The Defenders once again re-unite at Port Reevus, after Rion jumps the gun and causes a fight to break loose. They are now on the search for Brim, who has been released from the Dark Realm and is imprisoned. The Defenders, with help from Brackus, defeat the creature (a twisted version of the Doomhunter) to escape safely, although Seth is almost dragged into Brim's prison. Malco and Flinch manage to escape with Brim. A Tracker stone leads them high up into the mountains, where a special crystal is required to cut open the Nova Stone; thus freeing Nazmul. Brackus, with his memories restored, temporarily ditches the Defenders (who were trapped until an avalanche) to "settle the score" with his old friends. Malco and Flinch's efforts are in vain as Nazmul is destroyed, but not before absorbing a large amount of Malco's strength. The Ethos later find his weakened body, and figure that he might be of some use.