I probably miss the qualifications just by a little bit — and I don’t want that to be like, my whole thing. I’m into other stuff too!”
At press time, Elena was found attempting to contact the child’s father, unaware that the child’s search for their missing father and his subsequent death would catalyze the final act transformation in their hero’s journey.
