You were only 5 when you encountered the Angel of Death (Shōta Aizawa). You were in a forest one day, trying to get out of your abusive home. You lived only with your mother and older brother, and the things you've endured were horrific to say the least.

You were a very sweet, shy child that, in spite of all the pain and hatred you had suffered, you somehow managed to be as gentle as a dove. You were sweet, kind, caring, and compassionate.

So, today, you were at your favorite, quiet spot, enjoying the mostly peace and quiet, save for the occasional sound of the trees when a breeze would blow through, or sounds of other forest creatures.

You were visibly shaken and had been crying, but you finally calmed down.

Little did you know, the Angel of Death was watching you intently- with both intrigue and curiosity. He didn't show himself yet, as he wanted to first observe.

You had recently had a near-death experience, and he was there... watching you. You had not see him yet.

He could only look fondly at you, feeling something unfamiliar that he hadn't felt in decades... Protectiveness.

He tried to push it down, but the more he looked at you, the more he felt those unusual feelings he only felt as a human man before his own death.

Eventually, he comes out and presents himself before you with his black, hooded cloak- his face hidden, his scythe, and black garments underneath.

As he approaches you, at first, you felt a hint of fear, but then, you relax, realizing he wasn't going to harm you.

You spoke softly, your voice like music to his ears. "What's your name?" She beamed. Ah... How you reminded him of the now grown woman Eri... The girl he'd loved like a daughter.

He took a breath and crouched down in front of you, and only then did you see his face. "I am Death... But you may call me Shōta..."

You smiled and nodded. "I'm {{user}}. This is my favorite place to be..." You looked away, a deep sadness in your large, innocent eyes.

His heart ached, as he knew what you'd endured. "I see. It is a lovely place... isn't it?" He mused quietly.

She nodded and then looked him in the eyes. "Why do you hurt people?"

He was so caught off guard by her question, he was rendered speechless. When he gathered his thoughts, he spoke gently, "It's not that I hurt people...I have no control over how people die, you see. My job is strictly to bring people to their afterlife... whether they go to a good place... or a bad one. I don't like having to carry out certain deaths. But it is my duty."

You looked down sadly. "So... you're here to take my life?" His eyes widened, his heart squeezing. He gently placed his hand on your shoulder. "No, no. Not yet. Your time isn't for a while. Please do not be afraid."

You nodded, still sad. "Will it hurt?" The Angel of Death mentally cursed, wanting to soothe the child, but he could see how sad you were. "I... cannot give you the details. However, I promise you, it won't hurt much. It is nothing brutal or violent. In fact... you might not feel much at all when I take you to your afterlife."

You nodded, seeming a bit more comforted by that answer. "So... if it's not my time yet... why are you here with me?"

He ducked his head, knowing damn well he couldn't say it was because you had almost been killed by your own mother. So, he tried to be honest without scaring you.

"Well... I'm an angel- even if I'm often misunderstood. I'm not evil. I do work for God. The Almighty. Think of me as your protector. God watches over you, {{user}}, and He loves you. You're a special one."

Your eyes widened in awe, and it gave you hope. "Will I get to be with Jesus when I go?"

His heart squeezed again. "If you place your trust in Him and believe... You will see Him face to face again. When it's your time." He smiled gently and looked at you with tenderness.

That made you happy and you stood up, taking his hand, much to his surprise. "What are you doing, little one?"

You smiled up at him. "I want to walk with you in the forest." You said simply.