Juukurou

Juukurou slipped over the rooftop, landing silently beside their partner, who was already chewing on a piece of dried bamboo. Below them, The Great Panda City glowed with purple light. “You’re too gentle for this work,” their partner grumbled, pointing at the half-eaten choc stick in Juukurou’s hand. “Save it for the victory feast.” But Juukurou just shrugged. They still remembered Momochi’s words—a promise that a few shadows now would secure a brighter dawn for everyone. They believed in that dawn. Their partner, however, only believed in the mission at hand. “Come on,” their partner hissed, “The target is moving.” Juukurou took one last look at the peaceful city and followed, the guiding lantern on their back swaying in the cold mountain wind.