Twisted Nightmares

Chapter 3

Hey, I've seen this one!

After that eventful day, Mineta remembered the pressure of studying for the finals. Half of the class was now in a desperate frenzy to cram as much knowledge into their noggins. Mineta decided that he'd also study, even though he felt like he knew enough. He had passed both exams last time, but it still had been technically like 2 or 3 weeks since he first did the exams, so he didn't feel like tempting fate. Tempting fate was probably on the bottom of "Mineta's things to do" list, since last time he did, it ended with his untimely demise. It was only luck that he seemed to have a second quirk. Pure luck.

He absently noticed that Kaminari had refused to text him for the past few days, but Mineta honestly did not mind. He was still pretty mad about Mina and Kaminari calling him "Dumb" because he scored higher then them. Mineta felt he should give them the same treatment. Midoriya had also texted him a few minutes earlier about the whole situation.

MIDORIYA

(6:30 P.M.) Midoriya: Hey Mineta, are you doing alright?

(6:30 P.M.) Midoriya: You haven't really talked much since, that one day in class. You can talk to me if you want!

(6:30 P.M.) Midoriya: I don't mean to pry, if I did, I'm sorry. :(

(6:37 P.M.) Mineta: It's okay man, I'm okay now. Just got some things on my mind, no need to worry.

(6:38 P.M.) Midoriya: Oh, that's good to hear! :D

(6:38 P.M.) Midoriya: Uh, not that you got things on your mind, I mean that you're okay now. _

(6:41 P.M.) Mineta: Uh thanks. I'll see you later, got to study and stuff...

(6:42 P.M.) Midoriya: Alright! I'm glad to see you're studying! :) See you tomorrow!

The grape boy knew the bushy haired star of Class A was probably just concerned for his well being since the outburst in the class. Mineta found it oddly easier then last time to reassure Midoriya that he was alright, and Midoriya had nothing to worry about. But it was most likely easier for him because he was staring at a phone screen when he was communicating with Midoriya, and not looking at his big sad green eyes.

Midoriya was a nice boy, don't get Mineta wrong. He had no negative thoughts towards Midoriya, but when Midoriya suspected something was definitely wrong with someone, he would be nosy as hell.

It didn't seem like it at first glance, but once you've spent enough time around Midoirya you'd notice a cycle. After the time he'd spent around Midoriya, Mineta had identified each step of "The Midoriya Treatment" process.

It would seem innocent at first in the beginning. Once Midoriya happened to spot the person in an distress, he would give his victim some sad glances, but didn't speak to them. Yet. If the problem persisted, he'd approach the target, with his stuttering and shaky voice, it seemed like he kind of did not want to speak to you. But Mineta knew very well Midoriya was a persistent one. He'd talk to you, ask you what's wrong, and if you didn't want to talk, it would seem like he'd back down. But in reality he would still press on. But instead of asking blunt things like "hey what's wrong friend", Midoriya was very sly. He'd wait until a comfortable amount of time had passed, then he'd try to befriend you. After you become pals with him, it was kind of hard denying Midoriya answers. The reason it being difficult being the fact if you got attached to the bushy haired boy, it was next to impossible to say no to his green "Puppy eyes" technique.

Mineta couldn't harbor any anger towards him for his devious technique though. It was obvious Midoriya cared greatly for his classmates, and he'd gladly befriend anyone. Midoriya would make sure that his friends were okay, both physically and mentally. But that didn't stop Mineta for feeling a pang of pity for anyone foolish enough to shed a tear in front of Midoriya. If he saw you crying in front of him, you were signing yourself up to the "Midoriya Treatment"

But with text messages, it was easy to convince Midoriya it was perfectly fine. All that Mineta had to do was just press some buttons, and hit send. No hassle required. But he shook any negative thoughts off, he had to juggle the whole camp situation, and redoing the exams. Never in his life Mineta would find himself "Redoing" his exams. Most exams were one try only, as far as he knew.

Even if he did it already, he knew he should study still. Exams were something not to be treated lightly at all, even if he knew he'd probably pass. But one can never be too sure.

On the day of the written exams, Mineta found doing the written finals were no hassle, but that was no shocker to him. In a technicality, he had studied for two whole weeks in preparation for the finals. It had obviously had given him a boost in doing the written.

He finished it, he noted the time it took for him was rather quicker compared to the first time he did it. Mineta calmly turned his in, with a content sigh. He knew he most likely passed, as he used the same answers for the ones he knew. And maybe he might have had a random guess here and there, but that didn't matter, right? He was very well aware he'd pass the practical, that was for sure.

His train of thought was slightly put off rails thanks to him noticing Kaminari and Mina thanking Yaoyorozu for her assistance in studying, and how Kaminari mentioned how he didn't leave one answer blank. But Kaminari failed to mention if he filled them in knowing the answers, or just guessed on half of the test. Knowing Kaminari, it was a 50/50 chance.

Mineta felt irritation build up in his stomach once more. He still felt pretty bitter about Kaminari and Mina hounding him for having a high score. He shot them a look, only to see they were too busy borderline worshiping Yaoyorozu.

Whatever.

After he broke off the angry gaze, as he realized it was pointless, he noticed something in the corner of his eye that Midoriya had stopped smiling. His lack of a smile told Mineta enough. Midoriya had caught on to the look Mineta just gave Kaminari and Mina.

Mineta took a deep breath. No reason to get worked up, he'd probaby turn back and chat with his friends, no reason to worry.

Midoriya's eye's had taken that sad/concerned look in his eyes once more. Which made Mineta begin to sweat.

He hasn't spoken yet, no reason to worry.

Out of all people who could of noticed something was clearly off about him, it had to be Midoriya. Murphy's Law was in full effect now, as well as Karma. Basically any bad luck was probably coming into effect right now.

Oh boy.

Mineta knew very well he couldn't risk losing his composure, so after controlling his emotions, he decided to play it cool. Mineta simply put on a mask of slight curiosity, with one eyebrow raised as he looked back at Midoriya. He prayed it would be enough to ward off Midoriya's wrath. It was a gamble when it came to Midoriya.

Midoriya finally spoke. "Are you nervous about the results of your finals, Mineta?"

Mineta slightly relaxed. He definitely didn't expect that question. But then again he briefly mention studying for his exams last time Midoriya had texted him, did Midoriya think the exams were stressing him that greatly? It seemed so. He absently noted that his mother had also assumed that Mineta's stress was coming from the upcoming exam. Deja Vu.

But he couldn't take any chances of telling the truth to Midoriya. He'd just have to lie like last time, even though he really didn't want to. Mineta forced a slightly embarrassed expression on his face, and rubbed the back of his head, making himself look bashful. "Y-yeah, it's just they seem so confident, and I tend to mess up stuff a lot." That was true for most of the time, and it stung him to admit that. Mineta definitely wasn't Number One Hero material.

He subconsciously relaxed when Midoriya gave him a reassuring smile. "Don't worry Mineta! With you're ranking I'm sure you did fine! You should be more confident in yourself!"

He appreciated the reassurance from his friend, but another thing that Mineta wasn't the biggest fan of showed itself. Midoriya's smile was just about the purest thing known to man. Once he was in a good mood, he flashed his pearly whites, and the entire area he was in would glow. You'd probably damage your retina's if you looked directly at Midoriya when he smiled. His smile was literally blinding.

"Midoriya is correct! You must have faith in your academic abilities!" Iida had apparently joined the conversation, though Mineta didn't bother turning around to see if Iida was right behind him, or shouting from across the room. Iida had mastered the act of throwing his voice. You would be chatting with someone and hear him talk to you, so you'd turn around to respond. Only to see he was actually thirty feet to the left of you. And he'd continue to speak before you managed to say anything like "Hey Iida I didn't know you could teleport".

Even though he felt a bit guilty for lying to his friends, he still felt touched at the gestures from his friends. "You're right Midoriya. It's just the finals are very nerve wracking." Mineta said, hoping that they'd believe him.

His answer seemed to fool Midoriya, who's concerned face went into a normal relaxed one. Thank All Might he bought it, Mineta was definitely testing his luck. The bespectacled Iida didn't say anything, so Mineta guessed he was seemingly satisfied as well. So, no worries!

But he knew it was almost time for the practical, so he had to prepare for that. Even if he'd win, he'd have to be more prepared

But earlier, when they had all sat down to do the written, if Mineta had been a bit more vigilant, he would have noticed a certain pink skinned girl staring at him suspiciously.

Practical Exam Area – Center Plaza

Class A was gathered entirely around a group of teachers outside a building. It was now time for their practical exams, and it was something they couldn't "Study" for. That was something that made some of them uneasy.

"Now we will begin the practical exam." Aizawa said to the group of students. "Of course, it is possible to fail this exam. If you want to go to the training camp then don't make any stupid mistakes." Aizawa's tone was slightly bored, but had a firm tone. The students understood very well of what he meant.

Jirou seemed to take notice of the presence of the other teachers standing by Aizawa. "There are a lot of teachers..." Jirou said, scratching her head in confusion. She didn't seem to like the fact there was a surprising amount of teachers here.

Aizawa continued. "I expect you all have gathered information ahead of time, and have some idea of what you are doing."

Mineta seemed to light up a little, he had done this before! He knew exactly what they would do! He raised his hand hesitantly speaking up. "I do sir." Mineta said, making the tired teacher raise his bored expression on Aizawa told Mineta very well what the Pro Hero was currently thinking. He thinks I'm full of it.

Aizawa did not respnd at all, so Mineta took the silence as an okay to continue. "For the practical, I'm gue-"

He would of finished, if the shrieking of his classmates didn't cut him off.

"WE'RE FIGHTING ROBOT WARRIORS LIKE AT THE ENTRANCE EXAM, RIGHT?" Kaminari shouted with glee. "FIREWORKS! CURRY! TEST OF COURAGE!" It seemed Mina took this opportunity to chime in as well, she was borderline bouncing in place, completely carefree.

However, they were very, very, wrong. For a certain rodent would inform them that they were not fighting robots.

"Too bad!" Principal Nezu's voice could be heard. Mineta vaguely recalled he was buried in Eraserheads scarf or whatever that was. And right on cue, he popped out, unceremoniously shoving Aizawa's head slightly to the side. "For various reasons, the exam will be different this time!"

"Principal Nezu?!" Some students said in surprise. It seems that the students hadn't expected Nezu pop out of Aizawa like they were in a Ridley Scott film. Mineta knew Nezu would come out, but that didn't make it any less bizarre to look at. It was a white rodent that talked and walked on two legs, that just seemingly popped out of a man who looked like he was about to fall asleep right then and there.

Yaoyorozu stiffened at Nezu saying the exam would be different. "Different?" she said nervously. Different didn't sound good to her. UA had a knack for having sudden changes and unusual class activities. But they've been at UA long enough, so they should of expected this. It was more expected in class though, not at the practical exam!

"Yes!" Nezu said. He climbed down Aizawa's side, holding on to a loose section of the Pro Heroe's scarf like a bungee cord. But to Mineta's surprise, instead of informing them of the situation, Nezu looked straight at Mineta. "But you said you had an idea of what these were, didn't you Mineta?"

Mineta looked at the furry principal standing in front of him. He was listening to the entire conversation? Mineta felt slightly grateful that someone had at least noticed that he was about to give his answer, at least before he got interrupted by two troublesome low scorers.

Mineta hesitantly nodded at Nezu. "Um, yes. I think I have a decent idea."

Nezu's smile grew at Mineta's confident reply. "Then please, tell us what you think the exams will be!"

He knew exactly what the final was. And how it worked. Should he just tell them straight up? Or would that cause suspicion? He learned that saying exactly what happened wasn't always the brightest idea, Bakugo's tantrum had taught him that.

Screw it. Mineta thought. He wouldn't get in trouble probably, just earn a few weird looks. Just make it look believable, that he was making educated guesses. He'd have to add a few words to make it look like he had just thought of this on the spot.

Here goes nothing. Mineta took a deep breath in, and began. "Well, since recent events, I'm guessing the tests would be changed in order for students to adjust better in order to prepare for real hero work on the field. Since all our teachers are gathered here, I suspect we'll be fighting them?"

Aizawa's eyes widened. He didn't expect Mineta of all people to guess what the exams were about. That was something that someone like Iida would guess. This kid's sharp. I'll have to keep a closer eye on him.

Nezu didn't seemed to be surprised in the least, he kept his smile on. "And why do you think that?" Nezu's tone didn't betray any suspicion, in fact he seemed rather pleased at Mineta's "guessing", so it seemed the grape boy was in the clear to keep talking. He continued, "Well, for the entrance exam, only Present Mic was there to tell us to go, and that was that. And for our first combat training, All Might was there. Unless you guys are here for emotional support, I suspect you'll be our opponents. But..." Mineta trailed off.

"But what?" Nezu inquired. "Go on." Mineta noted Nezu's tone had a tinge of genuine curiosity now. No reason to stop now I guess. "There's no way we'd be able to take a teacher on in a one versus one scenario..." He turned his back to the teachers, and counted the students, then turned back and counted the teachers. "It would be two students versus a teacher?" Mineta said. He hoped that was a convincing performance for Nezu. It was really hard to tell in all honestly, since the fact the little rodent was still staring at Mineta with his little smile.

Nezu smiled. "You are correct Mineta!" Mineta didn't like how happy Nezu sounded.

Some of the students standing by him began to whisper nervously. Uraraka, Midoriya's crush, seemed extra anxious at this new development. "Against the teachers?" She said.

Nezu was not finished though. He turned to Mineta once more."But, perhaps you should recount the students compared to the teachers! Tell me, do you notice something off about the number?"

Mineta knew well abou the extra number, but he'd have to pretend he didn't. He turned and squinted at the group of students, then turned back to the teachers. Finally he made his eyes widen on purpose, as if he was suddenly surprised. He quickly faced Nezu. "But there's two extra students. Will a teacher be used twice?" He asked innocently, knowing that All Might was probably about to materialize any second now. Nezu had more of an amused grin instead of a normal smile now. He seemed to have bought it. "Aren't you forgetting the person who teaches Hero Basic Training in your class Mineta?"

"I AM HERE!" Right on cue. Very tacky, All Might.

The huge form of All Might somehow landed graciously on the ground. "Young Mineta is correct! And I will be fighting young Bakugo and Midoriya! They are a team!"

The two students in question looked in shock at each other after they were done gawking at All Might.

"All Might?" The two heroes in training said in absolute horror. All Might's form towered over the now seemingly minuscule students that trembled in front of him. Neither of them looked like they wanted to be here anymore.

All Might nodded. "Work together to beat me, you two!" His smile was still huge as ever. He must be looking forward to fighting his students. Yikes.

Both students sweatdropped at All Might's unnerving enthusiasm towards the possibility he'd get to deck his students in the face.

"Todoroki, Yaoyorozu." Aizawa said. Both students tore their gaze from the massive form that was All Might and faced Aizawa. The underground hero had a sadistic smile on his face. "You two will be fighting me." Aizawa also sounded oddly excited at the concept of throwing hands with his students as well.

Nezu took this opportunity to explain the rules of the exam. "The time limit is thirty minutes!" Nezu held up a pair of custom made handcuffs. "You're objective is either to put these handcuffs on the teachers, or to have one of you escape from the stage!"

Kaminari stroked his chin. "Capture the teacher, or escape...it's kind of like the combat training." He didn't sound too nervous anymore, oddly enough.

Mina cautiously raised her hand. "Is it really okay to run away?" Mina sounded like she could be scolded just for saying that.

"Yup!" Nezu said, giving a thumbs up.

"But it'll be different from the combat training!" Present Mic shouted. "You'll be up against someone waaaaay better then you!" said the Pro Hero while making weird motions with his hands, as if he was using a turntable.

"Better... than us?" Jirou said thoughtfully. "I can't really imagine it though..." She said innocently.

That comment made Mineta wince. Ego much?

"DUMMY!" Mic shouted, obviously outraged at Jirou's cocky demeanor . "HEY GIRL, WATCH YOUR MOUTH, YOU HEAR?"

Well, at least someone else didn't think that was a good thing to say.

Thirteen raised their finger. "This time, your exam will be very similar to a real battle. Please think of us as villains."

Snipe joined the conversation as well. "Assuming you come across the enemy, if you think you can win in a fight against them, that's fine. However..."

Aizawa took the stage once more. "In cases where there's too big a difference in your abilities, it would be smarter to run away and get help." The Pro Hero's gaze shifted to three students in particular. "Torodoki, Iida, Midoriya, I'm sure you three understand this well." The three students shuffled uncomfortably. Mineta raised an eyebrow at that. Didn't those three have an encounter with that Stain guy? If so, Mineta felt that it was uncalled for. They were all just students!

All Might went to explain how the teachers would use weights to put on half their body weight. But Mineta had zoned out. He had heard this before. Aizawa explained the teams and their respective teacher oppenents. Then he mentioned how the first two students would have to get ready. The teachers exited the premise.

Some of the students followed, and Mineta was going to follow after, but something grinded his gears. "Principal Nezu? This will be laughably easy!" Kaminari said, pumping his fist. Mineta didn't remember him saying that. But what Mineta said to the electric boy made some of the students stop and turn to look at him in surprise.

"You'll fail."

It was true. Even with those silly little weights, the teachers were not to be underestimated in the least. And he already knew of Kaminari and Mina's crushing defeat at the hands of Nezu's crane thingy. He heard that they just ran around doing basically nothing until time ran out.

Kaminari stopped in the middle of his early celebration. "Eh?" It was obvious he didn't expect for Mineta to say that, let alone anything at all on this topic.

"With that attitude, you're going to fail the exam." Mineta said.

Mina came to Kaminari's aid, angered at Mineta's bluntness. "You'll probably just run away you little pipsqueak!" Her voice held venom, her carefree attitude seemingly disappearing instantly.

Well, she's not wrong. I will run.

"But I'll pass. Unlike you two." Mineta was fed up by now. "Sero, let's go. I'd like form a plan on how to beat Midnight. I suggest you two do the same. When it comes to Nezu, he's the smartest teacher here." Mineta turned and grumpily trotted inside.

Sero gulped at the unexpected tension, and followed Mineta.

And the rewrite for chapter 3 is finished! Old readers will see that the text conversation was never there, so it's a brand new feature! Hope you guys liked it, and if you enjoyed Review/Follow/Fav! Ciao!