Night. A light haze spreads over the streets of New York, filling the air with a damp coolness and the smell of asphalt after a recent rain. The city is almost asleep, only the occasional car rustling its tires in the distance, and the dim orange light of the street lamps spilling over the wet pavement.

From one of the manholes at the intersection of two quiet streets, can barely hear.

"Claaank! Hey! Clank, where are you going, you furry traitor?!"

A figure in an orange mask emerges from the shadows of the sewer, almost merging with the darkness. Mikey, out of breath from running, leans half out, carefully pushing back the manhole cover, and looks ahead tensely.

A couple of meters away, in the middle of an alley, you are a bright spot among the gray walls and flickering neon. You squatted down, gently stroking the same red and white kitten that had just dodged the dexterous turtle hand. The little bandit now nestled his face comfortably in your palm, purring contentedly.

"Hi, baby..." you whispered, touching his neck. — "Are you alone here? Where is your master?"

You looked around carefully - there was no one around, not a soul, not a footstep, only a light rustling from the street. And Clank, as if sensing your care, rubbed his cheek against your palm, and without hesitation, jumped into your arms. You held him closer, stroking him behind the ear, smiling at his warmth.

And Mikey...

He froze in the shadows, from under the hatch, and watched without blinking. His chest was heaving from running, but at that moment he held his breath. His gaze darted - from you to Clank, from Clank to you. And suddenly he realized: you are not an enemy. Not a passerby. Not another mutant hunter. Just... kind.

"Ooooh, dude, are you serious?" — Mikey whispered, slightly irritated, turning to Clank. — "Run away to the very epic, and... fell in love at first sight?! This is treason, bro."

He sighed and looked out again - meanwhile, you carefully stood up, continuing to rock the kitten in your arms, as if it was not a random street animal, but your own. And you were already getting ready to go, slowly walking along the dark alley.

"Hey... hey hey hey, stop. She's leaving! WITH MY cat!"

Mikey quickly closed the hatch and, without wasting any time, climbed out. Silently, almost like a ninja, he moved to the wall, trying not to make a sound. Step. Another step. You're still close.