LPN Deep Dives: Crescent City / Episode 29: Wake Me Up Inside (SAVE MEEEEE)

Summary

LPN Deep Dives: Crescent City – Episode 29: "Wake Me Up Inside (SAVE MEEEEE)" Summary

Introduction

In Episode 29 of LPN Deep Dives: Crescent City, hosts Natalie Jean and Jackie Zebrowski delve deep into Sarah J. Maas's acclaimed adult science fiction novel series, Crescent City. Released on May 6, 2025, this episode titled "Wake Me Up Inside (SAVE MEEEEE)" offers listeners a comprehensive breakdown of the book's pivotal moments, character developments, and overarching themes. Natalie and Jackie expertly navigate through complex plotlines, providing both insightful analysis and engaging commentary for fans and newcomers alike.

Episode Highlights

1. Character Dynamics and Relationships

   • Bryce Quinlan and Hunt Athalar: The hosts explore the evolving relationship between Bryce and Hunt. Natalie emphasizes the depth of their bond, stating, "Hunt is deeply in love with Bryce, and their connection is portrayed with a mix of vulnerability and strength" (12:25).

   • Friendship and Sacrifice: Jackie highlights the theme of friendship, particularly focusing on Danika's sacrifice to aid Bryce's ascent. She remarks, "Danika's willingness to give her last bit of essence showcases the symbiotic relationship they share" (14:10).

2. Plot Progression and Key Events

   • Bryce's Descent and Resurrection: Natalie and Jackie discuss Bryce's harrowing journey into the "drop" and her subsequent resurrection, analyzing how these events shape her character development. Natalie notes, "Bryce's descent symbolizes her internal struggles, and her resurrection marks a pivotal turning point in her journey" (13:16).

   • Conflict with the Archangels: The episode delves into the escalating tension between Bryce's group and the Archangels. Jackie explains, "The Archangels' aggressive actions against Bryce's allies set the stage for the broader conflict in the series" (35:04).

3. Themes and Symbolism

   • Power and Responsibility: The hosts discuss the significant theme of power and its accompanying responsibilities, particularly in the context of Bryce acquiring immense power. Natalie asserts, "Bryce's newfound power brings not only strength but also immense responsibility, highlighting the moral complexities she faces" (33:50).

   • Redemption and Forgiveness: The episode touches upon themes of redemption, especially through the reconciliation between Bryce and her brother, Ruhn. Jackie comments, "Their heartfelt forgiveness underscores the importance of familial bonds amidst chaos" (51:00).

4. World-Building and Lore

   • The Role of the Asteri and Rigelous: Natalie and Jackie explore the intricate lore surrounding the Asteri and Rigelous, discussing their influence and the mysteries that still surround them. Natalie mentions, "The introduction of Rigelous adds a layer of mystique and raises questions about the true nature of the Asteri" (60:31).

   • The Bone Quarter and Hell's Influence: The hosts analyze the depiction of the Bone Quarter and the impact of Hell's creatures on the story's progression. Jackie notes, "The Bone Quarter serves as a haunting reminder of the past atrocities and the lingering presence of Hell's influence" (58:35).

Notable Quotes

• Natalie Jean: "Bryce's descent symbolizes her internal struggles, and her resurrection marks a pivotal turning point in her journey." (13:16)

• Jackie Zebrowski: "Danika's willingness to give her last bit of essence showcases the symbiotic relationship they share." (14:10)

• Natalie Jean: "Bryce's newfound power brings not only strength but also immense responsibility, highlighting the moral complexities she faces." (33:50)

• Jackie Zebrowski: "Their heartfelt forgiveness underscores the importance of familial bonds amidst chaos." (51:00)

Insights and Analysis

Natalie and Jackie provide a nuanced analysis of Bryce's character arc, emphasizing her transformation from vulnerability to empowerment. They commend Sarah J. Maas for crafting complex characters who grapple with personal and external challenges. The hosts also appreciate the series' rich world-building, noting how the intricate lore enhances the storytelling and sets the stage for future developments.

Conclusion

Episode 29 of LPN Deep Dives: Crescent City delivers an in-depth exploration of Crescent City, blending thorough analysis with engaging discussions. Natalie Jean and Jackie Zebrowski successfully capture the essence of Sarah J. Maas's work, offering listeners valuable insights into the characters, plot, and themes that drive the series forward. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the Crescent City universe, this episode provides a compelling look into the heart of the story.

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Note: All timestamps are approximations based on the provided transcript and may not precisely reflect the actual podcast timing.

Transcript

[Scott Aukerman]

This is Comedy Bang Bang the podcast, the promo and in 30 seconds I'm going to tell you why you should check out the show. I, the host, Scott Aukerman, have a light hearted conversation with famous celebrities like Jon Hamm, Alison Williams, Phoebe Bridgers, Jason Alexander, Natasha Lyonne, Bob Odenkirk, just to name a few things. Go a little off the rails when different eccentric characters and oddballs drop by to be interviewed as well. Each week is a blend of conversations and character work from your favorite comedians as well as some new hilarious voice. Comedy Bang Bang the Podcast. Listen every Monday wherever you get your podcasts.

[Natalie Jean]

McCrispy strips are now at McDonald's. Tender juicy and its own sauce. Would you look at that? Well, you can't see it, but trust me, it looks delicious. New McCrispy strips now at McDonald's. We're excited to announce that we're going to Prythian and Vaalbara and Basgaeth if.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

You'Re nasty and you can too.

[Natalie Jean]

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[Jackie Zabrowski]

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[Natalie Jean]

Visit fantastiquecollection.com and use our code Faybays at checkout to receive $10 off of any of these events.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Dreamers and readers.

[Natalie Jean]

Night one and two, Mythical Creatures Masquerade, Fantastic Starfall Ball and the Farewell Fae Bash.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Not only that, but if you use our code faybays at checkout for those events, you will receive an exclusive swag bag from the weekend.

[Natalie Jean]

I'll do anything for a swag bag, Natalie.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Swag. Catch me.

[Natalie Jean]

Yes, that's right. Use our code Faybase F A E B A e [e-mail] to get your $10 off of any of these events.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Dreamers and readers. Baby, I cannot wait for this.

[Natalie Jean]

Give me, give me, give me that swag. Welcome to Crescent City with your hosts, Natalie Jean and Jackie Zabrowski.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I just don't. I don't really think Angel Core is my vibe. Which is probably good because I doubt I'm going there. I just.

[Natalie Jean]

Oh, you're saying you're made for hell?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah, I'm just a little bit of a bad girl.

[Natalie Jean]

Oh my God. I was gonna say that about you. But you know, Natalie, I think you could really pull off Angel. And I am saying this currently with angel wings on. And so if it's coming for me.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh, I know. I just thought who you look like.

[Natalie Jean]

Who do I look like?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Did you already say this one? You look like beauty school dropout.

[Natalie Jean]

Beauty school dropout. Go back to high school. Go back to high school. I feel like a beauty school dropout. I don't even think they would have let me in. I remember the guy.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Remember the angel guy?

[Natalie Jean]

Oh, I do. Oh, I remember. Oh, I remember.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Listen, I'm not. I'm saying as a compliment, you look. I love this vibe.

[Natalie Jean]

Can't believe believe you said it as a compliment. Because I am really. I'm giving Davy Jones over here.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I love it.

[Natalie Jean]

I'm giving a lot of partridge. Just put a little partridge on it. That's what everybody says.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I do feel like you pulled this wig off.

[Natalie Jean]

You know, my hair look. Used to look just like this, so. I appreciate that you said that.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I guess you did have the short.

[Natalie Jean]

I did have the short hair for a really long time. So I thank you for saying that. But still, though, I did try to find a white power suit, and that sounds like not a white power. Not a white power suit. It's a white suit. Power suit. You have to say it. You have to say it powers it. Power suit. And you have to say it like that. And maybe that was what my problem was. Maybe you know what? Now that I'm saying this aloud, maybe that was just the algorithm being like, fuck off. Oh, you want a white power suit? Get the fuck right out of here. Because whatever they sent me and what I'm wearing currently is a joke. If you're going to call it a power suit.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

It's cute. I love it.

[Natalie Jean]

I look like I'm about to. To be a part of the cult that drinks the Kool Aid. Like, I'm ready to go and I'm ready to be an angel.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Because the. I'm also in white randomly. And it looks like the leader said, yeah, we are gonna dress in white. We are gonna die. But choose, like, a costume. Like, what do you wanna make?

[Natalie Jean]

Find your own thing.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah, like, become like, be creative with it.

[Natalie Jean]

Get your own zhuzh on it. It's like, you know, it's like one of the greatest of brides when they give you a color and they say, just pick out whatever you wanna wear. Which is what Natalie did and which is what I did. And smart because of it. But here's the thing, Natalie, in this cult that we are both currently in, you currently have ears on and you have whiskers. On your face. I have wings on. And I have a very bad white parachute. And who's in charge of the cult? Are neither one of us in charge?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh, I don't think.

[Natalie Jean]

Would you paw your way to the top?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I. I guess if people were willing to join a cult led by a cat, which I actually think would be very popular.

[Natalie Jean]

Uh, yeah. I mean, grumpy cat much? Everybody. I think everybody would have followed him to the death. I mean, I was just quoting earlier, Mr. Bubs. Ah. Ah, that's quote. Yeah, that's me quoting him. Every time I get an email that I don't like, I go ah. Aloud. And I wish that that could translate via email. You know what? Maybe I should start attaching a voice note.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah, sure.

[Natalie Jean]

Think of every email you get from me, starting with ah. Don't you jingle bell at my fucking face. You jingle belling at me right now. Don't, Natalie. Oh. I mean, if you weren't the head of this cult, I swear to God.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah, but I would have pet you.

[Natalie Jean]

Pet you, pet you, pet you. Um, we are not made to wear white.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

No.

[Natalie Jean]

You look weirdly good in it though.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

No, you have much better like skin tone complex. I look like a pizza piece of paper.

[Natalie Jean]

But.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Except I can't wear white. I can't wear white because I immediately. I tried so hard to not get shit on the neck. Makeup immediately on them immediately. I don't know how you all wear white. How do you do this?

[Natalie Jean]

That. And also I remember specifically people when they would choose, which was always wow. I guess could be the move. The people in New York that would take the subway and wear white on their bottom half and.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Are you joking with me?

[Natalie Jean]

You just are going to have shit on all over your butt by like noon. What are you doing?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I really, truly admire women who go out also to like the club in a full white outfit. How do you have the mental, the mental wherewithal to remember to not just rub on stuff and fall over?

[Natalie Jean]

I'm not.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I guess I'm. I sound like I'm saying I'm quirky, but I genuinely try you quirky and I can't. I cannot wear a liquid.

[Natalie Jean]

And this isn't just us goth babies just screaming out from the darkness either. Okay. It's difficult. And also, how do you find a shade of white if you have white skin? How do you find a shade that doesn't make. I guess technically it makes us look tan.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I mean, I don't know. I don't think I meant for it.

[Natalie Jean]

I don't know. All I know is that this angel is ready to fly. I guess I really like. I think it's the angel wings. I've been really given angel a lot on this show.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

It's fun.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah. And I just wanted to feel the power. Just for a moment, I wanted to feel that power. Oh, Natalie and I did like though when you first walked in, you thought maybe we had been dressed as the same character, but. Nah, dude. Nah, nah. But we are on our way out of this book nuts. And I mean, you guys have been along for the ride and we thank you so much. I've been really enjoying myself and I will say I feel like I do know Crescent City a lot better than I did.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah, I mean, I hope so. I hope you can absorbed something from the hours of content.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah. I feel the rush. Addicted to your touch. Sorry. Now I'm just thinking of the Troye Sivan song. That is real fun and real sexy. But I just imagined us wearing white at the club.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

No, we're not at a white.

[Natalie Jean]

We're at a white party. We're not at a white party. It's just that we happen to be wearing a white fursuit at the club and I imagine we would just be so disgusting and look so horrible. God, they just kick us right out. Jeff has been trying to wear lighter colors, and I tell ya, it's really difficult if you have a partner that wears makeup. If you want to start wearing lighter colors. All I'm saying, think about me and my makeup.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I mean, he should because that will affect him.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah. And I have to rub my face on him and I say, give me them titties. Give me them titties. So it's just like, there's no reason for it. He's asked me to stop and I'll never. He would never ask me to stop.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

He wouldn't.

[Natalie Jean]

Jingle bell, jingle bell.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Probably. Adam, should I take these bells off?

[Natalie Jean]

No.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Okay.

[Natalie Jean]

I'm sorry. Am I speaking for the person that edits the show? Hell no. I say add more bells on you. Yeah. Honestly? Yeah. You could have more bells. Did it come with the bells or did you add them?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Came with it. That would be so mean if I added sound to my costume.

[Natalie Jean]

You know, whatever you got to do to make the costume perfect. We have to. This is our job. Natalie Aidas Aus. I forget Aidas.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I think it's AIs. Yeah, I don't think he has bills on. So it would have been a dramatic.

[Natalie Jean]

Flare if I added it, I guess. Oh, now I'm understanding.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Did You. Who did you. What other cat did you think I was?

[Natalie Jean]

No, I really, I. Now I'm understanding, though. I. I remembered that the cat.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Unbelievable.

[Natalie Jean]

And then I was like, oh, that's why you're wearing all white. I was like, what white cat is there? I was, like, trying to think. Specifically, I was like, what am I missing? Well, technically, we're both just a couple of angels.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I don't know if he's an angel.

[Natalie Jean]

I guess he's just like a God or something where you're wearing white. So in my head, we're on the same team.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

He is a prince of the pit.

[Natalie Jean]

Semantics. As. I was just being like, I know this book so well. And then, no, I don't.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh, no, man.

[Natalie Jean]

Isn't it kind of nice to remember, you know, nothing Jon Snow? Remember when everybody was saying that, you.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Know, nothing Jon Snow, and then they.

[Natalie Jean]

Got married and they got married, they have a baby, and then now every time I see him, I go, is that Jon Snow? Or is it that other guy that also looks like Jon Snow, who was in the movie Wolf man, which we saw not that long ago? And let me say. Yeah, it should have been called Wolf Man. Yes.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I don't like to shit on movies generally because I think it's hard to make a movie, but I'm disappointed because the Invisible man was really pretty good.

[Natalie Jean]

Exactly.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Same director.

[Natalie Jean]

Exactly. And if we're rebooting the universal monsters and then monster vision, or, I'm sorry, wolf vision that he has, that's like, made out of stardust. Don't get me wrong, I say here a lot that, you know, or at least whenever I'm talking about horror movies, I talk about, if you're making a choice, I'm down and I'll go along for the ride. And we did laugh through the movie.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

It wasn't supposed to be, though.

[Natalie Jean]

That's the problem. Although for me, outside of, like, American Werewolf in London, maybe. I know we don't need to start talking about how I feel about werewolf movies. I feel that sometimes it's difficult. I don't see the Wolf Man.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

There needs to be few, few and far between me, because don't eat him.

[Natalie Jean]

He wasn't enough wolf. He was too much man.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

But now you're just thinking with your bottom half.

[Natalie Jean]

Oh, yeah, I know. You're.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

You're a monster.

[Natalie Jean]

Oh, yeah, you're right. I am a monster. Thank you for remembering. And I, you know, I feel that my monster fucker dumb grows more powerful every day, and I hope everybody feels that way. Alongside me?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yes. And why don't we join and see who's effing which monsters in chapter 94? So we're back with Bryce, and she's using her goodbye to Danika. She wants to use it to count, especially as she watches Danika fade away for good. To help her ascend.

[Natalie Jean]

I will fade away for good. Uh oh. Wicked. No, you don't, like, even get us.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

No, I don't. I'm not a wicked person. Danika has.

[Natalie Jean]

I don't.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

If you recall. Just tell them. Just being real.

[Natalie Jean]

I know, I know, and I love how. Really too real. Oh, that's your husband.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

That's my husband for real.

[Natalie Jean]

So what are you?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

As real as necessary.

[Natalie Jean]

Whoa. Bitch slay. All right, we will jump into this.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

If you recall, we were at the. We were at the bottom of Bryce's descent into her drop.

[Natalie Jean]

Oh, yeah.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

We found Danika there. Danika somehow is present. Her last little kernel of life has joined her, and she is now using the last little bit of herself to push Bryce back up to the top. And. Wow. Is that a good friend, man.

[Natalie Jean]

It really is. Even after she gave her her drop, like, I guess that was a pretty good friend already, like, give that drop, like, her drop of her essence and, like, you know, her place in the.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Whatever in the bone quarter and putting herself there.

[Natalie Jean]

So it's like. I mean, she already gave her a lot.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Sure. It's like symbiotic friendship, which is what you can always hope for with your friends, is that you both give something to the table. And if only one side is. Might not be a good Friday.

[Natalie Jean]

Whoa. Natalie. I would definitely go to the bottom of the drop and give you my last breath of essence.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Thank you.

[Natalie Jean]

Just want you to know I would do good. I was gonna say. If you didn't say that you were gonna do it. I was gonna stop the show right now. So. I'm done. I'm fucking over. I'm done. This is over badly.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Just not finishing the book.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah, right here. God, I mean, it took me this long to wait to ask you. And you should be so thankful.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

She won't let this gift be for nothing. She feels the insane amount of power coursing through her as she launches herself back to the surface. It's a mirror of her escaping the knock just a few hours prior to this.

[Natalie Jean]

That was hours ago, guys.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Hours. But same day.

[Natalie Jean]

I know. It's insane.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Instead of water filling her lungs, this time, she will just, I guess if she doesn't make it, be stuck in this plane eternally cool. That sounds like that might suck.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I don't know how it works, but she won't be making it back. She used the power of love and the power of all the creatures who donated their little drops to that arch. Perhaps unconsciously giving to a cause that would ultimately save their lives and their family and their planet. There's maybe that whoever created these arches, like, put the draw of the creatures towards it so that one day all of their, like, love and their donations would save them all.

[Natalie Jean]

Oh, my God. It's like the Gear Bears. Yeah.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

It's nice to think that there's some higher power helping everybody along, you know?

[Natalie Jean]

Sure. Yeah.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

There's not.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah, generally. But it's nice to think that there is. That there's some kind of guide. Like, I get the allure. Oh, absolutely. Of. Of wanting that. I mean, I watched the Good Place and I afterwards was like, man, I wish I believed that.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah.

[Natalie Jean]

But here's the.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

No shade.

[Natalie Jean]

No, because here's the thing. I'm envious of people that believe it. It's like, I wish I could believe it because you know, people. It's like, who. What matters? If you're. If you're not scared of it, whatever makes you not scared of it, go with it.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah, I figured. And then she hears his voice. His voice beckoning her back to life. Evanescence plays disembodied all around her.

[Natalie Jean]

Can you see into my. Wake me up.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Wake me up inside.

[Natalie Jean]

Me.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Wait. We have to each choose one.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah. Oh. Oh. We can't sing both sides of it, but we have to wake up. Did you want to keep listening to me? Not know all the words? I don't know, but I know the. Save it. Yeah.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

And that's what's happening. She's shouting out. And he is reaching down for her. Oh, she can feel him and can tell he's fighting for her life too. Pumping her chest, shouting at her.

[Natalie Jean]

I know I have to read this, but I needed to look up. It was like, technically, I guess, would they. Would he be singing my immortal instead? But like, I don't need to lose myself down in Evanescence hole over here.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

No, because my immortals, like these worlds.

[Natalie Jean]

Won'T seem to hear.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

It's about, like, just too real about being destroyed by your love.

[Natalie Jean]

Man, I just.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Too much the time you.

[Natalie Jean]

Go. That's what she would be singing. Yes. If we didn't know what was about to happen. I'm sorry. I will read the part from the book now.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I hated Evanescence, but now I enjoy her and I think my favorite song is actually. I think my favorite song is actually the other big one. So is it called Sober? Call me when you're sober?

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah. Yes. Yes. I don't remember. Call me when you're sober.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

That's a good one.

[Natalie Jean]

That is a good one.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

That music video rules.

[Natalie Jean]

I used to love that music video. My problem is I really only leaned into Fallen that one album, and I then moved on to other. I don't want to call Evanescence new metal.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I mean, they're right in there.

[Natalie Jean]

They're in there.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah.

[Natalie Jean]

And I don't say it disparagingly. Thank you very much. All right, now I'll read the excerpt from the book. Even before she had come to lie dead before him, he'd fought to keep her heart going. Bryce smiled in this place between and at last careened toward Hunt. She's coming, baby. She's coming, baby.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

We cut to Hunt, who is conveniently who conveniently has lightning to use at his disposal to try to shock her heart into punching.

[Natalie Jean]

Which is awesome. And it does have, like a pit crossover. But we're not talking about the pit right now. No, we're not clear.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

He's trying to stay calm even though he doesn't know how long she has been collapsed. Because when he awoke, he was all healed. And when he was awake and probably confused since the last I imagine he remembers is falling out of the sky and then blacking out and then just waking up. His wings are back.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

But now Bryce is unconscious next to the gate.

[Natalie Jean]

Can't wake up.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

No. Can't wake up. And then he.

[Jesiba Roga]

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[Natalie Jean]

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[Jackie Zabrowski]

You're like that guy.

[Natalie Jean]

I am that guy, yes. I'm your hype bitch forever, dude. It just makes me think of like the 90 Day Fiance, like Interlude songs. Was like, you watch as she cries, as she stares out the window.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Somebody watches TV for their other podcast.

[Natalie Jean]

Do I watch a lot of television? I just like the interstitial songs.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

But he's using his battlefield training to focus on her life.

[Natalie Jean]

Yes.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

And so he's like, panicked, but he's becoming military man in this moment. And then he can feel her power returning as though it was him coming back. Because they're connected.

[Natalie Jean]

Yes.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

He doesn't know how her power is so great or who helped her ascend, but he knows she's made the drop. He thinks he's been through every part of his life for this moment. For Bryce.

[Natalie Jean]

I won't sing it. I have to stop singing. I'm sorry. Once I stop, I'm like a Pringles can.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

What the fun.

[Natalie Jean]

Don't stop.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Ah, yes, of course. He continues compressions even as he feels her approaching. Come on.

[Natalie Jean]

He repeated, pumping her chest. He'd been waiting for her from the moment he'd been born. And as if she'd heard him, Bryce exploded into life. Yes.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh, my God. He is in love with her. Yeah. There's no Evanescence song for after. Because it's always about being sad. Part of it.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah. That's the sad part of it.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah. She doesn't do any happy songs.

[Natalie Jean]

No.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Bryce awakens, knowing she is home. Hun's wings wrap around them both as she takes her first unassisted breaths.

[Natalie Jean]

I want to be wrapped up by wings so badly.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I know. For a moment she only lives in the embrace and his scent. Then she pulls back and raises her hand to his brow with wonder. The tattoo is gone.

[Natalie Jean]

Whoa. She just says, I liked it better with the tattoo. And then she died.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah. So spoiler alert, guys.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Great.

[Natalie Jean]

End of the book. We did it. Wow.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I actually think the tattoo is what made me into you.

[Natalie Jean]

She had to get that one last detail out. No.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

She is filled with wonder and Joy and tears pouring down both of their faces. She asks if Hunt has just called her a coward because he had just previously the moment before. Because of what? Did I forget to put that clip in? I did. I meant for me to say that part. Well, which part? He calls her a coward as he's giving her heart to heart, resuscitation, Hand.

[Natalie Jean]

To heart, heart as the penis. I'm sorry I said that as I was looking up the lyrics for I'll follow you into the dark.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh, I love that death Cab song.

[Natalie Jean]

Song. It's my favorite death cap song. No, I. Oh, God. Follow you into the dark. Oh, my God. I did watch them sing it live not that long ago. And I cried and I cried and I cry, cried.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

But what I meant to say.

[Natalie Jean]

Yes.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Was that her first words to him are asking if he called her a fucking coward, which causes Hunt to laugh freely, which we don't see a lot, which is very sweet.

[Natalie Jean]

Oh, my God. And how hot is he while he laughs?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Very hot.

[Natalie Jean]

Can you imagine how hot his laugh is, bro? And the kind of laugh when it's like, man, oh, you know, I have dated a couple of unfunny people in my life, shockingly. And, man. And you just, like, every once in a while, you work so hard to just get a laugh every once in a while, and you're just like, oh, if you could just do it more often. I need. I wish I could open the spigot of your laughter.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Or they're just not right for you.

[Natalie Jean]

Whoa, Natalie.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

They exchange words and embraces, but only for a moment before they are interrupted by a bunch of looky loos coming out, being confused but happy. The gates have all been closed. If you'll recall, she also did that with her descent. In just a few minutes, the city went from apocalyptic to sort of okay, except for those who had already died. Unfortunately, there's a lot of them. But beyond that, the people who are injured were healed by her magic. The two of them get to their feet to address the people who are out gaping at them. Her power is new and feels foreign in her body, but she'll have to take some time.

[Natalie Jean]

With that, she peered up at Hunt, who was now gazing at her as if he couldn't quite believe his eyes. She took his hand, interlaced their fingers, and together they stepped forward to greet the world.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh, there. There are a couple.

[Natalie Jean]

And you're like, oh, this is the end. This. I do think this book, I was just like. And then it doesn't end. Okay. And then it it doesn't end okay. And then we're just. We got a little bit more to go.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

A little bit. We're a little bit later in the day at Chapter 95 with Brunt walking up to the apartment front door, greeted by a hysterical Syrinx. Because Syrinx probably. I don't know. We don't know how sentient Syrinx is. Still. We're not quite sure.

[Natalie Jean]

No, we don't know much about Syrinx, but I feel like that's something that we are going to learn more about.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Bryce is confused why he's not in his crate, which an amused Hunt says he'll explain later because she doesn't know that he can teleport. Suddenly, the impact of all that's happened and will happen in the aftermath crashes down on Bryce and she embraces Syrinx and begins to sob. There are many, many dead people and chaos is occurring in the streets below. There will be so much to sort out on top of Danika and Lehabah's sacrifices.

[Natalie Jean]

Lehba.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Lehaba not knowing where her friends or brother are.

[Natalie Jean]

We're just gonna have to start wearing that costume just out and about. We did both work on our separate Leba costumes.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

We can probably still wear them for the other Sprites, though.

[Natalie Jean]

Oh, I mean, how dare. I mean spoiler, but also, how dare you mean we'll create full new other Sprite outfits. Sure, sure, sure, sure, sure, sure. Because you're also important. All right? You're not nachos of lamba. Okay. You're right.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

We should spend more money.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah, yeah.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

They're worth it.

[Natalie Jean]

What am I doing? Why am I saying this?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I don't know. Everything is crashing down on her. Hunt just picks her up, searing all. All too familiar with tragedy himself. He carries her into her bedroom and sits lightly on the edge of her bed, letting her cry as he holds her. She notices in this time that though Hunt's halo is gone, his sleeve tattoo remains on his wrist. It's then he reveals that he has killed Sandriel.

[Natalie Jean]

Awesome. They both kill angels that day, which is pretty cool.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I mean, definitely seems like they're match made in wherever. Not heaven.

[Natalie Jean]

Hell. Yes, with one L. You and me.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Against the world, baby. As Amber likes to say. My other co host. They look like.

[Natalie Jean]

How dare you talk about her in front of me.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

The people, the peach. They're the people who have the. The bedspread that has the two skeletons on them that says me and you forever, baby. Have you ever seen those Facebook kind of ads?

[Natalie Jean]

Yes. Oh, yeah. Yeah.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

My.

[Natalie Jean]

Oh, yes. Oh, yeah. I almost bought a shirt for myself that just says my bitch got tism on it.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh.

[Natalie Jean]

But I did take a picture of it and I sent it to Jeff and I said, thinking of you.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

And he said, no, thank you.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah. And he's like. He's like, are you really gonna buy that? And I was like, no, of course not. But man, Spencer's has really, really leaned into being Spencer's. If anybody hasn't been inside of one in a minute.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh, that's a Spencer's.

[Natalie Jean]

It was at Spencer's. Yeah.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Know that they made it through.

[Natalie Jean]

They just had a shirt that just said cunt on and it was just like, wow.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I mean, it's Spencer's. That's what they do.

[Natalie Jean]

It still goes there.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

That were the first place that I ever saw sex toys.

[Natalie Jean]

Oh, yeah. And penis noodles. I just. I thought there was going to be a day that it was all gonna be penis noodles. But here's the thing. They're pretty expensive.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Penis noodles.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah. Specialty noodles.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I imagine they're not very good noodles either.

[Natalie Jean]

No, no, no, no. But maybe that'll be next when Henry and I try to make our own pasta again. Whenever, once a year, Henry and I get a nona hair in our ass and we decide to make homemade pasta. And then we wait until the next year because making homemade pasta for usually 30 people is difficult.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

But I get to reap the benefits.

[Natalie Jean]

This is the thing. Oh, that chewy, chewy pasta.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

So the two of them share their desires to wait. To fully tell the stories of angel sides they did that day. Hunt asks about the star power she's kept from him as they both look down at her over her heart, where the light has come from. And they realize that she's got a star shaped white scar there, like a heart chakra.

[Natalie Jean]

Ooh.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

He tells her she needs to start learning how to control the well of power now inside her. And she teases him that he's already asking her to get back to work. They stop for a moment and gaze at one another, both astounded that they are here, together. Alive. Suddenly, Bryce's mood shifts to longing and Hunt realizes it.

[Natalie Jean]

Thank God.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh, no, no, no. Oh, no. Sweet summer child, you'll be listening to this scene.

[Natalie Jean]

Nope.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

So their scene gets interrupted. And if you will keep. If you are keeping track along with our research assistant, Jess, that is cockblock number five.

[Natalie Jean]

Cockblock number five.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

That's right, folks. You thought you knew what gooning was. Ever try 800 pages?

[Natalie Jean]

Oh, my God, I'm begging for it. Even just a little sip. Give me a little sip.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

More than 800 pages, actually. But that's all I'll say about it. If you haven't read the books, Bryce's mom is here to be a mom and be worried about also spoiling the mood. Because at the end of that scene, the block this time is Ember Quinlan.

[Natalie Jean]

And she's a beautiful cock block to have, but not when she's your mother.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

It's understandable because she's most likely losing her mind with worry because she has honor from Bryce. Just got sacked, y'all. She's sobbing as Bryce picks up the phone. So Bryce drags her ass to the shower and douses herself in ice water as she and her mom talk. Ember knew some of what's happened, but not all she's been told. Bryce has made the drop, and some things about what's happened in the city. Declan has filled her in on these things, but Ember mentions that it was the Autumn King who instructed Declan to. She and Bryce acknowledge that her heritage has been revealed to the public. So they're not, like, saying the Autumn King did something cool or nice, but he made this weird declaration to Declan to hit up Ember about the information. And you're just like, what is your deal?

[Natalie Jean]

What are you. What are you doing? Tell us more.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Her mom reveals to Bryce a new piece of info that she has received as much power as her father.

[Natalie Jean]

It's gotta be so annoying because while you're making the drop, like, there's no, like, checkpoints. It's not like you're hitting, like, oh, you're doing good. Oh, yeah, keep going. You know, it's like there's none of. I feel like it should be, like, you know, the water bottles that have the inspirational slogans on the side?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

It seems like they have the tech on the outside.

[Natalie Jean]

Outside.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

But when you're in it, you don't.

[Natalie Jean]

That's what I mean. And it's like, you know, you don't know how far down you're gonna go. You don't know.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

That's what. That's part of the journey of it. You can't know. You have to sort of, like, live inside of it and experience it. Now, Bryce knows that she got the same level of power as her father, which is a very high amount of power.

[Natalie Jean]

Take that, Daddy.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

She's a little stunned by it, but she tries to put that thought away for another day to contemplate what that means.

[Natalie Jean]

You're gonna have to process Those daddy issues at a different time.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

And also the sort of sociopolitical issues that go along with it. In this world, if you have that level of power, that means something politically and all.

[Natalie Jean]

Great stuff. Great amount of responsibility. Oh, Spider man. Yes.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh, she's a bit of a Spiderman.

[Natalie Jean]

I'm sorry, I'm like a nerd.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

You're such a dork.

[Natalie Jean]

Thank you.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

We cut over to Hunt, who was listening to Bryce's convo with her mom after he has also dumped ice water all over himself to calm his hormones, which have not fully calmed. He is listening to Bryce snark at her mom, who is needling into her, trying to get info about Hunt and the status of the relationship.

[Natalie Jean]

Can you imagine the level of hard a person with a penis must be if you just literally followed each other into the dark, extricated each other from the shadows of non existence back to life, Start the process of fucking for the first time at least, like enjoying it.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

On top of revealing, mostly to himself so far that he's madly in love with this.

[Natalie Jean]

And then mommy walking walks in. I think I'd need a lot more than cold water to get me out of that situation.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Well, he's not fully out of it. He dirty little Hunt can only think about their time on the couch before everything went nuts and all the things he's planning on doing to Bryce to get her moaning.

[Natalie Jean]

Even though he had active wounds on him, he still is just like, take me back to it.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah. Remember when my wings got sawed off? Please take me back.

[Natalie Jean]

I bloodied all over the couch.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

But he got to finger banger, you know?

[Natalie Jean]

I know. Oh, God. But he needs a release to try.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

To calm his blood. He grabs a burner phone he has for emergencies and begins the process of reporting and checking in with the ox. Isaiah is relieved to hear from Hunt, but doesn't have a ton of time to chat since the government is in a full crash out. Can't relate. He's been put in charge. We need Hunt. We need a. We do.

[Natalie Jean]

We need a big, thick man made.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Out of lightning who's also sensitive.

[Natalie Jean]

Oh my God. And also will listen to me and like also finger bang me and then also like, make me smile.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Okay, I'm gonna say I don't want to be finger banged by the government.

[Natalie Jean]

No. And also, I imagine. See, this is the thing you'd think like, oh, I bet he's got big, rough, sassy hands, But I bet he knows how to use them.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh, yeah, he knows how to be gentle.

[Natalie Jean]

I don't think he knows how to use them.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

He's been put in charge. That is Isaiah. At least temporarily, until the Asteri figure out what to do with the open archangel slots, which of course is a big old loose end not sewn up yet. They must be pissed right now.

[Natalie Jean]

Thank you for asking. And yes, I am.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah, you are really mad. And that you are very intimidating.

[Natalie Jean]

Thank you. I'm about to Rigelous all over you.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Rigel is all over you does sound like a good euphemism, right?

[Scott Aukerman]

This is Comedy Bang Bang the podcast, the promo, and in 30 seconds, I'm gonna tell you why. You should check out the show. I, the host, Scott Aukerman, have a lighthearted conversation with famous celebrities like Jon Hamm, Alison Williams, Phoebe Bridgers, Jason Alexander, Natasha Lyonne, Bob Odenkirk, just to name a few things go a little off the rails when different eccentric characters and oddballs drop by to be interviewed as well. Each week is a blend of conversations and character work from your favorite comedians, as well as some new hilarious voices. Comedy Bang Bang the Podcast. Listen every Monday, wherever you get your podcasts.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

So Hunt and Isaiah discuss the state of the city. The missile launchers are gone. Thankfully Naomi is live. And now Isaiah needs Hunt to come help because the city's falling apart. So that means no booty today.

[Natalie Jean]

Again, just let him come. Let him come. Nope.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

In fact, he's not sure what sort of fate is awaiting him because again, they just killed two archangels and so he now has his stomach and his heart just drop because he assumes now that if he's lucky, they'll not kill him. Allow him to stay in Lunatheon and maybe he'll be able to see Bryce. Sometimes this is that all of the reality is rushing in on him and his he's just so sad. He knows it might be much worse after what he's done to Sandriel. He gets ready to leave the apartment and face his fate.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah, I feel like those are really like money moves that you make when you really think you're about to die. You know, you're like, well, then I'm just gonna take out as much I can as I go. But then you gotta deal with it and you can't come. Oh, yoyoi.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I know. Back to Bryce. As she is hanging up with her mother before she can check on Hunt, her phone rings from an unsaved number. She assumes it's Jesupa. It's not.

[Natalie Jean]

She knew that voice, knew the lanky teenage body. It belonged to a Shell to house an ancient behemoth. To house an Asteri. She'd seen and heard it on TV so many times she'd lost count.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Hello, you, Brilliance, she whispered. Bryce is understandably terrified at the start of chapter 96. I would also be very scared. And Asteri on the phone is zero chill level.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah. And I really also, I think even though you would know that the archangels use phones, I think I would just expect them to be able to just.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Like come into your brain.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah, exactly. Like I, I, I, I expect them to have that level of power that I would be so shocked if one called me on the phone. Yeah. How are. I feel like. You feel like you shouldn't even be able to touch a phone.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Right.

[Natalie Jean]

If you're in Asteri.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

And they probably, you know, I imagine they're not. Like maybe they're projecting their voice into the electricity.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah, it's definitely magic.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

It's not him on some like.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah. Trying to leave a voicemail. You know what I mean? Yeah. I don't think he waits for somebody to answer. I would assume he at least has an assistant or something patch him in.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah, maybe a bit. To her own surprise. Why do I always say his name wrong? Regulus.

[Natalie Jean]

Rigelus.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Rigelus. Maybe to her own surprise, Rigelus is calling to commend her for stopping the demons.

[Natalie Jean]

Uh huh. Honey mouth. Spiked hands.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yes. He also mentions that there were many surprises today. This isn't good news. That they know what and who she is, what she did today. They can't possibly be happy about it, she thinks. She walks to the living room where Hunt is already listening, fear in his eyes.

[Natalie Jean]

But Rigelous, you should stop. Every time. And I'll just say it. We'll just patch it. We'll patch it in.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

But Rigelous, you have to do it to sound like my voice. Okay, but Rigelous, that's a little, I think that's too nice. That's too kind to sound like.

[Natalie Jean]

What do you mean? That was just out the gate. You know, I don't work on it. It would be weird if I did. I work on my Natalie impressions every day when I go home from work.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Jeff needs to have a conversation.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Rigels continues that as a reward that the Asteri would like to grant Bryce a favor. Anger sparks in her as the memory of just earlier that evening when they had tried to level her entire city with her in it. Yeah, she doesn't express this. Of course. He tells her. The favor has already Been granted. And Hunt, shocked, holds up his wrist to her, showing that the tattoo on his wrist has now been stamped out.

[Natalie Jean]

Rigelous. But you're not nice. You're an archangel.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah, I find, you know, I think they're also in the same mindset of being. That sounds a little suspicious to me. Rigelous.

[Natalie Jean]

Rigelous, Rigelous, Rigelous.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I'm British.

[Natalie Jean]

You're British.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Rightlace continues with a veiled warning. A little bit of a here you go, peon.

[Natalie Jean]

Right?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Now that this all done, be a good little cretin. And you and Hunt go live in your dumb lives. And don't mess with us, child.

[Natalie Jean]

Yes. Leave us alone. Because now they know she's so strong. So it is also, you know, you can tell that it is also like a. We know how strong you are. Just letting you know. And she like, ah, that's not fair. But we watched it. Sorry.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah. Too scared to stop herself. She makes herself ask about Micah and Sandriel because, you know, better to get over with it instead of wonder if they're going to do some new trick to her.

[Natalie Jean]

That's the thing. Because they know that they killed them. So it's like, may as well ask, but.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Right. Just says that they got what they deserve for being traitors. But that.

[Natalie Jean]

Okay, right, okay, okay.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

But. But that in so many words. She better not tell anyone what she knows. He goes on to express his deepest regrets from the Asteri for bombing their, you know, their entire city. Sandriel.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah, it's okay. Maybe the angels made a bad mistake.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Well, they blame it on Sandriel. They say Sandriel told them that everybody had already left the city.

[Natalie Jean]

Oh, definitely. Race me. Look at my cheap wig. It couldn't have been me. Yeah, right.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Rigelus also hints that should Bryce speak about what happened to the archangels to anyone, it would be bad for her.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah, I made to. Ooh, threaten. You better watch out when I come around with my. My pokey index finger. And I'll tell you what. Because you're not supposed to poke at somebody. It's not good. It's not. It's very. It's.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

People don't care for it. Remember when Facebook had that option and literally every human being hated it? Except for the creepiest, the creepy men.

[Natalie Jean]

It was always people that I remember. Cause, like, that was like, when Facebook. It was just people that were in college, and it was just like. It was always someone that, like, found me and, like, saw me at a party. And then, like, they would just like poke you every like two or three days. I'm just like, just fucking stop. I didn't talk to you then and I don't want to talk to you now.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Why would you choose the most. The most irritating form of communication as a thing you could do on social media?

[Natalie Jean]

Nobody wants to be poked ever. Who does Lick. Yeah. Yeah.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Like what get. Somebody gets into your personal space. Thank you.

[Natalie Jean]

Get away from me.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

So I, I always have this part to me I have to work through mentally because it's not. It's surprising to me that they don't just like Princess Diana.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah. Goodbye her. Yes.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

But we don't know the games the Asteri play.

[Natalie Jean]

No, we know they're always thinking 20 steps ahead.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah. It's like do they keep her alive with Hun because they want to be able to utilize her for something or do they because they're so over. They're the Overlords so heavily. There has to be a reason why they're keeping her alive. But we don't know why. No, because the easier thing would be to like, oops, she fell underneath this truck. I don't know what happened.

[Natalie Jean]

Especially right now with all this chaos happen. They going. I mean they really could get rid of her.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I guess maybe they would be more irritated with. It might be like a Fae uprising. And then there would be like a bunch of battles that's like. It gets in their way of their. What they.

[Natalie Jean]

You're right. Because you don't want to make a martyr out of her because everybody just watched her do this. So if all of a sudden she goes missing, that would be. Even though like you know that the angels could deal with it. It's not like they couldn't get away with it. But you know, it's probably. There's like. I don't even want to deal with it.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

It's so true about the martyrdom for both good or bad. If somebody dies and already has like some power over people. And I'm talking about my other show now, but the LDS church, like Joseph Smith being shot, created a martyrdom that has extended into the 2025. Which is crazy.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

So she of course agrees to this because what. What choice does she have? So she says, yes, we'll just go about our day. And they kind of wanted that anyway. Both of them wanted. All they wanted was a simple, simple, kind.

[Natalie Jean]

Yes. Natalie. Oh my God.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Not that we're Gwen fans right now. I know she watches Hunt sit down on the couch, both relieved and on edge, sort of incredulous.

[Natalie Jean]

To what's just gone incredulous.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Incred. Rigelous in Cryogelis.

[Natalie Jean]

Woohoo. Yeah. I don't know if you guys know this, but I still get it.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I still got it, baby. Sorry.

[Natalie Jean]

My wings are also making a lot of sounds. The clicking and the clacking of my wings and the jingle jingle and the clicking and the clacking.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

It's Mr.

[Natalie Jean]

Sorry, Adam.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

What does ASMR stand for?

[Natalie Jean]

ASMR. Ass suck my Rigelous. Okay, well, and it's crazy. That's how they came up for the name Rigelous, because of asmr.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh, I didn't understand the wings so well. It's better that they're kind of both kind of confused in this moment, but it's better than Rigel is immediately asking for Han's head on a platter so they know they're going to be closely watched. Yeah, they get this time though. So they're kind of. It's better.

[Natalie Jean]

Yes.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Than what could have happened.

[Natalie Jean]

Yes.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

She notices that he is unfortunately dressed more than he was before, not less as she would like him to be as they had planned. And that's when he tells her what Isaiah has asked of him. He asks her if she wants to come join him in regulating the Ox headquarters. Of course, I don't think either of them plan on being out of sight of one another for a while, so she says, yes, I'm coming. Coming. We cut to just a little later as they're about to launch off the top of the building towards the Ox, when approaching figures catch Bryce's eye down on the street. With her new extended eyesight, she doesn't have to say anything before Hunt scoops her up and flies them both down to the street to greet the arriving figures of Rune, Tristan and Fury. As they land, Fury does in a very unfair fury action by jumping on Bryce and hugging her tightly.

[Natalie Jean]

Oh, even Fury has a feeling.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Fury got a feeling. She doesn't seem to be one to express outward emotion often, but after all that's happened, hopefully she'll give Bryce more credit now that she's done all this and quit treating her like a big dumb sexy baby.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah, but now she's a big dumb sexy baby with a lot of starlight power.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Now she's a big dumb sexy woman.

[Natalie Jean]

Kind of nice.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Bryce smiles. But then the sight of Fury sets her into a panic as she remembers she hasn't checked in on Juniper yet. But of course Fury knows June is safe. She might have a little bit of stake in that. She tells Bryce. She's going to check on her. And then she runs off. Bryce looks at her brother, who is road worn but unharmed thanks to her first lap. He tries to act calm and report to her all of the updated information, but she can see the emotion welling up inside him, probably remembering her words she used as her goodbye to him, overwhelmed with thinking that he was losing her and then didn't.

[Natalie Jean]

A breeze off the Istros ruffled his black hair and it was the tears that filled his eyes, the wonder in them that had Bryce launching forward, had her throwing her arms around her brother and holding him tightly.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

So she had said in her last moment, she thought were her last moments, that she forgave him for everything.

[Natalie Jean]

Oh God, you know, I love a brother and sister coming together and yeah.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

And they have, you know, much to work through. But now all Ruhn has really wanted was to have a relationship with his little sister. And Bryce also, she wanted it too. But she had to. She had a lot. She was still working.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah, she had to unpack a couple things, but even then it's not like, you know, God, therapy. They all need therapy. She needs to be talking about this stuff. But you know, as close as she can get to Fey repeat is, you know, being about to die and being like, I forgive ya. Yeah, it's done, it's over, it's over, we're good.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

They let go and exchange sentiments the way siblings do, Ruhn telling her to shut up after she makes a snarky comment, but there's only love and apologies in their words. She knows there's much to tell him, but he seems to understand that that's going to have to wait for another day soon. She thanks him for coming to the city to find her. You're my sister.

[Natalie Jean]

Ruhn didn't bother to keep his voice down. No, there was pride in his voice and damn, if that didn't hit her.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

In the heart, of course I'd come save your ass.

[Natalie Jean]

She punched his arm, but Ruhn's smile turned tentative.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Did you mean what you said to Athelr about me?

[Natalie Jean]

Tell Ruhn I forgive him?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yes, she says. He tells her he can't believe she'd think that he'd be angry about her starborn power because as we learned, she kept her well of, you know, star power away from everyone, even Ruhn, because she just really wanted Ruhn to be able to feel like he meant something to his father, of course, and didn't.

[Natalie Jean]

Want to take away from him and his power. Even though to Ruhn, because he's a good brother. And a good person doesn't see it as taking away from him his power. It only adds to their power.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

And that is the most untoxic masculinity that exists. The strongest, most badass men are not intimidated by women.

[Natalie Jean]

High Prince of the Volbar Give me, give me, give me, give me, give me.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Love Rune.

[Natalie Jean]

I know, dude. Although I gotta back off. Rune's yours.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

All right. Thank you.

[Natalie Jean]

I'll leave them. Thank you.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I leave Hunt.

[Natalie Jean]

Thank you. Thank you. Appreciate it.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

He just wanted a sister this whole time. And so that's all he wants, is to have this relationship. She tells him she'll think about it and winks at him.

[Natalie Jean]

Cute.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Bryce tells him that Hunt has told her that Ruhn has mind speaking power because he kept that. That's the thing he kept from everybody.

[Natalie Jean]

Right.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

It's a kind of a. Probably a weaponized thing. An easily weaponized thing.

[Natalie Jean]

Of course.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Even so, Bryce had no idea Ruhn can do this. But because Ruhn used it on Hunt out of necessity at the summit, Hunt has revealed that to Bryce because they're a couple and they don't keep secrets.

[Natalie Jean]

Oh, my God. Even though they're not keeping dick between them, but they are keeping secrets.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

So now Ruhn knows. Bryce knows. Ruhn's mildly annoyed, but doesn't seem surprised. He does it to her to answer one of her questions, and she tells him it's creepy, but it's cute. Yeah. His phone rings. But before he answers, he asks if he can come over to her house tomorrow, which is cute. She teases him, but says yes. He walks away. Talking to Declan on the phone, Bryce.

[Natalie Jean]

Looked to the rooftop across the street where the angels still waited for her. A shadow against the night, but no longer the shadow of death. Oh, I mean, I think he's still a shadow of death, but, you know, I don't think he could take that away from him. You know what I mean? I think still. I mean, he's still the umbra mortis.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

You know, I think that he gets to kill who he wants to now.

[Natalie Jean]

He gets to kill whomever he sees. That is. And that's so nice. Use all that power that you haven't been able to get to for years. Wrap me in your lightning.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Bryce is alone in chapter 97. She and Hunt had spent two days working on smoothing out the chaos at the Ox, assisting Isaiah. But Bryce hits a wall and Hunt orders. Not physically, but, like mentally. And Hunt orders Naomi to fly her back to the apartment. Apartment she's too wrecked to Argue. And after sleeping for a few hours at the apartment, she wakes to find Hunt has. Still. Is still at the committee. Um, and Naomi is still standing watch across the way.

[Natalie Jean]

Man, talk about burnt out. You know, I feel like there are times when we feel burnt out. And then you think about that. It's like, man, it's just like, can we get. Can we just take a couple of days off of. Oh, I guess.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh, yeah. Oh, it's hard to run a city. Have you ever tried to make five hours of content one day?

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah. Think about difficult it is for us. Think about it black.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Like they know.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

You think. You know.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah. It's like, we are the asteri of comedy.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

We are the asteroid of comedy. So we walk. I think that makes us bad.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah. As I said, I was like, maybe I don't think we want to be that. So maybe we're not that.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

So Naomi's there. Hunt isn't ready to let Bryce out of someone's sight. And, I mean, it's. That's fair. There's going to be a lot of people having eyes on her for a long, long time. Bryce leashes up searing. And the two of them walk in the quiet streets, still reeling from the attack. But because it's dawn's early light, it's really quieted down and people are kind of dealing with their own stuff. She walks all the way to the water's edge and sits at a bench there, reflecting on the fact that the mer had in fact shown up to help. Help during all of the chaos and had saved many lives by taking them down into, like, the water, the air bubbles or whatever.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah, bubble safety. Yes.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Therian had convinced the River Queen to give her support to Bryce in the coming months.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah, which is great.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Even the otters held. They took tiny creatures underwater to see.

[Natalie Jean]

If they gave bubbles to the others.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Little tiny with their little hands.

[Natalie Jean]

Oh, my gosh. Maybe they floated and watched all the portals get closed. And maybe they cheered.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Hands.

[Natalie Jean]

Oh, my God. They held hands.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

After a moment, Bryce pulls out her phone and texts Juniper that she's going to come to the next ballet class. Healing.

[Natalie Jean]

Yes.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Juniper is taken aback that Bryce is thinking about ballet right now, but is also happy about it. Bryce watches the sun rise for a time and then pulls her phone back out.

[Natalie Jean]

Bryce's eyes stung as she smiled softly, then read through Connor's last words to her. Message me when you're home safe. Bryce began typing the answer. It had taken her two years nearly to the day, to write. I'm home. Home. A a brings tears to my eyes.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

She then deletes the threads and gets up ready for a new start. That healing moment where you can let go of some of the traumas.

[Natalie Jean]

Except that's a different kind of healing.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah, that's a much sadder.

[Natalie Jean]

It's a sadder league of their own healing.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

As she's about to turn, something catches her eye across the river. And suddenly the mists lift from the bone quarter. No one ever sees what's beyond there, so this is quite a surprise. And she's shocked to see a beautiful landscape laid out before her. Not a scary kind of graveyard feel, but fields of green, a gift from.

[Natalie Jean]

The under king for saving the city. Tears began rolling down her face as she beheld the near invisible figure. All six of them. The seventh gone forever, having yielded her eternity. But the tallest of them standing in the middle with his hand lifted in greeting. Bryce brought her hand to her mouth, blowing a gentle kiss.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

The mists return and as she begins to walk home, Hunt texts her asking where she is. She tells him she'll be right there and he responds that he's making breakfast. Her heart sings and she and Syrinx practically run back home to greet her future.

[Natalie Jean]

Oh, Mr. Bubsing right now, you know I don't like the end that is happy.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh, but you don't like.

[Natalie Jean]

I don't like the end, though. I don't like. I don't want anything to ever end. I hate endings. But don't worry, it's, you know, technically not the end.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Not even close. And in fact, we have an epilogue. We find ourselves with Jesupa Roga and the Prince of the Chasm Adas hanging out on a park bench. Curious. Okay, I don't know that these people even know each other at this point. So Aidas is in his cat form and they seem to be kikiing. We just get a glimpse of these two mysterious characters who seem very familiar with one another. She asks why he never told her about Bryce's starborn powers. So apparently they convalesce routinely. They have some sort of relationship. And apparently Aidas knew about her powers and Jespa? Didn't they discuss Thea's light and how they both believed it to be forever extinguished, but Bryce is displaying it very specifically so they both realized they were wrong.

[Natalie Jean]

Okay.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Prince Palias didn't end it as they had believed in the lore which we learned about chapters back. Aidas knew Bryce's light to be directly connected to Thay's Aidas's thoughts Confirm to the reader that the creatures who poured out of the portals were from his land of hell, but they were currently back in Hell being punished.

[Natalie Jean]

I will say not. Not to defend the demons, but, like, if you see a portal open, you're gonna go through the portal.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

You wanna go look like.

[Natalie Jean]

I feel like they shouldn't be punished. They were just demons being demons.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah. Especially if they're just. That's in their nature.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah. And I feel like. Or if a demon is punished, is that, like, being celebrated for us? Like, do the demons like the punishment? I don't know. This is much further than we're gonna get.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

That's deep. Deep in the king community. Stuff that I don't understand.

[Natalie Jean]

I don't know. We'll have to find out. But I just feel. I feel for the demons as a monster. I feel for the.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I understand.

[Natalie Jean]

Thank you.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

So it's interesting because in this moment, in epilogue, we learn that though these are hell creatures, that they weren't supposed to come out.

[Natalie Jean]

They weren't sent there.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

So what is hell, exactly? We don't know. As if they hadn't been sent through the portals, if that makes sense. They escaped. Jesiba inexplicably asks him about Hunt.

[Natalie Jean]

Aida said at last.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I think Athelar's father would have been proud. Okay. Come again? Okay. Interesting.

[Natalie Jean]

Baking powder. Aidas shrugged as best his feline body would allow.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Feel free to disagree, of course.

[Natalie Jean]

He said, leaping off the bench.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

You knew the male best.

[Natalie Jean]

His whiskers twitched as he angled his head.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Uh, excuse me. Ex. Squeeze me. Okay, so we got a little cliffhanger there. SJM in the epilogue, bro.

[Natalie Jean]

Cause you think, like, wow, she's really tying all this up with a perfect little bow, ain't she? But ain't she? No.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

No. So apparently, Jesiba knew Athelar's father, who I don't think Hunt ever knew. Right?

[Natalie Jean]

We never.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

He never knew his dad. Jesiba tells Aidas that the library has been moved and protected once again. He seems placated by this and gets up to leave. Jesiba tells him not to fuck them over this time. How?

[Natalie Jean]

Which? What are you talking about?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I do not plan to, he said.

[Natalie Jean]

Fading into the space between realms. Hell. A dark song beckoning him home.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Not when things are about to get so interesting.

[Natalie Jean]

But wait, that's the end of the book.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah.

[Natalie Jean]

Wait. Wait a second. Come on, bro. Don't do this. You're gonna leave it like that? What is that supposed to be? Come on.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I'm just a cat.

[Natalie Jean]

You're just a cat and I'm just an angel. And together we're unstoppable.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I'm pretty stoppable.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah. Yeah. I get nine lives.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Got a couple left.

[Natalie Jean]

Oh, no. Oh, the cat's been too curious.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I've been very curious.

[Natalie Jean]

Yes. We've got to get the cat back inside of the cage. Sorry, Natalie and sorry, Aidas, but you guys know a little too much and cannot be trusted just yet. But we are trusted in so much that this is the end of the book.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yes. And we're taking a very quick break and will be returning with book two in just a couple weeks.

[Natalie Jean]

So gear your asses up. And if you have been waiting to start the second book, well, I tell you, get on it.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

You better get on. Get on it. Now.

[Scott Aukerman]

This is Comedy Bang Bang, the podcast, the promo and in 30 seconds I'm going to tell you why you should check out the show. I, the host, Scott Aukerman, have a light hearted conversation with famous celebrities like Jon Hamm, Alison Williams, Phoebe Bridgers, Jason Alexander, Natasha Lyonne, Bob Odenkirk, just to name a few things. Go a little off the rails when different eccentric characters and oddballs drop by to be interviewed as well. Each week is a blend of conversations and character work from your favorite comedians as well as some new hilarious voices. Comedy Bang Bang the Podcast. Listen every Monday, wherever you get your podcasts.