Reggie came home to their motel room later than Delsin that evening and he was slightly intoxicated when he stumbled into the room, knocking over a vase on a side table in the process.

"Shit."

"Well look at you", Delsin said with a grin. He was laying on the couch and almost dozed off if it hadn't been for his brother tearing down the interior. "You look like you had a fun evening."

He immediately was confronted with a glare. Reggie opened his mouth to say something but waved his hand. "Never mind."

"Never mind what? Hey, come on. What did you want to say?"

".. that I hate you."

"Now that's a lie", the younger brother had the feeling it was the alcohol talking here. Though Reggie didn't look that bad. Getting into a sitting position to get a better view of his brother, Delsin noticed his hair was a little ruffled and that there was a red stain on his shirt. He doubted Reggie had gotten into a fight but at least he seemed to have had a good time wherever he was before.

"No I do", came Reggie's response before stumbling even more as he tried to get to the bed. As he fell down face first he let out a deep sigh and closed his eyes. "I talked to Fetch."

Now that caught Delsin's interest. "And how did that go?"

"Good. I think. That's until we decided to get drinks and ended up in a bar where people knew you and suddenly we got way too many free drinks", both, he and Fetch, had ended up at an Irish pub. No one seemed to care about Fetch being there too much. Which was thanks to Delsin. Talking with a few of the patrons, Reggie found out that one of them had been saved by Delsin. Apparently the D.U.P. had almost run him over if it hadn't been for the Conduit. As the story progressed, comments were made, questions were answered and people found out that Reggie was the older brother of the, rather strange, savior.

And that led to free drinks.

"I really don't need to hear praise speeches of how great you are in the future."

"Why? It's not like it's a lie", Delsin shrugged. "So, you and Fetch on one page now?"

"Mhm. Maybe. I apologized and she accepted if that's what you want to know. Between our talk and the one between Yana and me I guess that I did make a lot of mistakes", he explained with Delsin simply nodding in understanding. "You know I'm the type to do things by book and not by heart. Changing that.. I'm not there yet."

"Hey, you still have some decades ahead for that."

Chuckling Reggie turned to lie on his back. "By the way, yesterday or maybe the day before that because I have no idea what time it is right now, I tried to find the third Conduit."

"You did?", Delsin was surprised to hear that. He himself had spent some time on his own or with Fetch to tear down a couple more D.U.P. checkpoints throughout the city and literally forgot about the third Conduit. Suddenly he realized that he could have even asked her because both of them had to have gotten away together right?

"I can't do much to help you. At least not when it comes to fighting. I can, however, use my contacts within the police, even if you might not like it. So.. turns out the D.U.P. is getting cozy and stocking up on soldiers over in the Lantern District. There's a good chance this is the Conduit you're looking for so.. let's go there tomorrow", he suggested. Maybe, well hopefully, they would find the Conduit in question. Not only before the D.U.P. did but in general.

Raising an eyebrow Delsin sat up. "You wanna come too?"

"Yeah, I do. To keep an eye on you."

Looking at Reggie, knowing full well that thanks to the alcohol he wasn't thinking clearly, Delsin didn't think it would be a good idea to join in on the trip to the other side of the city. And then there was the question of how he would get there anyway. While moving through the city Delsin had noticed that basically every bridge had been destroyed. There was no coming into Seattle or going out. Even the bridge leading over to the other side wasn't the same before. Parts were destroyed, there was a concrete tower right at the start. It wasn't possible to get over for a human.

Delsin would worry about that tomorrow.

"You go sleep, you need it. There's something I need to do before we leave or rather think about how we get you over that bridge so I'll pick you up at noon or something. I guess you should be awake by then."

"I'm not intending to sleep that long."

Delsin would see about that.

~ooo~

The next morning came too fast for Yana's liking.

Since she had forgotten to close the curtains the light from the rising sun woke her up. The warmth creeping up her arms and face. Rolling over to the other side Yana pulled the covers over her head only to hear a muffled 'meow' as Brownie had to get up from his place on her stomach. As soon as Yana was settled again, Brownie climbed on her back.

"Brownie.. can't you go sleep somewhere else instead of on me?", Yana mumbled into her pillow.

"Meow!"

"Of course you don't mind."

What followed were a few more meowing sounds and Brownie moving around a little until he was comfortable with his position. Closing his eyes he tried to find more sleep just like Yana but got startled by a sound coming from outside. More specifically the balcony. Raising his head into the direction, Yana following suit because she heard the noise as well, both spotted a familiar male standing on the balcony, waving at them awkwardly.

"Delsin?", picking Brownie up and sitting him somewhere else, Yana jumped out of her bed to open the balcony door so the Conduit could come inside. "What are you doing here?", she asked angrily as she grabbed his arm to pull him inside a little faster because Delsin didn't seem to care that anyone could see him. "Didn't Reggie tell you.."

"That you don't want to see us? Yes, he did", Delsin answered, almost shrugging in the process. He still had no idea why Yana had decided to send him and his brother away. It just didn't make sense to him where her sudden change of heart came from. "And I'm sorry I came here but Reggie and I, we'll be leaving for the lantern district and there's a favor I wanted to ask you for."

"What? Delsin", she pulled him away from the windows, her hand still around his arm. "I have some very nosy neighbors and if they see you I get in trouble."

"Is that why you told us to stay away? Did someone send the D.U.P. after you?", he remembered how Reggie had mentioned that he was worried Yana might get into trouble because of them. Or rather him as he was the 'threat'.

Yana shook her head. "No", which wasn't a lie per se. It had been Augustine to visit her because she had her eyes everywhere and right here and now Yana was afraid that her mother had seen Delsin landing on her balcony. That she was already on her way here or to Joe or to Natalie. "It's just.. like I said, nosy neighbors and you're getting a little famous throughout Seattle. Which is why you should leave."

"I will", he raised his hands. "After I talked to you about the favor, if that's okay?"

"Alright, what's the favor?", figuring it would be easier to go and play along Yana walked to her couch and sat on the backrest. Delsin had said he and Reggie would leave for the Lantern District. Which meant they had to cross the bay and Yana knew that the bridge was out of order. At least for Reggie. Delsin? He could get up to her balcony without problems and, going by what Reggie had told her, had gotten Fetch's powers which meant his chances to win against Augustine were increasing.

Win against Augustine.

What did that even mean at this point?

"As I said, Reggie and I will leave for the Lantern district", Delsin's voice pulled Yana out of her thoughts. He sounded excited, unable to wait for any second longer to take off on an adventure. "I don't necessarily like that you're pushing me away but I get that you need time for yourself. And I don't care about the reason behind that, what I do care about though is your safety and that's where my favor comes in", turning around Delsin made a waving motion towards the balcony door he had entered through and a couple of seconds later a second person came into view who, that's what Yana assumed, had hidden to the side until now. "Yana, this is Fetch. Fetch, this is Yana", grabbing Yana's hand Delsin looked into her eyes. "I would feel better if she kept an eye on you. Plus she could need a place to stay that has an actual roof and walls around so.."

".. so you're asking me to let her stay until.. what? You're back or..?"

"Well.. for starters yes."

It was easy to tell for Fetch that she wasn't welcomed here. Yana didn't look thrilled to have her stay, live with her. It should have been obvious to Delsin before even coming here, it had been to Fetch. No matter how much Yana might have liked him and not see a problem with him being a Conduit, Fetch was a stranger to her. A stranger who had killed people. Why would anyone let her stay at their home?

"You can't just come in over my balcony and ask me about letting someone I don't know stay over for however long."

"I would feel better knowing Fetch is here in case something happens."

How much Yana wanted to tell Delsin that the only reason for something to happen would be Fetch staying and nothing else. Looking over to Fetch Yana noticed Brownie sitting on the bed, nose in the air trying to find out who that new person was. Feeling something cold touching her hand Fetch looked down and spotted, what was to her, the biggest and softest looking bundle of fur and all she wanted to do was pick it up and snuggle it. Why did Yana have to have a cat?

"Please Yana, I'll make it up to you somehow. It's just for a few days. I'm already worrying too much because I can't just see you", not counting in the evenings on the rooftops to watch her from afar.

Closing her eyes, Yana took a deep breath. She knew there was no way she could reason with Delsin. Seeing how Brownie seemed to like Fetch, right here and now Yana ignored the little voice and the nagging feeling that this was a dumb idea. "Fine. I don't see how you'll make this up to me though", she gave him a weak smile and was taken aback when he thanked her, stating that he would leave now to not make Reggie wait and then gave her a kiss on the cheek.

There was no time to ask him about it as Delsin turned into a puff of smoke making its way outside using the balcony. Not that Yana would outright ask him what the kiss was about. She wasn't blind. She could tell that Delsin harbored some kind of feelings for her, she just didn't know how deep they went. Hell, she didn't know her feelings either. Did she like Delsin? Yes. She wasn't going to deny that, she couldn't. Why couldn't they have met under different circumstances?

Turning towards Fetch, Yana saw her as she was giving a purring Brownie ear scratches. At least they got along fine so that was a plus. One of the last things Yana wanted to worry about was having Brownie disapprove of someone who would stay over for an undefined amount of time.

Noticing someone look at her Fetch, while still scratching Brownie, looked up at the only other person in the vicinity. "I can tell you don't want me to stay. Not that I blame you for feeling that way."

"It's a little more complicated and nothing I want to get into right now. Plus it's not your fault. I mean.. Delsin dropped you off just like that. I know I told him to stay away but he could have send a message to warn me about your arrival", pushing herself away from the backrest Yana walked towards her kitchen to make herself a cup of coffee to wake up. This day was starting too early and too chaotic. "Would you like a coffee too? I'm afraid that's more or less the only thing I have since I haven't been out in a bit."

"Um.. yeah, sure."

Moving from her place Fetch entered the main room and took a look around. Much to Brownies dismay who followed her and rubbed against her legs.

Fetch felt strange being here. In a place that was a home for someone, a home that looked so much nicer than anything she had ever seen or lived in for that matter. When she was younger she had dreamed of a place like this. A place that told you through pictures, plants and other knick-knacks that you were welcomed. That if you wanted to, you could sit down, relax, be yourself. The only four walls Fetch knew were her old home and Curdun Cay. Neither of those had given her the same reassuring feeling Yana's home was giving her.

And aside from the initial feeling that the woman wasn't happy about having Fetch stay here, nothing screamed at her to get out.

"Sorry if me being here is causing you problems."

Shaking her head Yana got two cups and placed them on the counter. "Delsin is. I feel like it's normal for him though. Based on what I've experienced myself and a few things Reggie told me."

"You've known them for long?", there was curiosity in her voice. Fetch didn't know a lot about Yana. Only that she knew Delsin and Reggie, that she lived in Seattle, that she didn't mind Conduits. That Delsin liked her and worried, maybe a little too much, about her and thus had asked Fetch to stay here for as long as he would be in the Lantern District.

"Not really. It's been.. I'm not sure, a bit over a week or so? To be honest I kind of have lost track of time. They arrived a while after the city was locked down."

"I see."

"Why are you asking?"

"Just curious. Both of them seem to like you. It's not easy to find people who you can trust these days", as she said those words Fetch looked at her hands, a slight shimmer of neon appearing as she focused on her powers.

Waiting for the coffee to finish Yana grabbed a few more things and put them on the coffee table. Those included milk and sugar. "Well, it's not easy for most people these days. I mean, as far as I see it there are what? Three groups? Conduits, people siding with them and people who are against them. I don't think there's a between where you can be neutral in this case", she pointed at the couch. "You can sit down if you want to by the way. Coffee will be ready in a bit."

While Yana walked back to the kitchen, Fetch did as she was told and sat down. It didn't take long for Brownie to jump on her lap and rub his head against her stomach meowing softly. Her hands moved on their own as she once again began to pet Brownie. At this point still not knowing the name as she hadn't asked and Yana hadn't told her. Fetch couldn't help but think back to her brother and the time he promised her that everything would turn out good and he would get her a cat because that's what she had wanted since she was little. After her powers had manifested she had wanted a cat even more because pets, they didn't judge you as people did.

"That's Brownie, by the looks of it he likes you."

"I like him too", Fetch said with a smile.

After the coffee was ready Yana took both cups, walked over to the couch and handed Fetch one of them which she took and wrapped her hands around. "Thank you."

"You're welcome", Yana leaned back while taking a sip. "So.. Delsin made you play my bodyguard?"

Shrugging. "I guess you could call it that. He seems really worried about you."

"Mhm. He should be more worried about himself. I don't think it's a good idea to attack the D.U.P. or other Conduits. I only heard a bit through Reggie, about Delsin and you meeting and him getting your powers but I wonder, how did you feel about all this?"

Not good.

That was Fetch's answer. She didn't want to get into this too deep. Not now. Sitting here, with a cat on her lap and Yana listening to her. It reminded her a bit of yesterday, of spending time with Reggie who - despite having acted like a total idiot - came around to apologize. A long time ago when she and Brent had just run away from home, Brent had told her that she would eventually find other people who didn't see her as a freak. People who would become her friends. Delsin was a candidate for that but he was the same as her. It didn't mean that she didn't want to be friends with him though. Reggie? He could become a friend she assumed. Or he was simply being really good at being nice. Even more so because his brother was involved. Looking at both men, ignoring the argument they had because of her, she could see the same love between them as she and Brent had for each other.

Not wanting to pry into it Yana changed the topic.

Since neither of them knew how long the chase for the third Conduit would last and Yana didn't have a lot of food at home, she decided to make a list and then get some groceries for the two of them.

It felt a little weird for Yana to suddenly go and shop for two people. Not counting in weekend sleepovers with Natalie, she had always lived alone. There was never someone she had to take care of aside from herself. Though Fetch sure was able to take care of herself perfectly and didn't need anyone else to do it but this was Yana's home. And thus she felt responsible.

Making sure to not go and buy anything that Fetch was allergic to or simply didn't like, the list grew longer with every passing moment. Telling Fetch to stay away from the windows just in case and not opening the door if someone stopped by. After all, she wasn't expecting anyone to stop by. Delsin and Reggie wouldn't be around for a while, Natalie wasn't either. That would leave Joe who had to work most of the days, her coworkers who would call before coming by anyways and Augustine. If she stopped by, things would get problematic.

Which is why Yana told Fetch once again to keep it low.

Fetch had no problem with that. Neither did she want to have the D.U.P. on her tail, nor did she want to have Yana get caught up in it. She knew what the D.U.P. was capable of. If they had to they hurt people without powers. Besides that Delsin would be more than disappointed if Fetch screw this up.

Though technically she already did because she was letting Yana go out on her own. Delsin had told her to stay with her. Not only at home but also when she would go outside, but to Fetch that seemed impossible. Didn't Yana have a job? Friends? How was she supposed to follow her unseen? She couldn't turn invisible after all. So between that and having a feeling that Yana might not appreciate it having someone follow her, Fetch hoped nothing would happen during the next couple of days.

~ooo~

"You think this is a good idea?"

"Going through who knows how many D.U.P.'s to get over to the other side?", Delsin asked his brother as they stood close to the waterfront so they could get a better view of the bridge. "If it brings me closer to Augustine then yes."

Reggie shook his head. "That's not what I meant. I mean leaving Fetch with Yana."

"It's gonna be fine Reg. I mean, the cat likes Fetch more than me", he stated as if it was the worst thing that could have happened to him. He literally had been rejected by a cat. "I feel safer having Fetch there."

Safer.

There were no words to describe the feelings Reggie was going through. To him, knowing what Yana had told him, having Fetch stay with her might be the trigger for Augustine to go after Yana's friends. And maybe that was why, in a quiet moment where Delsin scouted the area, Reggie send a text to Yana telling her to call him right away if something bad happened.

Neither he nor Delsin were aware that Fetch and Yana were already going separate ways this very moment.

They were too concerned with finding a way to get across.

In Reggie's case that meant he had to take a boat. Luckily enough there was some kind of ferry that had been established to get people from one side to the other twice a day. It surprised him at first until he found out the D.U.P. was operating it. Either they tried to find out if Conduits snuck onto the boat - there were scanners - or they tried to pretend that, despite the chaos and destruction, things were kind of normal.

Once Delsin felt comfortable going over the bridge and facing whatever or whoever would wait for him, he said his goodbyes to Reggie, stating that he would wait on the other side knowing full well he would reach it first.

"Stay safe."

"You too Delsin."

With that, the younger brother used the neon sign of a small kiosk to switch powers before running off.

Sighing Reggie stepped away himself. Walking down the stairs of the pier he walked towards a group of people who were in line to get on the boat to take them over. He could see the scan stations from afar and wondered if those were necessary. It wasn't like a Conduit would go up there and put their hand on the scanner. No, they would try the bridge like Delsin or not go at all.

But then he remembered something. The holding cells at the checkpoints with people in it. They had been put in there because the scanners identified them as a Conduit but none of them had abilities. In fact they also weren't handcuffed or subdued in any other way so they couldn't use their 'powers'. Powers that hadn't awoken yet. Delsin had been 24 when they found out he was a Conduit and it was a complete accident. If it hadn't been for the D.U.P. truck crashing and Delsin grabbing Hank's arm when he felt threatened by Reggie - they maybe would have never found out.

Delsin's power was to absorb others though. So it made sense touching Hank would trigger something. Clearly no one else in Salmon Bay was a Conduit.

When Reggie had talked to Fetch last night she had said her powers simply were there one day and that she didn't remember doing something specific. To think that you would wake up one day and be able to fly, control elements or anything supernatural that people knew only from movies felt surreal.

Thinking back to the people inside the cells Reggie felt his stomach churn. None of them had powers and then they got told they were a Conduit. Something the world learned to fear.

Looking over to the bridge when some of the other people on the pier began to murmur, Reggie saw a trail of neon go up the concrete tower at the front of the bridge. Delsin was right: he would be the first on the other side.