Tendaji's father went missing when he was 11 years old, while their family was living as missionaries in the Middle East. Upon their return to the states, Tendaji's pregnant mother moved them to LA to live with his Uncle. Menyara was born when he was 12 years old, both a special gift after the loss of his father, and a harsh reminder of what they'd lost. Though his mother did her best, most of Tendaji's care fell to his uncle, who taught him martial arts and helped him to deal with the loss of his father.

As time went on, his mother became more depressed and withdrawn, leaving more of the care for the children on his uncle's shoulders. By the time he was 17, she'd stopped eating, and despite the efforts of doctors, she died shortly before his 18th birthday. Tendaji, his sister, and his uncle managed to cope together. Until the dead rose up to attack the living. His uncle didn't survive the escape, and then Menyara was kidnapped. After the military safe zone where he found refuge was overrun, life became strictly about survival. Though, he holds out a tiny bit of hope that one day, he'll find his sister again.