Lust, Talent, Charm, Passion, Empathy, Flirtation, Romance, Luck... Ambition. Each of these attributes are a concept of love where my father currently resides, these concepts coming together to create the Art of Love. 

All guys follow this moral code of Love as it is the new standard being practiced in respect of my father, but the Art of Love is more than a guide to dating. The Art of Love is a technique, a technique only I hold now. 

And I refuse to use it. My name is Ryder Dawn, son of Earth's Destiny Hero, Shiro Moji, and a Grand Actress, Whitney Dawn. Naturally being the son of a literal superhero and a famous star, people expect great things from me, but I would much rather live a normal life. 

"Yo, man. You coming to classes today or what?" A familiar voice asked from across the dorm room. 

I leaned back in my seat, looking at another email sent to be by Charlotte asking me to meet up with her at her HQ in the Alamo. I let out a soft sigh, reporting the email as spam once more. 

'I'm sorry, Charlotte...but I won't join your agency. I just want a normal life,' I thought, standing up from my desk and grabbed my jacket out of the closet. 

"Sorry, Matt, let's head out," I said, giving him a friendly smile before leaving the dorm room.

"Finally, Jaiden is waiting for us at the courtyard. He's been blowing me up y'know," Matt chuckled, following me out of our dorm room. 

I slipped my hands in my pockets, letting out a soft chuckle. "I'm sure he is. I'm sure he wouldn't mind signing a few more autographs before we arrive." 

Matt laughed softly, gently nudging me to the side. "I bet! Up and coming music star am I right?" 

Matt Hunt, one of my closest friends within the university since the very day we met. Out of the trio, he's always been the more athletic of the three of us and came to Trinity Valley with a scholarship for his football career. Matt has always been there for me and has kept my secret hidden well. 

"Y'know...You hide the truth away from the world, and for what?" Matt asked, walking alongside me toward the main campus and checked out a few girls along the way. 

I let out a soft scoff, resting my hands behind my head as we walked together. "And have everyone know I'm the son of the God of Love? For the first time, I've been able to have a normal life where no one knows anything about me other than my mom being a famous actor." 

"Yeah, that makes sense...plus that evil organization would start targeting. That reminds me, who's been constantly spamming your emails recently?" Matt asked, turning to look at me with a curious gaze.

I shook my head, closing my eyes to enjoy the gentle breeze along my face. "It's just a bunch of spam, nothing too major." 

"It could be a grant and you wouldn't even know it because you keep deleting them. Seriously, you could be doing bigger things other than going into Business and Marketing of all fields you chose," Matt said, playfully teasing me like an older brother. 

"I mean, I understand you said you wanted a normal life, but this is probably as basic as you can get," Matt laughed, his voice catching attention to the other peers walking to and from class. 

I shook my head, putting haste in my steps toward the main campus. "Let's just go before Jaiden actually gets mad."

Matt continued chuckling to himself, putting haste in his steps as well. The two of us began speed walking to the courtyard, heading straight for Jaiden before his group of fangirls started to overwhelm him. 

The two of us made it to the courtyard of the campus, noticing a few girls surrounding a table with excitement and gossip. Immediately, Matt and I knew Jaiden was at the table with his hands full with his fans. We began making our way to the table, Matt clearing his throat and rubbing his hands together. 

"Ladies, Jaiden isn't the only superstar here. The Number One Quarterback stands before you," Matt said, the sun seemingly shining just right to cast a glow around his body. 

One of the girls looked at Matt, her expression immediately souring. "Ugh...it's the jock. Let's beat it girls.."

"Yeah, I don't wanna catch his stupidity," Another girl said, glaring at Matt as she walked away with her friend group. 

And just like that, a cloud began to float along the sky, blocking the sun and ridding Matt of his radiant glow. Matt let out a defeated sigh, shaking his head and taking his seat at the table.

Jaiden watched as the group of fangirls began making their way to the building, letting out a soft sigh of relief. He glanced at Matt, chuckling softly at him. "Seems like you have a talent of driving away a certain demographic of women." 

"Yeah, yeah...no need to rub it in man," Matt sighed, waving his hand at Jaiden dismissively.

I smiled at the two, taking my seat on the opposite side of Matt, setting my bag down beside me. "Sorry I'm late. I've just been responding to emails all morning and getting some late work done." 

"Don't stress it, Ry. It gave me some time to just enjoy the outside...before the usual fangirl barrage," Jaiden said half jokingly, a soft chuckle escaping his lips. 

This is my other close friend, Jaiden Cole, an rising star in the music industry only at the age of 20. Jaiden is a very down to earth person, not very confrontational, and is a total ladies man. He is the only other friend at the University who knows my secret as well. 

"Alright, boys...Are you two free tonight? It's a Wednesday night and it's Black Out Day at the arcade. You know all of the baddies will be showing up tonight," Matt plotted, leaning forward against the table with a smirk on his face. 

"Seriously? It's Black Out Wednesday and you're thinking of women at the arcade?" Jaiden questioned, an amused expression forming on his face. 

"It isn't out of character, plus what he said is also true. The Arcade becomes a lounge area around 5 pm today, so most of the secret gamers will show up," I said, slightly defending Matt, although I knew his lust for women was strong. 

"See? Plus, I haven't forgotten about that high score I'm gonna beat today. Only one of us can be the Intergalactic King," Matt said, his eyes flaring up with competition. 

Jaiden let out a soft laugh, shaking his head and looked at his phone to check his schedule. "Well, I'll have to check my schedule today. My producer did want to meet up sometime this week, but if not, I'm down for the arcade."

"Then it's settled, Winter Bay Arcade is a go after classes. And maybe a little bit of action for ya boy, yes sir..." Matt said, grabbing his phone to lock in the plans for tonight, mumbling the last sentence to himself. 

Jaiden and I shook our heads, glancing at each other and couldn't help but to laugh softly. Matt's undying love for women was one of his more unique qualities, something that we enjoyed most about him. 

As we all talked about our plans amongst each other, Matt noticed a girl walking by, his eyes glued to her with awe and amazement. "Yo, yo, baddie alert at our 3 o'clock.." 

Jaiden and I turned our attentions over to the girl Matt had brought attention to, all three of us watching as she began to walk by our table. The girl was absolutely stunning, exuding an aura a grace and decorum with a fair skin complexion, beautiful hazel eyes and brown hair styled in two low ponytails. 

She wore a white turtleneck that seemed to hug her figure nicely, allowing those viewing her to see her curves. She wore dark colored tights and cute tennis shoes to match her attire, her beauty something that every guy strives for in a woman. 

"Oh man, the things I'd do just to get one night at Allie...she's so fine," Matt said, chuckling softly as he watched her walk by. He turned to me, giving me a mischievous smirk. "You know, you should try to get her number." 

"No, I'm not trying to create any attention to myself beyond what I need, plus I already have it," I said in protest, not wanting to use the Art of Love for trivial matters.

"C'mon, you're the only one here know actually knows the ways of the Art of Love and it would be nice seeing you do something other than hiding in the shadows," Matt said, his mind set on wanting to see me use the Art of Love.

"Yeah, I agree with Matt. You should have a little excitement in your life," Jaiden chuckled, his gaze shifting back over to me.

I let out a sigh of resignation, looking between Jaiden and Matt, knowing the two of them were only trying to push me out of my comfort zone. Ultimately, I decided to stand from my seat to go talk to Allie. "Alright, I'm going in..." 

"Yeah, that's my boy. Go get 'er," Matt chuckled, clapping his hands and watched me make my way to Allie. 

I began walking toward Allie, rubbing the back of my neck, mumbling softly to myself and cleared my throat. Finally catching up to her, I decided to call out to her. "Allie." 

Allie stopped in her tracks, turning around to face me, her eyes slightly brightening with recognition. She gave me a cordial smile, adjusting the strap of her bag on her shoulder. "Hi, Ryder. It's not every day that you approach me first anymore." 

"Yeah, well..." I replied, avoiding direct eye contact with her and gazed at the other peers. 

Allie looked me up and down, shifting slightly where she stood, her gaze slightly flickering around to see what I was distracted with. "Is... everything okay?" 

"Hm? Oh, yeah...sorry. Uhm...I just wanted to stop you to tell you that you look pretty today," I complimented, meeting her gaze directly finally. 

Allie's cheeks grew slightly rosy, her hand gently brushing her hair behind her ear. She couldn't help but to become a bit bashful, looking at the outfit she wore. "You think..? I just kinda threw something on today..." 

"No, truly. You've always looked pretty and you've got an amazing personality, I've just...never had the time to stop and tell it to you," I said, assuring her of her beauty and personality as a whole. 

Allie blushed even more, unable to hold back her soft giggle. "You're being... unusually sweet today, Ryder." 

I ran my fingers through my hair, averting my gaze and looked around with no aim. "Well, I guess I'm in a good mood today..." 

Allie chuckled lightly at my nonchalant response, looking at her smart watch then returned her gaze back toward me. "Well, I truly appreciate your compliment. I should get going though.." 

Allie began walking backwards with a smile on her face, sticking her tongue out at me. "And you should learn to smile more, like you used to! You look way more handsome with one!" 

Without knowing, her words managed to get my lips to curl into a small grin, my gaze watching her figure retreat into main building. To those who knew my father's story, Allie was my version of Whitney, a childhood friend who seemed to follow me everywhere I went. 

Allie knew my secret better than Matt or Jaiden ever could since we've spent nearly every waking moment together since daycare. Though it feels we've grown apart over the years, our bond was nearly unbreakable, a bond that couldn't be shattered by anything. 

As I turned around to return to Matt and Jaiden, who were already cheering for me, I felt someone purposely bump my shoulder, causing me to stumble backwards. I looked back over my shoulder, fixing my jacket sleeve. 

"It wouldn't hurt to say, excuse me," I called out to the man, turning around to face him with his close friend. 

The man turned around with a smug grin on his face, crossing his arms as he looked at me. He let out a mocking laugh, pointing at me using his thumb. "Get a load of this guy. He thinks because his mom was some kind of star, he gets respect around here."

The man laughing was named Tony Rich, an upcoming rising star in the movie industry, already landing small roles A-List movies that play on the big screens. He had perfect blonde hair, shimmering light green eyes some girls squeal over, and a lean build, your typical pretty boy. 

Beside him was his lackey, or best friend, Danny Tims, another rising actor who isn't on Tony's level but works under him to improve. The two were the most insufferable people in the university in my eyes, two jerks who think they rule the campus. 

I scoffed lightly at Tony's mockery, turning away from him and began to walk back to the table. "Not even worth my time..." 

"Just as I thought, continue brooding at your table, Batman," Tony laughed, turning around to make his way toward the main building with his friend. 

I shook my head and sighed as I sat down back at the table with Matt and Jaiden, looking at the two of them. "Well, I did my part in talking to her." 

"Yeah, you did good, but I feel like that's kinda cheating since you already know her in and out. We've gotta find you a chick you barely have any interaction with..." Matt said, scanning the courtyard for another woman to try to get me to talk to. 

"C'mon, bro. He doesn't have to do all this, he's already certified," Jaiden said, watching as Matt scoped the area like a hawk. 

Matt spotted the next target for me, his eyes brightening with delight as he feasted his eyes upon the woman. He let out a whistle, chuckling softly. "Emo baddie alert, and it's one of the hottest women on campus too? Oh yeah, this one is a score. I'm gonna get you right, Ryder my boy." 

I glanced over at the woman he was looking at, noticing it was a woman who had recently rejected me before. She was extremely beautiful with a fair completion, long black hair with green highlights, caramel brown eyes, and a distinctive scar on her lip that gave her a more rough beauty appearance. 

She had a sense of mystery and dark elegance to her, especially in her style of clothing. Though nothing about her screamed Emo particularly, she was an alternative girl wearing primarily dark colored clothes with an assortment of accessories on her wrists. 

"Jade? She's already rejected me, plus she's already talking to someone. I'm not getting into any of that."

Matt turned to look at me, his usual mischievous grin stretching across his lips. "Oh? So you've tried your luck on her already? Well, as they say, if the buzzer didn't go off, the game is still going."

"You're something else, man," I said, getting up from my seat as the bell rang for classes to begin. 

"Aye, it's true! You gotta trust me on this bro, once you start feeling it, you may finally come to terms with it," Matt said, following me and Jaiden toward the main building. 

"He could be right. You may never know...maybe you could teach people the real purpose of the art," Jaiden said, giving me a reassuring smile as he walked with us to the building. 

I let out a soft sigh, looking forward at the building and shook my head. "I'm not using it at all. Using it will only attract attention...in today's time, everyone has access to some form of energy, and using the true Art is too dangerous to be used recklessly." 

"Alright, alright. You don't have to use it, but you also don't have to shut yourself away either to avoid one emotion. You can still be yourself at the end of the day," Matt said, gently patting my back with a reassuring smile. 

I looked at Matt, internally giving in and gave him a soft, begrudged smile. "Alright, alright. I get it. Let's just focus on getting through today, I'm ready to get all of this ovet with."

"Right, let's go," Matt chuckled, making his way toward the doors of the building.

With that, the three of us went inside, the halls immediately filled with a sea of student and the chatter of conversation in the halls. The three of us began squeezing through the crowd, making our way to our first class. 

〘Date: 2/6 - Wednesday〙

〘Time: 6:30 PM〙

〘Location: Texas, San Antonio - Winter Bay Arcade〙

Once our classes came to an end, the first thing on our minds were the arcade and that's where we went. It was our usual hang out spot where the three of us could just escape the outside expectations, and hang out as close friends and bros.

We spent an hour at the lounge together, mainly playing party games with a few others who decided they wanted to join in on the fun. At the event, drinks and food were served, along with a few ashtrays for those who do smoke. 

Throughout the entire event, my phone continued buzzing, the constant phone calls growing increasingly annoying. Finally caving in, I took my phone out my pocket, noticing it was Charlotte calling me. 

"I'll be right back," I muttered, standing up from the couch then began to excuse myself from the event to step outside. 

Matt and Jaiden watched as I left the building to take my call outside, the two of them glancing at each other as they knew it was a serious call. They decided to let me handle my own business and waited for me to come back. 

I leaned against the arcade wall, holding my phone to my ear with an annoyed expression. "How much silent treatment do I need to give you before you finally give up, Charlotte..? I'm not joining your agency."

"Ahh, the Destiny Child finally answers my calls after so long just to reject me? I'm actually hurt, but darling...at least listen to my request," Charlotte replied, her tone sincere with her usual gentleness. 

I took a deep breath and leaned my head back against the wall, looking up at the evening sky. "What is it?" 

"Come by to Windcrest tomorrow, meet me at the local park. I want to make one last deal with you, this is make it or break it. After this, I'll leave you alone...but listen to me, you're the only one for this role. None of your siblings are compatible, not even Leilani..." Charlotte said, her voice tinged with a sense of resolve and desperation. 

"Our women are going missing left and right to the very enemy that your father ended 20 years ago. They've branched out, Ryder. They're now in Texas, and if anything...Shiro would want you to take on his mantle," Charlotte finished, letting out a deep sigh. 

I closed my eyes, staying silent for a moment to think about my answer. "I don't know. I'm just not ready for such a role... especially not ready to be Earth's next Destiny Hero or Savior." 

"Then we'll teach you the ropes. You don't have to answer me now, but I will have a way of knowing your answer...if you show up tomorrow or not. Just think upon it, okay..?" Charlotte said, sending a kiss through the phone before hanging up. 

I opened my eyes, lowering my phone from my ear and stared at the sky, the Golden Star shimmering brightly in the orange sky as the sun began dipping below the horizon. 'Dad... wherever you are now, do you honestly believe I'm ready? Am I ready for your title as a hero..? Am I ready to embrace the True Art of Love..?' 

The questions ran wild in my head, questioning my own worthiness of being a hero of my father's caliber, although the signs were clear. I knew the answers of my own questions, I am clearly ready otherwise Charlotte wouldn't be calling me. 

The true question was am I willing to leave my normal life that I fought hard for, just to satisfy my own selfish desires? Or am I willing to finally accept my birthright, my inheritance that my father left me, and become what is needed for me? 

The choice was clear, and any other person would choose it for the sake of the world...and I would choose it in a heart beat, if the entire Moji Tribe and connecting families and allies weren't the number one target for the Lost Syndicates. 

'Gods...I know the right choice, but am I ready enough to take the leap..?' I thought to myself, walking back into the arcade.