Exodesia, Lazarus, and The Lotus Pedal.

I am Lotus Exocrest, and this is my story—a journey that began when I was 14. They said I was a boy destined to save the world. It was all in my unique features: white hair and eyes of purple and orange, the same electric purple and fire orange of the two moons that watched over my world year-round.

 But at fourteen, damn the "prophecy"... I couldn't even save myself.

 CrestFall was my planet. A place eternally marred by competition. This is where I was born, in a city named Exodesia, once a spectacle of illusions. 

 Even though I remember it differently, as a breathtaking place, like a dream turned reality, 

 Now, it all burned.

 Entering Exodesia through its elegant gates, my senses would be awakened. The air always smelled of oiled gears, mingled with a hint of copper and fresh dew. 

 These were the fragrances of a world where nature had found its place amidst the machines. Among mechanical wonders, Blooming Gardens were a testament to nature's resilience.

 The city's architecture was a marvel, with towering spires of ornate iron and brass illustrated with intricate carvings of celestial beings.

 Mechanical golems stood as silent sentinels, their cold eyes guarding secrets. Shimmering cobblestone streets illuminated from within and cast a soft, transcendental glow. Every building was an artistic masterpiece, etched with divine symbols—steam wisped from clockwork chimneys, creating a dance of shadows and light.

 The people of Exodesia moved gracefully, a fusion of two dimensions adorned with motifs, honoring the city's sacred heritage.

 The heart of it all was the Celestial Spire, a fusion of engineering and mysticism. It was rumored to house an archaic relic, a pulsating heart of otherworldly light that powered the entire city. Approaching it, you could feel the energy around you—an aura of divinity that left you in awe.

 Exodesia was where the past and future melded and dreams became reality. It was a sacred place where the energies of all worlds coexisted in cosmic splendor.

 We were always victorious, guarded by advanced weapon and detection systems and the fearsome Knights of CrestFall. But all it took was one fateful night to change everything.

 The Ethereal, our enemy, is like nothing I've ever seen. They are a fusion of terrible genetics, machinery, and magic, making them all different and terrifying. They move with a sleek and agile grace as if they're from another dimension entirely. Their bodies are a twisted amalgamation of metal and flesh, and their glowing eyes pierce through your soul. Each is unique, with strange mutations and bizarre abilities that make them even more fearsome. They are a true nightmare come to life, and I still fear them more than anything else in this world. 

 They craved even more power; unfortunately, we had just that. 

 We couldn't determine how they found us or how they moved so swiftly yet undetected, but one thing was for sure: they wanted the Spire. 

 Relentless and arcane, they infiltrated our city in silence and darkness. Our cutting-edge systems and dauntless knights fell powerless, and our city descended into chaos and despair; I still remember the thunderous charges through the city, which sounded like ten thousand horses running in unison, only to be drowned out by cries for help.

 My parents, ferocious warriors, fought relentlessly to protect our people from the mysterious enemy. I remember my dad ducking a blow from a four-legged black demon-like creature, my mom already gravely wounded, having taken several down with her; amidst the chaos, their cries of "Run! Save yourself!" guided me through the battlefield. 

 Time held still, and the world fell silent as I turned on my heels and ran as fast as possible through the burning flesh and torn-down ruin that once was a place of harmony. 

 Somehow, against all odds, I made it to a distant tree line just within earshot of the commotion. I hid behind rocks and shrubbery; my small size and agility had helped me evade the enemy.

 The escape was terrifying, etching horrors into my memory. But it marked the beginning of my travels to reveal my power and seek justice for my family, and boy, the story went on.

 As I grew, now 17, I remained a curious child, eager to explore the mysteries of the universe. Over time, I became a skilled warrior, honing my combat skills to survive CrestFall's harsh environment; the terrain of CrestFall was as varied as it was unforgiving. 

 The city of Exodesia was a marvel of enchantment and machines, but a world of harsh domains and deadly creatures lay beyond its borders. 

 To the east was the Crimson Wasteland, a vast desert of blood-red sand and jagged rock formations under a constant ray of purple-lit sky from the heavens shining above. 

 The heat was oppressive, and the sun blazed down unrelentingly. The only respite from the scorching heat was the occasional sandstorms that whipped through the area, bringing temporary relief from the sun's rays at an even more uncomfortable cost.

 It was in the Crimson Wasteland that, at my lowest, I stumbled upon Kaida and Taro. 

 I was lost and alone, my supplies dwindling. I remember the hopelessness that consumed me when I saw them walking toward me, "this is it," I thought, "My time is up; I can't defend myself; I'm too tired." 

 I fell to my knees, accepting defeat.

 But as they approached, I could see the determination and strength in their eyes. "Are you okay?" Kaida asked, her voice sharp and urgent. "Do you need any help?" I nodded, too exhausted to speak. Taro stepped forward, his hand outstretched. "We gotcha," he said, his voice gentle and reassuring. I asked where they had come from and what brought them to the middle of nowhere. Still, they didn't seem to want to divulge too much, and since I was a stranger, I could understand.

 With a few more friendly questions and a couple of steps in the right direction, a bond was formed; together, we fought off dangerous creatures and navigated the unforgiving terrain; for what felt like a small lifetime, I finally felt at peace. 

 After I had proven myself in the wild, Taro took me under his wing; he began to teach me the more profound intricacy of swordplay and the tenets he follows to maintain discipline. Things like push-ups until you want to die happen frequently. We ran miles upon miles, struck trees and rocks, and meditated in the most beautiful places; all the while, Kaida provided wisdom and tactical prowess; she was so amazing at strategy, and how she spoke about war was like listening to a kid speak of candy.

 Kaida, Taro, and I had been traveling through the unforgiving terrain of the Crimson Wasteland for months when we stumbled upon a clearing in a small oasis; I couldn't tell you the name, but it was the perfect place to set up camp for the night. 

 We gathered wood for the fire, and Kaida and Taro hunted for fresh fish. We heard rustling bushes as we sat around the campfire, enjoying the fresh sushi that Kaida and Taro had caught.

 Before we knew it, a group of 4 shadowy figures surrounded our camp. I had heard rumors, and the rumors were true; they were the feared rivals of the Knights of CrestFall: the Clockwork Collective.

 The assassins of the Clockwork Collective looked sleek and elegant with weapons and gadgets that were both deadly and beautiful. Their designs were streamlined and refined, focusing on efficiency and precision. They had to be experts in stealth, able to move through the crowded oasis unnoticed and strike from the shadows so quietly we didn't even hear or sense them.

Despite their fearsome reputation, I've heard that the assassins are not all ruthless killers. They deeply respect CrestFall's heritage and are dedicated to preserving its history. They believe in maintaining balance and order in the city and will do whatever it takes to achieve that goal.

 Even still, the Collective assassins stepped closer without a word, with no possibility of getting them to reveal their intentions; we had to fight.

 Kaida and Taro quickly unsheathed their swords, ready to clash.

 "Lotus, stay behind us!" Taro ordered. But I knew that I couldn't just sit back and watch. I had to help my friends. 

 I charged towards the Collective, dodging and weaving through their attacks. Kaida and Taro fought gracefully and precisely, their swords flashing in the moonlight. The Clockwork Collective was a formidable enemy, but we were determined to protect ourselves and each other. 

 So, we fought with all our might, our bodies pushed to their limits. It was a fierce battle, with sleek blades clashing and sparks gliding everywhere. 

 After what seemed like an eternity, we emerged victorious. 

 We were all battered and bruised, but we had survived. Taro approached me silently, with fatigue and pride in his eyes; after months and months of travel, he finally saw me as a worthy equal and handed me one of his two beautiful swords; they were rare, even on CrestFall, made of metals made out of the deepest places in the Crimson Wasteland, giving the blades a vermillion hue; the blades were carved with divine writings and engravings through the handles, obviously a testament to Taros commitment to the art of swordsmanship.

 They were tailored to him in the fashion of the ancient samurai; he was a force to be reckoned with, with these by his side. He named one blade Ketu and the other Rahu; they were priceless.

 Still, he looked into my eyes, "You've become a skilled fighter, Lotus. Take Ketu to protect yourself and your friends, you know? Just in case." 

 Taro's gesture touched me, and I could not refuse this honor. "Thank you, Taro. I won't let you down." 

 As we sat around the campfire, tending to our wounds, we shared stories about our past lives and adventures and laughed and joked together. At that moment, I realized that Kaida and Taro had become more than just travel companions; they were my true friends. 

 From that moment on, Kaida, Taro, and I were inseparable. We fought side by side and explored the harsh and beautiful world of CrestFall together. We faced many challenges and dangers but always had each other's backs.

 In the harsh and unforgiving world of CrestFall, Kaida, Taro, and I faced a pack of Mirage Hounds, their sleek and spectral forms streaking across the barren landscape. The hounds' movements were like a mirror, shifting and elusive, with sharp teeth glinting in the relentless sun.

 Kaida, the courageous and experienced warrior, took the lead. Her sword, glistening with the purple and orange hues of the twin moons, was a formidable sight. I watched in awe as she stepped forward, her blood-red hair dancing in the wind, her eyes blazing with determination.

 She readied herself to engage the vicious creatures.

Beside her stood Taro, a quiet but lethal presence. His sword, Rehu, gleamed with an otherworldly crimson hue. He moved with grace and precision, his every strike deliberate and deadly. His calm demeanor masked his inner strength as he readied himself to defend our group.

 I stood a bit behind, my heart pounding with fear and determination. Ketu felt heavy in my trembling hands. Kaida's words of encouragement echoed in my ears, pushing me to step forward and prove myself.

 As Kaida and Taro engaged the Mirage Hounds, I finally found the courage to join the fight. With a deep breath, I steadied my grip on the sword and advanced, determined to protect my friends.

 The following battle was a mesmerizing dance of steel, fang, and immaterial forms. Kaida's sword sliced through the air with a deadly grace, clashing against the Mirage Hounds' fleeting shapes. Her strikes were deliberate, a testament to her years of training.

Taro moved like a shadow with his vermillion blade, anticipating the Mirage Hounds' every move. His strikes were fluid and seamless, a symphony of martial artistry.

 I, with Ketu in hand, found my rhythm within the chaos. The Mirage Hounds were fast, but I learned to predict their movements with Kaida and Taro as my mentors. I had come so far, and my confidence felt new, familiar, and natural. I swung my sword with newfound poise, feeling the satisfying impact as it connected with the hounds' spectral bodies.

 The battlefield became a canvas of action and emotion, a clash of worlds where each move felt like poetry in motion. The Mirage Hounds were relentless, their translucent bodies shimmering in the sun's rays. But together, we fought bravely, our weapons creating a captivating display of skill and determination against these otherworldly adversaries.

The sun dipped lower in the sky as the battle raged, casting long shadows across the barren landscape; hours had gone by, yet we continued our intricate dance of combat, each move a testament to our unity and resilience. Ultimately, we emerged victorious, our bodies bearing the marks of the fierce struggle but our spirits unbroken.

The Mirage Hounds had been vanquished, and our bond had grown even more robust in the face of this formidable challenge.

 As we continued to travel together, I learned more about Kaida and Taro. Kaida was a force to be reckoned with, with a quick wit and sharper tongue. She was fiercely loyal to those she cared about and would stop at nothing to protect them. 

 Conversely, Taro was more reserved, with a gentle demeanor that misrepresented his strength. He had a quiet confidence about him, and his unwavering loyalty to our group was a constant source of comfort. 

 But one day, as time got away from us and the days started to blur together, we found ourselves more or less lost; a pivotal battle arrived without warning, one that would change everything. 

 We were ambushed, of that I am sure. 

 We fought valiantly, but in the end, we were defeated. I fell unconscious and awoke alone and disoriented.

 Wandering through an unfamiliar wilderness, I tried to piece together what had happened, but my name being called repeatedly was the only fragment I could recall; the details of the battle I was sure had happened were lost.

 I picked myself up and continued my search for answers on CrestFall, but the void remained. 

 Now, five years after my home was destroyed, a little confused but having found deadly focus, I see myself approaching the capital city of Lazarus, searching for my friends, the only two people I can remember in so many years I could finally call family.