The soft rustling of paper reached Amelia's ears as she slowly emerged from a foggy, restless sleep. The dull throb in her abdomen was a distant reminder of her ordeal, but as the grogginess began to lift, she became aware of her surroundings. Her eyes fluttered open, and she realized she was in her own room—or so it seemed.
Turning her head slightly, she saw Principal Nezu perched at her desk, engrossed in a thick book. His small paws flipped through the pages with surprising dexterity, his eyes twinkling with amusement as he noticed her stirring. Amelia cleared her throat softly. "Hello, Sir. I didn't expect you to be here when I woke up."
Nezu looked up, a broad grin spreading across his furry face. "Ah, Amelia! Good morning! I couldn't resist the chance to thank the hero of Class 1-A in person. Or, at least, that's what the school is calling you now. The incident was kept under wraps, so naturally, everyone knows."
Amelia chuckled lightly, a wry smile playing on her lips. "Seems I've heard that saying before."
Nezu laughed, closing the book and setting it aside. "Yes, it's a quirk of human nature—or perhaps just school nature." He gestured for her to sit up. "How are you feeling?"
Amelia slowly pushed herself up, leaning against the headboard. The pain in her abdomen had dulled to a manageable ache. "Better. Still sore, but much better. Do we know anything about that bullet?"
Nezu's expression grew serious. "Ah, yes. It seems the bullet that hit you was made from a new substance, something specifically harmful to you. It doesn't affect others, but for you, it's potentially lethal."
Amelia frowned, her mind racing. "How is that even possible?"
Nezu hopped off the desk, landing gracefully on the floor. "We're still investigating. But rest assured, it's being handled." He glanced around the room. "So, do you like your room?"
Amelia raised an eyebrow. "Well, it is my room in my house, so yes, I do like it."
Nezu's eyes twinkled with mischief. "Use your X-ray vision, Amelia."
Curiosity piqued, Amelia activated her X-ray vision. Her surroundings blurred and then shifted, revealing an unfamiliar structure beneath the familiar decorations. She gasped. "This isn't my house, is it?"
Nezu's chuckle was filled with amusement. "No, it's not. Welcome to the U.A. on-campus dorms. We've made it look like your room to make you feel at home."
Amelia's eyes widened as she took in the identical decor, from the posters on the walls to the bedspread. "It's...almost identical. Should I be creeped out by how well you've matched everything?"
Nezu grinned, his whiskers twitching with delight. "Consider it a compliment to our attention to detail. Now, how about some tea? I made sure the kitchen is stocked with your favorites."
Amelia swung her legs over the side of the bed, noticing for the first time that she was dressed in a comfortable U.A. hoodie and sweatpants. "I really hope it was Recovery Girl who changed me," she muttered, feeling a blush creep up her cheeks.
She followed Nezu out of the room and down a long passage that led to a staircase. They descended into an open-plan lounge and kitchen area, strikingly similar to the layout from the anime. As they entered the kitchen, Nezu struggled to climb onto a stool, prompting Amelia to lift him up with a gentle chuckle. "There you go," she said, setting him down.
"Thank you," Nezu replied, settling in comfortably.
Amelia moved to the counter and began preparing tea, her hands working with practiced ease. The familiar ritual brought a sense of calm, a cherished memory of her parents who had introduced her to the soothing practice. She handed Nezu a cup, then took a sip from her own, savoring the warm, comforting flavor. "How lovely," Nezu murmured, closing his eyes as he enjoyed his tea. "Warm and comforting. Just what the doctor ordered."
The tea seemed to ease the light throb in Amelia's stomach, and she took another sip, letting the warmth spread through her. "You still haven't explained why I'm here, Nezu."
Nezu set his cup down gently. "As you know, your parents contacted me regarding your safety. Given the recent attack, I proposed the idea of creating U.A. dorm rooms as a safe haven for our students. Your parents agreed that you would be safer here, surrounded by heroes and under our watchful eye."
Amelia's brow furrowed in confusion. "But do you really think it's safe for me to stay here after the villains infiltrated the school just yesterday? Wait, what day is it?"
Nezu smiled reassuringly. "It's the next day, so everything happened yesterday. And yes, your parents believe—and I concur—that you're safer here. They wanted to ensure you're protected, knowing they might not be able to do so themselves if something similar happened outside the school. You're our first student in the dorms, so think of yourself as a trailblazer. Let us know how it goes."
Amelia nodded slowly, processing his words. "But...can I see my parents?"
A shadow of sadness crossed Nezu's face. "That's not for me to decide, Amelia. They care about you deeply, but they're also deeply concerned about your safety. Humans have their own ways of showing love, sometimes in ways that seem distant or confusing."
Amelia sighed, a pang of longing tightening her chest. "I just wish I could see them. It's been so long."
Nezu reached out, placing a small paw on her hand. "They're doing what they think is best for you. And we're here to support you as well."
Amelia managed a faint smile, though her heart ached. "Another question, though: why all this effort just for me? The villains were targeting all the students and All Might. I know there's someone after me, but shouldn't the whole class be here?"
Nezu took a thoughtful sip of his tea before responding. "Just think of it as a precaution for your safety. You don't need to know all the reasons behind our decisions, but rest assured, it's for your benefit."
Amelia nodded, her mind swirling with questions and uncertainties. "Alright. I guess I'll trust you."
Nezu handed her a letter. "Now, get ready for school. Give this to Aizawa when you get to class. It explains your situation."
As Amelia took the letter, Nezu's eyes softened. "Amelia, I want you to know how much we appreciate your bravery. You've shown remarkable courage and resilience. Thank you, truly, for your dedication and for protecting your classmates. Your actions have inspired us all, and I couldn't be prouder."
Touched by his words, Amelia felt a lump form in her throat. "Thank you, Nezu. It means a lot coming from you."
He smiled warmly. "You're welcome, Amelia. Now go show Class 1-A why you're the hero they're calling you."