The Bookkeeper

"Fear is a disease, and it spreads the more you give in to it," Raiden said, his gaze lifted to the endless blue above them. Soul remained at his side, both of them watching the clouds in comfortable silence.

"No disrespect to your struggles." Raiden turned to Soul, his voice gentle. "I just find it hard to know how to talk to you sometimes—you’re seventeen, but you look so young."

Soul’s smile was understanding. "It’s okay. I’m still a child, either way."

Raiden leaned down to her level. "That smile right there?" His hand found the top of her head in a gentle pat. "I want to see it every time things get hard."

Soul started to speak, but Raiden raised a hand to stop her. "Don’t fight your fears. Embrace them." His gaze returned to the sky above. "Let them shape you, and then push through."

Soul nodded firmly, though her expression quickly darkened. Uneasiness crept into her golden eyes as her fingers found each other, twisting nervously.

"Do you want to know something?"

"Yes..." The word came out strained, fragile.

Raiden smirked. He typically avoided sharing personal details, but if it would help Soul and strengthen their bond as master and student, he could allow himself to be vulnerable.

"When I was six, I saw someone very dear to me die before my eyes." His smile grew, though it didn’t reach his eyes. "Do you know why?"

Soul shook her head.