Issue 13

**Issue 13** is the thirteenth issue of *Bitter Root* and was published May 26, 2021. The thirteenth issue is included in the third collected edition, *Bitter Root: Legacy*.

## Synopsis

“LEGACY,” Part Three Blink Sangerye becomes the reluctant leader of her monster-hunting family while dealing with a terrible tragedy. In the realm of Barzakh, Dr. Sylvester uncovers the secret to saving the human race, if he can only make it back to Earth.

## Plot Summary

It's November 1925 and Ma Etta has stood down as the head of the Sangerye family. She has passed the honour to Blink. Blink stands at Enoch's grave and apologises for the arguments and distrust between the two. She remarks that despite their differences, she did love him and believed that the two of them would solve the Inzondo problem together once and for all.

A flashback to the night of Enoch's death shows a brief police enquiry. The police tell Blink that the public witnessed a dog-like creature attack and kill Enoch before dragging away Wylie's brother.

At the park, the Sangerye family and the police find plants growing rapidly in weird formation; they are twisted and resemble the Inzondo and Jinoo infection. Moments later, roots of the tree shoot out and one of the police men is grabbed. Without thinking, Berg realises that the tree is trying to feed on humans and as a result, Berg attacks the tree and snaps the branches.

A flashforward to 1927 — six months after the event in Central Park. Berg is seen sitting at home singing to himself. It is slowly revealed that Berg is in fact talking to his daughter who he had with Meriah. Meanwhile, back in 1925, Cullen, Sarah and Ford explore Tennessee. Finding themselves in an abandoned town they find numerous large and twister trees encroaching on an orphanage. As they approach the orphanage one of the trees begins reaching too for the orphanage and Ford is forced to fight the tree. Whilst Ford fights the tree, Sarah pulls the children from the orphanage and gets them to safety.

A flashback to Barzakh shows further interactions between Charlie and Doctor Sylvester. The latter has discovered that the demons that have been unleashed on Earth were once inhabitants of Barzakh that have been twisted and corrupted when the world was conquered by Adro. Charlie and Doctor Sylvester come at odds when the latter suggests sending Charlie back to Earth to join the fight. Charlie is reluctant but Doctor Sylvester tells him that he will remain behind and continue researching whilst Charlie aids the fight on Earth.

Blink finally takes control and lead of the Sangerye family. She reaches out to the other monster fighting families and organises a rally. She tells them that they must come together and unite against a common enemy; it is possible for them to get past their differences and defeat Adro but they must work together.

Six months later, however, Blink sits at Enoch's grave once more. She tells Enoch that she fears they have lost the war against Adro and have no other options. Before she can continue, however, a mysterious figure appears and tells her that the fight is not lost. It is slowly revealed to be Doctor Sylvester.

## Characters

### Sangerye Family

* Blink Sangerye
* Berg Sangerye
* Etta Sangerye
* Ford Sangerye
* Cullen Sangerye
* Charlie Sangerye

### Recurring Characters

* Doctor Sylvester
* Sarah
* Meriah

### Other Characters

* Meriah and Berg's Daughter
* Numerous Orphaned Children