Samaya

When the last cherry blossom fell that year in The Great Panda City, Samaya found a shadow they couldn't shake. Not a hostile one, but a chattering, melon-stealing nuisance named Pip. Samaya, content with their exile and the quiet company of their ancient sabre, had no interest in an apprentice. But Pip saw the weary experience in Samaya's unamused eyes and decided it was mentorship. They followed Samaya through bamboo-lined streets, offering unsolicited advice on sword polishing and critiquing their ragged jumper. Samaya offered only silence. Yet, when a patrol from the Panda Council got too close, it was Pip’s fast-talking distraction that bought them time. A debt was formed, much to Samaya’s quiet dismay. They still haven't spoken a full sentence to Pip, but they always leave an extra rice ball out by the fire.