Chapter 5. Star Mask.
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Isaac and Artemis entered their apartment, Isaac slouching a bit with Artemis placed on his shoulder with no sign of fatigue.
“I'm tired,” Isaac announced while he stretched, entering the living room.
“I’m hungry, we got any Tuna left?” Artemis asked.
“I think so. Want a few cans?”
“Well we did take out a big boss, so I say we’re in for a treat.”
“We? More like you. You did say my assistance wasn’t necessary.” Isaac chuckled, looking at his cat sassily, sitting down on his couch.
“I- that wasn't me!” He defended flabbergasted, lowering his ears, and jumping beside him with an apologetic gaze. “Well…it was still my mouth, so sorry.”
“Eh, it's fine.” He gave him a scratch behind the ears. “You’re right tho. We got a piece of that box Dad mentioned so I say we're in for a little treat.” He took out his phone, seeing that the time was 11:25 p.m. “Heh,” he smirked, “Artemis?”
“Hm?”
“I'm gonna have you try out a new cuisine called pizza.”
“Pi-” He tilted his head, “-zza?”
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“Thank you.” Issac thanks the delivery man, taking two medium boxes of pizza.
“Hm?” Once Isaac walked in with the food, Artemis’s nose picked up the scent. “Whoa…what's that smell?”
“Heh,” Isaac set the boxes on the table, one placed in front of Artemis, the cat's eyes tracing it, “what you smell, my dear Artemis, is baked bread with a layer of butter, marinara sauce, melted cheese, and sliced pepperoni’s.”
“Pe-...pepperoni’s?” Artemis questioned, looking at the box with eagerness, his tail slowly wagging.
“They're this thinly sliced sausage made of beef and pork.”
“Beef and…pork?” He swallowed, getting more antsy.
“Yep!” He reached over and opened the box.
There was a wave of steam that puffed out the hot and ready delivery, and what was underneath made Artemis’s eyes shine. “Whoooa!” The pizza was finely sliced and looked like it was sparkling in the eyes of the Familiar.
“Heh.” Isaac pulled out a slice, the strands of cheese pulling and breaking from its edges, snapping off from its adjacent pairs, leaning tip to his cat. “Take a bite.”
Artemis was salivating when he pulled the slice out, looking at it in awe and anticipation, the gooey cheese nearly dripping from its edge, and the pepperonis looking crisp and secreting its juices. His breath trembled and he leaned in to take a bite, his teeth sinking into the freshly baked bread with ease, biting off a piece of pepperoni on the end, pulling back, the bridges of cheese snapping and meeting his jaw. His spine shivered, the blend of mozzarella, sliced pork and beef sausage, zesty marinara, and buttered bread being a new and welcomed experience to his taste buds. “MMMM!!” He happily chewed, licking off the traces on his lips. “It's delicious!” He took the slice from Isaac's hand, holding it from underneath and slightly bending it, taking another, bigger bite. “Shwo gwed!” He said with a mouthful.
“As for me,” Isaac turned to his box, flipping the lid. He had the same pizza but it had pineapple toppings. “Good ole pepperoni and pineapple!”
“Hm?” Artemis glanced over, looking at the diced fruit topping. “Pineapple? On pizza?” He scrunched up at the notion.
“Hey, don't knock it till you try it.” He grabbed a slice and brought it over to try. “Take a bite.”
He was unsure, glancing at the slice hesitantly. “Hmmmm.” He finished up the crust he held, licking his lips. He leaned in, taking a sniff, admittedly finding the smell just as tantalizing as his Italian bakery. Opening his maw, he took a bite, crunching off a piece of pineapple, and chewing it in his mouth. His eyes shined a bit, the sweetness of the pineapple giving a surprising compliment to the sauce, meat, and cheese. “Mm, this is pretty good!”
“Right? Next time we order pizza I'll get you pineapple.”
“Thanks!” Artemis reached in, taking out another slice. “What other toppings are there?”
“There's plenty. Like sausage, bacon, even chicken.”
“Really! Let's try those next!”
“Hehe, maybe after we get the next piece of the box.”
“Mmm, Lesh gwo fwor won twomorwo!” He said with a mouthful.
“Lets…pace ourselves.” Isaac nervously chuckled.
While the two were enjoying their Italian, there was a looming eyeball at the balcony, floating right in front of the window, looking in, only seeing Isaac's room, but looking directly where the two were.
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Next day.
Isaac and Artemis were in the living room, the familiar watching Iron-Blooded Orphans while Isaac checked the news on his phone, looking for anything related to what they did last night.
“...Ah.” Isaac found an article related to what happened at the factory. The article brought up the loud noises, the big one at the end particularly, Isaac surmising it was when they took down that final automaton. It brought up the rumors of construction and the scattered broken automatons, the journalist speculating that it was a rogue Guardian doing practice, even trying to ask the Shibuya Guardians their thoughts, getting a small interview with Selma and Silvet. “Hm…Hey,” Isaac smirked, glancing at Artemis, “Selma had an interview. Wanna…watch it?” He slowed, his smirk dropping when he saw Artemis’s tears.
“Mmmmng…guh…” Artemis sobbed, looking at the TV
“What's wrong?” He asked, concerned, turning to the screen. Once he saw the scene, his concern washed away. The scene in question was the aftermath of Masahiro's death, Akihiro’s brother. “Oh, that's why.”
“That's so…sad!” Artemis declared, sniffling.
“Yeah, it's a tearful scene alright.” His phone buzzed with a text from Lyla.
-Hey stranger! You still available today?- Said Lyla’s message.
“Oh right, the expo.” Isaac remembered.
“Hm? Expo?” Artemis asked, wiping his tears.
“Remember, the one Lyla invited us to?”
“Oh yeah, that. It was more so your invite wasn't it?”
“Yeah, but I can bring you too as long as you stay in the backpack.”
“Oh, ok.” He smiled. As soon as he went back to the episode his smile faltered as they were talking about a funeral. “Oh Masahiro…”
Isaac shook his head, knowing the cat would be in for a lot of tears throughout this series, texting Lyla back. -Yeah. What time you wanna meet?-
She replied in seconds. -Wanna meet at 1? We can get some lunch otw.-
-Sounds good. I'm bringing Artemis if that's ok.-
-That's fine. Ira’s coming too cause they apparently allow pets to come as long as there securedly leashed-
-*Securely- She corrected.
-Cool. Where ya wanna meet up at?-
-Depends, whaddya want for lunch?-
-Lemme think- Isaac looked at Artemis. “Hey, Lyla wants us to meet for lunch before the expo. Anything you wanna try?”
“Orphans namida tai wa kanashimi… wo seoi,” Artemis didn’t hear him, busy singing along with the ending.
“Artemis!” Isaac called out again.
“Huh?” Artemis broke focus and turned to Isaac.
“Lunch with Lyla, whaddya wanna try?”
“Hm….” He gazed up, eyes wandering as he thought about it. “....well…Takoyaki?”
“Takoyaki?”
“Yeah,” He nodded, now looking at the human, “I saw it on a sign when we were heading back from the factory.”
“Alright, takoyaki it is. I'll tell Lyla.”
“Sweet!” He turned back to the TV. “Think I’m gonna take a break from Orphans. Any suggestions? I wanna see something…less sad.”
“I get ya,” Isaac took the remote, “and I got just the show.” Going into the search bar, he typed out the anime.
“Hm?...Love After World Domination?”
“It's a good one, I'm not even gonna explain but let's just say you’re gonna laugh.” He said with a smile of confidence.
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Nearly one P.M.
Isaac and Artemis waited in front of a takoyaki bar in Dogenza, the familiar humming the tune of Love After World Domination.
“Artemis, tone down the humming will ya?” Isaac asked.
“Sorry, it's a real good opening, not as good as Call of the Night though,” Artemis answered.
Isaac chuckled, “Don't go singing that.”
“I won't…not until we get home at least.”
“Hey!” Lyla called out to them while rushing down the sidewalk with Ira at her side. She was wearing a black navy blue sailor uniform. He recognized it instantly as Senketsu from Kill La Kill, she even had the glove on and had the half scissor blade on her back.
“Oh there she is,” Isaac said while waving at them.
She rushed right in front of them. “Didn’t wait too long did you?”
“Nah. Ready for some tako, Ryuko?”
Lyla chuckled, obviously glad he knew who she was being. “Hell yeah!”
They went to the bar and ordered food for themselves and their pets, going to one of the outside tables. Isaac ordered Shrimp takoyaki for Artemis and got some chicken for him, some tempura for a side, and some Ramune drinks. Lyla got some squid with extra seasoning for both her and Ira and got a side of pot stickers with a sprite.
“Here ya go, Artemis.” Isaac set his familiars serving next to him while letting the cat out and into the chair.
“Meow!!” Artemis meowed in excitement, drooling at the food after taking a good whiff.
“It's hot so be careful.”
Artemis nodded before leaning in, blowing on the takoyaki to cool it before taking a bite. His spine shivered. “MMMM!!” He chewed on the backed dough and delectable shrimp that was held inside, the sauces and seasoning enhancing flavor. He wasted no time in taking another bite, not even fully finishing his first.
Lyla laughed. “Like it Artemis?”
“Mhm!” Artemis nodded at her.
Lyla was surprised by that. “Wow, he's a pretty aware feline huh?”
Isaac got a little nervous and tried to play it off. “W-well yeah, like I said, he's a pretty smart cat.”
“MM-MM!” Artemis tapped Isaac's arm, gesturing to the bottle of Ramune.
Letting out a smirk, he took the cap off the bottle. “Let me introduce you to Ramune, my friend!” He said with some enthusiasm, removing the cap shell and placing it at the opening. “Press down.”
“Hm?” With a tilt of his head, he reached for the top and pressed it down. It was a bit sturdy but he managed to push it in, causing the ball to go in and the liquids to fizz. “Ooooh!” Gasping, he was surprised by what he witnessed.
“Cool huh?”
“Ve- MMPH!” He nearly forgot to keep it feline, “Meow!”
Isaac felt his heart stop when Artemis almost spoke but luckily he caught himself. “Here, try some tempura.” He handed a piece of the appetizer to him.
Lyla let out a laugh while giving her dog some food. “It’s like you're giving him a culinary expedition.”
“Heh, he’s not complaining. I just want him to try the finer things y'know.” Isaac responded with a timid rub to the back of his head.
“What's next, pizza?”
“Uh…already did that.”
Lyla took that by surprise. “Legit?”
“Legit.”
“How'd he like it?”
“He loved it, said he'd want to try sausage next.”
“He…said it?” She raised a brow at that.
“Uh,” Isaac avoided eye contact, trying to think up something, “w-well y'know…he…it was in a traditional sort of meow and…happy pats when I brought up the toppings.”
She eyed him suspiciously. “Hmmm.”
Nervous sweat began to secrete from Isaac's pores. “Mmmm.”
“Isaac?”
“Y-yes?”
“....Are you…. a cat whisperer?”
“...Huh?” The tension he felt snapped away and he deadpanned.
“A cat whisperer, y know someone who understands the language of felines. Are you one?”
“N-no I’m not a cat whisperer I just understand Artemis cause he’s a smart cat.”
“I won't judge you if you claim to be one.” She smirked.
“You and I both know that's a lie.”
Lyla cackled and soon Isaac let out a small huff, smiling and unable to keep his straight face.
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They all entered the 109 district, already seeing a flood of cosplayers at the intersection with an array of booths around the rim and along the sidewalks. There were openings along the streets to allow people entrance, and there was more to be seen inside the 109 building itself.
Artemis’s eyes lit up with intrigue, the cat resting on Isaac's shoulders.
“Pretty cool, huh?” Isaac asked his cat.
“Mhm!” Artemis nodded.
“So what do you wanna see first?” He asked Lyla.
“Well I pre-signed up for the Cosplay contest, so my goal is to be seen by everyone!” Lyla told him.
“You want to be seen by everyone?”
“Yeah, so,” She took a badge and lanyard out of her pocket, placing it on her neck, “how it works is that people rate on how good your cosplay is. See the code?” She showed a three-digit code that was on the front of the badge.
“Is that how they know who to rate?”
“Yeah, so they use the website and enter the code to bring up the profile, that's where they leave the rating. The better rate I get the more points and the more people see me, the more rates.”
“Nice. So whoever gets the most points wins?”
“The first round at least. See the top eight go to round two which is set on the stage where we do some acts and stuff to win the audience's favor, after that there's a vote on who the best was. I'm hoping for at least second place!”
“Alright,” He took out his phone, “so what's the site?”
“I'll show you but you gotta promise not to play favorites, ok?”
“I won’t, I got more integrity than that.”
“Sure ya do.” She took his phone and entered the site. “Here.”
“Ok then.” He put in her code and started to rate her. Noticing her trying to peek, he pulled his phone back. “Ah ah ah! No peeking!”
“Oh come on!” Lyla pouted. “I wanna know what you think!”
“I'm not spoiling.”
“Hrmmm.” She angrily glared at him, maintaining her pout.
“Tell you what, I'll tell you after the first round.”
“Promise?”
“Promise.”
Her glare and pout disappeared, quickly replaced with a joyful smile. “Sweet! Now come on, I wanna check out the magical girl stuff!”
“Were coming, were coming,” Isaac giggled, following her into the intersection.
Artemis looked around, amazed by all that was there, the displays, the booths, the stands, all portraying different anime. He looked up and saw a few things floating in the sky. “Meow.” He patted Isaac on his cheeks.
“Hm? What's up, Artemis?”
“Mm!” He pointed up at objects in the sky.
“Oh, those are convention balloons. Groups fly them in the sky during conventions like these. Cool huh?”
“Oooh…”
Lyla pointed to a nearby Kiosk. “Hey, check it out, they’re selling pins from Dead Mount Death Play!”
“Really? Think they got the one you're missing?” Isaac asked
Facing the booth, she was about to dash. “I'm about to-”
Artemis’s eyes caught a balloon of interest. “GUNDAM!” He shouted with excitement.
“GRK!” Isaac shockingly looked at him while the cat clamped his mouth after realizing what he had done.
“Hm?” Lyla looked back.
“Uh, someone just…shouted that out. They apparently liked that Gundam balloon up there.” Timidly he glared at Artemis, the cat apologetically nodding.
“Oh, that one? It's the Gundam wing from Seed right? Oh hey, they even got a Tanjiro blimp!”
“Really?” Isaac looked up to see if he could spot it and noticed it right next to the Gundam. “Huh, kinda small.”
“Small but cool! They got him doing Hinokami!”
“Ruff!” Ira barked.
“What's up, girl?” Lyla glanced at her dog, the canine gazing across from where they looked. “Oh, you see a Gurren Lagann one! Nice!”
“They sure did pick some Iconic ones huh?... Hm? Hey, what's that one from?” Isaac pointed to a pair floating some ways away from them. They were two white centipede-like things with long sharp legs, long pincers, and a silver underside.
“Huh, no clue. Don't know that anime.”
“That rules out it being magical girl related.”
“Oh shut up,” She nudged, “C'mon, let's check out those pins!”
“Aight.” As they walked to the booth, Isaac patted Artemis and brought him close to whisper. “Be more careful, will ya?”
“Sorry,” Artemis whispered an apology.
The four of them went around outside, visiting the various kiosks. Taking some items, Lyla took the chance to show off her cosplay whenever she could, making sure those who asked got her badge number. They went inside, Ira needed to be left outside, and explored even more. Artemis was careful not to speak, especially when he saw some things that interested him, like figures that he thought had a relation to Love After World Domination, having learned about Kamen Rider and Power Rangers, promised to be shown them later.
“Hmmm.” Holding up a lanyard with a keychain on the end that was off Zenitsu from Demon Slayer, Isaac inspected it.
“Come on, it wouldn't hurt to wear it.” Lyla tried to convince.
“I'm not much of a…fashionista of these things Lyla, nor am I a collector.”
“You could start.”
“Hm hm!” Artemis nudged.
“What's up?” Isaac asked.
“Hm!” He pointed down towards a shop that was further down.
“Eh?” Looking over, Isaac spotted what he was talking about. “Oh, I see.”
“What?” Lyla took a look, spotting a figurine shop.
“Artemis no doubt wants a figure from Iron-Blooded Orphans, don't ya?”
“Mhm!” The cat nodded.
“Well, I can see if they got any, but I doubt it. It's not a recent show bud.”
“Hrmmm.” Artemis looked dejected by that statement.
“Has he seen that show?”
“Yeah, he cried like a baby when Masahiro died, and understandably so.”
Lyla pensively looked at him. “...Isaac.”
He was fuddled by her serious look. “Y-yeah?”
“Are you sure he doesn't have an owner?”
“What do you mean?”
“Y'know animals don't have the same level of comprehension as us humans right?”
“I know.”
“Yet your cat, the one you found, was able to comprehend what was going on in an anime?”
“W-well…he's a smart cat.” He looked away nervously.
“This is more than just being smart. This is…unnatural really.” She came close to the cat, observing him closely.
The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.
Artemis got nervous, stiffening and glancing away. “Meow.” he tried to act casual.
“You said you were sure he didn't have another owner right?”
“Positive,” He answered, “I told you he wasn't chipped.”
“Is that all you did to check?”
“What else could I check?”
“I'm just saying-”
“Lyla, I get your concern, but I assure you, he was a stray when I found him. Trust me, I’m surprised by him too, in fact, Dex thought he was genetically modified.” He chuckled.
“Hmmm.” Lyla wasn’t convinced.
“Alright, why don’t you ask him.”
“Huh?”
“He’s smart and comprehensive enough to understand us, so if you ask him he’ll answer.”
“Hm…” She turned to Artemis. “Artemis.”
“Mrow.” Artemis met her eyes.
“...Raise a paw.”
Artemis raised his left paw.
“Clap.”
He met both paws together in a soft clap.
“...Do you think I'm cute?”
“Meow?” He tilted his head in confusion.
“Go on.”
“....Mew.” He nodded.
“Ok…did you have an owner before Isaac.”
“Mrow!” He shook his head no.
“There,” Isaac smiled, still feeling tense but trying to be calm, “you got your answer.”
“....” Lyla kept her gaze on the cat before turning to his owner. “Isaac.”
“Y-yeah?”
“You…need to start YouTube videos.” She smirked.
“Huh?”
“You have any idea how many views he could get you!?”
“Seriously?” He felt relieved but flabbergasted, and so did Artemis.
“Seriously! You could start with reaction videos!”
“Why those?”
“Cause people will FLIP seeing a cat react to anime! Especially if he cries at sad moments! It'll be revolutionary!”
“I don’t-”
“You can even add subtitles to what he’s saying since you're a cat whisperer!”
“Im not a-” Isaac sighed. “People are gonna think it's fake anyways.”
“At first, but with how authentic it looks they'll be convinced soon!”
“What would you call it?” Said the lady next to Lyla. She was three inches taller than her with long black hair tied into a ponytail and soft red eyes that were under a pair of black framed glasses. She had an admirable body shape, somewhat above the average size yet slender, with a bit of smooth shine on her skin, wearing a short white skirt and a short-sleeved pink v-neck blouse. Around her shoulders was a large tan purse that held a gray cat with black eyes.
Lyla turned to her. “We can call it Artemis reacts!”
“Artemis reacts? That doesn't have much flair to it.”
“It doesn't need to! It's easy to remember and symbolizes what's involved!”
“That is true.”
“Um.” Isaac tried to get their attention.
“But will it only be him reacting, or will his owner be there too?”
“Uh.”
“Good question,” Lyla responded. “I think it would be if it was just Artemis but it could be cute if Isaac was there too and they were conversing about what they watched.”
“Hey.”
“That does open the window to guest stars. Maybe other YouTubers?” The woman added.
“Hey!”
“Hm? What's up, Isaac?” Lyla finally recognized him.
“You mind introducing us?” He gestured at the lady.
“Oh, sorry.” The lady turned to face Isaac, smiling at him, “I'm Shenia,” She reached out her hand, “pleasure.”
“Isaac, nice to meet you.” Isaac took her hand and proceeded to introduce his cat. “This is Artemis. Say hi.”
“Meow.” Artemis bowed in a greeting.
“Pleasure, Artemis. This is my cat, her name's Liza.” Shenia presented.
“Mew!” The gray cat softly said.
“Meow!” Artemis smiled at her.
“....” Liza looked up and stared at Artemis.
“Hm?” Artemis was a bit unnerved by the stare.
Liza’s eyes went half-lidded with a sultry look on her face. “Mrow.”
His spine shivered and he blushed. “Mew!” He responded while thinking: ‘She just flirt with me!?’
“Easy to blush, isn't he?” Shenia giggled.
“Only with the cute ones, right?” Isaac teased.
“Mreaah!” Artemis pawed at Isaac's face with frustration, the human just laughing it off.
“So how do you two know each other?”
“We met on Discord,” Lyla answered.
“We bonded on the very anime she's wearing,” Shenia added.
“Speaking off, how come you're not cosplaying?”
“I would’ve but my brother is hosting the event and I don't want him picking favorites.”
“Oh come on, he's mellowed out of that hasn’t he?”
“Whos her br-” Before Isaac could ask, his phone rang. “Hm?” Taking it out, he read the ID as a number he didn't recognize. Shrugging, he hung up and was about to return to the conversation until the same number called again. “Again?” Contemplating answering, he shrugged it off again and declined. Before he could put his phone away, however, it buzzed with a text. With an annoyed huff, he checked to see who it was, finding it was the number from before sending him a message.
-You might want to pick up, Isaac.- The number texted.
The fact that they used his name bothered him and he responded. -Who is this?-
-Don’t worry, I’m no enemy to you-
-Who are you then?-
-I'll answer that soon, but I’d suggest taking my call-
-Why?-
-Because you and your familiar are going to be needed-
The mention of Familiar alarmed him. -How do you know about that!?- He speedily texted.
-On the balcony of 109, call me there and I'll tell. I'd suggest hurrying.-
“Tch!” He wanted to deny them but if they knew about Artemis then he was afraid of what else they knew and how. Thinking of an excuse quickly, he placed on a fake smile and faced the two girls. “Um, excuse me.”
“And let's not forg- hm?” Shenia stopped what she was talking about to give him attention.
Lyla did too, facing Isaac. “What's up?”
“Dex, uh, Dex texted me about something he wanted me to get him something. I think it was outside so I'll be back soon ok.” Isaac tried to sound convincing.
“Oh ok, we'll be right here so come back soon!”
“Sure thing!” He rushed off.
“...” Shenia watched him leave before facing Lyla. “So what do you think?”
Letting out a sigh, Lyla answered: “Well, I don't sense any Dusk Energy on him nor did I see any sort of suppressor. That cat however is definitely…different.”
“I'll say,” Liza chuckled.
“Do you get the feeling he’s hiding something?” Shenia asked.
“I do, especially where Artemis is concerned,” Lyla replied.
“Maybe you should ask him about that day at the observatory.”
“No way, that'd be suspicious. How would I even know he was there? Plus it's a bit late to ask.”
“That's true. Still, keep an eye on him.”
“C'mon, I've known him for a while now, so him being involved in that sounds ridiculous. Plus how would he have even done it?”
“He could have some items at home. Have you been?”
“Yeah. What, you want me to snoop now?”
“I just want to eliminate all possible suspects, that's all.”
“Fine, but I'm telling you now, there's no way he's involved in this.”
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Isaac ran up the stairs outside the 109 building, heading to the balcony.
Artemis grew concerned with his sudden change in mood and seeing the disturbed face he had. “Isaac? What's wrong?”
“I-...hang on ok?” He didn't know how to explain it at that moment, making his way to the railing. There weren't many people there, only about three around, so he took his phone out and brought up the number. “....” unsure, he called it.
They answered almost instantly, a scratchy yet somewhat raspy male voice answered. “Hello, thank you for answering.”
“Who is this?”
“First off, let's clear the area real quick.”
“What?”
“Hey!” Someone on the balcony said to their friend. “Check this out!”
Isaac looked back to see said person show their companion something on their phone. The other person looked interested and said: “No way! Let's hurry!” The two left and the last one that was there soon exited.
“There, now you can place me on speaker.” The man on the phone said.
“Why?” Isaac questioned.
“So your Familiar can join in. It'd be easier to explain the situation if he hears.”
“Hrm…” He placed the phone on speaker.
“Hello, Artemis.”
Artemis was startled. “M-...meow?”
“Oh relax, I know you're his Familiar and that you can talk.”
That further unsettled him. “Who-?”
“Before you say that predictable question, let me just alert you two to the incoming attack.”
“Attack!?” The two said in unison.
“Yes. Someone’s planning to send in their Automatons and those machines are soon to attack the convention. I don’t have the contacts of the guardians, plus you two going into action would be more beneficial.”
“Beneficial?” Artemis questioned.
“What are you talking about?” Isaac asked.
“Things will be easier for you once you're introduced to the public. Trust me, this is the first step as a new hero.”
“New he- were not some heroes!”
“No, but it'd be better for you if seen that way, besides, you're not villains are you?”
“Course not, but-”
“Now I'd like you to take your attention to the Centipeders outside.”
“Centi-wha?” Artemis confusedly tilted his head.
“Centipeders….wait!” Looking up and out, he saw the two blimps he didn't recognize from before, the long ones with sharp legs. “You don’t mean-”
“I see you found them.” The man on the phone said. “And good timing too.” As he spoke, the two Automatons that were thought to be blimps moved.
“Where are they going?” He asked, noticing them go outwards, aiming downward.
“Where do you think? I'd suggest releasing your familiar now as it is time to make your debut!” He hung up.
“Huh, hey!” Angrily looking at his phone, Isaac was about to call back.
“Isaac!” Artemis stopped him, pointing outwards at the two Centipeders, one diving in first to the crowd.
Isaac became fearful, seeing where it was going. “It's going to the intersection!” Thinking of what to do, Artemis yelled out to him.
“Release me!”
“What?” He wiped his head on the cat a bit flabbergasted.
With determination in his eyes, Artemis repeated himself. “Release me!”
Calm washed over him and he nodded to his cat. “Ok!” Artemis leaped off him, going out and over the railing while Isaac reached out.
“Huh? Hey, what's that?” Someone from the crowd pointed at the Automaton closing in. The crowd soon noticed it and fear came into them as it came closer at rapid speeds.
“It's gonna crash!” Someone yelled followed by the screams of the crowd, the pincers of the machine ramming in.
“Release Control Art Two!” Isaac yelled.
Artemis’s eyes shifted to yellow, his weapon ring appearing while his armor was being placed, producing his bow sword, the cat grabbing it after vaulting off one of his circles and towards the creature. Spearing its neck, he crashed it off course and into the nearby building. The rubbled fell to a nearby crowd, soon to crush them until he backflipped off it. “Barrier!” A ring came from him and to the crowd, surrounding them in a clear bubble that protected them from the debris.
“Nice!” Isaac smiled with relief. It was short-lived as the black scales under it launched off, each one producing a quadro pair of legs and landing near the quickly dispersing crowd. “Oh crap!” He got on the fence and leaped off. “Let's align the stars! Bow of Light!” Donning his suit, he readied to fight, arming himself with his bow and shooting one of the mini drones with an arrow before it could attack someone.
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Lyla, Shenia, and Liza felt something.
“Do you feel that?” Shenia asked.
“Yeah, it feels like…an automaton!?” Lyla surmised. “One with Star Energy too and coming close fast! We gotta go!” She ran outside.
“Right!” Shenia followed but soon stopped. “Wait, stop!”
“What!?” There was a loud crash coming from outside that further worried her. “Shenia!”
“This energy…It's the same one from the observatory.”
Lyla grabbed Shenia’s arm and pulled her out. “We don't have time, come on!”
“There's the other one!” She said, sensing the next one.
“Shenia!!”
“Eh, right!” Shenia shook her head and ran out with Lyla.
Ira was barking at them when they came out and Lyla quickly unhooked her. “C'mon girl!”
“Who the hell is that guy fighting!?” Someone from the audience shouted.
“Huh?” Shenia turned her attention to them.
“I don't know, but he and that cat are keeping them off! Cmon!” Said another, trying to pull the first one away.
“What is-?”
“Shenia, this way!” Lyla called out, ushering her to follow along with the crowd.
“...” Shenia went the other way, towards the racket.
“Shenia!”
She ran around the side, hugging the wall and peaking around the corner. “What!?” Eyes widening, she couldn't believe what she was seeing. Some man in a mask and suit fighting Automata while a white cat was fighting against two larger ones.
“Shard Blitz!” The man yelled, reaching his hand out and firing shard-like beams out at the black-scaled Automata.
“Was that…a spell?”
“What armor is that cat wearing?” Liza asked.
The cat was deflecting the pincers of the two Centipeders, the beasts desperately trying to cut him but unable to thanks to their bow sword and the ax on his tail. “Hmph!” With a hard upward wing of his ax, he managed to break off a pincer that belonged to one of them while gashing its face.
“Incredible!”
Lyla and Ira approached the two. “What are you doing!?” Lyla demanded.
“Look.” Shenia pointed out.
“What?” She leaned out, taking a peek.
The man crouched, aiming his palm out at the mini Centipeders. “Zodiac Infusion!” Blue streams escaped in an arc, tracking and hitting the surrounding monsters. He twisted his hand and a red light gathered, growing into a large diamond fragment that was launched with a flex of his fingers, creating an explosion on contact. “Yes!” He didn't expect one to leap from the dust. “Ah!” Swiftly bringing his hand up to guard he was saved by the cat firing an arrow through it. “Thanks!”
The large Automata thought it had a chance to attack from behind only for Artemis to flip back and pierce through its back, blowing out a chunk and causing it to lose balance and fall. The other opened its mouth, shooting a large beam at Artemis. With a twist of his body and the scratch of his claws on the ground with an upward swing, he launched a rough white arc from the ax, cutting through the beam with ease and breaking its head in half.
The four were stunned by his power.
“Is he,” Ira spoke up, “using Dusk weapons?”
“I’m not sensing any crimson or distilled Star Power,” Lyla answered. “I’ve never seen this before!”
“Nice one!” The man cheered. He heard a buzzing and saw red in the corner of his eye. “Huh?” Looking to the source, he witnessed the fallen Centipeder charging its laser. With a glance at the broken pincer lodged into the ground, he gained an idea, vaulting and grabbing it by its broken end. “Return to,” With a push of his upper body and a pull of his arms the pincer was pulled out, “sender!” He threw it out, the piece twirling in the air like a frisbee and digging into the head of the Automata. Its blast released into the air and it fell, the pincer hitting a vital area. “Ok, Spear of Light!” Now equipped with a spear, he readied it against the seven remaining black scales. “Just gotta take care of the rest.”
The cat dashed through, using its clawed gloves to claw through some of them, the cut not being deep but deep enough to destroy them, finishing the last three with a thrust of his bow sword, zig-zagging through them, effectively and swiftly ending them. “Done.”
“...” The man looked dejected and sighed. “Dismiss.”
“Something wrong, Master?”
“Nope, nothing.”
“Let's jump in!” Liza suggested.
“What!?” Lyla looked at her shockingly.
Shenia, however, nodded along. “Good idea,” She reached into her bag and put on a silver ring.
“You can't be serious!?”
“Best way to ask about them and quickly before they leave!” She pressed the side of the ring.
“Area check.” A feminine voice said from the ring.
“But-” Lyla was about to protest.
Ira cut in. “I have to agree with Shenia, this is too unusual not to check out and you know it.”
“I-...Ugh fine!” Lyla huffed in defeat.
“Area Clear.” The ring announced.
“Let's go!” Shenia said.
Both she and Lyla pressed their rings while Liza and Ira pressed their collars. “Star change!” They shouted.
The silver rings expanded and segmented into four, oscillating around them, replacing their clothing while the animals turned anthropomorphic, gaining new wears as well.
Lyla gained a red button-up sailor shirt with a red tie and dark blue ripped jeans, her arms being donned with black-sleeved gloves with spikes on the knuckle and a pair of red sneakers placed on her feet. Her hair became blood red along with her eyes.
On Shenia was light samurai armor, the top being just the chest plate, having on the leg armor to cover her lower legs and some black spandex underneath as pants, no armor placed on her arms. Her hair was changed to a shade of blue and a black sheathe holding a blade was placed on her hips.
Ira gained a red top that was sleeveless and shoulderless, cutting off at the top of her stomach, a pair of black jean shorts, bright red and spiky fighter gloves, and thick red leg braces. Standing at three foot six inches, a tuft of red hair grew on the top of her head while her stomach stayed flat, growing a pair of sizable breasts as her body became more humanoid.
Liza’s body underwent the same humanistic change, gaining some curves, and growing to nearly three feet nine with the same armor type as Shenia except she had armor on her arms. A twist of blue hair went down her face and a spear with a large curve was placed on her back.
The four jumped out from the back of where they hid, landing right before the startled man and defensive cat.
“Whoa!” The man nearly jumped back.
“Hm.” The cat remained calm yet held his blade at the ready.
“G-guardians!? A little late don’t ya think?”
“We can see that. You took care of these things in our tardiness I see.” Shenia claimed.
“Uh yeah, we did.” The man chuckled nervously.
“Nice job I gotta say but I'm surprised you were able to do this,” Lyla said with a smile, trying not to add any tension.
“Thanks, I think?”
“You're welcome. So how did you do this?”
“Eh?”
“All this, I mean, I don't see any weapons on you, and that cat's weapons don't seem like Dusk weapons.”
“Dusk weapons? What are those?”
Shenia narrowed her brows. “You don’t know?”
“Sh-should I?”
“If you don't know what those are, that means that's not what you’re using. Interesting.”
He grew more nervous. “It is huh?” The sound of sirens was heard coming closer.
“Master, the authorities are arriving. We should take our leave.” The cat informed.
“Right,” The man bowed at the Guardians, “We should go!” Before he could run, Liza had one final question.
“Wait! You at least gonna tell us your names?”
“Names!?” He panicked, sweating nervously. “Uh…w-well.”
Artemis jumped in. “He is the man of the stars, viewing them in each passing night and gaining their strength, Star Mask!”
“Star Mask?” The Guardians question.
“Star Mask!?” The man exclaimed.
“Yes!” The cat nodded, “And I am the Moon Familiar!”
“Oh god…” He face palmed, embarrassed by his familiar’s confidence in stating that. The police cars and fire trucks were turning around the corner. “Uh, we gotta go!”
“Wait, we're not done!” Shenia stated, attempting to stop them.
“Afraid we a-” A large ball dropped from the sky in between the two groups, a large explosion of smoke escaping from it. “What the-!?”
“Don't just stand there, go!” A voice called out.
He recognized it. “That voice!”
“Master, over here!” The cat called, gesturing for him to follow through the streets.
“R-right!”
“Wait!” Ira attempted to kick the smoke away but it only parted for a second before it closed back together. “What the hell?”
“Come on!” Shenia ran through, giving chase, coughing through the smog until she came through the other side and not seeing the two. “Where'd they go?”
“Silvet!” Liza called out, following behind.
Shenia brought her hand to her head, trying to sense. “Hmmm dammit!” She annoyedly huffed.
“Can’t sense them?”
“No. They somehow covered themselves.” The smoke screen suddenly disappeared and an orb shot up and away. “What was that?”
“No idea but it helped them run.”
“Lose them?” Lyla asked while Ira went to converse with the authorities.
“Sadly. They somehow suppressed their energy.”
“Star Mask and the Moon Familiar.” Shenia pondered, looking at the aftermath. “How could two males do this?”
“No idea…but…” Lyla thought about it, swaying a tad, “I don’t think they're bad guys.”
“They might not be but…still much to be known, so let's keep an eye out for them.”
----------------------------------------
Isaac and Artemis reconvened with Dixon and Dex at Isaac's place.
“Star Mask! Really!?” Isaac said to Artemis with a heated blush.
“AHAHAHAHAHA!! The man of the stars!” Dex busted out laughing, kneeling on the floor.
“W-well…in my defense,” Artemis shrank back on the couch, nervously chuckling, “It wasn't all the way my idea.”
Dixon patted Isaac's shoulder. “I think it's a nice name, it suits you.”
“But did it have to be…so on the nose?” Isaac groaned. “I just hope the Guardians don't spread it.”
“Well let's check the news.” Dixon turned on the TV.
“-of the stars, Star Mask and his Moon Familiar as the guardians told our reporters.” The newsman said.
“Damnit…” Isaac sulked.
“So much for that!” Dex continued to laugh.
“I still think it's nice.” Dixon defended.
Isaac grumbled, about to say something until a single hard knock came at his door. “Huh? What was-?” His phone buzzed and he checked it, disturbed by who messaged. “It's him!”
“Wha?” Dixon looked at him seriously.
Dex’s laughter calmed and he slowly shot up. “Wait, that guy who called you about those things?”
“Yeah,” Isaac nodded, “It says: Got you something.”
“That was him?” Dixon looked to the door and rushed to it, opening it but seeing no one. “Nobodies here.” He cautiously looked around. “Hm?”
“Dixon?”
Dixon reached down and grabbed a small box. “A box. It's got your name on it.”
Another message came in.
-Go on. Open it.- It read.
“...” Isaac was unsure but curious. “Can I see it?”
“You sure?” Dixon asked and when Isaac nodded he brought him it. “Here.”
Isaac opened it up and a round silver stone was inside that had an inscription on it. It had several rings coming from the middle pulsating outward like it was ripples on an ocean. There was an outward ring with scribbles of an unknown language. “What is-” The cell rang, the man was calling. He answered it. “Hello?”
“Place me on speaker if you please, I'd like to speak to the whole group.”
“...” He was hesitant but did so anyway. “You're on.”
“Dixon West and Dex Mitchell.” His saying their names startled the two.
“How do you know us!?” Dixon demanded.
“Now now, a reporter doesn't reveal his sources.”
“Reporter?”
“Yes, I'm just a simple reporter y'see, well not by human simplicity that is.”
“What do you want with Isaac and Artemis?” Dex asked.
“Oh, nothing crazy. I'm just following a story.”
“A story?” Artemis questioned.
“It’s not one that will be shared on earth though, but it is quite the scoop!”
“You're…doing this for a story?”
“Isn’t that what all reporters want, something interesting and impactful to share with the people?”
“So you're using us?” Isaac surmised.
“Not for free of course. I believe the two of us can aid the other. That spell is a gift from me.”
“Spell?”
“Simply take hold of it with your glove and say: Scan Spell.”
“Why should we trust you?”
“Have I given you a reason not to? You were able to stop those Centipeders in time thanks to me, weren't you?”
“You could have planted those for all we know.” Dixon accused.
“I could've but you saw how white they were didn't you?”
“Yeah?”
“White Automata are powered and commanded with star energy, meaning a woman did this. I'm no female if you can tell by my voice.”
“How do we know you're not masking?” Dex questioned.
“I assure you I'm not, but if it helps convince you.” He sent a message that had a picture and some information. “I just sent you the real culprit. The Guardians are no doubt trying to figure out who was responsible so you have a head start.”
“Why not give it to them then?” Isaac asked.
“They're not…easy to contact. They have certain, how do I say this?... Firewalls to protect them from calls like these. So really you're the only one who can get this info.”
“Hm….So let me get this straight, you're doing this for a story?”
“Mhm. The more material you give me to write, the more beneficial it is for you?”
“Beneficial how?”
“Beneficial as in helping you find those pieces you're after.”
“You know about that too?”
“I'm not your average supporter y'know. So, what'd you say?”
“....” Isaac looked among the others, everyone giving him a look of unsureness.
“Isaac,” Artemis chimed in, “Let's at least look into this person. If they are the culprit that means he's telling the truth right?”
“Yeah I guess so…” Still unsure but wanting some answers and to get rid of this unease he looked to his cat. “Are you ok with this?”
“...Hm.” Artemis nodded.
“....You guys?” He turned to Dex and Dixon.
Dixon nodded while Dex said: “Can’t hurt to investigate at least.”
“...Alright. Well, look into this….Uh?”
“Call me,” The man replied, “Stein.”
“Stein?”
“Alright. We’ll contact you afterwards ok.”
“I look forward to it. Tata!” Stein hung up.
Isaac leaned back. “Well, this is…crazy.”
“I'll say. A reporter huh?” Dex deflated.
“From what you told us, then he made that smoke screen, yeah?” Dixon asked.
“Seems like it….” Isaac took the stone in his gloved hand. “Scan Spell.”
“Scanning.” The glove fluctuated a white light from the palm for a few seconds. “Spell added. Transmitting.”
“Transmitting?”
“Mmmm.” Artemis groaned.
“Artemis?” Looking at the familiar, he noticed the change in his eyes and his dazed look, swaying. “You ok?”
“Hmmm.” His eyes changed back and he shook out of it. “Huh? What?”
“Complete.”
“Complete? Artemis?”
“Yeah?”
“You feeling alright?”
“I was a little dazed there but I'm ok.”
“Think the spell went to him?” Dex asked.
“Maybe.” Isaac surmised. “What spell is it?” He opened his status window and went to the spells. “Impulse?”
“That sounds like a good one. Wanna test it tomorrow?”
“I should but, what about Stein?”
“I can look into that tonight back at the base. If I find anything we can act on that.” Dixon suggested.
“Shouldn't we just tell the police?” Isaac suggested.
“And how we gonna do that without looking suspicious?”
“I…good point.”
“Don’t worry, we'll figure something out.”
“Ugh.”
Dex patted his friend on the back. “Let's stop thinking about this bud. Let's relax with some popcorn and a movie.”
“Popcorn?” Artemis asked.
“Yeah,” Isaac agreed, “A movie and kernels sound nice right now.”
----------------------------------------
End.
Next chapter: Introduction.