Masked Wasteland

Ch 1. Forrest Giovanni

Date: January 19th

Time: 11:31 PM

Location: Meteorite Express train station

Silence was in the air of a cold, dark, and foggy night. The fog was so thick that driving in it would prove difficult. And it just so happens that a single Honda Pilot was driving through the parking lot of the Meteorite Express. The car was driving by slowly trying to be careful in the thick fog. He eventually found a good parking space and settled right then and there. When the driver shut the car down, he got out and revealed himself to the world that he was a male ursaring in his late thirties. He stood at a good tall height of 6'3 with a well built body. You could tell this ursaring was a bit muscular even with all the thick warm clothing on. His black eyes stared at the building of the station after getting out.

"Whew, we made good timing." The ursaring said quietly with a sigh of relief. His own breath was visible in the cold winter night. He took out a duffel bag and hung the strap around his torso and closed the door behind him. He then walked to the other side of the car and opened the passenger side door.

"Hey, we are here. You ready to go?"

An individual stepped out of the car with a backpack on. This individual had his whole body covered from head to toe in his clothes. He had a denim and fleece jacket on with the hood up to prevent anyone from seeing his face. He also wore black gloves that covered his hands. His jeans covered his legs completely along with the white and black tennis shoes. A red scarf was wrapped around his neck and covering the bottom half of his face. You could see this individual's covered chin even with the hood on. You could not tell what this individual looked like with all of his layers on.

You could tell this person had a lean built to his body. He also stood at a fairly good height of 5'11. You just couldn't tell what he looks like.

"Alright then," the ursaring said a little nervously. "Shall we be off?"

The hooded figure responded by slowly walking toward the train station. The ursaring made his way toward the train station as well. He was just a few feet ahead of the hooded figure. Ursaring checked over his shoulder every few minutes to check on the hooded figure. They kept on walking until they made their way to the ticket booth. At the booth, a middle aged rundown greeted them in a tired voice.

"How's it going?" The rhydon asked.

"Everything's fine." The ursaring said. "I need two tickets for a one way."

"No problem. May I get your guy's names?"

"I'm Brian Woods. And this is Forrest Giovanni"

The rhydon did a few preparations and printed out two tickets to give to the ursaring named Brian and the hooded figure named Forrest. The rhydon gave Brian the first ticket.

"Thank you." Said Brian after getting his ticket. The rhydon gave Forrest the second ticket.

"…"

Forrest did not say a word as he took his own ticket and walked away to the train. The rhydon had a look of disgust at Forrest's rudeness. Brian sighed in sadness as Forrest walked away. He then walked toward Forrest and quickly caught up to him. The duo slowly walked together in silence towards their train.

"Hey,… you doing okay Forrest?" Brian asked.

"…"

Forrest remained silent.

"Don't worry. We are almost there." Brian gave Forrest a comforting pat on the shoulder and grin.

The two then arrived at the train they were supposed to go one. They gave their tickets to another rhydon who looked younger and boarded the train. The inside of the train had very little passengers inside. There were dozens of seats empty which made it easy to find a seat to sit in. They miraculously got an entire passenger car to themselves. Brian and Forrest both sat down together in the passenger car. As soon as they sat down, a voice through the intercom was heard saying the train is now leaving. Brian looked at his watch which said 12:00 AM.

"Here we go." Brian said nervously. He then felt the train start moving signifying its leave from the station towards its next destination. Brian saw Forrest looking out the window watching the world outside him pass by him faster and faster as the train sped up.

"If I remember correctly, we should arrive at our destination by 6:00 AM. So we have time to get some sleep before we arrive." Said Brian trying to break the silence between him and Forrest.

"…" Forrest remained silent.

"… Forrest," Brian began. He was having trouble finding the right words to say to the one next to him. He had a slight look of sadness on his face. A lump in this throat was almost preventing him from speaking. "… Thing will get better for you. I promise."

Brian did not get a response from the hooded Forrest next to him. He then gave out a quiet sigh and adjusted himself a bit in his seat to get in a comfortable position so he could sleep. He gave one last glance at Forrest looking about the window before slowly closing his eyes and falling asleep.

The next morning: January 20th

Time: 5:50 AM

"Hey, Forrest, wake up."

Brian gently shook Forrest's shoulder trying to wake up the sleeping individual right next to him. Brian could tell Forrest was waking up because Forrest's limp body was slowly becoming animated. Brian did not have to look into his eyes to see he's awake. Forrest slowly stood up to see out the window that dawn was getting close to arriving.

"The intercom woke me up saying we are almost to our destination. You ready?"

"…"

Forrest was still silent to Brian's questions. Brian could not tell what Forrest was thinking. Brian on the other hand was feeling a little nervous. He didn't show it, but he was having an uneasy feeling in his stomach. It was not easy for Brian to ignore his uneasiness even though it was small. He was so focused on it that he almost didn't feel the train come to a complete stop.

"Well,… here we are. You ready to go?"

Forrest responded by getting up from his seat before Brian. Brian got up from his own seat and picked up the duffel bag he was carrying last night. He and Forrest made their way out of the train and exited the train station to be greeted by a town that is foreign to them.

"Welcome to the town of Burn. This is place is nice just like people say it is. I bet it's even better when the sun rises." Brian said to Forrest. Brian then took out a folded piece of paper from his pocket and unfolded it. The paper had written directions to a specific location in the town they are in.

"Let's go."

Brian and Forrest began their journey to their destination by walking on foot through the town. Along the way, they got to see many shops, buildings, landmarks, and parks of Eiyu town. Brian had to ask for help from town residents a couple times to get proper directions. This was the first time he's been in the town of Burn. He didn't see many taxis in the streets so he couldn't call for a ride. Forrest stayed silent the whole time and stared blankly into space whenever Brian asked for directions from others. Forrest did not really pay attention to his surroundings while he was walking either. He just followed Brian to where they had to go.

Finally after walking for an hour and a half, Brian and Forrest found their destination. They arrived at a large three story house with a nice front yard that had a plum tree. They arrived at the house at 7:34 AM.

"They are all most likely still sleeping." Brian said to Forrest. Despite saying that, Brian went up to the front door anyway. Forrest closely followed Brian. When Brian got to the front door, he knocked on it a few times instead of ringing the doorbell. The two the waited for a response.

"You still feeling Okay?" Brian asked Forrest

"…"

Forrest remained silent still. Brian gave out a quiet sigh and knocked on the door once again. This time, Brian heard light footsteps coming towards the front door. The door was then opened revealing a tired Mightyena. This Mightyena looked fairly young. He looked around the ages 18 and 19. The Mightyena looked at the duo with sleepy ruby colored eyes as he adjusted his shoulder length black hair. His height was 5'11 the same as Forrest.

"May I help you two?" The Mightyena asked in a tired voice.

"My apologies for coming so early in the morning, but by any chance does a man named Patrick North live here?" Brian asked.

"… Yes, he does live here. He's my father." Brian could tell the Mightyena was a little hesitant in answering the question honestly. But he was at least relieved he found the right house.

"Could you please bring Patrick down here. If he's asleep, wake him up right away. Tell him I need to ask him something important."

"… Wait here."

The Mightyena closed the door and left Brian and Forrest outside. The two didn't have to wait too long because Brian already heard a pair of foot steps come to the front door. This time, an Absol in his early forties opened the door. He stood tall at 6'1, was slim, had short white hair, dark brown eyes, and a single black horn on the side of his head. But that was normal for an Absol.

"What can I do for you two sirs? A bit early to be knocking on strangers doors don't you think?" The Absol said to Brian and Forrest in a low voice. Brian gave out a light chuckle and grin as a response to the Absol.

"Am I really that unrecognizable after all these years Patrick?" Brian said with a chuckle. Patrick had a confused look on his face. "Time really does fly Pat. It's been two decades. I can't blame you for not recognizing me."

Patrick's eyes went wide when his mind put two and two together.

"Brian Woods?" Patrick muttered in question.

"The one and only." Brian said with a smile.

Inside The House

"Last time I saw you I was graduating from University." Patrick said to Brian. The two were together in the kitchen with Patrick making coffee for them. Forrest was currently not with them. He was in the living room sitting on the couch by himself.

"You left for basic training for the military the next morning after my graduation at university. You were a fresh graduate from high school ready to take on the world. You joined the marines if I'm correct."

"Yep." Brian said proudly. "Been a part of the marines for twenty years now."

"How old are you Brian?" Patrick asked. He gave Brian his coffee after he asked that question.

"I'm 38 right now. I'll be 39 this May. What about you Pat?"

"I'm 42 years of age." Patrick then gave out a quiet laugh. "It's weird, 20 years have gone by since I last saw you. Our only means of communication were through letters. It's hard to believe, but here you are in my kitchen having coffee with me."

"It's good to see you to Pat. It really has been too long. I see you have a son. He looks like a good kid."

"His name is Nikki. He's a senior in high school right now. I actually have 5 kids. Three sons and two daughters." Brian was amazed to learn that Patrick has 5 kids. "Who's the hooded one who accompanied you here? Is he your kid?"

Brian's smile quickly faded when Forrest was brought into the conversation. He got a little nervous while he spoke.

"He's… he's the reason why I'm here." Patrick quickly took notice of Brian's change in tone.

"What do you mean Brian?"

Meanwhile with Forrest

Forrest was sitting along on a leather couch in the living room by the front door. He was told by Brian to sit there until he received further instructions. Forrest just sat in silence the whole time he entered the house. He gazed outside the window watching the outside world in front of him.

"Hello, who are you?"

Forrest adjusted his head to his right to see a female Zangoose who looked very young. She looked no older than around 13 years of age. She had cinnamon brown eyes staring at Forrest's hooded figure. Her long white hair trailed down to her shoulder blades and was fairly thick. She stood at a height of 5'3

"…" Forrest stayed quiet to the young Zangoose' question.

"We're you the one who came inside?"

The little Zangoose walked closer to Forrest with a look of curiosity in her eyes.

"My name is Kili. What's yours?"

"…"

The little Zangoose named Kili walked up to right in front of Forrest and sat down right next to him.

"I've never seen you before. Are you new here?"

"…"

"If you are new here, then you'll have lots of fun. There is so much to do in so little time. Even someone as young as me has a bucket list."

"…"

"Can you see well from under that hood? It seems like it would be dark wherever you go. Why do you have a hood up when it's sunny outside?"

Kili then got on her knees while still on the couch and put her hands on Forrest's hood and removed it to get a good look at Forrest's face.

Brian and Patrick

"Do you remember back when I was back in high school, two Arcanine's we hung out with named River Giovanni and Amy Rodgers?" Brian asked.

"… Yeah, I remember them. River had an amazing gift to play music. He could play guitar, drums, piano, anything that was given to him. He had a smile that could brighten up the room no matter where he went. Amy was a science whiz who wanted to become a doctor and help those around her. Unlike usual Arcanine, she had blue fur and Ice powers. Be she had one of the warmest hearts anyone could possibly have." Patrick said with a chuckle. "I haven't see those two since my graduation as well. But it's strange, they disappeared like a puff of smoke the next morning. They just… vanished without warning."

"…" Brian gave out a sad and quiet sigh before he spoke. "Well there's something you should know about them. This may surprise you. It came to a shock for me."

Patrick was intrigued to learn what's up with some old friends of his.

"What would you say if I told you River and Amy got married right after high school graduation?"

Patrick was amazed about what he just heard. This was something he did not see coming.

"You must be joking." Patrick said in disbelief. "We have known those two for years. Not once did they even attempt to make a move on each other. They even said to us they do not wish to date. Are you sure this is true?"

As soon as Patrick finished his sentence, Brian reached into his large coat pocket and pulled out a photo. Patrick looked at the photo, and his mouth slightly opened in shock. The photo was his and Brian's closest friends River and Amy together on their wedding day at age 18. Patrick saw a date on the back of the photo and sure enough just like Brian said,

"This was taken 20 years ago. This was taken right after your guy's high school graduation and right before my university graduation. I can't believe it. The proof is in my hand, yet I can't believe it." Patrick said in shock. "Were they dating and kept it secret from us?"

"Yes…" Brian muttered softly. "I had no knowledge of their marriage until recently."

"I see the picture, yet I have troubles believing it." Patrick said in surprised tone. But his look of surprise quickly turned into one of confusion."I don't get it, what does their marriage have to do with the stranger who came with you?"

"… His name Forrest Giovanni. He's River and Amy's son." Brian said to Patrick.

Patrick was once again surprised. Patrick never knew an ounce of information about his close friends after their disappearance. He was amazed. Sudden realization hit him after his surprised reaction.

"Where's River and Amy? I would love to see them again." Patrick said with excitement.

"… River and Amy passed away nearly two weeks ago." Brian said with sad look. Patrick was hit with that info like a ton of bricks. It was something he was not expecting to hear.

"Wow,… I don't know what to say."

"I was lost for words as well." Brian said with a sad sigh. "Not a day went by where I did not miss my closest friends. When I learned of their deaths, I became speechless with shock. It's a bit ironic. The first thing we learn about our friends in nearly 20 years are their deaths."

"… Does Forrest look like them?" Patrick asked with curiosity.

"He's got River's eyes and smile." Brian said with a grin. "He also has Amy's ice abilities along with River's fire."

"He must be a powerful Arcanine." Patrick said with amazement. "Fire and ice are a rare combination."

"... He's not an Arcanine Patrick." Brian said quickly.

"He isn't? What is he then?"

"He's… different." Brian was having trouble trying to find the right words to use. This just confused Patrick.

"Brian, there are over 600 different types of Pokemon species out there in the world. None of my kids are absols like me. Hell, not all of my kids are dark type. So they are all very different from me. Not even my own parents are absols and you know this. So I'm pretty sure that there's nothing wrong with the Pokemon he was born as. We are all different Pokemon."

"Well that's the thing… he is not any of the 600 something Pokemon we know of today." Brian became nervous of the future outcome.

"What are you talking about?" Patrick said intrigued. He was wanting to know what exactly is going on. Brian took a deep breath before he continued.

"Forrest is-"

"Daddy?"

Patrick nearly jumped because he was listening so intently to Brian. He looked behind him to see his daughter Kili the Zangoose in front the entrance to the kitchen.

"Kili, what are you doing up so early? It's not even 8:00 yet." Patrick said in surprise. He then quickly noticed someone standing right next to Kili. Patrick was surprised to see that this was not a Pokemon he saw.

"Forrest?" Brian called out to the individual next to Kili. "Are you doing alright?"

"…"

Forrest was silent.

Forrest finally had his hood off and his true face was revealed to the world. Brian was right about Forrest not being a Pokemon. Forrest was a human. He had thick long brown hair almost down to his shoulders, brown eyes with a green tint to them, pale skin, and a thin face to match his thin body. Patrick was amazed with what he saw.

"Kili right?" Brian said with a gentle smile. "Will do me a favor and show my friend Forrest here a little tour of the house? This is his first time around here."

"Of course." Kili said with a smile right back. "This way Forrest. You'll love the inside of here."

When Forrest and Kili left the kitchen, Patrick was having trouble with speaking. He was amazed of Forrest's looks.

"He's… Human." Patrick finally managed to mutter. "I did not think it was possible."

"It's possible." Brian said with a chuckle. His worried feeling was quickly wiped away when he saw Forrest and Kili together. "It's a one and a trillion chance, but it's possible for two Pokemon to give birth to a human."

"This is fascinating." Patrick was lightly laughing to himself as he scratched his stubble chin from not shaving yet. "I did not think I would get to see a human with my own peepers."

Brian felt a certain joy wash over him. Almost all of his pervious worries were gone.

"How old is Forrest?"

"He's 15. He had a birthday last August 24th."

"Wow, River and Amy did a fine job of raising him. He looks well."

"Patrick, I think I should finally come to the point of my visit." Brian said seriously. Patrick brought his full attention to Brian.

"I need you to be Forrest's legal guardian and let him live under your roof with you and your kids."

Patrick's mouth slightly dropped with shock.

"I know this is sudden. You were the only person I could turn to in this crisis. The death of River and Amy left Forrest with an emotional scar. He has not said a single word to me the whole time I have been with him. Forrest has had a rough life from the time he was born. His status as a human has made him have a low self-esteem of himself. He has obtained unwanted attention his whole life. It left a negative impact in his life. He deserves a home with those who can care for him. I cannot give him that luxury. My military schedule is too tight. I cannot give him the love and support River and Amy gave to Forrest. I highly doubt there are many foster parents who will want to take Forrest under their wing. I was so afraid of letting Forrest be cared by those who reject him. You are the only one I can turn to. I believed you are the only one I could turn to and possibly accept Forrest."

Patrick could see in Brian's eyes were tears threatening to be released.

"So Patrick, I'm asking for a favor that would mean the world to me. Please care for Forrest and give him the love and support he deserves. Help him grow into a fine and responsible young man."

"Brian…" Patrick began seriously. Brian got worried of the outcome.

"… You would have to be stupid to even think I will say no to favor like that." Patrick finished with a grin. Brian's eyes widened.

"Say what?" Brian said in shock.

"Of course I'll let him live here." Patrick said with calm and warm smile. "Forrest is always welcome into my home."

"…" Brian could not figure out what to say. He acknowledged Patrick by giving out a relieved smile.

"… I owe you one Pat. I truly owe you big time."

So how do you people think I did? I hope you enjoyed the first chapter. This whole series will be a complete drama series. I really do plan on doing my absolute best with creating this awesome series. I hope you people think I did a really good job writing and storytelling.

Please fav and review this story.

This is the Winter Hawk saying thanks a bunch for reading and the support is greatly appreciated.