24.5

Worm, Chapter 24.5 Summary:

Behemoth’s destruction in New Delhi mirrors a global pattern: intermittent Endbringer attacks eroding the world’s defenses, fostering fear and division. Despite small victories, like the recent damage inflicted on Behemoth, the Endbringers persist, a grim testament to the relentless cycle of destruction.

Behemoth, his body a grotesque mix of glowing flesh and black ichor, stands amidst the ruins, having taken heavy damage. Tecton, leading the regroup, carries a limp Cuff. Weaver, now airborne with Imp’s flight pack, joins him, Dispatch, and Exalt.

They decide to head towards a nearby temple where Tattletale and medical facilities are located, hoping to protect them and possibly find a way to keep Behemoth away from Phir Sē. Grace suggests pressing the offensive, but Weaver cautions against it, citing the danger of Behemoth’s radiation and the heroes’ current state of fear and desperation.

A cape hurls space-warped fireballs at Behemoth, forcing him to retreat below the skyline. Eidolon arrives, depositing Rachel, and informs them that Behemoth has gone underground. He avoids Weaver’s question about Alexandria’s status and departs.

Rachel suggests using the chain to bisect or decapitate Behemoth, but Weaver expresses doubt about its effectiveness, given his resilience. She highlights another reason to retreat: Behemoth is about to retaliate.

Behemoth resurfaces, unleashing indiscriminate attacks. The heroes flee, using cover and Golem’s makeshift lightning rods for protection. Behemoth, now able to stand, pursues them. Rachel, surprisingly, seems more comfortable in this chaos than before.

They continue their retreat, dodging Behemoth’s attacks and using a curtain of bugs as a shield. A cape manages to distract Behemoth momentarily, allowing others to escape. They regroup, with Weaver showing the way.

Suddenly, the fighting stops. Behemoth has burrowed again. The heroes spread out, defensive, waiting for his retaliation. Weaver contacts Phir Sē, warning him of Behemoth’s approach. He is prepared and asks for the bugs to be removed. Weaver complies, leaving only a small group for communication.

They reach the temple, filled with wounded capes. Rachel is initially barred from bringing her dogs inside, but Weaver convinces her to leave them outside. They find Grue and Tattletale upstairs, injured but stable. Imp arrives, and Tattletale realizes that Regent is dead.

Grue blames himself for Regent’s death, but Weaver forbids him from taking the blame, stating that she was there and couldn’t do anything either. They share a moment of grief, acknowledging Regent’s sacrifice. Imp vows to kill Regent’s father in revenge.

Weaver tries to change the subject, informing Grue that they hurt Behemoth. She wants to reminisce about Regent, but they need to focus on the ongoing fight. The doctors arrive with more wounded, forcing them to leave.

Outside, heroes gather for their last stand. Weaver asks Rachel to keep an eye on Imp. Tecton offers advice on empathy, which Rachel dismisses as “retarded.” Weaver explains to Rachel how to support Imp, likening it to caring for a traumatized dog.

Tecton updates Weaver on Cuff’s condition, and they discuss Behemoth’s current strategy. Weaver expresses a bad feeling, sensing an impending retaliation. She urges everyone to spread out and be ready to respond to an attack.

Defiant and Dragon approach Weaver, acknowledging her role in the attack on Behemoth. Weaver downplays her contribution, emphasizing that it was a group effort. She warns them that Behemoth might target the temple.

The ground shakes, and the rumbling intensifies. Capes reinforce the temple as the shaking worsens. Behemoth emerges, causing massive fissures to spread across the landscape. The temple partially collapses, but Eidolon’s protective effect saves some of the capes inside.

Behemoth, though heavily damaged, has regenerated somewhat. He had used the time underground to strategically weaken the area. The temple is the only standing structure amidst the devastation.

The remaining capes, around seventy or eighty, prepare for a last stand. Behemoth attacks, and the capes defend, but casualties are heavy. The Protectorate, significantly weakened, forms a defensive line. Eidolon and Alexandria stand apart, tired and worn.

Alexandria, her eyes now revealing a pink iris, seems to be controlled by Pretender, confirming Weaver’s suspicions. The capes sort themselves into groups, spreading out to minimize casualties. They hold the line, defending the wounded, a thin but vital heroism.

Behemoth roars, and the final engagement begins.