ENDLESS

S7 Chapter 1

FIVE YEARS LATER, IN EARLY FEBRUARY.

''Come on! I saw something! It had eyes! It was shiny and bright!'' Dagger runs through the forest to get ahead of his family, chasing after the illusive light.

''Stop! I told you that I'm in charge!'' Jace rushes after him, his feet pounding against the foliage and leaves.

The others follow in tow, navigating the forest as a group and staying close. Forest pushes a branch out the way. ''What do you think it is?''

''Maybe a bug?!'' Jess suggested with excitement.

Phoenix does a doubletake at the absurdity of the idea, but he gently speaks to dispel it. ''Uh, I don't think it's a bug..''

''If it isn't, let's fight it!'' Austin curls his small hands into fists.

''Nix, I'm scared.'' Fleur reaches for her older brother's hand, glancing back to her side to make sure the smaller Violet is following.

''It's okay,'' He tries to assure. ''I think-''

''GUYS! I FOUND IT!'' Dagger exclaims, stopping abruptly near the shining light to only see closer that this ''light'' had a flowing, glowing body like a flickering ghost. ''W-Wait..''

The others came upon his heels, staring with wide eyes and shaky bodies at the sight before them. Jess takes a step back, speaking fearfully. ''W-What is that?''

''Is that a ghost?!'' Phoenix's voice trembles.

''I told you not to run!'' Jace reprimands, standing between Dagger and the unknown presence. He tries to ignore the piercing gaze of its dark unhuman eyes, goosebumps running down his spine. ''Now I have to protect you guys!''

''Just punch it!'' Austin suggests in a panic. ''It'll go away!''

''I don't think that's how that works!'' Forest replies in an equal amount of panic.

''I wanna go home!'' Fleur starts tearing up, hiding into her brother's side.

The spirit looks curious but afraid as the kids all yell at each other, his black eyes glistening. One of them unexpected steps forward, Violet approaching him curiously with a smile. ''Hi.''

He looks at the tiny girl in surprise, backing up in fear.

She frowns, freezing in place. ''No, wait... I want to talk to you.''

Talk.. to me? The ghost thinks with confusion.

''My name is Violet. What's yours?'' She introduces with a disarming smile.

He suddenly stops, trying to recall through a murky sea of memories. My name...

''Violet, what are you doing?!'' Her older brother, Forest, pushes himself through to get to her.

''Move, I'll get her away from it!'' Jace grabs Violet's hand and pulls her back.

Violet is dragged along the current of force. She looks worriedly at the ghost. ''Stop, you're scaring him!''