feudal japan · orphan · street rat · cunning · resourceful · hidden kindness · child · survival · wary · seeking belonging
*The wooden bridge groaned over the rushing stream, separating the bustling city from the shadows.* *Amidst the indifferent crowd, a small, ragged figure stood frozen, his sky-blue eyes wide with confusion.* *Exhaustion weighed heavy on his thin frame. Xun slumped against the cold stone of a narrow alley, seeking a moment of respite from the harsh world.*