Venn leaned back, spreading himself out on the grass. It was warm, but not so hot that he couldn't function. He closed his eyes and sighed. He wouldn't be able to stay still much longer. His black clothes absorbed the sunlight.

Across the park he could hear kids playing on the playground. He wanted to join them, but knew that he would overheat too fast. He didn't need to pass out in front of a bunch of little kids.

Venn slowly rolled onto his hands and knees after a few minutes. Even that little bit of motion left him breathless in the heat. He closed his eyes, collecting himself. His head snapped up when he heard a quiet sound.

A black kitten was staggering across the grass toward him. It was bone thin, with matted fur that was fairly patchy. It made another sound that was probably meant to be a meow. The sound was more of a squeak. It looked at Venn with wide, orange eyes.

Venn smiled and sat back on his knees. "Aw... come here little one." He reached out one hand.

The kitten approached slowly. Venn noticed that it was a female as it reached his hand.

Venn gently picked up the little kitten. She fit in one of his hands. He held her close to his chest as he stood. "It's alright, little one."

The kitten made another squeak and dug her claws into Venn's hand. Venn winced, but didn't flinch. He'd suffered much worse than a couple scratches from a kitten in his life. He gently rubbed her ears as he started walking home.

The kitten calmed down the longer he held her. By the time he got home, she was asleep in his hands.

Not wanting to disturb the kitten, Venn knocked on the door with his foot. There was the thumping of running footsteps and a few seconds later, Giovanni opened the door. He looked up at Venn and tilted his head. "Why did you knock?"

Venn stepped inside, smiling. "I didn't want to disturb Ombra."

Giovanni noticed the scraggly kitten in Venn's hands for the first time. "Aw! She's adorable! I'll get some milk." He darted away to the kitchen excitedly.

Venn chuckled quietly and looked down at the small black ball of patchy fur. "I'll protect you, Ombra. You're safe here."