How did we get here? Erick asked himself this question often. Ever since he moved to New York City for a mission that he took on his own account. It was a solo mission he got involved in, thanks to Victor. It revolved around his past, so why not face some ghosts while he was redeeming himself? His nose scrunched, he hated that word. Redemption. ‘Redemption’ felt like a joke, especially after what he did to Magdalena.

Erick leaned against the seat on the subway train, the yellow-tinted lights flickering every time the train tilted to the side with force. These trains seriously needed some maintenance. That’s one thing he can relate to.

He looked up from his calloused looking around at the empty car of his section, taking in the smell of dead rat and piss. Nothing he's not exactly used to, to be fair hes been brainwashed and kept in solitary confinement for most of his life, so he wasn’t complaining on New York’s bummy side.

Erick’s frosty blue eyes flickered at the dark window in front of him, seeing his reflection slowly appear as the train traveled through dark tunnels. He couldn’t stand looking at himself for too long, because it only reminded him of his wrongdoings.

Magdalena, the pure-bred fire gemstone, was praised for her raw skill, her confidence, and her leadership. But many dislike her because of her confidence and stubbornness. She was the same girl who preached for Erick during court with the Elites of E.G.G.O’S( Earth’s Gifted Guardians Organization). Ever since he was pardoned and taken under Magdalena’s team, he saw her differently, and stupidly enough, maybe fell a bit in love. Because Magdalena felt him feel more human than he’s ever been.

But that was dangerous, not for him.. But for Magdalena. His past enemies, like Jane or even Oxy, might rise again. Hint: The reason Victor is on this mission is that he suspects Oxy’s laboratory activity has been acquired by some wealthy individuals in Manhattan, New York. The E.G.G.O can’t handle another Replica program; the last one nearly destroyed the heart of the Earth, almost killed Magdalena and her team. Erick winced at the idea of another war starting behind the hands of Oxy, so maybe it was best that he put an end to his creator’s schemes, even if it meant walking into a death trap.

The subway train finally stopped in Queens, making a loud screeching sound as the doors swiftly opened, letting people in. Erick stood up, brushing some dust off his black pants with his leather gloves, since he couldn't let anyone know he really has a metal hand or any metallic parts anywhere on his body. He wore his biker jacket over a grey tee, a black face cover, and a black hat on his head. Disguise himself for the people around him to not judge.

As he stepped out into the yellow halls, he ignored every eye contact he made with strangers in coats and even the drug addicts who would speak to walls. Erick was already getting used to it, after all its been about three weeks since he came on this mission on his own. Three months after he had to cut things off with Magdalena, he could say it was bad. But not as bad as Jane, she tried to kill him. Instead, Magdalena only begged and cried for him to stay with her.

Erick sighed deeply as he thought about the way he made her sob, never thinking he had the power to do it. All he felt was shame, which gave him even more reason to end things with her. To make sure the pain was short and simple with a “I can’t love you”.

Now he stood by the Brooklyn Bridge in New York's peak gloomy weather. His favorite, the bitter, wet, cold feeling. The fog is eating the tall skyscrapers and apartment buildings on the other side of the body of water.

This was his nightly routine, but it was always interrupted. The time when he can confess his sins is a place of solitude. Before he could take a deep breath, he heard some footsteps stop a couple of feet away. Great... a crackhead, or at least that's what Erick thought.