26.a (Interlude A, Golem part 1)

Summary of Parahumans: Worm, Chapter 26.a (Interlude A, Golem part 1):

Theo stares at the remnants of Nilbog’s demise, a piece of flesh left behind on a spike. He avoids thinking about the dead Slaughterhouse Nine members, including Aster, and the heavy weight of their loss. He contemplates how his teammates would react if he showed his grief, imagining their discomfort or awkward kindness. Weaver, a figure of stillness and calculation, sits nearby, perhaps pondering Aster’s death too, a toddler she might have killed.

Theo reflects on the loss of his family and the horrors they endured. Kayden, his surrogate mother, and Justin, trapped in Gray Boy’s eternal loop. He grapples with the cold necessity of their world, the masks they wear, and the emotional toll it takes. He wonders if New Wave’s unmasked approach was a better path, to embrace vulnerability instead of bottling it up.

Bitch, surprisingly, approaches him with a dog, Huntress. She remarks on his and Weaver’s changed demeanor, calling Kayden and her group “buttholes.” He acknowledges their flaws but defends them as his family. She leaves Huntress with him, a silent comfort in the face of his grief. He’s glad to have some sort of support, since it would be difficult for him to approach the others.

Defiant announces they have the coordinates, and Chevalier gathers the group. They discuss the Nine’s dispersal, targeting Houston, New York, and Los Angeles. Weaver suggests they focus on Jack’s group, trusting others to handle the other locations. Hoyden protests, it being her city, but Weaver argues against splitting up, emphasizing the need for their combined strength. Defiant agrees to delay the area’s collapse, utilizing Toybox’s technology to aid in Houston’s defense.

They teleport to Los Angeles, finding a landscape warped by Tohu and Bohu. Buildings are like tombstones, stripped of humanity, fortified and weaponized. They’ve faced this before, but the traps remain a threat.

Dinah’s voice comes over the comms, urging them to stop. She warns of impending death, a 72% chance in two minutes. Golem, guided by her cryptic clues, directs a retreat. The Harbingers, young and lethal, attack. They dodge attacks with unnatural ease, impervious to Weaver’s bugs and Foil’s normally unerring aim.

Golem tries to use his power, but the Harbingers anticipate his every move. They scale buildings with terrifying speed, reaching the team on a raised platform. The Harbingers toy with them, effortlessly dodging attacks and disabling Chevalier.

Dinah advises retreat, but there’s nowhere to go. Golem manages to get Chevalier and a Dragon’s Tooth soldier to safety, but the others are trapped. Hoyden and Tecton bring down the platform, but the Harbingers survive the fall unscathed.

Dinah’s voice grows desperate, the situation worsening. Golem, following her guidance, makes the agonizing decision to leave the others behind. He races towards Jack, using his power to navigate the treacherous landscape. Dinah’s ability is fading, Scion’s presence interfering.

He encounters Psychosoma’s smoke monsters and narrowly escapes. Dinah confirms he’s on the right path, a “numbery” way of saying things are looking up. He finally confronts Jack, who wields a massive sword. Golem had hoped to disarm him, but the sword is beyond his power’s reach.

Jack taunts him, questioning his resolve. Golem retorts, calling Jack a pathetic killer. Jack, unfazed, offers himself as a target. Golem, guided by Dinah, attacks, but Jack evades his every move. He manages to clip Jack once, but it’s not enough.

Jack laughs, revealing Scion trapped in Gray Boy’s time-well. He expresses disappointment in Golem’s lack of killer instinct, deeming the encounter uninteresting. He leaves with Hookwolf and other Nine members, promising a horrific punishment for Golem’s failure.

Golem is left injured and defeated, facing the consequences of his father’s actions.