Chapter 6

Reluctant Sorrow

It has now been about roughly, two weeks since Proto 12 has stayed inside of 1-A's dorm for repairs. After a few hiccups from last week, having one arm blow up then repair itself, Proto 12 is now able to move both arms in full capacity. No longer do they look like Muppet hands and instead move and function like normal. However with the speed it took to repair them, sometimes they revert back to a mitten like state. A lack of power or just simple damaged servos self repairing and breaking, this has caused Proto 12 some discomfort whenever it happens. Yet he is just happy that they can move around more like humans this time.

As promised he was given his own wheelchair and has made the most of it by moving around the building and, with Tsuyu guiding him, around the area to. Looking at trees, listening to the birds, and even meeting other students to. They were slightly unnerved by him, he figured as much, but he was still happy. As for the insignia, it was found out just as fast if not quicker and as promised, Proto 12 gave two new ones to Mr. Aizawa.

One was showing a knight kneeling with sword in hand, while the other was more abstract showing a shield with a tree inside it. Of course they were figured out rather easily and quickly and the deal was kept. Bigger groups insignia's were shown and they learned more on just what the Militia did before the war with All For One. If any is curious the shield with a tree were the Woodland Defenders and the knight was to the group known as, 'The Order of Holy Virtue'. Think knights Hospitaller with a bit more meaning to a mixture of religious figure heads instead of just one. Now as for the one before those two, that group were the 'Spear and Shield defense of Militia Outposts' or as Proto 12 puts it 'Shield Skulls, Spear tip Blood'.

It was a newer group within it and the name was VERY rushed so they just called them Triple SB or SSMO for short. Proto 12 admits that it was a bit of an oversight for the Militia however did note that there usefulness was exceptionally high. They were a replacement group after the last main group lost almost it's entire core members, which explains quite a bit. However THAT group would not be known until three days later, whose name was expected. The "Militia Core Defense Battalion", after a large assault with most of one big core of them in it they had to reform after the losses and thus SSMO was formed.

However this is not the topic for what will be happening right now. For what has been going on with Proto 12 himself has cause, a lot of class 1-A to become worried about him. For one his reluctance to sleep at all has caused his body to become more drained than every before. His eyes have drooped more, he yawns more frequently, even snapping at people more often and having bags under his eyes. While the bags are barely visible, they are still noticeable when upon closer inspection. Above all else however, he seems to be zoning out more often, sometimes mumbling things about the Militia or something. In fact when he got his wheelchair, he began to talk to himself while looking out the window.

This has been happening for awhile now and it's come to the point where class 1-A is incredibly uncomfortable around him. he's become what Ms. Hatsume has said depressed, or showing signs of grief. He denies the depression part but doesn't deny or accept the grief, only scoffing and stating 'possible'. Yet Mei fears that if this keeps going on unchecked, then something bad could happen to her baby.

This is why now, those who have become the closet to Proto 12, mainly the BakuSquad (excluding Bakugou somewhat), Tsuyu, and Uraraka, have begun to make a plan. A plan to ease Proto 12 and make him feel happier. Whether or not it works is all up to chance really. As they've planned this since yesterday, it's a long shot but could help. While the group prepares for the plan, Proto 12 is sitting on a chair he himself moved near the window. Staring out of it very somberly and quietly. He sighs heavily remembering things from the past that make him saddened.

"I wonder how you're doing brother." He whispers unaware of the group slowly creeping up on him.

They surprise him causing him to jump of course, and look back at Mina Ashido, who latched onto his side with a smile. He didn't mind it, for he always showed a great deal of comfort with it. Even if it was slightly uncalled for he didn't argue, just looked surprised. He then looked around and saw the rest of the group surround him showing him affection. Proto 12 smiled a little but quickly frowned and looked back out the window sadly.

Proto 12: "What do you guys want with me?"

Ashido: "We're here to cheer you up of course."

Proto 12: "I can see that but I don't believe it will work on me."

Kirishima: "Come on man you can't just stay in here and mope around all day."

Proto 12: "Oh really? Then explain where else I can go huh?"

Uraraka: "Look we know you're saddened by the loss of your old life, but you can build a new one here." She said with a hopeful smile. Proto 12 sneered at the thought and looked more pissed than hopeful.

"Really what life would that be? I'm no hero, no villain, I actively hate this society, I have no where to turn. My friends and family think I'm dead, and sleep has left me ever since I've reawakened. I have nothing, the only hope I have isn't even in UA it's across the seas and mountains."

"Well that makes sense but could you at least come with us? Nothing can replace your old life but maybe something in this one can cheer you up, Kero?"

"I suppose I can give whatever you have a shot. But I moving my own ass back onto my wheelchair." Proto 12 retorted lifting himself from the chair and onto his wheelchair.

Once he was on Uraraka began to push him towards the way to the roof. Luckily they did have an elevator installed rather quickly for Proto 12 to move from floor to floor. It just so happens that this elevator can actually reach the roof. Once in the group look nervous as Proto 12 just looks at all of them questioningly. The reach the roof with no trouble and Proto 12 is instructed to close his eyes before reaching the spot. He groans but does it and is wheeled over to the spot, opens his eyes and looks amazed.

It's a simple set up of pillows, cloth's, incense and even a computer on a small little platform nearby. It was practically a den of color and incense. The smell was that of lavender with the hint of mint nearby as well. Music was playing that was very traditional, as Proto 12 stated that was one of his favorite genres to listen to that eased him. He was stunned by the sight, for it wasn't what he was expecting at all.

"We all pitched in and made this little getaway for you whenever you need some alone time. I set up the cloth and pillows, Tsu and Ochako here helped picking out incense and the snacks for you. While if you look at that corner there's a little surprise for you helped by Kirishima and Bakugou." Ashido said pointing over at the right away from the den.

Proto 12 looked over and saw two things mainly. One was a box of explosives with the words 'Blow Shit up Tin Can' clearly it was by Bakugou. The other thing were gym equipment set up for him to use. Half could be now while the other half couldn't. Proto 12 then looked over at the group who looked both supportive and worried, if only slightly.

"Why did you do this for me?"

"Well honestly you looked like you needed this for a while and we just felt bad for you so this is our way of showing thanks to you. Plus don't you think it's nice to actually have a room here?"

"I was gonna say that but you beat me to it. Yes it is nice and I do feel it a good start, but it will be a while until I feel as if it's easily forgiven." Proto 12 retorted looking at the den more closely and finding something. "What is that in the den over there?" He asked pointing it out. the group looked over at the tiny box on one of the pillows and immediately recognized it.

"Oh ya Mr. Aizawa actually contributed to this to. However all he really did was place that box there for you. He said it would feel nostalgic for you." Ashido answered as Proto 12 slowly moved into the den.

Once in he at first finally noticed other details about the den. Such as the tape keeping some cloth together and even how the electricity worked. He could figure out who contributed to those of course. It wasn't to hard to find out after all. However that is not the point, the main point is that Proto 12 is taking a closer look at the box and noticing the details of it. Or lack of detail for it was literally just a cardboard box nothing more nor less.

He picked it up and opened it to take a look inside. Once opened he looked more confused. It was filled with pictures and random items. He picked up one pictured and figured out it was a note to him. He began to read it to figure out just what this was suppose to be.

To Proto 12,

I understand that you feel homesick and loss without your family so I gave you this. it's pictures of your group and other items from them. Of course they are recreations but still work. I hope this makes up for the strain we are putting on you. Enjoy you new room, Proto 12.

Sincerely, Shinzo Aizawa

This caught Proto 12 off guard. He looked back into the box and picked up one of the pictures and looked closer at it. Once he realized what it was, he froze. The group, curious what he was looking at peered over his shoulder and saw what was on the picture. A group of people all in random poses and smiling at the camera. One of them was The Shadow Man, while the other was the red headed girl from the roof top Tokoyami mentioned. The rest were definitely colorful to say the least, with one towering over the rest of the group and looking like a skeleton with muscles. Another almost eerily like Froppy, just slightly sadder looking. In fact a few looked almost identical to some students in class 1-A albeit with many differences.

However one next to The Shadow Man looked like Proto 12. he was younger looking, and happier, a bright wide mouth smile on his face. The Muscled Skeleton had one arm over Proto 12 with the other pumping the air. It looked like they were laughing while the rest were doing other things. Such as the Froppy like person in a frog position, and The Red Headed girl had there fists clinked together. At the bottom of the picture was the phrase 'Militia Elites-Heroes in the dark'. It sounded nice to the group however for Proto 12, it was something loss.

He began to tear up at the picture, eventually crying. He cried, and cried, tears staining the pillows beneath him. He clenched onto the picture tightly as he cried and the group was in awe. They knew he could cry but they've never seen him broken like this. It was a little upsetting to them for various reasons. One being that they didn't want to hurt him they just wanted to make him happy. Tsuyu, once she gathered the courage, decided to comfort Proto 12 and ask what's wrong. He looked up tears still falling from his face and gave his answer.

"It's just, I haven't seen these old faces in so long. I miss hanging out with them and having them as my family. I worry they believe me dead."

"When you're at full strength, they will learn the truth. Who knows, maybe you'll even reunite with some kero." Tsuyu answered with a smile.

Proto 12 looked hopeful at the answer and continued to rummage through the box. A little dragon podium, a small shield with and an axe behind it, and even a little wolf plush just to name a few. Some of the pictured also showed a bit more on who the Elites were, The Shadow Man having a drinking contest with Proto 12, The Muscular Skeleton having an arm wrestling competition with the red headed girl, even a beach picture with Proto 12 and many of those elite members. Of course that isn't all but Proto 12 hid some from sight and only for himself, for they were for himself alone. Especially one with him and a little girl happily smiling at a fantasy book being read to her. The girl was someone Proto 12 wanted to keep away from them. He feared what they would do if the learned the truth.

After a few more tears shed and putting the box away, Proto 12 lies down on the pillows and almost immediately falls asleep. Perhaps the run of emotions to him made him pass out, or perhaps it's the fact that it was finally a comfortable place to sleep. What did matter however is that the group did what they achieved, they eased him quite a bit and he's now asleep for the first time since being reawakened. Of course they stayed by his side to make sure he wasn't alone during this time, and lo and behold after an hour and a half he was awakened once again. It would make sense but at least he did sleep, even if it was minimal.

Once he awakened he looked at the group, face still stained with the streak of tears. The group smiled at him with a hopeful look and he returned in kind. He whipped his face and cleared his throat before talking again.

"I must apologize you had to see me like that. it's just that, you know."

"Of course, losing people like that would hurt but maybe now we can be your new family?"

"Tch, yea right, I'd like that but I believe we are a while away before THAT is a thing. Until then thank you for giving my own room finally. I'll will most likely stay up here for a while now until my legs are healed or when I shall teach." Proto 12 stated with a grim look on his face. He looked back at them with a curious expression and began to ask a question to them. "Is there anything else I should know that you guys are planning for me?"

"Well we are planning on setting up a DnD session for you and some of the others. Bakubro and Midoriya will join in to, as well as some others from class 1-A. We've already prepared our characters now all that's left is for you and the world to be set up and the game will begin. We hope that you'll come enjoy it?" Kirishima asked with a nervous look on his face. Proto 12 however simply smiled and responded in kind.

"It's been a while but I can come up with it. If Shoto begins to play now THAT would be interesting. I'm certain you guys would love to learn more about me while we play, do not fear more would be revealed but on my accords and subtly to. My only question is when are we playing?"

"I'd say a week from now maybe only three days though it all depends on if we can gather everyone to be ready then. Until then we'll be going now, enjoy your new room kero, and please sleep more, it'll help you heal." Tsuyu stated beginning to leave with everyone else.

Proto 12 waved them goodbye and laid back down on the pillows. He took one of the pictures from the box and gave it a hard look. The picture of him and the little girl reading a story. He smiled at it and brought it close to himself. No matter what happened to her, he still loved her and would protect her. He put it away while looking at a picture at The Shadow Man and him together.

"Brother, I hope you're okay." He whispered with a somber look on his face.

He would fall asleep holding onto the picture. In a few days he would play something he had not touched in many years, and he had a plan. A plan to reveal something bugging them for a while now. Until then he would sleep and finally feel at peace with himself. The next stage in there bonds would soon rise.