"Hey, honey! Could you go get the pups for me? They're in The Valley! Tell them the festival is starting soon!"
The festival. Our planet each year held a festival of life for all life forms to attend to. Everyone was invited. We showcased our "magic" and the little fairies did light shows. It was beautifully grand.
I nodded "Okay Pa! I'll be back soon!" I strapped on my boots and began the small trek. It took a good 20 minutes to get to the part of The Valley the pups resided in. Our tribe was one of the smaller groups that lived on this planet. But we had the most power. My dad told me we were "big and strong and one day I'll be the queen of Suntintia."
Many different life forms were arriving for the festivals, we had many buildings and camp sites for all the different people that were to come. The first day of the festival was today so stragglers were still coming in. My ears twitched and my tail swayed in anticipation. After alerting the pups that their part of the festival is soon i made my way back to my home.
Something didn't feel right. Everything was in motion and moving the right way but something felt wrong. I'll figure it out later i told myself. And with a shrug i continued on so i could get ready.
———
I pulled my stockings a little higher and made sure my hair looked nice. My group was up soon. Each year, each tribe would have one or two of the best dancers do a ritualistic dance for the moon and the stars. We believed if we offered the moon and the sun entertainment they would be happier when giving us the days we live. This year, i was the leader. I was of age and the last leader passed the responsibility down to me.
I pranced gracefully onto stage with my group following suit. I landed in my spot and curtsied to the crowd before turning and getting into position. I watched as each member of my group did the same. Our different colors and kind mixed and matched and it made me feel a sense of pride and joy. And with the chime of the bell, we began dancing.
———-
We smiled and squealed as we got off stage. "Girls you did fantastic. I'm very proud of each and every one of you! Please, go enjoy the rest of the festival. We have another performance tomorrow!" They all grinned and let out a chorus of "yes" and "thank you." I was very pleased. I turned and began walking to my home so I could change into the outfit my father wanted me to showcase. It was truly beautiful.
I stopped when i heard a voice call out." Girl! Little girl! Could you help me here! I've hurt my ankle quite badly and I can't walk much more." I walked to the source of the cry and i discovered an older man sitting on the ground clutching his very purple ankle. I cringed. "Let me go get some help, I'll be right back!" I spoke kindly before quickly turning around.
Something hit my head hard and I went out like a light.
———
"Come on, hurry up before she wakes up. They should be looking for her soon. We have to go!" I heard a voice yell in a hushed tone.
My body shook and jiggled. I was being carried. I was then thrown down with an oof. I peeled my eyes open and saw the same man from before. "Sorry beautiful, it's just business." I stood up and wanted to strangle the man but i was set in a circular cage. As I looked around.. there were a few other life forms here. From other planets.
"You'll be sorry for this." I spit at the man. He laughed. "Of course i will sweetheart. Sit back, it's a long ride."
———-
I was thrown into a new cage and i winced as my hands hit the hard concrete flooring. I sat in there for a couple of days with no one coming in to see me. I grew restless and quite annoyed. Until someone finally visited. It was a woman. A large woman. Her skin was a light purple tone and her eyes held a bright yellow gleam. She smiled sadly at me. "They told me to bring you a dress. And escort you to hair and makeup. Get dressed, girl."
I scoffed. "I don't know where i am, and what I'm doing here. And you expect me to put on this tiny dress? You must be out of your mind." I said sitting down on the thin cot i was granted. She shook her head. "No i do not expect you to, but they do. And you need to or they'll punish you, like they did with the others." She sounded like she was pleading. "The others?" I asked softly, getting close to the cage.
She nodded. "They brought you here along with other women, the ones who refused were either punished, or killed. So please, just wear the dress." She said with sorrow lacing her voice. I then remembered the cage, in the ship. Being surrounded by other girls in cages. There were so many. I sighed and reached out for the dress. It wasn't too bad. That's what I tried to tell myself. After slipping on the small thing the woman took me out of my cell and escorted me down a long hallway.
"By the way, my name is Hornet. I'll be taking care of you from now on." She smiled. I nodded. "I-" i didn't remember my name. "I- i don't know my name.." i put my head down and my ears following suit. "It's alright honey, they'll just give you a new name."
I guess, this is it for now. I hope they find me. I hope I can be taken home soon.
