He finally halted to a stop beside a giant oak tree. His breathing was heavy. It was almost impossible to breath through the mask but he had to keep it on. Footsteps followed his and he heard. He slipped behind the tree and peeked out, slowly taking the
/plague doctor mask off. He was sweating underneath it. His gray, muggy eyes darted around to find the source of the noise. Suddenly, he saw a boy, which looked like his age, come to a stop a few feet away from the tree.

"Hello? Anyone there? I saw you run out here." The boy's voice was soft yet eager. He was just about panting from running. His long, blackhair was put up in a ponytail in the back of his head. His eyes matched his hair, as black as the night

sky. "I won't hurt you-" he continued "-I swear I won't! I just want to know who you are."

"Just go.. Can't you tell I'm hiding. Hiding so no one can find me." He couldn't believe he responded. He responded when he was supposed to be hidden!

"Why are you hiding!? What areyou scared of?"

"None of your business!" He stayed behind the tree. The boy might recognize him.

"Come on! Please!" The boy saw the smallest bit of the beak poking from behind the tree. "Wait are you that dude that always wears the mask!? The CorruptedPrince!"

"Hey! Keep quiet!" Without thinking, he spoke. "You'll blow my cover!" He covered his mouth, regretting he said that.

"A-are you Alexander..? The prince, Alexander?!" The boy shook. Was it really him?

"U-umm.. Well.." Alex couldn't tell him. He couldn't! This person would probably go tell the jinn and he would get ruined forever.

"You can tell me." Alex heard him sit on the floor, on the other side of the tree trunk. "I won't tell. I promise! I'll tell you my name!"

Alex sighed, "Okay, but you have to tell my first."

"Mitch."

"Short for Mitchel, I assume?" Alex heard him grumble on the other side.

"Yes but I'd really preferjust Mitch."

"Well, is prefer just Alex."

"So you are the prince, or the old one?"

Alex thought for a minute, could he really trust this boy? But again, Alex needed someone to lean to, he was just a lonely adult, lost in the world. He mumbled out, "That's me." He carefully stood and walked so Mitch could see him. Mitch's face went red
/immediately.

"So weird seeing you without the mask..."

"Heh.. Sorry to disappoint." Alex held the mask strap in his hand, the beak touching the floor. Mitch slowly stood, him taller than Alex. He put his hand out and Alex put the mask down to shake it.

"Nice to meet you Alex."

"Nice to meet you too, Mitch."