13.03

Chapter 13.03 Summary (1055 words)

As Skitter, Grue, and Bitch raced through the streets on their monstrous dogs, chasing Mannequin. Skitter rode with Grue on Sirius, while Bitch rode Bentley, cradling Lucy’s lifeless body. They had lost precious time retrieving Lucy’s real body from her transformed state, a grim process Skitter likened to an anti-childbirth. Mannequin, surprisingly swift, was outpacing them despite their dogs’ enhanced abilities.

Bitch had taken a serious wound to the stomach, but she was determined to press on, fueled by a fierce desire to help. Skitter struggled to hamper Mannequin with her bugs, but he was nearing the edge of her range. She worried about their ability to catch him, given his enhanced senses and resistance to her usual tactics. He entered a penthouse but emerged from a lower floor seconds later, leaving Skitter’s range.

With Sirius growing and gaining a bit of speed, they pushed on, knowing their destination was Skitter’s territory. Skitter contacted Genesis and Sierra, urging them to clear the area. Her mind, usually a wellspring of plans, was blank with the weight of the situation. As they arrived, they found Mannequin standing amidst fallen members of Skitter’s group. Genesis, in a powerful armored form, lay dissolving. Mannequin’s silent, mocking laughter filled the air.

Bitch charged on Bentley. Skitter’s bugs started dying around Mannequin. A trap, Skitter realized too late – a colorless, odorless, fast-spreading gas. Bentley collapsed, and Bitch tumbled, gasping for air. Bastard, Bitch’s puppy, hesitated, unnerved by the scene and the gas. Skitter commanded him to fetch Bitch, and he obeyed, dragging her back.

Grue, unable to dismount due to an injured leg, helped Skitter lift Bitch onto Sirius. Skitter, tethering Bastard, urged Grue to use his darkness to displace the gas while she fell back. They split, and Mannequin pursued Grue. Skitter racked her brain, analyzing Mannequin’s actions. Why had he let them find him? Why hadn’t he shot Bitch or Bastard? Conserving ammunition? What changed after he closed his mouth?

A realization struck her – he hadn’t been running or shooting because he was releasing flammable gas. His terraforming background suggested he was loaded with gas-generating organisms. It was a dangerous gamble, but the potential for a massive explosion was their only hope.

A spear of darkness from Grue signaled trouble. Skitter rushed to him, finding him and Bitch sprawled, covered in rubble. Mannequin’s mouth was open, releasing gas. Skitter lit a matchbook, threatening to ignite him. He backed off, his foot on Grue’s chest. As Skitter reached for Grue, Mannequin closed his mouth and aimed a gun hidden in his palm.

Skitter shoved Grue and stepped in the way, ready to take the bullet, praying he wouldn’t kill her. Mannequin shrugged, and three things happened simultaneously: Skitter was shot in the chest, Grue shrouded them in darkness, and an explosion rocked the alley.

Pain surged through Skitter, but she was alive. Grue helped her up. The explosion had knocked Mannequin down, but he was virtually unscathed, having disconnected his parts. Bastard attacked, biting off Mannequin’s arm. Mannequin countered, stabbing Bastard, but Skitter intervened, getting knocked down in the process.

Mannequin’s mouth was releasing gas again. Skitter, seeing the spreading flames, grabbed matches and a change purse. She lit tissues with the lighter, sending them towards Mannequin with dragonflies. The gas ignited. Grue shielded them with darkness. Mannequin was still standing.

Bitch whistled, and Bastard, now larger, bit down on Mannequin’s remaining arm, breaking it. Sirius pinned Mannequin while Grue, following Skitter’s instructions, prepared to smash Mannequin’s chest with a heavy piece of rubble. Before he could, a torrent of fire erupted, knocking them all down.

Burnscar appeared, tapping her nose. She’d broken Jack’s rules by interfering. She helped Mannequin up, and after a brief exchange, he tagged her in, forfeiting his turn. Burnscar cracked her knuckles, turning every flame on the street into a towering pillar, cutting off their escape. “My go,” she declared, “I’m taking round two.”