It's been at least half an hour since Green left the room. Second had been nervously flitting a wooden bird statue around the room with his mind, desperately trying to distract himself from the approaching meeting. However, the creaking door froze Second's breath, as the air in the room shifted, carrying the scent of violet and frost, as Prince Purple entered. His gaze, cold and piercing, fell upon Second, making him feel like a moth caught in a spiderweb.

"A-ah, Prince Purple!". Second stammered, his voice barely a whisper. He was acutely aware of the way his heart pounded against his ribs and the cold sweat forming on his palms. His fake smile felt strained, but he couldn't help but hold onto it for dear life before adding,

"It's Good to see you again!". However, Purple's gaze was unwavering. He seemed to study Second for a long moment, taking in every detail, before finally releasing a sigh.

"Indeed. It's been a long time since we've seen each other, wouldn't you say, Prince Second? You seem to have been rather... busy".

Purple, unfazed by Second's obvious distress, merely rolled his eyes with an amused smirk. He closed the door behind him then settled onto Green's bed and leaned back against the headboard, a picture of languid elegance as he began adjusting his white gloves that catched the faint moonlight filtering through the window. His sapphire eyes, though still cold and sharp, seemed to hold a hint of amusement. He didn't look at Second, which was a small mercy.

"I-I had my reasons". He stuttered tentatively, his hand instinctively flew to the back of his neck, scratching at the skin to distract from the rising anxiety.

"Reasons, you say?". Purple's eyes narrowed, his tone turning sharp.

"What makes you think coming to Artemis, seeking information after running away from your own kingdom, is a wise move? Your escape surely wouldn't have gone unnoticed".

Purple asked, his voice smooth and dangerous. He still hadn't looked at Second directly, but the amusement in his tone was unmistakable, as the words hit Second like a bucket of ice water. His brothers had already told the other kingdoms? How… how had they done that so quickly? He stared at the white gloves Purple was meticulously adjusting, his face pale. He could feel his heart pounding in his chest, desperate for an escape, but he knew he couldn't. He had to play it cool.

"You know exactly why I'm here, Purple". Second said, trying to sound confident. He raised his chin, standing one step away from Purple and forcing himself to meet his gaze.

"Green wouldn't have sent you without telling you about this whole mess". He challenged Purple, trying to find his footing in this tense exchange. Purple finally lifted his gaze, his eyes twinkling with amusement. He chuckled again, a brief, almost disbelieving sound.

"Oh, I'm well aware of the 'mess', Second". Purple said, gesturing to the bed beside him. Second wasted no time in taking the offered seat, his legs nervously bouncing beneath him.

"But..." Purple continued, leaning forward, his voice taking on a serious note that sent a jolt through Second.

"... I don't usually offer help so readily. Not without a price, that is. But since it's Green who asked, I suppose there's nothing I can do about it". Second's eyes widened, recalling how Green's claim that Purple would do anything for him seemed absurd, but now that Purple himself had confirmed it, it was hard to deny. But before Second could even begin to express his gratitude, Purple held up a hand, cutting him off.

"What are you to Green? Why would he risk his neck for something this dangerous?". Purple's voice was sharp, a chilling intensity replacing his earlier amusement. He remembered how Green came to him, mainly begging him to go meet Second and how important it was, and of course, Purple hated to see Green begging, whether for anyone or for any reason.

"Green's just a friend. He was kind enough to give me a place to stay, and some information on this...murderer situation".

He said firmly, trying to ignore the way Purple's piercing eyes seemed to see through his defenses.
Purple's face remained impassive, but Second could see the flicker of annoyance at the mention of the mysterious murderer. It was clear that Green's well-being was paramount to Purple, and the thought of him being involved in something so dangerous clearly bothered him.

"Very well then. Tell me everything you know". Second, sensing a shift in the atmosphere, relaxed slightly. He had no idea what had changed Purple's attitude, but he wasn't going to question it. He had to play this carefully.

He recounted everything he knew, from the disappearance of his brother's abilities to the night he decided to escape, ending with his encounter with Green. Purple listened in silence, his expression a mask of controlled emotion. The room then was silent as Second finished, the only sound was the gentle creaking of the bed as Purple shifted in his seat. Second held his breath, his mind buzzing with anticipation and uncertainty as he waited for Purple's response.

"This is undoubtedly dangerous... I suppose I could help". Purple finally said, his voice low and menacing. Second sigh in relief, happy to know that Purple was finally in and that Green's plan was so worth it.

"Hmm?" Second exclaimed, his eyes wide with surprise as Purple suddenly rose from the bed, leaving his gloves on Green's mattress. Purple didn't say a word, just gestured with his head for Second to follow. He was already at the door, hand on the knob, and Second scrambled out of bed.

"Oh, yeah, coming!". He blurted out, quickly brushing his milky orange hair under the clock's face, hiding his features as he hurried after Purple. The music and laughter from the grand ball dwindled with every step, replaced by an unsettling silence. Second couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss. He glanced back at Purple, who walked with purpose, his face unreadable. Where was Purple taking him?

They finally stopped at the end of a long hallway, the painting of the Artemis royal family looming large in front of them, making Second's chest tightened as he gazed at the painting. King Orange stood next to his late wife, Queen Pink, their faces serene, their smiles echoing a happier time. The two princes, Purple and Golden, appeared in the painting as well, their smiles bright and genuine. A sharp pang of sorrow pierced Second's heart; he knew that smile, the one that had vanished from Purple's face since Queen Pink's death.

Purple, his face unreadable, raised his hand and brushed the corner of the painting. With a gentle press, he activated a hidden button, a small blooming flower cast in metal. The wall, with a low groan, began to raise, revealing a long, dark corridor descending into the depths of the palace.

"Where does this lead?". Second's voice finally found its way back as he asked, his voice trembling slightly as he looked at the shadowy passage. Purple didn't reply, but instead, his hand shot out, gripping Second's tightly.

"Your ability. Now". He said, his voice low and urgent. It wasn't a question; it was a command. Second didn't hesitate, and with a flick of his wrist, a tiny flame sputtered to life in his palm, the warm light casting dancing shadows on the walls of the passageway.

"Don't tell anyone about this". Purple whispered, his voice a chilling rasp. Second, instinctively understanding the gravity of the situation, simply nodded, his thumb raised in silent agreement.

And then, he pulled Second, his hand a reassuring weight in his own, into the darkness of the corridor. The wall slammed shut behind them, the muffled sound of the palace fading away as they descended deeper into the unknown.

"Are we there yet?". Second's voice echoed down the narrow corridor, his frustration growing with each passing moment.

The flickering firelight from his palm did little to illuminate the path ahead, forcing him to trail behind Purple. They reached a point where the stairs seemed to vanish, and Second gasped as Purple stepped aside, revealing a small, hidden room. The room was dimly lit, with shelves lined the walls, overflowing with dusty books. But what caught Second's eye was a large, glassy box resting on a thick iron table in the center of the room.

"Wha... what happened to him...?". Second stammered, the fire in his hand flickering with his growing panic.

The sight before him was horrifying, eyes were wide and filled with disbelief and horror, taking a shaky step closer. Inside the box, was a lifeless form, pale as a sheet, with milky grey eyes that stared blankly into nothingness, the flesh stretched taut over bones like a withered husk. His stomach churned as his eyes landed on the sickly, green rot on the fingertips.

He could barely believe what he was seeing!

Purple, his face etched with a mix of disgust and sorrow, didn't reply immediately. He just stood there, his hand resting on the glass, a deep frown furrowing his brow. His face, usually so firm and full of mischief, held only a heavy sadness. He inhaled sharply, then finally spoke, his voice low and strained,

"This is one of many". He began, his voice low and heavy,

"They were attacked, drained of their powers... then left to die". His face softened with a deep pain that mirrored Second's own.

"Is that... is that what happens when your powers are taken?". Second choked out the question, his voice barely a whisper. He couldn't bring himself to look at the body any longer, his own stomach churning at the horrifying thought. But he also couldn't tear his eyes away.

"We don't know for sure". He admitted, his voice filled with a weariness that chilled Second to the bone.

"D-Did you… did you at least see who did this?". Second asked again, making Purple turn, his gaze meeting his. He shook his head again, his silence speaking volumes. Second, unable to bear the sight any longer, looked away, his mind conjuring images of his brother, Victim, his own powers stolen, his body left to rot like this. The thought was unbearable, a visceral punch to his gut.

Purple then turned away from the body, walking over to a table against the far wall. He picked up something from there, then walked back towards Second, who was now spacing out, his thoughts consumed by the grim fate he feared for his own brother. He felt Purple's hand on his shoulder, warm and reassuring.

"Here. We found this next to the body-". Purple said, handing it to Second, who looked at the object in his hand, as Purple continued.

"-And for some reason, the forest creatures were trying to take it back, even attacking the guards, anything to get it back. And you'd think they'd be more interested in berries". Purple said, his voice a mixture of humor and confusion.

Second just hummed, considering the information. It didn't make sense. Forest creatures were harmless, yet they were attacking guards for an old crown? There had to be more to it. Second looked down at the object in his hand. It was a crown, dark black and tarnished, its center gem a chipped and broken green. Second took the crown, his fingers tracing the intricate carvings on its surface. It felt familiar, like he'd seen it before.

"I think... I think I have seen this before". He muttered, his brow furrowed in concentration. Purple nodded, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.

"Yes, I felt the same way when I first saw it".

With a rustle of feathers, Purple spread his wings, revealing a magnificent expanse of black and violet. Second's eyes widened in awe, momentarily forgetting the chilling sight in the box. Purple flew up to the highest shelf, where ancient books were stacked. He scanned the shelves, his sharp eyes searching for something specific. He then grabbed the first book he encountered, a dark volume with a crimson circled orb depicted on its cover. He turned back to Second, a single word escaping his lips.

"Catch!".

Before Second could even react, the book was hurtling towards him. Quickly, he tossed the crown aside and caught the book in his hand, a testament to his surprisingly quick reflexes.

He scanned the cover, perplexed. It had no title, no indication of its contents. Why did Purple give him this mysterious book? Purple, his wings vanished as silently as they appeared, pointed with his arms crossed at the book with a sardonic smile.

"Since the crown seemed familiar to everyone who saw it, I found this. It may be the reason why".

Second opened the book slowly, his heart pounding in his chest. The first page was filled with dark crimson writing. He recognized it instantly, a chilling wave of memory flooding back. It was the story he and his brothers, Victim and Chosen, had read countless times as a child. But why would Purple give him a bedtime story book?

"So, I'm starting to think you're pulling my leg". He said, looking at Purple with raised eyebrows. A flicker of annoyance crossed Purple's face as he snatched the book from Second's grasp, flipping through the brittle pages with practiced ease.

"Here. Remember now? Where you saw that crown?". He said, turning the book so Second could see.

Second's gaze fell upon the drawing. The villain, their face cruel and twisted, was wearing the exact same crown. His heart pounded in his chest, a wave of realization washing over him. He had seen this crown before, he knew this villain. It was as if a forgotten door had suddenly swung open.

He looked up at Purple, his eyes wide with a terrifying understanding.

The Nameless One....

(A perfect ending for a perfect chapter. Oh, how I enjoyed writing this amazing chapter. I can't believe how good it is, and I finally was able to update both of my books.

Team Second and Purple is so cool, and funny since they don't exactly like each other that much. Good thing Green is with them. And in case you didn't know this, I don't bring random villains from my imagination, and The Nameless One is one of the powerful villains in Minecraft!!

Don't go look for his story or you'll ruin the fun!

Hope you enjoyed reading and see you next week ❤️☺️).