The proposition struck Seiya like a bolt of lighting, his mind racing to comprehend the enormity of what the creature was asking. To sacrifice the child of a powerful god seemed like an impossible task, however Seiya was determined to save Sienna burned brighter than ever inside him. His voice quivered slightly as he responded. ''So let me get this straight? You want me to obtain the child of Athena? And what bring it here? That's...that's an unimaginable task. How could I possibly achieve such a task?'' The elf creature's eyes gleamed with satisfaction, relishing in Seiya's desperation. ''Oh, it won't be easy, I'm aware of that. But if you truly wish to save your beloved from long years of pain and suffering, you must prove to me your undying loyalty.'' Seiya's mind raced, contemplating the task ahead. He knew that getting himself himself with the gods would be dangerous, it was the truth that he to was a god, but the gods hadn't seem so kind the last time he'd encounter them, when he was a small boy looking for a home after what happened with his parents. However he was willing to take the risk if it meant saving Sienna's hearing.
''I accept the task,'' Seiya declared firmly, his voice filled with determination. ''But first allow her to use the pendant.'' The elf creature's smile widened, exposing his sharp teeth for the second time. ''Very well,'' it replied, a hint of satisfaction in its tone. ''Now I'll tell you what you must do. To locate Athena and her child, you must travel to the Heavenly Realms. That is where the gods have taken their home.'' the creature's grin widened, revealing more jagged teeth as he continued. ''To obtain the child of Athena, you must travel to the Heavenly Realm and snatch it when they aren't looking. However, it won't be an easy task. Athena isn't just given the title of ''god of war'' because she likes to have tea parties.'' Seiya's heart pounded harder as he processed the enormity of the task ahead. The Heavenly Realms, home of the gods and goddess's. He knew it would be well - guarded, surrounded by the most powerful of creatures and traps. But again, he was willing to face anything to protect Sienna and their future together. ''I already told you, elf, I will do what you've asked. Now I want the pendant given to Sienna, right now. I'm not moving an inch until I know she's going to be okay.'' The creature chuckled, its amusement evident. ''Very well, watch this.'' he said as he dropped from his spot on the ceiling, his eyes widening as he quickly swiped the pendant from where it sat, looking at it closely as it sat in its small, elf, like hands. Seiya watched with hopeful eyes and bated breath as the elf examined the pedant. His hands clenched into tiny fists, ready to pounce if the creature made any sudden movements without his knowledge. After a moment, the elf nodded approvingly and handed the pendant over to Seiya, who took it as quickly as he could. ''There you go,'' the elf said with a smug grin upon his face. ''Now that you have my pedant in your possession, I expect you to hold up your end of the bargain.''
''I know, can it elf.'' Seiya snapped back as he took the pedant from the elf's hands, as he brought it over to where Sienna waited. Staring at her with concerned eyes, he noticed her hands were still placed atop her ears, as if the sound was getting worse, if he looked close enough he could make out the thick streak of blood that had began oozing from inside he ears. Once he reached her, he gently placed the pendant around her neck, feeling a surge of what was relief as he saw her position shift, eyes opening to reveal a faint glow, like she was now being protected by a protective aura. ''There,'' he sighed as he tried to smile at her. ''You're going to be alright now,'' he whispered, his voice filled with concern, though he tried his best to keep her from seeing how worried he was. ''I won't allow anything to happen to you. I'm going to fix this, S.''
''Fix this? Seiya, this isn't your mess to fix. I'm the one who wanted to take this mission in the first place! All of this for a simple pedant!'' Sienna barked as her eyes fell atop the pendant around her neck, eyes full of disgust as she glared into the crystal in the middle. Seiya's brows furrowed as he watched her disgust. He understood her frustration and anger, but he also knew that he couldn't just stand by and do nothing while she was clearly still suffering. ''I know you blame yourself for what has happened, but don't, I'm just to blame as you are.'' Seiya replied, voice calm, and soft, as he took her hand in his. ''We're a team. We're in this together, what ever happens. I'm not going to let you face this alone.'' Sienna's glare softened slightly as she found his eyes, her anger mingling with a hint of vulnerability, however it didn't last long. ''Seiya, sometimes you need to realize you can't be the one to fix everything. Sometimes, I need to take responsibility for my own actions.'' she growled.
''I understand that, S. Believe me. But right now, what's important is your well-being. We can deal with the consequences later. Let me help you, by letting me there for you.'' Sienna's gaze seemed to soften at his words, though she felt herself wanting to hesitate, but instead she simply nodded. ''Ah, Seiya, what are we going to do? We can't fix any of this. We can't kidnap the god of war's child! We'd literally be causing a war with the gods, and us! How could we even think to agree to something like this!'' She stared defiantly at the elf creature, her jaw set. ''Isn't there anything else we can do for you?'' she asked, hopeful carrying her voice. ''Sienna, I'm aware of the consequences that I've agreed to. In the moment, I was only worried about you. I couldn't sit back knowing you were struggling. Especially knowing what's happened may have a huge affect on you in the future.''
''Seiya! Listen to me. If I go deaf, it won't matter. At least I'll know I didn't kidnap someone's baby!'' Seiya's eyes widened at Sienna's sudden outburst, clearly taken aback by her strong stance. ''Sienna, I understand your concern. But please, try to understand my perspective as well. I saw the pain you were in, I don't want that for you in the future. Especially, if we're supposed to be living our new lives together. If there's something I can do, I'll do it. This might seem like an impossible situation, but sometimes in life, we have to make difficult choices. And right now, this is the choice I've made. To protect you.'' Sienna's frustration and anger were evident in her piercing gaze, as she let out exactly what she'd been thinking. ''I can't believe you're really trying to justify the crime in kidnapping a baby.'' Seiya let out a heavy sigh, his expression filled with both exhaustion and weakness as he said. ''I've thought about this extensively, Sienna. I've explored every possible alternative, and there doesn't seem to be any.'' Sienna's resolve started to waver as she saw the genuine emotion in his eyes. ''I'm scared. Scared of what might happen if we go through with this. I'm really scared.'' The elf who'd been utterly silent the entire time, suddenly scoffed, as he introduced himself back into the conversation. ''You think you can take on a bunch of powerful gods? You're just a half supernatural and a mortal, good luck with that.''
''You don't seem to give us any other choice, elf.'' Seiya responded. The elf said nothing just shook his head, his smug grin fading as he dropped down from the ceiling. ''You're both fools. But I suppose, I can admire your bravery. Just remember, meddling with powerful beings can only bring about chaos. Be prepared for the wrath that might follow.''
''I've had just about enough of you, you're the reason we're in this mess!'' Seiya barked, teeth clenched. Sienna placed a gentle hand on Seiya's arm, try as she may to calm him. ''Seiya, please stop arguing with him. It won't solve anything. We need to focus on how we're going to do this. Her voice was steady, her determination shining through, as Seiya let out a deep breath, try as he may to reel in his anger. ''How do we get to the gods? We're are they located?'' ''I already told your boyfriend where to go, but seeing as you were a little busy, I'll explain it again.'' the elf sighed, as he started his long story. ''You'll find the baby and the other gods in a magical realm known as ''The Heavenly Realm'' Gods distaste being on the same planet as humans, so they rather stay in the sky. In order to get there, you must locate a man named Alman. He holds the key to the gateway between the human world and the Heavenly Realm. Alman lives in a small village at the foot of the mountains. Once you find him, he will guide you through the treacherous path that leads to the realm of the gods. There you will have to locate Athena yourself. Once you do that, you baby shouldn't be too far.'' Seiya let out another deep breath, realizing that their journey was far from over. It was just the beginning. A terrible beginning. ''Alright then, how do you suggest we get to the village, you never even told us the name?''
The elf smirked as he opened his mouth to reply. ''Ah, my apologies for thinking you two could figure things out for yourselves. The village you're looking for is called Tarrinshold. It's a remote village nestled near the base of the Guardian Mountains. To get there, you'll need to go over seas, travel through a dense forest, and navigate through steep mountain paths. It won't be easy, but you two managed to get into my cave without dying, so I trust you can do this.'' Seiya looked into Sienna, as if he was the only thing she was seeing, as determination filled both their eyes. ''We will find Alman. No matter what it takes.
''Oh and one more thing. Just in case, you decide to bail on our bargain,''
''Ow! Hey! What the hell do you think you're doing!'' Seiya shouted. The elf chuckled as he unsheathed a small knife and swiftly used it to cut a lock of Seiya's hair. ''Consider this insurance.'' he said with a mischievous grin. ''If you betray me, I'll summon monsters to your location, and they'll never stop till your dead.'' Sienna stepped forward, pulling Seiya behind her protectively, a mix of anger and concern on her face, the pedant on her chest glowing a radiant glow. ''You didn't mention this before.'' she hissed. The elf just shrugged casually as he began pushing the lock of brown hair into the front pocket of his clothes. ''I didn't think it to be necessary, but from what you said earlier, your perfectly fine going deaf. With that, you'd have no reason to return my pedant to me, or bring me the child. Next time, might want to watch what comes out of your mouth.'' ''Now off you pop. The sooner you find Alman, the sooner you can return to me, and be on your way.''
''You won't be needing that. We'll find Alman and complete our end of the bargain.''
With that, they both tuned and left the elf's cave, ready to face the challenges that lay ahead. As they walked, eager to make their way down the mountain for the second time, Sienna who was just about to get herself back on Seiya's back couldn't help but notice Seiya couldn't help but rub his hair where the elf had cut it. ''Did he hurt you?'' she asked, as she rubbed the side of his face with her hand. ''No, I'm fine. Here, hop on.'' The journey to Tarrinshold would be a long and treacherous one, but they knew with each other's help, they were prepared to face any obstacle, knowing one thing for certain, soon they'd be able to start the new life they'd so greatly desired.