Mission To The Unknown

Secret Mission (2)

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.