LPN Deep Dives: HOSAB / Episode 8: WE ARE FURY-OUS

Summary

Summary of "LPN Deep Dives: Crescent City" – Episode 8: WE ARE FURY-OUS

Release Date: July 29, 2025
Hosts: Natalie Jean and Jackie Zebrowski
Podcast: LPN Deep Dives, presented by The Last Podcast Network

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1. Introduction to Crescent City and Episode Overview

At the onset of the episode (02:13), hosts Natalie Jean and Jackie Zabrowski warmly welcome listeners to "Crescent City," the latest installment in Sarah J. Maas's acclaimed adult science fiction series. They express their enthusiasm for delving deep into the intricate world and complex characters that Maas has crafted.

2. Exploring Fan Theories and Character Analysis

Fury's Mysterious Nature

One of the primary topics of discussion revolves around the enigmatic character Fury. Jackie introduces a compelling fan theory, citing Greek mythology to draw parallels between Fury and the Furies—female assassins from the underworld (04:11).

Jackie Zabrowski: "There is something in the world of Greek mythology called the Furies... Fury might also be connected in the world of star power in some fashion."

Natalie adds her insights, comparing Fury to another enigmatic character, Amren, highlighting Fury's depth and mysterious aura.

Natalie Jean: "She gives a lot of Amren vibes. We know she's not Amren, but it gives that same kind of vibe."

Hunt Athelar's Duality and Potential Betrayal

The hosts delve into the character of Hunt Athelar, discussing a specific fan theory that posits Hunt as a double agent or a potential antagonist (07:16). Jackie expresses her turmoil over the possibility:

Jackie Zabrowski: "It's just a fan theory that I saw... Hunt Athelar actually is bad."

Natalie responds with skepticism, reminding listeners of Hunt's redeeming qualities and past interactions that suggest his loyalty.

Natalie Jean: "We have already had turncoat... but he ended up not being a full bad."

Mechanics and Abilities: Hunt's Skill Set

A significant portion of the episode focuses on Hunt's mechanical prowess. The hosts discuss a scene where Hunt reveals his ability to fix machines, stemming from his forced labor manipulating mech suits—15-foot-tall exoskeletons used in battles (18:08).

Natalie Jean: "He can fix most machines... He learned because Sandriel forced him to break down ophion mech suits."

Jackie highlights the moral conflict Hunt faces, acknowledging his role in the deaths caused by these mech suits and his subsequent shame.

Jackie Zabrowski: "Hunt feels a deep sense of shame and self-loathing... 'The real of war. There's no such thing as good guys and bad guys on the battlefield. It's just killing.'"

3. Relationships and Interpersonal Dynamics

Bryce and Hunt's Complex Relationship

Natalie and Jackie explore the intricate relationship between Bryce and Hunt, particularly focusing on Bryce's anxiety over Hunt's propensity to fight. They dissect a poignant scene where Bryce apologizes for Hunt's aggressive behavior, revealing her deep fear of losing him (30:09).

Natalie Jean: "Bryce feels panicking about losing Hunt. She pleads with him to stay on good terms with the Triari."

Jackie emphasizes the recurring tension and Hunt's struggle to control his instincts, which continuously strains their relationship.

Jackie Zabrowski: "If Hunt can't control himself, it's like, you gotta be able to control yourself."

Group Dynamics and New Alliances

The episode also covers the evolving dynamics within the group, including interactions with new characters like Therian and Rune. The hosts discuss how Bryce's determination to protect Emile ignites both collaboration and conflict within the group (46:53).

Natalie Jean: "Bryce is furious that Emile is being used as a pawn by everyone. She can't bear the thought of losing him."

Jackie Zabrowski: "Rune tries to assure her he'd be safe, but Bryce knows the River Queen's motives are sinister."

4. Plot Developments and Critical Events

The Reapers and Their Threat

Natalie and Jackie analyze the introduction of the Reapers—immortal beings who formerly exchanged their souls for eternal life (35:47). They discuss the ominous presence of these entities and their impact on the realm.

Natalie Jean: "The Reapers are humans and vae who were once alive and offered their soul to the Under King for immortality."

Jackie draws parallels to eerie real-life scenarios, likening the Reapers' haunting presence to unsettling experiences in urban settings.

Jackie Zabrowski: "It's like a great horror movie scene—street weird, hollowed-out Christmas music playing."

Rune's Mission and Familial Conflicts

A significant plot point involves Rune's mission to retrieve a sword from the caves at Avalon, ordered by his father Cormac (68:35). The hosts discuss the implications of Rune's strained relationship with his father and the challenges he faces during this quest.

Natalie Jean: "Cormac's dad sent Rune to further intimidate or possibly kill him and his friends."

Jackie Zabrowski: "It's like they have to battle against his father wanting him to marry someone. Aharonian, like in Harry Potter, but more intense."

5. Emotional and Psychological Underpinnings

Hunt's PTSD and Emotional Struggles

The conversation delves into Hunt's psychological state, particularly his PTSD from centuries of torture (60:58). Natalie empathizes with Hunt's need for self-care amidst relentless turmoil.

Jackie Zabrowski: "He is never going to have sex again. He needs a break. He needs some time."

Natalie Jean: "He is haunted by the entire conversation. He just wants to have a simple laugh."

6. Humor and Light-Hearted Banter

Throughout the episode, Natalie and Jackie interject humor and personal anecdotes, making the discussion relatable and entertaining. They touch on topics like white couches, eating ice cream seductively, and playful character setups.

Jackie Zabrowski: "We are furious."
Natalie Jean: "We have fury, Zach, Star. And we will attack Star."

These moments provide a balanced interplay between deep analytical discussions and light-hearted commentary, maintaining listener engagement.

7. Conclusion and Teasers for Upcoming Chapters

As the episode wraps up, Natalie and Jackie reflect on the extensive content covered, acknowledging the complexity of "Crescent City" and teasing future deep dives into subsequent chapters (75:55).

Jackie Zabrowski: "Please read up until chapter 15 for next week. Sam Foreign."

They humorously admit to struggling with the volume of content, inviting listeners to participate via social media polls to guide future episode structures.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• 04:11 Jackie Zabrowski: "There is something in the world of Greek mythology called the Furies... Fury might also be connected in the world of star power in some fashion."

• 07:16 Jackie Zabrowski: "It's just a fan theory that I saw... Hunt Athelar actually is bad."

• 18:08 Natalie Jean: "He can fix most machines... He learned because Sandriel forced him to break down ophion mech suits."

• 30:09 Jackie Zabrowski: "I love that Hunt wants to protect us. I love that you're always on."

• 35:47 Natalie Jean: "The Reapers are humans and vae who were once alive and offered their soul to the Under King for immortality."

• 46:53 Natalie Jean: "Bryce is furious that Emile is being used as a pawn by everyone. She can't bear the thought of losing him."

• 60:58 Jackie Zabrowski: "If Hunt can't control himself, it's like, you gotta be able to control yourself."

• 68:35 Natalie Jean: "Cormac's dad sent Rune to further intimidate or possibly kill him and his friends."

• 75:55 Jackie Zabrowski: "Please read up until chapter 15 for next week. Sam Foreign."

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Final Thoughts

In this episode of "LPN Deep Dives: Crescent City," Natalie Jean and Jackie Zabrowski masterfully dissect complex character motivations, unravel intricate plot developments, and engage in thought-provoking fan theories. Their dynamic interplay of humor and deep analysis offers both insightful commentary and entertaining banter, making it accessible and enriching for both avid readers and newcomers to the "Crescent City" series.

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Stay tuned for the next episode, where Natalie and Jackie will continue their exploration of "Crescent City," delving into chapters 13 through 15. Don’t forget to subscribe for more deep dives and insightful discussions!

Transcript

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[Jackie Zabrowski]

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[Natalie Jean]

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[Jackie Zabrowski]

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[Natalie Jean]

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[Jackie Zabrowski]

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[Natalie Jean]

Dreamers and Readers Night 1 and 2.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

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[Natalie Jean]

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

[Jackie Zabrowski]

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

[Natalie Jean]

Swag. Give it to me.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

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.

[Natalie Jean]

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

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Gimme, gimme.

[Natalie Jean]

Give me that swag.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Welcome to Crescent City with your hosts, Natalie Jean and Jackie Zabrowski. I do think we can do it, Natalie.

[Natalie Jean]

All right.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Not only can we, we will.

[Natalie Jean]

Oh, man, this is gonna be immediately disappointing. Don't carry through with all of your plans. Remember that.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Never, never trust yourself. Never. You know, try to push yourself further. Honestly, it's just better to stay small. Is that what two furies would say to people?

[Natalie Jean]

Fury's Axatar.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah. Thank you. Fury's Akstar. Thank you so much.

[Natalie Jean]

Now it's why it's fun to not tell each other. Because then, you know, like, oh, are they gonna be the same one? We'll never find out till we come.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Especially because there's so many characters in every chapter, so we really, truly never know who each other's going to come dressed up as. And I like, you know, going head to head, even though I will say I forgot to bring different shoes. So I am wearing my Thursday socks and light blue sneakers with this fit, which I would say doesn't really go.

[Natalie Jean]

At least it's the right it.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I mean, I wouldn't put the wrong. I think if I put the wrong day of the week socks on, I think it might ruin my day. Or do you think it would open something up that I never thought possible?

[Natalie Jean]

Weekday kink.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I would be so scared. Like, how crazy would that be? Wearing Monday socks on a Wednesday.

[Natalie Jean]

Ah, she doesn't know her days.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

That's right. Fury would never, ever say this. No, I don't think Fury's really known for her sense of humor. But I am so attracted to Fury.

[Natalie Jean]

She gets humor, though. Like she has a dry yes, she does sense of humor.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yes, she does.

[Natalie Jean]

And she just doesn't. She just like.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

But I would do anything to make her laugh. I think that I would go to the ends of the world.

[Natalie Jean]

But only June can make her laugh.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh my God. With her little hooves. Except it's not hooves, but. Natalie, I was telling you about this fan theory. I'm kind of getting lost in the. The sauce of booktok. Recently I had tried to stay away from it.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Because I was trying to not get the theories in my brain all the time. But then once you pop, the fun don't stop. And I started really getting into a lot of different theories. One of the theories, and this is not really spoiling anything, but it is talking about Fury. And I never thought about it to this extent, but you know, we know that she's very mysterious. There is something in the world of Greek mythology called the Furies, though the Furies were essentially the female assassins of hell. They lived in the underworld but would ascend to earth to kill those who had committed sins. So now they are start like there's a lot of theories online that Fury might also. Fury Akstar Axtar is a star. So also she's connected in the world of star power in some fashion. That's what the Internet says. But also that she might be a daughter of Thanatos who is one of the kings of hell, of the underworld. And it would make sense because Fury obviously just like Furies, but also we are an assassin, but we don't know what kind of an assassin. And we also remember there was a two years where she didn't talk to Bryce. Where was she? Was she in the underworld? Was she in another dimension? Was she somewhere else?

[Natalie Jean]

Well, and also, well, we know she's very old.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

She's very old. But I feel like, as a lot of people say, she gives a lot of Amren vibes. We know she's not Amren, but it gives that same kind of vibe.

[Natalie Jean]

Oh, yeah, for sure. And also, we're gonna find something out today in today's episode that will also be a little bit of a head scratcher about Fury. It's not gonna give an answer, but it's gonna go okay. So we can check a couple things off the list that she is not. Do you think she could possibly be a baseball Fury from the movie the warriors, obviously.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah. I was thinking about putting, like, a big polka dot over one of my. Ey. Hey, you better stop calling me slugger.

[Natalie Jean]

I think you should. I think you should.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I think that I've been waiting for us. I know that we're now doing Fury's ax tar, and I believe we've done Viper's Queen in the past.

[Natalie Jean]

Yes, we have.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

But I do think we need to turn one of these into a fighting group of sorts.

[Natalie Jean]

Like a gang.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah, I think we should start our own gang. Also, I forgot to mention, too, that Furies are, like half bird people, too, and that they feel that the Thunderbirds also might be a substitution for SJM bringing in the Furies that, like, maybe that, like, Fury might be connected to the Thunderbirds in some fashion. And because Thunderbirds are, you know, are like the protectors of the Starborn, and my last name is Starborn.

[Natalie Jean]

Now, doing stuff.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Before we start, I am wearing a.

[Natalie Jean]

Baseball hat, so maybe I am a baseball Fury.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Ooh, see, I thought you were given sunball. Do you want to know the theory that I said would break your heart?

[Natalie Jean]

I don't think so. Are you gonna say it on air?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I would. It's not necessarily giving anything away, but it is. It would make us feel differently, possibly.

[Natalie Jean]

Oh, fine. Go ahead.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

It's just a fan theory that I saw. I only saw one TikTok about it, and I almost started to cry. And that is that Hunt Athelar actually is bad.

[Natalie Jean]

Get out of here. I don't.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

And that. That SJM's gonna fucking flip him on us.

[Natalie Jean]

No, she is not.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

And it's like, all about, like, oh, why would he still work, you know, in the Triari if he's technically let off. He had said in the past, he is a cop.

[Natalie Jean]

We don't necessarily always want to believe them.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

And then, you know, he had said that like, you know, often last time he. Like the thing that people say to him last is please. Like, that's the last thing like they say to him. And what were Danika's last fucking words? Please, please.

[Natalie Jean]

No, they're not there. I said, they're like it's a collective of people collection of bees writing these books. I don't.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Man, that would be very talented of the bees. Like, I don't know how you weave all these stories with your little beep, beep, beep, beep be legs, but you do you.

[Natalie Jean]

Well, you know, maybe. Or maybe there will be another flip a do flip it back. Because we did have. I told you in the first book, I legitimately was beside myself with sadness whenever he was on that barge. But then he ended up not being a full bad.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

So we've already had turncoat. Not turncoat, but does it go further? We don't know yet. So that's why I was saying it's not spoiling anything because it is just a theory, but I am in love with Hunt Athelar and I don't know how I would deal with him being a turncoat.

[Natalie Jean]

I don't need this in my life right now.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

You know, I gave. I asked for consent and you gave it.

[Natalie Jean]

I retract it. I'll take it all back.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

And none of it means anything. But also, maybe it means nothing. It could also be just bullshit. That's the beauty of fan theories. It's usually why we don't really bring them into necessarily our episodes because usually we really love to get into the plot. But I've just been losing myself, guys, and I need to be tethered. I need you to tether me.

[Natalie Jean]

I think fan theories are really cool and I think it's interesting and engaging to people. But, man, it must be really hard as the author to see all of this. Yes. See all of these expectations, all of these demands, all of these already written stories about her characters or his characters or whoever's writing and just be like, well, how do I do I do? Do I have to be fully genuine to myself? Do I need to give fan service? Like, what do I do? Yeah, that's got to be difficult.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

And you have to. You got to ride the line, you know, I was gonna say ride the lightning, but I was. Because I get so excited about Hunt. And I'll ride that light.

[Natalie Jean]

Oh, I know you will.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

And I'm not gonna talk about date everything where all the things turn into human beings. And I'm not gonna think. Tell you about how when I met the vault man that lives inside of the breaker box. I do think about that.

[Natalie Jean]

I think it's a new one.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Natalie Jean]

Oh, we talked about this on page seven. Not here.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yes. Yeah. No, it was. Yeah, it was different.

[Natalie Jean]

If you only listen to this one, you don't know, you might have to go listen to page seven.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

You're gonna have to go check out page seven. Be like, what are you talking about?

[Natalie Jean]

Tell me more.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yes. And yeah. I play the game. Date everything where you can fuck everything.

[Natalie Jean]

In your house, what kitchen appliances. Is Jackie dating?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Honestly? Don't want to fuck the air fryer. He was like a cult guy.

[Natalie Jean]

Ew.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah, it wasn't my thing. And not like a fun kind of cult like we have here. Where?

[Natalie Jean]

Here?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh, you wait. Once we create our gang, then I feel like we're gonna have to jump people in. It's like, it can't just be the two of us.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah. Let me guess. It could be just two.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah. You think we could take it down? I think I'd be like, natalie, go get him. I just, like, hide behind you. Yeah. Natalie, go. You're an idea guy. Thank you. I'm a creative. I'm not here for the punching. Although with these unnecessary straps, I certainly look like I'm here for the punch in.

[Natalie Jean]

They're not unnecessary. You might have to put a weapon in there.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I'm putting my knives in my suspenders. But these are sex spenders over here. Sex spenders.

[Natalie Jean]

Chapter 12 is back with Brunt. And they are trying not to think about sex as they sit next to each other.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

But they are sitting next to each other, so good luck with that.

[Natalie Jean]

So this is after, you know, she's bailed him out of the clink underneath the committee, you know, he got in trouble, he started to fight. She's lectured him. Celestine has lectured him. And now they're getting ice cream. Because that's what you do when you get your boo out of jail. You lick, you eat a sexy dessert.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah. Abs like a flan. Oh, baby, when it starts jiggling as it hits my lips, I tell you, doesn't do it for you.

[Natalie Jean]

No, no, no, no. Not sex. I mean, I'll listen if somebody puts a flan in for me. I made it, but I'm never gonna order a fawn. I'm sorry.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Wow. And you're never Gonna have sex. But what if it became an anthropomorphic, like, person?

[Natalie Jean]

I don't know what their personalities like. You have to present it to me.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Like a big old jiggle. Yeah, Big old jiggly one. Yeah. Somebody. I mean, what. Lucinda Lavish did refer to her huge breasts as B zombies. And inside of the game.

[Natalie Jean]

Who is that?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

One of the hot women in Date Everything.

[Natalie Jean]

But what is she?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Well, she's part of the dlc, so it's downloaded extra content. But I think that I don't know what she is yet. But she's giving, like. She's got a lot of, like, Harlequin esque. And I think she might be the pillows, but I haven't found out yet because kind of right now, she's kind of haunting me. But I'm gonna figure out who she is.

[Natalie Jean]

Okay. All right, well, I think she might.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Be the pillows, but if. In case. If you were wondering how to fuck the dust bunny, you gotta tickle the pillows, and then the couch will move and you'll find the dust bunny, and then you the dust bunny.

[Natalie Jean]

So they're eating ice cream.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

They're eating ice cream, which is sexy.

[Natalie Jean]

And they're sitting on a bench. They're in front of the. The river. They're kind of just vibing, you know, I'm gonna say, if they're trying to hold off on sex, they could have gone with something less sexy of a treat. Like a corn on the cob. Maybe something where you're like.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

It's all trapped in your teeth and you're trying to be like, what are you. Yeah.

[Natalie Jean]

Worried there's, like, stuff going on. Yeah, something like that. No, they went for the seductive ice cream. Oh, it's dripping on me. Oh, I have to lick up, man. Oh, my gosh. It's so hot out.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I can't imagine sexily eating ice cream. Like, I think I would just get it all over me and be like, oh, I'm sorry. I made a mess.

[Natalie Jean]

You don't think you've ever flirtatiously at an ice cream cone in your life? No. I feel like that's not true.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I don't think so. I. I think we've talked about this before, because I've also always wanted to seduce with a lollipop. But then I'm just like.

[Natalie Jean]

I don't think that's true. I think you were seducing without even knowing.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh, my God. Thank you. All right, well, then I guess I'll start eating ice cream in public more. Just always, like, I gotta get outside.

[Natalie Jean]

You're a married woman. You better not.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah, but you can look. You just can't touch.

[Natalie Jean]

Hun tries not to watch Bryce go to town on that ice cream cone by thinking about the trip that was leading up to this. She and him had walked to the bench from the holding cell after she had sped there on her bike, her. Her moped, essentially, to bail him out. And she walked her bike like as they walk side by side next to Hunt. This is a far cry again from Micah's punishment because, you know, Hunt was in that same cell at the end of the last book and it was a little different. Horrifying. And this is very cute. So this isn't a different world we're in now. He can't help but notice Bryce watching him licking the side of his ice cream cone. Man, I am just. I'm rereading. I'm. Oh, oh, is it funny? Engineer Adam. Oh, you think we are being frivolous with our time? Should I be reading a newspaper?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah, no, we're talking about licks. We're getting our kicks off of the licks.

[Natalie Jean]

Poor, poor man. Locked in here in this room, just.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Being forced to learn about these books. But I will say, sometimes with a smile on his face, sometimes Bubba Wallace.

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[Natalie Jean]

I'm rereading the first, like part of the third book right now for obvious reasons. And man, it is quite a juxtaposition of a different place in time.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

From the end of the first book.

[Natalie Jean]

From this moment peacefully lick. That's all I'm gonna say is they're just sitting on a bench licking ice cream cones is a little bit different than what is happening in the third book. Both seem to want to think about something else, so they start to discuss mechanics of Bryce's bike. Which leads to Hunt revealing that he can fix most machines. He's a real fix it guy. Which I know you're really into.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh, what? Sorry, that was part of the theory. So all the cameras were shut off and with when the pack were attacked. Oh, all the ca.

[Natalie Jean]

Oh, okay. But that could have been many different.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

It could have been many different things. It could have been many different. It's interesting.

[Natalie Jean]

I think you guys just want to hurt. I think you want to self harm and you want.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

You can't trust.

[Natalie Jean]

You can't trust. You can't love.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I'm start saying that to myself every time I open up a tick tock.

[Natalie Jean]

You should tick tock you.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

It's not my fault. I got lost. I'm begging for a tether.

[Natalie Jean]

You're picking for a tether.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah. Bring me back, Natalie. How?

[Natalie Jean]

I don't know.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I feel like. It's like I'm surrounded by sharks right now.

[Natalie Jean]

Which kind?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

The one offering up theories that I shouldn't be obsessing over.

[Natalie Jean]

Start engaging with them. Start engaging with animal videos.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh, I do. I mean it's only now book talk and animal video I can't start in on.

[Natalie Jean]

I don't want it showing up on my. My bullshit. I don't want to get it out of here.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

The eye.

[Natalie Jean]

It's hard to make stuff go away once it's there.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

That's. I mean, this is the thing now. It's in my algorithm and I can't stop watching it because once I'm like, what does that mean?

[Natalie Jean]

It's almost like an STD if you think about it.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh no, I'm covered in phone sores. Oh no, I need a medication.

[Natalie Jean]

So. So then we learn that he can fix a lot of machines. She asks if it has something to do with his natural connection to electricity. And he reveals that, yeah, that is kind of true, but he really learned because Sandriel would unfortunately force him to break down ophion mech suits that they had captured so that he could go and manipulate the mech suits mid battle, which is more of like a sadistic thing than like a trying to win a war thing. Hunt notes that it was more about watching this.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

The terror of them being. Because oftentimes you know, humans in there and you know, the terror of how they are dealing with everything falling apart and they're trapped. It's like then they're trapped in an actual little prison.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah, yeah. So he can sense he. I think his voice is like reflecting that. And he can sense her watching him as he gazes out over the water, reminiscing about this past of his, and confesses that his work on the suits led to a lot of soldiers dying. He thinks about how at the time, he tried to justify it by acknowledging the fact that the mech suits were dark technology that was basically they were killing machines themselves. But Hunt Knows again that Sandriel was just doing it for the lulz and watching the humans panic. So he describes the suits as in this time we learn a little bit about the Mech suits. They're 15ft tall, essentially exoskeleton. Like big old exoskeletons. Which is pretty fun.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yes.

[Natalie Jean]

Some powered by first light that were to give humans a fighting chance or even like, even footing with the powerful veneer. And the fae hunt feels a deep sense of shame and self loathing. Bryce puts a hand on his knee and tells him she's sorry that Sandriel made him do that. It's the real of war. There's no such thing as good guys and bad guys on the battlefield. It's just killing.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh my God. Natalie, you're like.

[Natalie Jean]

I'm like a philosopher. Yeah, modern day philosopher.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Especially with that backwards cap on.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah, it's like how, you know I'm a deep thinker.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah. It's like I would never think to put it. Not with the bill in the front.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah. That's what sport people do who not who are not smart.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Tell me. Yes. Thank you, darling.

[Natalie Jean]

You're welcome.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

It makes you more aerodynamic.

[Natalie Jean]

Just a little bit different.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Not like the other girls.

[Natalie Jean]

Bryce takes this opportunity to shift topics away from the past, asking what they should do about backs.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

What.

[Natalie Jean]

What the. Did I.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

How did I spell Pollux and. And vaccine mixed together? It's back selects. That's what you were doing. I know what you were doing. You were trying to write back selects.

[Natalie Jean]

I'm trying. Sometimes when I'm writing, I try to do like the shortbread.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I love this.

[Natalie Jean]

What is it called in court? Sonography.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah, but you, you have to like.

[Natalie Jean]

Learn how to do that.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yes.

[Natalie Jean]

So if I write something from a week or two ago, I don't remember it. If I don't make it real words.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

But that' Teamwork makes the dream work.

[Natalie Jean]

Thank you. I appreciate that.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Got you.

[Natalie Jean]

So Backstein and Pollux, they're trying to figure out how to make this work in this new world where suddenly Hunt has to work alongside his torturers beyond turning them into tenderized meat, as Bryce says.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Hunt snorted silently, thanking Eard for bringing Bryce into his life.

[Natalie Jean]

Oh, that's nice. Hunt sort of brushes it off, saying hopefully Celestina keeps them in line. Bryce tries to broach the subject of his new archangel. But Hunt doesn't want to give Celestina the benefit of the doubt anytime soon. Which is fair. You know, it's hard to trust an archangel. That's what we've learned.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah.

[Natalie Jean]

If anything, he tries to play off like he isn't completely shaken by Sandriel's Triari showing up in Lunatheon. But Bryce makes him turn and look at her. He's blown away by her beauty in this moment, but she is standing firm and being serious. She understands why he leapt on Pollux. But it must not happen again. Hunt knows this. This isn't a game. They're not playing a game here.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

It's. But it's also like, bro, can you just stop? You have to control yourself. You have to.

[Natalie Jean]

I think it's. I seriously give him. He gets one. Okay. He got it. He got the one. He's got to move on now.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I guess the question like, irl. I think if my partner just got into a brutal fist fight, I think that would be it for like, I'd have to be like. I don't think that we can. But I understand. I guess it would be different if they were someone that like, torture them for centuries or like, whatever, you know, because like, then, like, fight away.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah. I mean, you have to wait to see what. Being that Jeff gets into a centuries long feud with. Obviously.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

But this is also coming from a girl that is recently starting to watch Vanderpump Rules. And I think that it's just, man, nothing gives me the ick faster than, you know, a bunch of young people that can't hold their liquor and to get that. Get into a lot of physical fights, you know, I don't.

[Natalie Jean]

That's why I can't watch a lot of that shit. Although I will say it was enjoyable on Jersey Shore. It.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

And the thing is that watching them specifically now is an old person watching this show that it came out when I was their age.

[Natalie Jean]

You are young, you are youthful.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

But I'm Fury. Technically. You don't even know how old I am.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah, that's true.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Thank you. I'm in character. Natalie.

[Natalie Jean]

Sorry.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Please.

[Natalie Jean]

What were you saying?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I don't even know because I'm so old and I know so many things I would never know.

[Natalie Jean]

Oh, I'm sure it was something about being. Oh, watching the young people be.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah. Just getting into fights, playing fools. Yeah. But I think that Fury wouldn't put up with it either.

[Natalie Jean]

No, absolutely not.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Juniper's not out there hooving about.

[Natalie Jean]

No. I mean, Juniper is a serious artiste. That's why Fury is into her.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah.

[Natalie Jean]

They question why this move happened in the first place. Why Sandrio Striari came to town. And Hud wonders if it's the Asteri with them for reasons unknown. Hunt agrees to keep his cool, but feels frustrated by this turn of events and kind of just shuts his eyes, reflecting. He feels Bryce's hand run through his hair and he nearly jumps out of his skin. But she's comforting him and he is grateful. They start to talk about the Ethan issue because there's a wolf now in their apartment. But a loud voice bellows out over the park that the gates will be closing in 10 minutes. The two of them joke about how startling the announcement is and how it's Bryce's fault technically, since after she used the crystals to defend against the hell spawn, public interest had returned to the gates and now they're using them as a comms feature for announcement system.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I mean, it makes a lot of sense.

[Natalie Jean]

Basically. Just turned it into like.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Like a school PA system.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah, like a PA system.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah, exactly. Everybody, the lunch will be Swedish meatballs. No, there's nothing Swedish about them. And I don't know what kind of meat they are, but that is what you will be eating for l today. Man, I always went for the meatballs and I. They were never good.

[Natalie Jean]

Oh, no, I always just did pizza.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I think I just. Man, my mom always made us really great lunches, and oftentimes I would swap it for other people and I would just eat the. It's like. You'd rather eat the cafeteria food. Man, Grass is always greener, isn't it?

[Natalie Jean]

I feel like that of anything from your youth, your mom would be the most upset about.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah, of course. Like, how dare. But also then that's not true because then eventually she found out, and then she just would make me more food to just give to other. Then she would just feed them. Yeah, so she was just. Actually just excited her, you know.

[Natalie Jean]

That's true. Much like now I mostly ate snacks. We had like a snack stand at school, and I would just eat that all day.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Peter, like, think of the. Like, I did the same thing. But then there were many years where just for lunch, I would eat two big rolls and a thing of tater tots. And it's like, what are you talking about? That's what you're eating. You could have put any kind of nutrients in your body. You're giving up a. Like a pork chop and provolone sandwich that your mother made.

[Natalie Jean]

I mean, they. You know, when they're leaving it up to the kids, sometimes the kids are just gonna eat crap.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah. Give me a roll. Mmm. It's hot.

[Natalie Jean]

I do like a roll.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I love a roll.

[Natalie Jean]

I like a roll.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

My fierce grape Gatorade. I mean, how much sugar can one person ingest in a 20 minute period?

[Natalie Jean]

Let's find out. I would die. I would just like collapse over. I would like go into sugar shock and fall to the ground creepily. They also play a recorded message from Rigelus every few hours a day now in the park, which is like, thanks a bunch. This is Rigelus, bright hand of the Asteri. We honor the fallen dead and beautiful Lunatheon and thank those who fought for their service. I imagine him as like a very cunty 17 year old boy.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I can see that. Honestly, I feel like, like this would get so annoying so fast. It makes me think of out in Ridgewood in New York that you would get off the train, stop at Myrtle Wyckoff, I think, and then you would walk the streets and in Christmas time. I don't know where the, the speakers are, but do you remember this? Every Christmas they would play Christmas music for like a month and it would just echo through the streets. Especially when you're coming home blitzed in the middle of the night. And it would just be eerie because you just kind of hear the like and just like echoing off of the. It's just. Man. But that's what I feel like it would give me eventually. That I'm just, I mean.

[Natalie Jean]

All right, that is a great horror movie scene.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Really?

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah. Street weird, hollowed out Christmas music playing.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Puking in the gutters. Yeah.

[Natalie Jean]

All right, fine. Let's make a move. Yeah. So Rigelous is giving off this thoughts and prayers type message.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Bless your heart.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

With your little help that y' all did.

[Natalie Jean]

We are so sorry about all those dead people. We're thinking about you. Okay, bye.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

That's so funny. Who are you, Ted Cruz? Yeah. Yeah, sorry. That's what Natalie wrote in the.

[Natalie Jean]

I mean, that's what it sounds like. It sounds like a very insincere tweet. Yeah. As you're off on vacation somewhere.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Especially in there when they think like, you know what's really gonna make them think that we're being sincere? Play it seven times a day, you know, like. Yeah, it's like that's not gonna make.

[Natalie Jean]

Different messages, just one. The same message played over and over again.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh my God. What if they had them all like all the Asteri together? Like they're like the BK Kids club. Like they're all like. It's like they're coming out to let you know that we thank you for your service, but it's like, oh, we need another. We need more diversity here. That's why they brought in Celestina. And they're like something else.

[Natalie Jean]

Man. Didn't think, haven't thought about the BK Kids Club in a minute.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Weirdly think about them too often.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah, maybe. Yeah, split the diff and think about them once every once in a while. Every once in a while.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

All right. I'm glad that we figured this out, guys.

[Natalie Jean]

Before they get from their bench to exit the park, they look over at the water towards the bone Quarter, and Bryce asks Hunt if he thinks. Thinks Lehiba is over there. She says she misses her. Hunt agrees and pulls Bryce into his side. As they share space, Bryce nakedly pleads with Hunt a second time to stay on good terms with the Triari, that they are monsters. But she can't bear. She can't even say the words. But it's clear she's panicking about losing Hunt. As they think about the loss of Lehaba, Hunt strokes her hair and tells her he's sorry, you know, for starting the fight. She's not angry, though. She doesn't want him to apologize. He just. She just wants the assurance that he.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Won'T do it, do it again.

[Natalie Jean]

He promises her he won't act out again. And they sit holding each other as they finish the last of their ice cream before getting up with the sunset. Bryce making a comment about feeding Syrinx. And Ethan Hunt almost reaches in to kiss her when he sees her eyes shift to something over his shoulder. Won't you shock?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Are you shocked because I want a kiss?

[Natalie Jean]

Oh, nah, I. Technically, I would count this as a block. I don't remember if Jess did consider this a block. Let's see. Did she post it? Let's find out.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I mean, anytime he wants a kiss and doesn't get it, it's got to be a block, right? Especially when they're just in the realm of just kisses. They're not even in a different realm yet.

[Natalie Jean]

Okay, I would. Okay, she didn't. And that's fair because they obviously weren't going to start going at it on.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

The part on the park bench.

[Natalie Jean]

But technically, they have been kissed. They've given lip. Lip blocked. They've been mouth blocked by a reaper. So he reaches in. She. He sees her eyes shift in, like a danger thing. So of course he turns immediately, he has a knife in hand, only to see what she's looking at and kind of picks Bryce up and goes, okay, let's just get out of here.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I'm sorry, but in Rereading this part, I was like, she just said, you can't get into another fight. And then immediately she says something, and he pulls out a knife, and it's like, bro, I understand. I love that you want to protect us. I love that you're always on. God, I think that's great. But, like, just, like, take a second.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah, I think it's hard. It's hard to let go of that.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

And say, name is Yumbra Mortis.

[Natalie Jean]

I think it's his natural instinct. If it was just, like, an. A creature that was coming, you know, maybe a Crystalis demon or something coming at them, and he just immediately. His instinct to, like, keep Bryce's, you know, bodily autonomy safe. I don't know what I'm trying to say.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Well, that's what I'm saying is that, like, no matter what the way that he is about Bryce, how can she really think that he's never gonna pop off again? You know what I mean?

[Natalie Jean]

Like, I think that's why she's so distressed about it. Cause she's like, this is not gonna.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

It's why, inherently, no matter how much I love Hunt Athelar, I know it would never work between us. I get the ick so hard. If you can't control yourself, it's like, you gotta be able to control yourself.

[Natalie Jean]

Sometimes him not being able to control himself works out well.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I mean, in those. I'm not talking about those capacities. I mean. Yeah, no, you can edge all you want, babe. I mean, more in the fighting realm of, like. I guess it's just. I'm thinking of, like, a Jax. Like, I'm thinking of, like, a Jersey Shore where you're just like, well, yeah. Hitting people at the club. You cannot put. Yeah, I did, Hunt. I just did.

[Natalie Jean]

Next to the cast members of the Jersey Shore.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Just the one. Just Ronnie. Just Ronnie.

[Natalie Jean]

You think Hunt and Ronnie are siblings?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I am hoping that he ends up more like a situation in the long run. And maybe this is because I just finished the situation memoir, but I feel like at times, it's given a little more. Sammy, sweetheart. And Ronnie.

[Natalie Jean]

I don't know what to say about that one.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I didn't know I felt that way until it came out of my mouth, and I'll never take it back. Wow.

[Natalie Jean]

Okay, sure.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Cut to me vibrating with horniness for him. Like, I never said he was Ronnie. I'd never say it. Hunt. Come on, baby. Zap me one more time, baby.

[Natalie Jean]

Did you say slap me one more time?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Zap me one more time.

[Natalie Jean]

Zap. Okay.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Also, I mean, no. If everybody is consenting and we've talked about it, fine.

[Natalie Jean]

But zap me.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I'm talking about the tingles of Mojo. I know. Imagine the tingles.

[Natalie Jean]

We haven't gotten there yet. We haven't gotten there.

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[Jackie Zabrowski]

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[Natalie Jean]

So he has gone into protection mode again. And they see it's a reaper. A reaper who is approaching their shore from the bone quarter on a boat.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

A reaper stood atop it, clothed and veiled in billowing black that hid all indication of whether the reaper was male or female, old or young. Such things did not matter to reapers.

[Natalie Jean]

Why?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Because they've got other things to worry about. They're, like, too busy.

[Natalie Jean]

We're around so many toddlers right now, and that's just constant.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Why?

[Natalie Jean]

Why?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Why? Why? Why? I don't know. I don't know. Canada.

[Natalie Jean]

Got it all.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Adults don't know anything. And we keep asking why? And there's nobody telling us, but you don't learn that. No, I don't. See, Natalie is. She's always screaming at them, like, Natalie, the babies. Yeah, I don't know. If you're four, you should know by now.

[Natalie Jean]

It's better to just get this over with. So as they prepare to skedaddle away from the reaper, they keep their eye on the thing, the creature that we don't really understand yet, which it's clear neither of them are fond of. We're not really familiar with these. These guys yet. Hunt's thoughts describe the chilling effect the reapers have when they near people. How things seem to shrivel around them. They float and seem to always be tracked on a mission that can't be intercepted or interpreted by anything or anyone.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Reapers did not need to halt for anything, not even death. The Vanir might call themselves immortal, but they could die from trauma or sickness. Even the Asteri were killable. The reapers, however. Natalie. My. My timing. My beautiful timing.

[Natalie Jean]

Sorry.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

The reapers, however. Why? What's up with the reapers?

[Natalie Jean]

They are. Sorry, I thought that was a cub.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

No, it's okay.

[Natalie Jean]

They are dead. And not dead at the same Time.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh, pick one, bitch.

[Natalie Jean]

I know also, do you really want to live forever if you're not being. You can't do anything. Like, you're just walking, you're floating back.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

And forth on a boat and you're just boating back and forth. You're not talking to anybody. Like, I just feel like you're not like seductively eating ice cream towards anyone. It's just, just. I mean, if you can't eat, can't.

[Natalie Jean]

Bang, can't eat, can't. I don't know. That's it. There any others or anything else?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I don't know. That's. That's about it.

[Natalie Jean]

What?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

So what's on my to do list?

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah. Oh, I wish. We learned in Hunt's thoughts that there are multiple places where they dwell with the souls of the citizens of Midgard. So we have the bone quarter, but there's other places apparently, and he lists them off in his thoughts. The Eternal City's catacombs. And there's a place called the Summons in a Vellum, which is a reference most likely to the Wiccan idea of spiritual enlightenment and eternity. I'm not Wiccan, so I may not have that correct fully, but.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

But you're gonna definitely be full Wiccan after seeing Practical magic too, because. Yes, they are currently shooting it. They are, yeah.

[Natalie Jean]

Wow.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

In case you were wondering and needed.

[Natalie Jean]

It in your life, I'm just excited about seeing Spinal Tap too, you know.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

See, these are the kind of sequels that I'm down with. It's like, bring back all the old. It's like I want to see all of them in it.

[Natalie Jean]

I'm gonna go see Spaceballs too. I don't know if it'll be good, but I'm gonna see. I'm gonna see it and I'm gonna go see Spinal Time. I'll probably see. I'm part of the problem. I'm part of the problem. Okay.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Cuz I'm gonna go see it.

[Natalie Jean]

It gotta go see it. Yeah. So the Summerlands is a reference to like a Wiccan culture thing that maybe I don't fully understand, but it is a thing. Earthside. So, yeah. Apparently the Reapers are humans and veneer who were once alive and offered their soul to the under king in exchange for immortality. So, yeah, being on. On alive, kind of not eating, not sleeping, not banging, and they kind of just drift on air and just have this sort of creepy VI vibe to them, just going around creeping everybody.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah. And then that's all you're doing. That's the only thing on your to do list. No, I'd rather be Fury. Can I just be like, an assassi that you send me in between worlds? Just, like, let me do my thing.

[Natalie Jean]

I support you. You think you don't. You'd want to do that.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Dude, I don't want to be a reaper.

[Natalie Jean]

If you had to, there's only those two options.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I. I mean, yeah, I'm gonna be Fury. Okay. I mean, it's. You know, it's a hard job, but somebody's gotta kill.

[Natalie Jean]

Oh, God. Really?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Natalie, you should know this. We are Fury's act star. Act like it.

[Natalie Jean]

I'm mostly just thinking about my vibing with. With Juniper and. And having, like, fun cars that go really fast.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah, I'm thinking about that too. Yeah, it's just the cars that I'm thinking about.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah.

[Natalie Jean]

Hunt laughs as Bryce tells him she needs more ice cream. And as they turn to leave, or they try to leave at least, there's movement on the water that halts them again. But this time it's Arian on a wave skimmer. And it's clear he's not coming by. Just a Kiki. He's waving forcefully to them. And they know enough that he probably has something to tell them. So it's like it is just there. But he seems like there's pressing news, and that's not usually good in this world.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Man, I love it when everybody's so close by. Honestly, did Henry tell you that both of us almost got into a car accident yesterday because I. We saw each other a light. And then we were screaming from car to car to each other as if we don't see each other almost every day. But it's like, that's the beauty of living so close to each other in.

[Natalie Jean]

A different place than I was. Like, look, I see you.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

And we're.

[Natalie Jean]

That's funny.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

We were both fine. We both did get honked at very angrily by multiple people.

[Natalie Jean]

Might be fair.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

It's fine.

[Natalie Jean]

We were on a small street.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

It wasn't like we were on the freeway.

[Natalie Jean]

I hope not. Please don't do that.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah, maybe I shouldn't tell his wife that. It's like, oh, we weren't acting stupid in the car.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah, don't tell me.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

No, no, no.

[Natalie Jean]

We cut to a little later as Therian is riding up the elevator with the other two to Bryce's apartment. Tharion is explaining that he found them because he's a spy master. Because they were like, what? How did you know where we were? But that's what his job is, which we've already met. A spy master, if you'll recall, in one of the other series. So that's interesting.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Interesting.

[Natalie Jean]

We're with Bryce as the three enter her apartment, and she immediately finds Ethan, who has barely moved from this morning, which is good because he is recovering from a bunch of injuries. She notes that the wounds look much better with his super powerful healing. Ethan tenses at the new male following brunt, but Bryce tells him to chill out. It's fine. This is just a. Just a mer guy with legs.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Okay, yeah, he's a spy master, but he's a spymaster for good. So step off.

[Natalie Jean]

As far as we know, they are about to take seats on the couch when Bryce panics at the idea of Tharion sitting on the white couch. And we get a cute little bit of Bryce Hunt banter that has Ethan and Tharion observing their dynamics, sort of being like. Like, okay, buddies. Like, they're obviously very into each other. Like, everybody sees it. We get it. Hunt rolls his eyes and tells her that's why people shouldn't get white couches. And I am Team Hunt on this one. What is wrong with you?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Every time I see someone with. Honestly, it's not even that I'm judging them in their lifestyle. If you have a white or a beige couch, it's more that I'm impressed for sure. I would just spend that much money and it's like I would destroy it.

[Natalie Jean]

How do you keep that?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Destroy it.

[Natalie Jean]

I feel like I even try to not be, like, a mess. I could never have a white couch ever in a million years. I don't even know how people wear white pants.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

White pants. When people would wear men on the subway. When people would wear white pants and then sit down, it's like, do you know how often I would just have, like, possibly human shit on something that I sat on in New York? It's like, you're gonna wear white pants on the subway.

[Natalie Jean]

I'm not conscious enough in my moment to moment in the day to not get stuff all over me. Like, I don't know. I'm not being quirky.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

No, I'm coming.

[Natalie Jean]

I literally could not do it. If you said, you must wear white pants and keep them clean for an entire day. I would try and I would absolutely fail. I don't know how people do that.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

No. But you know what? Hats. Hats to you. Hats to you. The old saying, like, everybody says, that's to you and dirty rump to you as well.

[Natalie Jean]

Dirty rump to you. So they're all kind of collaborating. They're coming. They're coming together. They're conglomerating. Sure. The road.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah, yeah, it works.

[Natalie Jean]

They're all coming together in the main room. They're all kind of. Some of these people don't really know each other yet, so this is a little bit of a meet cute. And Ethan hurts Therian's ego as Ethan is like, oh, yeah, your captain, whatever. Kind of like dismissing him.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

He's having a hard time. Theory in. Yes.

[Natalie Jean]

They all sit at the dining room table instead of the couch. And after a little classic theory and flirting, they get down to the brass tacks. Bryce secretly texts Rune as they start talking to get over to her place. Now. Sounds like everybody's coming together. Is this some kind of a team?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh, they've got things to discuss.

[Natalie Jean]

Bryce can't help but notice how good looking Therian is.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I mean, it's fine to notice if he is.

[Natalie Jean]

He is. You know, Also, he's being a little flirty Freddy over here.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I know. It is a learning.

[Natalie Jean]

Ready? So you're allowed to ogle him a little bit?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yes.

[Natalie Jean]

Then Therian gets serious. He asks Bryce if Danika ever mentioned someone named Sophie. So we're all coming together to kind of learn. We're gonna.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Getting.

[Natalie Jean]

Getting some intel from one another.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Okay.

[Natalie Jean]

Not everybody's on the exact same team yet. They're all kind of sussing each other out, but they all are after the same stuff. And maybe they don't fully know it yet.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I think that's why it is so crazy at this point to be like, you guys are just meeting. That's crazy. I've known you both for so long and. But it is necessary for all of them to actually be in the same place to discuss the information. Because we know that they all have good intentions, but they don't know that each other has good intentions. So that is essentially what this chapter.

[Natalie Jean]

Chapter is, yeah. They're all taken aback by the mention of Danika because they weren't expecting Therian to bring that up and of course, want to know why. Therian begins to tell a half truth and Hunt jumps in to defend Bryce, telling him not to lie to her. It does something to Bryce. But now is not the time for that.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Just keep licking that ice cream. She's like, I'm licking our ice cream.

[Natalie Jean]

After Therian thinks for a second. Second, he just tells them the truth about all of it. They all thought thunderbirds went extinct through the Asteri, though Bryce remembers a starlight fancy horse called Thunderbird. But it was just mythology to them. So as they're learning more about this missing Ophion person, they're like, oh, okay. So now there's, like, this whole other thing we have to take into consideration that Thunderbirds exist.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah.

[Natalie Jean]

He relays the intel about Sophie, though we, as the reader saw it. So he basically tells them about the prologue. And he is only telling them what intel he's received about the night Sophie escaped. Tharian tells them he's not sure why the River Queen wants Emile, but she does. As you recall, the River Queen is seeking out Emile and potentially Sophie, since nobody knows where she is.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Right.

[Natalie Jean]

He then relays the info that he found in that email exchange. Remember that Sophie and Danika were in communications. They all look stunned and theory and seems to receive confirmation that they don't know anything. They don't. They're obviously very shocked at this info. And he's like, okay, thanks. And he tries to, like, just bounce. Don't tell anyone.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

No, no, no, no.

[Natalie Jean]

Bryce is like, got some more things to discuss. You think I don't have any more.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Questions for your ass? Yeah, yeah.

[Natalie Jean]

Therian tries to charm his way out of it, but Bryce won't have it.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh, my God. I would let him charm me out of it. Like, you're right. Whatever you want to talk about.

[Natalie Jean]

You can't be Fury.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Then.

[Natalie Jean]

Fury would never.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I'm so good at being fury, though.

[Natalie Jean]

I know you are.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I'm so strong, and everybody's scared of me. Just look at how I'm treated in the office.

[Natalie Jean]

Everyone goes, ah, Jackie's about to come in.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh, God, is she gonna break us more snacks?

[Natalie Jean]

I was gonna make another Devil Wears Prada reference, but you said you haven't seen.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I haven't seen it.

[Natalie Jean]

Dang it, man. We gotta watch it. All right, so, yeah, Therion again. He's trying to charm his way out. Bryce is not gonna have it. She notices that Hunt doesn't interfere with her fight, and that gets her all horned up again. She tells Therian, Danika was not a rebel. And Ethan concurs. Darian's like, I don't want to tell you. It seems like she might be. She was definitely interacting.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

She was certainly acting like a rebel if she didn't, you know, consider herself one. But you were never gonna know if she considered herself one.

[Natalie Jean]

Will we or will we? There's a lot. There's, like, not a lot of stuff in these books that are finite. Like, there's no. That could never happen. So who knows?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah.

[Natalie Jean]

After a Brief back and forth argument. Tharian finally just goes, okay. Have you ever heard of something called Duck Dusk's Truth or something called Project Third? They haven't. Therian's getting more irritated and tries to tell them to stay out of the business. Like, don't worry about it. I don't want to talk about this anymore. But like, you kind of did this. You brought yourself into there. What did you think they were going to just be like, all right, bye.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah. That you're just going to give them the information. They're not going to ask anything else. Also, you went back with them to their house so that you guys could discuss this like you thought. Thought.

[Natalie Jean]

So what did you think was going to happen? Yeah, exactly. You've put yourself in their space as he's saying that, you know, you need to stay out. Hunt seems inclined to agree. But Bryce wants to know what's going to happen to the little boy, Emil. Hunt reminds her that if they go to save a known escapee rebel, that they will be executed on site. And he's not wrong. You know, this doesn't do much to deter Bryce from wanting to stop a meal, even though Hunt is making a valid point. But then we have Rune walking in. He. He kind of walks in and just. She's like, Ethan Tharion. And Bryce is like, don't worry about it. It's cool. Everything's fine. Bryce tells Rune that Therian thinks Danica was a rebel. Rune asks, was she? Bryce is like, dude, no, no, never, ever.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Would never.

[Natalie Jean]

But as we know, Danika has a lot of secrets. So is that really true?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Just keep getting unfolded like it's. It's like, Bryce, do you really think all of the secrets about Danika have stopped? Do you think that there's nothing else more that you're gonna learn about this?

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah, and I get. I get wanting to kind of be in the denial of it just being like, I did know this person. You guys didn't know her the same way I did. But then that's kind of. That sounds like she didn't know somebody. Relationship. Yes. So who knows? But Rune and Tharion begin to consider the possibility that Danica was perhaps a rebel. Hunt looks haunted by this entire conversation. He doesn't want to be talking about this. He was just trying to get some ice cream.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. But also ice cream.

[Natalie Jean]

And he wants to, you know, just have a simple kind of laugh. A simple kind of laugh.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Well, maybe stop working for these. A starry.

[Natalie Jean]

I think you. The argument would be he wants to not abandon Isaiah, who he considers a good friend.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

And also, what, is he going to go work at the Del Taco? You know what I mean? Like, it's also not that I'm saying that would be below him. I'm just saying he doesn't have the experience. He doesn't have the customer service to.

[Natalie Jean]

Do any of that.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I wouldn't hire him.

[Natalie Jean]

I don't know what he would do.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I don't know.

[Natalie Jean]

Could he be. Maybe he's just going to be a house husband. Oh, I think Bryce would be fine with that.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yes. Please give me a whole book of Hunt the House Husband. Oh, my God. But then it would be like, honey, I shrunk the kids. Because he loves to like and tinker. And he maybe starts making machines, and then. And then the baby's too big. That's the second one. Yeah.

[Natalie Jean]

I do immediately think of Rick Moranis when I think about Hunt.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Ethel. All right, one in the same.

[Natalie Jean]

I do love Rick Moranis, though, so bring it on. So Hunt does not want to be having this conversation, period. This is immediately bringing them back right into the thick of trouble. And he is never going to have sex again.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

No. Not at this point.

[Natalie Jean]

They all ponder the idea that Sophie may be alive and that the Hind may be looking for her, as well as Ophion, as well as the River Queen. So this is a. This is public enemy number one. Kind of like, sort of like everybody's trying to get death. Seek out Sophie, seek out Emile. So now the Hind may be coming to Lunathian, which is great news for everybody. Bryce doesn't care about any of this. She is just furious that Emil is being used as a pawn by everyone. He is just a little boy. Tharion tries to assure her that he'd be safe in the Blue Court. But Bryce knows the River Queen isn't looking for this boy out of the goodness of her heart. That is obviously some sinister reason that she would want this human boy.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Honestly, what would the positive reason be? You know what I mean? It's like, what even would she like? Oh, because I just wanted to, like, see if the boy wanted to become a mayor. Like, what are you talking? Like, what were you really looking for, huh?

[Natalie Jean]

It's the boy. The gender reverse of Annie. She just wants the pr.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah, she wants the Mommy War Buxom.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah, Mommy Warba.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh, I mean, yes, please.

[Natalie Jean]

Mommy Warbucks. I love a Mommy Warbucks as a bargaining chip. Bryce tells Tharion she'll ask Fury if she knows anything about any of this. But that she'll have to wait until the morning because it's date night for, you know, Fury and June. And obviously you don't want to interrupt Fury during a lovemaking session.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

No, not with that backwards hat and not with these extraneous straps on. How many straps can one bitch have? I've got so much underneath the straps. Like, you don't even know what the straps are hiding. And it's why you need straps. All my nipples. Shoulder nipples. Shoulder nipples. Everybody's always calling me that. Just like you with your chest was. Was squeaking up to the sky.

[Natalie Jean]

Oh, my. My halt. My tall pecs.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah.

[Natalie Jean]

My high tits.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah. So I gotta. I gotta have something to hide them because you can't show nipples on YouTube. I actually can show nipples on YouTube. It's Twitch. You can't show nipples.

[Natalie Jean]

I don't think you can show. Well, you can show, I guess, masculine facing people's nipples.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Let my nipples go.

[Natalie Jean]

Let my nipples go. Your armpit nipples.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah. You don't know where I've got them. I've got extra. I'm so powerful.

[Natalie Jean]

Your armpit pulls.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah. Oh, I can milk my pit. Yeah.

[Natalie Jean]

So gross. So Bryce is using this as a bargaining chip, saying, well, you know, if you want information, I can get it from my friend Fury, but you've got to give a little something over to me. Tharion sighs. You know, you did this to yourself there. And he's resigned. He hands over some printed out sheets of the emails between Danika and Sophie to Bryce.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

How did they not get all wet?

[Natalie Jean]

Magic.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Wow, he's got paper magic down there.

[Natalie Jean]

Against the wishes of Hunt, Bryce announces that she is going to go find Emile. Ethan agrees with Bryce. Oh, do I sense disharmony in the house? So now this Ethan comes in being a real. What's his name? Jacob.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh, a little bit of a Jacob. A real Jacob. Not all. Not all wolves are the same, Natalie. How dare you bring Jacob into this?

[Natalie Jean]

It kind of. It's kind of a lot like Jacob.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

There's.

[Natalie Jean]

There's.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

It's a lot of Jacob.

[Natalie Jean]

There's a lot of Jacob. It's kind of the same. But anyway, yes, he's coming in offering a foil, a romantic foil to Hunt.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I mean, he wishes, but like.

[Natalie Jean]

But maybe.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

But maybe, you know, it's always a no until you ask.

[Natalie Jean]

Whoa. But she knows he's speaking from experience and desire to keep Bryce safe. So she's not mad at Hunt, but she is not in agreement with him. Before she says something she may regret, she tells Hunt she'll think about it before walking out of the living room because she's getting a little angry. Leaving the penis party to be stay in the main space and bicker.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

But also Bryce, not fair. You literally just held his face, put your fingers through his hair, being like, we can't get in more trouble. We can't do this. And then you say you're gonna go. I think I would be very upset if I were in, like, starting a relationship with Bryce. I'd be like, that's not fucking fair. That's not fair for you to just completely tramps all over what we just decided on as a couple to protect each other. But I know.

[Natalie Jean]

For the children.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I know. And she wants to protect, but I feel like, like, it's like, that's what you made for each other. All right.

[Natalie Jean]

It's a save the brat moment.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

It is. It is a save the brat moment.

[Natalie Jean]

She can hear them still talking as she gets ready for bed in her bedroom. But she's only thinking about the boy, Emile, wondering if he's hungry and alone right now. She sorts through the pile of selected emails Tharian had handed her and sees that some of them are between Emile and Sophie and that they are just normal sibling email else. So Therian has collected a bunch of different information from Sophie to use as, like, what's it called? Evidence.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah, I just imagine, like, if anyone ever pulled the emails or the texts between Henry and I, I'm like, I don't know if anyone would be able to understand how we speak to each other, but.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah, but like, Emil's like a little.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Kid and they had a dip. Like there was a separation of age gap. Yes. And it seemed like obviously Sophie is definitely more of a. A parental figure in this situation, it.

[Natalie Jean]

Seems, especially because their parents got killed. So she's encouraging her little brother in these emails. Bryce is basically watching these two young people, like, try to survive together. And she. Sophie's helping Emile. Emile saying he misses her because she's away. It only really firms Bryce's resolve to help Emile.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Actually, those emails were really nice and I. I don't know if there would be that amount of like, aww. At reading any emails between Henry and I. I think it would just be a lot of ugh. Why?

[Natalie Jean]

But yeah, but you don't. You didn't have the, like, auntie or like, uncle little, like, you know, niece thing that they probably did because of the age gap. You guys were kind of like goblins together.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yes. And I am also secretly a Thunderbird and, like, I'm just here to protect Henry. And that's what people don't know, that I've been protecting him the whole time.

[Natalie Jean]

Sure.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Do it. Phoenix. James. James, baby. Phoenix.

[Natalie Jean]

Can you.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Can we not do that? Oh, with our budget?

[Natalie Jean]

Okay. I think so.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah.

[Natalie Jean]

But wait, what is she. What is it? She takes in electricity and reads.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah. In this. Like. Like, wings are, like, electrifyingly, like, ripping their way out of my skin as I'm doing that.

[Natalie Jean]

And then you suck the electricity out.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Of the microphone and then everything would go black. Yeah.

[Natalie Jean]

James.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

So, James, I hope you didn't have.

[Natalie Jean]

Any other work to do this week.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Honestly, this is really important. I'm not. I don't think so. Or maybe.

[Natalie Jean]

I mean, but try it.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

And, you know, also, maybe I'll come into my Thunderbird properties later in life. Maybe it's like the opposite of, like a Harry Potter that. It's like, I'll be, like, 73 and I'll get the. Like, my wings are coming. Oh, please.

[Natalie Jean]

I would love it.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

You never know. Maybe there are powers that we're going to start experiencing as we get older.

[Natalie Jean]

I agree.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Fun.

[Natalie Jean]

I agree.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

More fun than being scared of, you know, all of a sudden having schizophrenia.

[Natalie Jean]

No, you're not going.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I was always so scared.

[Natalie Jean]

Of course.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I was so scared that it was just going to happen.

[Natalie Jean]

It's a horrible, debilitating thing.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Ready for it to happen to me.

[Natalie Jean]

It happened to one of my close friends in her early 20s. It was not great.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

No, no, no, no. But, you know, now I'm too old.

[Natalie Jean]

You can live with it and you can.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh, yeah. No, there. Oh, yeah. I just didn't know anything about it at the time. And I.

[Natalie Jean]

Scary.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Of course, I feel like it's one of those things where it's like, oh. But it sets in later in life. And that's all I really knew about it. So I always was scared.

[Natalie Jean]

Of course, I was also very scared of it. Watching it happen to somebody.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah.

[Natalie Jean]

But usually it's. But you're past the time now.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah, I'm too old for it. Oh. See, these are the things we have to accept that it's nice to be too old.

[Natalie Jean]

Old.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah. You know, it's cool, kids.

[Natalie Jean]

It's cool to be old.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

You'd already know if you have schizophrenia.

[Natalie Jean]

That's a PSA we're gonna put on television. Shout out to any of our schizophrenic friends.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Love you, dude. Hell, yeah.

[Natalie Jean]

So she's reading through these emails. She is only now for. You know, it's confirming it's making her resolve stronger. But then she suddenly realizes she hasn't eaten dinner. Her stomach starts growling so she comes back out to tell the boys she's ordering pizza. We cut to Hunt, who has excused himself to take a shower just in the same time frame. And he is shaking with this new rattle up. He is not happy about what's going on. He's very pissed at Tharion for bringing this into their life onto their doorstep. Even if he has a good heart in the moment, he's having what could be called a bit of the old PTSD where he. It's not that he doesn't want to help the kid, it's that he is, you know, he was tortured for like a century.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Will he ever get a break? Like I feel like it's one of those things where it's like if it's not, I feel like we already say all the time, if it's not one thing, it's another. But like this has been nonstop. He needs some time. You need a little bit of self care. Hunt, I'm glad you're taking a shower right now, but I think you could use a little bit more. I think you and Bryce really go on a vacay. Go to Vegas. He would have a blast in Vegas.

[Natalie Jean]

What do you think the Vegas is like there? Well, I don't know. It's like.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I think it's just different kind of magic that you. It's veneer, Penn and Teller.

[Natalie Jean]

Oh, just magic shows. No gambling.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

No, no, no gambling. It's only magic.

[Natalie Jean]

Oh, that's fun.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Which is kind of like my experience every time I go to Vegas anyway.

[Natalie Jean]

That's like going. Have you ever gone to Magic Castle?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

No.

[Natalie Jean]

Oh, dude, you gotta go.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

We've been invited to the magic.

[Natalie Jean]

Gotta go.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

So we've been meaning to go. Gotta go a little bit. Love seeing my magic. But usually we save our magic for Vegas. Magic.

[Natalie Jean]

Magic it is. You gotta at least try once though to go because that's. That is essentially Vegas without the gambling.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

That's great.

[Natalie Jean]

So yeah, they should go to either the Magic Castle or Vegas obviously, but they are not going to have that probably. Unless that is a weird turn in the book. And it's just about them going on vacation. So that would be kind of.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Honestly, it's like Acotar. We get that. You know that fourth book that's kind of like a Christmas special. I feel like we. I'd love a special city. Like give. Let them all go on vacation together. I would love to read about that.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah, that'd be nice. I would totally read that. That short.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

The novella and the partying they would do. Yeah. With all the mirth route.

[Natalie Jean]

Oh, my God. So he is having these, like, feelings. He's in the shower. And then they cut to a little bit later. They're all eating pizza together. Both Hunt and Ethan correctly guess Bryce's order in that moment, which is again, a little bit of a polite step off wolf. And they're all pretending like it's not super tense in the room. They're all still there, except for, I think Therian left at this point. So Rune speaks to Bright Bryce, mind to mind, being like, hey, so Ethan's here.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

What's up?

[Natalie Jean]

They have a full silent conversation as they eat and sip beers, discussing Ethan and how his appearance is probably putting Bryce on some sort of hit list with the wolves now that he's at her place. And how Ethan was a dick to her for all this, like, time. And are you sure you want him in your life? Kind of just, like, sibling stuff. But they're all doing this mind of mind where obviously they're talking. Hunt and Ethan are aware that they're having a conversation to themselves and are like, could you stop doing.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Not do that, man? How annoying would Henry be if he could speak directly into my mind? He would want to fuck me up all the time. And I. He would use it for way more evil than he would use it for good.

[Natalie Jean]

I love my husband. I don't want him to be able to do that.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

No, I don't. I don't want him in there. I don't want to hear him. I don't want him in there. And I'm glad that Bryce and Bruhn are working on their, like, sibling relationship, but I feel like as they get to know each other more, although they seem to respect each other's, like, brain space, they seem pretty good at it.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

So good for them. And at least it would be good because Henry and I'd have to be in the same room, right?

[Natalie Jean]

I don't.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I guess.

[Natalie Jean]

No, actually, I don't know what the. The span is. I don't know.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh, my God. If your brothers could get into your mind just to say whatever they wanted to say and just be like, while you're in the middle of this, like, trying to be fury. Trying to, like, go through the motions of being, like, a really strong assassin. And then they're just like, hey, I hate this. Natalie, stop.

[Natalie Jean]

Hey.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Natalie, stop.

[Natalie Jean]

What are you doing? You're making me mad. They have A group sort of friendly banter for a moment before Ethan tells Bryce he heard that she had her ordeal and congratulates her. This is us being taken back to the first book. She thanks him but doesn't really want to think about the Nook for too long because that was her deal. Remember Getting Syrinx back from the fish tank. She doesn't have to really think about it much because just then Deck and Flynn waltz right in and Bryce looks shocked because they apparently have keys that she didn't know about. Out who Run has apparently given them unauthorized access to her house.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

That's fun.

[Natalie Jean]

But then Flynn clarifies Rune actually didn't give them unauthorized access. They just stole his fingerprints when he was passed out one time to make their own keys.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

You know. They see that's the kind of rascals they are.

[Natalie Jean]

Rascals are 80 year old rascals.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Love them.

[Natalie Jean]

That's what I want to be. There is a new tension between Fae boys and Ethan. But Bryce cuts in and tells them to pretend that they've each made a thousand dog jokes. Thousand Fae jokes to each other so that they can just. Just so she can't have food. Rune and the other two began the story of their own ordeal. Now the ordeals have been brought up and they heard. Yeah. Since they heard Ethan bring bryces. Roon was 27, it turns out when he was sent to A Valen to check out the babes who were ripe for marrying noise. They sort of got into a tiff with Cormac over a lady. And then Cormac's dad ordered Rune to go try to retrieve the sword from the caves at A Vellen. So it's just this entire other book that occurred for Rune at this time period where he is, you know, trying to battle against his father wanting him to marry somebody. And they're like go over there and see if you want to have sex with any of the royals over there.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Also this huge story that they just sprinkle into this. This is all one chapter. I know. Why do you think we've only been doing one chapter?

[Natalie Jean]

It's really, really tough to get through more than one because there's so much to discuss in every chapter. We're not doing good at getting to the following chapter, Jackie.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

No, I am trying.

[Natalie Jean]

No, you're doing good.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I'm trying to zip the lip.

[Natalie Jean]

It's hard to not gab. There's a lot of stuff to comment on.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I just love to talk to you now.

[Natalie Jean]

I love to talk to you too. And we Can. Unless we are on microphone. That is a law and a rule we have in our family. Don't talk to each other. And until we're recording recordings, you won't even look at me, even at family events.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah, it makes it very uncomfortable. But, you know, honestly, Henry, that's what you get for giving us an opportunity.

[Natalie Jean]

I think that's Henry's problem.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah, I think so too. When we're both dressed as the same character, it's like, I do. I kind of want to go haunt Henry. Like, I'm like, what's up? And she's like, both go. And just aggress at him.

[Natalie Jean]

Oh, no, don't. Don't get those wires crossed. Yeah.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Fury's Axtar. In the house.

[Natalie Jean]

In the house, in the house.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah. And that's what we're gonna be screaming over and over again when I go with you back to your house to go terrorize him.

[Natalie Jean]

He's actually filming a pilot right now.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Boring. Well, then I guess we're going to set.

[Natalie Jean]

And my dogs are the groomer. My house is empty.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

So who's gonna hear our cries?

[Natalie Jean]

No one.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Natalie. I guess we'll have to do it here.

[Natalie Jean]

Okay.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

We are furious.

[Natalie Jean]

We have fury, Zach, Star.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

And we will attack Star. But no one is scared. Adam's scared. Adam is scared. All right. Adam scared him.

[Natalie Jean]

He's shaking his head no, but I can tell that.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Tell because he's actually. It's cuz he's vibrating so much from the fear. Right.

[Natalie Jean]

He's going. So Ru was 27 when he had to go over to Avalon and he, you know, run. Has to. So Cormac's dad essentially challenges Ruhn to go find the sword because he thinks that Rune can't find the sword, and he's doing it to, like, humiliate him and sort of like, maybe even get him killed.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Right. And also, I feel important to note another dad that is like, not referred to by name, another father that it's just like, it's always like, you know, in the way that they do with Autumn King and like, Rune's father. And now it's okay. It's like, now it's Cormac. Sad. Okay, very interesting. All right.

[Natalie Jean]

Interesting, because now we do have the Autumn King's first name, Ainir.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yes.

[Natalie Jean]

Well, that return in some way because it was held back for a very long time. We have to, like, wonder why.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

And then we found out was like, oh, I near. And I was like, I near. I. Oh, like, I was like, am I supposed to know it? Am I supposed to.

[Natalie Jean]

I nearly the.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

What are you near.

[Natalie Jean]

Near the truth.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

You're I near the truth. It's just funny because, like, a minute and a half ago, in my head, I was thinking of making an I near like, oh, I near another drink. So I wanted to see where you took it. I'm glad to know that we, neither one of us had a joke for it.

[Natalie Jean]

Nope. Nope.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

So I near a woman and then I sneer. It's not a joke either, Jackie. I don't know why I had to continue the moment.

[Natalie Jean]

There were words you said.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Words I thought if I just kept going, something funny would come out.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

It just wasn't the case. Nope.

[Natalie Jean]

Sometimes it's not.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Sometimes it's not.

[Natalie Jean]

So, yeah, Cormac's dad ordered this just in essence, to at least humiliate Rune, possibly get him killed. They only learned that Cormac had been sent in to hunt them after they were deep in this cave maze. So Cormac's father sent in Cormac to further intimidate, slash, perhaps kill Rune and his friends. Because I guess that's just how Faemen act all the time.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

You know, it's sometimes like, daddies are like, let's see how strong the babies are.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah, that's true.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Like, you know, you just got to throw them in the pool, right? Is that what they say? Is that, like, what that was, like.

[Natalie Jean]

A classic 70s dad thing? I think it was. And it definitely didn't mess up a generation or anything.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

No, many, many generations of trauma. No, I've never heard of it.

[Natalie Jean]

So, Rune, this entire thing, again, sounds like its own book. Rune described a harrowing event that could be, like, pages and pages of pages of going through these caves. There's wraiths, there's myths, ghouls, reminiscent of.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Any kind of bat boys or anything. I feel like.

[Natalie Jean]

Totally.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

It's another one of these where it's like, oh, we get to read in, like you said, an entire story just on this.

[Natalie Jean]

So all of the good stuff is in there. They're all talking in this. In this time, like, reminiscing about this ordeal. And they're technically kind of like bonding as a group a little bit. Rune tells Ethan Sabine and Amelie are some of the worst people in the city. And though Ethan doesn't answer, Bryce can see the hint of a smile on his face, which is kind of like Ruhn, maybe, like, reaching out his hand to Ethan a little bit.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

God, reach out your hand.

[Natalie Jean]

Run. Goes back to mind speak to offer to house Ethan at the Fae Enclave.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Man, the look on my face. If I was mind speaking, I already can't, like, pretend I'm not feeling an emotion that I'm currently feeling. So if I was mind speaking, I'm just like, I'm not mind speaking. I'm not my speaking.

[Natalie Jean]

Is it mind speaking if you're pantomiming?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Well, that's. I, I, I would hope that I wouldn't, but even, like, you know, sometimes it's. Is difficult.

[Natalie Jean]

I know. I can't imagine it must be such a challenge for him. And I'm. I feel for him. I feel so sad for him.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

You really want to be roomies with a wolf?

[Natalie Jean]

Better than an angel.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Depends on what you're doing with that angel.

[Natalie Jean]

Gross. Bryce.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Bryce tuned back into the conversation as Declan asked with a wicked smile that told her he was about to start.

[Natalie Jean]

So who's sleeping where in this apartment tonight?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Get out of here, boys. Get out of here.

[Natalie Jean]

Bryce doesn't answer and makes an effort not to look pleased when Hunt juts in telling the room that he is bunking with Bryce that night. End of conversation.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Whoa.

[Natalie Jean]

Because, if you'll recall, even slept with her last night.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. And Hunt certainly recalls it, but this is also, I think that a lot of this is reminding me of how often Murder Fist used to block me and how often I'd be like, just get away from me. Get away. Get. Stop. Stop. Go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go. Go away. And that's how I, I feel like that's what the place that Bryce is getting to at this point.

[Natalie Jean]

Oh, yeah. Just this, this sketch group around her. Yeah.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Except they're all, like, very, very powerful veneer. And I guess I maybe shouldn't compare.

[Natalie Jean]

Murder f. People in the. In Murder Fist were very powerful magicians.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah, well, magicians, I feel like magicians, like in Earth Life, and I think that they were taken as such, and that is heavily judged. I don't know if you guys know any musicians. Musicians, magicians in real life, but they are heavily judged upon people.

[Natalie Jean]

Some of them deserve it. Yeah. Yeah. So Hund is saying, I'm staying there. She starts to respond, but then Ithan interrupts, saying, good. She snores. She calls them both assholes and tells them to go sleep on the roof. So are we good? Are we continuing?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I don't think we are.

[Natalie Jean]

I. You know, we made a promise at the beginning of this episode, and promises are only meant to be broken.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Wow. I didn't know where you were, how you were gonna finish that I thought you'd be like. And that's why we're gonna to keep going forever.

[Natalie Jean]

No, diabolically we are not. We got through one very long chapter, folks. Should we be trying to go faster through these chapters? It's very difficult there. I don't know if you remember how much we just talked about. And that was chapter 12 exclusively.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I feel like also too these Crescent City chapters are so girthy. Like I feel like they are in a way that even I'm similarly, I'm reading Sookie Stack House the True Blood novels right now. And every chapter is like multiple of my recording chapter. And just so it's like. It's also remembering that she just shoves a lot into the especially up top in the first half of this book.

[Natalie Jean]

Maybe we'll take a poll on Instagram and see. Take a poll. Think. Because I feel like we just did multiple chapters and we did not. But it was a lot of paper ages. So we'll. We'll give you that. But yeah, we lied.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah, let us know.

[Natalie Jean]

We'll always lie. Yeah.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

But continue to look at how beautiful we are.

[Natalie Jean]

And because we're pretty and that's what matters, we can get away with anything. Sorry.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Please read up until chapter 15 for next week. Sam Foreign.

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