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Chapter 953: Perfect Humanoid Specimens
🕑 Added 2024-10-11 22:00:05 +0000 UTCThe Australian security team returned through the portal to report on what they had found. Jason sent Lu Yan through a separate portal, to join with the government officials eating frozen desserts. Lu would join their tour, led by the Concierge, allowing Jason to get back to family. In theory.
He stepped out of a Shade body onto his cloud ship, but Shade spoke up before Jason had the chance to move.
“Mr Asano.”
“Please tell me there isn’t something I have to go do. I’m trying to introduce all my friends to my family.”
“Mrs Tilden requires your input. She has what she believes are adequate terms for delivering the dimensional refugees back to Earth. She said it would be best if you could appear in person to ratify the agreement.”
“Why did it have to be today?” he grumbled. “How much leeway do I have in terms of time?”
“Knowing that you are occupied, Mrs Tilden set up a meeting for this afternoon in Canberra, with a number of ambassadors and officials representing the nations and factions whose people were displaced. It is scheduled for one hour and forty-seven minutes from now.”
Jason let out a frustrated groan.
“Okay, that is worth showing up for. If I want people to take me seriously.”
“On that note, Mr Asano, Mrs Tilden suggested you not arrive in short pants. She went as far as to express a hope that you might see your way into donning an actual suit. Might I suggest one of the new outfits from Mr Bertinelli, in the Vitesse style. Something reflecting the formality of Earth business fashion while clearly drawing a distinction. I would, I believe, send the message you are going for.”
Jason nodded.
“As always, Shade, your taste is impeccable.”
“Then might I convince you to reread The Remains of the Day, which encapsulates attitudes of—”
“You realise that’s a sad book about a guy who gave up love out of dedication to a Nazi sympathiser.”
“It is a work containing many fine lessons on the nature of service, Mr Asano. And I would hope that you are discerning in your sympathies.”
“Me too. Look, we’ll watch the film version tonight, with Emi and her parents, alright? Assuming things stop coming up.”
“That would be very fine, Mr Asano. Even if I do not approve of Sir Anthony’s choice of essences. Potent, Fertile, Vast and Edifice. Wholly undignified.”
***
The meeting proved mercifully uneventful. There were some questions from the Australian Foreign Minister about the portal still in the Canberra office, but he fobbed the man off onto Anna. Most of the attendees seemed nervous about Jason, although curiosity and ambition warred with fear in their auras.
As Jason wanted to stall out his time in Australia, despite his claims, he allowed himself to be talked into waiting for a location to be set up on the coast. The refugees would be released there to their respective nations and organisations.
As most of the refugees belonged to both magical factions and nations, there was some contention over would be collecting them. While some nations had merged with various factions, or at least had very close relations, others did not. Some factions, like the Engineers of Ascension and various iterations of the Network, no longer existed at all.
Jason noticed that none of the people suggested asking the refugees themselves, but he happily stayed out of those negotiations. There were a few attempts to bring him into the discussion, but he stayed out of it. Unless and until some of the refugees requested some kind of asylum from whoever arrived to pick them up, he had no horse in that race. He was grateful for Anna’s assistance in avoiding entanglements diplomatically.
He left the ambassadors to their deliberations, returning to his ship once the logistical details that concerned him were finalised. Anna came with him, likewise happy to escape the affair. She had been there far longer than him and had exhausted what productive moves she could make.
“You did well, Jason,” she said after they appeared in a room on the ship set aside for teleport arrivals. “And an excellent choice on the suit.”
“Thank you.”
“Shade?”
“He did help pick it out,” Jason conceded. “My family is having a barbecue on the deck eight terrace lounge, if you want something to eat.”
“I wouldn’t want to intrude.”
“Rufus, Taika and Gary are there. And I’m finally going to bring my friends from the other world to meet everyone. I know you’ve been waiting to connect with Danielle Geller.”
“Then I shall refresh myself and make my way down.”
***
“Wait, were we meant to dress up?” Neil asked. “You said the dress code was casual.”
“It is,” Jason assured him. “I just had a meeting with the Earthlings.”
“I hope you didn’t call them that,” Danielle said.
“I totally did. Even told them to take me to their leader.”
She rolled her eyes as Jason flashed an impish grin.
Jason’s friends were gathering in the hall outside their suites. His team, minus Zara. Farrah and Danielle. Emir and Constance, Arabelle and Gabriel. Valdis and his wife Sigrid. Belinda had Estella with her, trying not to be awkward around Jory. Travis was nervously clasping the hand of his wife Gabrielle.
“Travis, you were one of the first outsiders to sign on with the Asano Clan. You could have been down there the whole time.”
“I don’t know,” he said. “It’s been so long, you know?”
“You don’t have to worry,” Jason assured him. “You’re amongst friends. Family. And I know we’ve had our differences, Gabrielle, but you’re family too, now.”
He looked around.
“No Zara?”
“She’s still with the Rimaros diplomatic contingent,” Danielle said.
“I told her this was happening,” Sophie said. “She’ll join us or she won’t.”
“I’ll call in on them,” Jason said. “But not until after. I’ve been waiting too long to put this off anymore.”
***
The Storm kingdom royal family was sprawling, making up almost a quarter of the kingdom’s nobility. Even the least prominent of noble houses had at least a few royals tucked away in the family tree, all carefully tracked to keep families from becoming too close. Royals on the level of Zara were rare, with most of the princes and princesses being far less influential than upper-tier nobility.
Zareen Rimaros was technically a princess, but far enough down the hierarchy that she was formally referred to as ‘lady’ rather than ‘princess’ or ‘your highness.’ The same was true for many of the diplomatic team sent to engage with the authorities of Earth.
According with her status, she had served as something like a lady in waiting for princess Zara, and they had become close during the journey. It helped that Zareen also had a history with Jason, although Zareen’s was far less complicated. It was mostly a social connection, through her mother, Liara. Liara was likewise a lesser royal, but her personal power and position in the Adventure Society made her a political force nonetheless.
Zareen sat on Zara’s bed, watching the other princess pace back and forth.
“You should just go,” she told Zara. “This is only a big deal in your head.”
“What if I’m being presumptuous?”
“Presumptuous? We’ve all been watching the pair of you eye-humping every time you’re in a room together.”
Zara stopped to give her a scathing look. Zareen responded by putting her wrist to her forehead and falling back, as if taken feint.
“Oh Captain, I am but a wayward princess, cast adrift on a dimensional sea. Take me in your manly arms and—”
She was cut off by a thrown pillow, laughing as it bounced away.
***
While Jason was corralling his friends, the group at the gathering was growing as well. More clan members were appearing through a shadow portal, including Jason’s oldest uncle, Shiro Asano. He arrived with the former members of the Network’s Asano Clan, exiled to the Australian Clan for siding with Jason during his last trip to Earth. The head of that group was the Japanese Asano Clan’s former patriarch, also named Shiro Asano. The Two Shiros, as they had become known, had struck up a friendship during the course of Jason’s long absence.
With them were former members of the Tiwari Clan. Like the Japanese Asanos, they had been exiled from their family for siding with Jason. Jason’s previous time on earth had been filled with betrayal and deceit, so he greatly appreciated those who had demonstrated integrity, even when it cost them dearly.
Leading his friends, Jason paused outside the door to the lounge, as nervous as Nik had been earlier. Humphrey placed a hand on his shoulder.
“It’ll be fine, Jason.”
“He’s right,” Belinda said. “I mean, will they hate Neil? Probably, yes.”
“Hey…”
“Thanks,” Jason said. “That calmed me down. But yeah, they’re probably all going to hate Neil.”
“Gods dammit.”
“No gods here, mate,” Jason told him. “There’s just me.”
“Wow,” Neil said. “That may be the most arrogant thing you’ve ever said, and that’s a crowded field.”
“It was pretty bad,” Humphrey agreed.
“Sorry. I was doing a thing, earlier, and I thought I might have to turn off the sun for a bit. To prove a point, you know? It put me in a certain head space.”
“Just open the damn door,” Sophie said. “I want something to eat.”
The door dissolved away.
“Farrah!” Emi yelled and bolted over.
***
“You’re all so good looking,” Erika said. “I mean, I know what magic does to people’s appearances, but even by those standards, it’s really something. It’s like you all just waltzed in from a modelling agency.”
“That’s really flattering, Eri,” Jason said.
“And Jason would be your manager. Which would explain the one guy who isn’t gorgeous like the rest of you.”
“Really?” Jason whined.
“I like her,” Belinda said in flawless English and stepped forward to shake Erika’s hand. “I’m Belinda, and this is Estella.”
“I actually recognise you,” Erika said. “Jason made recordings during his first trip to your world.”
“I remember those,” Belinda said. “They were really annoying.”
Jason watched happily as his two families met for the first time. For two groups from literally different worlds, they meshed better than he ever could have hoped. Much of the start was him making introductions. Most of the adults present were essence users, so remembering names was easy.
He watched the healers, Neil, Jory, Arabelle and Sigrid, discuss different approaches to magical healing with Jason’s brother-in-law and another doctor, Chloe Baudrillard. Emi, Clive and Gary were messily disassembling one of Emi’s cube constructs on a table where people were meant to be eating. Valdis was enthusiastically discussing Earth sword techniques with non-uncle Shiro and his daughter, Akari.
Anna and Danielle finally met, Jason resisting the urge to push his senses through their privacy screen as they shared exasperated expressions while gesturing in his direction. Emir was holding court with some of the younger generation, many children having arrived with the extra clan members. He was loudly recounting a boisterous tale of treasure hunting and adventure.
Jason’s father was talking with Emir’s wife and Arabelle’s husband. Farrah was catching up with Rufus after fifteen years of separation from her oldest friend. Nik, Belinda and Estella were raiding the buffet table as if they needed to store food away for the winter. Belinda was interrogating an uncertain-looking Itsuki Tiwari over what was the best food to swipe. Humphrey and Sophie were circulating, the absolute centre of attention.
“It’s almost obnoxious,” Erika said. “They’re just perfect humanoid specimens. I am not comfortable with the look Nana is giving Humphrey.”
“I know, right?” Jason agreed. They were watching the room from a quiet booth against the wall, a cornucopia of food laid out before them.
“You know they’re all going to be famous, right?” Erika asked. “Did you prepare them at all for a horde of thirsty people on the internet?”
“Is ‘thirsty’ a term people are still using? I’d have thought they would have moved on from that by now.”
“I don’t know. I’ve been living in a magic hole for years, cut off from popular culture.”
“It’s not a magic hole.”
“There’s a hole in the universe you go through to get in, Jason. It’s a magic hole.”
“That’s an aperture, not a hole.”
“You know we have internet here? Unlike in the magic hole. You do realise what I’ll find if I look up synonyms of aperture on my phone, right?”
“Shut up and eat your burger.”
She contemplated poking him some more, but it was a good burger, so she picked it up and took a bite. Jason let out a contented sigh and leaned into his sister’s shoulder.
“This is exactly what I wanted, Eri. Everything I’ve wanted, for so long. I know there’s going to be a bunch of crap to deal with, but right in this moment, everything is perfect.”
“I heard someone mention there was another member of your team?”
“Zara. She’s a princess of the kingdom on the other end of the magic bridge. They have a diplomatic team here to establish relations on Earth. She’s with them.”
“A princess, you say.”
“Yep.”
“A beautiful princess?”
“Look at these people, Eri. They’re all beautiful.”
“Uh huh.”
Jason sat up straight and looked at his sister.
“Eri, who have you been talking to?”
“Farrah.”
Jason let out a weary sigh.
“I want to meet her, Jason.”
“Nothing has happened between me and Zara.”
“I want to meet her.”
Jason looked around the room at people having a good time.
“Later,” he said. “There’s history, with Zara and me, and things are delicate right now. Neither of us know exactly where things stand, or where they’re going. And there are complications. Political ramifications. She’s a princess, Eri, and not of the wave-at-people-during-a-hospital-opening variety.”
“So, she’s not allowed to hook up with a commoner?”
“No, that’s not the issue. It’s complicated and political, and about more than just her position. I’ve fallen into an unusual position in Pallimustus global politics. Danielle, come here please.”
Danielle was on the other side of a loud room, and inside a privacy screen. Even so, she looked over at Jason’s softly spoken request. She made her way over and Jason tapped the button on the table that activated the privacy magic on the booth. Jason and Erika stood as Danielle approached.
“I don’t think you two have formally met. Erika, this is Danielle, Humphrey’s mother. Danielle, this is my sister. I need my sister to understand why she can’t interfere with my relationship with Zara. For my own good, of course, in that big sister way. I thought that you would be better to explain Pallimustus politics, my position in it and how that relates to the princess. Both because your explanation will be better, and she won’t doubt half of it on principle the way she would with me.”
“It is good to meet you,” Danielle said. “And Jason was right to bring me in on this. I’ll leave the complex personal history for him to explain later, and focus on the politics. How much has Jason told you about what he’s been up to on my world?”
“Not much.”
“Then I will start at the beginning. Shall we sit?”
“I’ll go,” Jason said, standing up. “I might sneak out and see if I can’t talk Zara into joining us.”
“Jason,” Danielle said. “I won’t tell you what to do, or not to do. What I will ask is that any choices you make, you do not make lightly.”
“I know,” he said. She nodded, and he left. The two women claimed seats in the booth.
“Perhaps,” Danielle said, “I should start from the very beginning. I was spending some time at my family’s original estate when I was visited by Rufus Remore. He had an unusual story, centred around a strange man he had met…”
Comments
Daniel Alexander Womack
Thank you and love the descriptions. Just a note, am I blind...likely yes but did you mention Stash at all in the meeting of families?
Morgan Smidt
Hard disagree. It’s about damn time they got together.
Joshua Little
Thanks for the chapter.
mzetqbbtyf
Just want to register that I couldn't give a monkeys about this nascent romance storyline between Jason and Zara. Feels like filler and I pretty much just skim though any and all "90210" chapters.
werotan
Strange quite Strange...
Alec
Yes, but no - you can’t force people through portals, they have to be willing (although you can use…forceful methods to make them willing to go through)
Kismet
I didn't write it, so... I just absolutely appreciate the joke about one of my favorite actors. 😉
Max Reimer
This set is actually impossible as Fertile and Edifice are both confluence essences.
AJ
Quick question could you open a portal in front of someone while they are walking and essentially make them walk through
Martin Tomsic
@Kevin - Not sure if it's exactly what you meant, but I'd love a book of "HWFWM: Side Quests" that is all events that happened in the course of the story, but were never spoken of, or only alluded to, in the books. Not even a full book, just random releases that won't be in the current book, just have them replace a chapter once or twice a month for the sake of fun. They may even have hidden jokes that pertain to the current new chapters. I think a chapter of him actually working and learning at one of the restaurants (or maybe just the discussion of trying to get the owner to let him work and learn) would be hilarious. Maybe some other monster encounters that are just whimsical rather than actual story building. Conversations by other guests at parties/events that he held/attended. Definitely more scenes like "Chapter 935: Reason Eighty-Seven", where the head of one of the noble houses had the discussion about all the reasons NOT to cross Jason and his friends.
Chris Corke
Faint but feint for what it's worth
Stephen fuchsel
Well, you're in luck then
Jordan Brennan
Oh no lgbt+ characters! Quick! Run for the hills before they offend more of my sensibilities!!!
Josh
I could more see a graphic novel being a better option
Jimmy Shields
Jason
Martin Tomsic
@Hans - I like this!! I'm suddenly imagining "mirage cabinets" for at-home VR gaming use. It could double as both entertainment and training. Obviously they would be insanely expensive, but I'm sure there are people that would buy them and others that might make arcades out of them.
riley
This conversation is hilarious.
Mike Zebill
I was half expecting Daniel to walk up and just say he needs to get over himself and go knock boots with Zara.
Henrik Nørgaard
Which isn't really a surprise, most of her best work is made there! Except that time she kept Neil's aunt up to date with where he was.
SuPerNooB102
I desire HWFWM merchandise and collector items! Does anyone know if there is anything besides the handful of items on Podium? Kickstarter? Also - This series would be an epic Animated TV series
S
We know who Neil is into
Hons
The Shade part got me, this would be funny. Just imagine those verbal duells🤣🤣
P K
What even made you type this? I see zero references for this? Did I miss something? As far as I can see Neil still likes his ex, and Jason is currently pinning for Zara (though I don't think he'll do anything again until she's immortal hopefully) I hate for him to lose another lover, but he seems powerful enough atm that hopefully it wouldn't be an issue, if anyone powerful enough to kill her they'd be aware enough to know they just made an enemy for the rest of existence
Lucas Dawson
I mean, it could still have been an absolute piss missile before it hits that point
Brad Gammey
I can't picture Emi having that kind of interest in Clive, but with the collection present, someone is bound to be/know Clive's wife.
Joanna
Yeah, especially given she got a whole bunch of “training videos” from him when Rufus and Taika came back. It’s going to be like growing up in my generation and then meeting Bill Nye in your early thirties. “Oh, your show taught me so much!”
Zack
Party's not over yet. There's still time. 🤞
Doug
I don’t think pornstars would go for “fertile” though. That seems like a quick way out
LolGamez
Huh??
Frederick
This explains why Jason likes her so much!
ByLAWphoto
@Dax--you're right: magic, interdimensional travel, gods, and monsters are all real, but AH choosing those essences was actually a farce. 😉
ByLAWphoto
I can't recall the exact context, but I seem to remember Jason & Co discussing that being around gold rankers when lower ranked was rather hazardous to one's health because if they forgot to adjust for their own strength for just a moment, they could really hurt the people around them. I imagine in the moment, Zara was sufficiently distracted by her irritation and embarrassment that she could have thrown it harder than she would have otherwise.
Martin Tomsic
He's already more or less been "Uncle Emir" to Team Biscuit, so this is a perfect fit for him. Just don't leave him unattended with them or he might send them out on dangerous missions or encourage them to sneak out and make bad decisions.
GentlemanG33k
That's when mirage chambers become video games
Martin Tomsic
I'm sure essence enhanced sports/athletes have already become popular due to Earths mass media. I shudder to think what will happen when they discover mirage chambers. And what will change with the integration of magitech into mirage chambers?
SqrlyGrly
Clive is like a decade older than her uncle. Pretty sure this isn't happening. It's going to be more master/disciple I think.
SqrlyGrly
Gabrielle is going to freak out about the internet and the need for Knowledge. And shed be right.
GentlemanG33k
Why is this even being discussed?
BloodStorm
I hope that’s not the case.
Monty Crisco
if Neil turns out to be gay for Jory I think I'm done
Soli116
It's a cloud pillow. Plus, Zara has control of how hard she throws things.
Kevin Anderson
I'm entirely disappointed that we didn't get a streaking Jason with a bushy mustache
Kismet
I read that Anthony Hopkins chose essances to become basically a sex "god". I'm thinking like a Saytr. He's such a good actor, classically trained, know for mostly deep rolls. To have him decide to be a letch is hilarious.
Kevin Anderson
I didn't catch the context of this joke. Was it Anthony Hopkins? And what do those essences imply? My only guess was sec toy related?
Kevin Anderson
An out take as a bonus chapter would be cool. I still think shirt should repair some "deleted scenes"
John Durrett
Seems Clive’s wife never made it out of the bedroom.
Martin Tomsic
Amy was self-conscious around Asya. I don't think there are words to describe what she will feel when she meets Zara.
John Durrett
Or you use magic and essences that turn any thrown object into a deadly weapon
Martin Tomsic
@Joanna - There is a big difference between being on good terms with someone and forgiving them and building a close relationship. I think they are at a point where they are good with seeing each other and not getting into fights. I don't see them as having long in depth conversations and mother/son outings.
Martin Tomsic
Lorelei has been after Clive for almost 20 years, I don't see her letting Emi take him away. Assuming Emi has any interest in him in the first place.
Martin Tomsic
I think Erika is going to be so freaked out over everything that Jason is actually involved in now that she is getting a clean explanation of what has been going on that she won't have any idea of what to say or do. IF they end up getting married (I think they will, but far from guaranteed at the moment) it won't be for a long time. At the earliest it will be after the bridge is finished fully forming so that everyone will easily be able to make it to one planet or the other. And there will be a lot of people going because it will effectively be the formal unification of the two planets. There will be officials from every major nation and kingdom on both planets. As was pointed out, diamond rankers will be attending, so it'll either have to be on Palli or after Jason reaches diamond so they can come to Earth. Erika is going to be losing her mind when she realizes what the two of them getting together actually means. If anything she'll be demanding that Shade have multiple bodies acting as noticeable chaperones every time the two of them are together so they don't do anything stupid and cause an interdimensional incident.
Martin Tomsic
I want a full chapter of the whole crew going through the pirate ship. I want all of the "I wonder what this does...", "why would you do something that stupid?", and "oh, that's a brilliant use of..." moments possible! Just don't let Stash get too close and start doing what he did to the Builder vessel at the start of book 7. I think Clive can do legit damage to him this time.
Martin Tomsic
I don't know if Shirt will do it (probably not), but I'd kind of like to have it bounce between Jason going to talk to Zara and the convo between Erika and Danielle. Something like: Jason stressing on the way to see Zara, Danielle explaining the end of the Reaper trial and meeting the gods, Zara and Zareen talking a bit more, Danielle talking about Jason surviving the star seed and the fallout in the Adventure and Magic Societies, Jason and Zara panicking over Erika getting involved, Danielle talking about Soramir and the royal family, Jason and Zara calming down and getting ready to come back to the party, Danielle talking about the GAB conference and sending the Builder away... Obviously Erika would be slowly going more and more crazy as she finally starts to understand what Jason has been doing, who everyone he knows actually is and has done, and everything that they are now caught in the middle of.
Douglas Davis
When you throw an object do you use your full strength every time, or do you think gold rankers can't control the amount of force they use for some reason? I throw pillows at my kids on occasion but that doesn't mean I beam them as hard as I can.
JonO
I mean his whole essence set leads to him epitomizing BDE. And from what I understand, he definitely meets that criteria. So why deny him to epitomize the vastness of his phallicy? (See what I did there? Phallicy.... not fallacy.... mwahaha)
JonO
Shirt 100%confirmed farrah as defier on discord. Li Mei is unimportant for now I guess.
Philipp Battenberg
Well, if you say companions than Zara, Sophie and Humphrey are top contenders due to their looks. Shade is probably the most famous and loved currently for his search and rescue efforts from last time. ... It occurs to me: Shade could have 211 interviews at once.
Kalanaere
So like Asano Anonymous?
Kalanaere
Let's be real, Jason is totally going to do his invisible Aura trick, pop up beside Zara and be like sooo wanna get out of here and go to a party instead? She's going to agree snd he's going to Just vanish with her
Kalanaere
No
Kalanaere
Erika is practical. She'll just weaponize her daughter against him. Emily will totally agree just to torment Jason
Ryan H
Never know, might have been a gold rank pillow
Kalanaere
he will be worshipped lol, only Diety in history tto have been known to physically manifest and demands tribute in biscuits and sandwiches
Kalanaere
Agreed, the Defier role comes with its own unique abilities to check Jason if he gets to far out of control
Kalanaere
Jason would never let Clive marry Emi lol. Now Emi and New Gary most definitely
Joanna
Good point!
Kalanaere
I don't think so. I think Dawn would encourage it. Jason was a fun time but I don't think it was ever really going to be more than that
Kalanaere
Yeah Soromir is rather fond of his I think Grandchild? Not sure there. He'd definitely be upset though to not get invited, and to not invite the father of the bride would probably e disastrous in its own right. Yet I could see them both doing it AAND just to be himself he'd somehow convince one of the GAB to officiate
Joanna
I’ll be interested in their meeting, for sure, but I don’t see either of them being the posessively unhinged type who’d fight over a man
Joanna
Yes, with full system integration! That would be such an amazing propaganda tool as well as tremendously popular entertainment
Joanna
There’s certainly the possibility that the next chapter continues this conversation. I would kinda like to see some of it as well. It is the beginning of a new book after all, so a bit of recap of book 12’s events would be very reasonable
Idan tal
No vaporising, but definitely blowing apart from hitting the sound barrier.
Liesmith
"This story starts as many stories often do, with an Australian man waking up naked and hairless in a hedge maze..."
Donald A
So who of Jason's companions will be yhe most famous. My money is on Gordon. Gordon loves music and could probably synthesize an entire orchestra with his new voice powers. Hes gonna be a hit
Ardin Helme
Ok, I understand it would be annoying to go over the recounting of Jason's entire story every time it comes up, but I would like to see what they actually say at least once instead of cutting away, especially in a scenario like this where we would be getting a new perspective. How exactly is Jason percieved in Pallimastus politics? Specifically from the PoV of his political advisor? Similarly I don't think Danielle needs to actually recount everything here, they've seen the recordings, all she needs to fill in are the political ramifications and what happened after Jason came back. The chapter itself is great, I just wanted to draw attention to what I see as a missed oppertunity, and even if this wasn't such a perfect place to better inform us of how Jason fits into the larger narrative, I kinda just once want to see someone try to explain Jason, like, the cutaway is funny because of the subtext that the explanation will not be easy, I'd just like to see that follow through, at least once.
Michael Hawkins
I've said it before. Books are literally nothing but filler. This is a story being written. Not everything is action. It is important to display your characters as having normal lives as well. It contributes to their growth. Its how you create a world that feels real. If you seriously disagree with this view point I kindly request you write a story. I will even sub to your patreon to read it, specifically to see how you write a story without any of these types of scenes.
Michael Hawkins
I'm hoping Amy feels self conscious meeting zara, comparing herself to the princess. Maybe from her pov or something.
StarkRG
Firstly: she's older than Jason so she probably is gold, yeah. Secondly: it's a pillow, there's only so much momentum one can impart to such a low-density object before atmospheric compression causes it to vaporise.
ByLAWphoto
I just realized something: a gold-ranked princess threw a pillow at her (I think) cousin / lady in waiting. Do we think Zareen is gold-ranked as well to just laugh it off?
StarkRG
It'd be cool if, instead, Erika managed to convince Danielle that all that Storm Kingdom bullshit wasn't worth the effort and that Zara and Jason should just get it over with and publically acknowledge their relationship. An actual wedding should probably wait until her father and, perhaps, Diamond-rankers like Soromir and Zela could attend.
StarkRG
We better have a bunch of chapters in which they collaborate to construct... something. Weapon, tool, whatever, maybe include Travis and Farrah. Exploration is what I'm here for, and that can be any kind of exploration, including the evolution of what three magitech geniuses and a pure magical genius can do. I'd also like to see what Knowledge Priestess Gabrielle has to contribute to this trip besides being arm-candy for Travis.
Rachel Clements
TYFTC!
3rdImpact
I love this your of chapter Jason did discover this and I believe it is one of "shirts" budget writing strengths. Thanks allot . I hope the author of having as much fun writing those as we enjoy reading them. Best
Martin Tomsic
@Robert - They haven't handed over the refugees yet. They were still just going through the deals of when and where he would let them all off so they can go with the groups they belong to. I don't think Jason was mad over something they specifically did or said, he just seemed annoyed that it was cutting in to his time of introducing everyone and having fun.
Kismet
The very best to you all & your families.
Kismet
He does.
Kismet
Yeah, normal new book character intro. This was a damn good way to do it too.
Hons
I think it would be fun too if Erika and Zara would randomly meet somewhere and gang up on Jason just to tease him a bit.
Kismet
Dear lord, that poor woman if they actually get married. All those "CClive's wife" out there. There's no way someone won't say something stupid. Though it would be fun to see Clive really get angry. Only once though, i imagine he's damn scary.
Kismet
I sadly haven't read the book, yet. I did see the movie. A number of times. It truly is sad, but a very good story.
Fabienne Bedry
Thank you Sir for the moments of pleasure that reading your words are. From the chapter droplets to the river books, to the Ocean story, it makes a joyful and refreshing place for the mind.
Sacha
9...
Soli116
@Joanna I meant Nik meeting Cheryl. He's her grandson, after all.
Joanna
I don’t know, Martin, you could be right. But the little exchange he and Nik had a chapter or two back about whether Jason would be willing to give his mom time… it just read to me like they’re still pretty estranged
Kismet
I'm not even done reading yet, and here I am. Shirt! You're killing me with those jabs out of the blue. Absolutely F'ing hilarious. “That would be very fine, Mr Asano. Even if I do not approve of Sir Anthony’s choice of essences. Potent, Fertile, Vast and Edifice. Wholly undignified.” Edit: Okay, I'm finished. Oh my gods, that was an awesome chapter. Thank you so much for the chapter, the stories, the characters, and most of all, thank you for Stach, Colin, Gordon, & Onslow. They are all good boys.
Kelly
I love the cozy chapters with food and sibling banter. And the will-they-won’t-they angst is adorable, too.
SnufflenoseSmooshwhiskers
I think it's just a funny way to imply that he has BDE.
Maria Klein
Clive finally has a wife in the making…poor girl 😂
Maria Klein
Im also team dawn
Maria Klein
Oh so good!!
Jason Galyon
I actually read it after seeing Shade’s comments about it from earlier books. It is indeed sad but I enjoyed it.
KollegvomMirgan
Oh my Jason... it's really happening
Diviknight
My absolute favorite parts in any of these books is when Jason is dealing with some strong emotions and his team casually puts him at ease just by being the friends they’ve always been from the start.
Landsraad
Omg no mention of Stash!!
NoChill
The last few chapters had me going back to Books 4 5 and 6 on audible to refresh.
David Odle
Tftc! PLEASE give us more of the convo with Emi, Clive, and Gary. I can’t wait to see the interactions there. Throw in Travis and Jory and you’ve got brainiac party.
CAPTAINCAEL
The Remains of the Day never heard of it any good?
Anthony Sebastian
I've seen people call chapters filler before, but what they really mean is "anything that doesn't personally interest me".
Martin Tomsic
Why do I get the feeling that next chapter will start with Jason telling Zara about his conversation with Erika and how he managed to get Danielle to save him? And then the two of them start trying to make an elaborate scheme for avoiding Erika for the next few years until they figure out their relationship. Danielle just got through telling him to not do something stupid, so it feels like he really has to do something stupid.
Crystal Donak
It is also the start of a new book it's probably just to explain who is who.
GentlemanG33k
We need to get Valdis and Terrance together get a mirage chamber set up for internet broadcast. Then challenge all of Earths strongest gold rankers to a tournament. Valdis will be happy the first couple rounds until he realizes they don't get any better.
Martin Tomsic
I hope Shirt makes the next three weeks all about the family reunion, just for spite. I'm just kidding. I get that you aren't a fan of this, but some of us have been waiting for a long time for Jason's families to finally meet one another. Things are going to get ugly soon enough with worlds hanging in the balance type events I'm sure.
Kraede Epoch
Oh, I love this ending So Much!! SUCH NOSTALGIA. Looking forward to restarting Book 1 😂
Bombans
I think “Uncle Emir” is absolutely his calling. Just a bunch of children to tell his stories to and give sweets.
Martin Tomsic
Calling Danielle a Sand Witch is still better than when Belinda called Jory a herb witch.
Martin Tomsic
If Colin comes out to meet the family then you have to have Gordon and Shade be out and about too. They can all speak this time around, so why keep them hidden.
BloodStorm
I feel like stash and Collin should both be out
Martin Tomsic
I think part of it is to show how Jason is connected to his Palli family compared to his Earth family. Saying Emir's wife and Arabelle's husband puts it more in terms of his uncle's wife and his aunt's husband. Emir and Arabelle are closer to him, like blood relatives, and Constance and Gabriel are more like the in-laws. At least, that's the way it all played in my mind.
Snugglebadger
I love these chill chapters.
ouroboros
You're not wrong I'm sure. But him being a system admin will be like cognitive dissonance for these uppity cosmic nobodies. 😂
Martin Tomsic
I've been hoping for Jason and Zara to get together for a long time. But I won't begrudge anyone holding out hope for Dawn. But I agree, Jason deserves something good in the relationship department. But with either girl he still has to deal with dating a princess and the politics involved. And I'm guessing planetary politics will be easier to manage than cosmic politics.
Martin Tomsic
Sorry, I meant that as being since the beginning of the US Network, not as since the founding of the Network as a whole. That would have been more than two centuries before the US Revolutionary War.
JonO
Yeah very much the same here. Thankfully my balcony is screened in so it keeps the mosquitoes out.... but apparently a frog can still jump on me in the dark and freak me the hell out. I little girl on an amusement park ride where she doesn't quite meet the height requirement screamed my ass off. And covid made sure I couldn't hit the high note anymore.... so I was actually quite impressed by my reaction to fear lol
Laura Hemly
If our power doesn't come on tomorrow, we'll probably go stay with a friend in Miami. We can camp with her as long as we want, fortunately.
Will
Excellent wholesome set up that is in progress. Now to see how the 'sealed in time' aspects of Earth come about now that some of the old compacts have been undone
Martin Tomsic
@Baffle - The change caused by fixing the Throne was that there was no longer just a single possible confluence essence from any set. Now it was back to how it used to be, where there were multiple possible confluences for sets. I don't recall ever having heard that Fertile was an essence, much less only a confluence essence. There is a god of Fertility, so I'd have expected that if anything, Fertile would be a standard essence that Fertility routinely gave to its clergy, not a confluence essence.
Iain Grubb
Theres been a few where people have said she could do better
GentlemanG33k
I think this is the hardest we have seen Belinda looking to make a good impression shows how high of a reguard she holds Jason in.
Laura Hemly
I'm really sorry, Jyhden. I hope you can find and fix what killed your fish so you can replace them.
Samuel Strode
That or a harem leader
Martin Tomsic
There were just too many people there for Shirt to get to everyone. He also didn't mention uncle Hiro, Yumi, Jace, Hana, Koji, Tobio, and most of the rest of the "extra clan members" that arrived. @Joanna - Why wouldn't Cheryl be living in the domains? She was on better terms with Jason than Amy was back in Asano village. She just doesn't have any major touch point for us to be like "that's a conversation we've been waiting for" like with all the healers getting together, or Valdis talking about sword techniques, or Emi and Clive finally meeting. She's probably there, just not a big care for us readers to have been included.
Tommy S
I'm just waiting for the eventual Dawn vs Zara fire vs water confrontation. I sense a tragic love future for one of them for sure.
Joanna
When he first showed up in book 10, Boris used that sort of line several times with Arabelle
Sean C Jackson
It sounds like the essence combination of a porn star.
Joanna
I’m guessing Stache and all the biscuits onboard are forted up in a room on another deck at the moment
Sean C Jackson
Well no actually, there were pre colonial network branches in America.
Joanna
He did say please. And to be fair she accepted a position as his employee, however high her standing
Sean C Jackson
I'm sorry did you just call this filler?
Joanna
I’m sure Amy and her girls are still here somewhere, they were specifically mentioned when they met Nik, but I’m guessing Cheryl does not live in the domains and Jason won’t have spoken to her yet
Sean C Jackson
Ducks are extremely powerful creatures.
Sean C Jackson
What jokes are you talking about? Are you thinking of Danielle's husband? cause I'm pretty sure their have never been any jokes about Arabelle and Gabrielle breaking up.
Martin Tomsic
Stash is off studying creatures native to Earth so that he will better be able to sneak around and find the good biscuits all over the globe.
ouroboros
You're right, I just thought it was funny, but I'm for team Dawn if she's still out there. 😆 Zara is okay though. She's grown on me. I just hope it's not going to be something as fucked up as the last Earth ark here. Jason needs some slice of life if you ask me. Dude had it rough last time and there's going to already be some really damn tough moments I bet.
Sean C Jackson
What does she have to do with Farrah?
Martin Tomsic
That billion year crusade is starting to look pretty good when you frame it against those three getting together.
Brave Badger
I know, but that didn’t fit my joke as well, plus it doesn’t recognize any name so I think I get the pass…
Martin Tomsic
TBF, Danielle probably does understand their relationship and its potential risks better than Jason does. He just knows there are a mountain of possible problems, Danielle can probably actually name most of them, at the very least all of the ones that aren't caused by Jason or Zara making the crazy choices they are known for doing.
Jyhden Bean
Thank you for the chapter I needed after waking up to find a whole fish tank dead
Sean C Jackson
I think she's on the outs with the clan, and Jason and Yumi in particular.
Sean C Jackson
It's The Keeper of the Sands actually, as in the Sands of Time from Persian myth.
mainiak
Yeah, I think she might get a glimpse how much she doesn't know about her brother ... and Erika should team up with Danielle to nudge Jason
ouroboros
Please explain my past relationship to someone you just met while I bail. 😆
joseph peltier
Yea, Danielle, Zara, and Erika all getting into a room together to discuss Jason’s life…he may be more safe starting a war against the Astral Kings
Brad Gammey
Thanks for the chapter! It feels rewarding to see two halves coming together. The multitude of personalities present has so much potential, and heck, we might even meet Clive's wife!
Jean L. Philippe Jr.
I love this Lol 😂
ByLAWphoto
He's usually being a mouse in Hump's pocket. It's within the realm of possibility that a Jason with a mustache is demanding biscuits of diplomats.
ErrebanRrereban
Yes
ByLAWphoto
I think for th same reason that sometimes, things are overexplained: the reader might have forgotten. Also, it's a family affair so it harkens back to everyone's families.
Ty
This feels like a fresh opening of whole new directions this is some quality stuff
Baffle
Wasn't there a whole thing with essences being different and stuff after the cosmic throne debacle?
Baffle
My good person, I, at the same time, absolutely hate this pun, but also love it with all my heart. I bless and curse you
Kalanaere
Right!? Erika doesn't know what she's in for
Kalanaere
I thought she was Time Witch because she literally has Time Powers. She moves so fast that most people don't even know she's moved
Kalanaere
Ohhh Erika. You don't realize the door you just opened wide
Monty Crisco
Near the biscuits I'd suppose
McCainOffensive
Ikr? Such a missed opportunity for people to assume he's Sophie and Humphrey's kid.
Monty Crisco
Jason’s father was talking with Emir’s wife and Arabelle’s husband. This is an odd sentence. Why not just say Constance and Gabriel
Soli116
And meeting Nik
Samuel Strode
Darn didn’t know.
Doodlyboy15
Oh wow that really IS the beginning haha thanks shirt, fun to see what parts of jason have grown and what parts have remained the same
Monty Crisco
Is Anthony Hopkins known as some kind of womanizer or something? I wasn't aware of this
J Holmes
When did the story start, canonically? Hef died in 2017... ... and I'd like to think Sir Anthony Hopkins brings more dignity to the essence set than Shade thinks. At the very least, it's majestic.
Chad .
Where's Stash?!?!
J Holmes
I mean, it's Sir Anthony Hopkins... he's kinda a big deal.
Brave Badger
So Danielle is the time witch of vitease, does she venerate the keeper of sand? If so does that mean technically she is a …. Sand witch
Chad VanHorn
I have read every chapter of this series (some multiple times) and I still would be interested in hearing Danielle's retelling of what happened from her perspective.
Aubrey Listi
My understanding was that they couldnt sever the bond because she was silver rank and he is gold rank. Granted, that happened because of the bond. So, instead of becoming a Voice of the Will, making her subservient to him, they made her Defier of the Will, allowing her to be connected while not subservient or under his control. If anything, its intended to help keep him in check.
RorynCW
If your area is anything like mine after Helene youll get to repeat the experiance over a list of chapters. Ive got another week of cleaning at least.
Alejandro Piña
The imagery of this chapter was beautiful, got a bit emotional when it mentioned seeing both families
mhaj58
What’s going on with Jason’s mom? Shouldn’t she and Amy’s family be meeting Jason’s team?
Martin Tomsic
I really hope Jason isn't there when Amy and Zara meet. It will be awkward enough for the two of them in the first place, but if he's there I feel that his cringeworthy tendencies will come out (either saying something completely inappropriate or thoroughly fumbling the situation and making everything worse). Though if that happens it would likely get both of them glaring at him instead of being awkward towards each other.
StarkRG
Nah, she won't need 4, 5, and 6 because that was when he was on Earth. So 9 books.
ByLAWphoto
Right. And what does Defier of the Will do? Snacks Jason around. 😉
StarkRG
Amphorae* 😉
Daniel is ŁØNE
I mean that would probably have been the reaction if this was old Jason but now there is actually so many tangible ways that any hasty decision could fallout on that front. In truth at this point, Jason is kinda super important and has great influence individual and political in the greater universe, Palli and on earth so when he talks ramifications, even in a joking overdramatic manner it's less bloated self-importance but true influence and I reckon he doesn't enjoy having to explain how that factors into something as mundane as a relationship.
Aubrey Listi
Sir Anthony's essences make him sound like a bit of a creep, ngl
René Blaser
I really think they should have an appearance in the next chapter!
Martin Tomsic
Travis has said that his family has been in the Network in the US since the colonial days, so basically since the beginning.
Laura Hemly
Do you have power yet? We don't, which is annoying. It's no fun not being able to play with my electronics much!
Laura Hemly
He's a top tier actor!
Daniel Wills
Li Mei, no idea. Farrah is a defier of the will. Is it specifically stated? No. But the options were Voice, Defier, cut the bond. Cutting the bond wouldn’t make her immortal, and she refused to be a voice. So. Defier.
Andromeda Adams
Oh, absolutely!! Their reactions to that and his universe would be mutiable chapters!
Nick Youngstrom
That line where to tells Danielle to come him rather than asks feels like a moment where Jason reflexively used his new social status. Commanding a Geller is no small thing.
ByLAWphoto
Does anyone else STILL not know what Li Mei and Farrah decided? I've reread a bunch of times and it's unclear. I think we can assume Farrah took the smack-Jason-around route. but did Li Mei say "why, yes, I'll work for you'?
Martin Tomsic
At some point Jason has to take them all for Space Wizard Gelato. And I guess he can kind of show them around his universe at the same time.
Gilgamiso
The ending of this chapter just sings to me "Time for another reread~"
Laura Hemly
We sat at a natural foods cade half the day. A lot of businesses nearby have power, but my whole neighborhood and a couple nearby are dark. And it gets HOT and STUFFY in the house unless I want to let all the mosquitoes in!
Hayden Leech
An actor got a vast essence? That’s a top tier essence. Wonder how he got it.
Andromeda Adams
Absolutely loved, that everyone finally meet!! Now what happens next? Can’t wait till Monday! Tyftc!
Sean Sheldon
What I wouldn't give to be a fly on the wall in that room!
JonO
Seriously, I went to my car to ensure I charged my phone enough to read this today.
JonO
Omg I didn't think about that. Though, I don't think amy will care as much, but she and Jacob will still feel awkward and Zara will read it from Amy's aura and it'll become a thing I'm sure
JonO
This isn't an anime. Fillers have nothing to do with the story. All of this is Cannon.
JonO
Oh it'll take at least 2 chapters to finish. One to contact Zara and the second to bring her by, finishing with a "Zara, this is my sister erika." And whatever pithy line they'll finish on to make us have a cheap laugh. Something like I'm blue dabu dee dabu dai playing in the background as Erika mentions something about her hair being sexy to Jason's sensibilities lol
JonO
I think based on Travis telling about how he went to university and such.... that his family is of the old school families within essence users. I hope I'm wrong because id love reconciliation... but I think they'll go the tilden family route. I doubt they joined the pirate brigade since they're American, but their privilege will definitely show. Old essence family privilege....I don't think it'll be about race, just plain old superiority in magic. They'll need a hard show of where their place actually is. Mr lu might need to be present to help.
Stuart Thwaites
I didn't read anything about biscuits and their obviously required presence at the buffet table.
Matt Heineman
I would once again like to respectfully request more talking Gordon. And New Colin. I can't imagine that their existence is any less extraordinary than Team Biscuit on earth.
Jason Hardman
Granted. See you in 18 months 😜
IllustriousIllusionist
Man I really wonder what earths reaction was to stache he’s a literal dragon!
Troy Daniels
Hunkering down with these chapters after a day of hurricane Milton clean up is awesome. It is just what I needed. Thanks Shirt!
0x0F
Isn't Fertile a Confluence?
Kevin Anderson
And that kids, is how I met your mother
Christopher Stovall
It does, but you must ask Colin for it 😂
Martin Tomsic
I don't even want to think of all the problems that Erika would have caused had Zara actually shown up. Good call to be worried and decide to not go by her.
JonO
Ok I got severely misty eyed. I was really looking forward to this. Thank you shirt.
Pierce
You sir are in the minority and I would advise patience
Catherine Jones
I like to imagine Sir Anthony reading this and approving of those essence choices.
deadly chibi
Great chapter
ABTelford
Hahahaha!!!!
Ryan
Aww man I didn't get to hear Danielle's story 😭
Zachary Blevins
I wood but there usually just enough story development in these filler chapters to make it worth it sometimes
Demi
I feel like Shade, Colin, Gordon and Arbour should have been at this party. Maybe even re-introduced to the family right after Nik and before the team.
Zachary Blevins
I will go get a sandwich 😜
Martin Tomsic
They haven't heard about Emir's Duck guy story though. Kenneth's father, Brian.
Iain Grubb
I was really expecting Danielle to sigh, take a breath... and tell Jason to get over himself and kiss the girl already ^ ^ Also Gabrielle has been reduced to a handbag ^ ^ Arabelle's husband, not Rufus's dad or Gabrielle Ramore, I guess those jokes about Arabelle finding a better match are sinking in~ Someone should mention to him how nice traditional Greek Amphora are
Martin Tomsic
No beef stock. Just extra sugar, I mean marshmallows.
Allen Wilding
What a feel good chapter <3
Walter Kimberly
Love the chapter. Thank you Shirt
Laura Hemly
Thanks so much, Shirt! I've been looking forward to this chapter for 2 days, sitting here in my house with no power since Milton arrived. It's boring! But a new chapter filled with warmth and happiness is just perfect! You have really made my day! 🤩
mhaj58
This is an amazing chapter, thank you for this. We finally get back to my favorite part of the story: the characters, and how they banter and interact. I can’t wait to see what will happen when Amy meets Zara
Richard Bonds
You could just skip reading for a week or so, and let the rest of us enjoy the reunions.
Martin Tomsic
Thanks for another amazing chapter!!! For me, this has been the best start of a book since the beginning of the series. The end of book 12 and start of 13 have been a massive payoff for everything I've been waiting on for so long!
JonO
I love that sir Anthony has a phallic confluence lol
Tor-Arne Sandstrak
2 3/4
Martin Tomsic
I think his family would likely try jumping at the chance for reconciliation, but Travis will just see it as them trying to latch on to his connection to the new power in the world. I doubt we'll hear more than someone commenting that his family tried reaching out to him and Travis responding, "not interested."
brian phillips
Biscuits!
Scott McCarthy
They have heard about Rufus's Duck Guy already.
Timothy
Does the cocoa come with extra Colin protein??
Martin Tomsic
Wait 'til they hear about the duck guy.
ABTelford
This chapter was so full of warm fuzzies it felt like drinking hot cocoa while sunk in a warm fuzzy blanket on a favorite couch. 🥰. Lovely chapter, Shirt! And I’m totally waiting for some shoe to drop. lol!
Sean
Danielle's gonna need at least 12 books to explain why Erika shouldn't try to play matchmaker for her immortal king brother and the princess he's sweet on. Then again I have a feeling it will get to the end of the story and she'll just scrunch her nose up and say "But that's exactly why I should mettle. Those two idiots will stay side by side doing everything that would imply they're together with none of the benefits!"
Heather White
Very smart of Jason to pull Danielle in to head off Erika. Because she totally would’ve accidentally made trouble. Interdimensional diplomatic trouble. Or just damaged the delicate possibility of Jason & Zara finding a way forward.
Bobby Baxter
yes
Martin Tomsic
Anna and Danielle will just be starting a new Asano Clan chapter of the PJSD (Post-Jason Stress Disorder) support group. You know they've had one in Greenstone for 20 years now. And Rimaros, Yaresh, Boko, and Cyrion likely all have them by now as well. Most are made up of nobles, but there is still the odd assortment of criminals, would-be heroes, and everyday people as well. Heck, the people that got together to invite the pirates clearly all met at these meetings.
ByLAWphoto
This has been 12 books and hundreds of hours of Jason therapy in the making. Sit back, have a sandwich, and relax.
Heather White
Yes, I enjoyed seeing the descriptions of who’s talking with who & general topics/activities they’re up to, but after how much we’ve been looking forward to seeing these two groups come together, I want more. I’m hoping to eavesdrop on more actual conversations. There’s so much potential in this first meeting.
Jaydan Man
Excellent story. I wish I had a other 18 months of content to read having just caught up again.
Josh
I was/am sort of hoping to hear what happened more with the refugees. People like Li Li Mae have far reaching stories to hear about other than "The Jason is coming! The Jason is coming!"
Zachary Blevins
Yes please
Soli116
No.
Crystal Donak
I 100% support this request. This is what I have been waiting for...feels like years
Crystal Donak
This is what talking about!
Dax
Fiction?
Scott McCarthy
Thirsty Nana is risking Sophie's fists. Also, Emir makes perfect sense, a group looking g for stories who have not heard his 100 times already.
ByLAWphoto
DANIELLE: "...and then he told everyone that he wasn't with our party, but had won a contest to the concert! I suppose that doesn't speak to the geopolitical sphere, but it was part of the learning curve of dealing with Jason." ERICA: "oh, I'm familiar with that curve."
Nematrec
4*
Zachary Blevins
I’m sorry I’m bored with the family stuff already can we get like a three week time jump?
Sacha
3!
Sin
This was a funny comment, too bad it ended there. “I should start from the very beginning. I was spending some time at my family’s original estate when I was visited by Rufus Remore. He had an unusual story, centred around a strange man he had met…”
Buck
That should be quite the long and interesting story Danielle will be telling Erika! 😂
Soli116
Since the American Network is at least on Jason's side with the pirates, will that be enough of an opening for Travis and his parents / family to reconcile?
Justin Butler
Politics.... despicable
Philip Pleiss
Thanks for the chapter. For a bit there I was sure that the actual family meeting wasn't going to happen this chapter. That was a good chapter to end the workweek on.
Samuel Strode
5
Samuel Strode
Potent, Fertile, Vast and Edifice. Wholly undignified.”— is that the hugh Hefner class?
AfroMocha
Tftc have a good weekend
Pierce
Well that’s just about the best thing ever. So much awesome crammed into one chapter! Can we have like three chapters for this party? Maybe throw in a couple side perspectives as well for the sub groups? We’ll happily dogpile anyone who says it’s ’too slow and nothing is happening’!
Naotsugu97
Scones!!!
Unwillingmainer
I don't know who's more nervous about their relationship, Jason or Zara. I do know however, that adding his nosy sister into the mix will not help things. Also, I wonder if Danielle and Anna will start a Jason Asano support group. People who have to deal with his bullshit on a regular basis meet up, bitch about him, and drink magical booze. It would likely help and it's not like they have livers to poison anymore.
Bingus McCready
Anthony Hopkins turning himself into a magical sex-stallion is peak fiction. TFTC!
a battle
scones
Sacha
7
Burned Ice
Biscuits
S_Ally
ByLAWphoto
Joy to biscuits!
Josh
First
