Sienna had underestimated the unforgiving hardness of the wooden dock beneath her boots until she found herself standing there, on it, with the scorching sun beating down on her exposed skin. Surveying her surroundings, she was captivated by the tranquil water, where boats of various shapes and sizes gently bobbed in the calming water. The air was imbued with the invigorating scent of salt and sunscreen, filling her nostrils as she took in a deep breath savoring the peaceful aroma. Her gaze settled on a weathered fishing boat with peeling blue pain, as she noticed the tired eyes of its owner - an old man with a face etched with deep wrinkles. Perched on a small crate, he struggled to mend his fishing nets. Sienna's heartstrings tugged as she painfully observed the man's struggles, and she couldn't resist the urge to lend him a helping hand, however, her attention was diverted as she spotted Seiya engaging in conversation with two men, she believed to be the workers behind the ticket counter, their annoyance becoming evident to her as she studied the situation harder, perhaps it had something to do with Seiya's lack of funds, that had them so annoyed with him. Sienna wished she could assist him, but in their hasty escape from the cabin, there was no time to gather up any money from her adoptive father, Cassios. She knew she wouldn't be much of help either, so she simply tried to keep a straight face as she watched with hard eyes as disappointment mirrored its self behind his soft brown eyes, as she watched Seiya approach her. Witnessing the way his shoulders slumped and his once kind smile had faded. Her heart seemed to sank at the realization that dawned upon her that they might not be able to afford boat tickets, they'd come all this way, just to be sent away?
''Looks like small talk doesn't always yield results,'' Seiya mused, rubbing the back of his head in embarrassment even considering that that would even work. Sienna mustered a small smile back at him, intertwining her fingers with his as she offered up a suggestion that just might solve all their problems, or so she hoped. ''Let's return to the counter, maybe they have some kind of discount options available.''
''I fail to see how that will be of any help, S. Even if they do have cheaper options, we can't even afford it. I have no money on me. And even if I could somehow sell one of my belongings, there isn't much to work with there anyways.'' Seiya replied, voice weak as he brought up the fact that he was poorly off.
''Well, I've been observing that man while you were away. And he seems like he might be able to assist us,'' Sienna exclaimed joyfully, directing Seiya's attention onto the struggling man still grappling with his fishing nets. Seiya shrugged, his skepticism evident as he replied with, ''Sure, why not? What have we got to lose?'' They followed Sienna's lead and approached the man, observing his sunburnt wrinkles as they became clearlier the closer they got to him. Sienna was the one who spoke first, her smile radiating a warmth as she said. ''Excuse me, sir, we were wondering if you happen to know of any way we could possibly rent a boat? We're having a bit of trouble.'' The man, momentarily broke his focus, frowning, as he looked up at her. ''Aye, I might just have a solution that will work out for the both of us,'' he replied. ''I'm in dire need of some help fixing these fishing nets. If you and your boyfriend wouldn't mind lending me a hand, I might be able to lend a hand with your problem.'' Sienna couldn't suppress the small blush that flushed her cheeks at the mention of the word ''boyfriend'' It wasn't official what they were to each other, but nevertheless, she turned to Seiya, her face conveying encouragement, as if silently conveying her thoughts. Seiya nodded, and together they set to work on the sturdy fishing nets, swiftly completing the task in less than a few seconds. The man was overjoyed, staring at them both with a huge smile, as he rose his voice, joyfully. ''Thank you so much, lass! I truly appericate all your hard work,'' ''Now, about that boat rental. Now that my problem is solved, I can finally get on with my deliveries. Since you two took the time out of your day to help an old man, I'd be delighted to have you two accompany me, free of charge of course.''
Sienna and Seiya both exchanged glances, both nodding in agreement at the man. ''Well, it's settled then. I'll drop you off at my first delivery spot. I need to get these beauties to the docks so I can sell them. The people sure love there fish.'' the man laughed a little, as he began working on what ever he needed to get the boat up and ready. ''If you don't mind me asking, sir, where is your first delivery?'' Sienna inquired, curiosity lacing her face as she boarded the small boat, Seiya accompanied by her side. ''Aye, it's a small village located in Red River Valley. I doubt any one of you've heard of it, since it is quite small, but the people there are some of the kindest souls you'll ever meet.'' Sienna and Seiya exchanged another glance, their excitement and gratitude overwhelming them at the unexpected turn of events. Together, they boarded the small boat with the older man, and in what felt like mere moments, they set off towards the open sea. The wind tousled their hair, and a sense of freedom and adventure enveloped them. The cool, refreshing water stretched before them, accompanied by the distant squawks of seagulls and the sun's descent, painting the sky in hues of orange and yellow. As they glided through the vast blue expanse, the man shared tales of his life as a fisherman, recounting the challenges he faced in his youth. Sienna found herself captivated by these stories, a whirlwind of adventure unlike anything she had ever heard. Eventually, the boat decelerated as they approached a small, picturesque village. The houses each standing small yet charming, adorned with vibrant flowers and many beautiful gardens. The air carried the scent of freshly baked bread, which Sienna didn't realize till her stomach crumbled, that she was starving. As they docked the boat at a modest pier, the older man turned to the two of them. ''Well, this is where we stop. If you wish to find me, just locate one of the other delivery men, I'm sure they'll point you in the right direction. The front point of the village is located over there, just follow the dirt path and you'll find it in no time.'' he said, gesturing towards a pathway leading to the village square.
''Thank you so much for bringing us here with you, sir. We truly appreciate all of your help,'' Sienna expressed, shaking the man's hand. ''It was my pleasure, lass. Just doing what I can do lend a hand,'' the man replied, offering them that same kind, smile from before. Seiya and Sienna disembarked from the boat, finally embarking on their journey, as the followed the dirt pathway leading into the village square. What ever happened next, they'd be ready for it.
Sienna and Seiya walked along the dirt path, their anticipated building with each step they took. The village square finally came into view, how it was busting with activity. People of all sorts of shapes and sizes, skin colors, and clothing came into view, each of them going about their daily routines, while the aroma of freshly baked bread grew stronger, the scent only making Sienna's rumbling stomach worsen, as she patted her stomach gently. The duo took a moment to absorb the sights and sounds all around them, feeling a sense of warmth and belonging, each hadn't felt in so long. As they made their way through the square, Sienna noticed a small notice board with various announcements standing tall in the middle of the square. Curiosity instantly piqued, she stopped to read some of the postings listed. One instantly catching her eye - a plea for help in retrieving a lost ancient artifact from a nearby cave just atop a mountain in the village. The reward offered was substantial, and Sienna couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement. Turning to Seiya, her eyes gleaming with newfound determination she reached for his hands, overjoyed. ''Are you seeing this?'' she asked. ''This is a quest to retrieve a lost artifact in a cave nearby. And it's offering a lot of money as the reward! Do you know what this could mean for us? We could really start a new life here with that kind of money!'' Sienna shouted, her voice filled with eagerness and joy.
''S, think about this for a moment. That all sounds wonderful, but I don't think we should risk it. We just got here, and-''
''Seiya, think about this for a moment. This is everything we've been talking about! We can start our new lives here, together. Besides, with you being supernaturally gifted, it'll be easier to retrieve the artifact.''
''Sienna, you must be careful who you announce that to. These people are innocent, I'd rather not get them twisted up in who and what I am.'' he replied, a bit of coldness behind his voice. Sienna paused for a long moment as she realized her mistake. She had allowed the excitement to get the best of her, forgetting that Seiya's supernatural identity was not something to be openly discussed. She squeezed his hands gently, offering an apologetic smile up at him. ''You're right, Seiya. I'm sorry for being thoughtless. I didn't mean to put you in an uncomfortable position, I know I shouldn't be so open about you, especially when you were so hesitant to tell me. I understand why you were.'' Sienna said softly, her voice filled with understanding as she fell into him. ''But I really think we can do this.'' Seiya's expression softened as he looked into her deep blue eyes. He could see the sincerity in them, and knew she genuinely cared about him, and about his well - being. She only wanted what was best for the two of them. So, slowly, he nodded, a hint of a smile playing on his lips as he agreed to the task. Before they could get a move on, Sienna quickly wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him into a hug as the two embraced, this time without a sense of danger lurking over their shoulders...
With their resolve renewed, Sienna and Seiya made their way towards the mountain, where the cave was suspected to be located, judging by the instructions written on the bottom of the poster. However, even with the instructions, neither one of them had ever been there before, so they found themselves having to stop a few times to get directions. However once they had them, they found the path to be rather steep and treacherous, but they worked through it, hand in hand. As they found themselves climbing higher, the air seemed to grow colder, the wind whispering through the trees as the clouds became bigger, above their heads. ''Make sure you watch your footing-'' Seiya had said to her, only everything seemed to stop around them, as panic grew in Sienna's heart just as she'd done exactly that, and lost her footing.
''Seiya!''
Seiya's reflexes instantly kicked in as he saw Sienna lose her footing, in a split second, he reached out for her, luckily just in time, he'd managed to wrap his arm around her waist, pulling her against his hard back. Stumbling for a moment at the impact, their hearts each pounding with adrenaline, they'd managed to regain their balance. However there was no way he was going to allow her to continue after such a close call. She was mortal, he wasn't, the risk would have been less if he'd been the one who'd fallen. ''Get on my back,'' he ordered. ''Sienna's eyes widened as she realized what he was ordering her to do. Clinging tightly to Seiya, greatful towards his quick reflexes, her voice still trembling as she tried to reassure him she could continue. ''It's fine, I'm fine. I can continue.'' ''Sienna, get on my back. I won't almost lose you again. If your worried about me climbing while carrying you, don't, I can handle both.'' Sienna hesitated for a moment at his words, her eyes flickering with a mix of fear and desperation. She knew deep down that he was right, that it was much to risky for her to continue on her own. She'd never had any practice climbing up a mountain, there were high chances she'd fall again, and those times, she couldn't always expect Seiya to catch her.
''But...Seiya, I can't just burden you with my weight. I don't want to slow you down...'' she protested, try as she might to find some valid argument to counter his command. Seiya's expression seemed to soften, though she couldn't quite see how, from the way he was positioned. ''Sienna, you're not a burden to me. I would rather carry you and ensure your safety than risk losing you. You're important to me, I won't take any chances.'' His words resonated deep inside her, calming her anxieties and managing to tug on her heartstrings. Sighing, she finally let go of her hesitation, realizing that she needed to trust him if this was going to work. With a silent nod, she climbed up his back, wrapping her arms securely around his neck as tight as she could, without cutting off his oxygen. Instantly she could feel the strength and stability of his body as he adjusted to her weight effortlessly.
''I trust you,'' she whispered, her voice full of gratitude.
''I will always be by your side to catch you. We're in this together.'' Seiya said, his voice steady and full of reassurance. ''We'll just take it slow from here.''
As they continued on climbing, Sienna felt a sense of relief wash over her. She knew she had made the right decision in trusting him. For every step he climbed, it felt like she weighted nothing by the way he seemed to have no trouble carrying her and climbing up the mountain. In a matter of seconds, they were at the top. Finally, they reached what must have been the entrance of the cave, a dark and foreboding opening at the very top. Sienna instantly let out a deep breath as she felt herself back on the ground, wiping the bit of sweat from her hands on her clothes, as she couldn't seem to keep her eyes from Seiya's sweat covered face. Somehow the dampness made him extra hot. ''Are you ready to do this?'' he asked. Sienna nodded, feeling a mixture of anticipation and nerves swirling around in her stomach. She no longer focused on the smell of the once longing bread she'd craved on minuets before, now she was feeling nothing but the anxieties that came with new discoveries. ''I think I'm ready...'' she replied. voice wary. Taking a moment she adjusted herself as best as she could. Seiya seemed to smile as he watched her, eyes full of admiration. ''I know you can do this.'' he said, his voice lacing with pride that seemed to shift into her.
''Just remember, I'll be right here with you every step of the way. We've got this, S.'' With a sense of renewed confidence and warmth, Sienna followed Seiya's lead into the dark opening of the cave. Instantly the air inside felt damp and musty against her cheeks, following with the faint sound of drops of water. Sienna found solace in the light coming from cracks in the side where the sun seemed to peek inside, it was just enough to offer her some comfort. The further they ventured into the cave, the narrower the passage behind them became, the walls closing in around them, if it hadn't been for Seiya, who's hand she tightened grips around.
''How are you holding up, S?'' he asked, his concern for her, evident in his voice. Sienna seemed to nod, though her voice was slightly shaky as she replied with a small. ''I'm alright. Just some nerves.'' Instantly she picked up on the reassuring squeeze around her hand, as Seiya's voice traveled back to her. ''Don't worry, I'm right here next to you. We're in this together, remember?'' he reminded her, which she had to admit made her feel a bit better. With those words melted into her brain, Sienna felt a surge of courage. She felt invincible, a feeling she didn't know was possible in this particular situation. As they ventured deeper into the cave, the opening disappeared from sight some time ago, hours seemed to pass by, although it had only been a few minutes since they'd first entered. With each twist and turn, she felt a sense of wonder and awe at the beauty that lay hidden beneath the surface. The inside of the cave was like a whole different world, untouched by the outside elements. She'd never seen such sights before. ''S, look forward for a moment,'' she picked up on Seiya's voice, instantly obeying, as her eyes stared in front of them, where a vast chamber, adorned with sparkling stalactites that glinted in the dim light greeted them. Sienna's breath caught in her throat at the breathtaking sight, as she met his eyes. ''It's incredible,'' she whispered voice full of awe. Seiya beamed, his eyes fill with the same wonder Sienna's were, however what he said next, made her heart flutter.
''I'm so glad I could share this with you.''
Hand in hand with each other, they both approached the chamber, entering inside where a magnificent sight captured each of their attentions. Inside the chamber, located atop a grand stand covered with bright yellow, sat an ancient-looking pendant. Sienna's eyes widened in awe as she took in the sight of the pendant, its shimmering gem casting a captivating spell on her. It was as if the pendant held a secret power, a forbidden allure that beckoned her closer. ''Do you want to be the one to grab it, S?'' The pendant seemed to emit a soft, radiant glow, illuminating the chamber with an otherworldly essence. Seiya's grip tightened around her hand, his voice filled with an ominous uncertainty.
''Oh yes, please, you should be the one to grab it...if you dare!'' Suddenly a third unrecognizable voice, erupted through the chamber, causing Sienna's ears to ring as the voice seemed to loud for mortal ears to handle.
''Sienna! Cover your ears!'' Seiya shouted as he pushed himself into a spring towards her, scooping her up against him, as he covered her head with his hands. Eager to protect her from such a loud noise. ''Foolish mortals...or...foolish mortal...'' the voice boomed, slowing down as the strange creature caught on to Seiya's presence. ''You dare enter my domain and lay your eyes upon my prized possession?'' Sienna's heart raced and her breathing quickened, though she knew she was with him, Seiya had her. ''The poster said nothing about a guard!'' Sienna's face was pale, her mouth slightly agape, as she struggled with the pain from her ears.
''Whatever you're doing, stop it right now! You're hurting her!''
''It's not my fault this palace wasn't destined for mere mortals,'' the creature giggled as he watched Sienna's face curl and shift from the pain. Seiya's grip tightened around her body, his protectiveness evident in his tone as he shouted something at the creature. ''I don't care about your domain, or your precious possessions! If we had known about you ahead of time, we never would have stepped foot in here! All I care about is keeping this girl safe, now shut your mouth!''
''Oooooo, such a disrespectful tone. The sound isn't coming from me, tough guy. The sound is designed to act when a mortal enters the cave, I have no control over it, but there might be a way I can help relive her pain. Only if you'd say please.'' the creature continued to mock, as it seemed to enjoy bouncing from the walls. Though Seiya seemed to be the only quick enough to cover the small elf - like creature, following him steadily with his eyes. Sienna on the other hand, was having a serious time.
''Seiya...it-it hurts so badly...'' Seiya's eyes narrowed at the mocking creature, his patience wearing thin. ''Enough games,'' he growled, his voice low and threatening. ''Tell me how to help Sienna, or face the consequences. I don't know if you noticed, but your stupid sound doesn't work on me.''
''I did notice that. You aren't of the human world. However, I doubt you know what you are.''
''I know enough.'' Seiya growled back. ''I'm part of the supernaturals.'' The creature's mocking grin faltered for a moment, before it resumed bouncing off the walls, seemingly unbothered by Seiya's words. It seemed he was finished with the conversation. ''Oh, still want to play tough guy?'' it taunted, voice dripping with sarcasm. ''Well, tough guys need to learn some manners.'' ''Where did your parents go so wrong?'' the creature laughed.
''Wouldn't know, haven't had them in some years.'' Seiya replied.
Sienna whimpered in pain, as she began clutching her sides tightly, body trembling even with all the warmth she was getting from Seiya. His instincts told him that time was running out, that they needed to find a way to get her feeling better, and soon. But he couldn't let this creature's disrespect go unanswered. Taking a deep breath of his own, Seiya tried to force his temper in check. He knew getting angry like this wouldn't solve anything, so as much as it pained him, he lowered his voice. ''Please,'' he said through gritted teeth, voice laced with clear frustration. ''Just tell me what I need to do to relive her pain.''
''Well...to do that you would need the special abilities of my pendant. However, I don't just hand over my possessions without a price in return.'' Seiya clenched his fists, his patience again wearing thin. However, it was Sienna on the line here. He'd do anything to help her. ''What kind of a price?'' he asked, voice laced with a mixture of determination and caution. The creature's eyes glinted with malicious delight. ''A simple one.'' it replied, a sly grin spreading across its small, twisted, face. ''It's come to my attention you care about her an offly lot. I take it you even love her. So, you'll forgive my English for what I'm about to say next. I bet you both are familiar with the tale of Rumpelstiltskin. I bet you even remember what he was promised by the girl he helped in that story. However, she lied to him, thus the girl broke her promise. So, here's what I want.''
''Don't you say it!'' Seiya shouted, instantly catching on as he tightened his hug around Sienna.
''Promise me the first offspring you produce shall be mine. And I'll relieve her pain by allowing you my pendant, and also allowing you to leave my cave, lives intact.''
Seiya's heart pounded in his chest as he processed the creature's disgusting demand. The thought of sacrificing his and Sienna's future child was unbreakable, and one he could not agree too. He took a deep breath to steady himself before responding. ''I...I can't make that promise,'' he said, voice trembling in emotion. ''I can't decide the fate of another life, especially not an innocent child who has no say!'' The creature let out a low and twisted laugh, its eyes narrowing with amusement. It seemed to love playing with him. ''Oh, the lengths people will go for love.'' It taunted. ''But remember, saint, the pain your beloved is enduring might just cause her to lose her hearing. Is that really something you want to allow?'' Seiya's grip on Sienna tightened even more as he said this, his mind racing for alternatives. He wouldn't give up on helping her, but he also couldn't accept the creature's cruel terms either. There had to be another way. ''Is there no other price you would accept?'' he asked, desperation coloring his voice. ''Surely, there's something else I can offer.'' The creature's grin widened, with it revealing sharp, jagged teeth. ''Ah, how persistent... aren't you? Very well,'' it said, leaning closer, Seiya's eyes never drew away from it, as it continued to hang on the ceiling just above them. ''I'll offer you another choice. If you can prove your unwavering loyalty and devotion to me. If you accept this task, I'll even allow you to use my pedant to accomplish it. But be warned, it will not be an easy task.'' Seiya's eyes narrowed as he considered the creature's words. He knew he had to be cautious, but he would do whatever it took to save Sienna from permeant hearing loss.
''What do you want me to do?'' Seiya asked, determination burning in his gaze.
''If you won't give me your first offspring, I demand the offspring of the powerful god herself, Athena goddess of war.''