A heavy fog enveloped Shin, the world around him a blurry, distorted mess. He stood in the middle of a ruined city, the skyline crumbling, buildings half-sunk into the earth. His breaths came fast, his chest heaving, but he couldn’t move. His legs felt rooted to the ground, as if weighed down by chains unseen.

A chilling voice echoed from the shadows, raspy and malevolent.

“You’re not fast enough~!” it taunted, cutting through the stillness like a blade.

Shin's silvery eyes darted around, searching for the source. Then he saw him. A man with ghostly white hair and red eyes, a sinister smile curling on his cracked lips.

The air felt heavy, oppressive, as the man raised his hand, his fingers twitching with ominous intent. Beneath him lay two figures, lifeless and unmoving. Shin's heart clenched as he recognized them—his parents.

“No!” he cried, his voice breaking, his legs straining to move. But no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t reach them. He could only watch as they turned into dust at the touch of that man, his mocking laughter echoing around.

Shin bolted upright in his bed with a scream, gasping for air. Sweat clung to his skin, his small hands trembling as he took hold of the blanket. His chest felt tight, his heart hammering as if it were trying to escape.

“Shin?” Claire’s gentle voice came moments later, her hand on his shoulder as she sat on the edge of the bed. “Sweetheart, what’s wrong?”

Ryo appeared in the doorway, his face etched with concern.

“Another nightmare?” he asked softly, stepping into the room and kneeling beside the bed.

Shin nodded, his lips pressed together as he tried to calm his breathing. Tears pricked the corners of his eyes, but he wiped them away quickly.

"Sorry for bothering you again, mom, dad."

Shin spoke, guilty at waking them up like this again and again.

Claire’s expression softened as she pulled him into a hug, cradling his small frame against her.

“Oh honey, you could never bother us.”

she murmured, Running her fingers through his hair, comforting him.

Ryo placed a reassuring hand on Shin’s shoulder.

“Your mom is right Shin. And We’re not going anywhere, Champ.” he said firmly.

Shin leaned into their comfort, the lingering fear from the dream slowly ebbing away. It wasn’t the first time he’d had nightmares like this, but they never got any easier.

It was scary. He was scared. He didn't want to lose this new life. He knew that it would all go well. The protagonist would beat The villain, and his life would be safe. Hell, he didn't have to do anything.

But a voice in the back of his head argued. This is real life. This is not a anime. What if that doesn't happen? What if he's not strong enough? What if You're not strong enough?

After a while, Claire tilted his head up to look at her. “Do you want to talk about it?”

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Shin hesitated, then shook his head. “It was just a stupid dream.” he muttered.

Though the images of The man of Decay and his parents lying motionless still clung to his thoughts.

Claire exchanged a glance with Ryo, who gave a small nod.

“Okay honey. But remember, we are here for you.” she said, pressing a kiss to his forehead.

The rest of the night passed uneventfully, with Shin eventually drifting back to sleep between his parents, their presence anchoring him.

And as Scared and unsure of the future as he was, he knew. He would make sure that Nightmare stayed just that.

By morning, the sunlight streaming through the window seemed to chase away the remnants of the nightmare. Shin woke up to the familiar scent of breakfast wafting from the kitchen, the sound of his dad humming a tune as he cooked.

“Morning sleepyhead.” Claire said, ruffling his hair as she sat beside him. “Feeling better?”

“Yeah. Better.”

The morning routine went as usual—teeth brushing, breakfast, and packing up for school. As they walked to the kindergarten, Shin glanced up at his parents, their faces full of warmth and life.

He squeezed his mom’s hand a little tighter than usual, just to be sure.

“Ready for another fun day?” Ryo asked, his tone bright.

Shin nodded again, forcing a small smile. “Yeah, I guess so.”

But as they approached the school gates and Shin saw Haruto and Miyu waving at him from the playground, he felt a flicker of normalcy return.

That morning, as Shin played with Haruto and Miyu in the kindergarten yard, Claire and Ryo sat on a nearby bench, their expressions marked by quiet concern.

“Last night was the fifth nightmare this month.” Claire began softly, her hands clasped tightly.

Ryo nodded, his jaw tight. “I’ve been thinking about that too. He needs something to help him feel more secure... something more than just us telling him everything will be okay.” He glanced at his wife. “What about a change of scenery? A chance to just be a kid and get away from these worries for a little while?”

Claire tilted her head thoughtfully. “You mean staying with Hiroshi?”

“Why not?” Ryo replied. “Your brother was a hero. And since the injury forced him to retire, he’s been itching for more time with family. He’s got that huge yard, plenty of space for Shin to run around and use his quirk. It might even help Shin work through some of those fears.”

Claire smiled faintly. “You’re right. Hiroshi has always been great with Shin. And who better to guide him than someone who knows the hero life firsthand?” She hesitated, her voice softening. “Do you think Shin will agree?”

Ryo chuckled. “If we tell him his uncle has some fun hero tricks to teach him, I think he’ll be packing his bag before we finish the sentence.”

Claire laughed softly, the weight on her shoulders lifting just a little, as Ryo wrapped his hand around her shoulder, comforting her. “Alright then. Let’s talk to him about it tonight.”

As the school day wrapped up and they walked home, Shin sensed the shift in his parents’ demeanor. Over dinner, Claire broached the subject gently.

“Shin, sweetheart. We want to tell you something,” Claire began, her tone warm and casual. “Your uncle called today.”

Shin glanced up from his plate, his expression cautious but curious. “Uncle Hiroshi?”

Ryo nodded, leaning forward with a grin. “Yeah. He said he’s been meaning to spend more time with you. He even mentioned having some cool hero stuff to teach you.”

Shin’s eyes widened slightly, excitement flickering in his expression. “Like training?”

“More like fun,” Claire added with a gentle laugh. “You know how he loves sharing his stories. Plus, he’s got that huge yard. I bet you’ll have a great time there.”

Shin considered it, the thought of learning from his uncle—a retired hero sparking his interest. Finally, he nodded.

“Okay. When do I go?”

Claire smiled, reaching over to tousle his hair.

“We’ll set it up soon. I think you’re going to love it.”

As Shin returned to his meal, a hint of excitement replaced the heaviness that had lingered earlier. Spending time with Uncle Hiroshi might be just the adventure he needed.