Pariah furrowed his brow in confusion, The Remission vibrated profusely wanting to draw near. "Sinner? That man shouted the same thing. What separates a sinner from a human?" Pariah spoke his first words since waking up in the clock tower.
The man behind a half-white and half-black mask without a nose or mouth scrutinized the young man, deliberating whether to believe his naivety or not. "A sinner is what they call those of us who do not obey the Commandments: a series of flexible laws that force 'perfect society' to act in accordance to the divine laws."
Without questioning the man to confirm his suspicion on the usage of the word 'us', Pariah listened attentively. After all, he had no one else's word to go by. "Perfect society?"
The stranger nodded, "Nearly everyone in Ahrengale City has succumbed to the Bread. A symbolic name for an item you ingest. Once it dissolves into your bloodstream it changes you and evolves you into your ideal self. You become stronger, faster, and smarter, you heal quicker, never get sick, and your looks alter slightly to become more attractive. One perfected humanity united under the reign of the higher. By partaking in this 'gift' you must abide by the Commandments thereby stripping every person of what makes them unique; their personality and free thought."
"Is that why South Borough was evacuated and shut down?"
"No. That was the work of the Butcher. A ruthless serial killer who appeared not long after the divine descended offering the Bread. Night after night he slaughtered those who were deemed perfect. It was unknown where he would strike from. The only connection was South Borough so the town hall decided to close this district. People were moved to West Borough where they were accommodated by the upper class until a new housing district was constructed. The killings slowed but occasionally appear in Portland District West of South Borough. If you are going to be digging your nose where it doesn't belong then heed my words and proceed with caution."
Pariah gave an indiscriminate nod. "Does this Butcher have a description so I can be prepared?"
The contrasting masked man chortled. "You will know him, trust me. The Butcher is a tall stocky man who wears a leather double-breasted coat, a top hat, and a blood-stained grey sack stitched to his face with round eye hole cut-outs. All of his killings are done with, well, a butcher's knife. Hence the moniker."
Commandments, the Bread; a result of the perfect society of a united humanity under the divine otherwise known as the higher. A madman serial killer who is prejudiced against the perfected. He must be a sinner. But then?
"You said you were human but asked if I could say the same, why?"
The man crossed his arms and leaned against the brick wall wrapping his feet. "Isn't it obvious, kid? The perfected are no longer human in my eyes. Sure, they are flesh and blood and experience life, albeit brainwashed, but they lack the humanistic quality. They lack empathy, fear, and happiness; they lead mundane lives like toys." The man noticed Pariah's visage tainted with confusion. "Toys are mechanical lifesize dolls that are designed for children and carry out orders of entertainment. Like these soulless creations of man, the perfected live the same carrying out orders of entertainment for the divine."
"I understand." Pariah gave a slight nod processing everything had been told. "How could you tell I was a sinner?"
The man rapped his index finger on his crossed arm's elbow. "Your ability to wonder. Your tendency to scrutinize your surroundings. The perfected often live life on repeat following what the Commandments deem a natural order. They would have paid no mind to the lopsided carriage unless looking for a specific target. Besides not many of them come down to South Borough anymore." A moment of silence lingered between the two. "Where did you come from?"
Pariah was unsure whether to tell the man about his awakening or the clock tower, but it was almost certain this stranger was familiar with the building. Maybe he had even seen Pariah asleep on the operating table. "I am from the clock tower. I woke up after an operation."
The man fell silent utterly speechless. The rapping of his index finger stiffened before he lowered his hands. "No one has been able to approach the clock tower since she disembarked."
"Who?" Pariah asked monotone not expecting much of an answer based on the man's tone of adoration for the woman in question.
And thus, the stranger shook his head. "She was the caretaker of the clock tower before you. Now it seems it is in your hands. Take good care of the landmark."
"How do you know I am not lying?" The young man pressed confused.
"What good does lying do? It is a rare gift to spin a tale in this day and age. Nonetheless, I am apt to believe you. I haven't met a new sinner for quite some time, and the number of us dwindles by the day. If you encounter any other sinners they are your only chance for allies in this city, but remember they are often liars and thieves vying for their survival disregarding all others no matter how close... but you may be lucky enough to stumble upon a good friend someday."
"I see. What are the Commandments?"
By knowing the individual divine laws I will be able to test sinners to see who is more genuine and who is perfected trying to deceive me.
The stranger cleared his throat and gently pushed off the wall with his back. "The Commandments:
"Thou shalt have no other gods before me."
"Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven images."
"Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain."
"Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy."
"Honor thy father and thy mother."
"Thou shalt not kill."
"Thou shalt not commit adultery."
"Thou shalt not steal."
"Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor."
"Thou shalt not covet."
"These are the Ten Commandments of the divine. The perfect are unable to violate these laws no matter the circumstance unless given permission by the Vessels of Revelation. These are chosen elects of the perfected who can hear the voice of the higher and discern prophetic messages and tasks to hand out to their fellow mindless slaves."
The young man committed each law to memory before opening his mouth. "Thank you." With a light bow, he asked, "How may I address you?"
The stranger thought about whether to trust the boy in comparison, but after a quick thought, he deemed it harmless. "My name is Leon Morgan, but you can call me Leo. Mind returning the favor?" The man offered a hand.
The young man thought it over, the question arising in wistful confusion within him.
What is my name? Like all the memories of my life before awakening my name fails to reach me. 'Wake up... my dear Pariah. Awaken to the world without sin.'
The woman's soft voice resonated deep within his mind. It was the beginning of his new personal memories and the only anchor to his current identity despite how harsh the term seemed. However, how befitting of a sinner. Taking Leo's hand in his with a firm shake he looked into the eyes of the mask. "Pariah."
The man felt betrayed momentarily but composure found him swiftly. "Code names is it? Heh, well Pariah, there is one more piece of knowledge I must impart to you."
Retracting hands he never bothered reassuring Leo that Pariah was the only semblance of a name he knew. Instead, he thought the mysterious assumption would serve him better in a foreign world. "What would that be?"
Leo pointed to his mask that acted as a helmet around his entire head. "A mask. One unique to you. It's important not only that the perfected but other sinners are unable to discern your visage. Even the people you will come to call allies can't be trusted to the full extent. Comrades, partners, allies; call them what you may but never consider another your friend. Your mask acts as not only your concealment but it is also a gateway to your true self. A personification of your personality, and the type of man you are. Its unique design also doubles as an identifier." Leo chuckled hoarsely, "I understand it sounds contradictory. The point is you want to be able to lay your head down at night without worrying if they know where you lay your head at night."
Pariah remained silent.
This city is far more dangerous than I anticipated. I thought there was life beyond the South Borough but not one that is hostile towards my existence. But why don't I feel fear?
Leo coughed turning his head and walking down the alleyway from whence they came. "Come with me. I know a man who can make you a mask and arm you with a blade. You must protect yourself in this wretched hell hole."