Ryoutarou

Ryoutarou was not meant for a city where the cold had no snow to soften it. The wind that whipped down the high mountain streets cut through their white fur and thin haori, a dry chill that settled deep in their bones. Their sibling, Ranoko, moved through the bamboo-lined avenues with an easy grace, their laughter echoing like the locals' who seemed immune to the freeze. They had come here together, seeking opportunity under the strange purple sky. But while Ranoko found a home, Ryoutarou only found dissonance. Every shocked gasp of frigid air was a reminder of the soft, silent blizzards they missed. Resilience was one thing; belonging was another entirely.