A beach day. Right? That’ll solve all of humanity’s problems, like from being eaten alive or sacrificed by demons, as well as protecting the ancient stones from tribes, protecting the E.G.G.O society from terrorist attacks- Oh and definitely solve the heating issues with the angels from the “heaven” portal.

Erick didn’t believe that angels were sent down from heaven to protect humanity shit. He thinks it's another trick from the warlocks down in hell. Anything was possible these days, he didn’t doubt it. Thankfully, he wasn’t the only one who thought this way.. His new leader and weirdly situation-ship, Magdalena, also felt this way for the same reasons.

He leaned back against the coconut tree, feeling the warm sun rays slowly burn his human flesh and the slight stinging of the and on his face. Or maybe it was the sunburn. Erick was so used to the freezing climates in Europe that he never gave a thought on being on the beach ever. That was until his life took a drastic change from being a war criminal with an abusive wife to an ex-war criminal who might be in love or something with the girl who rescued him from his terrible past.

The smell of the beach was weirdly relaxing, sea salt in the air, the waves were calming, and the seagulls were loud but just the right amount to bring Erick back down to Earth. He could faintly hear the rest of the team chatting, yelling, and laughing. Something about this evening kept him grounded. Could it be that he finally feels a sense of belonging? Or could it be his mind playing tricks on him, and he’s actually in prison again?

It was only a weekend that Victor was able to pull out for the team as a break; everyone’s been working so hard. He flew everyone out to Hawaii, Magdalena’s hometown, on the beach where huts were lined up on piers. All private and reserved just for them. Erick internally rolled his eyes at Victor’s filthy rich hacks, then opened his eyes to look afar to the rest of the team.

Victor, the old man silver fox master behind the puppet, grilling away by the small pink tent where his little sister Anna sat playing with her dolls in the sand. Anna is a sweetheart, someone Erick would never dare to hurt, and definitely the better sibling compared to Victor. Erick’s eyes then shifted over towards the water, where the rest of his teammates rested. Elosie, the water gemstone of the team, is obviously enjoying herself as she basically manipulates the waves to her liking and to knock down her friends around her. Jake and Austin, Erick could feel his eyes slightly sharpen as he looked at the guys. Jake, an agent who clearly has a long-lasting obsession with Magdalena, then Austin the earth gemstone, Erick would rather burn in hell than to be left alone with Austin. The two always butt heads because of how angry and alike the two of them were.

Then? He looked straight ahead at the ocean, the sun hidden behind the soft-looking clouds, the blue sky blending with the crystal clear water. This would not be his preferred deathbed, but it would be his second. His first? Would be in the middle of the snowy mountains, being held by Magdalena as he slowly loses his life and frees her from his burden's presence. That was Erick’s deathbed in his mind. Mags.. Magdalena- Then it snapped.

Erick’s eyes snapped open as his head shifted around the small camp they had and realized Magdalena wasn’t anywhere near them. He gruffed, wondering if she was still in the hut or maybe had gotten lost searching for something in the beach woods. Without much thinking, Erick pushed himself off the tree, his metal arms and limbs creaking with sand and maybe rust. He dusted off to the best of his ability the sand stuck to his arms and shorts. Usually he felt self-conscious about his body, not because of his physique.. It's more about the deep tissue scars and metal around his legs and chest. Other than that? He thought he looked more fit than Austin, always better than Austin.

Erick stepped fully into the sunlight, feeling the heat waves hit his body. Then? another moment of silence.