The Rise Of A Porter

Arnold had to put everything on hold for he had received terrible news. One of the closest people to his heart, had left the world to find peace in the most wonderful place. Nathaniel Black was no longer in the mortal world with them. He had been struggling with old age for some time now and despite Arnold's numerous attempts to help him out, Nathaniel refused.

He didn't want to live any longer than he absolutely had to and asked Arnold to give him this last gift. So Arnold respected it and never brought up the topic of healing his dying body again. That was a year ago when Arnold met him for the last time and now while working on making new weapons, Arnold was informed... that Nathaniel had died of a heart attack. 

The entire nation of America was grieving the loss of a great leader, but most importantly, a great human. Just like anyone else, Nathaniel wasn't perfect but Arnold was sure if there was someone who could have achieved that dream, it was that man. The news was expected, but still shocked everyone who heard it.. 

The day was declared to be the national day of mourning both in America and in Arnold's empire. Arnold along with his family rushed over to America. Nina wanted to be with her family and Arnold wanted to support the Blacks in any way he could. After all, if it hadn't been for them, he would have possibly achieved what he had now. 

The day of the funeral was the only day the Blacks didn't wear black, but white clothing. A lot of people came to give final respects to the man. It was said that the more people show up at someone's funeral, the better the person was. Arnold didn't know how true that statement was, but at that moment, he surely hoped it was true.

Because on the day of the funeral, the Blacks had to open their door to more than two thousand people and these were just the people that had been close to Nathaniel. Arnold didn't even have the slightest idea of how many more people were waiting for them at the funeral venue. Slowly, even those two thousand people left for the funeral site leaving only the 'real' family behind. 

Minutes later a hearse and 10 black limos arrived at the mansion. The family filed into the vehicles while the drivers loaded the hearse with numerous black roses. Nathaniel loved every flower, but roses were the closest to his heart. Arnold, Nathan, Johnny and Allen, the four 'brothers' helped them while everyone started leaving.

Arnold had never acknowledged Nathaniel as a father, but he was indeed a father figure for him. Nathaniel always guided him on the right path and if it hadn't been for him, Arnold might have gotten drunk in his power like the other vassals and paladins. He was glad Nathaniel was there to help him out when times were dark and his emotions towards Arnold didn't change even after he left the family. Arnold was still considered as one of his 'sons'.

Arnold had thought all his emotions regarding life and death had been nulled, but he was a bit sad at that moment when he saw both Nathan and Allen going on about as robots. Even though they knew it was coming, they still couldn't come to terms with the news and how could Arnold blame them? They could have saved Nathaniel, but he had refused all treatments stating he wanted to live his last days in peace. 

In the end, Nicole and Nina along with the rest of the people went to the funeral site, leaving The four of them along with the lawyer. Usually, the will reading was done after the funeral but there was something the lawyer had to inform them at the moment. 

"Nathaniel Dyre Black, wanted the four of you to be a part of his final journey." The old-looking lawyer spoke in a frail voice, "He wanted you to carry his casket, to his funeral site together."

At that moment, Arnold realised that Nathaniel did consider them all as his sons. Thus he had given such an honourable responsibility to them. The four of them looked at each other and smiled wanly. Maybe it was the old man's way to teach them the last lesson to all four of them, "Stay together, even after his death". Or maybe they were thinking too much into it.

"You should go to the site. We'll be there soon." Arnold smiled at the old lawyer and helped him to a car before returning, "I hope you guys can walk fast."

Everyone nodded before lifting the casket on their shoulders, with Allen and Nathan leading the pack. They were superhumans and using their enhanced agility managed to arrive at the site just as Nina and the others pulled over. 

Well, there was a ginormous crowd of almost ten thousand people had gathered there. All of the elite families, delegates from all over the globe and countless others were there to pay their respects to Nathaniel. It was truly a wonderful sight. Everyone shared their stories about Nathaniel with them and soon enough, it was Arnold's turn to do so. 

He got on the stage and people held their breaths. Everyone wanted to know about the memories the strongest among them had to share about Nathaniel. But they weren't expecting much because of his usual cold demeanour. 

"Nathaniel was someone I used to look up to. Someone I would have followed to hell. He was the type of man I could brag about knowing for the better part of my life." Arnold began his speech, "Someone to learn from and respect to. He was everything I dream of becoming one day. A kind and gentle soul who welcome two orphans with open arms not once thinking about what others would say. Today, I can proudly say, he is the reason I am who I am. Even when everyone turned against me, he was still by my side."

He continued, "But I am not the only one who was affected by his greatness. If I was, then there wouldn't be so many people present here in this beautiful garden paying respects to the man they all loved and cared about. He taught me many things but I think most importantly he gave me the ability to know that if you really put your mind to something, anything is possible. Like a weak and frail-looking porter to become the world's strongest warrior. On behalf of the Blacks, I would like to thank all of you who came to see Nathaniel off, for one last time. I know he would be more than happy to read your minds right about now and assure you that he had a blast living among you people."

It looked like Arnold had more to talk about, but decided to keep some secrets to himself. Arnold's words were simple and yet it was one of the most heartfelt eulogies anyone had ever heard. Following Arnold's speech, Allen was the last to deliver his thanks to Nathaniel promising him that he would become a better man, a man he could have been proud of.

After that, Nathaniel was cremated just like he had wished for and his ashes were spread across the mansion as per their tradition. In his memory, Arnold planet a sapling of life there, just like had on top of Cetus. It was Arnold's way to assure that Nathaniel would stay undisturbed from evil bast.ards and he would have a place to return to.