30.1

The chapter opens with the protagonist, Skitter, experiencing a drastic reduction in her powers after a risky procedure. Her range is halved, and her control over her swarm is imprecise, delayed. A sense of panic and a strange detachment from her own body overwhelms her. Memories of past betrayals and confinement resurface, disconnected yet intense.

Skitter realizes her swarm, once an extension of her will, is now reacting crudely, attacking Panacea, the one who performed the procedure. Her body feels fragmented, movements uncoordinated. Lung approaches, cautious, while Tattletale watches, a mix of concern and accusation in her eyes. Bonesaw, the child-surgeon, dashes away.

Skitter is overwhelmed, unable to focus, her body and emotions in turmoil. The passenger, the entity within her that grants her powers, seems to be taking control, aiding her movements. Tattletale confronts Skitter, criticizing her tendency to act alone and manipulate others rather than truly asking for help. The conversation is a painful echo of past conflicts.

Marquis, a villain, arrives with reinforcements. He neutralizes Skitter, pinning her with a bone construct, revealing a safe distance of sixteen feet from her altered powers. Panacea confirms the changes are permanent, no longer tied to Skitter’s emotions. A tense standoff ensues, the group wary of Skitter’s instability.

Marquis proposes a compromise: leave Skitter behind while they deal with Scion. Tattletale objects, but the others agree. Skitter, unable to speak or effectively control her swarm, can only watch as they prepare to depart. She manages a desperate plea with her one hand, but Tattletale acknowledges the harsh reality of the situation.

As the group leaves, Skitter struggles against her bonds. She manages to break free using her gun and flight pack, but Marquis creates a barrier of bone, sealing her in. Despair and panic, not entirely her own, surge within her. She focuses on her power, a new dimension within the limited range.

Skitter seizes control of Canary, forcing her to attack the barrier. Lung’s fire disrupts the effort, and Marquis escapes with the others. Canary, left behind, throws Skitter through the closing portal. Skitter, pushing past the others, enters the battlefield on Earth Gimel.

She finds Scion on a rampage. Her former allies, the Undersiders, approach, and Tattletale warns them of Skitter’s altered state. Skitter accidentally seizes control of a stray cape, highlighting the danger she now poses. Rachel, trusting, approaches, and Skitter takes control, then releases her.

Skitter realizes the futility of controlling Rachel but knows she must act. The others, wary, keep their distance. She decides to leave, a silent farewell to her team. She knows the path she must take, a path that requires her to face Scion alone, using her drastically changed powers.