The Creed's Emergence

Chapter Six: New World

Descending to the massive city, the sound of chatter filled the air. People walked by pushing carts full of fruit and vegetables, and small children danced around carrying tiny lanterns or wooden toys. It was challenging to get around the city with such crowds, and someone could get lost in it with the many streets. Shops lined every street, and so did restaurants with food that could warm anyone up on a cold night. The Church loomed above, casting a beautiful shadow onto the city. All while the moon shined brightly, and its light reached every corner of the Outerlands. There was a sense of security in the town. Even if the Sect were probably running out and about ready to cause trouble, they knew they could not force a commotion among the crowd.
"The city is amazing. The atmosphere is so much different than that of home. Back home, we had towering glass skyscrapers and fancy stores everywhere. Yet here, it's all so medieval and calm. Everyone looks friendly too." Anika gazed at her surroundings. She curiously watched people sitting at restaurants eating soups and giant juicy steaks.
"Not everyone is friendly. It's because people have to follow the rules here. We strive to ensure that everyone is kind to one another and don't lash out at each other." Moon looked back at Anika with a slight smile on his face.
"It's pretty unique. At home, there would be law enforcement regulating everything. But they weren't very good at their job. They often looked over issues and said everything was fine, but it wasn't. At times there were tons of crimes, and people didn't want to leave their houses at one point."
"Sounds chaotic. The Outerlands isn't like that, thankfully. With the Obscure here to make the laws and enforce them, people know they have to behave or else."
"Your world sounds boring." A slightly annoyed grunt came from Bramble as he listened. Moon then scolded him, but Anika couldn't hear a word said to him. She paid no attention to it and continued to observe her surroundings.
"The others are at the tavern." Moon nodded his head towards a large building just up ahead. A pillar of wispy smoke rose from one of the chimneys, and the wind carried over the crisp scent of burning wood and smoked meats. The building was made of wood and stone. Golden light poured out from its many glassy windows. It looked welcoming, even to people that had never come to the Outerlands before. Anika felt excited to witness what a tavern had to offer. She never saw a pub back, only crowded nightclubs where girls her age went to get drunk all night or go home with men they had never met before. Maybe it would be different. There wouldn't be loud music, people grinding on one another, someone randomly puking on the floor, people laying on the floor wasted from having too many shots of alcohol, and worst of all, the people that spiked drinks with drugs.

Once they arrived, Moon opened the door to reveal the large tavern room. People were seated everywhere at both large and small wooden tables. Long red carpets were on the floor, and grand tapestries hung from the walls. There was a lively bar in one corner where a man wearing a skull served drinks to the people. Hooded waitresses waltzed past people carrying large platters of food and beverages. Everyone seemed to be happy; no one fought or was distressed. There was a loud commotion, though. People laughed like there was no tomorrow. There was a large fireplace sitting in the tavern's back where one or two people sat to warm their cold hands. It let off a warm flame that civilians could feel even from the tavern entrance. Wood logs were stacked next to the fireplace, ready to be used if needed. Above, small chandeliers hung with tiny white candles giving off a steady glow. Everything smelled amazing, from the food to the drinks. People were eating hearty meals, which included thick soups and leafy salads.

Anika's eyes widened with wonder upon seeing the beauty before her. It was just like her favorite Rapunzel movie. There wasn't loud music, no drugs, nothing of the hell she experienced back home. If she could, she would stay forever. It was perfect for a date with Thorn...? No, the idea was too childish. She just met Thorn, and there was no way he'd do anything with her. Maybe one day if she ever spent more time with him. He was shy and lacked emotion and knowledge of many things. However, it wasn't his fault. Anika wondered if being a Decrepit meant that they would lose all feeling, understanding, only having the will to fight and knowing nothing else but fighting. It was a sad thought. But Anika knew she wanted that to change. She tried to educate the Decrepit, and especially Thorn, about the beauty of life. That not everything was about bloodshed and combat.
She looked around the tavern, hoping to spot whoever Moon was talking about. Decrepit were easy to spot with those large pincer-like horns of theirs. There were just too many people, though. Tall, short, robust, and skinny. People sitting at the tables were all shapes and sizes. Many were even members that came to have a delicious meal. But what stood out most were a pair of pincer-like horns poking out from the crowd. Above them, a crow sat silently on a chandelier, preening its shimmering black feathers. The group weaved around the public to a Decrepit sitting at a table, and Crow himself sitting adjacent from them. The Decrepit had half his face missing, and he had the physique of Bramble. He was quietly sharpening a small blade using a weird stone.
"Brother, let's go," Moon called out to Crow. The two both looked up upon seeing the group arrive, and Crow stood and came to Moon. While the other Decrepit also followed.
"Revenant, if you have a moment, there's something I need to speak to you about." The broken-faced Decrepit whispered to Moon. His voice was full of concern, but he went silent as he formed up with the group.
"Very well then, when we leave, tell me. But anyway, I want to introduce you two to Anika." Moon waved a hand towards Anika, who then gave a friendly smile.
"Anika, this is Splinter." He motioned to the Decrepit with the broken face.
"It's a pleasure to meet you both." Anika bowed her head lightly.
"Likewise, Anika." Splinter responded in a husky but kind tone. He put his blade and tool away, now dusting his hands off, and he had sharp claws instead of normal fingernails. Two red eyes were on his palms, and it made her wonder if they were natural eyes or just magic. Every time she even looked at a Decrepit, there was something new to see. She realized she was staring too long, and she quickly looked away.
Anika didn't want to leave such a cozy-looking place, but there were other things to see. Maybe a waterfall or some other magical place. She hoped to see supernatural creatures like the legendary unicorn. Chances are, they existed. If a bunch of scary-looking bone people lived, so could unicorns. She made sure not to step on anyone's boots or cloaks as they walked out of the tavern. She was surrounded by the Decrepit. She felt safe; no one would hurt her like this. While they walked, she watched Bramble flex his arms while glancing back at Anika with a smug look on his face for a moment. Thorn only gave him a cold glare as if telling him to quit the act. Now that everyone had moved outside of the tavern and walked down the stone path towards the edge of the city, the broken-faced Decrepit began to speak softly to Moon. Anika couldn't hear them well, only a few fragments of their words.
"Rumors are spreading."
"Rumors? About what?"
"A Goddess, or a Deity. One that no Esoteric had ever recorded before. The Sect of Resonance had spoken of a small squadron heading to this island full of sakura trees. They felt they were being watched and swore they saw some supernatural being in the distance. There was a weird aura about the place."
"Interesting... Very interesting. Should we investigate that at one point?"
"I believe so. If we can get this Goddess on our side, she is capable of aiding our battle against Hordoe."
Hearing that last part, Moon let out a chuckle. A malicious smirk appeared on his face. The thought of a powerful Goddess joining the Church was splendid, and Hordoe would not stand a chance. He wondered what it would be like meeting her. But he couldn't just get too ahead of himself. If the Goddess was hostile, things could take a dark turn; and for the worst. Moon couldn't risk losing his Decrepit to a Goddess, let alone an unknown one. All of them were dear to him. If he lost one, the entire group could crumble. His Decrepit worked together, and without one of them depending on if they were the brains or the iron fist, they'd be done for.
Of course, he couldn't focus on that. Perhaps one day, they could all investigate this forest together. If Anika were initiated and learned a spell or two, they would for sure be safe. Anika could heal them if needed. Moon shook his head, focusing back on the present. He thought about where to go next, although he wasn't quite sure about it.
"Anika, where do you want to go?" Moon asked, wanting to both change the topic and lighten up the mood.
"Honestly, what's the best place you have in mind? The best magical place."
"Good question. There's a few!" Moon turned around, walking backward. He was grinning again.
"There's the enchanting waterfalls, the Lake of Fallen Wishes, the Forest of Time. There's a lot to see."
"Surprise me. I don't know what to choose."
"Surprise it is! Decrepit, stay close by. Box Anika."
There was a harsh whispering sound, and then the Decrepit surrounded Anika. The two at her sides brushed up against her. She could almost even hear their light breathing. She looked up at the sky above, watching all of the stars shimmer in the darkness. Here and there, there would be a streak of light in the sky. Shooting stars, or rather meteors, were silently flying through the night sky. There was no light pollution, no harsh lights from spotlights or skyscrapers, no smog from factories, and no planes in the sky. The only light was from the gentle glow of the fire in lanterns or fireplaces. Anika wondered why everything seemed so calm even after a raid. Even Moon was peaceful, as he had invited her to join the Decrepit in adventuring right after the invasion ended. Maybe it was just the norm. Just like how when someone was arrested back in her city, everyone went back to normal after it. Everyone was so used to it by now that they knew that everything would be just fine right after.
The light from buildings soon faded as the group left the city walls. The walls towered over them, casting a black shadow onto the stone below. The comfort of the borders would last for only a moment when the group finally stepped out and into the wilderness ahead. Anika couldn't see a thing. The foliage was so thick, no moonlight touched the ground. She could barely see a cobblestone path leading deep into the forest. At one point, she saw a pair of yellow eyes and something scamper through the bushes. She shivered, not wanting to go into the woods.
"Do not have fear. You are safe with us.." Thorn whispered.
"Nothing is going to get near. I'll headbutt them and tear out their bones one by one! No one will escape, little lady!" Bramble butted in with an insane laugh.
Anika nervously looked at Thorn, to which he shook his head and whispered again.
"... Don't.. worry about him. He seems to have an interest in you... I believe." He was having trouble figuring out how to make Anika understand his words. But he tried anyway, hoping that she at least understood something here and there.
The shadows of the trees cast over the group, followed by an eerie dead silence. Here and there, an owl or unknown animal made a sound. Anika instinctively grabbed Thorn's left hand and squeezed it. She had noticed quickly but couldn't say anything, and Thorn looked at her with confusion.
"Are you cold? Afraid?" He asked her.
"... Afraid... The forest is scary." Anika mumbled. She didn't want to get ambushed. Even if she knew she had five Decrepit looking out for her, she still felt unsettled about the forest. Thorn said nothing, but he allowed Anika to hold his hand. He showed no emotion, and he only had a blank stare. His flashing pupils were all fixed onto the path ahead.