The day had begun in Talion, sunlight spilling over its steel towers as people drifted into their routines. Some hurried toward work, others strolled leisurely with pets tugging at their leashes. To the two figures sitting quietly on a bench near the district's edge, the scene looked almost unreal—an entire world moving normally, blissfully unaware of the chaos that shaped them. Thirty-five stared blankly at the pedestrians, puzzled by the flow of everyday life. After so many years locked away in the Institute's depths, ordinary sights felt foreign, almost staged. Youri sat beside him, watching Talion awaken.
They remained there for hours until a familiar silhouette emerged from the crowd. Long dark hair shimmered in the morning light. Youri blinked twice, unable to believe it at first. But as she drew closer, her smile widening, he recognized her—Emma. She looked older, more confident, yet unmistakably the same girl he remembered.
"Youri?" she exclaimed, nearly breathless with excitement.Youri jumped up, embracing her tightly. "Emma… it's been so long." His voice cracked, a lone tear slipping down his cheek.
Emma stepped back, her smile bright as ever, then looked at the tall figure sitting beside the bench. "Is he your brother?" she asked, pointing to thirty-five. Youri stiffened for half a second, then forced an awkward smile.
"Yeah… we were out walking. Just taking a break."
Emma beamed at thirty-five. "It's nice to meet you." He simply nodded, expression unreadable. She turned back to Youri, curiosity in her eyes. "So—how have you been? You finally got out too?"
Youri's smile dimmed slightly. "Yeah… I did."
Emma leaned a little closer. "Where do you live now?"
The question caught him off guard. He opened his mouth, stalled, then improvised. "Ah… just around here."
Emma frowned softly. "Around here? This area gets dangerous at night. How long have you been living here?"
Youri swallowed. "Just a few months. Our father's a wanderer—he decided to take us with him this time. He sold our house so we could prepare to move."
Emma instantly brightened. "That's amazing, Youri! You always loved space—now you'll actually get to travel. I'm so happy for you."
Youri returned her smile. "Thank you. What about you? How's life been?"
Emma's expression glowed. "Perfect. The couple who adopted me treat me like their own daughter, and they're doing really well. They buy me so many things… sometimes I think I'll wake up back at the orphanage with Liam banging on his bunk and you yelling at him to stop. I feel truly blessed now."
"I'm really happy for you, Emma."
She nodded gratefully, then added with a spark in her eyes, "Oh! I also met Liam again!"
"Really?" Youri asked quickly.
"Yeah. He came to my father looking for work. Can you believe it? He just turned fourteen a few months ago."
Youri turned toward thirty-five for a moment, then asked carefully, "Emma… my brother and I have been looking for a job too. Do you think your father might take us?"
Emma clapped her hands cheerfully. "Leave it to me! I'll talk to my father. Just show up at the warehouse for registration."
"Thank you, Emma."
"Don't mention it," she said proudly. "Your little sister has influence now."
Both laughed quietly. After a few more minutes, Emma headed home, promising to speak to her father that evening.
When she disappeared into the crowd, Youri turned to thirty-five. "I think we're good. If we can get a job there, make some money, we might be able to live comfortably. What do you think?"
Thirty-five gave a soft, single roar of agreement.
"By the way," Youri added, "we need a name for you. I can't call you thirty-five in public."
Thirty-five roared once.
"Alright… how about Jack?"
A head shake.
"Daniel?"
Another shake.
Youri sighed dramatically. Then looked at a six sign further ahead "What about… Six? Just Six."
This time, thirty-five nodded enthusiastically, offering a rare smile.
Youri grinned. "It's settled then. From now on, you're Six."
Night passed harshly. Youri and Six dug through trash cans and dumpsters hunting for food. When dawn came again, they slipped back into the busy streets and began searching for a map or indicator leading to Emma's father's warehouse. They spent hours wandering the city until they stumbled upon a poster stapled to a crumbling wall:
LOOKING FOR WORKERSWAREHOUSE JOBLIFTING AND MOVING CARGOEAST DISTRICT
Youri snatched the poster. "Six… I think this is it."
Six answered with a firm roar.
After weaving through the eastern district's maze of streets, the two finally stood before a massive warehouse. A sign above the entrance read: Brandon's LLC. They stepped inside.
The interior was enormous—echoing, dim, and filled with towering stacks of wooden crates arranged like makeshift walls. The yellowed ceiling lights flickered now and then, casting jittery shadows that crawled across the concrete floor. The air was thick with dust and the scent of old wood, like a forgotten archive of shipments long passed.
Amidst the labyrinth of crates sat a strange sight: a lone, soft, fading armchair positioned as if someone had dragged it there and abandoned it. Its presence felt bizarre in the industrial landscape.
A distant hum of machinery vibrated through the structure, the only sound besides the faint crackle of failing lights. Far in the back, a single small door stood with a sign reading: Brandon's LLC — CEO Casey Brandon.
Youri and Six walked toward it, weaving through crates until they reached the office. Youri hesitated, then turned the knob. The room was simple: dim light, a tall bookshelf, a wooden desk, and a single office chair—empty.
A moment later, a shout echoed from the far end of the warehouse.
"Hey! What are you doing in there!?"
Youri stepped out, eyes widening. The blond hair, the blue eyes—impossible to mistake. Liam stood frozen at the entrance, a small metal wrench slipping from his fingers.
For a long moment neither moved, the air heavy with disbelief.
Then Liam ran—straight at Youri—throwing his arms around him. Youri hugged him back, eyes stinging.
After everything, after the endless cold, pain, and fear… the two brothers were finally reunited.