As the moon rose high, a gossamer veil of silence cloaked the sleep-laden kingdom. Amidst the serene night, sparkling constellations wove tales in the vast expanse of the heavens above the grand palace, where the unexpected unfolded. In the privacy of his chambers, hidden under the pretense of slumber, Prince Second stirred.

First, ensuring the last maid had performed her nightly duties, wishing Second a goodnight and closing the door gently behind her, Second furtively waited for the soft clop of her footsteps to fade away. Patiently, not a second before, he began to move. With a grace that belied his status, Second rose from his bed, his movements so gentle they barely disturbed the sheets. He bent down, peering under his grand bed, the opulence of his bed acting as his alibi, and retrieved a bag he had painstakingly packed hours beforehand.

Inside, ranged from necessary provisions, a map to show him the way, delicious food to sustain him, a few weapons for protection, and clothes for the unplanned journey, a testimony to the meticulous planning behind his covert escape. But this was no mere whim; Second's mission was singularly focused, uncovering the identity of the elusive force that had been draining his people of their special abilities.

"This is so freaking crazy... But I can't just sit here and do nothing, they'd never come around to it".

Second knew his plan sounded daunting, but it was his only shot at uncovering the truth behind what was happening to his people, their special abilities fading fast. With a heavy heart, he penned a letter, leaving it concealed under his pillow. It was a small act of respect, ensuring they would only discover his departure, not his disappearance.
Wearing clothes that blended into the night, Second approached the window of his room. The moment of truth hung in the air, charged with a mixture of uncertainty and exhilaration. With one deep breath, he gathered his courage and reminded himself of the stakes.

"I can do this, I must do this". This was no foolhardy escapade but a purpose-driven journey. Closing his eyes, Second leapt from the window, his silhouette framed against the star-studded sky.

Feeling the chill night breeze hit his face, the feeling of that cold air felling his ears made him smile a litte. Then, when Second felt himself getting closer to the solid ground beneath him, he raised his hand up then made a burst of fire erupted below him, transforming his sudden descent into a controlled descent. His heart raced as the ground neared, the fire acting as a soft cushion for the landing. After checking his surroundings, he was relieved that no one had witnessed his audacious escape.
Second sighed as he felt how adrenaline was coursing through his entire body as if he was running a marathon and making his heart beat rapidly against his rib cage, Second opened his eyes in realization.

"I did it... I got out...". Second laughed in a whisper that none of the night guards could hear, a smile on his face as the hair on the back of his neck stood on end at the thought that he had broken the rules for the first time. And he had to admit it, it felt so good to finally do something he wanted rather than following the orders from Victim and Chosen all the time. Suddenly, a pungent smell filled his nostrils, and as he looked around him, not expecting to see a nearby plant burning in his excess embers.

"No!". He whispered hastily as he grabbed his bag, slammed it against that poor burning plant, and successful extinguished the fire. As the charred remains of the plant withered into ashes at his feet, he contemplated his actions.

Then, he swiftly pulled out his grey cloak from the bag which he draped it over his back, he adjusted it with a practiced hand to disguise his appearance, careful not to let any part of his attire give away his royal status. He couldn't stop thinking about how the moon hides behind the melodies of silence just as he was behind this cloak he stole from Dark. Stepping further into the night, Second noticed two guards leaning against the wall near the main gate, snoring rhythmically like stationary sentinels engulfed in peaceful slumber, oblivious to their duty. He couldn't help but stifle a chuckle at their sleeping forms.

"Ho there, slumbering knights". He said to himself with a grin. "Your watch is safe for now, for I am not here to slay any dragons, but merely to embark upon an adventure".

Second placed his hand over his mouth to prevent his laughter, which might get him into trouble. How he was pretending in front of the shadows to be more noble in his words was hilarious. Continuing toward the colossal gate, a test of his resolve and determination, he prepared to use his special ability, the gift that was as much a part of him as his heart which was his super strength. Placing his hands against the thick wood, there was a moment of quiet anticipation, the only sound the guards' soft snores and the gentle whisper of night winds. Exhaling slowly, he pushed against the gate with a strength that belied his slight frame, suppressing the smothering roar of the gate's heavy hinges.

With an almost imperceptible creak, the gate yielded, squealing silently, giving way to a narrow escape route a crack, just enough for Second to slip through. Before he took that final step, he turned, casting one last glance over the palace, a fortress of golden memories and unseen tears, a haven from which he now fled.
As he stood at the threshold, a gust of wind ruffled his cloak, stirring up the scent of freedom. He thought of his brothers, their eventual panic and confusion at the sight of an empty bed, and the long, elaborate searches that would commence. Despite Chosen's warnings, Second felt a sense of duty, a commitment to protect and fight for the kingdom's inhabitants who had been stripped of their abilities. It was no longer a dream, but a reality waiting to happen, unfolding in the darkness of night, a story of a prince leaving his palace for the first time.

"Goodnight, my palace, my home". whispered Second, a hidden smile on his face as he ventured forward, setting off on an adventure in the name of his people, a hero, finally leaving the shadows to stand in the light.

As dawn painted the Hephaestus Kingdom with its golden hues, Prince Second traipsed through the bustling streets, marveling at the life that unfolded before him. He had never before witnessed the daily activities that brought the town to its vibrant state, his eyes flitting over the hawkers with their fresh produce and the rhythmic chorus of voices that reverberated through the market squares. A peculiar sight caught his attention; women holding cages brimming with clucking chickens.

"Oh, look at those chickens! They're so... fluffy". A chuckle escaped him, as he had only seen such birds under much different circumstances.

Suddenly, a group of lively children darted in front of him, teasing and chasing each other in carefree abandon. Amused, Second laughed, enjoying the innocent jubilation that radiated from them until a concerned mother hurriedly approached,

"I'm so sorry, young man. My kids can be a handful sometimes". The kind woman apologized for her brood's disruption. Instinctively, the prince shielded himself, ensuring his royal identity remained hidden.

"Oh, no need to apologize, ma'am. It's perfectly fine". he reassured the woman, simultaneously thanking her for maintaining the masquerade. The woman nodded in relief before she heard the sound of something crashing and falling, followed by the sound of a man screaming and her children laughing along, and it was clear from the way she sighed tiredly that she had been following them since morning.

After ensuring Second was alone, he took out his map from the bag and unfolded it, eyeing the route to Asclepius Kingdom with a sense of urgency. However, his path to the main gate was fraught with challenges the guards wouldn't hesitate to question a stranger, especially in view of his displaced status. As the thought of his predicament sent anxiety pooling within him, the sound of running footsteps interrupted his musings. Glancing back, he found the same merry children who had collided into him earlier, their eyes bright with urgency. Stifling a sigh of relief, he asked if they needed assistance, confusion marbling his tone.

"Excuse me, mister! You dropped this when you ran away". One child, clutching a money bag then handed it to Second.

"Oh, thank you so much! I haven't even noticed".

"Yeah, our mom always says to be honest and return things to their owners". said the little girl, whose hand was holding her younger brother's hand with light pressure. A smile spread across Second's face in gratitude, rekindling his lost spirit. As he took the money bag, his green and amber eyes glinted with an idea. Seeing the children's keen interest, he imitated their height and whispered in a conspiratorial tone,

"You know, I have a secret. Can I ask you something?".

"What is it, sir?".

"Do you perhaps know a way out of the kingdom without going through the main gate?". Second whisperly asked them. Eyebrows shot up in suspicion, the kids exchanged confused glances, the stakes of their involvement in a stranger's request weighing heavily on their young minds. Sensing their hesitation, Second removed his cloak, exposing his true identity. The children gasped in astonishment, realizing their helpful deed had intertwined them with one of their kingdom's princes.

"You're one of the princes!". The little boy said excitedly, and Second giggled at how their faces light up with joy.

"Wait... Why do you wanna know? You're the prince, you can just use the main gate".

"Because...". Second looked around to make sure no one was looking at them, which made the children even more curious. "...I'm on a secret mission, and I need your help".

Enticed by the slip of royalty's trust, they inquired further, egged on by the thrill of an adventure. After a moment of pause, one child, the girl whom Second suspected to be a natural leader, stepped forward, gratitude garnishing her features.

"We know a way through the woods! But our mom doesn't allow us to go there anymore. She said it's dangerous". She revealed the secret, detailing its unassuming entrance and unfamiliar terrain.

"Oh, would you be so kind as to guide me there?". Second asked, hoping they would agree to help him because he really didn't know how he'd deal with the guards at the gate. Fortunately for him, the younger siblings were very willing to help the prince of their kingdom. And after mere moments passed, and the three found themselves standing before a towering brick wall, with an opening barely large enough for Second to squeeze through.

"There's a small hole there. We used to sneak out to find fruits to sell". One of them said only for the girl to continue,

"But then mom found out and told us not to come here again". The siblings pointed out their secret passage. Although their outings had been forbidden, the children vowed to defy their mother's warnings for the sake of their new royal friend.

"Thank you so much, you've been a huge help. But you should always listen to your mom. Trust me, she knows best".

Second thanked them, emphasizing the importance of obedience, simultaneously bestowing the money bag upon them. The siblings' eyes nearly popped from their sockets at the unexpected gift, gratitude painting every feature on their faces.

"Go back to your mom, and remember, this is our little secret".

Bowing low, they promised to keep his identity a secret, before rushing off to return to their mother, leaving the prince with a glowing smile. Amid the vibrant scenery of the waking kingdom, Prince Second stepped through the small hole, embarking on his journey, a newfound appreciation for kindness and home burgeoning in his heart. As he left the bustling market, and the playful shouts of the children behind, he paused to take one last look at the kingdom that held his heart, then continued on his path, wishing he could stay there longer.

(Hi 😊👋 So this chapter isn't really that much if a hard work, just had to find Second a way out the kingdom and stuff, y'know🤣.  Tell me what you think would happen next 'cease I love reading your comments! Hope you enjoyed!! See ya next week).