21.1

Worm, Chapter 21.1 Summary:

Tattletale, perched precariously on the edge of a Shatterbird-damaged building, uses binoculars to confirm Accord’s departure. Imp expresses a desire to have eavesdropped on the Fallen, but Tattletale dismisses it, citing the need for more information on Othello and Citrine’s powers. She speculates on Citrine’s abilities, noting her focus on areas with strong powers and suggesting she might be a trump.

Parian voices concern about the assumption of a fight with Accord. Tattletale justifies it as a threat assessment, and Grue shifts the focus to more immediate issues, particularly Skitter’s situation.

Skitter downplays her role, mentioning costume adjustments and plans for more streamlined armor. Grue, however, is worried about the fallout from her exposed identity, checking on the status of their families. It’s revealed that most of their families are either unconcerned or already aware of their activities. Regent’s father is Heartbreaker, a fact that puts their notoriety into perspective.

Grue brings the conversation back to Skitter, expressing concern over her heavy-handed approach at the meeting. Skitter explains that she’s tired of playing defense and wants to dedicate herself fully to her villainous role, enforcing the rules and backing up her team. Tattletale warns her about the need for rest, but Skitter feels trapped, unable to live a normal life due to her exposed identity and Dragon’s surveillance.

Regent suggests going after the PRT, and Skitter agrees, wanting to strike back. They discuss the necessity of a strong response to maintain respect among villains and deter the PRT from future attacks. They debate the risks of escalation, with Tattletale and Grue expressing reservations about alienating potential allies.

Skitter proposes a more aggressive approach, targeting their enemies before they can strike first. Rachel, Regent, and Imp are on board, while Parian abstains, feeling inexperienced and wary of Butcher. Grue shares his concerns, suggesting that Skitter’s desire for aggression might be driven by hurt and anger, but ultimately trusts her instincts. Skitter, feeling an inexplicable urge to hug Grue but suppressing it, outlines her plan: operate in groups of three, targeting the Fallen, the PRT, and the Teeth. She chooses Tattletale and Rachel for the first mission.

The scene shifts to a coordinated attack on the PRT. Bentley and Rachel’s other dogs bring down a PRT van, while Skitter and Atlas handle Dovetail, a cape with forcefield-generating slivers of light. Skitter uses her bugs to blind and bind Dovetail, while Rachel manages her dogs to take down another van and engage Adamant. Sere is trapped inside the building, unable to use his powers.

Skitter enters the PRT headquarters, her swarm covering every employee. She finds Director Tagg with his wife, holding a gun but not pointing it at her. Skitter asks “Why?” and Tagg, after setting down his gun, declares her the enemy. He claims ignorance about the school attack until the capes landed, justifying the decision to press the advantage.

Skitter accuses him of putting kids at risk, but Tagg counters that Dragon and Defiant assured him Skitter wouldn’t endanger the students. He calls her actions barbaric, but Skitter clarifies that inflicting pain isn’t the point. She explains that she orchestrated the attack to create a media spectacle, demonstrating the PRT’s vulnerability and her unwillingness to back down.

Tagg calls it a war, and Skitter retorts that her side is winning. He suggests that bad publicity fades and that, in the long run, the PRT will prevail. He reveals that he was chosen for his tenacity, not his success, and vows to fight the system. Tagg threatens to harass Skitter’s father, pulling him in for questioning whenever she acts.

Tattletale warns Skitter that Tagg is playing her. Skitter notices a family photo on Tagg’s desk and asks if he has daughters. He confirms he has two, studying abroad. Skitter questions his lack of remorse for hurting a father through his daughter, and Tagg states he feels none, calling Skitter a “thug.”

Skitter asks Mrs. Tagg if she stands by her husband, and she affirms her support. Skitter unleashes her swarm on Mrs. Tagg, causing her to scream, but doesn’t harm her. Tagg reaches for a gun, but Skitter stops him, illustrating her control. She spares Mrs. Tagg, but the gesture doesn’t change Tagg’s mind. Skitter then covers Tagg in bugs, causing him to scream in pain.

Skitter and Tattletale leave, joining Rachel and the dogs as they flee the scene. Skitter leaves her bugs behind to infest the PRT headquarters. She reflects on Tagg’s threat against her father, realizing that her actions have consequences for him. The demonstration with Mrs. Tagg might have been for her own sake, a way to prove something to herself.