As the day passed, the night was about to come again. Hitoshi and I decided to leave it be and focus on something else over the day. For me it was to play with some toys that Eri was throwing from a safe distance and for Hitoshi it was to actually get the toy and then play with us. I was still wary and didn't liked being around Eri but it was Hitoshi who encouraged me to do this. She needed us as much as I needed the Yamazawa household. 

Hitoshi: Hey, can I come in?

I was in my room alone after we played quite a while and it was actually getting dark, when I heard a knock. 

Me: Yes, please come in.

Hitoshi: Thanks.

Me: What's up?

Hitoshi: I thought you might want to have some kind of emotional support through the night....?

Me: I would appreciate it.

Hitoshi: Me too.

Me: How is Eri?

Hitoshi: Fast asleep, I can hear her snoring.

Me: And Inko?

Hitoshi: Gone... we are on our own.

Me: What about RG?

Hitoshi: Couldn't contact her.....  I just want this to end. I can't even believe that this happened. Eri is with us for a long while now.... never did this happen.

Me: It was dormant... her scent is getting stronger... can you pick it up by now?

Hitoshi: Not yet.

Me: But you believe me, right?

Hitoshi: I am. Especially after yesterday.

Me: Shall we try sleep?

Hitoshi: Are you tired?

Me: No, you?

Hitoshi: Me neither.

We both looked at each other. The big question was what to do now? We couldn't just stay silent and do nothing. It was weird and there was just some tension in the air. I guess we both didn't want this to be true but it surely was. It was not only about me being the one who reported it but me being able to freak out quite badly and then get into a feral state. That could be dangerous. 

Hitoshi: How about we play a game or tell a story?

Me: What story?

Hitoshi: I don't know....

Me: Then what about the game?

Hitoshi: I.... Tick Tack Toe?

Me: Pfff-hahahaha

Hitoshi: Sorry, I came unprepared.

Me: It's fine.

Hitoshi: ....

Me: .... Hm.... How about we just talk?

Hitoshi: Sounds good.

Me: What do you like to do in your free time?

Hitoshi: I am a big reader and you?

Me: I never had so much free time to actually find something I like.... besides sleeping.

Hitoshi: Is it related to your quirk? You were sleeping the whole day after we played together and last week as well.

Me: A bit... I can jump into dreams.

Hitoshi: You mean other dreams?

Me: Yeah.

Hitoshi: Did you see mine? I can never remember it but I feel refreshed each time when I wake up.

Me: I do.

Hitoshi: Tell me.

Me: Are you ready for it tho?

Hitoshi: That bad?

Me: No, just unusal.

Hitoshi: You're killing me with the suspense. Just tell me.

Me: Cotton Candy Land and cats.

HItoshi: Cot...Cotton Candy land and cats?....

Me: Mhm....

Hitoshi: Wow.....

Me: Mhm.....

HItoshi: And what about Eri or our dads?

Me: Zawa is dreaming about us and having us all around.... I never got into Zashi's but into Eri's and it's....dark.

Hitoshi: Dark?

Me: Mh.... I can't describe it. It's pitch black and she was hiding form something before she woke up.... hey ahm... wanna come with me to that dream?

Hitoshi: You can do that?

Me: I never tried.

It was worth a try and we both knew that, Eri was on both of our minds. He knew her for a longer period of time than me but while he was attached to her, I didn't wanted to lose this family. Besides it was scary and perhapse he would know what was going on... then again I need to get us both in her dreams, which I never tried before at all.

Now was the time...

There was always a first time for everything and today was my first time trying to not only controll but mergse dreams... let's see how much fun that was....

All of the sudden, a soft knock could be heard on the door and that made us both jump. I quickly got up but it was Hitoshi who went and opened it, revealing a sleepy-eyed Eri clutching her stuffed animal.

Hitoshi: Eri? Are you okay?

Eri: I had a bad dream...

Her voice was barely above a whisper, and her eyes were wide with fear. I glanced at Hitoshi, who nodded, and then back at Eri.

Me: Come in, Eri. It's alright. ..... 

Well kinda...

I wanna run right now...

But...

NO...

FOCUS!

I am stronger than my instincts!

She needs me!

Eri stepped inside, her small figure looking even more fragile at this moment. 

Hitoshi: Do you want to talk about your dream?

Eri: It was dark... and I was all alone. I couldn't find anyone...

Her voice trembled, and she clung tighter to her stuffed animal. I felt a pang in my chest seeing her like this. I knew what she was talking about but I couldn't just say it. I couldn't go and hug her even if I wanted it. She was just.... too dangerous for me... no I was for her. I could lash out again and then what? I couldn't risk that so I stayed further away from them. This was even too close for my comfort right now.

Me: You're not alone now, Eri. We're here with you.

Hitoshi: Would you like some warm milk? It might help you feel better.

I think Hitoshi felt how much I was struggling to keep myself at bay. Why else would he suggest something like this?

Eri nodded slowly. 

Thankfully Hitoshi got up to make the milk while I stayed behind in my room. He took her outside and yet I couldn't help it but trail after them in a very safe distance. As I walked to the small kitchen, I could hear Hitoshi talking softly to Eri, his voice had something soothing to it.

Hitoshi: You know, when I was your age, I had bad dreams too. But my dad always told me that dreams can't hurt you. They're just pictures in your mind.

Eri: But they feel so real...

Hitoshi: I know. But you're safe here with us. We won't let anything happen to you.

He had a small warm mug of milk and handed it to Eri. She took it with both hands, sipping slowly as she began to relax. 

Me: Do you want to hear a story, Eri?

Eri: Yes, please.

I glanced at Hitoshi, who nodded encouragingly. I thought for a moment before beginning.... this was something I would do in the orphanage towards other kids... other younger kids. They always loved my stories. So I hoped this could help her out even if I was not much of a help right now. I couldn't hug her, nor could I comfort her like Hitoshi. This was literally the only thing that I could actually do to make myself feel a bit less guilty.

Me: Once upon a time, in a land filled with heroes and magic, there was a little girl with a very special gift. She had the power to make flowers bloom with just a touch. But she didn't know how to control it, and sometimes it scared her.

Eri's eyes widened, she definitelly forgot about the fear she felt thanks to that dream and just listened intensely.

Me: One day, she met a kind-hearted boy the same age as her He taught her how to use her gift, not as something to be afraid of, but as something beautiful and powerful. He himself had a gift too. You know he had the powerful gift of making mushrooms blossom everywhere. They fit together as they could understand each other. None of them was ever feeling alone as they found comfort in each others friendship.

Eri: Did she ever have bad dreams?

Me: Sometimes. But she learned that with friends by her side and family, she could face anything. And so can you, Eri. You have us, and we'll always be here for you.

Eri smiled, a small but genuine smile, and it warmed my heart. I did it! I managed to make her smile. Hitoshi put an arm around her, and I felt a sense of jealousy. He could hug her even after what happened last night, in the contrary.... I couldn't... I couldn't before and neither would I right now.

Hitoshi: How about we all try to get some sleep now? I can stay with you if that makes you feel better.

Eri: Okay.

This was the last thing before we all went back to our rooms and Hitoshi who went to Eri's room to make sure she would fall asleep. What Eri didn't know was that Hitoshi did signal me that he would be back in my room afterwards. 

We wanted to help her.

The way she was scared and the way she was holding that plush toy in her hands..... my heart was just throbbing.... she didn't deserve this.

So it was up to me to try it... we had to figure out what was wrong. We had to help her.... we.... I mean... I... had to get us both into her dream and figure it out.