As God Intended

Chapter 22/ Family shaded by lies

Chapter 22
"Family shaded by lies"
December 23rd 1908
Komodo, Smith Manor

"Hey Denz-you think maybe we could get us some better clothes? It's freezing-a-and ours are tathered"

The rodent looks over at the feline and saw him shiver slightly, it was indeed a chilly season and the chipmunk would be lying if he said it wasn't getting to him as well.
"We don't have money Mikah..."

"Then let's steal some, I saw clothes in that shop-if w-we just grab and run Im sure we'll be fine"
The feline insisted-almost desperately as he couldn't stand this weather

"If we rob the town now it'll put em in a panic and it'll be harder to get the bigger score....."
Denzel sighs but turns towards the manor, unable to fully see it clearly through the cold thick air and the small amount of frost that the wind carried in front of his eyes. Only knowing the structure to be there and seeing the lanterns lit....actually one seemed to be getting closer-and before the two could realize, a figure dressed in warm clothes stepped up to the wood fence that divided the general public from the plantation's lands

"Are you two okay? You look cold" a little rascal tone of voice can be heard and immediately the duo knew they were most likely in the present of the child of the ones that own the land.

"Peachy"
Denzel remarks in a snarky tone, bitter from the cold
"Howdy partner"
Mikah, forcing a friendly smile as he slowly approached the other
"I-I don't mean to bother b-but if you could-"

"Holy smokes, man you're colder than I thought...come on, hop over, let's get you two warm"
The kind hearted boy simply mistook Mikah's stutter for cold stutters and steps back with the lantern in hand so to make room for the other two.

They of course hop the fence without hesitation, following the other into a cabin outside the main estate, which was warm enough, complete with a working stove and warm empty beds along with a decent fireplace that hadn't been lit yet, sadly.

Mikah thanks the boy with great appreciation in his tone as he sets up in a bed, covering himself in the blanket to warm up
"My manners-eh, my names M-Mikah. I'd thank you a thousand times if my lips weren't frozen"

The boy looked over at the chipmunk in a slightly curious manner, seeing him to be somewhat familiar. He expected him to introduce himself but he didn't, instead averted his gaze elsewhere.

"So wha were you two doin' out there this late? You know people ain't so nice round here...."
This is when the lad reveals himself to be a grey toned rodent after removing his scarf and hood....same species as Denzel but their similarities didn't end there, he was practically his doppelgänger besides the more obvious features in the eyes and the least obvious in their hair lengths.

The two locked eyes for a moment and Mikah could almost outright spot the similarities-almost a nostalgic feeling brushed up against his spine because the boy reminded him of Denzel when they first met each other.

"Our horses died sadly...been walking for days like this in these rags...you caught us just in time, my friend here thought for sure we were goners...poor fool was nearly losing his senses in that cold"
Denzel lightheartedly chuckles

"Yeah...I hate the cold, I mean it's nice the first few days but then I just hate coming outside because of how chilly my nose gets....so I can understand why Mikah doesn't like it"
The boy holds out his hand
"I'm Malik"