Cole senses his presence in the air before seeing him. Cain is hovering high in the air. His arms are folded looking down on Cole with a sinister glare. Cain half grins, then lifts his hand pointing to the distance. Cole refuses to look at what he’s pointing to, not daring to take his eyes off him. It was the outbreak of screams that finally forced him to look.

Hundreds of Blood Hunters flowing across the valley hills at breakneck speeds. Their movements eerily smooth, and their skin vantablack causing Cole’s hairs to stand on end. The sheer number of them is staggering as they create black arteries flowing across the valley floor to the NGP base. Their collective movement makes them appear to be a creature of its own. The only thing that gives count to their black numbers is their metallic helmets shimmering in the light.

Death discards five crystal buttons and his crown from his attire, leaving only a fraction of what he once had. He chuckles but it’s no longer his maniacal laughter, “You see! I told you I’d end you for this! And the best part is none of you will die! Death is too good for you!”

Kid, Rush, Cinder, and Shado take a moment to rendezvous with Cole. Kid speaks first, “Are you guys seeing this?!”

“Blazer went that direction. Do you think he’s alright?” replies Rush in a concerned voice.

Cole touches Rush’s shoulder speaking aloud, “Blazer can take care of himself. He’s smart. That’s why I sent him first. If anyone can save Toxic and Thunder it’s him. As soon as we can we’ll break for the human bunker to help him, but we can’t lose hope now guys. With Cain here I don’t think I’ll be much help in the fight. We have to focus. Death is running out of power fast, and Cain can’t stop all of us if we work together. Remember the Blood Hunters are going for everyone with a tattoo. Those people are our priority, we have to protect them.”

Cinder cries out, “Look! Arch is coming out of the forest!”

Arch, along with a small gang of nomadic Ultras are cresting the forest canopy. Cole can just make out a few members he recognizes. Broin, and a large man wearing a purple wolf pelt, Byson. The hoard of Blood Hunters swiftly overtaking their position.

Shado yells, “I’ll teleport them out of there, don't worry!”

Cain interjects aggressively, “You think I’ll let your pitiful group protect anyone? You’ll have to deal with me first!” With the clap of his hands a powerful gust of wind comes in from two directions smashing the group together.