For the Fallen

It was once said that all men die, not every man really lives. Marcus Cole was many things— father, friend, hero, patriot. He was an icon of an age—and with his death comes the end of an era.  No doubt the citizens of Paragon, and even those in the Isles, will miss the mighty Statesman. To the citizens, he was a protector—a defender of the innocent and all that was good. To his fellow heroes, an inspiration—the steady foundation which weathered the greatest storms. And to a versatile rogue like me he was the bane of my existence—I mean, seriously, I 'd walk out of a bank, see him there in that imposing stance and just put out my wrists to get cuffed. I knew I couldn't take him and after the first few times where you end up in the Zig more black than blue you realize just going peacefully is a lot easier—and a lot less painful… *cough*


Okay, so many an attempt at humor during a memorial service was misplaced but what is memory worth if you can't recall the good with the bad? Yes, today is a day of mourning, but part of honoring the Fallen's death is to celebrate their life. When you look back at Stateman's life , despite the tragedy of his death—you'll find a wonderful, rich story filled with extraordinary deeds and adventures. He seemed to be a god among mortals—but really, behind the mask—States was a man. He laughed, he loved—he even bled. I think more than anything that is something to take from his final moments on earth. Even the greatest of men can fall… and… that's okay. It shows the world that he was in fact, at his core, like you or me. Statesman died exactly how he should have. He died as he lived—seeking justice, seeking to right wrong, and seeking to protect the world from evil. I cannot think of a more suitable end.


Something I understand now, I don't think I did before—is that when it came to death, it was not that Statesman thought he was immortal. He just… thought he couldn't die—that is, he felt he did not have the right to leave this world. Like Atlas, he felt the weight of the world on his shoulders. He accepted this burden with a patient resignation and even after all this time, he held to his values. He would not kill Wade, despite the deep personal attacks made against him. He was going to see Wade in prison—a mission that we will most certainly see finished. I think in his final moments, what Marcus realized, was that  he didn't have to fight anymore—that it was okay to pass the torch. While he is gone, his memory and spirit are not.


It is… little comfort to ease our loss and grief, but... if we remember hold true to the values that Statesman stood for, then he will never truly be gone. As many heroes before, he stood for truth, justice, and the ultimate triumph of good over evil. Together we will overcome this tragedy and prove to Wade, and all who would seek the destruction of civilization, that our faith is stronger than their power, that our will is greater than their lust, and that our strength comes not from a fickle puddle that grants magic powers, but the ability to rely on one another. The truth power possessed by Marcus Cole, was not his superhuman strength, nor his ability to call lightning from the sky—it was the ability to inspire others to fight the good fight, to remain true to his convictions no matter what the cost, and to unselfishly devote his life to a greater good.


I am a simple rogue. I cared little for Statesman while he lived, but I was touched by his death and noble sacrifice. I cannot help but think that if a man like myself found it inspiring, that others greater than I would be moved to rise to the challenge we now face. Wade thought that by stripping Statesman of his power, he would become as great of a man as Marcus Cole. He failed to see the real reason why he never can and never will be as great as Statesman. While we shed tears today, tomorrow they will dry and Wade will find his victory hollow. For the one hero that fell today, tomorrow a thousand will rise to take his place. That is the mark of a true hero. And that is the legacy of Statesman. He inspired a generation of superheroes, and like all good heroes, always shall.