The warm morning sun filtered through the shimmering blue dome above the Mythic Base, and for the first time in weeks, the air was not tense with training or dark energy. A soft coastal breeze rolled through the corridors, and the smell of saltwater lingered in the wind. The grand bell in the central courtyard of the Mythic Base rang out softly — not the usual call to train, but a joyful sound of announcement.
It was the weekend. And today… they were going to the beach.
Outside Arslan's room, laughter echoed.
"Get up, gloomy king of shadows! Even black aura needs sunlight!" shouted Vaelith Ren, his long silver hair tied in a messy bun, banging playfully at Arslan's door.
Inside, Arslan blinked away sleep, already half-dressed in a loose black shirt and shorts. "You all act like this is some world-ending festival," he muttered, cracking his neck as Kar'Thael smirked from within, his voice echoing faintly in Arslan's mind.
> "It might be for them. Let the children run wild."
Outside in the courtyard, the rest of the Mythics gathered with energy like a school trip. Yuna, Nirela, and Maelis were discussing picnic items. Tarric and Kyren were arguing about who would win the beach sprint. Tharion was helping Ravik carry an icebox made of compressed stone, filled with fruits and water. Caelis conjured a cool mist to hover over the supplies.
"Arslan! Hurry up!" called Elyra, her arms crossed as she leaned by the cart. She wore light-blue beachwear, her usual cold demeanor softened with the breeze.
Arslan finally stepped out, earning a few sarcastic claps.
"Wow. He owns more than one shirt," teased Orien.
The group boarded a large transport wagon drawn by wind-charmed horses, courtesy of Zhalya and her blood manipulation, which she used to briefly charm the creatures with energy-enhancing runes. The wagon glided through the lush paths, with laughter and chatter filling the air.
"So who's most likely to drown first?" joked Malrik, spinning his dagger between fingers.
"You, if you show off too much again," replied Ismere, flicking his forehead.
"Place your bets now!" shouted Tarric, lifting a coconut he'd already started carving. "Winner gets first lunch!"
The wagon came to a halt as the blue expanse of the ocean revealed itself before them. The beach stretched far, with crystal-clear waters lapping gently at the shore. A grove of palm trees danced in the wind, and birds flew in lazy spirals above.
"Woah…" whispered Seris, her green eyes wide. "It's… perfect."
Without hesitation, Tharion lifted Yuna and Ravik onto his shoulders, charging toward the water with a booming laugh.
"Last one in's a Dormant!"
Screams of delight followed. Within seconds, sandals flew, shirts hit the sand, and the Mythics were splashing, swimming, diving, and laughing. Arslan, usually the serious one, waded into the water calmly, eyes blinking at the ocean's shimmering light.
"This is… nice," he said softly.
> "Let it soothe your soul," whispered Kar'Thael
"Beach race!" shouted Zhalya, drawing a line in the sand. "No powers! Just legs!"
The racers lined up: Kyren, Tarric, Vaelith, Malrik, and a reluctantly dragged Arslan.
"Go!"
They sprinted down the sand, arms flailing, feet sinking. Tarric tripped over a crab, Malrik tried to cheat by kicking sand into Kyren's face, but it was Arslan — focused and quiet — who sprinted ahead with precise footing and won.
"Seriously? He wins this too?" groaned Vaelith.
"I'm cursed," mumbled Kyren, spitting out sand.
Later, under a cluster of palm trees, Maelis and Yuna laid out a feast. Roasted fish from their own catch, fruit carved into artistic designs by Ismere, and of course, endless coconuts.
"Cheers!" yelled Ravik, lifting his coconut. "To no fighting today!"
"To sunburn!" added Orien, already red.
As they ate, Elyra handed Arslan a wet towel.
"You forgot sunscreen," she said dryly. "Even gloomy warriors get sun damage."
He smirked. "Thanks."
Meanwhile, Nirela sat beside him quietly, sipping from her cup. "You seem lighter today."
"I suppose… this feels like something I never thought I'd have," Arslan replied.
She smiled, brushing her wet hair behind her ear. "You deserve days like this."
"Everyone out of the way! Master fisherman Malrik is here!" shouted Malrik as he stepped into a canoe.
"You've never even touched a rod," Seris muttered.
They used enchanted rods created by Orien's Soulflash energy, forming glowing threads that shimmered over water. Fish sparkled beneath.
"Pull! Pull!" yelled Ismere as Malrik's rod bent dangerously.
With a roar, he pulled out a glowing blue fish that promptly bit his hand and flopped back into the sea.
"Victory was so close!" he howled.
Everyone laugh....
As the sun dipped lower, they built a bonfire, crackling with red-orange flame. Everyone sat in a circle, basking in the warmth.
"Let's share something no one knows," suggested Yuna.
"I wanted to be a dancer," admitted Tarric, raising his hand. Everyone burst into laughter.
"I eat chocolate in my sleep," confessed Seris.
"I'm scared of owls," muttered Elyra, hiding her face.
When it came to Arslan, all eyes turned. He hesitated.
"I used to think… I was cursed. But today, maybe I don't."
Everyone went quiet.
Yuna leaned in, touching his hand softly. "You're not cursed, Arslan. You're healing."
He nodded silently, eyes on the fire.
"Time for the final challenge! Horse race by moonlight!" Kyren whistled and summoned four glowing horses with flicks of heated wind energy.
Riders: Tharion, Vaelith, Arslan, and Zhalya.
The race spanned across the moonlit shore, through hanging trees and reflective tidepools. Arslan rode fast, wind in his hair, the moon silver above. Laughter chased behind him like shadows fleeing morning.
He didn't care who won.
He felt… alive.
Night descended fully. They lay across blankets and towels, watching the stars, the fire behind them a fading glow.
"I wish we had more days like this," whispered Nirela beside Arslan, their shoulders touching.
"We will," he said quietly.
"And more days just love you" Arslan said.
Nirela blush " Mee too"
The group slowly fell silent, watching the stars like children with dreams again.
They returned with salt in their hair, sand in their shoes, and peace in their hearts.
As they passed through the gate, Maelis turned and said, "Let's remember today. For when the world grows dark again."
And they did.