The Aftermath and School

The next morning, the sun was rising. Stark, unaware, woke up in the middle of a field. As he yawned and stretched, he commented on his nightmare. As he could not remember it, he wondered what it was about. Stark asserted that it felt surreal. He felt the grass prickling his skin. Stark looked around. He questioned where he was and realized that it was not his bedroom. Stark wondered if he had slept outside. He stood up and noticed his brothers sleeping nearby. Stark saw an apple tree that his mother helped him and his brothers plant when he barely learned how to walk. He reluctantly continued that the tree should be by their house. Stark was taken aback and suddenly remembered a little of the nightmare. He got a slight headache, and he grasped his head. Stark questioned what this was. He mumbled that it did not feel like a nightmare. It felt real. Stark wondered if the house had burned down, and if his parents were really dead. He searched for the house. Meanwhile, Matteo, asleep, was having a weird dream. He saw their house being set on fire by two shadow figures. They had a cloak on with an interesting drawing of an eye on the back. One with short hair and the other one with long curly hair. They killed his parents. Then, multiple images of events that he did not recognize flashed in his mind. Matteo saw The Sacred Forest with more people and monsters than usual. He was transported into a large lake. He was drowning and being attacked by a strange creature. There were a lot of them. Matteo was in a panic and had difficulty breathing. As he flailed around, trying to swim, he heard a voice calling out his name. A giant creature emerged from the deep water. Its large mouth with large teeth almost consumed him. Suddenly, he was transported again. Matteo saw the three brothers being protected by that creature. Confused, he could not comprehend what he was seeing. Everything seemed strange and unfamiliar. As his eyes opened, a cloaked figure, with a staff, was behind him. Matteo was shocked and scared. Next, he was in a giant forest. Soon, Matteo was flying over a large city with people wearing weird disguises. The city was destroyed and rebuilt multiple times. A baby's cry could be heard. Matteo was confused and startled. Suddenly, a giant mechanical bird with an eye symbol on it appeared. As he looked at the bird, a pale human with large canines appeared. The human's teeth were exposed, and his red eyes were looking straight at him. His smile was horrifying. After that, Matteo was in a dark void with tiny lights around him. A green aura surrounded his hands. He was not alone. There were others with him. Matteo questioned who these people were. One of them, a tall and muscular figure, was staring at him. It was a man with a strange headgear. Matteo, frightened, questioned what was going on. He yelled, asking for the mysterious figures to leave him alone. Suddenly, everything was quiet. Matteo was in a pitch-black void. He questioned what was happening. As he looked around, Matteo noticed The Exalted One approaching. He was shocked and confused. The Exalted One repeated that Matteo must kill and destroy the world. Matteo questioned what he was talking about. The Exalted One smirked and proclaimed that they would become the supreme god. Matteo wondered if he was still dreaming. In the background, a familiar voice harshly alleged that things have changed with their brother's death. Afterwards, he heard a menacing growl. Suddenly, everything was consumed by black flames. Matteo exclaimed. He could not move or do anything. All he could do was watch. 

In the next moment, Matteo was jolted awake. He gasped for air and screamed. Matteo was sweating and his face was pale. He began to cry. Then, Matteo sat up and noticed Stark. Stark paced around the field while calling for their parents. He wondered where they were. The house was gone, too. Matteo crawled towards Hafen. He was going to wake him up, but he already was. Hafen laid on the floor staring towards the sky. Matteo looked down on him and whimpered his name. Hafen glanced at Matteo. As one of Matteo's tears fell on his forehead, he asked if he saw it, too. Matteo asked him to clarify. Hafen questioned if he had the same nightmare. At the same time, Stark realized his brothers were awake. He walked towards them and called out to them. Stark waved but stopped when he noticed Matteo was crying. He suggested that they help him look for their parents. Stark muttered that he found a headband that resembled Adelia's. Hafen sat up. He questioned if he did not see it. Stark wondered what he meant. Hafen elaborated that their house burned down. He continued that the two strangers killed their parents. Hafen stated that he and Matteo had a strange dream. At that moment, Stark remembered the complete nightmare. Stark looked at his brothers and cried. He exclaimed that he could not believe that the nightmare was true. Matteo nodded and cried, as well. Stark fell on his knees and punched the ground. Stark gritted his teeth and cursed the world. He looked at the headband in his hand. Stark clutched the headband and realized that it was the only thing left from his mom. He was devastated. His mother was dead. His father was dead. The three brothers sat and mourned. Matteo was hugging his legs and crying. Hafen was staring at the ground. Stark put the headband on and wiped his tears. He mustered that they must find the culprits. They could not forgive those strangers. Stark stood up and declared that they would get revenge. Matteo was scared and wondered what he meant. Hafen agreed. He remarked that it would be justice. Hafen continued that he was certain that the dream was not just a dream. Matteo questioned what he meant. Hafen elaborated that it was more like a vision. Matteo was intrigued. Hafen explained that they were shown something that they shouldn't be able to see. He continued that they had to avenge their parents. Stark asserted that they would have to go to the outside world to find the bad guys. Matteo remarked that they also had to get stronger. At the end, they concluded that they weren't ready, yet. The three brothers looked towards the sky. It was a clear blue day. The trees rustled, and the wind blew. Their home was no more, and their parents were dead. Stark sighed and knew that they had to leave the forest to move forward. They had to go to the outside world.

The Fisher Family, once a happy family, was extinguished of their peace. The three young brothers were orphans once again. They must cling to each other and their own strength. This is the cruel and cold reality of the world. How fast things could change and how nothing was promised. Now, the three brothers saw it, firsthand, and sought to face the future with their own hands.

In the distance, Pepe approached them. He had a bandage wrapped around his body. The bandage was covering the wounds on his chest. Their conversation had stopped as Pepe reached them from the trail. Pepe had his usual bear clothing. He was also carrying three bags. He handed each one of the trio a bag and explained that they were potatoes that he brought from The Orphanage. Hafen grabbed his bag and was confused as to why the bag was light. He felt the bag and remarked that it felt empty. Pepe was worried. He admitted that he got hungry on his way there and ate some of it. Stark opened his bag and pulled out a bitten, little piece of potato. With a look of disappointment, he turned the bag upside down. Then, Stark shook it and nothing else fell out. He turned towards Pepe and glared. Stark angrily interrogated what kind of prank he was pulling. Pepe nervously apologized that he had a lot on his mind and got carried away. Hafen chuckled. Stark glanced at Hafen. He muttered that an apology was not enough. Pepe nervously laughed and scratched the back of his head. He commented that he was hungry and couldn't help himself to two bags full of potatoes. Hafen stopped chuckling and became serious. He inquired what he meant by two bags. Pepe, still scratching the back of his head, revealed that he also ate from his bag. Hafen quickly opened his bag and looked inside. His eyes widened. He glared at Pepe and muttered that he left him none. Pepe was embarrassed and apologized. He offered to grab some more. He blinked and wondered why they were so upset. Stark and Hafen simultaneously expressed that he took the only food that they had. Their parents were gone, and their home was burned down. They had nothing, and they needed food. Hafen clenched his fist and gritted his teeth. Pepe apologized and stepped back as they menacingly approached him. Suddenly, there was a sound of a potato being eaten. Hafen and Stark turned around. They saw Matteo happily munching his potatoes. Stark questioned him if he had some. Matteo, mouth full, replied that his bag was full. Matteo smiled and reminded them that Pepe was just hungry and that it was not his fault. He continued that he understood his predicament and that the potatoes were tasty. Pepe sighed and muttered that Matteo was a lifesaver. He thanked him. Stark and Hafen were dumbfounded. Matteo smiled and chewed. Stark was frustrated and remarked that they were starving. Matteo finished his potato and grabbed another one. Matteo questioned if they wanted a bite. Stark was stunned and threateningly asked if he would share. Matteo nodded. Hafen and Stark, hesitant, turned towards each other. They accepted his offer. Hafen and Stark approached him. Pepe was astonished, as well. Matteo shrugged and offered his potato to his brothers. At the last second, Matteo ate the potato in front of them. He hugged his bag full of potatoes while munching the potato in his mouth. Hafen and Stark were furious. They questioned why he ate the potato. Matteo muttered that he changed his ming, and the potatoes were his. He grabbed another potato and ate it. Matteo stated that he did not mind sharing, but they would definitely eat it all. The three brothers argued. Pepe sighed. Due to similar past experiences, he knew what would happen next. He stood there, watching them fight over potatoes. 

Hafen lunged towards Matteo and yelled that he was not supposed to do that. Hafen and Matteo rolled around the ground. As the two wrestled, Stark was trying to pry Matteo's bag off of him. As Stark was grabbing the bag, he tripped and landed on his face. Matteo stood up with his bag of potatoes. He ran deep into the forest. Stark demanded him to come back. Hafen and Stark chased Matteo through the forest. Matteo was laughing as his brothers chased him. Hafen and Stark were determined to steal his potatoes. Matteo was faster than them, so they never reached him. Pepe sighed and followed the trio. He dashed towards Matteo. Pepe passed Hafen and Stark. He reached Matteo and grabbed his wrist. Matteo stopped. He remarked that the potatoes were his. Matteo pleaded with Pepe to let go. Hafen and Stark caught up. Pepe ordered them to stop fighting. Stark, panting, demanded Matteo to share his potatoes. Hafen was exhausted and sat down. Pepe stretched his arm out with his hand open towards Hafen and Stark and asserted that there were more potatoes at The Orphanage. The trio stopped fighting and looked at him. They were curious and surprised. Pepe elaborated that they could join the orphans and live there. Stark wondered if he was serious. Pepe nodded. Hafen crossed his arms and wondered if Pepe was trying to get them to go back to The Orphanage. He continued that he hated the place. Hafen remembered how everyone in The Orphanage considered each other siblings as they were cared for by one person, Linda. Even so, their lives were full of suffering for survival when they lived there. Hafen reminisced how they starved with no shelter. Pepe assured him that The Orphanage was renovated. They had a new place to stay, now. The trio was intrigued. Pepe commented that it had been a while since they had seen the three of them. Since they had nowhere to go, the three brothers agreed. They walked on the trail, through the forest. 

They headed to The Orphanage. On the way, Stark solemnly wondered if there was a way to bring their parents back. Hafen sighed and muttered that he wished there was. Stark looked up and asserted that they would find a way. Matteo spat out a potato from his mouth. As he picked up the potato, he questioned how. Stark stated that they would go to the outside world. Hafen scoffed that he was being ridiculous. He reminded him about the danger that lurked beyond the forest. Pepe, behind them, listened to their conversation. Stark declared that afterwards, they would travel the outside world with their parents. Matteo wondered if there was a way to revive their parents. Hafen remarked that Stark had a point, though. He elaborated that even though it was dangerous, the outside world would hold some sort of clue or answer about the cloaked figures. Hafen stared at the sky and explained that the black fire was not normal. He continued that the house was burned into nothing. No ash or evidence of it ever existing. Matteo wondered what mysteries the outside world held. The three brothers agreed that their goal was to confront and defeat the cloaked figures. The cloaked figures were the bad guys. In the meantime, Pepe was deep in thought. He wondered how far their resolve went. He did not want them to be involved in the problems of the outside world. Still, he vowed to pave a path for the trio. At that moment, Pepe told the brothers that they were close. He urged them to hurry up. The brothers quickened their pace. 

It was noon, and the trail led to a large house. Pepe smiled that it was The Orphanage. Matteo thought it would be more of a wreck. Pepe remarked that they repaired it. He asserted that his mom, Linda, said that someone named Stribora gave them the materials. Stark commented that Henry told him that Stribora also funded the new school. Hafen, curious, questioned if Pepe knew who Stribora was. Pepe shook his head and stated that he had no clue, either. He continued that without Stribora, they wouldn't be able to study. He added that they wouldn't even have a home. As they reached the renovated house's patio, Hafen commented that they used to sleep outside when they lived there. Stark reminisced that they would huddle to stay warm during the winter. In front of The Orphanage, they stood in awe. The Orphanage was the size of a mansion. A large sign read: "The Orphanage." The building was white, and the roof was red. There were two floors and multiple windows. It had a garden. The Orphanage had a front door, and a trail led to a side door. Hafen was astonished. He questioned how Linda and Stribora managed to afford this. Pepe grabbed the front door and urged them to enter. Stark, hesitant, was surprised by the change and improvements in livelihood. Matteo was ecstatic. The inside of the house was also renovated. It was very clean and modern. There were stairs and a chandelier. There was a hallway that led to other rooms. Pepe, standing by the front door, asked them to follow him. 

As the trio stepped inside, their eyes widened. There were a bunch of kids, babies, and small monsters running around with toys and games. Linda was serving delicious looking food that intrigued the trio. Matteo sniffed and drooled. Linda turned and noticed them. She was surprised, and she smiled. Linda was a woman with a kind smile. She muttered that they have grown up. Her hair barely touched her shoulders. It was a combination of green and red. Her eyes were blue, and she had pointy ears. She wore a loose, green dress and a thin red robe. Stark commented that the place looked like fun. The kids, babies, and small monsters slowly glanced at the door. They exclaimed that Pepe was back. The orphans jumped at Pepe and tackled him. Pepe fell to the ground. He, embarrassed, tried to pry the kids off of him. Linda told the kids and small monsters to calm down. The kids and small monsters stopped and noticed the trio. Hafen stood, still trying to process the drastic change. A small snake monster slithered towards them. It hissed and introduced itself as Snaky. Stark was not sure how to react and backed away. He questioned how a snake could talk. Matteo waved and inspected the snake. Hafen wondered why they were taking care of monsters. Pepe reassured them and revealed that they were like a family. He continued that Snaky was born from an abandoned egg. Snaky slithered around the brothers and observed them. He questioned who they were. Pinned to the ground, Pepe introduced the three brothers to them as their brothers who were adopted by Henry and Adelia. Suddenly, two toddlers, on top of Pepe, poked their heads out of the pile. One was a male and the other one was a female. With gleam in their eyes, they celebrated that they had more big brothers. The trio was startled. Pepe introduced the two toddlers as his real little brother and sister. The male toddler made a gallant pose and introduced himself as Pepo. The female toddler made a heroic pose and introduced herself as Pepi. Matteo commented that he remembered them from when they were babies. Pepo asserted that they have grown. Pepi and Pepo offered to play with Stark and Matteo. Stark and Matteo accepted their offer. The two toddlers jumped off the pile and dragged the two brothers away. They played for a while. 

Meanwhile, Hafen, not accustomed to the new environment, remained lonesome and read a book. He was immersed in a book from the shelves. It was titled: "Ghost Girl." The story was about a ghost that was once a human girl and had supernatural powers. Her close friends were killed by the gods of the world. She vowed revenge against the gods. The girl had a dark, ominous aura surrounding her. The author was unknown. Hafen was intrigued by the story ever since Adelia read it to him. As he was reading, Linda announced that it was time for dinner. The kids and monsters excitedly cheered and ran to the table. At the dining room, there was a long table and many chairs. On the table, there was a large plate of rice and a giant bowl of soup. Stark and Matteo, sitting beside the kids, were drooling and hungry. Hafen sat across from Stark and Matteo. During dinner, Linda served rice and soup that she made for the kids while carrying a baby drinking a special liquid. Everyone was eating and enjoying their food. Pepe was the first one to finish. He licked his bowl and wanted more. Matteo finished his soup, and then, he started eating his rice. Curious, Stark asked Linda what the baby was drinking. She smiled and stated that it was cola. Matteo exclaimed that it sounded tasty. Linda replied that she could make some for them. She explained that it was her baby's only desired diet, and she introduced the baby by the name of Joey. Hafen wondered if she was not feeding it milk. Linda revealed that the baby was a special case and could not drink anything else. Being told what happened by Pepe, she also commented that it was a shame to see the adopted brothers again. As Stark took a bite of his food, he remembered the events that transpired the previous night and teared up. Stark solemnly stated that he missed them. Matteo lamented that they now felt alone in the world. Linda comforted them that she would be there if they needed anything. She continued that the brothers could stay at The Orphanage for the time being. The brothers accepted her help. Pepe commented that she looked sick and asked Linda if she was fine. Surprised by the comment, Linda softly replied that she was fine. On the other hand, she thought to herself that she had not slept well in a while. The last few nights were full of nightmares. After a while, Pepe stood up and asserted that he was done eating and that he would head out. Hafen wondered why he was leaving. Pepe replied that it was a secret. Snaky remarked that Pepe always left at this hour and never returned until the next day. Stark questioned him where he was going. Pepe, nervous, stated that he had something important to do. He added that he could not tell them. Pepe, in the distance, waved and remarked that he would return in the morning. The three brothers stared at the door. 

Later, Hafen read a book in a corner. Snaky had the courage to approach him. Hafen asked Snaky what he wanted from him. Snaky questioned Hafen if he was fine. Hafen claimed that he was. A few seconds later, Hafen asked Snaky how Linda accomplished such a feat like The Orphanage. Snaky stated that Linda started a fun business with the orphans with the funds. He continued that because of the high number of people moving into the forest, the business was profitable. Snaky was surprised when he realized that the book Hafen was reading was an advanced textbook. He questioned Hafen if he knew how to read. Hafen uttered he learned how to read when he was a baby. He continued that Adelia used to read them stories. Impressed, Snaky asked if Hafen could teach him. Hafen obliged and showed Snaky the textbook. Other orphans were intrigued. A few minutes later, Hafen was teaching all the orphans how to read. The orphans were amazed by Hafen's intelligence. Linda announced that school would be canceled until the funeral for Henry and Adelia. All the orphans and the trio were stunned. Stark wondered if he heard correctly. Linda affirmed that there would be a funeral service for Henry and Adelia. 

At the funeral, The Orphanage and other people, living in the forest, gathered for the funeral. Many people attended. Afterwards, the three brothers were outside. It was getting dark, and the lights in the sky shined. As they stared into the sky, the brothers wondered how they were going to avenge their parents. Matteo remarked that it was dangerous outside the forest. The three brothers vowed that their goal going forward was to confront the two strangers once they were prepared. They glanced down at a monument. The monument had their parents' names and birth dates carved into it. On top of the monument, there was a carving of a flower. It was the grave of their parents. Hafen, Stark, and Matteo mourned and missed their parents. Pepe walked towards them. He apologized for missing the funeral. He stood next to them and asserted that he had some urgent matters to attend to. The three brothers looked at him. Pepe, covered in bandages, looked back at them. He was injured all over. The three brothers questioned him if he was okay. Pepe sighed and revealed that he got into a fight. He assured them not to worry about him. Matteo inquired about Pepe's work. Pepe did not answer. Instead, he declared that he would help them get stronger and become powerful. The trio wondered why. Pepe solemnly looked at the sky and muttered that he did not want to lose any more friends. The three brothers and Pepe looked at the grave of their parents. Pepe clenched his fists. One day, the three brothers would surpass him and avenge Henry, Adelia, his own father, and everyone else harmed by the cloaked figures. At the entrance of The Sacred Forest, a person was walking on the trail. The person was wearing a cloak with a hood. 

A week after the fire, the brothers and Pepe went to school. On the first day, the teacher, Ms. Lily, introduced herself. She was a young woman with her hair in a bun. Ms. Lily wore sunglasses, and she had a playful face. She welcomed the students. Ms. Lily gave gratitude to Linda and General Bobby because without their funds, there would be no school. Ms. Lily began the lesson. Pepe and the trio were seated in the back. The three brothers recognized some of the kids from when they played in the forest. However, they did not see the powerful girl. The kids would stare and talk about the brothers. They had heard of the grim news. During class, one of them bullied Matteo. As Matteo teared up, Hafen grabbed his desk and almost stood up. Pepe put his hand on his shoulder and reminded him to stay calm. As the kid was laughing at Matteo, Stark stood up and kicked his chair. The kid fell. Pepe sighed. The kid's hair was slicked back. His hair on top was black, and his hair on the sides were silver. The teacher was surprised. She wondered what was going on. Ms. Lily saw the kid on the ground. She sternly questioned if they were fighting. The kid glared at Stark. He questioned who he thought he was. Stark warned that if he messed with his brother, then, he would kill him. The kid, shocked, stood up. He, furious, lunged at Stark. Stark stepped out of the way. The kid crashed onto the table. He growled, and a brawl ensued. Ms. Lily and Pepe struggled to stop their fighting. Hafen showed off his intelligence when he ended up teaching the rest of the class. The other kids were shocked. Afterwards, the bully was embarrassed and upset. He wondered if they were thinking little of him. He reminded that he was the son of Flint. Meanwhile, Pepe gave Ms. Lily an apple as a gift. Ms. Lily, delighted, accepted the gift. Stark asked Ms. Lily about the outside world. Ms. Lily claimed that the outside world was ravaged by war and dangerous creatures. She explained that humans were trapped in cities as monsters roamed the land. Ms. Lily elaborated that the world was cruel and unforgiving. She urged them to stay in the forest where it was safe. The three brothers seemed disappointed. Stark questioned if the outside world was beautiful. Ms. Lily answered that it was not and only soldiers and traveling merchants could traverse the horrifying area. Stark, Hafen, and Matteo looked at each other. Ms. Lily continued that there was currently a zombie apocalypse in their country known as Stribora. Pepe and the three brothers were shocked. They thought Stribora was a person. Ms. Lily continued that the zombie outbreak was a recent issue. Intrigued, Matteo asked Ms. Lily what a zombie was. Ms. Lily explained that zombies were a new species of monsters that were at war with the humans. She continued that if a human was bitten by them, they could become a zombie, undead. Hafen asked if the zombies would invade the forest. Ms. Lily laughed that the zombies would never attack The Sacred Forest. Hafen interrogated how she could be sure. Ms. Lily explained that even with The Guild gone, the humans in The Sacred Forest have been safe from the major problems of the outside world. She continued that the forest was protected by a strange magic. It was a holy place where people were able to live in peace. Suddenly, the school alarms went off. The students grew worried. Ms. Lily soothed them. She reassured the students that everything would be alright. A student, at the window, gasped and pointed outside. Ms. Lily, and the other students, approached the windows. Pepe and the trio watched, as well. The brothers and Pepe saw a cloaked figure approaching the school. They recognized the symbol on its cloak. It was the Exalted One. There were students crying. Ms. Lily shushed the students. She demanded them to hide under their desks. The students complied. The three brothers wondered if the Exalted One came for them. Pepe, furious, stated that they should take the opportunity to get some payback. The Exalted One asserted that they gathered the next generation of special individuals into one room. He continued that it was very convenient. Ms. Lily stood by the window. She questioned who he was. The Exalted One chuckled and proclaimed that they were the harbingers of death. Just then, a zombie broke through the door and lunged at Hafen. Ms. Lily tackled the zombie into the ground. The zombie and Ms. Lily tumbled across the floor. The students, hiding under the desks, screamed and were horrified. Ms. Lily struggled to hold off the zombie as it chomped at her. The zombie bit Ms. Lily's shoulder and broke her arm. Ms. Lily yelled. Pepe reached his hand inside his bag. Inside his bag, there was a pistol. As the zombie chewed on the teacher's neck, Pepe shot the zombie in the head with the gun. Blood splattered everywhere. As the zombie stopped, the students panicked and ran out. Ms. Lily groaned and stood back up. Her skin turned pale. Ms. Lily, in the corner, slowly staggered towards them. She was now a zombie, and she lunged at Pepe. He gritted his teeth. Seeing no other choice, Pepe kicked the teacher in the head, and her head was sent flying through a window. They noticed that The Exalted One was gone. 

The brothers were shocked. Stark questioned if she was really dead. Ms. Lily's body was limp on the ground. Pepe felt horrible. He, trembling, muttered that they needed to leave. As more zombies dashed through the hallway, Pepe turned to the surprised brothers and insisted that they follow him. The four of them dashed away from school after jumping through the window. Students and teachers were running out of the building. Zombies chased after them. Some of them were eaten, and others were infected and became a zombie. Stark asked Pepe what was going on. Pepe explained that the zombies were bad guys even if they were once human, and that they have infiltrated the forest. Matteo, confused, remarked that he didn't expect school to be like this. Hafen replied that this went further than school life, and he asked Pepe about the pistol. Pepe explained that he was warned before school, and that he hid the pistol in his bag in case any zombies appeared. He led the three brothers into the forest and away from the chaos. As they ran away, Gary stopped and insisted that they needed to help the others, too. Pepe alleged that they were not strong enough. Hafen asked Pepe where he was leading them to. Pepe answered that they were going to his master, Old Man Blacksmith. The three brothers wondered who Old Man Blacksmith was.