Zaterran's Lotus

Lost Days One: Friendship

Where was he? He didn't know. This place was hell.

The "flesh pits" of Shang Tsung. The man who kidnapped his family and is conducting experiments on him.

But... his "son" wasn't so bad.

"Zurath..."

Syzoth called out quietly, trying to get his friend's attention.

"Yes, Syzoth?"

Zurath responded, walking towards his friend.

"Water, food, anything. I'm desperate, please."

Syzoth pleaded, hoping that Zurath would have mercy on him.

"Of course, Syzoth. I don't think father is present at the moment."

Zurath said with a genuine smile, going to the flesh pits' back room to find something edible for Syzoth.

"I know you can't stomach human food, but this is all I could gather..."

He said, placing them next to Syzoth.

"If you're finished, dispose of the plate by the window. My father may be cruel, but he won't remember every single piece of cutlery that goes missing."

He smiled, handing Syzoth a glass of water now.

"I have not checked on your family, Syzoth. Father has prohibited me from doing so..."

He then said with concern.

"It is alright, Zurath. As long as I know that they're still alive."

Syzoth smiled in relief that his wife and son were still alive.

"I would prefer some conversation with this meal, Zurath. Would that be fine?"

He asked, trying to just eat his food.

"I suppose, Syzoth. What would you like to talk about?"

Zurath asked, looking outside the windows.

"I want to know more about you, your life in particular. How old are you, Zurath? You look too young to be my age, but too old to be a mere teen."

Syzoth asked. His curiosity was at an all-time peak.

"I'm a few months old!"

Zurath responded with a smile, happily walking over and sitting right in front of Syzoth.

"Believe it or not, I really am just a few months old!"

He chuckled, fixing his hair.

Of course, Syzoth had his suspicions. But he let it go... for now.

"Why are you always so... happy?"

Syzoth asked, getting flashbacks of someone from the past.

"Well, I don't know! I just think that everyone deserves to be happy. I just like to see the joy in everything!"

Zurath replied happily, a smile never leaving his face.

"I always search for the silver lining in desperate times."

He sounded a lot like... Leixia.

"You remind me of the woman I love most."

Syzoth chuckled. He found Zurath's positivity refreshing.

"Your wife? I remind you of your wife?"

Zurath tilted his head, his face now one of curiosity.

"...no."