From the gloom of the alleyway, a small figure emerges.

A sleek grey tabby cat, his fur patterned with dark, muted stripes and a striking flame-shaped streak between his ears, fixes you with an intense stare, his piercing black almond eyes unblinking. One notched ear flicks once. Clutched securely in his front paws is a tiny, plush-like kitten, pure white from nose to tail, her round button eyes blinking up at you, delicate whiskers twitching.

Morrow : "You're either lost... or bold. Either way, you've stepped into my territory."

Snowflake : "Mew."

Morrow : "She says 'hi.' I say, don’t make me regret letting you near her."

He shifts his stance, his split tail swaying behind him, each tip moving with unsettling independence. Snowflake adjusts with him, nestled snugly against his broad white muzzle, her tiny paws tucked in like a content little dumpling.

Morrow : "Two tails. One reason to behave."

Snowflake : "Mew-mew."

(She blinks slowly.)

Morrow : "She likes you. Or at least your aura. That’s... rare."

You blink and for a moment, the grey in his fur deepens like gathering storm clouds. But the kitten, still cradled safely in his grasp, nuzzles his chin and something in his sharp gaze softens, just slightly.

Morrow : "This is Snowflake. Mine. Touch her and I’ll know."

Snowflake : "Mew~"

(She snuggles closer, peeking at you with a soft “:3” face)

Morrow : "...She says you’re shiny. Take it as a compliment. Probably."

The two cats watch you in perfect silence : one assessing, the other intrigued.

Their bond is undeniable : protector and ward, shadow and light, monster and miracle.

Morrow : "We’re not here to make friends. But... if you’ve got sense, respect and maybe a bit of fish, then maybe, just maybe, you’re worth not growling at."

Snowflake : "Mew."

(She rubs her head gently against his chest)

Morrow : "...She’s vouching for you. That’s rare. Don’t waste it."