Sienna dashed through the dimly lit steers, her feet pounding against the wet payment as the rain showered down, drenching every inch of her body. As she jogged, Sienna felt her body slowly begin to loosen up with each step. Her arms swung back and fourth, and she inhaled the fresh air deeply, feeling it fill her lungs. The sound of her sneakers hitting the pavement echoed through the empty streets, and the smell of damp earth filled her nostrils. She had to find the boy. She had to make sure he was alright after what happened with Cassios. Sienna was determined. She had only met him once, but she couldn't seem to let go of the fact that there was something about him that made her want to get to know him, to protect him. The rain was coming down harder now, as she continued jogging through the alleyways. Sienna could feel her hair sticking to her face from the dampness, however she ignored the feeling of the cold water as it ran down her back, as she pushed herself to run faster. Eventually she knew she was getting close when she saw a flicker of light in the distance. It was coming from an alleyway only a few blocks away from where she'd been searching.
Cautiously, Sienna approached the alley, her heart pounding in her chest, just as her ears began to ring from the headache she was feeling. She peeked around the corner of a firmly built wall, narrowing her eyes, only then did she see the boy. He was sitting up, huddled in a small ball, with his knees pulled up to his chest. His face was illuminated by a small lantern that he held tightly in his hands. Try as he may to keep the light from being put out by the droplets of rain water. As Sienna looked closer at him, she saw those familiar brown eyes she'd seen in the nightclub, and felt something inside her tug at her. Suddenly Sienna knew she couldn't keep still, she'd come here to make sure he was alright, so that was what she was going to do.
''Hey,'' she whispered, trying as to may to not startle him. ''I just wanted to make sure you were okay. I'm so sorry for Cassios. He can be a little overprotective sometimes, and he just has these times where he gets overboard.'' The boy seemed to look up at her, and instantly Sienna made note of the fear in his eyes. ''Who are you? Why do you keep following me?'' he said, voice laced with the terror in his eyes. Sienna took a step closer to him, still try as she might to keep her voice calm and reassuring as she begin to introduce herself.
''My name is Sienna Kido, and I hope we can be friends.'' The boy seemed to hesitate for a moment, as he slowly lowered the lantern to the ground beside him. Suddenly she was taken aback by a warm, loving, smile that appeared on his face. Sienna couldn't believe her eyes. The fear that had previously consumed the boy's face was gone, replaced with a smile so bright it lit up the area around them. Sienna couldn't help but let out a sigh of relief as she realized that her words had worked. She'd managed to get through to him. The boy stood up from where he sat and reached out to take her hand.
''It's nice to meet you, Sienna. My name is Seiya.'' he said. Sienna couldn't help but smile back at him. They sat like that for some time. Sienna was amazed at how much they had in common. They both loved to read books, explore nature, and learn about different cultures and languages. They talked and laughed for hours, neither one of them even noticed that the rain had stopped. It felt like they had known each other for years. But suddenly, Sienna was held back by Seiya's face as it turned serious. ''There's something I need to tell you,'' Seiya started, his voice trembling. Sienna looked at him curiously, wondering what could be so important. Seiya took a deep breath and began on.
''I've been living in the woods for a long while now, ever since I lost my parents. There was no one else that could take care of me, since my parents never talked about their families. So I found my place in the woods. I managed to build a small shelter and I hunt for my own food. I know it's not a normal life for a eighteen year old. But you know I'd like to be in school of I could. But that's just not a option for me. This is all that I've got.'' Sienna listened in awe as Seiya shared his story. She could see the pain in his eyes, and it broke her heart. At that moment she knew she had to do something to help him. After all he was her new friend.
''Seiya, you don't have to live like this. There are people who care about you and want to help you. I want to help you. So if you would, please come with me.'' Sienna pleaded, tears gathering in her eyes. She knew it was risky with Cassios being around, but she couldn't bear the thought of leaving him to live in the woods all alone. Who knows what could come out and want to hurt him. Seiya hesitated for a moment, ''What about that guy? Cassios? He'll surely do something awful if he finds me living with you.''
''Don't worry about him. I've learned in my years with Cassios, how to handle him.'' Sienna said, proudly. Seiya thought for a moment before finally nodding his head in agreement. Sienna felt overjoyed that she didn't stop herself from hugging the boy tightly, relived that she had managed to convince him to come with her. Quickly she grabbed his hand and pulled him up from the damp cerement, leading him out of the alleyway, curiousity plauging Seiya's face the whole time as he was whisked away.