A few weeks have passed since the first day. During that time, the Paladins continued their studies diligently. Well, as diligent as they can. With everything on their plate, they seem to be managing relatively well, all except for one student. Dreadnought has not been adjusting well these last few sessions. He barely passes his classes, and during the night, he struggles to sleep. A voice haunts him, but not one of his siblings.

As the morning begins, Dreadnought covers his head with a pillow. A thought lingers in his mind. For the past few weeks, ever since his falling out with Matter, Dreadnought cannot help but think about her. Her soft eyes, silky red hair, and annoying yet sweet voice tell him to...

Leave me alone.

He takes a deep breath and tosses the pillow away. He closes his eyes and rubs his head.

Why do I keep hearing her voice? Dreadnought asks himself. Why her? Why now?

Dreadnought groggily makes his way to Streetwise's office. He knocks on the door with no response. He heads to the faculty room and knocks again. This time, a teacher answers,

"Hm? Dreadnought, right? Why are you here this early?"

"Uh, good morning, Sir Glance," Dreadnought fixes his posture, "I was looking for Streetwise. Have you seen him?"

"Streetwise, huh?" Glance rubs his neck, "yeah, I think he's on Earth C36."

"Where?"

"Oh, I guess you haven't taken Multiverse Management yet, huh? It's a long story. Basically, He's not around for a bit, got it?"

"I understand. Thank you for your time."

Dreadnought aimlessly wanders around. Who could he possibly talk to? Maybe he could talk to...

Leave me alone.

He lowers his head, returns to the dorm, and is greeted by a cluster of students.

"-and that's why a sidekick hero cannot patrol alone," Magnetic Monopole mentions, "they have to be accompanied by a pro hero lest they get beat by lunatics."

"I hate HELLS," Wildlife tosses her reviews around, "Ms. Winter doesn't even teach. She just plays recordings of herself teaching. Why bother showing up then?"

"I dunno," Double Trouble shrugs, "I hate the way she teaches, but I love the way she talks."

"Hey, look who showed up," Smokescreen laughs, "You look like shit. Had a rough night?"

"Geez, Smokey, give him a break," Wildlife sighs. She hands Dreadnought some herbal tea to soothe his body. He nods thankfully and drinks.

"I am fine. Just had trouble sleeping."

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"Tell me about it," M.M. sighs, "A whole bunch of Constellation episodes were leaked last night. I had to watch it before someone spoiled it for me."

Smokescreen scoffs and rolls her eyes.

"You guys watch Constellation too? I thought I was the only one!" D.T. smiles as he and M.M. continue talking about the show.

Wildlife looks to the fatigued Dreadnought. He can barely keep his eyes open. He rubs his head and looks away from the crowd. Out of the corner of his eye, he can see that violet hood and her red hair flowing from it. He tried to stand up, but his legs wouldn't budge. Words barely escape his mouth.

"I.. just... need..."

LEAVE ME ALONE

"Dreadnought," Wildlife asks, "could you come with me for a bit? I need your help for something."

"Um, sure."

The two leave the dorm as Wildlife brings him to a secluded area with Paladin's Academy. Dreadnought struggles to follow her, but he manages to trail behind with her aid. They arrive at a small plastic house. A wide variety of flowers grow within the minuscule area. The aroma eases Dreadnought's nerves as he sits down next to Wildlife.

"This is my greenhouse," Wildlife explains, "Ms. Winter says the school couldn't provide one for me since it went over budget. But Sr. Streetwise insisted that he could fund it, given that I would take care of it."

Dreadnought breathes in the calming scent. He gently picks up a red potted flower as its pollen tickles his nose. He quietly laughs while he places the plant down.

"I have never seen anything like this."

"When things get hectic, I find that smelling the flowers helps calm the senses."

"Thank you, Wildlife," Dreadnought smiles, "I feel much better."

"I know adjusting to College life is tough. Believe me," Wildlife pats him on the back, "but these problems are but a small flower in the garden of life."

"Well, my flower may have grown far larger than anticipated."

"Would you be willing to share?"

Dreadnought hesitates for a moment. He takes a step away.

"I mean, totally up to you," Wildlife laughs.

"It's just," Dreadnought sits down, "I don't feel good when Matter ignores me. She is, was, one of my first friends, after all."

Wildlife tilts her head. "You don't feel good?"

"Yes! It's like my heart gets heavier whenever I look at her."

"Ah," Wildlife laughs, "I think I understand. Perhaps, deep down, you may still have unexplored feelings for her."

"Is that it?"

"Well, I'm no therapist, but I have experienced something like that."

"Any advice?"

Wildlife sits down next to him, "just talk to her. It's foolproof."

"But she won't talk to me!"

Suddenly, Dreadnought stands up. Those words spark an idea within his head.

"Thank you," Dreadnought shakes Wildlife's hand, "I know what I must do."

"You're welcome?" Wildlife giggles.

Dreadnought excuses himself as he leaves the greenhouse and runs to his room. He devises a plan. If Matter won't talk to him, then maybe a letter would do. He begins writing down everything he wants to say to Matter. Everything.

"It has been a while since we last talked, and I've been thinking about why we lost our connection. Remembering our spontaneous adventures and late-night talks got me a bit nostalgic and melancholic, for these memories we shared would always bring a smile to my face. I already understand that we cannot be together as we were before, but I have realized how much I miss having you around right from the beginning of my adventure."

He continues writing,

"It is funny how things change, but some things stay constant, like the bond I share with you. Honestly, there were multiple instances where I wondered if there could be something more between us. It would be great if we could be friends and reconnect like before. Catch up with some strawberry milkshake or even have our sparring like we used to. Let me know what you think. I would not take it against you if you still have some reservations about your decision, but I will always respect what you want. I only wish that we could discover something new about each other along the way."

He walks up to Matter's Door. He lifts his hand to knock but stops himself. He pulls out the letter from his hand and slides it down the door frame. Dreadnought himself is not big on religion, but he hopes and prays that she will read this letter.