The boy frolicked among the shoreline, chasing Oliver as if there was no care to be had in the world. The morning started like many others, free and unscathed, but tides would turn far more quickly than Pan realized possible. For now though, there is only sunlight, shoreline, and the wash of surf against the sand – a perfect sort of day. Roaming deeper and deeper along the coast, the scaled boy explored places he’d seldom been before, eager to find the latest treasures to add to his collection… but then, everything change.
First, it started with a rumble – a bellow louder than the scream of a banshee, so loud he wanted to cover his ears. Spinning wildly toward the sound, the boy scooped his otter friend into his satchel, stepping instinctively inland as Oliver chirruped in annoyance at the sudden change in mood. Far in the distance, Pan saw the volcano. It was previously unnoticed by the boy – simply another faraway island with a tall cinder peak that seemed lazy and harmless enough. Now though, smoke began to billow into the air – slowly at first, almost lazily circling the peak. As harmlessly as it began, the smoke thickened and turned black as it rose into the sky, Pan’s eyes widening as he watches.
He cannot turn away, taking in the sight of ash-filled smoke blotting out the sky, even as others begin to journey toward the shoreline. Some gasp with understanding, knowing that the world as they knew it was inevitably changing. Others pled with their gods, crying to the wind for salvation. Pan just stands though, his seafoam eyes transfixed on the gurgling mountain, curious and unsure of what came next even as his heart beats faster in his chest.
It is only when fire climbs high into the sky, that instinct kicks in. Run. It is the only thought that crosses his mind, as his lips part in silent protest, lungs heaving for clean air as he races with the crabs from the shoreline. And as fast as Pan’s legs can carry him, he runs – without direction, without purpose… only the thought of survival keeps him moving as the volcano pours its ash and fire into the noonday sky.
