Where Am I?

He had absolutely no idea where he was. His head hurt, and his foot was bleeding. The forest around him was dark yet beautiful, with weeping willows and lush bushes. He groaned as he tried to sit up, when suddenly he spot a backpack and a mask.

The backpack was plain and simple; brown with two pouches on the front. It looked rustic and used, with worn straps and tattered sides. The mask, on the other hand, was extraordinary. It was a felt dog mask with a mix of browns and grays. It had black, slightly see through eye holes, and a star on the dog’s forehead. He shakily reached out to grab the mask, running his hand over the soft fur.

Suddenly, it dawned on him; he had no memory. He couldn’t remember a thing, except the names of the flora and what the creature was on his mask. He flew into a panic, looking around frantically. No one was around, absolutely no one. Who brought him here? What was this place? And what was up with the mask?

His mind raced with questions, when he heard what sounded like a growl behind him. He jumped up, despite the throbbing pain in his leg and head, and scooped up the mask and backpack. He slipped on one strap over his shoulder, strapped the mask on (in hopes to scare off any animals), and ran.

He had no idea for how long he ran, but it was joyous. When he put on the mask, he had a burst of energy, and sprinted through the beautiful forest.

With this mask on, he could see more clearly. It was like all of his senses were enhanced; a feeling he had never experienced. He could smell the sweet flowers blooming on the trees, and hear the crunch of the old leaves on the dry grass underneath his feet. He had the sudden urge to run around like a dog, to play and be free—

Wait.

He stopped in his tracks, his eyes widening. When he put on this mask, he felt so amazing…almost like a dog. Oh no. He was a dog, now…at least, he had the mentality and abilities of one. It was so wonderful, but he felt like it wasn’t all going to be good.

He tried to pull of the mask, but it was useless. It was as if someone glued it to his face. In frustration, he banged on a tree, and a girl fell out of it. “Watch it!” The dark-skinned, girl hissed, rubbing her head. She had a monkey mask on, and her black hair was braided. She had ripped jeans and a torn sweater, along with a not-so fake looking fluffy tail that was curling around her arm.

“I-I’m so sorry!” He exclaimed, and his tail drooped. Wait, tail? There wasn’t a tail alongside the mask…. He spun around, and there it was. A very real-looking dog tail tucked between his legs from embarrassment. Oh my gosh.

“It’s fine.” The girl whispered, looking him over, and a cheeky grin appeared on her face. “I was watching you. You can’t take the mask off, by the way.” She said, walking circles around him.

He gave her annoyed look. “Yeah, I sort of figured that out myself…” He muttered, crossing his arms. “…what is this place? And why am I here?”

The girl shrugged. “Honestly, none of us know. We all just kind of…woke up here.” She tossed one of her braids over her shoulder, his tail swaying behind her. “I’m going to guess you can’t remember anything, either. Don’t worry, it happened to everyone.”

He nodded, but paused, tensing. “‘We…?’ There are more..?” He gulped, looking around. People could be watching him at every corner…

“Mhm. But don’t worry, they’re nice.” The girl purred, her tailed wrapping around his hand in an attempt of comfort. “Anyways, I’m Monkey. Well, that’s my name now. None of us can remember our real names. We just go by the name of the animals on our masks.” She said, looking him over. “So I’ll call you Dog. Or maybe Dee for short? I’ll think of a good nickname, I promise!” Monkey winked, grabbing Dog’s pale hand.

“Come on! I’ll show you the way to camp. The others will adore you.” Monkey giggled, dragging the hesitant boy behind her.

Through the forest she lead him, watching as he marveled at the beauty of the flora. The trees slowly changed from weeping willows too tall oak trees with beautiful orange and red leaves falling down on the two. This place is perfect… He thought silently to himself, his tail drooping. Almost too perfect. Something isn’t right.

Soon, they stopped at a hill overlooking the camp. It was surrounded by four great oaks, almost as if the camp was protected. Inside of it was a crystal pond and four large tents. There were bushes and an outdoor-ish area with herbs and flowers growing on the stone shelves of it.

“Woah…” Dog breathed, running a hand through his hair. This place was…marvelous. Monkey smirked at his awe-struck expression, and elbowed him. “Just wait until we get inside,” she grinned, before sprinting down the hill, and Dog followed suite.He listened to the sound of nature, taking in the sight.

He could hear the buzz of the lotus and the sweet song of the birds. The smell of the dry grass and the sap oozing from the oaks. Nature was reviving him, nurturing him and replenishing his senses. This camp was brimming with some kind of unspoken magic, and he loved it.

Monkey leaned against the oak as Dog caught up with her, a sly grin on her face. “I see you’ve experienced what we call, ‘Mask Linking.’ You’re really connecting to your animal powers now.”

Dog nodded, smiling shakily. “Y-yeah. It’s so cool.” Monkey nodded, walking with him as they entered the camp. “Yuh-huh. Now I’ve gotta bring you to Wolf’s tent. She’s our leader, and pretty tough. Still sweet though…” She said, her tail curling around her arm cautiously. “Just don’t mention G.”

“Who’s G—-“ Dog was cut off by a gruff looking wolf-masked girl appearing in front of him. “You. You’re new, aren’t you.” She growled, circling him. Monkey eyeballed her nervously, shifting from foot to foot. “Yup, Wolfie! I found him in the forest all alone.” She squeaked, shrinking under Wolf’s harsh gaze.

“I figured. No one has appeared with someone else before, M.” She snapped, her glossy snow-white hair shining in the sun. “We’ll have to introduce himself to the others…” Wolf growled, before noticing the blood streaming down Dog’s leg. “Monkey, go get Rabbit.” The tan-skinned girl hissed urgently.

Monkey nodded, dashing off to get fetch Rabbit. Dog just stood there awkwardly, waiting for Monkey to return with this “Rabbit” guy. Wolf glared at him, wiping dirt off her gray, tattered shirt. “How’d you get hurt already..?” She asked, raising a brow. Dog gulped, shrugging. “I don’t know. I woke up bleeding.” He whispered, looking up at the taller teen. Wolf clicked her tongue, nodding. “I see. I remember when Badger first came here, he was all banged up. Nobody knows why we come like this, but we do.”

Finally, Monkey returned with a handsome boy in a rabbit mask, his sandy blonde hair bouncing with each step. He was wearing a paramedic-like outfit, and holding a handwoven case with gauze and herbs. “This is Rabbit.” Wolf said, gesturing to the boy. “The best medic our forest has ever seen.”

Dog could’ve sworn Rabbit was blushing, with the way he fidgeted with his hands and his tail twitched as Wolf talked. Immediately he could tell the poor boy was crushing hard, but from the looks of it, Wolf just saw him as a friend.

“Let’s get you fixed up.” Rabbit squeaked, pulling out the gauze from his basket and starting too tightly wrap Dog’s foot. Dog watched him, wide-eyed, impressed by his diligence. “How did you get all these supplies? This gauze doesn’t look like something you’d just find hanging on a tree.” He joked.

Rabbit chuckled, tucking a lock of his curly hair behind his ear. “Oh, in everyone’s backpack there’s something that fits a role in the camp. Mine came with gauze, and Cat and Badger’s had daggers since their hunters, Swan had cloth since she’s the “tailor” of some sort…you get the gist.”

Dog nodded, now curious…what was in his backpack? He hadn’t checked yet. Hopefully it was an arrow or dagger so he could hunt and fight the wild animals in the forest.

“Alright.” Rabbit said, standing up. “You should be all set. If the bleeding worsens, just come to me and I’ll check, alright? I’m the third den to the left, with the herbs and flowers outside of it. Okay?” He said, patting Dog’s shoulder to make sure he understood. Dog shook his head, standing up slowly to test the pain. Thankfully, there was only a slight little pang, but other than that it felt fine. Thanks.” He whispered softly.

Rabbit gave him a small smile and a nod before walking off to his den. Dog watched him leave, before turning around only to be ambushed by Monkey. “Wolf said you can stay in my den with me and Fox!!” She giggled, wrapping an arm around his shoulder. “I can’t wait! You’ll love it! We’ll get you a sleeping quarters and then you and I can check out what’s in your bag after your Welcoming Ceremony!”

Dog chuckled weakly at her enthusiasm, before pausing. Welcoming Ceremony? What? “What’s a ‘Welcoming Ceremony?’” He asked, tilting his head at the masked girl. She laughed sheepishly, realizing her mistake. “I should’ve explained. It’s pretty simple, actually. Wolf announces your name and then you go up there with her while Gecko gives you the “Mark of the Forest.” It’s a diamond with a paw-print in the middle; pretty cool looking!” Monkey pointed to a marking on her right-arm, and it looked just as she described it; awesome.

Dog smiled, his excitement overpowering his doubt. He opened his mouth to speak, but Monkey interrupted him by grabbing his arm and pulling him towards one of the fairly large den.

She slipped through the half opened curtain and into the dimly lit tent. Around the tent were torches and wool blankets all about. The place smelt of something buttery and salty, causing Dog’s stomach to growl. He grabbed his stomach, the sudden, unbearable hunger causing him to whine. Monkey glanced over, frowning sympathetically. “It looks like the bad part of your powers are setting in.” She said, sitting down on the floor and pulling him down with her. “Don’t worry, we all went through it. Looks like your “Quirk” his hunger. For me, I had energy spurts, and I’m way more annoying than usual.” She joked, laughing as she leaned back. Dog chuckled, trying to think of something other than food. But it was infesting his thoughts, he wanted something to eat. No. He needed something to eat.

“Don’t feel too bad.” Monkey said, laying on her back and looking at him. She smiled sweetly and looked up at the ceiling. “Fox’s Quirk is much worse. He always has the urge to steal. I can never find my climbing shoes anymore!” She exclaimed, trying to make Dog feel better. He simply gave a weak chuckle, before plopping down next to her. “I know this will take some adjusting.” She said softly, turning on her side to look at him. “But this place is amazing. Everyone here is so kind, they won’t let you down.”

Dog smiled, and his hunger slowly began to melt away to the back of his mind. He was happy here, and he had a feeling this forest wasn’t as bad as he thought.