The rain was heavy. It washed the blood from the pavement. The water ran red into the gutter. The entities stood across the alley. There were two of them. Third Generation. They did not roar. They did not charge. They looked at each other. They nodded.
Kaito stood still. He held the Ace of Spades. His hand was steady. He felt the cold settle in his marrow. It was not fear. It was recognition. The first generation wandered. The second generation adapted. The third generation communicated.
Kuro said: "They are signaling."
Kaito said: "I see it."
Kuro said: "They are flanking."
Kaito said: "Let them try."
The entities moved. They did not rush. They stepped in sync. One went left. One went right. They mirrored each other's steps. They shared a mind. They shared a strategy. They shared a purpose. Kaito drew three cards. The King of Fangs. The Ace of Spades. The Mythical card. Atlas.
Kaito said: "Atlas. Hold."
