28.5

The Simurgh, now surrounded by a weapon-studded halo, hovers motionless between a turbulent sky and a smoke-filled settlement. Taylor, alongside Lung and Shadow Stalker, grapples with the psychological implications of the Simurgh’s presence, recalling debates about the extent of the Endbringer’s influence versus humanity’s self-destructive paranoia. She notes the successful elimination of one Yàngbǎn raiding party and hopes the Simurgh’s presence will deter others. The absence of Cauldron’s doormaker limits the Yàngbǎn’s movement, forcing them to use the same portals as refugees, which are now guarded by various factions. Despite the loss of two Earths, a dozen remain, with the C.U.I. establishing a defensive line on one.

Taylor assesses the devastated settlement, noting minimal physical collateral damage from the Simurgh, but anticipates significant psychological impact on the already demoralized refugees. Tattletale joins her, and they discuss the Simurgh’s ongoing construction of something from debris. Defiant, concerned about the Pendragon’s occupants, insists on triple-checking their safety. The group discusses the possibility of fighting Scion and the precariousness of their plan involving the Endbringers. Imp joins them, offering a blunt perspective on the situation. They decide to talk to the others and formulate a plan.

They descend to the settlement, passing under the shadow of the Simurgh. Defiant, his face partially a prosthetic, reports one civilian death and seven injuries, two caused by the Simurgh. Tattletale suggests the Endbringers operate on a warped super-ego, adhering to rules set by their creator. Defiant questions the Freudian analysis, but Tattletale insists on a connection between the Endbringers and their creator, similar to parental issues. Imp, not understanding the analogy, is filled in by Taylor. Tattletale wonders what motivates the unmoored Endbringers now.

Taylor asks who the Simurgh is following, noting that she seems to match the pace of their vehicles and maintain a short distance. Defiant suggests an experiment to determine who she follows, but Taylor interrupts, recalling a moment when the Simurgh deliberately looked at her, acknowledging her thoughts and indicating self-volition. She emphasizes that the Simurgh is listening and processing their words. Defiant expresses concern about Taylor’s paranoia, but she insists on treating the Simurgh with respect, avoiding negative talk or experiments that might upset her. Defiant, mentally exhausted, concedes.

Defiant announces the Pendragon needs repairs, necessitating a smaller team for the next mission. He departs to attend to the others, leaving Imp and Taylor to talk to Canary. Canary, still reeling from the battle, confides in them about a social misstep with Foil and Parian, not realizing they were a couple. Imp teases her, then jokingly suggests a romantic interest in Taylor, who deflects the topic. They observe the Wards and other survivors, including Lung, who has procured food from an abandoned fire. Canary shares her experience in the Birdcage, where Lung asserted dominance by killing his underling and attacking others.

Imp, still teasing Canary about her obliviousness to Foil and Parian’s relationship, continues until Taylor intervenes. Taylor commands the Dragonfly to approach and focuses on her swarm, breeding new bugs with potential range extension. Defiant returns, and they prepare for the next mission. The team for the smaller mission includes Tattletale, Imp, Rachel, Lung, Shadow Stalker, Defiant, and Miss Militia. The Simurgh, having finished constructing a black, serrated shortsword she calls a Gladius, follows them.

In the Dragonfly, Taylor reflects on her responsibility for the dangerous individuals she’s gathered. They monitor Bohu, a massive, gaunt Endbringer moving across the landscape. A golden streak, Scion, briefly appears and disappears, causing a moment of tension. The Dragonfly approaches a portal, passing through to another Earth. They arrive at a walled city built by the cape Agnes Court, now demolished by Leviathan. The team lands near the Azazel, where a large group, including the Thanda, Faultline, the Irregulars, the Meisters, the Suits, and Cauldron, has gathered.

The Simurgh descends, not landing but falling, striking Leviathan. The impact collapses the tower they were on, and the Simurgh perches on the wall as Leviathan crashes to the ground, a sword buried in his chest. Leviathan, seemingly in his death throes, gushes water but doesn’t rise. He eventually stands, removes the sword, and extends his arms in a crucifixion pose. The wind shifts, revealing that the Simurgh has altered Leviathan, giving him fins and webbing. Leviathan collapses into a sitting position, and the Simurgh closes her wings.

Doctor Mother confronts Tattletale and Taylor about the destruction of the Yàngbǎn and Elite forces. Tattletale defends their actions, citing the Yàngbǎn’s self-serving motives and the Elite’s truce violation. Doctor Mother argues that these forces were assets in the fight against Scion, but Tattletale counters that they were doing more harm than good. Faultline intervenes, warning against targeting the Undersiders and Guild for amassing firepower against Scion. Tattletale reveals that Faultline inspired the idea of talking to the Endbringers, but Faultline denies responsibility, stating she doesn’t condone the plan.

Taylor agrees to bear the consequences of their actions but vows to continue punishing truce violators. Doctor Mother reveals that Teacher has captured Khonsu and is selling him, along with a squad, to Cauldron to prevent a monopoly on Endbringers. She advises them to leave Tohu for another party and focus on the three they have. Taylor and Defiant agree. Doctor Mother suggests they split into five groups to respond to Scion’s appearance, each with a means to distract or pin him down. They discuss using the four Endbringers, Dragon, and Teacher as the core of these groups, with Tohu reinforcing the weakest. Doctor Mother recommends they say their goodbyes, as she believes this will be the final fight.