13.01

Chapter 13.01 Summary (913 words)

Skitter, passing through the door into Coil’s underground base, found Brian waiting with a paper detailing the Slaughterhouse Nine’s terms of engagement. The Nine proposed eight rounds of tests, each lasting three days, with bonus time for successful tests or executions of candidates, and penalties for defeats. They demanded no interference from outside heroes like Legend, threatening severe consequences for the city if they eliminated five of the six candidates or if any candidates left.

Inside, the Undersiders, Coil, and the Travelers (minus Noelle) were gathered. Lisa, sporting a Glasgow smile from a recent injury, explained that the Nine had penalized Mannequin a day for his perceived loss. Skitter, however, felt the victory was less clear-cut. The group discussed the candidates: Bitch, Armsmaster, Noelle, likely Hookwolf, and another hero. The identity of the final hero was unknown, adding uncertainty to their already precarious situation.

They discussed the risks of Jack leaving town, as Dinah’s prophecy suggested it could lead to disaster. Hookwolf’s proposal for an all-out attack was dismissed as impractical. Instead, they focused on their strengths: information gathering, escape, and their unique team composition. They decided to split into two groups for better defense. Skitter, Brian, Imp, Bitch, and Genesis would form one, while the others, including the injured Lisa, would make up the second.

Coil revealed the Merchants had been eliminated by the Nine, a loss of seven or eight parahumans who could have fought against them. He refused to let Circus join the field, prioritizing his long-term plans and her safety. The groups discussed communication, with Coil promising satellite phones and shielded equipment against Shatterbird’s attacks. Lisa detailed Shatterbird’s powers, speculating on her reasons for large-scale attacks.

Aisha (Imp) proposed spying on the Nine, a risky idea that Brian rejected due to Cherish’s ability to sense emotions. Skitter supported Brian, suggesting Imp would be more useful in direct combat. Lisa requested surveillance equipment, hoping to contribute from a safer distance, which Coil agreed to provide.

Riding their canine mounts, Skitter, Brian, and Bitch reached Skitter’s territory. They met with Genesis, who had been helping with reconstruction. Skitter tasked her people with setting up an early warning system using spider silk and ants. To their surprise, Mannequin was detected almost immediately, but he quickly retreated.

The encounter left Skitter shaken. She realized the daunting nature of the challenge ahead: eight rounds of relentless attacks, each lasting days, with the Nine growing stronger and the defenders growing weaker. The initial hope she felt about Tattletale’s deal with Jack began to fade, replaced by a growing sense of dread. Brian tried to reassure her, but Skitter wasn’t convinced they would make it through unscathed. The reality of their situation, the constant threat, and the potential for loss weighed heavily on her.