The Creed's Emergence

Chapter Five: Saviors of The Dark

"Decrepit? Is that another Division?" Anika asked, looking at the rows of teeth on Thorn's sashes. They all varied in size and shape. Some being human teeth, others being teeth of unknown creatures.
"Not quite. It's... It is a Sub-Division of the Obscure." Thorn reluctantly answered. He reached for his fur collar and began taking something off. There was a soft click and a piece of his outfit came off. It was a necklace-like accessory. It had a glittering red jewel in the center. It was surrounded by sharp bones as well. He held it up to the candlelight, allowing the jewel to cast a red glow onto himself.
"What do they do?" Anika shuffled closer to Thorn. She then heard him choke up.
Thorn only stared at nothing. He hesitated again. He couldn't tell her. Instead he lowered the necklace. He could tell her something else though.
".. We.. We uh.. We actually just fight like anyone else would. But we also make sure everything is safe."
"Oh, so like security guards basically?"
"... Yes..." Thorn went silent after that. He leaned against the balcony railing, watching two Laities charge at each other to duel. Both of them only headbutted each other on accident, resulting in them falling onto their backs. Anika didn't realize that she wasn't told something false. She was oblivious. Rather than displaying confusion she only smiled, nodded, and looked at the Laities. She observed the scene as a small group of women in black and white robes approached the Laities, seemingly making sure they were alright. Not many paid attention to the two. They continued to chat and enjoy themselves. The chatter in the Throne Room made Anika feel as if she was back in high school.
She recalled the loudness of the cafeteria. Students playing games with each other, some throwing food. She saw all of the many groups there. The nerds, the popular students, the outcasts, all of them. She never was in a group herself. Although, many of the outcasts tried to bring her into their group. They may've had a crush on her, the girls included. But she wasn't into them. She always dreamed of a prince. Someone that could take care of her and make sure she excelled in life. Someone who would be there for her, and she would be there for him.
Once again, she wondered if Thorn was her prince. She glanced over at him, then bashfully looked away. All of the layers of clothing he had made it hard for her to tell what he was like beneath. However, she couldn't argue. He must've been very well protected and warm. The Church felt chilly, which explained the thick robes everyone had on. Even with them, she still felt a little cold. Without thinking twice, she was now nestled up against Thorn. He felt incredibly warm. Thorn didn't notice it at first, but soon he looked her way, only to see her so close. He had no reaction. Maybe deep down he panicked, but on the outside his entire expression was blank.
".. Anika.. What are you doing?" He gently nudged her, catching her attention.
"Hm? Oh! Oh dear, I'm sorry. I think my body just acted on it's own!" Anika shyly shuffled away from Thorn a little.
"On it's own? Do you need to see the Curative? You... Might be possessed." Thorn got close, now inspecting Anika out of worry.
"No! Not like that, it's like... How do I explain." Anika gently pushed Thorn's arm back, causing him to calm down.
"Like an instinct of some sort. You don't have to tell yourself to do it, you just do it on your own. Like shivering when it's cold, or leaning against someone." She began to twirl a lock of her hair with a finger. There was a moment of silence between the two. Thorn seemingly understood what Anika had said, but continued to be a little confused. He said nothing about it, and simply watched the liveliness of the Throne Room.

Now, the air felt different. The dueling Laities stopped and watched the door. Everyone seemed on edge. The liveliness went dead silent. The Oracle stood up from their throne, also watching the door.
"What's happening?" Anika frowned.
"... We're sensing something. Possibly an incoming raid from the Sect." Thorn put his necklace back on and turned towards the stairs leading to the balcony.
"Raid?! You mean this place gets raided by people?! And who are the Sect?!" Anika shrunk a little, hiding her face with the sleeves of her robes.
".. The Sect are our enemies. They raid this place in an attempt to get back at Meirkien for what he did to their God, Hordoe." Thorn reached for the hilt of the blade sheathed on his belt. He gripped it but didn't do anything else. He only kept his gaze on the stairs, then to the door.
"I won't die though, right? You guys are all strong.." Anika was about to go next to Thorn when he held his hand out and gently pushed her behind him.
"You'll die if you're foolish enough to face them without any protection or a weapon." He said in a sharp voice, glancing at her with an equally sharp gaze. Anika could only let out a small gasp and stare at him with widened eyes. His sudden change of tone shocked her. Thorn looked back ahead, not saying a word.
As if on cue, a bloodied man in brown robes ran in.
"Brace yourselves! They're coming!" He fell to the ground, coughing. He held a warspear, yet part of the blade was snapped in half. Worried mumbles came from the crowd. He was dragged off to one side by the other members, now being healed.
"If anything happens, Anika. I want you to jump off this balcony and run. Use the hanging curtain to get down." Thorn didn't look back this time.
Anika looked towards a red curtain that hung from the ceiling. She knew a tiny bit of climbing from her physical education classes, but her body strength was not enough for her to climb as well as others. However, she had to do it when the time came. She couldn't allow herself to die foolishly.
Soon enough she heard footsteps from outside the doors. She saw a large group of people in green robes and wooden masks rush in, holding a different array of weapons. Some had no wooden masks on. One of them had bright pink hair and black tree-like antlers. He had pointy ears like an elf. Not everyone was human it appeared. Elves lived among humans like it was nothing. He even wore an gold and black mask-like thing over his mouth and nose. For a moment she could see his eyes, but he took out a massive gold and grey sword and began swinging at anyone nearby. People rushed to take down the intruders. Before they knew it, one of the enemies rushed up the stairs, seeing Thorn. He laughed and took out a halberd. He charged at Thorn, but the Decrepit did nothing.
There was a flash of light. Anika saw a blade slash the halberd to one side. Suddenly she saw Thorn's blade in his hand. He had taken it out so fast! His movements were faster than anything she had seen.
"You little shit!" The man screamed. He swung again, only for his halberd to be shoved to the other side again. He was soon kicked in the gut, sending him falling down the stairs. The other Sect saw, and shifted their attention towards the stairs. They ran towards them, and then up.
"Anika. Go." Thorn got into a battle stance, but as he did, a black aura slowly rose around him.
Anika nodded and ran towards the curtain. She leaped over the balcony railing, grabbing onto the curtain. She hoped that her weight wouldn't cause it to break. Thankfully it didn't, so she began to slide down as the rest of the Sect reached Thorn. She wished she could help out, yet she lacked weapons. She swung her feet and jumped onto a nearby table. Then she ran off, hoping to get somewhere safe, like the dormitories. The corridors were empty here and there. But occasionally she'd see some Sect fighting other members. There were some bodies scattered, yet they began to disappear after some time. Anika didn't stop to wonder why. She needed to find a safe place to stay.
There had to be a place, even if it was small. But as long as no Sect would get in and kill her it was enough. Anika kept running, trying to keep her breathing steady. Her eyes darted around as she tried to find somewhere to hide in case more Sect ran in and she had no time to get anywhere else. She was of course not free from danger. One Sect immediately noticed her from across the hall and made a beeline towards her. She was in an intersection, which meant that she could probably put herself in more danger wherever she ran. The man took out the gold and grey sword she had seen earlier. It wasn't the same man holding it. He jumped into the air, then slashed at Anika. Anika slid back, screaming.
"I don't have weapons!" She squeaked.
"Well, that makes it even better! An easy kill!" The Sect went in for another attack. Anika once again slid back, she tried to run but the carpet beneath had shifted. She tripped over a fold she made and fell onto her rear. The Sect approached and prepared for a final blow. There was laughter, then a shadow appeared from one side. It revealed itself to be a Decrepit running on all fours! He rammed headfirst into the Sect, sending him flying. A nasty crack came from the Sect. His ribcage was shattered by the sheer force of what had hit him. He hit a wall, but was already dead before he did. His body began to fade along with the blade.
The Decrepit slowly stood up, giggling. He was covered in blood, fresh too. His left horn was broken in half, and the right side of his face had a large hole in it. Smoke escaped from where the hole was. He was much more muscular than Thorn was, and his blade was different. It was serrated. He turned to Anika with the most insane look on his face.
"You know! Pretty girls like you shouldn't be wandering these halls without a weapon! Aha! Ahahahaha!" He laughed again, then grabbed Anika by her hood. He pulled her up and onto her feet without any issue.
"P-pretty?" Anika stammered.
The strange Decrepit only continued to laugh. He rubbed Anika on the head. His commotion drew the attention of more Sect that were passing by. They ran at him, ready to deal heavy blows to him. However, he lowered his body, getting into a stance far more different than the one Thorn had. Then with a loud crackling boom, he shot forward. Red lightning surrounded him as he did. He rammed right into one of the Sect, then thrusted his blade out, stabbing the other. The first one was sent flying, already dead. But the second was still alive.
"Sweet dreams! Haha!" The Decrepit cackled as he then took the blade out from the Sect, then stabbing them once more. The Sect fell over, limp. The others had run off simply seeing the sheer power the Decrepit had. Many began to make the calls to retreat.
The Decrepit appeared next to Anika while she was staring at the disappearing corpses. He chuckled and nudged her.
"Impressive? Hah! You should see the look on your face, girl!" He was acting quite odd, but Anika didn't question it.
"You must be another Decrepit like Thorn, aren't you?" Anika looked up at the stranger.
"Thorn? I don't... Oh! The new guy! Ahaha! The prince charming!? Yes! I'm one of him! I'm better though."  The Decrepit flexed his arms, showing off his muscles. Anika felt her face go red at the sight.
'... I have... Never seen anyone that muscular. Ohhh.. This is embarrassing...' Anika thought, averting her gaze.
"Enough harassing her.." A voice said from behind. The Decrepit turned, only to see Thorn standing there. He was holding his arm as blood poured onto the carpet. He was wounded badly. Even if he was wounded in such a way, he didn't seem to be in pain.
"Woah! Haha! You couldn't defend yourself like I could?!" The Decrepit laughed again.
"Your fighting involves doing anything except having a pattern, plan, or anything. I do not headbutt my enemies." Thorn shrugged the other Decrepit's comment off as if it was nothing. He went up to his ally and prodded his chest.
"You.. Treat Anika well. Don't be a jerk, or The Revenant will get your ass." He whispered to him, then he stepped back. 
"Anika? You mean you've already met this kid?!" The Decrepit hissed. He suspiciously stared down at Thorn.
Thorn slowly nodded. He faced Anika and knelt down in front of her.
"You did good. I have to go find a healer now, since neither of us have healing spells." He told her as he now stood up straight again.
"I just realized... Haha! I never introduced myself!" The larger Decrepit cackled again. He stopped, realizing that he also couldn't say his true name. He quickly looked around, hoping to find something to use as a name. There were candles, flames, vases, but he couldn't name himself after any of those. Then he saw a prickly bush nearby in a vase.
"-Bramble. Haha... My name is Bramble, at your service, m'lady.~" He charmingly bowed, taking Anika's hand into his own and lightly "kissing" the back of it. Anika had no idea how to react to such a gesture.
"... T-thanks..?" Anika sheepishly smiled.
"We are Decrepit, saviors of the dark. I'm the strongest of them, Thorn is just a-" Bramble was then punched in the arm by Thorn.
"Waha! You bitch!" He shrieked, and out of spite he spun around and pinned Thorn against the wall. He got his face close to Thorn's and grabbed onto his horn.
Thorn wasn't phased. He merely let out a sigh and stayed where he was. He knew he couldn't do anything. Bramble was too strong for him. He could crush him with just his sheer mass. Thorn was only good for speed and agility, not defending against someone much more physically stronger than he was. 
"W-wha?! Stop..! He's hurt!" Anika tugged onto Bramble's cloak. She soon realized her attempts were futile. Bramble didn't budge. He only looked back at Anika and giggled.
"He's fine. Tis but a scratch!" He giggles only intensified when he heard Anika make a small angered sound. But he didn't pay attention to her now. He looked back to Thorn and shook him. Then he suddenly felt weight on him. Anika had jumped onto him and climbed onto his back. She grabbed his horns, careful not to slice her palms with the spikes. She yanked his head back, causing him to yelp. Immediately he let go of Thorn and tried to get the girl off of him. Thorn slid down and onto the floor, coughing. He couldn't let Bramble hurt Anika so he tried to get up.

"That's enough." Another voice said.
Everyone turned, seeing a man with red hair standing there.
"Moon!" Anika joyfully got off of Bramble's back and ran up to the man. She hugged him lightly, closing her eyes.
Moon hugged Anika back, but soon released her and crossed his arms. A serious look came onto his face. Bramble and Thorn quickly got down onto one knee, bowing their heads. But Moon simply took a step forward and spoke sternly.
"I do not want to see more altercations between you two. Especially you." He looked at Bramble.
"You both need to work together alongside the others, not fight against one another. I do not want to have to give up two important Decrepit simply because they cannot work together." Moon shook his head shamefully.
"Apologies, Revenant. It will not happen again." The two responded in unison. They spoke in softer voices, which surprised Anika. Moon was their leader, which explained the sudden change in their voices and actions.
"Very well then. Rise." Moon rested his arms back at his side. The two men rose back up silently. Moon then held out his hand and a golden beam shot out from his palm. It hit Thorn, but enveloped him in a warm light. Soon enough his wounds began to heal. Even his clothes began to stitch back up, as if he hadn't been hurt before.
'Magic.. And this close... I thought it only existed in movies. I'm such a fool for believing the lies.' Anika began to realize all the lies she was told to believe. That magic was satanic and taboo, people in robes that weren't of the religion were satanic and evil, places without technology were places where people were savages. She could remember the propaganda, the lectures, everything that brainwashed people like her into believing only what the government wanted them to believe. Many even petitioned to change holidays because they were too supernatural, or weren't on par with religions. If anyone was suspected to be practicing simple witchcraft like having incenses or moon water, they could be arrested. Even if people questioned if something existed, they could be arrested. Many rumors spread about one or two real magic users, but were quickly hidden by the government. Maybe to be used for inhumane experiments or killed. She felt guilty being one of the people now believing the opposite. Yet again, that government was no longer in existence. There was nothing to worry about. She wasn't a fugitive, or a criminal. Without anyone after her to punish her, she had no need to conceal her ideas. Even then, she still could feel that lingering sense of guilt. Everything was so different, she was free. But not free from her doubts or negative emotions. Not free from depression either. She didn't suffer from it, but maybe if she didn't get over all her guilt or anguish from the past, she could fall into it.
"Anika? Is everything alright?" Moon interrupted her thoughts. He had a hand on her shoulder.
"Ah, I'm fine. Just thinking." 
"Alright. I was worried for a moment. You looked troubled."
"I did?.. Oh.." Anika frowned again. She felt that burning feeling in her throat. The one people felt before they cried. No, not now. She couldn't cry in front of everyone. She could feel tears pooling, but she just couldn't embarrass herself herself here. These were saviors of the dark, she couldn't look like a complete wimp in front of them. They'd think she was weaker than she looked. After all she went through, she just couldn't allow this to be the thing that broke her.
'I went through so much more. This has to be nothing. It has to be nothing. I survived the destruction of my home, the loss of my family, I went through hell and I'm only just getting out of it. I can't break.' Anika continued to force herself not to give in and cry. It gradually became harder for her. She could see the confusion on Moon's face as he saw how she was holding something back.
"She's really silent, did you upset her?" Bramble came over, grinning from ear to ear if he could.
"... The Revenant was speaking to us. Not to her." Thorn stood next to Anika. He knelt down again and got to eye level with her.
"Your eyes... Are glistening.." He whispered to her. He placed both of his hands onto her shoulder as Moon retraced his. 
"Is that a bad thing?" Anika began to sniffle. She focused on Thorn's eyes. He had eight of them but she only focused on his main two. Soon enough she could stop herself from crying. She wiped her eyes and smiled again.
"But I'm fine, Thorn. I promise." 
"Well then, guess things worked out, then. I'm off duty now, you lot want to join me and go outside to go on a hike? We'll meet up with the others there, I already let them know about this." Moon cheerfully began walking down the hallway but stopped to look back at the three. Bramble hesitated, but followed Moon. Thorn looked at Anika, then to Moon. He chuckled lightly and stood back up, holding Anika's hand.
"Let's go. I'm sure it'll be fun. If.. You need anything.. Or feel tired.. Please, do not hesitate to get on my back or ask.." Thorn had a hard time figuring out what to say exactly, but figured that Anika would understand.
"Okay, sounds good." Anika wiped her eyes once more, following Thorn as he walked to Moon's side.
They walked down the hallway, not speaking to each other. Other members stopped to let them pass by. Many even stared at them, but at Anika more. She looked like she was being guarded by the three Decrepit. Anika felt much safer with them around, even if Bramble was pretty aggressive. She knew well that no danger would reach her. No one would dare to even lay a finger on her. It felt good. She had people there for her, even if she just met two of them. They didn't know how to communicate or behave well, but it was something. Now it'd be the first time she ever left the Church and went outside into the open world. There was a massive city below, which she only saw briefly for a moment when Moon showed her around. There had to be so much to see. Yet, the three were going farther than that. Meeting up with more Decrepit and going out into the open wilderness.

Soon enough, they reached the entrance to the Church. The doors were open wide, letting the milky moonlight flood in. Torches were lit and gave off a beautiful orange glow. Civilians walked up and down the stone stairs, talking to each other or reading books. Some members ran down the stairs, holding weapons and shouting words of encouragement to each other.
"Decrepit, wedge on me and keep Anika in the middle." Moon told the two. They immediately stood behind Moon, with Bramble's left shoulder aligned with Moon's right shoulder, and vice versa for Thorn. Anika was in the middle of them, and she felt even more well protected.
"Anika, welcome to the Outerlands. I hope you enjoy this world as much as I do. As dangerous as it is, you cannot have fun without including a pinch of danger!" Moon announced. As they stepped out of the safety of the Church, Anika was hit with a cold breeze. The smell of baked goods, smoke, and everything a fantasy city could offer wafted into her nose. Even far up, she could sense the liveliness of the city. It stretched for miles, or so she thought. Beyond that was a forest as far as the eye could see. Then a snow capped mountain range to her right. Some scattered buildings were visible among the trees, including a smaller Church covered in foliage. It could be the Sect's Church.
Anika took in a deep breath, then exhaled. She got herself ready for the journey that was to come ahead. It was the start of something new. She had to have fun, even if it meant being in danger. She had the Decrepit to protect her from harms way. Although, she was wary. Who would be the other Decrepit she would meet? 
The thought only fueled her excitement. As the group began going down the stairs, Anika felt a flame ignite within her. A flame of hope, and adventure.