Merodia

Without fail, Merodia traces the single frayed thread on their grey bandana each morning. It was given to them after a disastrous tournament duel that left them seeing stars and questioning their path. For months, it was a reminder of failure in The Great Panda City, a place where martial perfection is revered. They trained relentlessly, fueled by shame, until Kamehiko started showing up at their pre-dawn sessions. Kamehiko didn’t offer pity, only a second blade to practice against. They sparred until the freezing winds gave way to morning light, day after day. Somewhere between the clash of steel and shared cups of tea, the reason for training shifted. It was no longer about erasing a loss, but about building a future. The bandana is still frayed, but it feels different now.