The sun was long gone, and the land was only lit by the moonlight. It was bright tonight; there was a full moon. Most of the villiagers were hidden away, their doors locked tightly. Everyone knew that the full moon meant bad things. The Baccian King sent soliders of his to collect payment from local villages for protection. If a village didn't pay, the king would take people and kill them. He'd also never protect the villages again, and allow them to be attacked.
'Mitch, get in. They're coming soon." Mrs. Hughes called to her teenage son. Mitch nodded and headed inside. He knew that the village did not have enough money to pay the king. They didn't make enough money, and even if everyone in the village pulled all the money they had together, they still wouldn't have enough.
locked the door behind his son. Recently, he made a few more locks for the door. With the upcoming full moon, he didn't want anything bad to happen to him or his family.
"Did you eat? Are you hungry?" He asked Mitch, fearing that this could be his last even meal. Mitch only shook his head and started toward his bedroom. He was tired, and really didn't feel like worrying about the stupid Baccas. It didn't take him long to fall into a deep peaceful sleep.
Screams filled the small village. Mitch rolled over on his bed, his pillow pressed tightly against his ear. The Baccas were here, demanding their payment which was non-existant. Someone was pounding on their front door, but Mitch refused to get up just yet.
"Everyone out of the house, now." They mysterious person demanded, talking to either Mr. or Mrs. Hughes. Soon, Mitch's door opened, and his mother told him that he has to get up. She left to go get his younger brother and sister. Reluctantly, Mitch pushed his warm blankets off and got off the comfortable mattress. He followed his family out into the street, where the rest of the village stood in fear. After all the houses were cleared, the two Baccian soldiers who were in charge got the attention of everyone.
"For failing to make this moon's payment, you will all be punished. I will first make it clear that this village will be burned to the ground." Gasps from villagers filled the air. " That will teach you all to make a deal with the Baccian King and not pay him." He paused and paced back and forth, his fur slighty blowing in the wind. Mitch wrapped his arms around himself, being in only a t-shirt and sweatpants.
Damn it's cold. And now I won't have a house to go back to, to warm up. This fucking sucks. he thought. He stared at the Baccas, his eyes full of hatred. He watched as one of them lit the village elder's house, the man who was in charge of everything.
It's his damn fault this is happening. Mitch changed his stares to the emotionless adult, who watched his house burn to the ground. The fire quickly spred throughout the village. Mrs. Hughes clung to her husband as she sobbed, watching their house catch fire.
"The King's son's birthday is coming soon. A present has been requested. All teenage boys aged 14-18, step forward." Slowly, the teenage boys step forward. Mitch took one last glance at his parents before moving up. He stood next to Adam, a boy he'd known for a while. Adam was 18, and had, sadly, made the cut. The soliders began going through every teen, and making sure no one was staying behind.
"What do you think the Prince wants with a bunch of boys?" Adam asked, staring off into the distance. Mitch only shrugged, not knowing the answer either. Most normal presents include money, maybe a new weapon. Not a human. But, since they're Baccas, Mitch assumed it was their way of life.
"Most of you simply won't do." One of the soldiers said, shaking his head.
"Right," Another one said.
One of the main soldiers began pointing at a few boys. Lastly, his furry finger landed on Mitch.
"You'll be coming with us," He stated dryly. "Consider yourselves lucky..."
"Lucky? We're being taken from our families to be toys for some animal! This is fucking ridiculous!" Adam snapped, being on of the ones picked. The Bacca turned around, staring at Adam. In a swift motion, he slapped the teen, hard, across his face.
No one said anything.
The few teens that were picked were taken to the Baccian Palace. Right away, they were put into different cells in the dungeon without food or water. There was a fifteen year old named Ty, a 16 year old named Preston, a 17 year old named Rob, a 16 year old named Mat, Adam, and Mitch.
They'd known each other, though they didn't all talk. Preston, Rob, and Mat were really close with Mitch. Adam and Ty were best friends. Mitch and Adam sometimes talked, but they were merely acquaintances.
"Well this sucks," Mat sighed. Small nods and noises made agreement.
"I wonder what they'll do to us." Preston mumbled. Just then, a guard walked into the dungeon and told them to be quiet. They all shut their mouths.
It didn't take long for them to fall back asleep. Even though they were laying on hard rock, It would have to do.
Three days the six teens spent down in the dungeon. They were fed very little, and all were hungry. It was the day of the Prince's birthday. All of them were brought above ground. There, they were brought in front of the royal family, the King, Queen, and Prince.
"Happy birthday, son. Pick which one you want." The King motioned toward the humans.
"A pet human, huh?" The Prince walked over to the teens, inspecting each one. "I want that one. Keep the rest locked up. I may need one if this one doesn't suit me." He pointed at Mitch. In seconds, the other teens were taken away and Mitch was left in the presence of the royals.
"Hello, my pet." The Prince greeted. He lifted Mitch's face so that they were looking eye and eye. Mitch stayed silent.
How had I ended up in this mess? He wondered.
"Thank you for the gift, father. If you don't mind, I'm going to play with him." The Prince smiled coyly at Mitch. The King nodded, and the Prince dragged Mitch off.
