21.4

Worm, Chapter 21.4 Summary:

Disguised in plainclothes, Taylor navigated downtown, wary of being recognized. Her outfit, a white summer dress and a large sun hat, was meant to make her blend in, despite the overcast sky. She carried her costume and weapons in shopping bags, bugs concealed beneath.

The area, marked by the fight against Echidna, showed signs of destruction. Taylor was tense, ready for any threat. The new reality of parahumans meant potential danger lurked everywhere.

She entered a construction site, meeting Grue and Citrine, both in costume. Citrine, representing Accord, had information to share. Taylor, despite a flicker of unease at their camaraderie, focused on the professional nature of their meeting.

They ascended to the roof, overlooking the nearly completed portal, a white tower with ramps leading inside. Despite the uncertain future and ownership debates, the portal was taking the spotlight off the Undersiders.

Citrine revealed Accord was recruiting five new capes, using Cauldron to empower them. They were experienced, loyal Accord employees, vetted and ready for powers. The risks, including physical defects and mental instability, were known to them.

Citrine explained that these individuals sought the “journey” of power, the ability to effect change, regardless of their starting point. She herself was a Cauldron cape, able to attune areas to different functions, even nullifying or turning powers against their users.

Accord, avoiding Tattletale’s scrutiny, was sitting out this meeting. The deal stood: no new territory for Accord, and Tattletale would vet the new capes. Accord also planned to task them with a job against the Teeth, in collaboration with the Undersiders.

Citrine mentioned the portal’s role as a potential escape route, aligning with Director Tagg’s advice to consider the future. Taylor expressed a desire for stability and a continued presence in the city, with the portal remaining an escape route.

Citrine handed Taylor a heavy folder, a detailed plan for bringing order to Brockton Bay. It was a technical manual, outlining steps to align criminal elements and players, without resorting to murder or totalitarian methods.

Taylor and Grue discussed the uncertain future, the need for the Undersiders to solidify their hold on the city, and the challenges posed by various villain groups. Taylor brought up the possibility of her stepping down as leader, asking if Grue could take over. He admitted he couldn’t, leading to a discussion about therapy and his potential to lead in the future.

Taylor revealed that Regent had controlled Imp, a fact that disturbed Grue. They discussed the problematic relationship between Regent and Imp, and the difficulty in controlling them.

As rain began to fall, they sought shelter inside. Grue removed his mask, and they shared a moment of intimacy, acknowledging their past relationship without regret. They agreed to focus on the present, setting aside worries about the future.