#imago 21.3

[got-into-worm-by-mistake]

I honestly like that Valefor gets beaten so quickly, because it establishes how the Undersiders have really managed to truly, deeply kick ass. Also the fact that it was because Imp let Regent control her is both fucked up and awesome and fucked up (it's twice as fucked up as it is awesome, at least from a reader standpoint)

As for his eyes getting eaten out - honestly, I think this case of eye crime is even more justified than with Lung (other options to fuck with his regeneration existed, after all) since Valefor's eyes are the vehicle for his powers. And the fact that he was giving mass 'kill yourself and others' orders like that proves he's a pretty awful customer you don't want to let run around freely. And his power makes imprisoning him harder too. You'd need to cover his eyes anyway.

It's extreme, but on the list of 'Bad Taylor! No!' stuff, I'd say having Valefor's eyes get eaten out is honestly fairly low. She's done and will do worse stuff.

[harrypotterhousequotes]

SLYTHERIN: "Keep a goal in mind, look at everything through the lens of that goal, and look for paths to get what you want. If they’re prepared for you, you strike from an unexpected direction. If everyone else is expecting a maneuver from an oblique angle, you take a direct route." –John McCrae (Skitter: Worm: Imago 21.3)

[thegreatandpowerfulversy]

Or perhaps, their more formal, official name, the Hebert-jeberts. This is, of course, the real reason Taylor has bug powers.

[got-into-worm-by-mistake]

It was Valefor, in a teenage girl’s top and skinny jeans, with long, straight blond hair, and makeup caked onto his face to hide the tattoo.

If Worm had an anime, this scene would absolutely be getting some major traction in certain quarters.

[got-into-worm-by-mistake]

“Great,” Regent commented, giving Imp a look.  “Mom’s watching over us, making sure we’re doing it right.”

*cackle*

“For any of our enemies with the sense to realize it, you two are the scariest members of the Undersiders,” I said.  “Let’s focus on using that.”

I mean, don't get me wrong, Imp and Regent have some terrifying powers when you get down to it, but Taylor has GOT to stop underselling herself.

(She never will, will she?)

[got-into-worm-by-mistake]

Stranger-type capes were classified that way due to their capabilities in stealth and subterfuge.  Valefor was more the latter.  He wasn’t stealthy, exactly, but his ability to perpetrate subterfuge was devastating. One look, and his target was stunned, rendered eminently suggestible.  A hypnotic gaze, so to speak. He’d played up the telepathy angle before people caught on, and the costume that echoed the Simurgh was a token to that.  The fact that he could leave suggestions that only triggered under certain conditions was another part of it.  ‘Attack so-and-so next week’.  ‘Set fire to your workplace the next time your boss pisses you off’.

That's fucking Master, not stranger, what the absolute fuck?

[got-into-worm-by-mistake]

That would be one reason for the stranger classification, right there. The orders to kill or commit suicide were a surprise to me, but he was more than capable of covering his tracks. “Imp,” Valefor said.  “Find and kill your teammates.  I want you to kill yourself when you’re done trying.  Go, and forget I gave this order.”

Okay, but then he definitely also needs the Master category guys. This is nuts. Wtf?

[thegreatandpowerfulversy]

Oh shit... the Fallen aren't just an Endbringer cult.

They're Catholics.

[thegreatandpowerfulversy]