AN: Thanks again to my beta Grey Raven 09 for his assistance!

Disclaimer: I do not own anything related to Worm. If I did, I would be FAR more productive.

Please enjoy and let me know what you think in a review if you feel like it!


Damages 02

"Look lady, I get that you are just doing your job, but get off the fucking line, and get me to someone who can answer my fucking question," I hissed, the phone case creaking dangerously in my hand.

"Uh, Taylor, maybe you should let me talk," Amy murmured reaching for the phone. I jerked it away while also holding out my other hand, pointing vaguely to the right. Paige obliged my directions and turned down the next side street.

"Ma'am - "

"No! Don't fucking 'Ma'am' me!" I snarled. "My name is Taylor Hebert. T-a-y-l-o-r H-e-b-e-r-t. Taylor Hebert, aka Queen, aka leader of the goddamn Outcasts, aka I-can-swarm-you-with-mutant-bugs if you don't transfer me to someone with some motherfucking authority RIGHT FUCKING NOW!"

My father frowned at Cassie in the backseat. "I thought she wasn't talking much."

"Taylor's always at her best when she's pissed off and trying to protect one of her people," Cassie replied, the beaming smile clear even without looking through the few bugs I had in the car for situational awareness.

"I should've staged a fake crisis," Lisa muttered.

Cassie chuckled. "Yeah or you could've just waited for like, well now I guess. I think three or four days is about our standard for when another crisis hits, Lisa."

The PRT responder had fallen silent after my threat. Before I could start back in on her, she finally started talking again, a notable tremble in her voice this time. "Miss Hebert? I apologize for my earlier rudeness. I'm transferring you to Miss Militia. Please hold a moment."

"Thank you. Finally!"

The line clicked and Hannah's voice came through an instant later. "Taylor? I'd appreciate it if you didn't terrify our responders."

"Bitch should've transferred me when I asked, instead of claiming I was making a prank call," I spat. Amy leaned forward and laid her hand on my arm. I took a breath and continued in a more modulated tone. "I need an exact address for Assault or Flechette. I don't know if Flechette is still reporting to you or if she's officially with me at this point so I'm asking for both. They should be at the same place anyway. Going by vague feelings for where Monarch is is not working well. We keep hitting one way streets or roads that curve the wrong way after a few hundred feet."

Hannah paused before replying. "Okay, I'll bite. What's going on?"

"Your people legitimately aren't mobilized?"

"We had a call a few minutes ago about a partially devoured corpse with a round through the heart and a few slash wounds. A team was dispatched since generally 'devoured' implies parahuman, but other than that no." Her voice faded an instant later as it sounded like she turned away from the receiver. "I'm sorry, what did you say? Taylor, hang on a second." The line went to hold music.

"I'm going to kill them. I'm going to kill them all."

"You should really calm down, Taylor," Paige murmured. "This can't be healthy."

"Nah, she's cool," Cassie said. She draped both arms over the seat back and leered into the rear view mirror at me and Paige. "You need to get out into the field more, girl. This is like our girl's normal setting, she's not even angry yet."

"Thank you for the vote of confidence," I said. I didn't have time to say anything else as Hannah came back on.

"Taylor, you're right, there is something happening. The address you want is 21 Lord Street."

"21 Lord Street," I repeated.

"Got it." Amy plugged it into her GPS and held her phone out for the directions to give to Paige.

"This was apparently kept to PRT members only, parahumans were specifically requested to remain out of the loop. I don't know why at this time. Assault, Flechette, and Clockblocker are reported to be almost on-scene and the PRT response vans are nearly there as well. I'll let them know you're coming."

"Thanks, MM." I frowned as I considered what she had said. "This isn't the scene with the corpse is it?"

"No," Hannah said, the annoyance bleeding through even over the phone. "This is something else. Do you know what is going on? If you do it would save me time having to find someone with answers on whether I should be sitting it out like requested or if I need to respond immediately."

I snorted. "Madison and Monarch have gone hunting Jack and Cherish before the shits leave the city. The corpse is whoever they got to first. Since you were asked to be left out, I'm guessing Jack is left."

"…Suddenly I see why the responder thought you were prank calling us." Her voice was strained and I could almost hear her weapon cycling through multiple forms in quick succession.

"Yeah."

"I think I should probably - "

"Jack can't affect you," I cut her off.

"What?"

"You and Armsmaster are part of Queen Hub. We're denying Broadcast's information requests. Neither Jack nor his shard can see, hear, or respond to anyone on our Network, his power is totally blind to us all."

She gave a strangled half cough, half swallow before she responded. "Oh. I…I see. I suppose I'll…get my motorcycle and meet you there then."

"See you in five." I hung up and nodded. "Much easier when you get someone who actually knows what they're doing."

I could deal with the worried look that Amy was casting me later. I had wayward Outcasts to collect first.


I could see the PRT vans as we pulled to the side of the road and frowned. We were at Lord Street, but this didn't feel right. This didn't feel right at all. I hopped out of the van with a domino mask fitted around my cheeks and my team filing out around me.

I turned in a circle as Clockblocker ran up to me, a grimace on his face visible under his facemask. "Heh, so you did end up hearing. Sorry, we uh, were trying to take care of this before it escalated."

"Too late. She's not here."

He winced and nodded. "I think we missed them. There's quite a bit of damage to the store nearby though. Looks like three grenades and one of those exploding bugs. There're some slashes on the sides of the wall too, but they are completely random. I've seen a few crime scenes and from what I can tell, it looks a lot like Jack was just wildly swinging trying to hit something."

Cassie nodded. "She's attacking from range. Clever girl."

"She shouldn't be attacking Jack Slash at all," Lisa snarled. "She is not well!"

"Everyone please be quiet," I murmured. I finished my second circuit and finished focusing on a section of the street close to the corner of the building where the PRT were congregating. As Miss Militia roared up behind us, I walked forward. She got off the bike and started talking in hushed whispers with Paige as my father fell into step with me.

"What do you see?"

"Not sure. Something's dying…" I picked up the pace and as Assault came out of the building with Danica in tow, I waved them both to follow me. Assault grimaced as he caught sight of me and heaved a sigh as he followed in my wake. Danica frowned, nodded to her men, and moved as well.

"Queen? I thought you were still recovering at home?" Danica asked.

"I'm hurt, I'm not bedridden. My friend is out here hunting a serial killer with the team pet. You're insane if you think I'm staying home. Did you search here?"

"We just got here. Assault?"

He shook his head. "Flechette and I were clearing the top floor. Clockblocker had just finished up with the lower level. Why, is there something here Queen?"

"Yes…something new…what are you?" I dropped to one knee and pulled a piece of rubble off the critter I was sensing and my eyes widened. "Oh. Goddammit Monarch…"

Monarch! I thought we agreed you couldn't create Biotinker things without my approval? What the fuck?!

Madison[Friend] asked for something to make Jacob[Host] 'freeze'. Monarch[Self] obliged! Initial biological option was inefficient, so improvements were made. Creation will now issue freezing solution!

She didn't mean that literally Monarch. And for fucks sake, you can't let loose biotinker critters into the world without me watching over them!

Creation was unstable and would have expired shortly had Jacob[Host] not ruptured solution bladder…May Monarch[Self] improve bladder for next iteration?

No! Stop making new things and bring Madison back here. NOW!

But, Madison[Friend] and Monarch[Self] are in pursuit…We are close to completing Glorious Revenge…

Monarch…

Monarch[Self] has conferred with Madison[Friend]. She says the chase has introduced Jacob[Host] to Terror, increasing the satisfaction of Glorious Revenge.

I will cut off your -

Also, Monarch[Self]'s creations have consumed one of Jacob[Host]'s feet.

That proclamation stunned me out of my conference and I opened my eyes squeezing my temples. "They've gone full Princess Bride on me," I muttered.

"What was that, Queen?" Miss Militia asked.

"My wayward teammate and her merciless pet have decided to emulate one of my favorite movies as they hunt Jack Slash." I sighed as I stood. "I would appreciate it if you could somehow avoid confirming to Director Piggot that Monarch can make biotinker bugs. I'd really prefer not to have to get into another screaming match with her."

Miss Militia paled as she looked down at the dead bug at my feet as did my father. Danica just cocked her head to the side and Assault chuckled. "I will…handle the report," Militia murmured. "Is the next target area in your range?"

I raised my hand and pointed to the right. "They're that way. Not sure of the range. Feels close though."

Cassie came up to us and tapped my shoulder. "I grabbed some of the rubble and flew up. There's some smoke three blocks over in roughly the direction you were pointing. Want a ride?"

"Yes."

"Cool. Assault, you're fast so you can meet us there, it's basically a straight shot that way. Here Pokey! Move your butt!"

"Will you stop calling me that!" Flechette shouted from inside the building. "I haven't used a rapier in nearly a year!"

I frowned at Cassie and she shrugged. "Insight said to take another big gun who was more mobile. MM has a bike, and Clock doesn't count as a 'big' gun." She wiggled her eyebrows. "He says he is, but he's not."

I sighed. "Not now Cassie, but good call." As Flechette sprinted out of the building and stepped onto Cassie's piece of wall, I briefly glared at her. "You, are in trouble."

"I know," Flechette sighed. "I'll make it up to you later. I didn't know she had Monarch with her. I thought she was just going on a drunken bender. I'm sorry."

"We'll talk later. You're still in trouble."

"That's fair."

The rock lifted off and I cast my mind out seeing what we were flying towards.


We were almost at the smoke when I shook my head. "Keep going."

Cassie just nodded while Flechette frowned. "Uh, blasted spot is below us, Taylor."

"There's nothing here and I'm getting a hit from the swarm from that building on the hill. I heard shouting and cursing. It sounded like Jack."

Cassie peered along the angle of my arm and narrowed her eyes. "The one with the blue roof and the anvil in the window?"

"That's the one."

"I'll call it in," Flechette said. "That seems…far."

"It is," Cassie muttered. "Gonna have to talk to Lisa or Amy later, Tay. Just so you know."

"Don't care. Just get us over there." I narrowed my eyes as I focused more fully on the building. I didn't have many bugs in that area, but I was sending more into range. I didn't want to contact Monarch if it was actively fighting; I could distract it. My bugs would have to be enough. At the moment, all that the flies could see was a snarling, shaggy-haired, bearded man, waving a knife at the walls. The few spiders that had trooped inside were a bit better for vision. They were able to pick up on the…holy shit

"Remind me never to actually piss Madison," I muttered as Cassie slowed our ride down as we got closer.

"Why?" Flechette asked.

"Jack has about twelve bullet rounds in him. Eight in the chest, two in the arm, one in his remaining leg, and I…think she took off his ear." I winced as another shot clipped him and he spun around, blood spurting and the knife dropping as his thumb and two fingers were shot off his hand. "Christ, how is she such a good sho - Oh. Monarch is using Eyespybugs and sketching a sightline for her like I did with you and Vicky."

The other two just stared at me. We pulled up even with the blue building and Cassie shook herself. "Do you want me to set down so we can help or do you want to find Madison so we can get her away first?"

I frowned and cast out for Monarch. I lifted my arm to point to a window on a nearby building. "She's inside there. We should set down. Jack isn't…he's not going anywhere. She's also coming out now so…yeah just put us down, Cassie."

"Roger."

Our platform lowered and I picked up the rumble of Miss Militia's bike from a few blocks away as I walked to stand between the entrance to the - oh it was an art gallery - and Madison's building. She stalked out of the - coffee shop, really? - across the street and started towards us. Madison was…barely recognizable as the girl I had come to know and care for. She had urban camo pants on with combat boots and a dark grey blouse. Her already short hair had been held back with a band as well as tied off into the shortest ponytail imaginable. She had soot caking parts of her clothes and smudging her face, probably from the explosions. There was a Soldierbug on either side of her running escort as well as a small swarm of Eyespybugs just in front of her and something my senses were telling me consisted almost solely of hollow cavities and flaps - a Voicebug.

She was also carrying a fairly large rifle and Monarch was buzzing merrily away on her shoulder.

Taylor[Hub]! Monarch[Self] would like to report success in Glorious Revenge! Madison[Friend] and I have tracked and incapacitated Jacob[Host]. Monarch[Self] requested permission to devour hardline to [Broadcast] but Madison[Friend] advised it would not be satisfying.

I also have no interest in pulling [Broadcast] into our Network even in a subservient role, Taylor. QA said sighing. Honestly, it would be useful to have, but I find it…distasteful. I'll leave it up to you.

I frowned. Does it have a vendetta or an agenda like [Stinger]?

No, Jacob is the fucked up one, not the shard. I dislike [Broadcast] because it's annoying beyond belief. We have enough shards in the Network that we can mostly duplicate it's role if needed. We don't need a specialized little jerk who mostly just asks 'are we there yet' until you answer.

Would we be able to use Jack's whisper ability?

Unlikely. It's a highly specialized and atypical form of expression unique to the [Host]. The conditions required to duplicate that effect are…difficult to replicate even solely among Monarch's creations.

I nodded. Okay then, doesn't sound like there is much point; fuck him. Monarch, don't eat Jack's Corona Pollentia.

Monarch drooped ever so slightly as Madison finished her walk across the street. She finally seemed to recognize that three of us were there and her mouth twitched into a small grimace momentarily before she schooled herself back down into a completely neutral expression that gave nothing away. "Lily, Cassie…Taylor." Her voice broke for an instant when she said my name. If I hadn't been listening to her so intently, I might have missed it.

Damn it, I never should have let her stay away for the past few days.

"Hey, Mads. Whatcha doing?" I asked, forcing a smile.

"Please don't," she said closing her eyes and shaking her head. "Just…just let me finish. Please. Then I can go and you can go home and we all just…forget and…"

I stepped forward and put my hand on Madison's shoulder not taken by our team's pet monster. "Okay, look, I'm going to let you kill him, because I'm not the Protectorate, and I'm not going to preach and if you don't kill him then I will. Plus, he's basically already dying anyway, so you might as well get the full official kill here."

She nodded. "Good. Good, then once that's done I'll just go and - "

"Get in our van once Paige gets here, go home, take a shower and get into bed and talk. Talk to me, talk to Lisa, talk to Cassie, talk to fucking Mimi, I don't care. You're not talking to Monarch because you," I hissed turning to stare at the butterfly, "are in trouble too mister. But, Madison, if you're trying to say that you want to run away after you finish killing Jack, you haven't been around me long enough."

Her breath hitched and her head lifted to look at my face. I had just enough time to catch the tears pooling in her eyes before she shook her head and shuffled out of my grasp. "Deal with this in a minute," she muttered. "Gotta finish first."

GLORIOUS REVENGE! Onwards Madison[Friend]!

I slapped my head into my hand and groaned. "All. Candy. Privileges. Revoked."

Monarch wilted again. It buzzed softly as Madison stepped past me. Glorious Revenge?

"You know what? Sure. Knock yourself out. Crazy fucking shard bug," I finished in a mutter.

Flechette looked at Cassie and gestured to the butterfly of doom. She whispered, "Do you have any idea what just happened?"

"I think Taylor scolded it when it got overzealous."

Flechette nodded sagely. "I'm getting the feeling that I have no idea what I've gotten myself into by throwing my lot in with the Outcasts."

Cassie grinned and punched her shoulder. "A violently protective lesbian harem with amusingly weird alien mascots and a token boytoy plus two team dads and two team moms."

"One team dad, one team mom, and one team uncle and aunt," I muttered as I followed after Madison into the art gallery.

Madison had only been a step or two ahead of me, but she was already standing over Jack with the rifle angled towards his head. "Can't run anymore, Jack."

"What the fuck are you you psychotic bitch?!" Jack snarled. Spittle flew from his lips as he thrashed on the ground. He was lying in a puddle of his own blood, but it wasn't nearly as much as it should be; thank you Bonesaw. "What fucking power do have you fucking monster?! How did you keep coming?! How did you keep hitting me?! JUST END IT! Stop playing and just FUCKING END IT!"

"I thought you liked games Jack?" Madison murmured. She shifted her aim and fired a round into his chest. The recoil slammed into her shoulder and the sound hurt my ears. Jack screamed. "If you didn't like games why did you keep running? I warned you I would find you. Every time you stopped, I warned you. Didn't you hear my whispering?"

That explained the Voicebugs that Monarch had created. I redoubled my conviction to never piss the tiny girl off as a shudder ran down my spine.

"Fuck you bitch, fuck you and fuck your whore and your cursed fucking city! You're going to like this, you're going to get off on it and become just like me! You watch - I'll win, I'll win in the end!"

Madison knelt down and smiled as she grabbed Jack's chin in her hand. "Maybe if I had been alone. Maybe if I didn't have friends who weren't going to pull me back. But I do, Jack. Because guess what? Guess who's still alive?" She turned his head so that he could sight in on me. Jack's eyes widened as I just stared right back at him. He started breathing faster and his gaze rolled up to look at Madison as she let her hands drop and she stood back up.

"That's impossible…" He sputtered. "She died. I watched the news, I saw her dead…Your whore died…"

"She got better, face it Jack, you're not good enough to kill her."

Jack seemed to curl up into a ball - at least as much as he could while missing an arm, a leg, and with most of his remaining two limbs not working due to gunshots. "You and her and your entire fucking city is insane! Just end this…"

Cassie smirked. "Well there's something you don't see every day."

I listened to my swarm for a moment and shook my head. "Madison, Miss Militia will be pulling up in a moment along with the rest of the team and the PRT. If you want to finish this before they get here, now is the time."

She nodded. "Say goodbye, Jack." She resighted her rifle onto his head.

He barely even seemed to notice. "I should never have left the bunker…The whole fucking world is insane…"

Madison pulled the trigger. Then she pulled it again. And again. She kept pulling it until the magazine clicked to empty. Then she fumbled for a new one and emptied that into him as well. By the time the second set was gone, Jack Slash was no longer recognizable.

The weapon slipped through Madison's fingers and she stumbled back a step. I swept forward and pulled her into a hug, letting the two of us sink down to our knees as she clutched at me. Her fingers curled into balls in my shirt and her head buried into my neck as her sobs shook her entire body.

I barely even noticed as the others filed into the art gallery around us.

Madison was what was important right now.


Fanfic Rec: 'Loaf' by maroon_sweater. On SB. This is a Contessa centric fic. Contessa would like to do something without using her power after a mostly epilogue compliant backstory. (Minus a few minor changes.) Contessa decides on baking some bread. A partial crack fic taken seriously ensues. Antics include one of her attempts at baking triggering and becoming a skyscraper sized dough monster that the Simurgh has to kill. The Simurgh is so annoyed by this that she actively tries to figure out wtf happened while Contessa cringes in abject shame. Also, MiniContessas = Adorable. This is in the same universe as 'Case' and precedes that story. This is complete!