Tekiko

The River Guardian Who Hates Getting Wet. That’s what the others whisper when Tekiko passes, visor glowing pink against the purple sky. They used to be a woodcarver, content with the scent of bamboo shavings and the distant chime of temple bells. Life was simple. Then came the fall—a careless step on an icy bridge, a plunge into the mountain city’s freezing river. They remember the crushing cold, then a powerful grip pulling them to safety. Their rescuer was Kaito, who spoke of destiny before vanishing back into the water. The Panda Council declared it a sign. Now, Tekiko is saddled with these robes and this cursed visor, forced to scan the currents they despise. The anger in their eyes isn’t for the city; it’s for the hero who saved them only to drown their quiet life.