Chapter 3. A reason to fight

----------------------------------------

Artemis dashed and jumped through the group of monsters, cutting off their heads and limbs with ease, moving like some dancer. Isaac swayed out of the way of their punches, using his weapon to cut their necks or arms before going for the head. He managed to use the guard to block a few punches before pushing the fists away and stabbing or slashing them in the chest. Artemis was taking out most of them but Isaac was aiding in thinning out their numbers.

“Artemis, do you sense a ringleader like last time?” Isaac asked his familiar.

“I sense a commanding energy, yes,” Artemis commented.

“How many of these monsters are you sensing?”

“Surrounding us there are fifteen but we're making short work, however, I'm sensing stronger creatures outside, they seem to be…climbing the building.”

“What? Why?”

“I do not know, but I can easily dispatch them if needed.”

“Uh,” He thought about the museum, remembering the attack he released on Jink and his rooks, “Let's hold off on that, I don't wanna destroy this place.” He looked at the barricade he made. “... more…don't want to destroy this place more. Can you sense the leader?”

“Yes. They are outside.”

“Great! Let's clear these things out and go after them!”

“Understood, though I suppose you wish for me to hold back to decrease environmental damage.”

“Please.” He gave a nervous smile. He jumped back from a punch from an attack, going a little further than he anticipated. ‘Think I'm starting to get used to this.’ He thought, looking at his construct. ‘I wonder.’ Three monsters faced him, their faceplates opening up, tendrils launching out. “Zodiac Infusion!” He yelled before blocking.

“Carnage Scissors.”

The weapon grew half its size, the blades turning red and gaining a razor teeth edge and zig-zag pattern on it. The shield turned blue, gaining a wavy pattern and a softer rounder trim. From the shield emerged an ethereal shell that was twice the size, blocking the tendrils. “Cool,” Isaac said, dashing towards them. They tried to stomp and punch him so he attempted to tackle the middle one. What he didn’t expect were the blades to also have an ethereal shell, the aura three times bigger than the original. “Whoa!” He took the opportunity and swung it, splitting the creatures in two. There were ones beside him that were a few feet away and he pulled back, spreading the blades and thrusting at them, managing to cut two on the tip. The one he missed lunged and swiped the aura across them, its edge slicing through with ease. “Yes!” One came from behind and he was about to block but the ether blad was still there. “Huh? How do I-?” It was about to attack, Isaac forgoing the blade aura, hoping one of the shields would come, but before the monster could make contact, Artemis cut through it.

“Are you alright Master?” Artemis asked.

“Y-yeah, thanks.”

“You need more practice. Might I suggest training after this?” He said as he nonchalantly jumped over a creature, kicking it down with his hind legs, slashing its neck once he landed on its back.

“Right…” He looked at the weapon construct. ‘If I don’t want Artemis to fight I really should practice with these…but…what for?’ He was closed in and he faced them. “Spear of light!” He created a Light Spear, the glaive looking like the blade of the sparking blade whip, piercing through the chest of one. ‘Im fighting now but…it's not like this is gonna be a frequent thing is it?’ Pulling it out, he spun it at the incoming one. ‘There was last time but…that was a coincidence right?’ He jumped back, overdoing it and hitting the wall. “Grg!” Regaining himself and planning to attack the creature before him, Artemis defeated it before he could get a chance. “Thanks, Artemis!”

“Hm.” The cat nodded before going for the rest.

‘What about Artemis?’ Isaac watched. ‘He agreed to do this for this time but…I know he doesn't like being some servant and I don't wanna be anyone's master but…does he have much choice? Last time he just…became like this cause I was in danger….if I have to fight, will I need to get him involved?’ He shook his head. ‘No! I won’t force him to fight for or with me!” With a downward slash, he added another to his count. ‘But…what am I gonna use this power for? I don't have a reason to fight these things or anyone really, I’m no guardian!’ He pulled the spear back, looking around, seeing that that was the last of them. He sighed. “What should I do?”

“Master, the enemies here are taken care of.”

“Alright.” He took a breath, deciding to worry about it later. “Let's go after that leader!” He was about to dash off.

“Wait, Master!”

“Hm?” Isaac stopped.

“While we were fighting I kept progress on the stronger ones. They're coming close to a room not too far from us.”

“Is that bad? If they're not on us then we have a better chance to get the one commanding them.”

“I'd agree but I picked up the life force of Dex in that same room.”

“What!?” This took Isaac by surprise.

“They are about to break the hull and enter. I know he’s a friend of yours, Master, so might I suggest moving to him first? We could get there in time before any harm is done to him, though you must decide that now before it's too late.”

“Urk!” He wanted to end this without more possible destruction and saw the confrontation with the leader as an easier option as it was one versus two and Artemis is already pretty powerful while he's not quite used to these powers. At the same time if this was anything like with Jink he could have some reinforcements in a deck of cards, which could prolong things and put Dex at greater risk. “Damnit!”

----------------------------------------

Dex hid in a station, one that was an attraction that showcased aspects and functions of a space shuttle. He was in the center of the room, holding the crystal from before, pacing around, feeling worried about Isaac and Artemis. “Gah I’m sure he's fine, he knows his way in a fight at least, Dixon taught us that much, plus he has those powers and Artemis.” Taking a breath, he attempted to calm himself. “He's gonna be fi-” The sound of a loud bang through him off. “What the-!?” There was another followed by a loud screech echoing from above. He looked up, hearing more sounds from the roof of the shuttle attraction, sounds of heavy footsteps pattering on top, backing away as the sounds seemed to get closer to him. “Oh, crap!” He looked around, thinking of hiding and quickly, finding a spot and moving swiftly.

The steps echoed within before stopping for a second. The roof broke apart, a large bluish-dark blade stabbing through, pushing to the side, prying the metal open with ease, a skinny skeletal yet sharp hand grabbed the other side, pulling it apart. A creature jumped in. It was seven feet tall, had smooth shiny skin that was the same color as its blade, skinny with its feet being oval-shaped stumps. Its head was round, shaped like a sphere, the front of it having a black slit with a red dot moving around, acting like some eye. Its blade arm was curved at one side, thin but nearly five inches wide and four feet long, taking up its entire forearm, its shoulder having an arrow-shaped armor piece that faced forward, a red triangle in its center. Three more like it came in from the hole it made. They all looked around, searching the area for something. They stayed close, following the first, looking where it didn't. It walked near a hallway before it stopped. It turned its gaze to a display that showed a fridge with foods that astronauts would have in shuttles like these. They were all fake props but they were bundled together. As it eyed the display its cohorts stopped looking, eyeing the same display. The leader raised their hand, jamming it into the door before yanking it out, and throwing it away, proceeding to claw down on the props, tearing them down along with the selves that held them and revealing Dex crouched below in one of the sections.

“AH!” Dex jumped out of the way before it could grab him and rushed down the hallway. The lead creature reached its hand out, shooting it out in an attempt to grab his leg. He jumped over it, the hand twisting around from its missed grab and slithered through the air to grasp him again, darting right at him. Trying to avoid, tumbled and hit the wall, quickly trying to get up but once he stood, his arm was grabbed. “Shit!” He was pulled back, trying to fight it but couldn't release himself, not even slowing its pull off him. He tried to grab something but there was nothing but portraits and diagrams, nothing to get a grip on. “Shit shit SHIT!” He was about to get in its face, planning to make a desperate attempt to punch it off him. The exit was in the room behind, right through the hallway, so he wasn’t gonna give up like that when the escape was so close.

The doors he was hoping to leave were busted through from the outside. Artemis entered the room with a weapon in his mouth, the item made of swords that were adjacent together, each edge facing a different side, a handle holding them together at the end along with a string being nearly above the handle, but out of Artemis’s mouth as he held it. He glanced to the side as he entered, landing and twisting on the ground, aiming at the monster that held Dex, thrusting and bringing out his katana, wielding it with his tail. Once he stabbed into its chest, he swung its sword at its tendril, knocking its hand off Dex, vaulting off, and pushing it past its comrades. The other ones paid no attention to the one that was pushed back, simply moving to the side to avoid the collision with their eyes on Artemis. One charged at him, going alone due to the narrowness of the hallway. An arrow of light hit it in the face and knocked it off balance with a second one hitting its shoulder and shoving it back. It slashed through the third one before falling and gazed at the shooter.

Isaac was the shooter, aiming his Bow of Light at them and reading another arrow while calling out to his friend. “Dex! Over here!”

“Coming!” Dex didn't even argue, running to them.

The creature Isaac shot at and one at the end of the hall launched their hands at Dex. Artemis jumped up, slashing them away. A third hand came from the top and before he could get it, a sword came stabbing at him with a follow-up swooping down. Using his kodachi, he managed to push both away and engage the two.

“Get behind me!” Isaac got in front of Dex, dismissing his bow, and raising his right arm forward. Once the hand came close the barrier within the glove deflected it and gave him a chance to take hold only for one of the creatures Artemis knocked over to raise and rush.

“Master!” Artemis jumped up, kicking off the monster behind him and ramming his weapon into the other that managed to block but was still pushed back. He reoriented himself to Isaac’s way, twisting the handle with his jaw. The two swords spread out from the bottom, the tips only slightly spaced but staying together to form an arch that rose and elevated above the familiar's head, turning into a bow. He threw the Kodachi back, gashing the eye of the monster he knocked down, bringing his tail to the string, pulling back, a bright white bow being created. He released his tail, firing the bow right into the back of the monster going after Isaac.

His arrow knocked it forward, nearly making it fall and Isaac saw an opening. Closing in, he raised his fist and arched back before slamming his fist down into the back of its head, throwing his body weight down with it to increase the punch's strength, crashing its face into the ground and shattering its whole head. There was a wave of air pressure that emanated from contact, one intense enough to ruffle his and Dex’s clothes, even Artemis felt a bit of breeze.

“Whoa…” Dex said in amazement.

“Y-yeah.” Isaac agreed.

“Look out!” Dex pointed forward.

One of the creatures ran up to Isaac, slashing at his head. He ducked, uppercutting its chin and punching its chest, moving it back to allow Artemis to vault off its head and flip forward, shooting an arrow in its chest. “Nice shot!” Isaac complimented.

“Master, I’m sensing more creatures like these approaching. Might I suggest Vacating the area before it gets too cluttered?” Artemis informed.

“Good idea. C'mon, Dex!” He grabbed Dex and rushed out of there with Artemis, the other monsters giving chase.

“H-hey slow down you're moving too fast!” Dex was practically getting dragged by Isaac, feeling himself about to be hoisted in a comedic way.

“S-sorry!” Isaac slowed down a bit. “Huh?” He looked forward, seeing three more of them running down. He stopped.

“Shit, we're pincered!”

“Well, I guess I can try that construct. Artemis, can you handle the ones behind.”

“Yes, master.” Artemis moved behind.

“Try not to break anything other than them!” He reached his hand out.

“Understood.” The familiar stored his Katana, grasping his string. “Impact spell times two.” Two magic circles appeared before him. Their layout was four circles, one in the middle with the other three overlapping its sides, two on the bottom sides, and one at its top. There was a circle on the outside with an arrow that pointed outwards on its left and right. He pulled his bow, creating another arrow but as he pulled further it turned into a spinning spiral, releasing it before the monsters could get any closer. Once the spiral hit the first magic circle it extended out like a funnel, sparks emanating from contact, the arrow slowly dragging through for a second before blasting out, hitting the next one as the first one expanded outwards, turning opaque, having the same effect on the next. Once it passed it soared through the air with the speed and force of a magnum bullet and rammed through the blade and chest of one, blowing a three-inch hole in it. He pulled another spiral arrow, the magic circles returning to normal, firing it into another. It tried to dodge but got hit on the right side of his body, its shoulder being busted apart, dangling by a thread of skin.

“Judgment blade!” Isaac called out on his side. A large circle appeared before his hand, its center having a skinny diamond in its center. “Uh…” He didn't know what to do with it.

“Well?” Dex asked, the enemies getting closer, unsettling him.

“I uh,” He moved his hand, tilting and moving the symbol around, placing it on the ground, “ok but how do I…”

“Isaac?” He said with growing fear.

“I…” He moved it to them, having it slide under to where they were going to be. “Hope this works.”

“Hope!? What do you mean hope!?” Dex grabbed onto him, nearly shaking him.

“Ah!” He flicked his hand up by accident. Once he did a huge blade shot out the sigil, impaling the monsters that stepped over it. “Whoa.”

“Ok glad that worked. But no more testing!” He glared.

“S-sorry!” He dismissed the Construct. One monster was fully cut through while one had a deep cut into its side, losing an arm but pulling itself up. “Sparking Blade Whip!” He spun the bladed whip and threw it in its head, having tugged the string before contact and causing an explosion that effectively disabled the creature. “Sweet!” He turned to Artemis. “How are-” he witnessed the cat thrusting his weapon into the face of the final one, breaking its head while also ripping it off. “Oh, you look to be fine.”

Artemis looked toward Isaac with his usual stoic and emotionless expression. “I am alright, Master.”

“Uh, more incoming!” Dex pointed across where three more of the beings were running towards them.

“Time to try a new thing!” Isaac said.

“Hey, I thought we agreed!” Dex shouted. He saw Isaac's smirk and heard his snicker. “I heard that laugh!”

“Master,” Artemis walked by them, “If you would allow it, I can clear these fiends out in one strike.”

“Oh really?” Isaac seemed interested but thought about his final attack on Jink. “It won't destroy anything will it?”

“No.”

“Ok then…go for it.”

“Understood.” He moved in front of them and crouched, gathering power into his blades. “It is fortunate that they decided to file into this hallway.” He arched back. ‘Lateral moon stance.’ The edges glowed a bright white. ‘Waning thrust!’ He launched himself forward, a small scratch forming from where he leaped from, nearly instantly closing the gap between him and the monsters, barely giving them a moment to guard as his swords pierced through them with ease, effectively destroying them at the core. He landed and slid to a stop, letting the bodies drop.

“Nice,” Isaac said in amazement.

“Yeah.” Dex agreed. “Why didn't he just do that earlier?”

“We were probably in the way.”

“Master, I’m not sensing anymore of these creatures or any other ones for that matter.”

“Yeah? What about the leader?” Isaac asked.

“Hm.” He looked outward. “They seem to have fled. I'm no longer sensing them.”

“Well, I guess that's that.”

“Not quite.”

“Hm?” He and Dex gave Artemis a curious look.

“I sense others coming into the parking lot. The’re numerous amounts but none have awakened Star or Dusk energy.”

“So they're normal people? Who cou-” Dex started.

“Wait. Someone with Star energy has entered.”

“Star energy? Hm…could be a Guardian…which means the normal people could be police.” Isaac surmised.

“Which means we should probably get out of here, 'cause we don’t got a good enough explanation for this!” Dex informed.

“Uh…yeah good point,” Isaac said, getting his point. He reached his hand out to Artemis. “Uh Seal Control Art Two.”

“Understood.” Artemis closed his eyes, storing his weapon and armor. “Mmm.” He opened his eyes, the blue returning. He looked around. “Did we win?”

“Yeah but now we gotta get lost!” Isaac picked up his cat.

“Huh, why?”

“Cops are coming and the last thing we need is questions!”

“Oh boy!” He was quick to get on Isaac's shoulders.

Isaac grabbed Dex. “Let's go!”

“Ri-Ri-IIIIGHT!” Dex was dragged away by Isaac, the teen rushing off quickly.

Isaac knew the place somewhat well so he tried to get them out to the emergency exit. He made it to the stairs, attempting to go down a level til someone crashed through.

“HORYA!” The nearby wall was sliced through, and a lady wielding a katana and armor came through. She was one of the Guardians, the one who wore samurai armor and had a gray cat partner.

“Shit!” Isaac quickly jumped to the side, hiding in the adjacent hallway before she could spot them.

“It's Silvet!” Dex whispered.

“Silvet? The Shibuya Guardian with the sword? Why's she-”

“Come out from that corner!” Silvet called.

The three boys tensed up, afraid they'd been caught.

“Crap, how'd she find us!? It's like she knew we'd be here!” Isaac said. They heard her footsteps coming closer.

“There's no point hiding! I can sense you there! Now reveal yourself!” Silvet said.

“Sense?”

“Your Dusk Energy! She must be sensing that!” Dex surmised.

“Well, how do I suppress it!?”

“Maybe disable enhancements?” Artemis suggested.

“That co-” Isaac was cut off by the sound of a sword entering its sheathe.

“If you insist I shall force you out!” Silvet yelled.

“Brace yourselves!” Isaac told the two, raising his fist.

“Wait what are you-” Dex said, worried about what he was gonna do.

“Zodiac Attack!”

“Gemini Burst.”

“Ragh!” He struck the ground hard, the impact destroying the floor around them, breaking everything around them in a wide area, blowing a thick wave of dust and debris to effectively blind Silvet. The three of them were falling to the floor, which was at least a two-story drop. He grasped Dex, holding tight onto Artemis, landing safely before running from the spot to avoid the debris, heading into a nearby stage room. “Enhancement off!”

“Disengage.”

“Phew. Think we're cle-URP!” He was grabbed by the collar by Dex who was furiously glaring at him.

“Are you insane!?” Dex threatened to choke him.

A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

Isaac nervously and fearfully waved his hands. “I panicked. I didn't know what else to do, I'm sorry.” He said as calmly as he could, shrinking at his friend’s intense glare.

“I-in all honesty I think it was the best thing he could do.” Artemis tried to defuse.

Dex grabbed him by the scruff of his neck, turning his heated gaze to him. “Don't…enable him.”

“Eep! I'm sorry!”

Dex sighed, letting them go. “Well anyways, at least we're ok.” He walked to the other side of the room. “If she can’t sense you now we should be good to leave. Let's go before they decide to check this room.”

“Good idea. C'mon Artemis.” Isaac petted the cat on his shoulders, following Dex.

“Too bad you can't sense who’s where right now,” He opened the door, “It could help us avo-” He paused when he looked forward and saw an anthropomorphic gray cat standing before him. It was the familiar of Silvet.

“Uh.” Isaac froze too.

“Hello.” The cat smiled, waving at them.

“Uh…hi Miss Selma.” Dex greeted.

“Mind telling me what you boys are doing here? There was an attack here just now, you know.”

“R-really? Never noticed. Me and my friend here were just uh…hanging around here.”

“Alone…while it's closed?” She raised a brow, not buying it.

“Y-yeah.”

“And you didn't hear anything, not even that loud crash from earlier?”

“Wh-what loud cr-”

Isaac came up and placed his hand on Dex’s shoulder. “Dex there's no point hiding it anymore.”

“Huh?” Dex looked at him confused.

“Ysee Ms. Selma, we came by earlier 'cause we wanted to see the new addition that was gonna be revealed tomorrow. This guy managed to get us in, with some inside help, and we were able to get an early access view. We were about to leave till these monsters showed up, scaring the daylights out of us. We screamed like cowards and ran here.”

“I see and you didn't want to admit to that fear huh?” Selma surmised.

“Course not! We're men!” He puffed his chest. Dex tried to hide his snicker and so did Artemis.

“Hm?” Selma looked towards the cat on Isaac's shoulder.

“Hm?” Artemis looked back. He was gonna say something but then remembered to act like a cat. “M-Meow.”

“Whos this?”

“Oh him? He's Artemis. Say hi Artemis.” Isaac nudged.

“H-” He raised his paw, about to say hi but caught himself in time much to everyone's relief “row! Hroew!”

“Aw, he's cute.” Selma smiled. Her comment made Artemis blush. “Aww, he's blushing now.”

“M-meow!” He got a bit flustered by that.

“Anyways. You boys didn't notice anyone did you? Someone like a guardian perhaps.”

“What do you mean?” Dex feigned ignorance.

“Well someone took out those monsters you saw and it wasn't us. My partner nearly caught someone suspicious but they managed to avoid her. By what she sensed it was a man but…”

“But what?”

“Well, no offense but…I can't imagine a man doing all this, not without some special weaponry but we can't find any traces of that.”

“Traces?”

“What made you think it was a man?” Isaac asked.

“Because Silvet sensed a man. It's complicated.”

“And you can't sense him anymore?”

Selma shook her head. “Nope. Are you sure you didn't notice anyone fighting those things off?”

“Well…” He looked to Dex, trying to form a believable story.

“We were too busy running to really notice anyone…but..we did hear what sounded like a fight…I think. We were really freaking out.” Dex finished.

“Hm. Well, at least you're ok.” Selma seemed ok with that answer but still looked a little suspicious.

“Can…we go now then?”

“Not quite, I'm afraid. You’re gonna have to answer a few questions to the police.”

“Crud.” They sulked.

----------------------------------------

Isaac and Dex were talking to the police outside with Artemis just waiting by the bike. Selma was watching them when Silvet approached her.

“Who are they?” Silvet asked.

“Some boys I found hiding in a stage room. They had a cute cat with them.” Selma looked to where Artemis was, the cat looking back. “Meow.” She waved with a smile.

“Eep!” Artemis blushed, quickly looking away.

“Never seen you interested in a normal cat,” Silvet said, curiously looking at her familiar.

“That one’s special. I don't know why but he's definitely not normal. Could say the same for his cohorts.” Selma looked at Isaac and Dex.

“Think they're hiding something.”

“Their story was a bit…how do you say…meh. Plus I could see in their eyes that they weren't telling the truth.”

“Possible they had a hand in this?”

“I didn’t sense any Dusk energy in them so I don't think so. What about you? Any leads?”

“I inspected some of the remains of the Automata, and while the connections were severed I’m hoping the lingering amount can give us something. Besides that, the way they were dispatched bothers me.”

“Why's that?”

“They're different types of wounds on them.”

“Does that mean whoever fought them had multiple weapons?”

“Possibly but there were no traces of any Dusk items, no signatures at all that one would usually leave. Besides…”

“What?”

“I sensed one man but…I'm thinking there's more than one who fought. The slashes were inconsistent. Some were clean and done by an expert, others were a bit sloppy and used by some other type of blade.”

“They probably escaped before we got here.”

“Maybe but it still concerns me how the last one just…vanished, especially with how he escaped.”

“You think it could be related to the museum?”

“Probably. It does have some similarities with what Samantha told us.” Silvet looked at the boys. “Let’s commit those faces to memory just in case.”

“Oh, I am.” Selma looked back to Artemis who glanced back but quickly looked away.

----------------------------------------

“Think they believed it?” Isaac asked Dex, walking down the road with his bike beside him, Artemis in the basket.

“I hope so. The last thing I want is the government AND the guardians probing the two of you.” Dex answered with a sigh.

“I doubt the Guardians would do that.”

“I don't know dude, remember the sixth guardian of Tokyo?”

“That's different and they didn't probe her, they tested her.”

“Yeah but you and Artemis are way different, they might wanna be…thorough in those tests.”

“I think you're overreacting…still let's not chance it,” Isaac said with some concern.

“Please don't.” Artemis shivered, not wanting to be experimented on.

“Though I guess Selma would like to know you better,” Isaac smirked.

“Huh!?” Artemis turned red, gawking at Isaac.

“She seemed pretty interested in you.”

“Sh-she just thought I was a cute cat, that's all, there're plenty of cute cats!”

“But not alot of cute Artemis.”

“Sh-shut up!” He flailed his paw at him.

“Hm? Oh crap!” Dex noticed something in his pocket.

“What?” Isaac turned to him.

“I still got those gems, the ones with the map. I didn't get a chance to put them back.” Dex groaned.

“Well, it's not like you can go back now. Try going tomorrow, could talk to someone about it to avoid any issues.”

“Alright, but you're coming with me just in case someone wants to scold me.”

“Alright.” He looked at Artemis. “You wanna join?”

“Sure.” Artemis nodded.

“By the way, you might wanna ask other Artemis about that spell he used,” Dex said.

“Spell? Oh, that Impact thing.” Isaac understood.

“What thing?” Artemis asked.

“You said Impact spell an-” As soon as he said that a magic circle the same as what Artemis used appeared before his right hand. “Ah!”

“Honestly, you should've expected that,” Dex said not surprised.

“Y-yeah I should've. Weird how there was no voice this time.” He looked at his glove curiously.

“What is that?” Artemis asked.

“It's a spell you used when you used your bow sword,” Dex explained.

“Bow sword?”

“It could turn into a double-bladed sword but you were able to have it spread into a bow.”

“Oh cool.”

“Hm.” Isaac picked up a pebble off the ground, inspecting it.

“What are you doing?” Dex asked curiously.

“Seeing something.” He rose the rock over the spell and let go. Once it hit the magic circle it expanded outwards, sparking from contact, the stone staying in place for a second before going through, falling much faster than originally.

“Whoa,” Artemis said, intrigued.

“Seems like this spell increases the force of whatever goes through.”

“Cool, and you're saying I used that?”

“Yeah, you used it with this arrow of light.”

“Y'know I wonder what other spells are in it.” Dex thought to question.

“Well…Artemis could know.” He glanced at the cat.

“Hm?” The familiar looked at him curiously. “You mean…my other side?”

“Um…we can ask another time. Dismiss.” He called the spell away. He stretched. “I'm tired. Let's head home.”

----------------------------------------

Artemis stretched on the couch as the two entered the living room of the apartment. “Mind if I watch a little Call of the Night before sleeping? I wanna see who that was with Ko’s watch.”

“Sure. You know how to use the remote?” Isaac asked, sitting on the couch next to him.

“I think so.”

“In that case,” He grabbed the remote standing next to a box, handing it to Artemis, “go for it.”

“Thanks!” He used his paws, setting the device in front of him, and carefully tapping on it.

Isaac glanced over at the box, thinking back to that day, the explosions, the panic, the call for a search and recall, and the item left behind. “Hm…”

“Isaac?”

“Huh?” He looked over at the cat, seeing his concerned look.

“You ok? You looked a little…lost there.”

“It's…nothing.” he glanced back at the container.

“Hm…” He followed his gaze. “What's in the box?”

“...” He reached for it, opening it, revealing a large ring inside, one that had an inscription on the side that was in an unknown language. “It's….something my dad left me from his last exploration.”

“Your dad?”

“Yeah…he was an astronaut.”

“Oh cool. Is he…out in space right now?”

“....Yeah….he's out there…somewhere…I know it.” Isaac tightened his grip on the box, looking at it a bit more fiercely.

Artemis noticed this. “Isaac?”

“Mm.” He snapped out of it, shaking his head before smiling, closing the box, and setting it aside. “Earlier you asked about that opening song. I can play the full version if you want.”

“Sure.” He was curious about his dad and what he meant about him being out there but felt it wasn’t his place to ask.

----------------------------------------

Next Day

“Normally I'd grill you over this but since this place was attacked I won’t hold anything against ya.” One of the workers said to Isaac and Dex, leading them down the hallway. Artemis was laying in Isaac's backpack. They were currently at Aldin station, the one leading them being the one that let them inside so late that day.

“Sorry.” Dex apologized.

“I told ya it's fine. Who would’ve expected those Automatons to attack out of the blue like that.”

“Automatons?”

“That's what the Guardian Silvet called them. Beings made from Comet and Star fragments, powered by star energy apparently but I think she said it was controlled by Dusk or something?”

“Hm.” Dex looked at Isaac who shared the same confirming look.

They entered a room that had certain discoveries on display. “Hm?” The worker saw another worker in a cap in the room looking around. “Hey, what are you doing here!”

“Huh?” The average museum worker turned around, startled. “O-oh sorry, I um,”

“Y'know this room’s off limits, especially to those of your position!”

“S-sorry really.” He bowed. “I just…well…”

“Lemme guess, couldn't help but take a look huh?”

“Y-yeah.” He rubbed the back of his head nervously.

The worker manager sighed but chuckled. “Heh, and I thought Isaac and Dex here were the only space nuts I knew.” He glanced at the two behind.

The average workman’s interest seemed to pique a little. “Isaac.” He said under his breath

“Well tell you what, I won't reprimand ya but you gotta leave now. You’re not authorized to be here.”

“O-ok.” He shuffled away, walking past them, keeping his hat down as if to keep his eyes hidden in embarrassment. As he passed them he slowed down, glancing back.

“Hm?” Artemis noticed that. “Meow.” He greeted.

“Hm…” He looked intently at Artemis before turning away and leaving.

“Huh?” He raised a brow, curious about his actions.

----------------------------------------

“So what's this Star Guide and Star Seeker stuff?” Artemis asked as the two were leaving Aldin station.

“Well, I wanna go to space to see all the stars out there, to see the different constellations I can make. So thus I'm a Star Seeker.” Isaac answered.

“And I told him that I’d help him find those stars. So thus, Star Guide.” Dex said.

“Oh, I see. Pretty basic.”

“What were you expecting?” Isaac chuckled.

The three exited the building.

“I'm hungry. Wanna get some takeout? We could get something for Ar-” Dex started.

“Excuse me!” Someone called out.

“Hm?” They all looked to the source. It was the worker from before.

He walked up to them. “Hi, can I…Can I talk to you a bit?”

“About what?” Isaac and Dex said in unison.

“It's…a little embarrassing to say in public.” He looked away bashfully.

“What's up?” Isaac asked.

“It's just..well…you were allowed to look around in there and…I wanted to ask a few things.”

“Oh, an enthusiast huh?” Dex seemed to understand. “Sure we’ll tell.”

“Um not out here I…don’t want people looking I tend to uh…geek out.”

“I get it. Sure, lead the way.” Isaac implored.

“Thanks! This way please!” He led them away back into Aldins from another entrance, going into a separate but connected area, one that wasn't attacked.

“So what are you interested in?” Isaac asked as they entered the area.

“I guess the unknown artifacts we find from those shuttles.”

“Yeah, those are a real mystery. We've only been able to figure out a few of them so far and there's still many to find.” Dex said.

“Right!? It's like where did they come from and what do they do!?” He said excitedly. The room they went into was a waiting room for one of their planetary attractions.

“So what exactly did you want to-” Isaac stopped himself when he noticed something on one of the line ropes beside him. It was a black card with an image of a creature he recognized. “What the-!?”

“Hm? What's up I- Eh!” He looked at what he did, seeing the card. “Thats-!”

“There's something else I’ve taken interest in.” The man said, his tone changing. “A few things actually.” He raised his hand. “One being the one who apparently took down my Knights and Rooks.” He snapped his finger.

Several cards shined around them, all of them, except the one the two noticed, being tucked away in a hidden spot. They were the creatures with the blade arms that they faced the night before. One went to strike at them.

“Move!” Isaac shoved Dex back. “Enhancement Six!” He raised his right hand, letting the gloves shield block the slash, being quick to reach back to unclip his bag. He pushed back against the blade of the one in front. Two came from behind him, about to grab him.

Artemis came out, his Seal automatically releasing, kicking away the first hand, taking out his sword, slashing the other hand away before landing, and glaring at the two. They shot their hands at him, the cat deflecting one before placing the sword in his tail's grasp, knocking the other away, biting the first one's wrist, pulling it towards him, swiftly placing the kodachi in his maw again, leaping at it and swiftly cutting through its neck.

“Scissor Guard!” Isaac materialized the weapon he called for, dodging and blocking the swipes from the one before him. He swayed to the side, managing to catch the scissors into its upper arm, cutting it off with a push. He slashed at its chest before it could retaliate before piercing its face. Another came forward, attempting to slice his face. Isaac aimed his hand down. “Judgment blade!” The sigil was placed on the ground and he hopped back, letting it come forward to try again. “Hmph!” He swiped his hand up, the giant blade shooting out to cut through it.

Artemis clashed and deflected attacks from two of them with ease, charging light into his sword. He jumped back in the air and did a twist. ‘Light slash!’ He swiped a light-cutting wave at the two, cutting them in half, the wave dissipating before it hit a wall.

Isaac took out the last one by wrapping his blade whip around it and having it detonate, breaking its body but not quite destroying it. He finished it with a hook to the face, shattering the front of its head, and it falling to the ground.

“Impressive.” The worker clapped.

Isaac glared at him and materialized his bow, aiming it at him while Artemis got ready to attack the man.

“Now now,” He raised his hands, “I'm sorry for the sudden attack but I had to see to believe.”

“Who are you!?” Isaac demanded.

“My name,” he took his cap off, revealing his black hair, his short ponytail falling down his back and his gentle green eyes staring at them, “is Sinar.”

“Sinar?”

“And you are Isaac correct, son of Derick?”

Isaac was taken by surprise. “How do you know my dad!?”

“Answer me this. Do you believe in fate?”

“What are you getting at?”

“I came here, looking for a piece of a map, sending my knights in to be a distraction for the rooks just in case the pawns couldn't hack the silent alarm, only to have them be taken down by you too.”

“Piece of a map?” He glanced at Dex who glanced back, both having the same thought of the gem. “What's that gotta do with fate? Are you related to Jink?”

“Jink? You've met someone from the Scarlets?”

“Scarlets?”

“Nevermind, we're getting off topic.” He reached into his shirt.

Isaac pulled an arrow while Artemis hissed.

“Easy…I'm just pulling out something Derrick left behind.”

Isaac nearly gasped. “What?”

“Hm.” He smirked, continuing to grab what he was holding.

“Master, shall I subdue him?” Artemis asked.

“No wait.” Isaac eased up a little, curious about what he was pulling out, but ready to fire nonetheless.

Sinar pulled out a black and red capsule the size of a football. It had a screen on top and was scuffed up, the back of it dented hard. “Do you know what this is?”

“...No I don't.”

“It's a messenger capsule, one with a subject message that said this.” He tapped on a part of the screen.

“Isaac,” A voice came from the capsule.

Isaac was taken aback, dropping his guard. “Thats-!”

“Isaac….come here…Isaac.”

“That's your dad's voice!” Dex said, surprised as well.

“It's…it's not just that.” Isaac's eyes widened.

“Huh?”

“I've…heard this before…a while back after the accident I was walking and…I heard his voice calling to me like that…I thought I was losing it at the time.”

“You weren't losing it and had this capsule not been damaged you would’ve realized that,” Sinar said.

“What…why’s my dad's voice playing from that!?”

“Master…” Artemis looked at Isaac with some concern.

“This is where fate comes in. You see I came across this device by chance, was able to fix some of it, and have it replay this message. I haven’t fully hacked it yet so all I know is the date and who sent it. However, since it goes to you I'm guessing you have access to what's inside.” Sinar smirked.

“...Let me see it.” Isaac nearly demanded.

“First call off the familiar and turn off the bow.”

Artemis glared at Sinar. “I won’t let you harm Master!”

“Oh come now, if harm was my intent I would’ve brought more muscle. I promise,” He placed his hand on his chest, “I will make no move of violence.”

“Hmmm.” Artemis wasn't convinced.

“Isaac.” Dex looked at his friend concerned.

Neither was Isaac but he wanted to know what it was his dad left him and why. It honestly felt more like a need. “...Dismiss. Enhancement off.” He dismissed the bow and powered down. “Seal, Control Art Two.”

“Nng!” He dropped his sword, the weapon being stored, and his eyes returned to blue. “Huh?” He shook his head. “What happened?”

“I sealed him, now show me the capsule.”

“Alright.” He walked closer, standing right in front of Isaac. “Here.” He reached out for the item.

Isaac took it from him, looking at it. “How do I-” A scanner was emitted from the screen, going over his face.

“Facial scan confirmed. Playing message.” The capsule stated before bringing up a holo display. On the display, it showed the face of a man in an astronaut suit but no helmet. He looked to be an adult with the same eye color as Isaac, a squarish head, a well-trimmed beard and goatee, and a bowl cut.

“Hey, son.” The man said.

“Dad!!” Isaac’s eyes lit up.

“I know you're probably wondering about me after communications were cut, but I have a good reason, really. The crew and I managed to bump into some aliens, ain't that crazy?” He chuckled.

“Aliens?”

“They're nice tho. We did some talking and well I decided I'm gonna venture with them for a bit, see some stars for ya.”

“Dad…” He smiled.

“But I have something important for you to do.” He got a serious look. “Y’see these guys were planning to go to earth to nab something their grandparents lost there. It's apparently one of those don't have the bad guys get it type of deal. They’re in some sort of subspace thing, I don't know but I’m leaving you with a device that will help you get them and a map to show you their general location. Listen, Isaac….I need you to find these for me. They may be in a subspace thing but they don't stay hidden forever, especially after so much time has passed. They're bound to…flux…once you've gathered them all…” He smiled and showed a ring, it was the same one Isaac currently had, “you can use this key to open it and we can take a look together when I get back, but you can go ahead and take the first look. Kay son?”

“Dad…” His grip on the item tightened and he felt a tear go down his cheek, forming a small smile. Artemis noticed this and was curious about why the tear, wondering what happened with this father of his.

“I'll see you in the future Isaac…bye.” He smiled and waved.

“End of message.” The capsule stated before opening up.

“What the-?” Isaac was nearly startled. Inside was a small rectangular device and an oval-shaped pod with a ring insert on its top.

“What are those?” Dex thought to ask.

“I don't-” Siran reached in to grab the rectangle, “Hey!”

Siran tapped the device on his watch, the bracelet lighting up along with the item. “...It's the key he was talking about. It also has the map, which I just copied.”

“You what!?”

“The hell you planning!?” Dex accused.

“A challenge,” Siran answered, handing the device back.

“Huh?”

“I'm going to take this map back with me and talk with my team about deploying automatons in those areas in an attempt to search for whatever was being hidden. They’ll be hidden, they'll be mostly discreet, and they won't attack anyone…anyone except you.”

“And why would I let you do that?” Isaac questioned.

“Let me ask you something. How well do you know your familiar?”

“Artemis? Why?”

“What do I have to do with this?” Artemis asked.

“I saw you fight through the eyes of my Automata and while you know how to fight you don't know these powers or that cat well. So I'll take a gander that they’re new to you.”

“...What if that's true?” Isaac asked.

“...Because I know what he is and I know about the origin of these abilities.”

“The origin? Wait you're saying you have some information on Artemis!”

“Yes.”

“...even his past?”

Artemis gasped, looking at Isaac with some shock.

“Well not quite,” Sinar admitted, “but what I know could very well lead to those answers.”

“...What's your challenge?”

“Like I said, those Automata will only attack you…If you manage to beat them and take those pieces I will personally face you and if I am defeated I will tell you all I have on your Artificial Familiar.”

“Artificial?”

“Piqued your interest, have I?”

“...How do I know you won't hold your end of the deal?”

“What would I gain from such a thing? If I truly wasn’t gonna do as I say then I wouldn't be leaving you with the means to get these pieces, now would I.”

“I…Dex?” He looked at his friend.

Dex looked a bit uncertain. “He…he does have a point…but…what do you gain from this?”

“Let's say…that's a secret.” Sinar winked. “But I’m not getting nothing out of this.”

“Hm.” He looked down at Artemis.

“Huh?” The cat looked at him with his own uncertainty, not knowing what to say.

“...” He looked back to Sinar. “You'll tell everything about him?”

“All I know,” Sinar answered.

“....alright. I accept your challenge.” He took his hand out for a shake.

“Heh,” He took it, shaking on it, “Then it's agreed.” He walked off. “I shall have my forces ready in two days. Let it begin by then Isaac and Artemis.” He waved as he left.

“You sure about this Isaac?” Dex asked in concern.

“...” He looked at the key in his hand, remembering the message. “....Yeah.”

----------------------------------------

“Seriously!?” Dixon exclaimed. They were all on the grass roof, the place where they watched the meteor shower last. Isaac and Dex just explained what happened.

“Yeah, in two days I gotta go search for these pieces, so in the meantime, I need to practice. Who knows what I'm gonna be fighting and I gotta make sure I don't activate that seal on Artemis.” Isaac said, sitting on the grass.

“Huh? Wait, you're gonna fight alone?” Artemis looked at him surprised.

“Well yeah. This is…this is something my dad wants me to do so…it's my fight, not yours…got no right to force you into this.” He smiled.

“Oh…” He forcefully returned the smile but looked down, feeling somewhat guilty and a little ashamed for some reason.

“...” Dixon noticed this and turned to face Isaac. “You’re seriously gonna do this kid?”

“Yes.” Isaac nodded at him with a serious look. “It'd be wrong for me to do this before Dad gets back.”

“Before he gets back huh…” Dixon sighed. “Well, we can practice at the junkyard. We can use some of the old drones too.”

“Really? Will that be ok?”

“Yeah it'll be fine, I'll load them on the truck. Mind helping me out Artemis?”

“Huh?” Artemis looked at Dixon confused.

“Could use a cat's eye view in the loading bay.”

“Oh ok.”

“Meet me in front, you two.” He said, walking off.

“Alright.” Dex and Isaac confirmed.

----------------------------------------

Artemis and Dex entered the loading bay, going to a crate in the back. Dixon was holding a tablet, typing on it.

“Alright…this is the one,” Dixon stated, typing on the device.

“So…you need me to go up high?” Artemis asked.

“....” He didn't answer, continuing to type.

“Um…Dixon?” He heard what sounded like machinery at work, looking at the origin to see a crane on the roof going to the crate, lifting it, and carrying it away.

“....What do you know about Isaac’s dad?”

“Oh,” He gave Dixon his attention, “I know he's an astronaut and he's in space right now. He left something for Isaac and it was apparently that ring he showed in the video.”

“I see….it's been nearly two years since the incident.”

“Incident?”

“...Derrick Jourad went on an expedition on August 6th, 2021…the expedition was merely to go to one of Jupiter's moons, to inspect to see if anything crashed there due to a radar they sent out there a while ago…communication was cut…and lost all contact…a few months later a recovery expedition was sent…they found…the found the ship…and what's believed to be their remains…I say believed because of how twisted the…the corpses were….I was able to retrieve that ring and give it to Isaac…It was the only thing he held….Because of the state of the corpses, we did have some difficulty figuring out who’s who but the ring had a tag with Isaac’s name on it so…we figured it was Derrick…we also found…signs that…something else was there…another shuttle maybe.”

“I…” Artemis didn't know what to say even though he wondered why he was being told this.

Dixon turned to face them. “You heard what Isaac said right? That his dad is still out there?”

“Y-yeah.”

“...Isaac…. no one wants to accept the death of a loved one…especially a loving parent…if given even a sliver of a chance that they may be alive…they'll take that hope….no matter how false or hopeless it is….Isaac has that hope.”

“I…I see.” He felt as though he understood Isaac a bit more.

“...Even so…he’s trying to stay true to himself, true to what he was taught as he was raised…he could use you…force you to fight for him or try to coerce you into it, bribe you even…but he won't even tempt you to fight…this…I want him to go with this…it could lead to closure…closure he needs…with that, I wish to ask a favor of you.” Dixon came closer.

“Wh-what is it?”

“...I understand you don’t like being a servant,” He got lower, “I understand you not wanting to be controlled,” He got on his knees, “I get not liking this…other side of yours,” he got on his hands, “but…I must ask you…no beg of you,” He bowed to the cat, startling him, “find in your heart…to fight with him.”

“U-...huuh!?”

“...Derrick was like a brother to me…and I promised him after his first expedition that if anything were to happen to him…but…I'm ashamed to say I can’t do anything to help with this…I’m powerless….so please…whenever he goes into a fight…be by his side…to make sure he gets out alive…and…try to be his friend….that's all I request.”

Artemis didn’t know what to say, feeling a huge weight pressed onto him. He could sense his compassion and regret in his voice as he made his plea, which made deciding what to do that much harder.

“Artemis, Dixon, you guys ready?” Isaac called from outside.

“We're coming.” Dixon raised to answer, glancing at Artemis. “Please consider what I said.” He got up, going outside, Artemis somberly following.

Dex and Isaac were next to the truck that was loaded with the crate.

“All set?” Isaac asked.

“Yes. Ready to go?” Dixon asked.

“Yep.”

“Alright.” He went to take the driver's side.

Artemis was about to follow but Isaac stopped him.

“Hold up Artemis. I want you to stay here.”

“Why?” Artemis asked.

“Because I wanna see if there's some signal range with this thing, that maybe if I’m far away enough you won't be activated.”

“O-oh…I see.” He said a bit depraved.

“You ok?”

“Im…fine.” He glanced at Dixon who looked back, his eyes still asking what he did before.

“You sure?”

“Mm.” He nodded.

“...Ok…Dex is gonna keep you company until then.”

“Mm.”

“Well…be back soon guys.”

“Tell us how it goes when you get back.” Dex waved.

“Sure thing Star Guide.” Isaac smiled about to get in the car.

As Artemis watched Isaac as he was about to go in. Dixon's request kept ringing in his ears and the closer he got into the vehicle, the more the weight pressed onto his body. He bit his lip. It was now or never. “Isaac, wait!” he rushed forward.

“Hm?” Isaac looked back. “What's up?”

“....That guy said he knows something about me right?”

“Yeah, why?”

“....Let's make a deal!”

“A deal?”

“I'll….I’ll use you…and you'll use me!”

“What?”

“I want to know what I am…I want to know my past…and if this will lead to some answers…then I'll use you to find them…in return….you can use me.”

“Artemis.” He was taken aback by his proposition.

“Let's use each other…to fulfill our goals…deal?” He reached his paw out.

“...” Isaac knelt, taking his paw, and shaking it. “Deal.”

Artemis smiled. “Then let's go train.”

“Yeah!” Isaac nodded, smiling as well.

Dixon couldn't help but smirk, thankful to the familiar.

----------------------------------------

End.

Next chapter. Let’s align the stars.