It's been a while.

I don't have a lot of time at the moment because my part-time job became a full-time job for the time being. While that is overall something positive, it's also negative because it's only the case because one of my coworkers is sick (surgery, hospital, chemo - whole package here).

This chapter is way longer than the others before. Also, most of it is completely rewritten from the original.

I hope you like it.

Delsin had scouted the bridge before and knew that only a Conduit would be able to cross it without a lot of problems. Parts of it had been destroyed, but not completely. The big concrete tower right at the beginning of the bridge was intact though it clearly hadn't been there before. He also had seen one at the end that appeared even bigger than the very same he was standing in front of now.

Neither of those should pose a problem to him given his abilities.

'Armed' with neon powers Delsin made his way up the first obstacle with ease. Being a living neon beacon wasn't the most convenient thing though as the D.U.P.'s standing behind a gap leading down into the water on the other side of the tower noticed him right away. There was no hesitation on their side. As soon as Delsin had landed on a small platform from which he could see parts of what awaited him, the soldiers threw a smoke grenade at him. Apparently, no one had told them that he could absorb that to switch his powers. Grinning Delsin moved his arm towards the rising smoke and watched it wrap around his hand and arm in spirals until it was gone. Jumping off the platform Delsin used the smoke to hover over the gap and once he got close enough, he flew down to slam his fist which was covered in smoke between the three soldiers. The force of the impact sending them flying off of the bridge and into the water.

Looking down to see if he could spot them, Delsin watched one after one resurfacing and swimming towards the shore.

He could only imagine how cold the water would be at this time of the year. Though clearly once winter came it would be even worse than what he imagined it to be now. Those soldiers would spend the rest of the day in front of a warm fireplace with a cup of whatever hot beverage they preferred. No doubt about that.

Turning away from the soldiers and towards what lay in front of him, Delsin found himself in what

almost could be called a labyrinth made of freight containers which were purposely placed in a way that they would hinder you to cross the bridge. Just standing here he was able to hear a silent noise that he couldn't place at first but he knew it was better to proceed with caution from here on out.

That proved to be a good decision soon because Delsin found the source for the noise: auto-turrets which, that's what he assumed, were made specifically for the D.U.P. as they locked onto him as soon as he got into view. He hadn't seen those on the streets of Seattle so far and it made him uncomfortable. What if it was worse on the other side?

There didn't seem to be a lot of doubt about where the third Conduit was. Everyone seemed to know they were in the Lantern District and seeing how Augustine only managed to catch Hank so far, she sure would do whatever it took to get her hands on this one before anyone else. So if soldiers and checkpoints weren't enough anymore? Bring out the turrets.

Augustine and her lapdogs sure didn't back away from anything it seemed.

Continuing his way, running in more and more turrets shooting at him, Delsin realized that while no human could cross the bridge, it was neither meant to be crossed by Conduits. Maybe those were new additions. The third Conduit who appeared to be on the other side had to have crossed somehow. Or maybe that was before Augustine rolled into Seattle. No matter what, Augustine tried to make sure the escaped Conduits would be caught sooner or later. And not only them but also Delsin and Fetch.

From what little Delsin knew, Augustine didn't like either of them. With Fetch, it was even more obvious seeing the news reports involving her. Delsin had it a little easier. People actually liked him. Not everyone of course, but enough so that he could move through Seattle without someone calling the D.U.P. to inform them where he was. He did that himself every once in a while when he spotted one of the billboards and felt the need to stir up some chaos.

If Delsin would be able to get the Conduit on his side as well just like Fetch, they would be three against one. Not counting in the D.U.P.'s who would fight with Augustine.

After passing through the container labyrinth, Delsin arrived at another gap in the bridge. This one was larger than the one at the beginning. He assumed that when the bridge was destroyed this was the first place to be torn down. Behind the gap, he could see what appeared to have once been a checkpoint but as far as Delsin could remember the bridge had already been destroyed when he and Reggie had arrived. So maybe it had been open for people to cross for a while before Augustine decided it was easier to deal with them when they weren't able to go wherever they pleased.

Walking closer to the edge he found an old car that had smoke coming from its engine. Using it to recharge Delsin fired two missiles at the checkpoint. It's two towers crumbling to the ground as Delsin floated towards it and more soldiers appeared to fire at him. Contrary to the first three soldiers, the ones who fired at him now were heavily armored. They were however surprised to see him here and when Delsin started to attack them, they raised small concrete shields out of the ground to hide behind.

Seeing this Delsin wondered once again why it couldn't be so easy to be able to get the concrete powers from them? Why did it have to be Augustine herself?

And just how did they get the powers in the first place?

Fetch had told him about experiments that were done in Curdun Cay. Experiments she had been subjected to as well. The thought of being strapped to an operating table with so-called doctors and scientists standing around you, cutting you open and doing God knows what to you, made Delsin feel sick. He didn't want to believe anyone would volunteer for that. There was nothing someone could offer that made it okay to subject yourself to that sort of thing. And then there was the question if the process could ever be reversed.

Throwing a smoke bomb at the last soldier's face when he came out of hiding, Delsin quickly pushed him to the ground before he could react. "You guys should know when to take a step back."

The soldier, trying to free himself from the smoke binds, made a disapproving noise but didn't say anything else. It made Delsin wonder if or what Augustine would do to them if they failed at their job because, when he looked at the soldier to his feet and at the ones behind him, all of them tried to break free so they could continue to attack him.

Ignoring the soldiers Delsin focused on the way in front of him. More specifically on the tower that was way bigger than he had first assumed. The closer he got the more it appeared to be some kind of base. There were lights built into the concrete, as well as other things like scaffolds to hold it together or maybe fortify it. He wasn't sure but for some reason, it almost looked as if there were rooms inside the tower and even before he got closer he had that feeling to run into Augustine in the next few minutes.

A feeling that turned out to be right.

Augustine was indeed waiting on a ledge of the tower with a door behind her. Yes, definitely a base of some sort.

Standing on his own ledge across from her Delsin took a deep breath. He could feel his hands trembling. This, right here, could be it. His chance to get her powers and shorten his stay in Seattle. Who was he kidding? There was no way he could overpower her as she probably had some trick up her sleeve.

Jumping down from the ledge Delsin walked closer slowly. It was the first time he had seen Augustine since their encounter in Salmon Bay. "Lady.. you're hell on bridges, you know that?", he forced himself to laugh. Even an idiot could tell that he was nervous if not afraid.

"So you recognize me?"

How could he not? "Oh yeah, you're the one to condemn all my friends to death a couple of weeks ago and let me walk away, not believing when I told you I was a Conduit."

Augustine's lips turned into a smile. "I have to say, you've changed since then."

"You mean the smoke thing? Yeah, that's new", he said while raising his hands, smoke swirling around them. "I have to say it's pretty handy."

"I hear you have learned a new trick. That you have.. expanded your arsenal", she ignored Delsin's questioning look. Augustine knew that he was aware of her knowing what she meant by it and that his silence was nothing but an attempt to set her on the wrong track. "I know you have made a few new friends. For example Fetch Walker."

"Fetch who?"

"Oh Delsin", shaking her head Augustine walked until she reached the end of the ledge. "You should know better than that. Did you think I wouldn't know what you're up to only because you destroyed our setup on the Space Needle? I have ears and eyes everywhere."

Great. Brooke Augustine, your personal full-time surveillance system.

"So", she continued. "Since you're here alone I take it that Fetch has something better to do right now?" Watching Delsin's face closely Augustine could see something in his eyes change. Almost as if he could tell that she knew exactly where Fetch was at this very moment. Or whom she was with. Augustine was aware that Yana did not see Delsin until this morning and that when he arrived at her place, he had Fetch with him. Maybe he thought Yana would be safe having another Conduit around. Oh, how wrong he was. No one was safe with a Conduit at their side.

"Don't we all have something better to do?", he asked and took a few more steps forward. "You know we can end this meeting quickly. I can save us a lot of time if you just come down here, shake my hand, let me leech a little power off you."

That was what he did: take other Conduits powers. Steal them.

The smoke powers were Hank's. No mistake here. Augustine remembered the day at the fish cannery. When Delsin tried to explain that he was a Conduit as well and that he 'caught' it from Hank as if it was some kind of disease. She hadn't believed a word he had said only to later find out that he had said the truth. The next power he went to grab was Fetch's. Strangely enough, seeing as she was with Yana at this very moment, she didn't seem to be bothered by him stealing them a lot. Had she willingly given him her powers? It made no sense.

Knowing that another, the third escaped Conduit, was in the Lantern District Augustine had no doubt that was where Delsin was headed.

Get more powers. Get hers.

"You want me to give you my powers?"

He nodded. "I mean, not enough to sink bridges and build towers like that", he motioned towards the one behind her. "But enough to pull the concrete daggers out of my friends. After that, you'll never see me again."

That was the reason? All of the trouble to save some people? And then he would just go back to his life before Seattle? No. That was not what would happen. In Augustine's eyes, he was an egotistical and power-hungry being who wanted what she had.

"I have a better idea", raising her right hand she made a circling motion with it. Before Delsin could react he felt concrete move up his leg to hinder him from getting away and when he tried to break free using a hand, it was captured as well. Augustine used the moment to fly down towards him. She had thought about attacking him. Taking him out. There was backup here if she needed it but what then? She could need someone like him for her cause. For the D.U.P.. "You're not useful to me if you would be back home in your little hovel so I offer you a deal. How about you stay here with me? Help me capture Bio-Terrorists", she walked closer to him but continued to keep enough space between them so he wouldn't be able to reach her as his second leg was slowly encased in concrete as well. "And maybe if I'm satisfied with your work I'll save your friends."

Just what was this woman thinking? That he would agree to that? Betray other Conduits, become a lapdog like the D.U.P.'s and hope for the best before everyone in Salmon Bay was dead? "I like my idea better", his eyes were fixated on Augustine's hand. All he needed to do was to grab it, his goal was so close. Using his free hand he tried to grab hers but got nowhere near. Instead, Augustine used her other hand as she turned to the side to get a hold of his arm, twisting it upwards as more and more concrete covered his body. Her grasp was stronger than he thought and he bit his lips.

"You disappoint me Delsin", the look in her eyes serious as she turned towards the young Conduit. "I make you an offer and you decline. What do you think will happen now?"

Trying to shrug with the concrete holding him down Delsin's answer was simple. "I guess I'm in trouble."

"You're in more than that", and not only because he had come here, to Seattle and to her but also because of him getting too close to Yana. Augustine didn't intend to tell Delsin about Yana being her daughter because she feared what he would do. However, knowing full well he had seen her this morning and Yana - as far as Augustine knew - not doing anything to prevent it and neither preventing Fetch from staying with her, she decided that it was time to strike back. Show them that she was more than just hollow words. She didn't want or could hurt her daughter, but she could hurt Delsin. Both of them would come to regret not listening to her.

Ready to make her point clear, a strange distorted voice reached both their ears from above them. Delsin wasn't able to turn his head enough to see what was going on. All he could tell was that Augustine didn't like this one bit and that whatever grabbed him was freaking large and could fly.

Augustine couldn't do anything as Delsin was transported away. Even if she had tried to take down the Conduit who was flying away with Delsin right now, there was no way she would be able to take them on both. That much she knew. She did not have enough backup to go against two Conduits of which one was able to use two different powers and now probably was very close to get the third one.

She needed a different plan.

~ooo~

Whatever it was that carried him away, based on the sound of its wings Delsin could tell it was something big. But it had to be given that he was one big chunk of concrete flying high above the city. Which didn't make this better one bit because he suddenly realized that if he would fall, it would be a long way down into the streets. Trying to somehow get a good look at his surroundings, Delsin began to notice some parts of the concrete falling off of him. And that he was getting closer to the ground. The houses under him looked Chinese and the name Lantern District, suddenly made sense to him since this seemed to be a mostly Chinese district from what he could see. Which essentially wasn't a lot.

When he felt the grip of the thing or entity that was carrying him loosen and the rooftop getting closer, Delsin let out a scream that was cut short.

Upon hitting the roof the concrete shell around him broke into little pieces, leaving Delsin a little dazed. Getting up Delsin shook his arms and legs. Taking in his surroundings he didn't see anything that resembled a flying creature large enough to be able to carry him.

"Well, at least I did make it to the Lantern District", that was something good. Looking around a few things caught his attention. One very prominent thing is that the people looked even worse than on the other side of the city. Almost as if they had lost all hope. And seeing all the checkpoints, D.U.P.'s and buildings covered with concrete it was no surprise to him. One building, in particular, stood out to him. He had been able to see it from the top of the Space Needle and now, that he was much closer, it dawned on him just how big it actually was. Augustine sure had done a 'good' job here.

Which reminded Delsin of something she had said regarding Fetch and her whereabouts.

Grabbing his phone Delsin decided to call Reggie. Maybe he was still on land and could go back to Yana's place to check on her. He could always come after later on and while a call might have been enough to make sure everything was fine, seeing a person face to face would put him more at ease.

"Yes?", came Reggie's voice after the phone rang a handful of times.

"Reg! Tell me you're still on land!"

"If you forgot something I'm sorry to say that the ship just left the shore. You're already on the other side?"

"Yeah.. I was hoping you could go back and check on Yana and Fetch."

"Why?", the way his brother was acting caused Reggie to start worrying.

"Short version: I ran into Augustine and she made a weird comment that sounded as if she knows exactly where Fetch is."

"Have you tried calling them? That might be the easiest thing to do."

"I will now. I just.. I would have felt better if you could have stopped by. Call me when you arrive."

"Will do. You better call me in case there's a problem. Not only on your side but also regarding Yana", this did kind of turn into what Yana was afraid of: Augustine keeping an eye on her and finding out she was mingling with Conduits. It would give her enough of a reason to go after Yana's friends. Reggie wanted to tell Delsin not to worry. That Yana would be okay even if Augustine showed up on her doorstep but there was simply no way.

"Yeah, no problem. I'm gonna go and call them now, see you later", not waiting for Reggie to say his goodbyes, Delsin hung up and went right to call Fetch.

~ooo~

After Yana had left to get groceries Fetch had gotten comfortable on the couch zapping through the TV channels. It wasn't long after she had begun to do so when Brownie decided to use Fetch as a pillow.

Not that she did mind having a cat falling asleep on her stomach while she was running her fingers along the soft fur. Saying that she didn't enjoy this would have been a lie. Because it felt good and a part of her wished that she had known Yana before. To have been able to just sit here. Relax. Cuddle with a cat.

Despite the initial feeling of Yana being hesitant allowing Fetch to stay, that same feeling had switched fast after Yana began to ask what food Fetch liked so she could make a shopping list. Yana was being considerate and that in a situation where she didn't have to be. This was her home after all. If she wanted to cook something Fetch despised so be it.

Not that she was picky. Living on the street made her eat things she didn't like because sometimes those were the only ones available. But now, with Yana, Fetch seemed to have found someone to at least try and make her feel comfortable other than Delsin who had an even worse start with her than Yana had. Fetch had to admit that it was nice and she hoped this could be a fresh start. Maybe not with how things were right now, but once Delsin was finished with Augustine. Fetch really hoped things would be easier from then on.

Turning the TV off, Fetch closed her eyes, hands still moving along Brownie's fur when the ringtone of her phone made her reluctantly get into a sitting position so she could take the call. Brownie was just as reluctantly because it meant he had to get up and move to the side for the time being.

Fetch answered the call without checking who was calling her. To be fair there were only two people who had her number at this point: Delsin and Reggie.

There were a lot of reasons speaking against Reggie being the one to call her and just as many speaking for Delsin to be the one on the other end.

"Yes?"

"Fetch?"

"You called my phone, of course it's me", she shook her head with a sigh. "What's wrong D?"

"I just.. wanted to check in if everything is okay."

"You've been gone for an hour or so, what do you think happened?", he needed to tone down on worrying. "We burned the whole apartment building down?"

"Of course not", he knew how this must look. That he wasn't able to trust anyone else with looking after Yana while he wasn't around to do so himself. He and Fetch had talked about this before he took her to Yana's place and Fetch had given him a look that said 'Just admit you're in love'. "I just need to know you're okay. I ran into Augustine and I fear she knows where you're at right now so you need to be extra careful. Can you give me Yana for a second?"

Right. Closing her eyes Fetch let herself fall back on the couch. ".. I hate to tell you but.."

"But what? Fetch?"

"She went out to get groceries and I thought it would be better to not go with her because it might draw unwanted attention. Yana can handle herself."

"Are you serious?!", Delsin didn't sound happy about that. Of course, it would draw attention if Fetch would walk down the street with another person but he would have felt better knowing she was there in case the D.U.P. decided to kidnap Yana in broad daylight. "I asked you to keep an eye on her because I can't do so."

"You're aware stalking is a crime right?"

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"That maybe you should tell her that you like her instead of hiding in the shadows to see what she's up to. I'm sure she's fine. When she left she said the grocery store wasn't far. I'll tell her you called so she can call you back."

"No", Delsin interrupted her. "I'm going to call Yana and you're gonna go meet up with her. The last thing I need right now is Augustine stopping by and, I don't know, hurt you. Kidnap you. Whatever she would do in that situation", he didn't wait for Fetch to respond but instead he hung up.

Staring at the phone in her hand Fetch rolled her eyes.

Delsin had behaved a little strangely when asking her if she was okay with staying at Yana's place while he and Reggie went to the Lantern District. He stressed the fact that Fetch had to keep an eye on the other woman. All the time. He had sounded desperate and just now on the phone even more so. Fetch had to acknowledge that the thought of Augustine knowing where she was and thus, maybe, hurting Yana made her feel scared. It was one thing to get into trouble by yourself, but pulling someone else with you.. especially someone who was innocent felt wrong.

A different ringtone reached Fetch's ears and when she got up to look around where it was coming from she soon found the source to be Yana's phone which was laying on the kitchen counter.

So much for Delsin trying to contact her.

~ooo~

Yana had no idea what was going on back in her apartment.

The trip to the grocery store felt good in the way of it feeling normal. Over the past days after Delsin's arrival things in Seattle had calmed down a little and people appeared to be happier. And so, while shopping during the first week after the D.U.P. arrived almost felt like a nightmare, it now had turned into the complete opposite. The cashier smiled more and even held small talk with the customers. There were no patrols, no cages with locked up people inside. No checkpoints.

Yana had always tried to stay away from them for the simple reason that they were littered with cameras. She was lucky enough to be able to get to work, to the Latte Owl or the grocery store without needing to pass through any checkpoints. If it hadn't been for that? Maybe she would sit in the same building as Augustine right now. Maybe people would know her by name. Know about her being Augustine's daughter.

Luckily it wasn't like that and Yana intended to keep it that way for now.

However, even despite feeling happy while being out shopping, she also had that nagging feeling that something was off. Or was going to be off.

Augustine had made it sound as if she was watching her. If that was true she had to know about Fetch who was sitting back home in her apartment with Brownie. While Augustine only had said to stay away from Delsin because he was a Conduit who would hurt her, Fetch was one as well. It would be the same thing to Augustine, wouldn't it?

The apartment building in sight, Yana stopped walking when she heard someone call her name.

Turning towards the source of the voice calling her, her blue eyes focused on a familiar male she hadn't seen in a while. Smiling she greeted him. "Joe, it's good to see you."

"Likewise", he said as he walked up to her and gave her a hug. He held up a cup with the emblem of the Latte Owl on it before pointing at the grocery bag. "Mind trading? Cappuccino for the bag?"

"Sounds perfect to me", shifting the bag in her arms she handed it to Joe who, in turn, gave her the drink. Wrapping her fingers around the cup Yana closed her eyes as she took the first sip. "You have no idea how much I appreciate this."

"Probably not", he said with a smile. "It's been a while since I've seen you, I figured you would like this when I came by."

"So you planned this?", Yana asked.

Joe nodded as he began walking down the street, Yana following behind. "I was actually asked to check on you if I had the time. I don't know if you heard about it but Reggie brought this Conduit to the café, Fetch? He came to talk to me at one point and told me he knew about your mother and that he was worried. He also mentioned that you didn't want to see him or Delsin. I'm guessing that has something to do with your mother?", he sure wasn't one to beat around the bush now that most people who were taking a very present role in Yana's life knew about it.

"Well, she obviously doesn't like me hanging out with Delsin. Something about how he's a Conduit and that he will hurt me", hearing that Joe couldn't help but laugh a little. "I had the same reaction. It seems kind of weird right? It's fine for her to be around me but the people I trust more than I ever would trust her are evil and only out to hurt me. She's done much more to do that."

"I don't intend taking her side but.. as weird as it may sound: parents always worry about their kids. Whether or not their relationship is a good one. I see it with my siblings and their kids. Love is shown in a lot of different ways and I don't doubt your mother when she says she's worried about you", he looked at Yana while he said those words. "A part of me hopes that maybe if Delsin manages to get through to her, she might see her mistakes and change. I feel like you would be happier with that too, wouldn't you?"

"I don't know", would she be happier?

To have her mother by her side. To talk to her in a normal way, visit every once in a while. Would she invite her mother to birthdays? Celebrate holidays with her?

Of course, it would make her happier but it was nothing Yana could see happening.

Delsin didn't want anything bad. From what little Fetch had said, she doubted Augustine was okay with someone else trying to get her powers and see it as something bad. Yana would best describe it as an invasion of privacy. Unless Augustine would go back to Salmon Bay to help Delsin's friends and her retreating, Delsin would still try to reach her. Hell, he was on his way to the other side of the city and thus probably would run into a lot more trouble along the way. Augustine would find out. And then she would come for him.

"I can't really see her change. I guess it's too late for that. If all of this would have happened a few years earlier maybe."

"No redemption."

Yana shrugged. "Having been in contact with three other people who have seen what she's capable of? I don't see a lot of redemption for her."

"Three?", Joe asked. He could name two with the Rowe brothers.

"Fetch is waiting back at my place. Delsin brought her over today because he and Reggie are on their way to the Lantern District. He thought I'd be safer with her around."

"It's easy to tell he's worried about you."

"A bit too much maybe. I wish I could tell him nothing bad is going to happen." Not that she couldn't. All that was keeping her back was the fear of how Delsin would react. "Anyway, Fetch seems to be nice. Brownie definitely likes her a lot."

"I second that. Yesterday, at the café, there was a commotion. Some guys came in and made a big scene because she was there. They even called me an old man, can you believe that?", he said laughing. "Fetch looked like she wanted to run away but Reggie stood up for her. At that moment she didn't strike me as the ruthless killer from the news, more like a lost soul not knowing where they belong because everyone casts them out. To be honest, I'm relieved she's with you."

"Really? Why is that?"

"Well, it means I don't have to worry about you either. Of course, I won't stop doing so and maybe I should stop by every once in a while and bring you a little treat", he pointed at the paper cup. "I'll make sure to bring some cake too."

"Cake? What is happening?"

"The cake would be for Fetch, but I can bring you some too if you would like."

Yana raised an eyebrow in question. "I feel like I'm missing a lot of contexts right now."

"You better ask her, but if she asks about the cappuccino tell her I didn't know she was with you. I would have brought something for both of you", by now Joe and Yana had reached the front door of the apartment building and after Yana opened it, she took the bag from Joe. He didn't see any need to walk her upstairs because he knew she would be okay. And then there was Fetch. No matter whether or not he would enter Yana's place or not, he and Fetch barely knew each other. The only thing he knew about the woman was that she was a Conduit, liked cake and wasn't as bad as most people thought.

And what did she know about him?

Probably only that the Latte Owl Reggie had taken her was his and maybe that he was close to Yana.

"I will. Thank you, Joe. Hey, um, and.. I'm sorry about the other day."

"No problem", he smiled. "I'm glad to see you're okay", Joe gave her a hug before saying his goodbyes and continuing his way. Or rather going back to work because he decided to use his break to stop by Yana's instead of staying at the shop. His break never was one anyway. He didn't sit down in the break room to eat something or read a book. Instead, he would continue to work. Prepare and clean things. This time he simply decided to check on Yana one, because Reggie asked him to and second because he wanted to make sure she was doing fine himself.

That had been done now and there was nothing more to do for him. Though he did make the note to call another time.

Yana herself had turned around with a smile and ascended the stairs up to her floor.

Despite it only being a few minutes it was nice to see Joe. Since the incident at the café a few days ago she hadn't stopped by or even called him. She had wanted to apologize because of that. However, she didn't do so until now and thinking about it she could've done it differently. To her, it suddenly felt half-hearted. An 'I'm sorry' added in like it was nothing but phrase without meaning. Sighing Yana reminded herself to stop by the café and talk to Joe again. Offer to help him out with work for a few days, pay for the broken dishes.

Since she was still staying home because of Augustine's visit to the store, Yana had enough time to do so. Not that she could do anything more than clean things or serve the coffee Joe would make because she had the feeling that she would fail terribly trying to make it herself.

"I'm back", Yana said as she opened the door and stepped inside. Brownie made a noise and came running towards the door. "Look at you. As if you expect me to have brought you a treat."

"Meow!"

"You're lucky because I have", as she closed the door behind, with Brownie staying close to get said treat, Fetch called to her from the living area.

"You better call Delsin before giving Brownie anything."

Looking towards Fetch as Yana took off her shoes she spoke. "Why? Did something happen?"

"Well apparently on his way over to the Lantern District he ran into Augustine which, let's be honest here, was to be expected. The way Delsin said it she made a comment about me sounding like she knew I'm with you", Fetch had turned her attention towards the TV as she spoke the last couple of words thus not seeing the panicked reaction on Yana's face.

Of course, Augustine knew. Yana should have known that from the beginning. She had the feeling that Delsin's visit in the morning, where he dropped off Fetch, wasn't a secret and a part of her expected Augustine to wait for her somewhere. Maybe even coming here. Something that made her scared and immediately took her back to a few days prior when her mother stood in front of her. However, this was very different now because this wasn't only about her anymore.

Given that she had only made a vague note about Fetch's whereabouts, Augustine didn't seem to have the intention of letting Delsin know Yana was her daughter. Not yet at least. She had told Yana that she was worried about Delsin or any Conduit hurting her. No doubt Conduits would try that when they found out about their relationship. Yana didn't want to believe Delsin would do that, it just felt wrong to her. No matter how many lengths he would go to help his friends and strangers, she didn't see him as evil or ruthless enough to harm her.

But what about Fetch?

She had a very different history with Augustine. Would she attack her?

"Yana? Everything alright?", when Yana hadn't said anything or moved, Fetch had turned to look at her only to see the young woman frozen in the doorway. Brownie moving around her feet. "You look like you saw a ghost. If this is about what Augustine said, don't worry. I promised Delsin to keep you safe - though I clearly made a mistake by not going with you. Which is why you should call him as soon as possible so he can calm down."

".. yeah.. sorry. I just don't feel comfortable with Augustine possibly knowing you're here and showing up on my doorstep", which was the truth.

"Sounds like you regret letting me stay. Though I can understand that", Fetch said almost sounding hurt because of the situation.

"This isn't anything against you Fetch", Yana tried to reassure her. "If I'm honest I'm not even worried for myself but for the other people living in the building. I feel like I'm putting them in danger even though this situation is clearly not in my hand", grabbing her phone and looking on the display Yana saw several notifications about missed calls, as well as a message from Reggie she opened first to read it.

"If you get this please let me know you're okay."

Yana typed her response fast.

'I'm fine. I was out to get a few things and just returned home. Fetch told me what happened. I'm calling Delsin now. Please be careful.'

As soon as the message was sent, Yana went and selected Delsin's number from her contacts. Maybe it was because he had tried to call her several times and just waited for her to call him back, but Delsin answered within seconds of the first ringing.

"Yana! Why didn't you answer your phone? I've been trying to call you for hours!"

"I feel like that's a little overstated", forcing herself to laugh she leaned against the counter. "I forgot my phone when I went out but I'm back now and I'm fine. Fetch told me about.. your encounter. Are you okay? Did Augustine hurt you?"

"Am I hurt? Yana, I'm kinda indestructible", clearly a lie but it made him feel better about the situation. "You, however, are not and while I'm relieved you're back with Fetch and safe, please don't go out on your own again. At least not until I have caught Augustine. I should have known she's keeping tabs on me. I'm sorry to have put you in this situation."

Yana could hear the regret in his voice. While it was probably true that Augustine was keeping an eye on him, she was also keeping one on Yana and in this case it wasn't necessarily Delsin's fault. "It's okay. Delsin promise me to stay safe? I know it might not be easy to do that but try at least? And I'm gonna promise you to stay with Fetch. No more going out alone."

"Promise. Listen, I'm gonna message you later. Reggie will be here in a bit and I wanna go and see if I can find the other Conduit before he's here to help me."

"You're aware this isn't a competition? The Conduit you're looking for might not be as nice as Fetch was to you", looking towards the female Conduit Yana smiled at her. "Keep that in mind. I'll leave you to your Conduit business now and I'm gonna make some food for Fetch and me. Tell Reggie to be careful too will you?"

"Yeah", sounding a little offended, as if he wanted Yana to only worry about him and no one else, Delsin couldn't suppress a little smile. "You worry about me the most though right?"

"Don't push your luck Delsin."

"Got it. Hey, I'm gonna call you later okay?"

"Well, I'm going to rethink if I'll answer you", Yana said jokingly and turned to look at Fetch. "I think I'll prefer a girls night today. No boys allowed."

"You're mean."

"Apparently so. I'm gonna hang up now. Stay save, I'll do the same", she didn't wait for a reply. Putting the phone back down on the counter Yana turned towards Fetch who was watching her intently. There was the slightest smile on her lips and it caught Yana off guard. "What are you smiling at?"

Fetch shook her head. "Nothing. I mean, nothing but someone who's head over heels for a certain beanie-wearing Conduit whom I expect to do a lot of stupid things over in the Lantern District."

She wanted to correct Fetch about that. She wasn't head over heels for Delsin. At least that's what she was telling herself. It was a lie. Fetch was right. Yana liked Delsin, she couldn't deny it but she also didn't want to admit it. Some day maybe but that day wasn't today and probably not tomorrow either. Thinks were just too complicated at the moment.

"I'm not going to answer that", Yana stated as she started to unpack the grocery bag and place the bought goods where they belonged.

"I can accept that", getting up from the couch Fetch walked over to the kitchen area and looked at a few things Yana placed on the counter instead of inside the cupboards.

Seeing that Yana spoke. "I thought about making fried rice with chicken. If that's fine with you?"

"Sounds great. Can I help you with that?"

"Of course, thank you", she answered with a smile before putting everything else they didn't need away and putting other things on the counter. Ready to show Fetch what she could take care of regarding the preparations, her attention was called to someone else.

"Meow."

"Right, sorry Brownie. I almost forgot", grabbing the treat she had promised him a couple of minutes ago when she got back home, Yana knelt down and held her hand open for Brownie to grab what looked like a small cookie in fish form. Brownie didn't wait long. One bite and it was gone leaving him content as he sat down and started purring when Yana gave him a few scratches behind the ear. "Now, you'll get one more if you behave while Fetch and I make dinner. Is that okay with you?"

"Meow!"

"Good boy", smiling to herself Yana got up, washed her hands and went to stand next to Fetch who wondered out loud if Brownie actually understood what she was saying or not. It sure appeared to be that way because Brownie did behave throughout the whole time the two women made food.

Neither of them spoke a lot during this time. They simply enjoyed each other's company which, for some reason, felt right.

Yana was kind of used to cooking with someone else. Usually, that would be Natalie. Movie nights included either take away or cooking together before they would start their marathon. Because one movie was never enough. She wondered if Fetch would enjoy that as well. Watching movies all night. Maybe once Natalie was back the three of them could do that. Make it a real all-girls night every once in a while.

She sure would enjoy that.