The Creed's Emergence

Chapter Nine: Long Night Ahead

However long it had been, it was starting to get late. Dinnertime was rapidly approaching. The secret door opened, and in came a small group. Led by Moon, the group walked behind him at a slow pace. Thankfully, the Decrepit and Anika had stopped their horseplay well before and had cleaned the floors. They were in Bramble's room, sitting at the small table he had.
Anika looked up, seeing Moon walk in. A smile came onto her face, and she stood up.
"Moon, you're back!"
"I see that you've managed to get authorized to come here, hm?" Moon said with a cheerful tone, now coming into the room. Crow and Splinter stayed outside, but Splinter soon went into his room.
"Yeah, Bramble authorized me. We had a small talk; then Thorn woke up." Anika sat back down, laying her arms back on the table. Her hair was still damp from earlier, but she had borrowed one of Bramble's spare towels. Moon didn't notice that the three had gone swimming and casually leaned against the doorframe. He took off his visor and began cleaning it off with his cloak.
"Glad to see that you fit in more. I do hope you consider joining the Church soon. We'll welcome you with open arms." He stopped cleaning, now yawning a little. He felt a little tired, just not too much to the point where it prevented him from doing anything. It was evident that he just needed a meal just like everyone else.
"I'm still thinking about it, and I don't wish to jump to a decision and regret it later on." Anika shook her head but still kept her friendly smile.
"I see. Well, you still have time to think about it." Moon started to take off his cloak. He walked to his room, hanging the cloak up behind the door.
"Moon? Where could I sleep tonight? Should I go back to my room?" Anika asked, unsure. She had a feeling that she wouldn't be allowed to sleep with the other Decrepit or the Obscure. So she knew she had to make the trek back to her room.
"Sleep here for tonight. There's a spare room." Moon pointed towards one of the dark rooms. The door was untouched as if no one had lived there in years. Anika stood up and walked over to the room, now turning the knob gently. She pushed open the door, revealing the pitch-black room. As if on cue, one of the Japanese-style lanterns in the room lit up. It surprised Anika, but she quickly got used to it. The room itself was eerie, but for some reason, it was neat. The faint scent of cherry blossoms and bamboo lingered in the air. The floor was tidy, and there were no bones scattered, unlike Bramble's room. No weapons either; Bramble's had old weapons on the floor, a zweihander, and a broadsword laying around.

In comparison to his, this room was the cleanest one she had ever seen. But Anika wondered who the room belonged to or if it belonged to anyone at all. She looked back towards the others, frowning.
"Who's room is this?" She questioned.
Moon and Crow exchanged wary looks. Then they stared at Anika.
"No one has lived there. I guess mother just left the room that way." Crow responded, his voice full of hesitation. They were hiding something, but Anika was oblivious. She returned to her cheerful attitude and looked back into the room. Ahead of her was a regular bed; it wasn't like Bramble's coffin. It was a downy white duvet with beautiful cranes embroidered onto it. It reminded her of home and far too much. Anika felt choked up again, but she quickly turned around and gave a big smile.
"Ah, well. I'll be going to sleep now. Goodnight!"
Without another word coming out of her mouth, she closed the door. She took off her robes again, then carefully slipped under the duvet. It felt warm, but waves of nostalgia flowed into her. The other Decrepit only stared at the door, baffled. They decided not to question it. But they started to get ready to rest too. Only Moon and Crow were taking off their armor so they could eat at the dining hall.
Anika stared up at the unfamiliar ceiling, tears in her eyes. She missed home again.
"Stop it; you're twenty-one." She told herself, hoping to stop herself from breaking down again. The constant feeling of crying never went away, but she could shove it aside for some time. But at times like these, it only came back.
Her attempts were futile. Anika began to cry softly. Yet it wasn't long before she had cried herself to sleep.