The Comet Clan. Sasha's ears twitched at the name. It couldn't have been a coincidence.

"I'm sure you've all come a long way," L Red said. "Phantom Tongues. White Giants. The Omega Syndicate. Only the best in the cosmos have been invited to this arena. All of you should be proud."

He swept his hand over the crowd.

"I urge each and every one of you to look to your neighbor. For they may be your competition today, but in this war, they are also your greatest allies."

She looked to Iris, whose expression was completely hidden by the mask. Even so, the wolf had her fingers practically strangling her rapier's hilt. Sasha put her hand on hers, giving the wolf a gentle squeeze. Though Iris didn't say a word, she slowly loosened her grip.

"I won't lie to you all," L Red went on. "The Comet Clan expects much out of you chosen few. Without your channels, the message of the Light Binder cannot spread. And if he doesn't spread, neither do your organizations. For it is only thanks to his graces that the worthy may inherit the new universe, while the unworthy perish to the White Legion."

His voice seemed to rise as he said this, every word delivered with a fervor that made Sasha quickly realize why Iris had gotten so agitated.

The man known as L Red. She'd never heard the name, but he reminded her too much of the Comet Man from the way he spoke of the war to how he was so dismissive of the dead. Maybe that was why he'd been chosen to speak at the rally.

Chosen.

It sounded so vile to think. Was that why they'd started this? Was that why Shiny was attacked? Argos? Zamonia? Because they were chosen? Her tail lashed behind her, frustration growing the more she thought about it. Iris squeezing her hand helped her to calm down. As disgusted as she was, she still had a plan to follow.

"We of the Comet Clan are counting on your support," L Red said, "but rest assured, our efforts are to your benefit as well."

His voice rose again, the human raising a fist into the air.

"Keep his message spreading, my brethren!" he shouted. "Let the White Legion cull the weak as you claim what's always belonged to you. Seats of power the AIC has denied you. Forbade you. With your help, we will build empires that no authority could possibly topple. Not the Admirals. Not the graduates. Not even the wrath of the Gods above!"

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As he screamed the last part, several smugglers roared in agreement, the cry spreading over the thousand-wide crowd. People stood up, fists, claws, and crystalline appendages rising in unison.

These guys are crazy. Sasha watched as L Red extended his arms out to soak up the crowd's excitement. She could hardly believe so many would agree to the Comet Man's ideas. Did they not hear a word L Red said? The man blatantly told them to let the White Legion destroy everything. And they were cheering! She looked to Iris, the wolf not moving an inch as she sat at her side. The same could not be said for both her liaisons. Even if it was to try to blend in, it made her a little sick seeing Mr. Erin and Mr. Xan crying for the destruction of everything.

But she knew staying seated made her stand out too much. With the utmost reluctance, Sasha joined in the yelling.

"Yeah!" she screamed. "Let's take what's ours! The AIC can eat dirt!"

It made her feel gross, but the cry was quickly picked up by the people around her. A small chant spread through the crowd.

"Eat dirt! Eat dirt! Eat dirt!"

She recoiled. Was this the life of a smuggler? Calling for the destruction of everything? She tried not to dwell on it as L Red began to speak again.

"But don't take my word for it," the human said. "Let's allow the man of the hour to say a few words to us all."

Sasha straightened up, Iris immediately jumping to her feet. Moment of truth. They both honed in on the stage, L Red gesturing towards the hidden room behind him.

"Ladies, gentlemen, and sapient creatures of this rally," he said. "Allow me to introduce the man responsible for ushering in this brand-new universe. The man who commands power greater than even a god. You all know him, and soon every world will as well."

Sasha swallowed, tail lashing in anticipation. She could see someone emerging from the darkness, his body draped in a long black coat that stopped at his feet. GT appeared in her hand, Iris gripping her hilt.

"Everyone!" L Red shouted. "Allow me to introduce the leader of the Comet Clan."

He dropped his hood.

"Introducing the Light Bind-"

Sasha froze, Iris's head tilting at the newcomer. A feline with a hand on his hip.

"What? Where you expecting someone else?"

He gave a fanged smile, his orange fur clear as day under the light of the sun. As were his stripes. A tiger. And he was far from the only unwelcome addition to the rally.

People threw off their cloaks one by one, blasters and badges raised towards every other person in the amphitheater. Sasha recognized the symbols easily, as she was sure the many smugglers did as well. The ace in the cosmos. The logo of the AIC.

Cripes. They're here!

She glared at the center platform, where L Red stood in shock. He took a step backward.

"You. You're not the Light Binder."

The tiger nodded, his fanged smile a constant reminder to Sasha. Of all the places. Why did he have to show up here? Why now? He raised his badge, yellow eyes shining with glee. In the silence of the amphitheater, Sasha could almost hear a purr in the feline's voice.

"Sorry to crash this little rally," Alexander said, "but you're all under arrest."

Sasha groaned.

Cripes. What now?