Chapter 9: Declaring and Speech

[Third Person's PoV] 

A few days after the event…

There was a big funeral held for Jarvis, mostly with friends and family. There were many tears among everyone.

Seeing all the people who came, Tony turned towards Howard. "It appears Jarvis was very loved," he said.

Howard smiled sadly as he nodded his head. "Yes, he was. When he was in the military, he helped out everyone he could. Almost everyone who knew him had a sense of admiration for him," Howard said.

Many people gave speeches about how Jarvis had helped them at some point in their lives, how they were forever indebted to him, and how he was a good friend and a great son.

After the last person gave their speech, the pastor then asked, "Does anyone else have something to say before the end of the ceremony?"

"Me."

They heard the voice of a little kid. When they turned, they saw Tony with his hand raised and a note in hand.

Everyone was a bit surprised as he stood up and walked towards the podium. "Are you sure you want to do this, son?" the priest asked.

Tony nodded and walked in front of the podium.

"Do you guys have a booster seat? This is kinda tall for a kid my age."

That earned him a chuckle amid their tears. "I'm being serious. Can't you see I'm small?"

They soon got him a large stool to sit on so he could get close to the microphone on the podium. "Honestly, I have many things to say, but first, let's start with the introduction. Hello, everyone. I am Anthony E. Stark."

"Jarvis was a butler who worked under my father for many years, to the point where they became very close friends. Since I was born, Jarvis has been a constant presence in my life. He has seen many of my firsts: my first steps, first words, first inventions, and many of my failures."

"Along the way, Jarvis became more than just a butler in my life. He became a friend—a best friend even. In this crazy world, we have many heroes to look up to. But to me, my number one hero will always be Jarvis. He saved my life in more ways than I can count."

Tony paused and chuckled a bit. "Funny thing is, before we left for the party, I made a joke asking where I would be without him. Without hesitation, he said I would have probably killed myself, just to show how many times he saved me from my own hands."

Tony then gripped the podium as he bit his lip. "It truly isn't fair how Jarvis has left us. He was a good man. He gave up his life to save mine. He used his own body as a shield to make sure I was alright, and I will never forget it. I was with him in his last moments, his last breath."

"And he used that chance to tell me something. He told me he believed I could be a hero. Can you guys believe it? Me, a quirkless little kid! He used his last breath to tell me he had confidence that I could become a hero."

"Hahahahahaha!" He laughed into the microphone, causing people to believe he had lost his mind.

The priest went to grab him. "I think that's enough, son," he said, putting a hand on his shoulder.

Tony shrugged him off and grabbed the microphone again. "Fine," Tony said, looking at everyone present.

"Since that's what he wanted, that's what I'll do."

"I'm using this chance to declare to Jarvis, who is watching over me, and to all of you who are here as witnesses."

"I, Anthony Stark, hereby declare that I will be this world's greatest hero anyone has ever seen. Think what you all like about my quirkless status. I'll let my actions speak for themselves."

Tony then grabbed his note from the podium and jumped off before walking towards his father. Although he felt all gazes on him, his movements never faltered.

"That was a fantastic speech, Tony," Howard said, patting his head with a proud smile.

His mother gave him a hug as she nodded. "Truly, it was wonderful."

He then felt someone pat his shoulder from behind and found David Shield giving him a thumbs-up in support while Melissa leaned forward.

"That was fantastic. You were so cool."

"When have I not been?" Tony scoffed arrogantly.

This caused Melissa to roll her eyes, as she was now getting familiar with Tony's narcissism.

Soon after the speeches came the burial. Tony threw a bouquet of flowers as they started lowering the casket. Tears still fell from his eyes seeing this.

After it was covered in dirt and he was properly buried, all that remained was a tombstone that read: An Amazing Friend But An Even Greater Butler.

Tony was seen sitting in a limo staring into the graveyard. He felt a hand on his and saw Melissa holding his hand with a worried look.

"I'm fine," he said, shaking his head.

"Is there any place you want to stop by, Tony?" Maria asked, looking at Tony a little worriedly.

"Yes, home. I have something I need to complete." Tony nodded with a serious expression.

Tony then turned towards Melissa. "And you better change. I don't think you'll be of much help in a dress, unless you want to dirty it."

"Tony, that's no way to talk to a lady," Maria chastised.

"What? She agreed to be my lab assistant, so her help will be needed," Tony said, shrugging his shoulders.

"That still doesn't give you the excuse to talk so rudely to people."

Tony didn't want to argue with his mother, so he sighed. "Yes, Mother."

They first dropped off Melissa and David before heading home. As he exited the limo, Tony said, "Don't disturb me. I'm going to my lab, and if Melissa arrives, send her there. No one else is allowed to enter."

Maria just looked at Howard with worry. Howard put a hand on her shoulder. "Don't worry. He's just very motivated right now and wants to do this... No, he needs to do this... for his own good."

"But still..." Maria wanted to insist, but Howard gave her a side hug and kissed her on the cheek.

"I know, my love, I know."

As Tony entered his lab, he took off his three-piece suit, leaving him only in a shirt. He rolled up the shirt sleeves and unbuttoned a few buttons at the top.

"Friday, commence attempt number 152."

"Welcome back, Master. Now commencing Project Artificial Heart, attempt number 152."

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