As different news and media outlets approached the group for answers, the ex-convicts and combative heirs were surrounded and split from each other. Rigal adjusted his face before blasting Sehki and Cree away.

"Naturally the dominant alpha was able to fend off the killer wreaking havoc in our community," summoning a light breeze pushing the crowd back while the cameras got her good side. "Sure these beta males helped a little."

Naturally petty, Sehki asked Cree to borrow his staff, using its shadow to hack off a nearby tree. His allies and Lorena watched Xia's warnings towards Rigal had no effect as the tree crashed down on him alone.

The shadow heir climbed on top of the three. "Alpha male," spitting down. "Alpha Fail," looking up. "Tell King Bezek if he won't keep his son or his people safe from the Herdsmen killer, I will."

He pointed to Cree. "Rigal and I would've been screwed without him," bowing to his new friend. "Thank you for keeping our people safe Mr. Uyocron."

Astounded. Cree awkwardly giggled and waved to the flashing lights and cameras while Rigal began lifting the tree off his back. Sehki lowered down.

"Rigal, score's one to one. We'll settle this at the Mightaholon."

He jumped off, grabbing and slipping Cree, Lorena, and Candy into the shadows from the paparazzi flagging down an Auriga taxi. "Take us to Celestial."

The driver nodded and drove them away by the time Rigal barely blew the tree off his back, dropping the loudest f-bomb much to the shock and disgust of his people. Embarrassed, he flew up in the sky back to the palace, while Xia went after him.

Ainsley was about to combat the remaining Voids when they noticed Calypsa about to go.

"Are you going after Shadow or Rigal?"

"Why were you with Lorena?"

"To keep a promise. Calypsa, are we friends?"

She seemed caught off guard. "Of course we are. I'll do whatever it takes for the people I care about. Looks like you're doing the same. Glad," giving them a tender smile before flying away.

Sehki got them out of the car.

"Lorena, Cree's tired, throw me to the office, quick!"

"Explain soon," spreading her legs back and spring them at his buttocks, sending him flying into the canvas, where he landed into the building, swarming through the darkness to burst out of Professor Delta's.

"You're Cluster, aren't," finding his professor reeling in pain with white lines spreading across her body.

"Professor?" He pulled off her shirt, finding the shape of the Aries constellation corroding her body.

"Se," writhing on the floor, "hki. Use your powers. Please."

He was about to but hesitated. "You knew...are you Cluster?"

"No," as her body's wool attempted to stop his body, yet more holes were opening up.

"Why have you been pushing me to get stronger! Tell me what you're hiding!"

Lights similar to the Voids were covering her limbs much faster, fighting her healing substances.

Wait, I can't fight a teacher who's a Void general, pulling out his shadow and focusing hard. It covered her body, and her screams lowered in intensity as she slowly picked herself up, steaming.

"Professor Delta, what's going on?"

She stumbled on her knees, dropping him with her with a massive hug.

"Are you finally gonna take off that ridiculous outfit in public? At least you've grown since you've been back."

"Thanks, I think. Please though, are you on my side or not?"

The sound of a creature approaching them, who Sehki dubbed the Royal Void lunged at them. Delta summoned a portal in front of them.

"Who is that?"

"A person rumored to have ties with The Shakuhelds," a voice said, finding the individual stuck in a white garb.

"You're-"

"Your Guiding Star, Prince Sehki," helping Delta up.

"You shouldn't be here. They'll catch on."

She pointed to the laptop. Sehki looked at it.

"Curses...like the control Ainsley was going through? But much worse?"

Neither one said anything. Then it hit him.

"You've both been cursed. And if you reveal anything, fatal punishment?"

Silence.

"Ok~ay..., come," taking them to the CCC, getting Bethany to see what she can do.

"Ainsley was able to beat the curse and inject the medium," putting off Professor Delta's clothes while Sehki lowered his eyes to focus on the sight. "Whoever's responsible needs to be physically removed," showing her solution made from Sehki's blood reduced the spread.

"How did you know she was harmed?"

"I've been wondering how the Voids arrived so fast during the last two attacks when I recognized the portals. I thought Delta was responsible but looks like I was wrong. So Cluster's the one. Wait," recalling the portals. "The fire in my house. Was it him? Them?"

"Flames strong enough to reach another world before it reaches the target. The only ones strong enough for that alone are the monarchs of Fenghuang Saiban, a Continuum Dragon, or a legendary hero."

"Then that means...Xia and her parents. Or Cluster's affiliated with them," psyching himself up for them. "If I win the Mightathlon, I have to talk to the presidents. But if I go back and find Flint...do I bring him back here? But if I don't...argh!"

"Do what you have to do, Prince Sehki. If you're gone, Ainsley and the others will measure up when things get worse."

"Can they?"

Bethany sighed. "I'm not sure."

"I have to beat Xia. All of them need to get stronger."

—

"Xia, you were and you let Rigal be seen as inferior by some mere peasant?"

"I didn't know. But...he's been running around the city for years? Why did you tell me and dad. We would've trained to be there."

"No excuses!" Lightning struck from his arm near her feet while Rigal punched the ground.

"Let me speak to mom."

"She can't help you. You lot were supposed to keep up with your training! Pftt Sky Alpha. What a disgrace to the name Bezek! These distractions are going to cease here and now. Xia, leave us. Rigal, you'll be training for the Mightatholon!"

Xia sucked her teeth.

"Shadow, Cluster, I'm done with you all messing with my friends."