Chapter 6. Introduction
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Isaac and Artemis were running from the Guardians after the incident in 109, hiding quickly in a nearby alley while the smoke screen was still around.
Isaac quickly reached out to Artemis. “Seal Control Art Two!” Artemis returned to normal, “The constellation has formed!” His suit went away and his enhancements turned off. “Phew.”
“How'd it go?” Artemis asked.
“SHH!” Isaac was quick to hush him, peaking around the corner, checking to see if the Guardians were following. Luckily they weren't close so he took the chance and took his cat, “Cmon!” He rushed off deeper in the alleyway, turning a few corners but careful not to bump anything. Once they were far enough, he spoke to his cat. “Ok, think we're good.
Artemis hopped on his shoulder and asked: “What happened?”
“We managed to stop those things and after that the four Guardians showed up.”
“Little late, aren't they?”
Isaac chuckled, “That's what I said.” He took out his phone, “We managed to slip past them thanks to that smoke screen.”
“Smoke screen?”
“I think it was from that guy that called us,” While explaining he texted Lyla.
“He helped us?”
“Mhm.”
-Hey, you ok? where are you?- Isaac texted Lyla, walking out the alley and going around the incident to where he thought the crowd was.
Artemis was watching. “She ok?”
“She should be, you were pretty quick to stop that Centipeder, besides she wasn't outside at the time,” Isaac answered. He received a response.
-Hey! I'm fine! you? I went out the backway after the alarm bell rang-
-I got swept in with the crowd with Artemis, we’re fine though. Wanna meet up?-
-No that's fine. Did you see what happened?-
-Kinda, some guy in a star getup and a cat were fighting. It was crazy.-
-A guy and a cat? Wow!-
-Anyways, on meeting up, let's do it tomorrow during a jog. Shenia’s brother is being a worry wart and I’m involved as her friend. You DON’T want to be in the middle of this XD-
-Is he….the doting type?-
“Doting?” Artemis tilted his head.
-He is 😅- Ira texted back.
-Yeah, I'll stay back- Isaac responded.
-Good choice. See you tomorrow?-
-See you tomorrow-
“With that,” Isaac put his device away, “let's head home.”
“Aww but I didn't get a gundam figure,” Artemis pouted.
“I’ll look for one online for ya…but…”
“Hm?”
With a glare, Isaac said his next sentence with some irritation. “I got something to talk to you about.”
“Uhhh.” He shriveled in nervousness.
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Isaac, Artemis, and Dex were watching a movie. The movie they were watching was Puyo. Artemis found it as an interesting movie but wasn’t too into it, though he liked the animation. The popcorn was good.
Dex was checking his phone and Isaac asked: “That Dixon?”
“Nope,” Dex answered, “It was just a notification.”
“Oh.”
“Nervous?”
“Can you blame me?” He slouched back, “This whole situation is crazy.”
“I get it. This is like Guardian stuff you're getting into.”
“That's the point, I'm not a Guardian.”
“Yeah,” Dex smirked, “youre Star Mask!”
“Ugh I hate that name.”
“I like it, but maybe Star Mask can give the Guardians a tip.”
“How? Not like there's a hotline.”
“Artemis can sense them right? Just track them like that.”
“I doubt it'll be that easy. Besides, based on last time I get the feeling they’re suspicious of me.”
“Well then catching the culprit can ease that don't ya think?”
“I feel like it'll just make things worse,” Isaac sighed, “Why’d this have to happen? I just wanna see the stars.”
“You will, just got some…bumps in the road,” Dex smiled, trying to lift up his mood.
“These are some messy bumps.”
“A bit but think, maybe this’ll lead you to get into space sooner.”
“Maybe…”
“And you’re at least fulfilling your dads wish.”
“That's true,” Isaac smiled, “dad would be happy to hear that when I next see him.”
“Y-yeah…” His smile faltered, regressing back and looking at the tv. “...So, Artemis, if you don't like this movie, wanna try sp- Oh.” He turned to face the cat only to see his words were falling on deaf ears.
“Hm?” Isaac turned to his familiar as well and cackled.
Artemis was laying on the bowl, tilting it towards him, getting a few crumbs of popcorn on him with a noticeable smear of butter on his mouth, softly snoring in slumber.
“Heh, he's out,” He reached over to pick him up, “I'll go ahead and take him to his bed.”
“Ok. Mind if I stay the night?” Dex asked.
“Sure, I'll get you a pillow,” He stated while taking Artemis to his beanbag.
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Morning came and Isaac made omelets for them all.
Artemis took a bite of his food, the melted colby jack cheese stretching from the rims of his mouth. He got a sausage and bacon omelet with extra cheese. “Mmmm cheesy!”
“Well you did ask for extra,” Isaac commented, eating his own omelet.
Dex was enjoying his bacon omelet when he said: “So I looked it up and the Expo’s being postponed.”
“Yeah? Makes sense, we may have stopped the attack but there was still some damage.”
“Hwou wlung?” Artemis asked with a mouthful.
“Swallow,” Isaac sideyed.
“At Least a couple of weeks. Maybe you can ask Shenia about it. You said her brother hosted it right?” Dex answered.
“I barely know her for one, two, I think her brother only hosted the cosplay event even then I didn't really get to ask much about it. For all I know she could mean her brother the principal hosted it for a school event.”
“How many schools do you know that host cosplay events?”
“Plays count.”
“They do not.”
“Agree to disagree. Anyways I can ask Lyla when we go for our jog.”
“Might lead to why the attack came. Try not to be suspicious though.”
“Course.”
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Isaac and Artemis sat in front of the park entrance, waiting to see Lyla and Ira.
“Heya partner!” Lyla greeted, walking through the gate with Ira in tow.
Isaac smiled and returned the greeting. “Hey!”
“Meow!” Artemis greeted back.
Lyla bent down to pet the cat. “Hey Artemis! Yesterday didn't scare you, did it?”
“Mrow!” He shook his head.
“You’re a brave cat aint ya!”
“Me-ow!” He said, puffing out his chest.
“Ok, let's not stroke his ego,” Isaac chuckled, raising, “Ready?”
Lyla nodded. “Mhm!”
They started with the slow jog, their animals striding beside them.
“So…” Isaac didn't want to bring it up, especially because of the name, “I heard on the news about someone fighting that ce- er, monster yesterday. Think they called him…” He blushed, “Star Mask?”
“Yeah I saw that too! Crazy ain't it? Think he’s some sort of substitute Guardian, like Ichigo?”
“The Guardians didn't say anything about that so I’m guessing not. I dont think he’s an enemy though.”
“Same. Where do you think he came from?”
“Who knows? But I get the feeling we’ll see more of him.”
“Yeah, same.”
“So…about Shenia.”
“What's up?”
“I think you guys were saying something about her brother hosting the cosplay event?”
“Oh yeah,” She nervously chuckled, “ever heard of Lixin corp?”
“Lixin corp? You mean that film company?”
“Yeah uh…don't freak, but…Her brother is a director of the company.”
That took him by surprise and he wiped around to look at her in shock. “No way!?”
“Its true. And no she's not rich…well not technically.”
“Whaddya mean?”
“She lives with her brother and while she has access to trust funds from him she doesn't like to use them, She’d rather gain her own money.”
“Ah, indepence…um…can I ask about her parents?”
“Oh well…” She looked away, “They’re not here anymore”
“O-oh,” He was afraid he’d get that answer.
“Yeah…” She looked forward flatly, “they live in Kyoto now.”
“Eh!?” He nearly tripped.
She tried to keep a straight face. “Yeah, they moved there when she was 10, leaving her with him at 19.”
“I-...you knew what you did there!” He glared.
“Pft!” Her cheeks puffed but she continued. “While he was young he did get recognized by the Lixin Corp pretty early thanks to his high school film projects. He was a great director then and is an even better one now, really knows how to inspire his crew and he cares about them too.”
“That's nice…still not gonna let that misdirection down by the way.”
With a chortle she innocently looked away. “No clue what you mean.”
Isaac grumbled but let it go for now. “So her parents left her with him?”
“No, she chose to live with him. She wanted to be an actor and felt as though being around her brother while he directed would give her some tips.”
“She still trying to be an actor?”
“Nah, she changed that dream to wanting to sing. She still likes to act but she’s more into serenading her voice.”
“Huh, that's neat…Hey odd question but…as a director does her brother ever deal with…threats?”
“Usually, but those are mostly just the typical petty fan hate, or haters in general.”
“Mostly?”
“Well you get those rare serious ones now and then. Why?”
“Oh, just uh, wonderin.”
“Curious about your competition?”
“Huh?”
“As the director of Artemis Reacts?”
“Oh not that again.”
“Meow!” Artemis sounded.
“See, Artemis is interested, aren't you boy?” Lyla asked.
“Mew!” He nodded.
“You can’t be serious,” Isaac looked at his cat in disbelief.
“Why don't we start it tonight!?” With beaming eyes, Lyla inquired with excitement.
“Tonight!?”
“Mew mew!” Artemis mewed in agreement.
“Artemis don't encourage her!”
“Mreow…” He slouched.
“C'mon it'll be fun!” Lyla tried to convince. “We can start with food! I'm thinking some fruits and sushi! I'll even pay!”
That caught Artemis’s attention and he hopped up onto Isaac, climbing up top his head. “Meow meow meowow!”
“Now look at what you did,” Isaac groaned.
“You know you're kinda outvoted here,” Lyla grined.
“...” With a sigh of defeat he agreed, “Alright,” He stopped his jog, the others following suit, “fine, well try it.”
“Yeah!” Artemis and Lyla jumped up in victory.
“Tomorrow.”
“Huh?” Artemis gawked at Isaac confused.
“We got something to do tonight.”
“Oh!”
“What are you guys doing tonight? More space training?” Lyla asked.
“Yeah, that,” Isaac smiled a tad nervously.
“Can…Can I come?”
“Huh?”
“Can I come? I'm curious on how it goes.”
“Uh,” Looking away and trying to find an excuse, “I would but…it's late in the day and the station is closed. Don’t think Dixon would be able to get you a way in, sorry,” He looked back apologetically.
“No prob,” She smiled, “maybe another time?”
“Sure.”
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The afternoon came by and Dixon approached the door of Isaac’s apartment, knocking. “It’s Dixon!” He announced.
Isaac came by and let him in. “Come in.”
He walked into the living room where Dex and Artemis awaited, witnessing a floating eyeball in the center, their orb being basketball size and the pupil being a round red dot with a black center and three red rings around it. “The hell is that!?”
“It’s…Stein, well his eyeball at least.”
“His eyeball!?”
“Yeah,” Dex said, “he texted Isaac while you were on the way.”
Stein’s eye came close to Dixon. “Hello there, Dixon,” The red lines fluctuated as he talked.
“Talking eyeball…weird,” Dixon said, uncomfortably.
“One of my many talents,” He backed away, “So what is it you found?”
“Well,” He sat down and set the tablet he was holding, showing a picture of a blonde girl with pigtails and light sky blue eyes. She was skinny and petite, with average height and dark white skin, “her name is Sofi Lext. She’s eighteen and goes to the Harmony Academy taking an acting course, working at the sushi shop that's nearby. She’s known to be a pretty cheery and determined girl, really caring for a friend of hers like a sister which is what they get confused for all the time. She’s got no record and isnt part of some high class family.”
“How does she fit with the attack?” Isaac asked.
“Well, recently she and that friend had an audition with the Lixin corp but they were rejected.”
“And Lixin corp was hosting the cosplay event at the expo,” Dex connected the dots.
“But they weren't the only auditioners, right? How do we know it was her that attacked?” Isaac questioned.
“Well the reason I found out it was her,” Stein spoke, “was because I found the Automatons when I was watching you too,” he gestured to Isaac and Artemis, “once I spotted them I traced the energy and managed to identify her before they attacked.”
“You sure you tracked it right?” Artemis asked.
“If you're so unsure why don't you track it?”
“Huh?”
“Your other self surely would recognize the energy signature.”
“That possible?” Artemis looked to Isaac.
“You have done something like that before, like when we first went against Jink you managed to track where he was from the automatons, so it is possible,” Isaac answered.
“How do we do it then?”
“She works at a sushi shop right?” Dex brought up, “Why don't we have you go in, order something, and have Artemis confirm?”
“Ok but what do we do if it is her? Turn her into the Guardians?” Isaac questioned.
“How would we do that? Not like we have a way to contact them, even then it's not like they'll believe us without suspicion.”
“Might I make a suggestion?” Stein spoke.
“What is it?”
“Why not capture her FOR the Guardians?”
“Capture her?” Dixon said in confusion.
“Hear me out. She’s no doubt gonna try this again so we just need to catch her before she fully does and that way the Guardians will only find us as stopping a villain. It will be mildly suspicious cause of our timing but they can't deny we stopped someone.”
“How would we do that?”
“Easy. Befriend her, find her motives for the first attack, and then sympathize and gain her trust. Once you do you might even find out where she got the Automatons.”
“And with that we could stop a supplier right? Cause this isn't the only time an Automaton’s caused havoc right?” Artemis stated.
“That is true, there was a robbery last week caused by automatons,” Dex mentioned.
“We’d get two birds with one stone then!”
“Hold on Artemis,” Isaac stopped, “We’re overstepping here.”
“Overstepping? How?”
“Youre talking about taking out an arms dealer. I don't think we’re suited for that.”
“I get that, but it's not like we can just let them go and deal with others.”
“We need to leave something like that to the Guardians, we’re already involved enough trying to take this girl.”
“Yeah but…How can we leave it to them?”
“We just tell them after we stop her.”
“How?”
“What do you mean?”
“They wouldn’t know where to find them so how would they be able to stop this dealer.”
“I…” Isaac tried to think, “we could…tell them where they were last seen.”
“That doesn't mean they'll be there, plus what if they run?”
“I'm sure they know how to deal with that.”
“And what if he manages to deal more when he’s gone?”
“Eh…” He contemplated that, scrunching at the notion, “Well…”
Artemis furrowed his brows, looking at Isaac with stubborn determination. “This is a chance to stop someone dangerous and if we leave it to the Guardians when we could’ve done something then, who knows what’ll happen!”
“...” Isaac didn't want to get involved further but had to admit he’d feel crappy if the arms dealer managed to deal with someone else and they caused havoc. With a groan he gave up. “Alright alright, fine. We’ll stop the dealer.”
Artemis smiled widely, “Thank you!”
“But we need to optimize the plan for this dealer.”
“I think I got one,” Dixon announced, “but…it's a bit risky.”
“Life is full of risks when you’re heroes,” Stein said.
“We're not heroes,” Isaac reminded.
“Not yet to the public at least. Anyways, what's this plan?”
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Sofi stood at the counter of a sushi restaurant, finishing up an order. “Thank you, your order will be up soon, Yuri,” She told the man. Another approached after him. “Hello sir, welcome to the Rolling Fish,” She bowed, “What’s the name for this order?”
“Isaac,” Isaac stated, trying to keep his cool but feeling nervous.
“Isaac, got it. What can I…Hm?” She looked at him oddly, tilting her head.
“Something wrong?”
“N-no, nothing. What can I get you?”
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“I'd like…the Rolling Thunder and Spun Tuna. OPH!” He was gently hit from behind, “And a side of tempura.”
“Side of tempura…got it!” She smiled. “Here or to go?”
“To go please.”
“Ok then, that'll be…4285 yen.”
Isaac felt a shock to his system hearing that price but took out his wallet nonetheless. “O-ok.”
She took the money and handed the change over. “Thank you Isaac, your order will be ready shortly,” She bowed.
“Thanks,” Still feeling the sting, he walked over to a booth in the corner, setting his backpack beside him. “You just had to get tempura, huh?” Isaac spoke to Artemis.
“I like tempura, master,” Artemis spoke, currently unsealed.
“Uh huh,” He took a quick glance back at Sofi, “So…is it her?”
Artemis nodded. “Her signature matches. It is her, Master.”
“Alright, Stein wasn’t lying.”
“Seems so.”
“Alright, Seal Control Art Two.”
“Mmm,” Artemis returned to normal and looked at Isaac curiously, “Did I confirm?”
“Yep, she's the gal.”
“...Did you get my tempura?”
With irritation, he answered. “You made sure I wouldn't forget.”
“Oh ok.”
“Yeah, ok,” He rolled his eyes and went to his phone to text Dixon, Dex, and Stein.
-Confirmed she is the culprit, moving on with the plan.- Isaac texted. He got thumbs up emoji from them.
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Flashback back in Isaac’s living room.
“Once you confirm it's her,” Dixon spoke, “the next step is befriending her.”
“How do I do that?” Isaac asked.
“I found out what time she gets off, social media, you're gonna order around the time she gets off so that you can catch her outside. Your story is that you recognized her from her audition at Lixon, they live-streamed them all, and you commented that she was amazing to you and sorry that she wasn’t picked.”
“I don’t even know how she acted.”
“I got the video on their youtube. Anyways to aid in this,” Dixon pointed to Artemis, “you got Artemis.”
“Me?” Artemis questioned.
“Yes. Ladies love cats,” Dixon smirked.
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“Isaac?” Sofi announced.
“Oh,” Isaac got up, and walked up to get his food, “Thank you.”
“Mreow!” Artemis meowed loudly.
“Yeah I know bud, you can't wait.”
“That your cat?” Sofi asked.
“Yep! He’s excited for the tempura and sushi.”
“You got it for him?”
“Sharing it…Um…can I ask you something?”
“Yes?”
“Are you…Sofi Lext?”
Sofi was taken by surprise. “How did you-?”
“You were in that Lixin audition and I saw the live. I thought you were great, really loved how you portrayed the pharaoh!”
She calmed down and became a little flustered. “Oh thanks,” She smiled.
“I was wondering…have you done any other performances?”
“A few, why?”
“Do you have them recorded? I'd love to see them.”
“Y-you would?” She blushed.
“Yeah,” He nervously scratched the back of his head, “I’m not an actor but I’m really into theater. Sorry if I'm sounding weird.”
“It's fine,” She laughed, “I get off soon, so how bout you meet me outside. There's a bench right out front I can meet you at.”
“I'd like that!”
“Sweet, just give me like five minutes!”
“Sure thing!” He walked outside and took a seat at a bench she mentioned.
Artemis hopped out. “Tempura tempura tempura!” He excitedly bounced.
“I'm getting it, Im getting it,” He took the food out and started with the tempura box, taking out a piece for Artemis, “Here.”
He grabbed the piece from him and bit in, “Nom!” Wagging his tail happily, he chewed onto the fried food.
“Heh,” Isaac chuckled, “this is your first time with sushi too.”
“Owh yweah,” he swallowed, “I'm excited for that too!”
“I know you are,” he stated while eating some tempura for himself. “Hope this plan works out.”
“It'll work out, I'm sure!”
“Always the positive one, ain't ya?” He smiled. Taking out a piece of the tuna, Isaac leaned it over to Artemis. “Here ya go.”
“Whoa!” Artemis’s eyes sparkled at the sushi, “It looks so beautiful!” He grabbed it and brought it close, inspecting it. With a lick of his lips he opened up his mouth and placed it in. “Mmmm MMMM!!” He shivered and chewed it savoringly.
“Good?”
“Mhm!” He rapidly nodded.
“Heh, maybe that youtube channel isn't such a bad idea,” He stated, setting a sushi platter with some tempura in front of his cat, making sure to fill a souffle cup with soy sauce and another with sweet n sour for the tempura.
Artemis gulped his bite of sushi down, “Thanks!” He went in for another tempura.
“Remind me to tell Lyla what kind of sushi to bring for tomorrow. I'm thinking of something with crab meat.”
“We got a special crab meat sushi here,” Sofi stated, walking up to the two.
“Oh,” Isaac turned to face her, “Hey Sofi!”
“Hey, Isaac right?” She came around.
“That's me. The cat stuffing his face right now is Artemis.”
“Mph!” Artemis turned to her and nodded with a mouth full of rice and fish.
“Oh wow, he’s so well trained,” She said with a genuine impression.
“He's a smart cat.”
“Mm,” Artemis slid his food over and made some room for her, patting beside him to gesture for her to sit.
“Oh thank you, Artemis,” Sofi said, sitting in the spot.
“Thanks for meeting me like this, I know it was a little out of the blue,” Isaac apologized.
“It's fine, in fact I’m kinda happy you wanted to see some of my performances.”
“Yeah, like I said, I like theatrics and I thought you were really good.”
“Lixin didn’t think so,” She said a bit biterly.
“Well…that's their loss.”
“Yeah…” Her look had a hit of anger but she waved it off and went back on topic, Taking her phone out, “So what would you like to see?”
“Whaddya got?”
“Well I got a good one with my friend, Sasha. It was about a year ago and it was from an academy play.”
“What was the play?”
“It was an original play made by one of our directors about a wandering Shinobi. I played as a key informant and she got the lead.”
“That sounds interesting. How long did they play?”
“Nearly an hour but I can show you key moments.”
“Ok, show aw- hm?” As he went to pick a piece of sushi he noticed something off about the count, “Didn't I…”
“Something wrong?”
“Nah, it's probably just me,” Isaac shrugged, eating a sushi.
Sofi leaned in and played a segment of the play she mentioned. In it she was sitting at a booth wearing a brown hood that went over her body, only her black slacks and boots being seen. Next to her was another girl with short black hair wearing black shinobi garbs complete with a mask. She was almost as tall as Sofi with fair white skin, soft sky blue eyes, being very slender yet plump and well toned in muscle. They acted their roles very well, delivering their lines clearly and displaying the personality of the characters almost as if they were them. Isaac was pretending at first he didn't lie about liking theater, finding himself drawn to the play. The video ended with the Shinobi walking off with the information, vengeance in her eyes.
“Wow, that was great!” Isaac commented.
“Aww thanks!” Sofi replied with a light blush.
“Your friend did amazing! It was like she actually was the Shinobi!”
“I know right! She’s an amazing actor, she's got so much talent for it, you couldn't even tell she's naturally shy!”
“She's shy?”
“Yep, fidgets like crazy when a new person talks to her, especially a cute boy.”
“Wow you couldn't te- Hm?” Isaac reached for another piece on his platter but missed, looking at it to see he had less sushi than he remembered. “Why-?” He gazed at Artemis who looked away while chewing. “...Artemis?”
“Mng!” Artemis stiffened and shivered.
“Did you,” He narrowed his gaze, “take some of my food?”
“Mmmm,” He swallowed and looked at Isaac with fake innocent eyes, failing miserably at them as the guilt could practically be written on his face, “Me-...ow…”
“You little sushi thief!” Raising his fist, he clenched it hard in anger.
“Meeeeew!” Artemis reeled back in fear.
“Pft,” Sofi started to laugh, “Ahahahahahaha!” Her laughter caught the stares of the two. “I'm sorry, I'm sorry this is just too funny!”
“It's not that funny to me! You had your own stuff, Artemis!!” Isaac glared.
“Mrow!” Artemis cowered.
“Ahahaha! You've done it now Artemis!” She kept laughing before calming down. “Hooo…”
“You ok?” Isaac asked.
“Yeah…I'm fine, thanks.” She smiled. “I think…I needed that.”
“Needed that?”
“Yeah.”
“Is…something wrong?”
“...” She smiled at him and held her phone up, “Wanna watch some more?”
“Uh, yeah sure,” Isaac went along with her deflecting.
He remembered what Dixon told him.
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Flashback
“From what I can guess,” Dixon said, “this is gonna take a week.”
“A week you say?” Stein questioned with interest.
“Yes. It's easy to open up to a friendly face, especially to recent trouble, and Isaac is pretty friendly. Her attack being thwarted by our duo here might also have rattled her so there's also that. So I say a week. Just visit her when you can, chat it up, and try and get her to open up about what made her attack Lixin and after that, we set our hook.”
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Isaac and Artemis walked into their apartment room.
“Let's meet up tomorrow and I can show you some more plays we did!” He remembered Sofi saying to him when they separated.
“Think we should bring a gift tomorrow?” Artemis asked.
Isaac shook his head. “That'd be a bit soon.”
“I still think I should’ve tailed her.”
“We don't know the next time she’ll see that supplier and besides remembering what Stein said, she’s awakened her star energy so she's got the ability to sense. That odd look she gave us meant she could pick up your Dusk energy while you were unsealed. It's obvious she hasn't fully attuned to it but still we shouldn't risk it.”
“Good point. When’s Lyla getting here?”
“She's coming soon with a whole lot of fruit.”
“Sweet!...wait, what about sushi?”
“Oh, I told her about what you did today, and we agree that you've had enough, you thief!” Isaac scowled.
“Doh…” Artemis retracted, knowing it was deserved.
“Still,” He lowered the glare, “I’m not real sure about this youtubing.”
“It sounds exciting to me! Besides, like Dex said, you could use it to get closer to Sofi.”
“I honestly feel a bit scummy about trying to get close to someone just to thwart them. It's like its…fake friendship.”
“Well we can try and be friends with her afterwards. Not like she’ll know you thwarted her.”
“That’s true, she wont know I’m… Star Mask.”
“That reminds me, we need to think of some catchphrases.”
“No way,” Isaac flatly declined.
“Wha- why not?”
“Being called Star Mask was bad enough, especially that man of the stars bit, no need to make it worse.”
“Catchphrases are cool though!”
“Not. doing.”
“What if I told you I had a real cool one?”
“No.”
“Just hear me out,” He pouted with big eyes, “please.”
“...” Isaac twitched from his sternness and sighed. “Fine, what is it?”
Artemis cleared his throat. “I am Star Mask and by the stars, you will be defeated!” He said dramatically, pointing outwards.
“....” Isaac looked at him with some cringe.
With a cheery smile he said; “Pretty good huh?”
“I….”
A knock came at the door. “Hey, it's Lyla!” Lyla’s voice announced.
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Lyla set up a camera, a microphone, a computer, a plate on the coffee table, and the box of fruits next to it.
“Alright, I already set up your account. I’ll handle all the editing and I'll give you a shoutout on my channel,” Lyla told them.
“Meow?” Artemis tilted his head curiously.
Isaac cleared it up. “She’s got a youtube. She does anime and cosplay streams and sometimes games.”
“Mrow.” He said, like an “Oh ok.”.
“It’ll help with me in the video too,” Lyla stated, “We start with food then a few openings.”
“I thought we were just gonna do food today?” Isaac stated.
“Yeah but after you said he watched Gundam I wanted to see him react to Jujutsu Kaisen openings, especially Specialz!”
“You're gonna have him singing for weeks aren't you.” Isaac groaned.
“Oh relax, it's not like he can actually sing.”
‘Oh if only you knew,’ Isaac thought.
Lyla turned to Artemis. “Alright, ready Artemis!”
“Meow!” Artemis said excitedly.
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*Chomp* Artemis chomped down on the slice of watermelon before him. “Mmm!” he wagged his tail, eating more.
“Nice and refreshing isn't it!” Lyla asked.
“Mhm!” Artemis nodded, spitting some seeds in the small bowl next to the plate.
“It is almost summer,” Isaac said, eating a mango, “Still can't believe you don't like mangos, they're like a top five fruit.”
“Mre,” Artemis cringed, going back to the melon.
“It's ok Artemis, mangos aren't even top ten,” Lyla assured.
“Haters,” Isaac scoffed, taking another bite.
“Hm….Heh,” She gained a devious smirk and whispered into Artemis’s ear.
“Hm?...hm!” Artemis nodded and munched down.
“What are you doing?” Isaac asked.
“Mmng…mm.” He held his mouth, chewing on the fruit but storing the seeds in his cheeks.
Lyla picked him up. “Ready.”
Confused, Isaac questioned: “For what?”
“Aim!” She aimed Artemis’s face at Isaac.
“Lyla…” Isaac nervously leaned back.
“And-” She placed her fingers on the cat's cheeks, both smirking evilly.
“Don't you da-!”
“Fire!!” She pressed and Artemis rapidly fired Isaac.
“Ah!” He crossed his arms to block the best he could, getting seeded.
“Hahahaha!” She laughed along with Artemis.
With a groan, Isaac examined the after effects, seeds on his arms and on his chest. “Happy with yourself?”
“Yep!”
“Hope so, cause I’m getting you back for this,” He stated while getting up and heading to the bathroom, “I'm gonna go clean up.”
Lyla set Artemis down. “Nice work!” She raised a hand for high five and he returned it with a happy meow. Peeking around to where Isaac went, she quickly shuffled into the box. “Hey.”
“Mew?” Artemis leaned in curiously. His eyes lit up when she took out a container of steak sushi. “Meowoooow!”
“Snuck some for ya!” She did a hush gesture, “Don’t tell Isaac.”
Artemis quickly grabbed the computer and typed on it.
“Hm?” She looked where she typed and saw the words I Love you on the search bar, his eyes sparkling on her. “Awwwww!” She hugged him, “I love you too, Artemis!” While hugging she eyed the computer with some suspicion. ‘Never seen a cat type before. Hm…’ She thought.
----------------------------------------
Next day
Isaac was riding his bike down the street. “Not too loud is it?” He asked Artemis.
“Nope!” Artemis responded. He had a bluetooth device around his neck with one of the earpieces in his ear. He was bobbing his head and listening to Kaikai Kitain by Eve.
“Ok,” Isaac placed his phone back in his pocket, the device being what the bluetooth was connected to. He kept pedaling, making a turn, once he did he spotted someone at the bus stop. “Sofi?” He saw her right there at the bench and rode up. “Hey Sofi.”
She perked up from her phone and smiled at him. “Oh hey!”
“What are you doing here?”
“I'm on my way to the bank. Hm?” She noticed Artemis in the back, holding both earbuds in and jamming out. “What's Artemis doing there?” She chuckled.
“Oh, he's listening to some music.”
“He’s jamming out.”
“He’s listening to Kaikai Kitain..”
“Kikai Kitain?”
“It's a Jujutsu Kaisen opening. Anyways, you said you were heading to the bank?”
“Yeah, need to pull some cash.”
“Want a ride?”
“Really?”
“Yeah, I don't mind.”
“Hm…” She was a bit apprehensive at first but nodded, not seeing any issue. “Sure.”
He let her on and started pedaling. “Which bank?”
“Chase.”
“Alright, I'll give you an Uber discount.”
“Pft, very funny.” She giggled. Looking down, she saw Artemis swaying and bouncing to a beat. “He's really Jamming.”
“He likes music.” The bank wasn’t far and he accompanied her inside, waiting in the line with her. “So mind me asking what you're pulling money for?”
“It's for a certain…transaction. What I’m trying to purchase works better with cash.”
“Oh yeah? What’s that?”
“I’d…rather not say.”
“Ok, I won’t pry.”
“I appreciate that.”
“Next please,” Said the lady at the front.
“Oh my turn,” She waved at him while walking up, “Be back soon.”
Isaac watched her, waiting patiently. He couldn't make out what she was saying but he wasn't really trying either.
“Hey buddy,” Said a man from behind.
“Hm?” Looking back he saw a man that was a few inches taller than him with a big beard and black shades wearing a green jacket and khaki pants. “Yes?”
“Got a question. You part of their loyalty program?”
“No sorry. I don’t use this bank, I'm just here with someone.”
“Ah alright, what bank you use then?”
“Midfirst.”
“They pretty good?”
“Yeah actually, they give you cash back on all purchases.”
“Oh nice. Does the percentage depend?”
“A little, you get the most from groceries.”
“Groceries huh?”
“Hey Isaac,” Sofi returned, “I'm all finished he-” SHe froze when she saw who was with him.
“Alright,” Isaac faced her, “want me to ride you…home?” He noticed a fearful look on her face, “You ok?”
The man smiled wide, however. “Well look who we got here!”
“You know her?”
“We met during a purchase of some…goods.”
Sofi scrunched at the mention of goods. “What are you doing here?”
“Oh just getting some funds. Don’t wanna get outbid again,” He said that part with a bit of spite and a harsh gaze.
Isaac felt the tension welling up and tried to deter. “Oh well,” He cut between, “I wish you luck, I really gotta take her home now,” He looked to Sofi pleading, “ready?”
“Yeah, let's go,” She rushed past and toward the entrance.
“Hold on!” The man called out, “I noticed some of your toys at 109.”
Sofi froze and Isaac grew concerned. “Sofi?” He tried to get her attention.
“Sucks that they were broken, but…I noticed a few missing,” The man's glare pierced right at her with suspicion and malice, “still got them?”
“...” Sofi tensed, “None of your business,” She huffed and walked off.
Isaac followed, glancing back to see the man keeping his eyes on them and taking his phone out.
“Cmon!” Sofi hurried.
“R-right.” He picked up the pace.
Once they got outside, she sped walked with him to his bike. “Cmon, we gotta get out of her n-”
“Sofi Letz.” Said a woman from outside. She was tall with an adult body, long black hair, and dark skin, wearing a crop top and jeans.
Sofi stiffened and looked back fearfully.
“Whos tha-?” Isaac was gonna ask but was cut off when an opaque wave cascaded from above and went down the building. “Huh? Oof.” He felt a kick on his back and looked into his backpack to see Artemis looking up at him with yellow eyes. ‘Yellow eyes!’
*CRASH* From the building came a giant black headless machine with tank treads and large gun ams. The man from before was walking in front of it while the people inside were running away and screaming.
“What the hell!?” Isaac exclaimed while Sofi was reserved, feeling her pocket.
“Y’know it's rude to ignore us like that, Sofi,” The lady said.
Sofi stepped forward infront of Isaac. “Sofi?”
“What do you want?” Sofi demanded.
“Oh don't be like that,” The man said, “we’re bidding buddies after all.”
“Bidding buddies?” Isaac questioned.
“We're not buddies!” Sofi shouted.
“No need to shout,” The lady stated, “and besides who said we can’t be buddies.”
“I don't want to be with you.”
“Heh,” She came closer, “you're so hostile. We're not that different, you know. We both went to the same dealer afterall for the same reason.”
“I'm nothing like you, my reason was different than yours.”
“Still spitting that bull about righteous fury?” The man scoffed. “Lay off it, you know what you're doin!”
Sofi hardened her glare at them. “What do you want?”
“What are they talking about?” Isaac asked.
“Isaac…just…stay back ok?”
“This your friend?” The lady asked.
“He’s just an acquaintance.”
“Oh?” She took out a card, “That works.” She threw the card and it transformed. It formed the diamond faced Automaton with a sword arm from the observatory except it was white with a sharper blade and spiked shoulders. It got behind Isaac and placed its sword on his neck.
“Hold!” Isaac shouted, holding back his backpack.
“Stop!” Sofi said. “Leave him out of this!”
“We will, just need you to cooperate,” The lady smirked.
“With what!?”
“Need those Auto’s that you didn't use, y’know those rare ones you got for a bargain?”
“...They attuned to me, you can't use them.”
“That's fine, we can unattune them back at our place.”
“Lenai,” The man said, “seven minutes.”
“I got it. Well? Gonna come?”
While they were talking, Isaac observed the area, noticing passing cars that were casually driving by and a car trying to enter but bumping into nothing, the person inside coming out with a confused look. There weren't many at the bank but the few that tried to leave couldn't. Isaac surmised it was some sort of barrier, so the guardians weren't gonna be able to get here in time.
“Let him leave and I'll go.” Sofi said to them.
“That's fine. Hey kid,” The lady spoke to Isaac, “beat it,” She shooed, commanding the Automaton to push him. With an angry but unnerved stare he walked, letting the machine take him away to the broken bank. “....Hold on….what's in your backpack?”
Isaac froze. ‘Crap! Artemis is unsealed!’
“I'm sensing some strong Dusk energy…you holding something little man?” She walked up to him.
“...Seal control art two!” He whispered. Looking back at her, he tried to play ignorant. “I-I don't know what you mean. I just have my cat inside.”
“Hm…It's gone.” She got closer and pulled his backpack, opening it, observing the cat.
“Meow.” Artemis meowed.
“....Cute cat.” She said with suspicion.
“Can I go now?” Isaac asked.
“....” She eyed him with suspicion.
“Five minutes.” The man said.
“...Go,” She shoved him forward and had the Automaton lead him in. She kept her eyes on him till he went in and faced the man. “Remember that kid ok?”
“Got it.”
“Now,” Lenai faced Sofi with a devious smile, “shall we get going?” She grabbed her arm.
Isaac kept walking, going into the back where some of the employees and patrons were cowering, trying to stay out of sight, some trying to call the police but complaining about no signal. He kept walking, even though the Automaton wasn't pushing him anymore but was still following with the sword on his neck. ‘C'mon…follow the leader…’ He left it down the hall, going to where there were no witnesses, but kept going, wanting to get a little deeper. ‘....Now!’ Swiftly he unclipped his backpack. “Release Control Art Two!” In swift movement, the Automaton's head was cut off. “Artemis, are they still outside?”
Artemis landed with his sword equipped, answering: “They are!”
“Then,” He raised his glove, “Lets align the stars!”
----------------------------------------
Lenai opened the backseat door. “Have a seat.”
“...” With a grumble, Sofi walked in.
Lenai laughed but it was short lived when she sensed her Automaton’s signal fading. “What the-!?” She quickly faced her partner. “Hey, go check on that boy!”
“Huh? Why? Lenai we do-” The man began only to be cut off by his tank bot being hit from behind and falling forward. “Whoa!” He jumped out of the way before he got flattened. “The hell!?”
Lenai saw an armored cat land in front of the Automaton. “A cat?”
“Get away from her!” Someone yelled, landing in front of Lenai and grabbing her, throwing her away. “You ok?” He asked Sofi.
“You’re…” Sofi looked up at the guy with surprise.
“Who the hell are you!?” Lenai asked, getting up.
Looking at Lenai, he pointed at her. “I’m Star mask, and by the stars,” he thumbed down, “you will be defeated!”
“This your cat then?” The partner asked.
“I am the Moon Familiar and the moon foretells your downfall!” The Moon Familiar confidently stated.
“Foretell this, roadkill!” He directed his tank to rise and fire at the Familiar.
Lenai took out a card. “Bad day to play vigilante, boy!” Placing the card on her chest, she equipped white and red armor, heavy gauntlets, and boots. She smirked and raised her fist.
“Stay back, So- er, miss,” Star Mask told Sofi, holding his fist up.
The tank Automaton fired its guns at the Moon Familiar but the feline proved too quick to hit. “Hold still damnit, we don't got time for this!”
“Then allow me to make this quick,” The cat said, rushing up to the mech. It fired on him but he effortlessly dodged.
“Why you-!” With a thrust he ordered it to ram forward. Its treads revved up and rammed forward in an attempt to hit him. The feline jumped over it and launched off his circle, spinning, meeting its back swing with a slash, cutting off one of its guns. This angered the man. “You little shit!”
“Ora!” Lenai cried out, rushing her fist at Star Mask. Each swing was either dodged or blocked by his shield. “What's wrong!? Can't handle the heat!?” She mocked, furiously swinging. Star Mask kept up his guard waiting for a chance. He got it when she went for a strong right hook. He swiftly ducked under it and thrusted his right fist into her chest, knocking her back. “GAH!” She exclaimed.
“Got ya,” Star Mask stated.
She growled and got back up. “Lucky shot!”
Back with her partner and The Moon Familiar, the man was desperately trying to hit the cat with his tank, each shot missing, each slam whiffing, and each ram being avoided. “Damn cat!” He cursed, his automaton missing its whole arm now but luckily for him still had its gun arm. Angry, he tried to think of how to get the feline while he still had time left. That's when he remembered the bank still had people inside. With a smirk he got the tank to rev up again but this time had it face Chase.
“Eh!” The Moon Familiar noticed this and it rammed into the building. Quickly he got in front of it. “Barrier!” He formed a shielding to meet with the tank, stopping it.
“Get flatten!” He directed the Automaton to slam its body on the cat.
The cat pulled his blade back. ‘Waxing moon stance,’ He charged white energy in his sword, ‘Rising moon slash!’ With an upward thrust, he knocked it to its back. It had a huge gash on its chest but was still functional.
“Get up, get up!” The man commanded.
‘Follow up,’ The Moon Familiar kept his stance and spun downward with a ring of raging white, ‘Falling ring!’ He grinded into the body of the mech, cutting through it, its top half skidding away.
“Oh shit!” The man said in fear, looking towards Lenai. “Lenai!!”
“Gof!” Lenai scoffed, falling back and holding her shoulder in pain. “Damnit.”
“Give up,” Star Mask requested.
With a sneer, she pulled her arms back. “Like hell!” Coming out the top of the gauntlets were jets. They flared and she rammed both fists forward. “HYA!”
Star Mask used his shield to block, getting pushed back but holding. With a grit of his teeth, he knelt down and let her slide above him. “Impulse spell!” A spell ring appeared before him and he punched at it, aiming right at her middle, a shock wave emanating from the spell and hitting her.
“BLAHAG!” She spat out all her air and saliva and her armor was shattered while she flew high into the air, falling onto her back and fading from consciousness.
“Lenai!!!” The man exclaimed after witnessing her defeat. Star Mask looked his way and the man looked back to see The Moon Familiar coming closer aw well. In a swift motion he raised his hands. “I-I surrender!!” He got on his knees. “The barrier’s about to go so the police should be here soon, just dont hurt me!”
Star Mask sighed. “Keep your eyes on him.”
“Yes, Master.” The cat nodded.
He approached Sofi in the car. “You ok?”
“Y-yeah.” Sofi nodded. “W-wait!” She got out, “There’s this guy she took hostage, his names Isaac, he-”
“It's fine,” He smiled, “I already got him.”
“You did?”
“Mhm, He’s safe.”
“Thanks goodness. He seemed like a nice guy so I didn't want him to get hurt.”
“What did they want with you anyway?”
“I-...” She was reserved in answering that, “I…don’t know.”
“Hm…” He wanted to press but there was a light flash around the area.
“Master,” The Familiar spoke, “The barrier is gone, so we're no longer being masked. The police should already be on the way.”
“So that barrier was hiding everything. Good work Ar- er…um…Moon Familiar,” He looked back to Sofi, “Police should be here soon, will you be ok on your own?”
“I'll be fine, but what about him?” Sofi pointed at the man.
“Oh right. Um…maybe knock him out?” He asked the feline.
“That seems wise, master,” Artemis agreed.
“Wait,” The man looked flabbergasted, “Hold on he- DOKAG!!” He was knocked out by a swift paw to the head. Sirens were heard approaching the vicinity.
“Alright.” Star Mask reached into a black portal and took out a black bead, “Time to leave.”
“Wait!” Sofi stopped.
“Hm?”
“Thank you!” She bowed.
Star mask smiled at her. “No problem.” He held the beed up high, the cat jumping on his shoulder, “Stars out!” He threw the bead down and a bright flash enveloped the area, blinding her and any onlookers. Once it was done he and his Familiar were gone.
“...Star Mask and the Moon Familiar…” Sofi said, standing in her spot, looking at the aftermath. “...I hope Isaac’s ok…” She looked at Lenai’s unconscious frame and tightened her fist. “...I'm nothing like you.”
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End.
Next chapter. Expose.