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The early morning sun glistened, glare shining in the faces off the gathered congregation from the sodden sidewalks and asphalt from last nights rain. The air was full of life, the vegetation vibrant. It contrasted with the mood that hung over the crowd, men and women of all shapes and sizes wearing black. Suits, dresses, uniforms. Some within the crowd while wearing formal wear, wore a mask on their face. The heroes who didn't feel comfortable being public with their identity, despite the time of day the nearby blocks seemed to hold their breathe out of respect for those in mourning. A podium stood at the far end of the congregation, one statue among many. The sheet concealed its identity, though there was no doubt who was beneath the sheet. 

Albert stood away from the main group. He could see William playing the politician going around, smiling sadly and shaking hands. Matilda was huddled together with a few of her friends, his father was... nowhere to be seen but he'd likely be rehearsing his speech. Whether or not a fallen hero was Vanguard, every memorial in the park was unveiled with a speech from the regional chief. Always playing politics, a skill William was learning well-

[color=#ED9121]"You're looking well."[/color]

Albert didn't turn to react. Everything about today had him on the verge of tears, he had a lot of respect for Saw. A lot of time for him, he was the kind of person you could always call on the phone at anytime day or night, and was always willing to help.

[color=slategray]"Thankyou Mother."[/color] [i]Mother.[/i] God he hated himself, none of this was her fault. She had chosen his father, his abilities and his life. It's not her fault Albert had come along and defied the norm, been shunned and grew apart from his father. Not her fault how things went that day. He turned to look at her, trying to offer her his best sympathetic smile. [color=slategray]"You're uh, you're looking good too."[/color] He looked down at her feet, his eyes hidden by his glasses, and closed his fist as he saw his shadow reaching out for hers. [i]No.[/i]

[color=#ED9121]"I hope you're looking after yourself, Matilda says you're keeping busy."[/color]

[color=slategray]"I'm doing my best to help people."[/color]

He felt the warmth of her hand on his shoulder, and he had to fight the urge to lift his hand to take hers in his own. To fold in and accept her embrace, but he had made his choice and he wouldn't drag her into the middle of anything. That wouldn't be fair.

[color=#ED9121]"You're a good man Albert-"[/color] There was a polite round of applause up ahead, as a figure walked out and upto the podium. His father. 

[color=slategray]"You should go."[/color]

She swallowed, and nodded sadly. As she stepped away her hand dropped away from his shoulder, and he wished that just for a moment more that the warmth would stay. That the contact wouldn't be broken, but it was better this way.

[hr]

Karl stood atop the podium, his suit practically glistened in the sun. What little hair he had was cut, trimmed and well maintained. The crowd applauded politely was he walked up to the podium, and then a hush spread throughout the crowd. [color=yellow]"A hero is no braver than an ordinary man."[/color] He paused, and took a breathe for a second. [color=yellow]"They are just brave for five minutes longer."[/color] Karl looked back towards the statue hiding underneath the cover. 

[color=yellow]"If your average hero is braver for five minutes. Saw Chaw had enough bravery for five days."[/color] Karls eyes watered, as he placed his hands on either side of the podium as if to steady himself. [color=yellow]"I worked with Saw for years. We met in costume-"[/color] He shook a head and chuckled to himself [color=yellow]"-Such as it was back in those days. We all remember the eighties."[/color] A low polite chuckle rumbled steadily through the crowd. He let it have a lap before he started again. [color=yellow]"I don't think there is a single person in this city who hasn't been affected by [i]Mountain[/i]. Everyone remembers his decade long fued with the killer [i]Darksaber[/i], and the weight that was lifted from our shoulders when he finally brought him to justice. He's raised more funds for more charities in this city than anyone else, Everyday Heroes Cente in Steel Acres is a hub not just of civic pride, but national pride...."[/color]

The speech was long, but nobody complained. The murmurs were kept to a minimum, nobody disrespected the memories being mentioned. The heroics, the past saves. Karl spoke for about ten minutes, but then he was replaced by other heroes. Protegés, allies. Several reformed villains and criminals who testified to Saws kindness and patience in not just dumping them at jail, but then visiting them and personally helping them through their rehabilitation. Until eventually an old man, walking with a stick under one arm and being held up by a young man in his thirties who boasted a resemblence to Saw. 

The younger man grabbed the line, and then handed it to the older man who smiled the kind of sweet older smile that had seen a lot of mileage. Karl returned to the micophone. [color=yellow]"This is Aleks Seryy. Over sixty years ago his life was saved by Saw, and who better to reveal his memorial to the world?"[/color] Karl stood back, and clear of the shot. Nodding politely at Aleks, who pulled the line.

Cameras flash, and polite applause rippled through the crowd as once more Saw Chaw. The man known as the [i]Mountain[/i] stood in the sun, his eternal virgil begun.