Chapter 4- Tragic Past
'First off, I need to know who I am exactly. She said that our last name is Frostbloom. I can vaguely remember that name. But, I gotta ask just in case.' Edward concluded before staring up at Sali silently.
"Uh, so what is this family we belong to?" He asked.
"... Straight to that question, huh? Well, my little brother is smart so it should be expected. Let's sit down first, this is going to be a long story." Sali replied.
"Oh, sure."
Then, Sali turned around and started walking through the corridor somewhere. Meanwhile, Edward followed behind silently.
His eyes were fixated on the giant sword tied to her back. Its gigantic size was so intimidating yet also cool to look at.
"What's the name of that sword?"
"Oh, It's Hades."
"Hades? That's a cool name."
'Although slightly edgy.' Edward added in his head.
Their small walk brought them to one of the classrooms at the end of the corridor. Since that Zombie, no other monster appeared again which made Edward feel relieved.
Sliding the door open, Sali walked inside. The inside was surprisingly way livelier than Edward expected. There were cooking utensils, a small stove, and even what seemed to be a mini fridge.
"We chose this building which was a school at some point to stay for a while. We have been journeying for almost a year."
"A year? Why would we-"
"Do you want some food? I'm sure you're hungry. After eating, we will embark to find a doctor." Sali said as she put down her giant sword and then grabbed a big pouch she had put in the corner of the room.
Out of it, she pulled a big rabbit that was at least 4 times the size of a normal rabbit. Its fur was thick and the sharp protruding teeth in its mouth looked even more intimidating.
'Thick rabbit! Let's see, if I remember correctly, it's because of the current state of this world that all creatures grew more bestial and fearsome except humans who simply turned into Zombies?'
From Edward's memory, the world of Zombie Highschool was at some point like normal Earth. However, for some unknown reason, humans and animals alike started changing drastically one day. The people were turned into Zombies randomly while the monsters simply turned into monstrous creatures.
Almost instantly, the world was submerged into chaos as the economy collapsed and whole nations were erased from existence, eaten from the inside by the gluttonous teeth of its own people.
'The story starts 80 years after the start of the apocalypse. I wonder at what point was I reincarnated. Hopefully, it's not too far in the future nor too early for the story to begin. I want to meet the main characters!' Edward thought as he felt excited at the mere thought of meeting fictional characters.
"I will be making your favorite Rabbit stew today!" Sali announced with a proud smile.
"Rabbit stew?"
"Oh, right. You don't remember, don't you?" She realized her blunder and her face grimaced as she looked downcast.
"No! I love Rabbit stew. Don't worry." He said.
"Great! I guess your taste in food didn't change. That's good." Her relief with each word she said surprised Edward.
Whoever Sali was and whoever the person Edward had taken over his body, they both shared a strong sibling bond. He could see how much Sali loved Asher and how much she cared for him. Even her smallest of gestures was proof of that.
"So, what is this long story you mentioned?"
"Well, before I explain our current situation, I need you to know how the world works. After the apocalypse started, the earth was basically cut into two parts. The Forbidden Lands and the human areas. These areas are mostly giant cities surrounded by walls. The ones who rule these human cities are called 'The Four Clans'." As Sali explained, she was also getting the rabbit for cooking with her skillful moves.
"Frostbloom is one of these clans. We ruled over a few cities. However, for one reason or another, we fell from grace and the whole clan crumbled to the ground. So, I took you and ran away and since then we have been roaming the Forbidden Lands." Sali explained.
Hearing the tragic story, Edward frowned slightly. Although it definitely matched what he remembered, it still didn't make him feel any better.
'Such a tragic fate. But, if I remember correctly, wasn't the Frostbloom clan completely eradicated without any survivors? Am I mistaken?' Staring at Sali's figure as she moved around, Edward fell into deep thought.
"But, don't worry too much about it. We are doing fine. Just focus on regaining your memories. Your big sister will deal with everything."
"I see. Sorry for burdening you with such a thing." Edward felt guilty that he lied to Sali.
Even though he genuinely doesn't remember everything, he still altered the truth to his benefit. Her honest character and genuine caring were lethal to his conscience.
'Still, I can't simply explain that I came from another world and that this place is fiction. I would be treated as an insane person for sure.'
As he was like that, a smell reached his nostrils and made him wake up from his daze.
"Oh, great smell!"
After that, Sali turned around with two plates and put them down on the small table they had. Although the equipment wasn't the best, it still had this sense of familiarity that Edward liked.
Taking teh spoon, he tasted the stew and immediately raised an eyebrow.
"This is delicious! Thank you for the food."
After that, Edward devoured the stew eagerly. The taste was great and the rabbit meat was also tender and delicious.
"Hold your horses, big guy. The stew isn't going anywhere." Sali said with a warm smile.
After that, the two ate the food as they chatted casually. Edward didn't know whether it was the effect of Asher's body or not but he genuinely found Sali to be a kind and good person. She didn't seem to be hiding any ulterior motives.
The meal was finished quickly and Edward stood up with a satisfied smile.
"Even though I can't remember a thing, this meal still feels familiar."
"Really?! Your feelings are still intact then. I'm sure the first doctor we find is going to help you greatly. We will embark now."
"Hm? What about all of this? How are we going to carry it with us?"
"Simple. I have a storage device." Then, Sali pulled out a weird square-shaped object with a ring of light surrounding its perimeter. Then, she simply aimed it at all the utensils they had and clicked on a button.
*Swish*
Suddenly, everything was covered in a weird blue light for a good second before they all vanished as if they were never there.
"Done."
".... Wow! That's really cool!!"
'Why can't I remember that such a thing exists?!'
"Hahahaha! I kinda like how you get surprised at even the smallest things. You didn't show this many emotions in a long while." Sali said with a chuckle.
"Hm? What do you mean?"