Chapter 7. Expose.
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Isaac quickly merged with the crowd while the police were arriving. A few of the people that were inside noticed him and approached him.
“You ok, young man?” Said a lady.
Isaac gave a nervous but reassuring smile. “I'm fine. That guy in the mask saved me and had me hide somewhere.”
“You mean that boy with his cat?”
“I remember seeing them on the news,” Spoke an elderly man, “I believe they were named Star Mask and the Moon Familiar.”
“We were lucky they were here. Who knows what those two crooks would’ve done to that poor girl!” Said a younger man.
“Um, where is that young girl? She’s a friend of mine,” Isaac asked.
“She’s still outside, I just saw a police car roll around to her.”
“You did?”
“Yeah, go take a look,” He pointed back.
“Scuse me,” Isaac walked by to the front of the demolished building, seeing Sofi talking with a police officer. He watched them, hoping maybe she'd look his way so he could wave.
Artemis crawled out and leaned close to Isaac’s ear. “She ok?”
“She might get taken to the station.”
“Why?”
“For questioning. She is involved and they’re gonna need to know what's going on here.”
“Will she be ok?”
“She’ll be fine…I hope,” He couldn’t help but worry if she spoke about how exactly she was related to them. As he contemplated that, he witnessed her being taken into one of their vehicles and as she did she glanced over.
“Hm?” She paused for a second once she spotted Isaac and Artemis, the duo waving at her, sporting a smile. Timidly she raised her hand, about to return it, but stopped. “...” Shrinking back and looking away, she moved into the back of the car.
“Uh…” The partners lowered their arms, saddened by the lack of a wave back but understanding and sighing.
“Excuse me,” Another Officer walked to them, “Can I get a statement from you? I heard you were captured by one of their machinery.”
“Oh yeah. Do you need to take me downtown?” Isaac questioned.
“Depends on if I need more details,” He took out a notepad, “So what happened?”
“Well…” He explained the situation to the officer.
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Some time later.
The front door to the apartment was unlocked and Isaac came in with Artemis jumping onto the couch.
“Wanna check to see if we're on the news?” Artemis asked.
“Nah, but you can go ahead,” Isaac stated, heading to the kitchen, “Thirsty?”
“Can I try one of those cherry sodas?” Artemis questioned, reaching for the remote.
“Sure.”
The feline managed to get to the news, where three newscast people were talking about the bank incident. “A pair of thugs trying to rob a bank is what I’m thinking,” said one of them.
“I think there's more to it than that. I've heard they were trying to take someone there,” said the female news reporter.
“A planned hostage if you ask me. Luckily they were thwarted.”
“By Star Mask and the Moon Familiar, right? Lucky for everyone they were there.”
“Quite the coincidence if you ask me,” Spoke the second newsman.
“What do you mean?”
“They just happened to be there? When the whole area was sealed off? Smells fishy to me.”
“Oh boy,” The first man sighed.
Isaac came back holding three soda cans. “Here,” he handed Artemis a cherry Fanta.
“Thanks,” Artemis used his claw to pry the lid open.
“Think about it,” said the second newsman, “the first time he and his cat appeared was just before those two Automatons attacked, and their second appearance was right now during a hostile bank takeover that was sealed away from prying eyes. I smell a stage.”
“You say that but do you ever consider it a coincidence?” The newslady stated.
“What do you mean?”
“Let's do a comparison. A few months ago there was that jewel thief that had an Automaton, the one with the tentacle arms.”
“What about him?”
“During one of his heists, he was thwarted by Poppy and her partner, Le-shot, right in the beginning of his heist too.”
“That was her being there at the right time and right moment.”
“And then there was that time when Silvet and Selma stopped that group of robbers as they were leaving the bank. Got them right before they got on the main road.”
“That was also the right time right place.”
“Exactly.”
“Huh?”
“The Guardians may have superpowers but we forget they have normal lives just like anyone else. They could be anywhere in a crowd and close by to any incident and arrive just in time because they happened to be nearby. Take for instance the first time we were introduced to Star Mask and The Moon Familiar. It was at an anime expo, right?”
“I see where you’re going,” The first newsman spoke up, “There was a huge amount of people there, who’s to say they weren't there as anime fans?”
“Well…that could be possible,” The other man reluctantly admitted.
“Still this is only the second time we’ve seen those two, and while they are a mystery we can’t jump so close to conclusions.”
“Urrrg, fine…wait, is it the second time we’ve seen them?”
“What do you mean?”
“I recall an incident at the museum not too long ago.”
“Oh shit,” Isaac cursed, knowing what he was mentioning.
“Museum? Oh, I know what you're talking about. You don't think they were involved in that do you?” Asked the lady.
“I got ample reason to!” The newsman stated, “Remember what the witnesses said? They said they were saved by a boy and a cat.”
“That does sound similar,” The second man agreed.
“Are you saying this could be the first time Star Mask and The Moon Familiar was actually spotted?” The lady asked.
“Meaning these new heroes have been active longer than we expected!”
“How interesting!”
“Huh? Wait, that's not what I'm trying to get at here!” The second man said, trying to go back to his original topic.
“Oh we're out of time, but we're gonna look into this! Tune in next time and we might have a scoop on the first actual sighting of Star Mask and The Moon Familiar! Now to the weather!”
“Oh man,” Isaac sulked back, beginning to sweat.
“What?” Artemis questioned, looking at his partner.
“He was talking about the museum that we went to the day after I found you. Where I first found out about you seals, remember?”
“Oh yeah, I remember that…well not really. What about it?”
“That was before I got my costume. Some people saw me use my powers and some saw you don your armor.”
“Oh…that's not good,” He was starting to see the issue, sweating as well.
“I asked the last lady that saw us to keep us quiet but what about the others? Oh, this is bad.”
“Nothing to worry about,” Said Stein’s eyeball floating above and between the two.
“AH!!” Isaac and Artemis jumped at his sudden appearance.
“Stein!? Where did-? No, better yet, how’d you get in!?” Isaac asked.
“The window,” Stein answered.
“My window!?”
“Now about your first appearance, you don't have to worry about anything.”
“Why's that?”
“Before we first made contact I made sure to do some digging on you too and found out about your first…adventure per se. Luckily for you the most that was said was about a boy and a cat, thats the most of it. That mother and kid were courteous enough not to reveal any troubling details, and other people were too wrapped up in the chaos to get a good look at you, helps that you only got close to the mother.”
“Oh, well that's a relief.”
“What else did you dig up about us?” Artemis wondered.
Stein looked his way, “If you're wondering if I’ve found clues on your past I sadly must say I have not much of an inkling.”
“Oh,” He lowered his ears in disappointment.
“That's not to say I didn't find SOMETHING.”
“Oh!” That perked his ears.
“You found something?” Isaac said with equal interest.
“Yes,” Stein nodded, “but before I spill, please do tell me, what went down at the bank?”
“Well…” Isaac recounted the events that happened earlier.
“I see. Those flash beads I gave you worked pretty well huh?”
“Yeah, thanks for those.”
“You're welcome. Though this will no doubt make things a tad more difficult with Sofi.”
“No doubt about that. Dixon and Dex were gonna come by tonight to discuss that.”
“Hey, before we go on with that,” Artemis spoke up, “can you tell me what you found out concerning me?”
“Oh right,” Stein faced the feline, “It's about that egg you came out of.”
“The egg?”
“It was actually an LTP, a Life Transport Pod. It's a specially constructed pod for transporting living organisms, made to put whatever's inside in some form of stasis while it's being transported.”
“I was being…transported?”
“What made him crash?” Isaac thought to ask.
“Well that's the strange part,” Stein answered, “The pod is like cargo so it had to have been in a ship, but it was just the pod that crashed, which means it was either ejected or something happened to the ship you were in.”
“What about this glove then?”
“It’s not unusual for it to be paired in his pod, considering its connection to him.”
“I guess.”
“So,” Artemis pondered, “I was being transported but for some reason, my pod left the ship I was in and crashed into Earth. Hm…”
“Is it possible to find out what ship he could’ve been in?”
Stein shook his head, “That won't be easy, especially if it wasn't legal transportation. For all we know pirates could’ve been transporting him.”
“Why would I be with pirates?” Artemis asked, troubled.
“We don't know who you were with, Artemis,” Isaac attempted to comfort, “Who knows, maybe it was a Guardian transport.”
“Maybe…” That eased the cat slightly.
“Either way,” Stein said, “I’ll keep looking into it, see if I can find out about any trade routes and such, anything that could be linked to where you fell.”
“Thanks.”
“Wait won't you need to know where he fell from?” Isaac questioned.
“Already calculated,” Stein stated, “I told you I looked into you two and I went to the crash site and did some calculations.”
“Cool.”
“So, what are the plans for the day? Besides meeting up with everyone.”
“Well, at first I was going to the store before I bumped into Sofi but after what happened, think I’ll go tomorrow.”
“Why not just use delivery?”
“I was getting some produce and that's always better to get in person.”
“Hm, fair.”
“What about you, Artemis?”
“Hm?” The familiar raised his ears in curiosity, “Me?”
“Yeah, anything you wanna do before the others get here?”
“Well, not really, but I do wanna continue Love after world domination.”
“Oh, that's a good anime,” Stein said.
“You’ve seen it?” Artemis and Isaac said in sync both genuinely surprised.
“Of course! I have a life outside of journalism y’know. How far in are you?”
“I'm on episode five,” Artemis answered.
“Oh! That one has the Steel Princess as the focus!”
“No spoilers!”
“I won't spoil, but I must ask, how'd you react to Haru finding out about the relationship?”
“I was honestly afraid that it’d throw a wrench in things but I was so shocked when I learned she had a crush on Fudo!”
“Right!? But hey now they got a partner in love crime!”
Isaac watched them and mentally thought: ‘I don't know whether to say weebs, nerds, or a combination of both.’
“Right!” Artemis beamed, “Oh man now I'm excited!” He looked over at Isaac, “Remote please!”
“Here ya go,” Isaac handed over the device.
“Thanks!” He wasted no time getting to Netflix to watch.
“Oh, that reminds me, how's the Artemis reacts channel?” Stein thought to ask.
“Oh yeah,” Taking out his phone, Isaac checked Youtube, “Whoa!”
“What?” Curious, Stein looked over his shoulder. “Two thousand subscribers!?”
“How many!?” Artemis exclaimed.
“2,251 to be exact!”
“HUUUH!?”
“We only posted three videos! How’d we get this much!?” Isaac questioned.
“Who did you bribe!?” Stein asked.
“Hold on,” He took a screenshot and messaged Lyla. -Lyla look at this!-
“T-tw-t-two….” Artemis stammered.
Isaac and Stein turned their gaze towards him, Isaac asking: “You ok?”
“Two…two..thousand…” Artemis’s eyes were bugging out and his body stiffened.
“Popularity shock,” Stein commented.
Lyla texted back. -Oh sweet! 2k baby!-
-Yeah in like 2 days! How!? The only videos posted were the food tasting, anime watching, and music!- Isaac message back.
-I may have spread the word about it with some help-
-What kind of help?-
-Shenia. She showed it to a few friends-
-A few!?-
“Two thousand subscribers...so many,” Artemis continued, spacing out with bug eyes.
-Artemis is having his brain crash right now-
-Really!? Show me!!- Lyla requested.
-Hang on- Isaac faced his familiar, “Hey Artemis, can you meow for a bit? Lyla wants a video.”
“...” Artemis hadn’t responded.
“Artemis?”
“...Meow.”
“Ok, he did hear me,” He started a video, “So…got two thousand subs…how ya feel?”
“...Mew…”
“You ok there?”
“Meowow.”
“It’s alot huh?”
He nodded. “Meow.”
“Need a moment.”
“Meeeow,” He nodded again.
He stopped the recording and sent it to Lyla. -Here-
“Should we splash some water on him?” Stein asked.
“Let's not.”
-LOL He's out of it!- Lyla texted.
-You got no idea-
-Wanna do another video tonight?-
‘Dex and Dixon are gonna be over later but we should have time afterward.’ Isaac pondered. He glanced over at Artemis who was still in his daze. ‘I’ll ask him once he's calmed down,’ Making his decision, he texted Lyla: -Lemme ask Artemis after he's done bugging out-
-Kk. Jog tomorrow?-
He mulled it over and thought a morning jog before meeting Sofi would be nice, still, he wanted to ask Artemis if he was up for it. -I'm up for it, but I need to ask Artemis if he wants to join-
-Sweet, text me updates-
-Sure thing-
-Hey…can I ask you something?-
-What's up?-
-Be honest. Were you at the bank this morning?-
-How’d you know?- He texted with actual surprise and curiosity.
-I saw a news flash about it and…spotted you in the crowd talking to a police officer-
-Ah. Well yeah, I was there. Things got crazy but luckily Star Mask and The Moon Familiar were there-
-Yeah, super lucky-
-Don't worry, I'm fine Lyla- Isaac smiled along with the emoji he sent.
-I know, youe a tough space cadet-
-*youre oops-
-forgot the ‘-
-Grammar nazi- She added a pouty face.
Isaac laughed at her reaction. -See you tonight?-
-You betcha-
Isaac looked to Artemis, tapping the cat. “Hey, you good there?”
This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.
“Mew,” Artemis meowed.
“You can talk normally now.”
“Ok.”
“You alright?”
“I’ll be fine just…need a minute.”
“I’ll make us some lunch in the meantime,” Isaac rose and went to the kitchen, “Ramen sound good?”
“Ramen?”
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Artemis slurped down the noodles from his bowl, chewing on them before swallowing. “It's so smooth!” His eyes lit up.
“Good right?” Isaac said, eating his bowl.
“Mhm!” Artemis was holding the fork with his tail, twirling the ramen around and bringing it to his mouth, blowing a few times before biting in, managing to get a shrimp. “The shrimp is a great addition!”
“I may not be able to make restaurant-quality but I can at least add shrimp.”
“What flavor is this?” Stein asked.
“Chicken.”
“Ah, a classic. I prefer the lime chili shrimp flavor.”
“You eat ramen?”
“Is that weird considering I'm a resident of Shibuya?”
“Well, I guess not. Though how do you get food from here if that's the case? You got some sort of disguise?” He asked while taking a bite.
“Y'know that smoke screen I made?”
“Mm,” He nodded while chewing.
“Well, y’see that’s an ability of mine. I can create a sort of holo field around a certain area, I just surround myself in one whenever I need to go shopping.”
“So wait,” Artemis spoke, “where do you live then?”
“You won't get my location that easily.”
“No, I mean what do you live in? A house? Apartment?”
“Oh, well I live in a rented house, paying through my own ways.”
“What ways?” Isaac questioned with curiosity.
“You've helped in that so I'll explain. As a journalist, I get paid but the currency is…out worldish, that's why I use a converter, something all those who journey to different planets need if they wish to buy.”
“So does that mean there may be other aliens among us?”
“Possibly yes, but not in a large number.”
“Why do you say that?” Asked Artemis.
“Your planet is the only one with intelligent life and civilization in this galaxy, however, there are plenty of galaxies around, each with a planet that has the same, albeit different. I personally like the culture and food here better, which is why I chose to take an extended stay, with your help of course.”
“How do they travel?”
“There are pathways called Worm gates where a ship can go through to make travel much quicker. Some are artificial, others natural but tweaked. They take you from point A to B but you can exit early through the sides, though that is difficult to do due to intensity and timing.”
“Hm…” Isaac pondered for a moment.
“Something wrong?”
“Question, Is it possible those shipwrecks that were discovered were from ships failing to exit the wormhole properly?”
“No, it would cause damage but not that much. If anything they were most likely vessels that fell out due to fights they were involved in.”
“Ok, next question. You said some were man-made wormholes, who makes them?”
“A coalition of sorts called the Gates to Travel. They’re a group founded by those who discovered a way to make and change wormholes and were brought together by the Guardian Corp.”
“The Guardians founded them?”
“Yes. They needed a way to travel between planets to recruit and fight the forces of evil.”
“What evil are they fighting exactly?” Artemis thought to ask.
“Pardon?”
“I get this odd feeling that they're fighting something more specific than just evil in general.”
“Ah, you see it as well. I agree with you, Artemis. There have been speculations and rumors that what they, the Guardians are against, is something specific. The Corps however are pretty secretive, as in they give vague answers whenever questioned about the evil they fight, always saying: The evil that plagues this universe, whatever that means.”
“That…does sound kinda specific. They said evil, not evils?” Isaac joined in.
“Yep! Sounds like they mean one thing huh? They corrected that but the sus is already there.”
“Gonna ignore the sus part, anyways I got the gist of how one becomes a Guardian, you get recruited by your soon-to-be familiar. It usually happens where those monsters appear.”
“Wait so those Automatons came here in Shibuya, this corps found a recruited the Guardians here?”
“I wasn’t talking specifically about the Automatons, I meant like actual monsters….though those could be Automatons too.”
“Some are,” Stein said.
“What do you mean?” Artemis questioned.
“It's not like we really had a chance to see one, but there are these…creatures that attack now and then and the Guardians fight them off. Their kinda rare now that I think about it.”
“How rare?”
“At least one or two a month but they are very strong.”
“There’s also the Black Guardians,” Stein said.
“The who?”
“Those like the Guardians but they use their power for evil. Some speculate that they are the evil that the Corps is talking about, but again, vague.”
“Huh…I've never seen one,” Isaac said skeptically.
“That's because it's covered up.”
“How?”
“Guardian corp influence.”
“So much of an influence there’s not even rumors or conspiracy theories?”
“They're good at hiding information they don't want leaked.
“Uh-huh,” He had doubts but left it alone, “Alright, so I got a question. Why is it that these Automatons are only relevant where the Guardians are?”
“Business.”
“Business?” Artemis and Isaac said in unison.
“When crime is high, so is the demand for protection. So to those who want to commit a crime, the area with superheroes has the highest demand for criminals who want some…resistance.”
“That… makes sense,” Isaac admitted.
“So it's like a supply and demand thing?” Artemis asked.
“Yep.”
“Huh…ok.”
“Though that does give me an idea.”
“What?”
“I say the next time a monster appears why don't you fight it with the Guardians? It'll be a good story and a good chance to strengthen relations.”
“Eh,” Isaac looked unsure, “Let's not go looking for trouble.”
“More trouble than now?”
“That's different.”
“If they need help, can we?” Artemis wondered.
“Huh?”
“If the Guardians are struggling or they don't arrive in time? Can we help them then?”
“I….” Isaac let out a groan, “Artemis…why are you asking me?”
“What do you-?”
“I told you already. You’re not my servant, so if you want to use your powers, you can, I just gotta enable you a bit. I'm the key to your power but I'm not the owner of it, so if you want to jump in, jump in…but uh…let me know first cause…seals and stuff.”
“Thanks,” He smiled, “But…will you join me?”
“Huh?”
“I know I don't remember what goes on when my seal is off but…I like knowing we…fight together. Like a superhero duo.”
“Heh. Artemis, did you forget what I told you?”
“Huh?”
“I’d rather leave it to the pros, and I doubt you'd need me.”
“Oh…” He took that as a sign of rejection, feeling some dejection from it.
“But…I can’t use you if you're hurt so I gotta watch your back right?”
“Really?” He looked up with surprise.
“Yeah. I may not be as good but I can at least crowd control right?”
“Thanks,” He smiled brightly.
“No problem,” Isaac returned the smile, though not as brightly.
“Hehehe, this will make some GREAT stories!” Stein laughed.
“That's all you see us as?” Isaac asked, unamused.
“Course not, but don’t forget, I am a Journalist.”
“Uh-huh.”
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Later that day.
“You two ok?” Dixon asked Isaac and Artemis, entering his home along with Dex.
“We’re fine, thanks,” Isaac answered.
“So what exactly happened?” Dex asked.
Isaac explained everything that happened from bumping into Sofi to fighting the ones trying to kidnap her.
“Well,” Dex sighed, “that's both bad AND good timing.”
“What do you mean?” Artemis asked.
“Good timing as in you were there to save her and bad because you caught a glimpse of her dark side.”
“Dark side?” Isaac questioned
“In other words, you saw something she didn't want to be seen, related to what we're trying to stop. You’ve just met too which is gonna make things difficult,” Dixon explained.
“That's true. I don't know who those two were but they knew her cause of a weapons deal. They talked about unatunning and being bidding buddies.”
“Unatunning? They have a tool like that, huh?”
“It's not a common tool I tell you,” Stein spoke, “I'm curious where they got one.”
“The dealer?” Dex theorized.
Stein's eye shook no, “They don't sell those during auctions and based on what we know, they met at an auction.”
“They could’ve gotten it from him afterward, like a private transaction.”
“Doubtful. Even beginner dealers know that it is bad policy to sell those right after an auction. The last thing they need is to undermine their own auctions.
“Undermine them?”
“I think I get it,” Dixon spoke, “What's the point of auctioning if it can be stolen the next day.”
“Exactly,” Stein nodded, “so they either got it earlier or through some other means.”
“Like smugglers?” Artemis asked.
“Well these weapon dealers are already smugglers aren’t they?” Isaac theorized, “Smuggling these automatons from…where do they smuggle them from?”
“Planets that sell them from nearby galaxies. Other smugglers do exist, like those selling more miscellaneous items, but weapon dealers are more prominent,” Stein answered.
“This is sounding like some extraterrestrial underground business ring,” Dixon groaned.
“Does that make us extraterrestrial investigators?” Artemis said a little excitedly, “Or crime busters?”
“We’d need badges first,” Dex chuckled.
“Oh! Maybe we can get some at that costume shop?”
“Calm down there, Detective,” Isaac remarked with a soft laugh before facing Dixon, “Back on topic. How badly do you think this is gonna hold things back?”
“As I said,” Dixon started to explain, “you just met her and even though you made a good connection, you caught sight of something she doesn't want shown. She might put some distance between you, for your protection or fear that you might dig in deeper.”
“Damn,” He clicked his tongue in frustration, “Any ideas? Can’t just give up on her already.”
“Hm…Confrontation.”
“Confrontation?”
“You and Artemis should go visit her at work and check in on her. While doing so, confront her about what happened but in a curious way. Curious about what happened and most of all curious about her health. Don't be too direct and showcase that you two still want to be friends.”
“Hrm….I…think I can do that. Shouldn’t be too hard.”
“Alright, start tomorrow and tell us how it goes ok?”
“Sure thing.”
“Mmmm,” Artemis looked down with some quilt.
“You ok, Artemis?” Dex asked.
“O-oh,” he flusteredly tried to wave it off with a smile, “I-its nothing.”
“When’s Lyla coming?” Dixon questioned.
“At seven,” Isaac answered.
“Ok good, I think we got time to squeeze in some training. You've already got a warm-up earlier too.”
“Little late for it to be considered that. You were able to get more drones for us to fight?”
“Yep. Just a quick trip to the station to pick them up then we can head to the junkyard.”
“Surprised you were able to get some considering the upcoming launch,” Stein stated.
“How’d you know about that?” He asked with a suspicious gaze.
“Journalist, remember. I'm good at picking things up by word of mouth and I recently was at the observatory.”
“Snooping were ya?”
“No worries, I just went around and heard some talking, didn’t trespass or break in places I didn't need to be in.”
“Hm…”
“I promise.”
“Wait, there’s a launch coming up?” Isaac questioned,
Dex looked at Dixon curiously. “First I heard of it.”
“I only found out recently,” Dixon answered with a sigh, “I was planning to tell you later.”
“New shuttle crash?”
With a shrug, Dixon answered, “Didn’t get many details, but they haven't asked for me to help though so it might be happening on a Saturday.”
“Why would they ask you for help?” The feline questioned with a tilt of his head.
“I'm a Security Guard, remember? We have some drones but they'd rather they not be used against those that are just trying to snoop.”
“That makes sense,” Artemis nodded.
“If you find anything else on the launch, you'll let us know right?” Isaac questioned with some pleading in his eyes.
“Of course, and before you ask, I'll talk to Lectht about letting you in.”
“Sweet!” Dex and Isaac both cheered.
“Whos Lecth?” Artemis questioned.
“He's the Flight Director, the guy who oversees the missions,” Dixon answered.
“Alright,” Isaac raised “now that that's settled. Up for some training, Artemis?”
Artemis stood and nodded. “I'm up for it!”
“Let's roll then!” Dixon announced.
“This’ll be interesting!” Stein said with amusement.
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Lyla hummed as she exited her house gate, holding a bag. She sent Isaac a text that she was on her way.
“Lyla,” Shenia called out to her from the side.
“Oh, hey Shenia. Something up?”
“No, I just wanted to give you this,” She took out a pink smartwatch from her purse and handed it to her.
“A smartwatch!” Lyla grabbed it and inspected it with interest, “You didn't have to!”
“It’s not your typical smartwatch.”
“It's modded?”
“Yep. It’s got a radar and a pathfinder so you can get to incidents with Automatons or monsters. It also has a tracer for Star or Dusk energy.”
“Oh cool. Everyone in the team get one?”
“Mhm. We don't have any for our familiars yet.”
“They’re trying to make one that blends in,” Liza commented, “I think they’re using that as an excuse to make something stylish.”
“Well it's gotta blend in,” Lyla commented.
“Are you heading somewhere?”
“Going to see Isaac. We're gonna make another video for Artemis reacts!”
“Oh, can we come?”
“Liza, that'd be rude to appear last minute,” Shenia stated.
“Aww but I wanna see Artemis,” She pouted.
Lyla laughed, “Maybe next time. Isaac says tonight’s gonna have to be a quick one. Says he’s sore for some reason.”
“Sore, huh?” Shenia questioned with skepticism.
“What’s that tone?”
“Nothing…but you should know, there’s a feature on that watch that's able to detect suppressors.”
“There is?” She gazed at it with surprise before realizing why she brought that up. ”wait you don't mean-?”
“Use it on Isaac and Artemis when you have a chance. You don't have to be too close but it does have to scan.”
Lyla had annoyance plastered on her face, “You can’t be serious…”
“You say you're sure nothing’s changed with him but I could see some doubt when you came back after that first night of recording, and I could hear how puzzled you were when you told us about him being at that bank incident, the same place Star mask and The Moon Familair was.”
“Hrmg,” She wanted to deny that but couldn’t.
“If anything, just use this to calm those doubts and clear his name.”
“...What if he is involved? What if he is that Star Mask guy?”
“...We won't treat him harshly, we just want to know his intentions and where he gained such power.”
“He’s a good person!”
“Lyla,” Liza spoke up, “We get that you're his friend, so that's why we're being so patient, but still, we just gotta make sure, not just for him, but for the corps, which may ultimately help him too.”
“Hmmmm.”
“At least consider it. Please?”
“...” She exhaled calmly, “Fine.” She turned and walked off.
Shenia let out a sigh. “I wish this wasn't so antagonizing.”
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Next day.
Isaac parked his bike at the railing of the sushi place. “Let’s see if she’s here,” He said, walking in. He scoped the counters, seeing the employees but not Sofi. “Don’t see her.”
“Hey,” Artemis whispered.
“Hm? What up?” He pulled his back puck up a little to hear him better.
“Wanna release me and search?”
“Nah, don’t need her to start thinking something odd with ya, besides were not hunting her.”
“Ok…can you get gyoza for the appetizer?”
“...” He sighed, “Sure.”
“Yay!!” He jumped for joy.
Isaac rolled his eyes and came to the counter where an employee greeted him.
“Welcome to the Rolling Fish, what can I get you?” He said.
“I’d like a large Gyoza appetizer, Twisted Crab, and…Spun Tuna. Oh, and I’d like the sushi in separate boxes,” Isaac requested.
“Is that everything?”
“Mhm.”
“That's gonna be…4290 yen.”
Isaac’s face crinkled at that price. “Damn expensive cat…”
“Meow?” Artemis meowed.
“This is for your cat?” The worker chuckled.
“Some of it, yeah,” Isaac answered, taking out his wallet, “By the way, I was wondering if one of your employees named Sofi came in today?”
“Sofi? Are you a friend of hers?”
“In a way, yeah. I'm just hoping she's ok after the incident at the bank.”
“Oh, you know about that huh?” He looked sympathetic, taking Isaac’s card.
“I was…there actually.”
The worker looked shocked by that news. “Oh shit, sorry to hear.”
“It's fine. So did she come in?”
“Well, the boss gave her some time off, so she won't be in for a bit. Sorry,” He said unapologetically.
“Damn. Thanks anyways,”
“...We do get paid today so she might be coming by to get her check so maybe wait a bit?” He advised, giving Isaac back his card.
“Oh yeah? Ok, I'll wait outside for her then, thanks!”
“Welcome, oh what's the name of this?”
“Isaac Jourad.”
“Meow!” Artemis spoke.
“And Artemis.”
“Nice name. I'll call when it's ready,” The employee bowed and handed him a receipt.
“Thank you,” He took the paper and had a seat.
“Mew,” Artemis reached a paw out and tapped Isaac.
“What's up?” Isaac leaned in so he could whisper.
“Where do you get your money?”
“Oh, I saved when I worked at sixteen, plus I got access to my dad's account.”
“What’d you work as?”
“Dad managed to get me to get me a job at the station. I was the front desk assistant.”
“Cool. So wait, what do you do now?”
“Well, since I graduated, I’ve been doing training with Dixon to get into an academy for astronauts.”
“There’s Academies for that?”
“They became a thing some time ago and raised in relevance ever since the discoveries of those mysterious shuttles.”
“Neat. When do you start?”
“I…I don't know yet.”
“Hm?”
“Meeting you has changed things for me. I still wanna go to space but I don’t think I'll be able to do an Academy any time soon.”
“Oh…I’m sorry.”
“Hey,” He reached over and petted Artemis, “you’re not to blame. If anything meeting you might take me to space sooner than an academy would.”
“You think so?”
“Who knows, but don't blame yourself for it, ok?”
“Ok,” He smiled softly.
“Isaac Jourad!” Announced someone from the counter.
“Oh,” Isaac got up, “food’s ready.”
“Gyoza time!” Artemis silently squealed.
Isaac went to get the order and went outside to the bench, setting his bag down to let the cat out who was excitedly bouncing. With a shake of his head, Isaac took out the food and opened the gyoza box. “Lyla just had to spoil you last night.”
“Lyla’s the best!” Artemis said, taking the appetizer, dipping it in the sauce, and giving it a big chomp. “Mmmm! The restaurant brand is so good!”
“Yet costly,” Isaac remarked taking one himself, “By the way.”
“Hm?”
“Take any of my sushi, and you can forget pizza the next time we get a shulker box,” He glared.
Artemis shivered under that threat, “U-understood!”
“Good,” He opened his sushi box and ate, “Here,” he slid Artemis' food towards him and opened it.
“Thank you,” He placed his paws together and did a quick bow, “Itadakimasu!”
“You were supposed to say that before the appetizer,” Isaac chuckled.
“Rea- mph! Meow?”
“Huh? Whyd you-”
“Isaac?” The voice of someone spoke behind.
“Oh!” Isaac did a quick turn and saw Sofi standing behind him, “Sofi!” He set down his plate and approached her, “You ok?”
“I'm..fine, thanks,” She took a step back, avoiding eye contact.
“That's good. I was worried about yesterday,” He smiled, “good thing that Star Mask guy and his cat were there.”
“Yeah…”
Noticing how distant she was being, Isaac decided to ask: “You sure you're ok? Those two didn’t do anything to you did they?”
“....” Sofi let out a tired sigh, looking down but facing him. “Look…you seem like a pretty nice guy, Isaac, and…Artemis is a really cool cat…but maybe it's best that…you stay away from me.”
“Huh?”
“...It’s sweet that you checked up on me but…you barely know me, you don’t know the things I've been through, or who I know… it's cool that you’re a fan but…I don't think we can be friends.”
“....Sofi I-”
“Meow!!” Artemis rushed up and leaped onto Sofi.
“Whoa!” Sofi was startled, the cat landing on her chest, instinctively grabbing the feline, “What are you- H-Hey!” She was being nuzzled and licked on by the purring cat.
“Mew,” He softly mewed.
“Hey, that-” She tried not to giggle but her smile couldn't be hidden, “that tickles!”
“Heh,” Isaac smirked, glad of Artemis’ initiative, “Sofi…you’re not totally wrong about me not knowing you.”
“Huh?”
“I do know some things though. You've been acting for about six years, starting in middle school, you got a burning passion for it, you like the kind of films and plays that have action and romance, and sometimes you think cliches are good if done well,” He looked at her with determination and kindness, “I don't know you personally, but I wouldn't say I know nothing…you don't know anything about me either, but I’m willing to let you know. Know the people I know, and know the things I've been through. That's how friends start don't they?”
“Isaac…” She was at a loss for words, not expecting such forwardness.
‘I know I got a mission, to stop her and who she deals with but…If my dad taught me anything, it's that if you can make a friend, make a friend, besides…Sofi seems like…she is a nice person,’ Isaac thought as he reached out his hand, “You’re not just gonna push away one of your fans are ya?”
“Meow!” Artemis meowed in agreement, beaming at Sofi.
“....” A soft grin came across Sofi’s face, “I've got this motto…You gotta at least get through the beginning to know if you want to make it to the end…we haven't quite gotten through the beginning…and I’m not one to go back on my own mottos,” She took his hand with a firm grasp.
“Thanks!”
“Don't mention, dear fan,” She chuckled.
“Mew!” Artemis licked her face.
“Hehehe, you a fan too Artemis?”
“Meow,” He nodded.
“Really?” She was surprised by that.
“Told ya, he’s a smart cat, should see how he is on our YouTube,” Isaac told her.
“You got a youtube?”
“Yeah, wanna see it?”
“Sure, lemme get my check first,” She set Artemis down, “Be right back!” Sofi stated, walking in.
Isaac knelt and petted Artemis, “Nice work Artemis.”
“Thanks, but…I didn't do it for the mission,” Artemis said.
“What do you mean?”
“I just couldn’t help it. She looked really sad and…a bit regretful so…I wanted to cheer her up somehow.”
“Well, I didn’t do it for the mission either. I meant what I said. Besides, my dad always said, If you can make a friend, make a friend. " Worlds lonely enough as it.”
“That's a good saying,” He stated, going back to the bench.
“Right? My dad was a smart spaceman.”
“Sounds like it,” He stuffed a roll of sushi in his mouth.
“Yeah. You’ll like him when you meet him.”
“Mmmph,” He took a hard swallow, “Y-yeah.”
“I'm back!” Sofi returned.
“Welcome back,” Isaac greeted.
“So what's this channel?” She asked while taking a seat.
“We call it Artemis reacts, the first few vids we did contained trying foods, listening to music, and watching some anime.”
“Oh, this I gotta see!”
“Here,” he took out his phone and started up the food video.
They sat there for a moment, watching videos and eating. Sofi found herself enjoying the time they were spending before realizing how long they'd been there after finishing the music video.
“These are great and all, but I don’t want us to be loitering, especially since I work here,” Sofi stated.
“Yeah, good point. We were just about to get to the anime one too,” Isaac said, raising with her.
“It's fine, I’ll give it a watch when I get home.”
“Need a ride?”
“Nah I’m pretty close by and walking feels nice.”
“Oh well… tomorrow Artemis and I were gonna go for a jog with a friend of ours. Wanna join?”
“Maybe another time, I got plans for tomorrow.”
“Got ya. Keep in touch?”
“Oh yeah, let's exchange numbers!” She took out her phone, giving her number and getting his. “Ok text ya later!” She walked off
“Sure thing!” Isaac waved.
She paused for a moment and turned to him, “Thanks by the way. So far this is getting to be a good beginning,” She smiled.
“Glad to hear it,” Isaac smiled.
“Mewow!” Artemis waved.
“See ya guys!” With a final wave, she was off to her home.
“We should head home too,” Isaac told his cat.
“Hm,” With a nod, Artemis agreed and they went to his bike, riding off.
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Last night
Lyla stood at the bottom of the stairs, she had just left Isaacs's place and was looking at her watch, unsettled by what showed up on the screen. “Limiter detected” Is what was flashing, with a human imprint with a red dot shown on the right hand. “....Isaac….” She whispered.
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End
Hero’s