Colors in the Dark

[38] Trump Card

A/N: Now, a quick refresher: Ayami's Nightmare quirk, courtesy of Deimos, brings fears to life out of dark matter, and can affect anything with a mind that can make it real. Meaning it's essentially intangible to everything except for living beings, most prominently people, which is both a blessing and a curse- imagine if she could use her ribbons like Sero's tape and swing from buildings or trees! But... what would happen if it went up against something- or more importantly, someone, intangible? Well, as I say, sometimes something's biggest weakness is itself. And perhaps with a little psychological warfare and some other quirks at her side, everyone's favorite orphan can triumph in what's to come. Or... will she?

After the third day since the Licensing Exam, Midoriya was able to return to class, and looked more than ready to make up for whatever he has missed out on. He announced his apologies at his misbehavior, and specifically for disappointing Iida, before Aizawa came in and ordered everyone back to their seats.

"Morning," Aizawa greeted them with a subtle nod to Ayami. "Now that Midoriya's back, we'll go into more detail about what the Work Studies entail." He turned to the door. "Go ahead and come in. I'll have people who've experienced them firsthand explain. I suggest you listen carefully as they point out how Work Studies differ from internships."

Said door slid open for three students to come in, all three taller than the first-year class. There was the blond-haired guy with bright blue eyes, a dark navy-blue-haired elfish boy who looked ready to melt into himself, and a light blue-haired, blue-eyed girl.

"These three are third-years at UA. They rank at the very top of our student body. You may know them as the Big Three." Many of Ayami's classmates seemed to recognize them, saying they were famous and had power equivalent to Pros. Midoriya's eyes seemed glued to the blond, almost like he recognized them from somewhere. "Get to it; introduce yourselves briefly," Aizawa told them. "Let's start with Amajiki."

As the elfish boy- she thought of him as this for his pointed ears and tiny eyes- stared at the class intensely, Ayami couldn't help but wonder, The Big Three? What could they have done to receive such a powerful title like that? Are they the stereotypical big shots, all full of themselves for being popular? I sure hope not- I really hate people like that... and if they truly are strong, I'd like to get to know them at least a little.

The navy-blue-haired third-year swept his gaze around the whole class, stopping to stare at each one of the 1-A kids. Ayami noticed his eyes met hers, staring intently; she wasn't going to back down from his staring contest from across the room, but he looked away after only a moment. She allowed herself to blink again and crossed her arms across her stomach, tucked under the desk.

Amajiki began to shake, almost rattling as he spoke. "It's no good. You two go; I just can't. Even if I try to imagine them as potatoes... I can see their human bodies... I know that they're still people... No words are coming out; my mind's blank and my mouth's dry. I can't say anything... I wanna..." He spun around, facing the classroom wall in his dejection. "...Go home..."

Ayami raised an eyebrow. For the top three students at UA, he seems... well, he certainly isn't impressing anyone with a performance like that. Can't say he's the only one, though.

Ojiro raised his hand, voice betraying the confusion he- and the rest of the class- felt. "Okay, so um... are you really one of UA's top heroes?"

The girl giggled at the elvish boy. "Come on, Amajiki! You need to have the heart of a lion, not a kitten! You know, even though you're human, get what I mean?" She spun to face the class. "This is our kitten, Tamaki Amajiki. And hi, my name is Nejire Hadou! I'm supposed to talk about Work Studies; you first-years have a really exciting time ahead of you." Her gaze fell on Shouji. "Hey wait, hold on. Why are you wearing a mask? Is it 'cause you're feeling sick? Or just trying to look cool?"