3.11

The protagonist, still reeling from a surprise attack by Panacea, is disoriented and in pain. Her power, which allows her to control bugs, is malfunctioning, causing intense feedback and a near-migraine level headache. Panacea, revealing her identity, has used a fire extinguisher as a weapon and disrupted the protagonist’s powers.

A confrontation ensues. The protagonist takes out an extendable baton, but Panacea manages to block it with the fire extinguisher. After destroying Panacea’s phone, the protagonist demands answers. Panacea reveals she managed to send a text for help just as Glory Girl, her sister, dramatically arrives, crashing through a bank window.

Glory Girl’s arrival is terrifying, as her power literally induces fear. The protagonist, now aware of Panacea’s identity and her healing abilities, realizes the extent of the danger. Despite the dire situation, she takes Panacea hostage, using a knife to create a stalemate.

Glory Girl reveals that reinforcements are on the way, including the Protectorate and possibly members of New Wave, their own superhero team. She warns the protagonist of the overwhelming force she’ll soon face. The situation intensifies as the protagonist’s powers continue to fail, leaving her vulnerable.

Tattletale, a teammate of the protagonist, arrives and casually joins the tense scene. She taunts Glory Girl, who’s unable to act due to the hostage situation. Tattletale then focuses on helping the protagonist, whose powers are still compromised.

Tattletale identifies the source of the problem: the spiders the protagonist had placed on Panacea. She guides the protagonist using a laser pointer, revealing that Panacea has altered the spiders to create a feedback loop, disrupting the protagonist’s powers. The protagonist carefully removes and destroys each spider, gradually relieving the pain and restoring her control.

The conversation shifts to Tattletale’s supposed psychic abilities, which Glory Girl dismisses. Tattletale maintains the ruse, using it to explain how she identified the altered spiders. She then subtly insults Glory Girl, referencing New Wave’s “no secrets” policy.

Tattletale concludes by stating that her true power lies in information, hinting at a deeper strategy at play. The chapter ends with the protagonist regaining control of her powers, but facing a daunting and uncertain future, surrounded by powerful enemies.