Kyra sat in a room lined with many beds, many of them now vacant as their previous occupants had been adopted. They had everything Kyra wanted, homes and families to love and take care of them. Sure, the nuns that took care of the children were friendly, but Kyra wanted more than a friend. She wanted someone to hold her when she felt alone like this. She wanted someone to reassure her that she was no longer alone.

Those children that had left to be with their new families were the same as her, why did they get picked leaving her as an orphan? Wasn't she cute enough? Wasn't she playful enough? She couldn't really answer any of these questions. She had looked up to and loved one of the older kids, but she had run away and left Kyra wanting to follow in her footsteps. With that sentiment in mind, Kyra had already made up her mind to run away just like her idol. For now, however, she was waiting patiently for bedtime. Once the nuns had sent the children to bed they were supposed to sleep, no talking or laughing allowed. In the quiet, she would sneak out unnoticed.

Kyra absent-mindedly played with a black curl as the children started to come into the room, their laughter clear as they opened the bedroom door. Kyra, meanwhile, lay under the blankets with her blue eyes closed, pretending to be asleep and backing up her story of not feeling well. That deception had prompted the nuns to send her to bed early, and would give her the chance she needed.

-Outskirts of Brahms Midnight-

The weather was horrid, a terrible downpour of rain coming down around her. Kyra could barely make out where she was going, but she saw a sign to the Silent Hill exit and took it. Her legs were sore and her feet ached from her journey, and she backed into a cliff to sit down and rest. Every bit of her was so exhausted that she began to second guess her decision of leaving the orphanage. Putting her head back she closed her eyes as the rain let up and the warmth of the night embraced her.

Her respite lasted long enough for her to open her eyes before she was harshly grabbed by one arm. "Where does a cutie like you think she's going at this time of night?" She was forced up by a stranger, who only served to demonstrate his next statement. "This is a dangerous place." He forced her close to his body, and scared her even more as he sniffed at her hair. "You smell good."

Kyra had been struggling to get free from his grip to no avail. She then did the only thing she knew best to do when she was in trouble, and screamed. The man quickly covered her mouth, only for her to bite down on the insides of his fingers. That did little to discourage him, however, as his treatment only became more violent.

"Feisty. I like it. You can scream, but no one will hear you." He then barked without fear, "You have a cute scream. Scream again!"

Kyra fought against the man while shouting out, only for her coat to rip in the conflict.

Everything after that moment seemed to happen so fast, that by the time it was over, her attacker was gone. Before she could flee, she felt a gentle hand wrap itself around her wrist, and its owner knelt down before her. He was a grown-up, with short black hair and concerned, sympathetic blue eyes.

Tears streamed from her eyes and prevented her from hearing his words of reassurance, and Leonard gently held her close and allowed her to weep into his leather jacket. "We need to get you some shelter. Tomorrow I will try to find your home. Your parents must be worried for your safety." He gently prompted her to look into his eyes and asked, "You want to get some fresh clothes and a good night's sleep?"

Kyra wiped away the tears and nodded, and Leonard rose to his feet and took her hand as they walked further into town. She looked up into the evening sky, and as she saw the moon and stars glow bright above, she cried out, "I don't want to go back to the orphanage. I want to stay here."

Leonard looked down towards her with confusion. "You wish to stay here? If I may ask, why?"

Kyra pointed to the sky. "The moon is really pretty here. So are the stars. All that light makes this place beautiful and…" She looked up at him and smiled. "And you'll protect me if I get into danger. You will, won't you?"

He looked at the little girl beside him, and then looked around. He didn't see the beauty that she'd spoken of, but then again, things were different from the eyes of a child. "It is peaceful, and yes, I'll protect you from the dangers. Come with me, you must be tired and hungry from your walk here."

They continued on until Kyra spoke up again. "Can we stop? My ankle hurts."

Leonard watched as Kyra sat down, then knelt down before her, took off her muddy boots and lowered her socks. He quickly examined her and explained, "Your ankle is swollen. It may be broken." He then picked up the girl and her boots and carried her home.

-Leonard's house 12:59pm-

Kyra had fallen asleep in his arms, and Leonard was himself on the threshold of

exhaustion. He had allowed his powers to be active non-stop for the child to

see what she wished to see. He opened his bedroom door, and then gently put the

sleeping child on the bed before he covered her up.

He shut his eyes as his appearance changed, and the full weight of his exertions

reached him. He opened his eyes as he grabbed the wall for balance, only to

collapse with a loud thump from exhaustion. His last sight as he succumbed to

unconsciousness was of the small child who slept in his bed, safe and warm.