I took a few steps closer to the main gates, and standing before me were two grand guards, their imposing figures radiating strength and power. As I approached, I saw their expressions shift from stoic to curious.
The guard on the left spoke up, his voice deep and commanding. "State your name and purpose," he said, his tone authoritative yet not unkind.
"I am Lotus," I replied, trying to match their composure. "I must enter Lazarus to continue my journey."
The guard on the right raised an eyebrow, studying me intently. "Lotus, yeah? I'm afraid we haven't heard of you." My heart sank at his words, disappointed that my name hadn't spread as far as I thought.
"I see. Do you have any information about two people, a girl with red hair and a guy with green eyes? You can't miss them; their names are Kaida and Taro."
The two guards exchanged glances before the one on the left spoke again. "I'm sorry, but we don't have any information about your friends. Lazarus is a vast city, and many come and go without us knowing their whereabouts."
I nodded, trying to keep my disappointment at bay. "I understand. I appreciate your honesty." With a wave, the guards gave me entry into Lazarus. I stepped through the gates, feeling a sense of determination rise within me. "Good luck," I heard behind me.
Finding my friends would be challenging, but I was determined to explore every corner of this magnificent city until I found them.
The heart of this majestic metropolis was unlike any place I had ever seen. It was a living testament to the fusion of technology and mysticism, where artistry and engineering danced.
The grand columns that reached for the heavens continued to dominate the skyline. The paranormal lanterns cast a gentle, ever-shifting glow on the perfect white streets, creating a dreamlike ambiance.
Blooming gardens flourished amidst clockwork marvels, showcasing nature's tenacity in this city of perpetual motion even more than back home.
Lazarus was a place of diverse beings from various realms, each with unique features and exotic appearances that drew the eye. I couldn't help but overhear conversations as I strolled through the bustling streets, tales of wonder and intrigue, and sometimes whispers about my unique appearance.
"Have you seen the one with the white hair and eyes of purple and orange?" a passerby whispered to their companion. "Rumor has it he lost his friends."
"The one from Exodesia?" the companion whispered back. "I heard that place was fire and ruin; he survived? Ha, I doubt it, just another fool with a lavish story to tell."
I had grown accustomed to the curiosity my appearance sparked. It reflected the city, where the fusion of different worlds and beings was a daily occurrence.
As I navigated the intricate pathways, I observed the interplay between nature and machinery. The clockwork marvels that adorned the streets were not lifeless constructs but living works of art, each serving a purpose and contributing to the city's perpetual motion.
Conversations still filled the air, carrying tales of adventure and intrigue. A group of merchants animatedly discussed their latest findings.
"New shipment from Clockwork Collective today! Hell yeah!" one exclaimed excitedly.
But, the chatter of civil war also filled the air.
The two ruling districts here, the Knights of the Echo District and the Collective of the Clockwork District had grown some tension between each other, but that issue could wait for now.
As I continued to explore, I couldn't help but notice the diverse beings that populated the streets. Creatures moved un-phased through the city, their unique appearances a testament to its open-minded embrace of diversity.
While I strolled through the bustling city, a hazy figure approached me.
At first, I couldn't make out its form; I stood still with anticipation- until it was close enough to realize it was just a mechanical dog hybrid, with a sleek and shiny chrome/opal exterior and glowing cyan eyes that seemed to pierce through your soul.
He was big, but not too big, with powerful legs and a muscular build. As he approached me, I could hear the whirring of gears and the clicking of metal parts moving in perfect synchronization. He had a confident gait, and I could see the intelligence in his eyes. He was more than just a machine, he was a friend.
His tail wagged as he approached me, and I immediately knew he was looking for a partner to share his adventures with. I felt a connection with him, and I knew he would be the perfect companion for me.
As I would later name him, Nexus came to me of his own accord, as if fate had brought us together. He nudged my hand with his mechanical snout, and I couldn't help but smile, finally a friendly face.
"Welcome, Nexus," I said, scratching behind his mechanical ears. "It seems we're destined to be pals on this journey; wanna come with?"
Nexus let out a slight whine of a mechanical nature. Still, somehow, this frequency allowed Lotus to understand Nexus was just as happy to see a friendly face as well.
Nexus escorted me as we ventured deeper into Lazarus, and it became clear that he possessed remarkable abilities that would prove invaluable in the challenges ahead.
His dog-like qualities and unwavering loyalty reminded me of the faithful companions of old fables.
As we continued our exploration, I couldn't ignore the whispers about the Echo Emperor, the mysterious ruler of Lazarus. His palace was said to reflect his power, an architectural masterpiece that defied the boundaries of imagination.
I stopped at a Tavern to rest my legs and get a better chance to ask questions about Kaida and Taro.
The tavern I eventually stumbled upon was dimly lit, with smoke and the scent of ale filling the air. The interior was lined with wooden tables and chairs; the walls were adorned with old weapons, armor, and shields, no doubt an homage to a distant and distinct past.
A Paladin sat at the bar in plain clothes, nursing a mug of beer. His name was Aiden, and he had a rugged yet composed appearance. His eyes held a sense of determination I had come to recognize in the Knights of CrestFall.
As I approached him, he turned to face me, his eyes scanning me from head to toe. "You're Lotus Exocrest, aren't you?" he asked, his voice deep and measured. I nodded, surprised that he knew who I was. "Yes, that's me. And you are?"
"Aiden," he replied, extending his hand. "I'm a Paladin of CrestFall; I've heard rumors of the white-haired boy roaming around, searching for his friends, right? Heard you were quite the scrapper, too, if your stories are true."
I chuckled, feeling a sense of pride at his compliment. "Thank you. Yes, my little companion and I are looking for my friends Kaido and Taro, but what brings you here, Aiden?"
"I'm here on a mission," he said, sipping his ale. "I'm tracking down a group of Clockwork mercenaries causing trouble in the nearby villages. They've been attacking innocent people and stealing their supplies for scrap, and it's a huge industry."
I frowned, feeling a sense of anger rise within me. "That's terrible. Have you found any leads?" Aiden shook his head. "Not yet. But I'm not giving up. I'll find them and bring them to justice."
I nodded in agreement, yet I still couldn't understand. If the Emperor knew the Collective was wrong, why would he allow it?
"I respect your determination, Aiden. It's a quality that I've come to admire in the Knights of CrestFall."
Aiden smiled at my words, a glimmer of pride in his eyes. "Thank you, Lotus. We all strive to do what's right, no matter the cost, but don't compare me to the Knights; the Knights are brave, but to become a Paladin, that took much grit and a lot more bloodshed." he lets out a fair chuckle, and turns back to his mug in thought.
I took a deep breath and leaned in closer to Aiden. "Before we part ways, can I ask you something?"
"Of course," he replied, taking another sip.
"the two friends I'm looking for," I said, "Kaida and Taro. Have you seen them around?"
Aiden furrowed his brow, thinking for a moment.
"I don't think so, but I can ask around. What do these two look like?"
I described Kaida and Taro to him, hoping he might have some information. After a moment of reflection, Aiden looked back at me. "I'm sorry I can't give you the answers you need, Lotus. I will, however, give you directions to the Emperor's palace. It's not far from here, and you might find some information there; if I find anything out, I'll come to find you."
I nodded, grateful for his help. "Thank you, Aiden. I appreciate it." As I turned to leave, Aiden spoke up again.
"Be careful, Lotus. This is a dangerous place. Many would seek to harm you, especially with the Ethereal's presence growing stronger on CrestFall and the Collective growing bolder."
I nodded, understanding the gravity of his words. "I'll be cautious. Thanks again, Aiden."
With that, Nexus and I left the tavern and went to the palace, feeling a sense of Tenacity rise within me. I would find Kaida and Taro, no matter the cost.
Approaching the palace gates, I was greeted by a grandeur that surpassed even the grand spires of Lazarus.
The palace was a sprawling labyrinth of towering structures, interconnected bridges, and intricate mosaics that seemed to come alive with every step I took.
Before entering, I couldn't help but observe the Knights of CrestFall, the guardians of Lazarus. They were adorned in armor bearing intricate cosmic stamps, a testament to their unwavering commitment to preserving the city's ancestry.
As I listened to the knights' conversations while they patrolled the palace grounds, their loyalty to Lazarus was evident in their words.
"Keep an eye out for any signs of the Syndicate," one knight cautioned another. "Their presence has been growing, and we must not allow them to disrupt the city's balance."
With Nexus by my side and the brilliance of the palace before me, I crossed the threshold into the next phase of my journey, ready to face whatever lay ahead.