14.5

Worm, Arc 14.5 Summary

Skitter directs her beetle mount skyward, feeling a sense of eerie quiet as her swarm’s sensory input diminishes. She reflects on how much she’s come to rely on her bugs, a stark contrast to her current limited sensory range. A plane appears, dropping a payload of bombs on the parking lot where Jack and Bonesaw were last seen. The area is engulfed in a sea of fire, higher than the smallest buildings. A wave of heated air buffets Skitter, testing her control over the beetle. She manages to stabilize and maintain her orientation, relieved they weren’t closer to the blast site.

Tattletale contacts Skitter, confirming everyone’s safety and mentioning Amy’s presence. They discuss the uncertain fates of Jack, Bonesaw, and Crawler. Tattletale suggests potential hiding spots for Jack and Bonesaw, such as the sewer or a bank vault, but acknowledges the dangers and limitations of such locations.

Genesis is creating a fire-resistant body, and Sundancer plans to clear some of the blaze. Tattletale instructs Skitter to scout for clues and track Crawler, who might lead them to the other members of the Nine. Legend is likely still pursuing Siberian.

Skitter struggles to locate surviving bugs amidst the inferno, finding only a few in sheltered areas. She observes Crawler moving towards the heroes, unfazed by the flames. The heroes are still frozen in time, except for Weld, who is battling Mannequin.

Mannequin, with his enhanced mobility and concealed weapons, launches cars at Weld and the frozen heroes. Skitter realizes the danger to Cache, who is storing other heroes in his personal dimension. She recognizes Mannequin’s tactics as his specialty: indirect attacks targeting the vulnerable.

Unable to directly intervene, Skitter contacts Tattletale, requesting gear. She lands her beetle, which struggles to land due to its modified physiology. Amy explains the alterations she made to the beetle, emphasizing the difficulty of her work. Skitter asks Amy to make the beetle bigger, but Amy refuses, stating she won’t indulge Skitter further.

Skitter, frustrated, turns to her teammates for help. Ballistic provides grenades, and Trickster gives her a spare handgun. Amy modifies the beetle to require less focus for flight, and Skitter takes off again. She tests the beetle’s altered flight, finding it less precise and more dangerous if she loses focus.

Skitter returns to the fight, finding Weld battling Mannequin. She drops a grenade, inadvertently saving the frozen heroes from being crushed by a car. Mannequin retreats, and Weld joins the fight.

Weld and Mannequin are both relentless, but Mannequin’s agility gives him an advantage. Skitter realizes they’re buying time, but Crawler is approaching. She warns Weld, but Mannequin uses the distraction to prepare another attack.

Skitter throws another grenade, disrupting both Mannequin and Weld. Crawler blindsides Weld, inflicting severe injuries. Mannequin signals to Crawler, who targets the frozen heroes with acidic spittle.

Cache comes to life, facing the daunting scene. He calls in the remaining heroes, but Mannequin and Crawler charge. Weld attacks Crawler, allowing Skitter to shoot Mannequin. She hits him once, then fires again as he rises.

Crawler is distracted, allowing Cache to bring in Glory Girl, Prism, Miss Militia, and Triumph. Glory Girl attacks Crawler, who retaliates with acidic vomit, severely injuring her. Skitter prepares to throw her last grenade but hesitates, unsure if it will help.

Crawler advances on the injured Glory Girl, while Skitter’s teammates are still far away. Cache collapses, leaving Glory Girl vulnerable. The situation is dire, and Skitter is unsure how to proceed.