His feet had long since gone numb from bounding across the forest floor. Prickles, stones, and the like had made themselves at home, snuggling into the now sore-covered skin. Acacius didn’t have the faintest idea of where he was or where he was going; all he knew was that he had to run until he couldn’t anymore. The forest itself seemed almost identical to that of his homeland, yet the animals where so peculiar that he could have sworn that he was dreaming. Unfortunately, he wasn’t. Acacius was a mere 16 years old, running for his life in the unfamiliar land of Nocturne.

Legends tell of a landmass separate to that of all humans that was submerged and lost long ago due to a devastating tsunami. Rumours describe a beautiful land, inhabited by people who were hardly people at all. These ‘people’ were said to have skin that was as colourful as flower petals and a language so nonsensical that your head would cave in trying to understand it. These beings truly do exist, as does the land on which they live. Nocturne is a fool’s paradise. Acacius, of course, knows none of this. Speaking of which…

He wasn’t sure how much longer he could keep going, his legs were threatening to collapse at any given moment as his eyes searched frantically for a way out. Acacius noticed the back of a person – around his age – who seemed to be searching for something. Desperate, he ran up to them and immediately began begging for help.

“Please, you have to help me! I’m being chased by a crazy man!”

Shocked to hear a voice, the mysterious person spun around to face him. Acacius had expected something terrifying, but this guy looked completely normal – better than normal even. The boy looked pitifully at Acacius, holding out his hand to help. Acacius smiled as he gladly took the boy’s offer only to be met by a sudden bite. HE BIT ME?! Acacius yelped in pain as the boy ran deeper into the bushes to the point where even Acacius couldn’t see him.

Stunned, Acacius was oblivious to the rustling noises coming from behind him. The man had found him. Pouncing on him like a feral cat, the man dragged Acacius back to his abode by his arms – a long and arduous journey full of pointy rocks and spikey sticks. The man was proud to make his name known as they approached his residence.

“Here we are, the house of Nicodème. Though I shouldn’t say house when it’s more of a circus; so many clowns it’ll drive you up the walls!” His smile was large and eery while his eyes showed no soul lurking within. Of course, the circus wasn’t a metaphor – the freak lived in a literal circus, excluding the ‘jail’ he prepared for ‘guests’ and his own private quarters.

Nicodème called for his guards immediately – two towering meatheads who heeded to his every beck and call. He ordered them to hold Acacius in place while he chose his desired form of punishment for the poor boy. Acacius tried desperately to escape from their clutches, but these two guards were just as strong as they looked. His eyes darted around for an exit but all he could see was a tightly sealed door and painfully beige walls. On every wall was a large assortment of weapons and the like. This was the jail room – a considerably large cell with unsuspecting brick walls overthrown by weeds on the outside.

Purposefully taking an exaggerated amount of time to peruse each weapon, Nicodème grinned as the tension in the room became ever thicker.

“It’s not that he’s a child that makes this so thrilling. My guilty pleasure is simply denying people of their happiness in general.” Filling the air with his malicious and twisted thoughts was a common trend for this man.

“Right, boss.” The bald guard mumbled, his face as stiff as stone.

“Who am I kidding? A child’s cry is so exhilarating! The loss of wonder in their eyes, all because of me – I get goosebumps just thinking about it!” He chuckled.

“Right, boss.” The hairy guard stated without an ounce of emotion.

“Now, what will make THIS child cry? Ah, perfect.” His fingers danced across a long metal pipe. “You should feel honoured, boy; this one is my favourite. Just look at how resourceful it is! Now, behold its beauty as I purée you.” What a sickening choice of words.

Acacius braced himself for impact, but nothing happened. He opened his tightly squeezed eyes to see that the smile (if you could call it that) had completely disappeared from Nicodème’s face. In its place stood a fuming scowl.

“You, baldie.” Nicodème chose to supress his anger for the time being.

“Yes, boss?”

“Bring me the kid.”

The bald guard immediately released Acacius and rushed outside to do the weird man’s bidding. Acacius struggled again but the hairy guard held him firmly in place.

“Guess you got lucky today, you little slug.” Nicodème hissed.

Several moments of complete silence passed before the guard returned holding the same boy from earlier. Acacius’s jaw dropped. He hadn’t expected to see him again so soon. The boy was managing to struggle even in the hands of the strong guard – it was impressive to say the least.

“Let go of me, you oversized egg!” the boy shouted.

“Easy, Caspian, I’m just doing my job; no reason to be rude.”

“Bite me, you slimy fish finger!”

“You’re running out of insults.”

“Oh, I’m sorry, I can’t think of any new material while your bald head is mooning me like that!”

“That’s enough!” Nicodème erupted.

“Can you give me a minute, Nicotine? I’m trying to think of the perfect insult for your ugly ass.”

“Sit. Down. Now.”

“Why don’t you come over here and make me?” Caspian poked out his tongue.

“Baldie.”

At his word, the bald guard forced Caspian to his knees.

“Cheater.” Caspian mumbled under his breath – Acacius couldn’t help but let out a soft giggle.

“Now, Caspian, do tell, did you happen to steal my catch of the day today?” Nicodème enquired through gritted teeth.

“You mean that guy?” Caspian shrugged, referring to Acacius. “Never seen ‘em.”

“Explain the mark.”

“What mark?”

“Don’t lie to me, you uncooked snail.”

“I love it when you get creative.” Caspian grinned. “I’m not lying to you, boiled linguini.”

“CASPIAN! ENOUGH GAMES!” Nicodème swiftly grabbed a knife from his side and held it against Caspian’s neck. “You and I both know that you bite people to mark your winnings against me. So, I’ll ask you one last time, did you, or did you not, steal him from me?”

“Maybe I did.” Caspian smirked as a trickle of blood slowly waved its way down his neck; no threat could overcome his smugness.

“You know very well what I’m going to do then.”

“Bring it on, noodle man.”