Chapter 4. Let's align the stars

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Isaac, Artemis, Dixon, and Dexton were riding to the junkyard, Dexton having joined them after Isaac and Artemis made their deal.

“Ok so before we head there I wanna establish some things,” Isaac said to his familiar.

“What's that?” Artemis asked.

“Well first off, I want you to let me know when you're ready to unseal the control art.”

“Ok.”

“Next, don't be afraid to ask me to release it.”

“Huh? Why would I ask?”

“Well, we know that when I'm in danger the control art is released automatically but the same can’t be said for you as far as we know. That other side of you knows your powers and how to fight, heck as far as I can tell you can't even access your powers when you're sealed.”

“Hm.” Artemis hadn’t thought about that, pondering a bit. “Alright then, I’ll let you know when I need it. Anything else?”

“Three…you are not my servant got that?”

“...” He smiled. “Got it.”

Isaac returned the expression. “Now then, I'd like your permission to release the seal.”

“Right now?” Artemis tilted his head, confused.

“I have some questions I need to ask other you,” He gestured to his glove, “Mainly about this.”

“Oh ok. Sure.”

“Thanks.” He reached his right hand out. “Release control art two.”

Artemis shifted to his other self. “What would you like to ask, master?”

“Well I was wondering about what else this glove can do other than the Constructs and the Zodiac power, but are there other features?”

“There are a few that I haven’t told you. There’s storage and the status window. First, to explain storage, it's a common ability among men that have gained Dusk energy. As the name suggests it's a place where you can store items.”

“There a catch?”

“Somewhat. You see you can only store items of a certain size and the space can only hold so much weight.”

“How much?”

“It depends on the person, though it can be expanded by strengthening your Dusk energy. You can check on your status window.”

“And that is?”

Artemis made a tapping gesture with his paw. “Tap the back of your glove twice.”

Isaac looked at the wear curiously before doing what Artemis said, the area he tapped flashing before glowing like a circle. A holographic display was brought up. On the left, it showed his name with his zodiac symbol and name under it. Underneath that showed the Initials DE followed by a number that read 3127, below it showing 62.54 KG. On the right side, it showed a diagram of his body along with the saying normal on top. “What's all this?”

“The number here,” Artemis pointed to where it said DE, “represents your Dusk energy level, the higher the stronger, the value below being how much weight your storage can hold.”

“You said Dusk energy is used for enhancements right? So does that mean that the higher this number is, the stronger my enhancements?”

“Correct.”

“Then wait, what's with the number part whenever I call for them?”

“The number represents the amount you're using, like using a specific amount of your power. For example, enhancement three uses thirty percent.”

“Ah got ya.”

“Now, please swipe left.”

“Hm?” He did so and another screen showed up. There were three columns, one showing all his Construct symbols, one showing spells with a plus shown at the top left corner of the column, and the third showing his Zodiac sign on the top following a list with icons of weapons, the one with the fist Icon saying Gemini Burst while the others also said something different. “Huh. So these are the constructs I've made so far, these are the spells, looks like I got four, and this I’m guessing is my Zodiac Attacks? Looks like it's weapon based.”

“Correct. You can even select them to add modifications if you'd like.”

“What do you mean?”

“For constructs, you can adjust certain features or make new Infusions, for spells, you can adjust and add certain commands for specific settings, or if you hit the plus you can make a combo spell command, and for your zodiac attacks you can make other versions depending on the weapon or alter how they work by selecting it. Now if you swipe again you'll find another list specifically for miscellaneous commands, those being for situations where you want multiple things done at once, such as construct and enhancements being set, even drawing out items in your storage.”

“Huh. Ok then, kinda like coding.”

“You suck at coding.” Dex snickered.

“And you suck at driving,” Isaac smirked.

“Touche.”

“Master,” Artemis continued, “There's one last window, and that is my status window.”

“Yours?” Isaac replied, swiping to it. It showed a diagram of him along with his name, a number beside it that said ⅓, and one below that showed the value 5253 and 105.06 kg. There was a list on the side that showed his weapons, there are four, below it, another list that says storage. “It has your name on here.”

“As it should.”

“But that's the name I gave you.”

“Yes. Is there something wrong?”

“Why doesn’t it have your original name?”

“I assume it's because it cannot have what is not known. Besides I am your familiar, the name you give is the name I shall have.”

“Well so much for that being a lead. Hm?” He noticed something below the DE value. It looked like compressed files. “What's that?”

“That shows my Dusk power when the other seals are removed.”

“I'm guessing the number by your name means the current seal removed and the max?”

“Yes.”

“I have a question.” Dex brought up.

“You can answer him, Artemis.” Isaac gave permission.

“Ok.” Artemis turned to Dex. “What is it?”

“Can anyone else access this? I ask just in case we need to see this status screen of his.” Dex questioned.

“If Master allows it. He simply has to touch you and say grant access status, however, you can only view the status portion, nothing else.”

“That's fair.” He turned to Isaac. “Might wanna give access to me and Dixon.”

“Hm.” Isaac nodded, touching Dex on his chest. “Grant access status.”

“Scan.” A wave of light went around Dex. “Granted.”

“You hear my voice?”

“Nope.” Dex shook his head.

“Dang. Ok, I'll get Dixon when we get to the yard.”

“Might wanna poke around the glove for a bit.”

“Good idea, wouldn't hurt to set a few things and see some of these spells.”

“Maybe not in the car, don't want you launching a fireball,” Dex said nervously.

“Eh…good point.”

“If you use the window you can see information on the spell without activating it,” Artemis informed.

“Oh really? That's good to know, thanks.”

“You're welcome, Master. Is there anything else?”

“No. Seal Control Art two.”

“Hm.” Artemis closed his eyes. “Mm.” he blinked a few times, now back to normal, looking up at Isaac. “So what'd you find?”

“A few cool features. Wanna see while I poke around?”

“Sure.” Artemis got closer, looking at the display.

“Need my help Star Seeker? If it's like coding I can be of better service than you.” Dex asked.

“Let's see about that fireball spell.”

“Don't you dare!”

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They reached the junkyard, being deep in the middle so that no one could disturb or notice much. The drones Dixon got were a bunch of flying turrets and spider-like bots. The turrets were cone-shaped with its gun being on the bottom and four propellers placed around its top. There was a red camera on its front, able to rotate around the grove in the middle. The spider machines were four-legged, the body being cylinder-shaped, having a large eye camera on its top, and the head of it being able to rotate around. Its legs were covered by a type of soft padding.

“Alright, so I changed the bullets to paintballs and padded out the crawler's legs so you wouldn't get hurt,” Dixon informed.

“Thanks.” Isaac thanked. He stood in front of the open area with Artemis on his shoulder.

Dexton was on the side sitting near the truck, typing at a computer. “Ok….got it!” he hit enter and the machines came to life, moving out of the container and onto the field. “They've been set to capture mode so they won't try to cause you major harm. If you get caught or hit in a vital area they will stop, and go to standby mode.”

“Got ya….you didn't set it did you?” Isaac asked with some concern.

“I helped but Dixon did most of the work…you're still thinking about the tomato incident aren't you.”

“I'm never letting you live it down, dude.” He grinned.

“Tomato incident?” Artemis asked.

“So one time Dex and I were on the sky deck eating hot dogs and we forgot ketchup. This genius decided to send a program to one of the drones stationed downstairs at the time to get us some from the fridge. Sadly he was way too confident as it ransacked the garden, crushing all the tomatoes there thinking it was getting us ketchup. We were startled when it came at us all red, we thought it killed someone.” Isaac laughed.

“Oh wow,” Artemis shared the laugh.

“Five months in and he still brings it up. I've improved ya know!” Dex claimed.

“Sure sure.” Isaac chuckled.

Once the machines got into position, Dixon approached Isaac and Artemis. “Now then, I want you two to take this like a real fight. I got some replacement parts just in case and the bodies are sturdy and set to disable once hit. I'd hope they can take your hits but try not to go overboard.”

“Ok, I'll use level five on strength then.” Isaac nodded.

“Artemis, mind using the back of your blade?”

“Shouldn’t you tell my other self that?” Artemis questioned.

“Your other side still remembers things from this side of you so it should be fine.”

“I guess so.”

“Alright,” Dixon left to be next to Dex, “get your game faces on!”

Isaac looked to Artemis who gave him a confirming nod. Isaac then looked forward and reached his hand out. “Release Control Art Two!”

Artemis leaped forward, armatizing and equipping his sword, having it backward. “Ready!” He said, standing in front of Isaac.

“Activate battle mode!”

“Enhance.”

“Realization.”

The Scissor Guard appeared on his arm and he got ready.

“Begin!” Dex shouted, starting the machines.

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“You can't be serious!” Said a female voice from a holo display that stood in front of Sinar.

Sinar sat at a table in what looked like a dining room. In the middle of the table was a square device and surrounding the table were five holo figures, two sitting while the others stood, the ones sitting not being on chairs of the table but of their own display.

“I'm quite serious about this,” Sinar responded.

“You realize what you're gambling here!?” Said the female. “In that Shulker box is the key to the key to the Anitis! A tool of destruction!”

“I know what's in it, Dian.”

“Then why the hell are you giving this kid a chance to take it!?”

“Sinar,” Said another figure, this one male, “I understand you feeling somewhat responsible for this, but you have to understand at this point that you were not the cause of that encounter.”

“I know that. Still, I made it worse when I boarded.” Sinar responded.

“You were just trying to help,” Said what sounded to be a younger female, “no one can blame you for that.”

“I do. This boy's father wanted him to do this so I should at least let him have a chance at this.”

“Sinar,” Said another female, this one sounding more mature yet commanding, “I understand you want some sort of piece of mind from this, you being a pirate with Morals and all, but you do know how much this could shift things in our favor. With the Anitis parts, we could rival even the Red Dawns.”

“I understand Felicia. Those weapons could even have us hold off the Guardians. Still, I stand with this choice.”

“You gotta be joking! If you fail we lose our chance!” Yelled Dian before turning to Felicia. “Felicia let me go, I'll tear this boy up and get the Shulker box in a week, tops!”

“Calm down Dian. Sinar was the first to discover this, so it's his call. That's part of our rules.” Felicia told her.

“Then let me go as backup! Sinar’s obviously gonna need it if he can't command his Automatons well enough to take out some boy!”

“I will not allow it. You still have business to complete on Martsh after all.”

“It is curious how you lost against just one boy with all that I gave you.” Said the young girl.

“And you're asking for stronger ones too. You're not even dealing with the guardians there you know.” Said the other male.

“I'm gonna need it against him…him and his familiar,” Sinar stated.

That statement surprised the whole group.

“A familiar!?” Dian exclaimed.

“You don't mean… an artificial one do you?” Questioned the young girl.

“I do.” Sinar nodded.

“How did he come across an Artificial Familiar!?”

“I don't quite know but he doesn't seem to understand him or his powers just yet.”

“And you're giving him the chance to!?” Dian shouted.

“I told you, he has a right to at least have a chance. I don't plan to make it easy though.”

“I see…alright, I’ll grant you your request,” Felicia said.

“Thank you.”

“But if you fail, we won't rescue you if he or anyone decides to capture you, understood?”

“I understand.”

“Good luck my friend.” Said the other male before his holo display disappeared.

“I'll send the Dusk cards right away.” Said the young female before hers went.

“Ugh, this shits ridiculous.” Groaned Dian before cutting connections.

“Good luck.” Felicia bid her goodbye, her figure disappearing.

Sinar sighed, leaning back.

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Isaac’s breath was heavy, pulling the spear out of the crawler he just stabbed, the machine falling, disabled but still able to function. He had sprinkles of paint over his body with a splotch on his leg and shoulder.

“Nicely done, Master,” Artemis commented, having some paint sprinkles on him too but no splotches.

“Could’ve been better.” Isaac looked at the two splotches on him. “I got hit twice.”

“Yeah but after that you didn't get hit at all,” Dex said.

“Artemis helped with that, and he didn't get hit one.”

“You two are fighting together so it makes sense that he’d try to protect you.”

“I get that but…it feels like he's more so protecting me as a master than a partner.”

“Either way, you made some good progress,” Dixon stated.

“Your training helped with that. If you hadn’t taught me how to fight then I'd be covered in paint.”

“Heh, you're welcome. Though I can't take all the credit. Artemis did give you a few pointers on that spear and your blade whip.”

“Yeah, thanks Artemis.” He smiled at his familiar.

“You're quite welcome, Master.” Artemis bowed.

“Let's take a break and get some lunch. My treat.” Dixon announced.

“That sounds good, but where can we go that allows cats?” Dex asked.

“We could just get it to go and eat in the truck. Oh and speaking of cats.” Isaac reached out to Artemis. “Seal Control Art Two.”

Artemis reverted to his normal self, looking around. “So…how'd we do?”

“You did better than me while I need some more practice.” Isaac chuckled. “We're gonna take a break and get some lunch.”

Artemis’s tail wagged. “Does that mean more tuna?”

“Actually I'm thinking we have you venture out and try some different foods, Artemis,” Dixon said.

“Like what?”

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“Thank you!” Dixon said to the worker at the ufo burger place, taking the four bags. He drove off and into the parking lot. “Alright, this is yours, these ones you twos, and this is mine.” He handed out everyone's food.

“Thanks.” Isaac took his and Artemis’s bag.

Artemis was looking at his drink curiously. “So what's this again?”

“Sprite,” Isaac answered, taking a sip of his lemonade.

“Sprite.” He witnessed Isaac drink and thought to mimic him. “So I drink like this?” He placed his mouth on the straw and sucked. “Mmph!” Once the liquid entered his mouth he reeled back, surprised by the fizziness of it.

“Don't like it?” Dex asked.

“Mmm.” He swished it around before swallowing. “It's good!” He smiled. “The feeling of whatever that was just surprised me.”

“You mean the fizz?”

Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

“The fizz, yeah.” He took another sip.

“Alright,” Isaac pulled out a pack of fries and three boxes, setting them on the tray next to the pulled-out cup holder. “First off, let's see if you like pickles.” He opened a box that had a few pickles, took one, and gave it to Artemis.

“Hm…” He sniffed it before taking a bite, munching on it. “Hmmm.” He swallowed it. “Not bad.”

“Ok then, now onions.” He opened the other box, taking out a slivered onion.

Artemis gave it a sniff, cringing at the smell but taking a bite either way. “Mph!” He scrunched up, shaking his head. “Mm-mm!”

Isaac laughed, taking a napkin. “Here, spit it out.”

“Bleh!” He spat the onion bit into the napkin. “That's a no on onions.” He washed his mouth with his soda.

“Glad we didn't get you onion rings.” Dixon chuckled.

“Have a fry.” Issac grabbed a fry for Artemis to try.

Artemis took a bite of the fry. “Hmmm…this is good!” He said, his ears raising in joy as he smiled, taking the rest of the cut potato from his hand, and munching on it.

“Not too salty?”

“Nope! Just the right amount!”

“Sweet.”

“Now comes the moment of truth!” Dex said.

“Yeah!” Isaac gave a determined nod. He opened the box that held Artemis’s sandwich. “A double quarter pounder, deluxe Ufo burger!”

Artemis eyed the burger. It was round, shaped like an actual UFO, the bun being smooth and a completely flat surface, enclosing the entirety of what was inside in a perfect shape. “Whoa.” he was in some awe.

“It's got natural melted cheese, shredded lettuce, finely cut fresh tomatoes, and half a pound's worth of grilled, seasoned, butchered cow meat, all sauteed with a drizzle of ketchup and mayo.” Dex introduced.

“Oooh!” As Dex explained it all he couldn’t help but salivate.

“Hehehe.” Isaac picked it up and leaned it to Artemis. “Go on.”

Artemis gulped, leaning in, feeling his heartbeat increase with every centimeter. He opened his maw, coming even closer, his teeth soon meeting the burger, biting into the entree. There was a satisfying crunch from the toasted bread and lettuce, the tendered meat breaking off when his fangs cut through, and the cheese and condiments oozing down the broken section. He chewed, the meat squishing and secreting its grease and seasoning throughout his mouth, the cheese spreading, the veggies adding some freshness to the taste, and the condiments enhancing the flavor. “MMMM!” A shiver went down his spine and to his tail. He swallowed and looked at the burger with sparkling eyes. “It's delicious!!” He went in for another bite, chewing happily.

“Hah!” He set the burger down on the box, still allowing Artemis access, getting to his food.

“We just introduced an alien to fast food. Check that off the list!” Dixon announced.

“What's next on that list?” Dex asked.

“Well it would be teaching them our language but Artemis already speaks Japanese pretty well.”

“Yeah, that's true. Where did you learn Japanese?” Issac asked.

“Mm-mm.” Artemis shrugged, eating some fries.

“Should’ve expected that….Y’know now that I think about it…the status window is also in Japanese…Maybe…”

“Something on your mind?” Dex noticed his curious gaze which was on his burger.

“Well…This glove emanates my voice whenever I use things like the constructs and Artemis first spoke when I grabbed it when it was a rock so I'm thinking that maybe he can speak Japanese cause of the sync that happened when I took hold of it.”

“When you grabbed it he rose in that moment and started to speak right?”

“Yeah, why?”

“I'm thinking that maybe he spoke his language and the glove translated it but afterward he was able to speak it.”

“You could ask Artemis, well other Artemis. Jeez, that's gonna get confusing.” Dixon mentioned.

“Downt yoo dware ashk me nwow!” Artemis demanded with a mouth full of burger.

“Heh, ok I’ll wait till you finish eating,” Isaac reassured.

“As for Artemis’s other side, let's just call him…Unsealed Artemis.” Dex suggested.

“All things considered, that sounds like a good idea. You good with it, Artemis?”

“Mhm!” He nodded, he had crumbs and sauce all over his snout.

“Did you actually listen or were you just munchin and nodding?” Dixon asked.

Artemis swallowed, looking at Dixon offended. “I listened!”

They all laughed at his response.

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Next day.

Isaac’s phone alarm rang, waking both him and Artemis up.

Artemis rose and stretched, hopping off the bean bag, and approaching Isaac. “Morning Isaac.”

“Mmmng!” Isaac stretched himself. “Mornin'.”

“Tomorows the day.”

“...Yeah.” He looked down, looking a bit nervous.

“You nervous?”

“A little…” He smiled at Artemis, “Wanna go for a jog?”

“Sure.”

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Isaac huffed, running down the cement pathway in a pair of black exercise shorts, a white tee with a green sweatshirt hoodie that had a picture of the sword in the stone from Excalibur. Artemis was by his side, running with him. They had gone to a nearby park to start their run, running past the greenery.

He slowed down at a nearby water fountain, reaching in to take a drink. “Whew…wonder how fast I could run around here with my enhancements.”

Artemis jumped on the fountain, leaning in to take a sip. “Wanna try?” No one was around so he was ok to speak.

“Nah, that'd draw too much attention. After this, I’ll make some omelets at home, sound good?”

“Yeah, that sounds nice. How much longer do you wanna run?”

“I try to get to the fountain before jogging back, but with what we're doing I mig-”

“Isaac!” A female called from across the way.

“Huh?” Isaac looked down the way and spotted a five-foot tall dark-skinned woman with short flat black hair and blue eyes running down to him. She wore a pink sweatshirt with a white heart on the chest that had the picture of a magical rod, a pair of jean shorts, white kneesocks, and black tennis shoes. On her left middle finger was a silver ring with a red stripe in the middle. Beside her was a medium-sized doberman with teal eyes and lush fur and a patch of dark fur on top of her forehead. “Lyla!”

“Hey, you!” Lyla greeted, jogging up to him. “Didn’t think I'd catch you here!”

“Yeah, I decided to go for a jog in the park with Artemis.”

“Artemis?” She raised a brow in confusion.

Isaac gestured to the cat on the fountain. “Artemis. Say hi.”

“Meow!” Artemis meowed.

“Oh cool, you got a cat!” She reached out for him, scruffing his cheeks lovingly. “So cute!”

Artemis purred. “Mmm meow!”

The Doberman made a soft whine, inching a bit closer.

Lyla looked at her with a solemn smile. “Sorry, Ira. You'll scare him.”

“Hrmmm.” Ira whimpered.

“Ira wants to meet him too?” Isaac asked.

“Yep, she loves meeting new people and animals, but I don't want her scaring your cat.”

“Nah it'll be fine. Go say hi to her Artemis.”

“Mrow!” Artemis hopped off the fountain and approached Ira with a smile.

Ira was taken by surprise but slowly inched closer, sniffing him. Artemis tried not to giggle when her nose got on his neck. Ira made a small bark and nuzzled against him.

“Hmhmhm meow!” Artemis joyfully meowed, nuzzling back, his tail wagging.

“Wow!” Lyla said in surprise.

“Yeah, he’s a friendly cat.”

Lyla reached into her sweatshirt pocket, pulling out a box of strawberry-flavored Pocky sticks. “Hm?” She smiled at Isaac.

Isaac got her gesture. “Sure.”

They went to a nearby bench and had a seat, Lyla handing Isaac a Pocky stick while Ira and Artemis sat in front of them, both playfully patting each other.

“So when did you get a cat?” Lyla asked, nibbling a stick.

“Few days ago. I found him all alone in the junkyard.”

“Really? He looks pretty well trained, you sure he doesn't belong to anyone?”

“No, he's not chipped or anything. I'm thinking he's just smart.”

“Huh…So you named him Artemis huh?”

“Yep. That a surprise?”

“No, but,” She made a neko smile, “you know that's a girl's name right?”

“Eh!?” Artemis stiffened while his jaw dropped.

“Yeah, it's the name of the moon goddess. Hm?” Isaac looked at Artemis who was glaring at him. “Uh w-well, it may belong to a goddess but it works just as well for a guy you know!”

“Hrrrrm!”

“It's true a swear!”

“He seems mad about that.” Lyla laughed.

“Yeah, and it's your fault!” Isaac accused.

“Don’t worry Artemis, It's a purfect name for you!”

“Cat puns, really?” He looked unamused.

“Hmmm…” Artemis calmed down a little and turned his attention back to Ira.

“Huh, that worked.”

“You're welcome,” Lyla smirked.

“Oh don't act like you didn't just fix your own mistake.”

Lyla laughed. “Hey, you busy tonight? There’s an anime Expo going on at 104 and Magical Squad Tomo Esque is gonna be there! I'd like to go with a friend!”

“Gonna expand with the new merchandise?”

“You know it!”

“Heh. Well sorry but I'm doing something tonight with Dixon and Dex.”

“More astronaut training?”

“Something like that.”

“What about tomorrow?”

“Nah I'm…doing something then. I'll be free the next day though.”

“Ok, then let's go then!”

“Yeah….” The mention of tonight and tomorrow made Isaac think about a conversation from yesterday.

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Flashback

The Quadro was heading back to the junkyard.

“Isaac, you think you can store clothing in there?” Dixon said, pointing at the glove.

“Probably. Why?” Isaac answered.

“Well I know a good place where we could get you a well-made costume and they do special order tailoring. I was thinking if there was a way for you to use that whole command thing to quickly get dressed.”

“Costume? What for?” Dex asked.

“Well, if he's gonna be fighting those Automaton things then it'd be best if he didn't get discovered while doing so. A fight could happen in public, plus it'd be good to have one just in case he fights one of those monsters the Guardians fight.”

“Why would I fight those things?” Isaac asked.

“Well you have the power to fight them and heck the Guardians can’t be everywhere.”

“Well yeah but…it's not like Artemis would like it if I just released him willy-nilly like that.”

“...Well…” Artemis spoke up.

“Hm?” Isaac turned to the cat.

“...Even though I don't remember that side…if I were to use it to help someone then….I wouldn't really mind.”

“Huh?” Isaac was taken aback.

“In Fact…” He smiled, “I think…I’d like that.”

“Oh…Um…yeah ok.” Isaac felt a bit of conflict with what his familiar said.

“Something wrong?” Artemis noticed.

“N-nothing! Anyways, when should we get those costumes?”

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While thinking back on it, Isaac was absentmindedly staring at Artemis, the cat looking back curiously.

“Isaac?” Lyla called out.

“Hm? Oh sorry!” He shook his head out of it.

“You ok?”

“I'm fine….can I…ask you something?” He looked at Lyla.

“What's up?”

“I…I have this friend…and…he has this character in this sort of…dnd type deal that im joining him with…we both have characters and their partners…thing is…one wants to use his powers to help anyone whenever he can…but…for my character…hed…I’d rather just leave it to the heroes of the world.”

‘Huh?’ Artemis looked at Isaac, surprised.

“It's not like I'd just forgo anyone in danger like if someone gets hurt and the police aren’t around I'll try to do something but…I'm no hero, I'm just a guy who wants to see the stars…I'd rather leave the heroing to the actual heroes. I'm afraid that’ll lead us to butting heads and…I don't want that.”

“Hm…” Lyla took it all in. “Basically what I'm hearing is that your friend wants to help because he wants to, but you only want to help when you need to.”

“Pretty much.”

“Thing is…those two concepts aren’t too different. Helping cause you want to and helping when you need to can sometimes be one in the same…and besides it's not like you're a bad person right? You're not just gonna leave someone to die right next to you are you?”

“Well, course not.”

“But if you could, you'd just rather leave it to the professionals, while your friend would rather help in any way he can at that moment.”

“Right.”

“I'd say…don't worry so much about it.”

“Huh?”

“Like I said, you're a good guy, you’d just prefer leaving it to the pros. Doesn't mean you won't do anything so if this person who wants to do something is your partner, then I see you guys mostly seeing eye to eye on these things. Unless he's the stubborn fool type.”

“Heh, no he's not like that.” Isaac smiled.

“Then you got nothing to worry about!”

“Yeah…guess not…thanks.”

“Don’t mention it.” She rose and stretched. “Alright break over. Wanna jog together?”

“Yeah su-” Isaac was cut off when Artemis placed his paw on his leg. “Hm?”

“Meow.” He looked at him as if he wanted to talk.

“Uh…” He nervously smiled at Lyla. “You go on ahead.”

“Ok. C'mon Ira,” Lyla called for her dog, continuing the jog with her.

Isaac waited till they were a good distance away before turning to Artemis. “What's up?”

“Why…why didn't you tell me that's how you felt?” Artemis confronted.

“Mng.” He got a bit rigid and looked away guiltily. “Well…I guess I didn't know how to bring it up really at that moment and…talking with Lyla just…made me think about it.”

“I…see. I'm sorry if I made it difficult.” He said guiltily.

“...Look Artemis…” He sighed, looking at the feline, “I get that…you might wanna use your power to save someone…id rather just leave things to the Guardians or other people who were meant to take care of certain things but…if you want to do something…It’s your power so it's your choice…I can't stop you…though…” he showed his glove with an awkward smile. “I am gonna have to enable you a bit.”

“...Pft…hehehehehe!” He laughed at what he meant.

Isaac chuckled a bit. “By the way, don't think you'll be doing it alone.”

“Huh?” He looked at him confused.

“Well, how am I gonna use you if you're hurt huh?” He smiled.

“Thanks.” He smiled. “Though I guess that means you're gonna need a code name.”

“Code name?”

“If you're gonna have a secret identity then you'll need a code name just in case someone asks who you are.”

“I could just…not answer.”

“Well, then the public would make one up for you. Don’t want to be called something lame like The Golden Warrior.” He said while sitting next to him.

“You saw a clip of Dragon Ball huh?”

“Saw it on youtube.”

“Well alright, what should I go with then?”

“How about Star Seeker? Dex calls you it.”

“That'd be too easy to link. I need something that can't be linked to me easily.”

“Ok, then…Star Man!”

“Uh…” Isaac gave a disapproving look.

“Ok then….The…Constellator?”

“That ones really bad.”

“Oh come one! You could use the catchphrase, "I'll show the star alignment of your defeat!”

“Yeah no…although…” The catchphrase did make him ponder for a moment.

“Isaac?”

“Hm…” Isaac places a confident smile, having thought up something. “You just gave me an idea for a command.”

“I did?”

“Yep.” He got up. “C'mon, let's catch up with Lyla!”

“Wait, what'd you think?”

“Tell you later, come on!” He ran off.

“Hey!” Artemis ran after him.

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They had spent the rest of the day picking out a costume for Isaac, the group thinking that Artemis wouldn’t need one considering the eye change and armor, finding a good one, getting it tailored for a better fit, and making it stronger with better material. It would be ready right before the planned confrontation. Isaac and Artemis had chosen the first place to go, the group deciding when to go before they went their separate ways.

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Next day.

Isaac and Artemis woke up. They didn’t say much due to anticipation and nervousness. Isaac made them pancakes with eggs and sausage. Artemis enjoyed them, especially with syrup. To try and pass the time they went for a jog, running around the park for a good while, not bumping into Lyla this time, which they would’ve liked.

“Sucks Lyla ain't here,” Isaac said, sitting on a bench to take a breather.

“Yeah, I would've liked to play with Ira again,” Artemis stated.

“Too bad she’s not Selma huh,” Isaac smirked.

“Sh-shut up!” Artemis blushed.

They continued to jog before heading back, getting some ice cream on the way.

“Mmm cold and sweet!” Artemis said, licking at his. He got strawberry.

“The beauty of frozen treats,” Isaac replied, eating his chocolate.

They got home and Isaac introduced his familiar to another show called Iron-Blooded Orphans which he enjoyed, especially the mechs and Gundams. As time went on they grew increasingly antsy, watching the news and a few youtube clips to try and take their mind off what was upcoming, trying not to look at the clock so much. Then Isaac's phone rang with a call from Dixon.

“Hello?” Isaac answered.

“It's time,” Dixon announced.

Isaac narrowed his eyes in seriousness, getting up. “Let's go, Artemis!”

“Right!” Artemis nodded.

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The car ride was silent, Dex was on his computer examining something, Dixon was driving, and Artemis was watching Isaac finish his settings on his status windows. They pulled onto the driveway of an old abandoned factory, getting out as soon as the truck was in park. Dixon took the bolt cutters and cut the old lock, removing the chain.

“Pretty sure that's a felony.” Dex joked.

“Eh no one's gonna care or notice, this place has been abandoned for a while,” Dixon replied.

Dex pressed something on his laptop and a drone rose from the trunk, it was a typical one equipped with a high-powered camera. “Ok, we'll keep watch from here. If we find something wrong we’ll call you, Star Seeker.”

“Thanks,” Isaac said to him, Artemis jumping on him, perching on his shoulders.

Dixon approached Isaac, placing his hands on his shoulders, looking at him and Artemis seriously but with worry. “I spread rumors about this place getting demolished late at night, hopefully, that’ll at least keep Guardians at bay but try not to take too long on this.”

“Right.” He nodded.

“Artemis.”

“Yes?” Artemis responded.

“Please…watch his back.”

“I will!”

“Alright…” He backed away. “Good luck you two.”

Isaac took a deep breath and looked at Artemis. “Let's go.”

“Hm.” Artemis nodded.

They walked past the gates, entering into the old facility, walked past all the machinery and trash riddled on the floor, showing signs of people having sneaked in before, which didn’t surprise him. As they got closer to the center, closer to a more open area, they spotted them and they in turn spotted the duo. The Automatons that Sinar placed.

There were three types. Black quadrupeds that were dog-shaped. They had no tails, their legs were like slabs with flat toeless feet, and their heads were funnel-shaped with an umbrella pattern, their bodies being mechanical with diamond-shaped skin. There were multiple flying mechs with large round diamond-shaped bodies the size of nearly two basketballs. The top of them had a row of funnels going around, the bottom having bird-like legs that collapsed onto where they stood, while the back had its arced wings, the edge being bladed and the width of one of them being nearly three feet long. There was one giant Automaton perched on top of the towers with a centipede body and a round head with an eye in the middle. Its body had four sections, each with a long and thick spiked bug leg, and the pattern of the scales on its giant head were octagons.

They all looked to Isaac and Artemis, targeting them, the quadrupeds leaping off where they stood and the flyers swooped in, surrounding them.

Isaac looked to Artemis. Artemis nodded, he was ready. Isaac faced them all and outstretched his hand beside him. “Release Control Art Two!” Once those words were uttered, Artemis leaped off Isaac, jumping high into the sky. “Let's Align The Stars!” His glove lit up and streams of light came out of it, wrapping around his body, replacing his clothing. On his eyes were a pair of wide black visors with a galaxy print that went all around his head, the top of his head having a blue beanie cap with the words Galactic across the rim. His clothes became a dark long-sleeved shirt with padding on the arms, elbows, and shoulders. The insignia on the chest was a galaxy with its colors blending together brilliantly. He had a pair of dark magenta cargo pants with knee pads and streams of light blue.

One of the Quadrupeds lunged at Isaac, attempting to spear him, only for its neck to be cut through by a landing Artemis wielding his usual kodachi and a pair of paw gloves that had curved blades at the claws. After beheading the Automaton he leaped to one of the flyers, clawing its front, the glades cutting through its skin, destroying it, leaping off its body to slice through another.

Isaac equipped his Spear of Light, charging at a quadruped, thrusting the construct at its face. It swiveled out the way but he swung it in its direction, managing to cut into its shoulder, pushing more to cut through. He jumped back, avoiding a strike from the other one, slamming down on its head, raising his right hand, the shield coming out to block the incoming pierces of a duo, pushing them back. He was about to counter until a few flyers fired on him, bullets rapidly shooting out their holes. He ran away, outpacing their shots, reaching out to them. “Shard Blitz!” He returned the gesture, firing upon them, managing to nick and even ground a few, making them scatter. He made sure to keep attention to the ones in front as they were charging at him. He stopped firing, keeping the construct Realized, aiming forward. “Impact spell!” The magic circle appeared before his hand and he fired into it, the bits collecting on the ring before launching off, shredding through them. He almost didn’t notice the ones coming behind him. He was going to dismiss his spell and construct but Artemis already had his back, using a light slash to dispatch them. “Thanks, Artemis!” Isaac thanked, returning his attention to the ones in front.

Artemis was making sure to keep an eye on Isaac while fighting, using his claws to scratch up the flyers. The heads of the funnel Automatons opened up, the opened portion lighting up, firing lasers upon Artemis. He jumped around, dodging them, the flyers taking the opportunity to apply the pressure, shooting at him. He continued to move and twist around to avoid their blasts. He dropped his Kodachi, storing it and replacing it with his arrow blade. “Scatter spell!” He pulled an arrow back, and a magic circle appeared. It consisted of an inner circle with several lines coming out its side. He fired his arrow into it and once it made contact it split into multiple smaller arrows, spreading out and hitting the flying Automatons.

“Hyah!” Isaac battle cried, cutting off a head, and using the guard to block the incoming blast of another. He thought things were going well, they were clearing them out at a good pace and should be done soon after the big one. “Wait.” He just realized that the large centipede Automaton hadn’t made its move. He glanced at where it last stood, not seeing it there. “Where is-?” As if on cue, the machine in question crashed through a nearby wall, its head spinning rapidly like a drill, ramming into Isaac. “Shit!!” He couldn’t dodge in time and braced for impact. He was hit not by the Automaton but by Artemis, the familiar having tackled Isaac out of the way, meeting with the drill, the Automaton ramming through taking Artemis with it through several rooms and machines. “Artemis!!” Isaac called out, about to follow, but the firing of a quadruped stopped him, multiple surrounding him. “Damnit!” He readied his weapon.

Artemis pressed his blade and claws against the Automaton, getting crashed through multiple walls while pushing against its head, keeping it from making contact. Once they entered into a large room he equipped his ax on his tail and slammed it from underneath, knocking it off him, backflipping onto the ground. It reoriented itself, trying to stomp on him with its spiked legs. He jumped back from each step, charging light in the edge of his ax, doing a twist to arc a rough but sharp wave of light into its head. The wave caused a gash into its cranium, nearly knocking it back. It turned its gaze upon him, almost like a glare, firing its beam on him. He used his claws to block it, jumping off a magic circle to avoid meeting the ground and landing on his feet. He ran up to it, dodging its consecutive blasts, sliding under it, and flipping back, his ax knocking it up and over to the other side, the Automaton falling on its back with a large dent in its middle with cracks emanating from it. It looked at the cat, trying to get back on its feet. Artemis pulled back. “I'll be ending this now.” He stated, charging up power.

The Automaton spun its head, violently rotating it at higher speeds than before, jumping onto its feet, increasing its RPM, leaning its body back for a second, and rushing to Artemis with the ferocity of a bull, keeping its head low, breaking through the gravel.

“Judgment blade!” Isaac called out, the symbol of the attack going above the enemy's head, the blade coming out and slamming into it, grinding into its skin as it halted its thrust. Artemis looked back at him and once their eyes met. “Show them…” He looked at him with determination and fire, “The red constellation of their death! Artemis!!”

“Hm!” He turned back to the Automaton. ‘Lateral Moon stance! Moon thrust!’ He thrusted forward looking like a spearhead of light, soaring through like a cannon, breaking through the eye of the machine and going right through its body. Once he pierced through the body stiffened before flashes of red emanated out, exploding in a large impact.

“Ah!” Isaac used his shield to cover from the debris, sliding back from the force of the explosion, but managing to stand strong against it. Once it was over he blinked a few times, the dust settling, witnessing Artemis walk up to him.

“Master.”

“Artemis.” He looked at the cat, composing himself.

“The enemies have been taken care of, I'm sensing no more in the vicinity. We won.”

“Great.” He smiled.

“On a side note, while I appreciate it, I did not need your aid in that.”

“Oh shut up.” Isaac crouched down, reaching out to him. “Seal Control Art Two.”

Artemis closed his eyes, dismissing his weapons and armor, opening his eyes, looking at Isaac with some confusion. “Isaac.”

“Come here.”

“...” He smiled, coming close, allowing Isaac's hand to meet his head, gladly accepting his pets.

“Good work, Artemis.”

“Thanks!”

Isaac's phone rang and he answered. “Hello?”

“Hey,” Dex answered, “that explosion at the end was pretty big. We should get out before someone comes to investigate.”

“Right, we’ll find the piece and get going to ya. C'mon Artemis.” He opened his shoulder up for him to jump up.

“Right!” Artemis climbed up.

Isaac took out the key and pressed the bottom of it. From the top came a radar with a section of it glowing red. He followed that section, it getting wider as he got closer, exiting the building. He made it to a spot where the whole radar started rapidly blinking. As it blinked there was a distortion in the air in front of him, an opaque image of something being seen. “How do I-?” He fiddled with it, and a blue light emerged at its top. “Hm?” He looked at it and the distortion, pressing the key on it. Once it touched it a crack formed and a hole opened up. Issac reached in and took out the piece. “Take a look at this later. Open Storage.” He placed it in his storage.

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Isaac rushed out, going past all the broken Automatons, heading out with his familiar to meet with Dex and Dixon. He was quick to place his clothing away before getting in the truck, the team driving away. All the while they never noticed the white floating orb in the sky. It looked like an eyeball with red pupils, looking squarely at the group.

“Hm…I found a scope!” Someone said, cackling as the eye left the scene.

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End.

Next chapter. Star Mask.