Desert Skies - Chapter 29 - The Shape Death Leaves Behind

Episode Date: June 8, 2026

C.A.S.H. reveals to the team that their journey isn't just about them getting back to the Physical Plane, and this news has Corson all in a tizzy. In order to convince him to go along with the plan, they'll have to venture deep into the darkest part of the forest where an old story will come to life. Links ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join Club 86⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit our Merch Store⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit our Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Socials:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Bluesky⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and the⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Discord⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Credits Desert Skies is made by Jared Carter. He does voices, and writes, and edits the sounds and stuff. The show is Executive Produced by Michael Freiberg. He's the one who makes sure people hear it. Music Featured This Episode: Game Changer - The Big Let Down How Did We Get Here - Hanna Lindgren The Sneak-Up - Leimoti Erudition - Ambre Jaune Waves of Time - Amber Glow Envision - Amaranth Cove Love After Dark - Forever Sunset Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Visit BetMGM Casino and check out the newest exclusive. The Price is Right Fortune Pick. BetMGM and GameSense remind you to play responsibly. 19 plus to wager. Ontario only. Please play responsibly. If you have questions or concerns about your gambling or someone close to you, please contact connects Ontario at 1-866-531-2,600 to speak to an advisor,

free of charge. BetMGM operates pursuant to an operating agreement with Eye Gaming, Ontario. The trailer that you're about to hear is for an amazing and award-winning podcast that I love called We Fix Space Junk. It's the story of Kilner, a smuggler, and Samantha, a socialite refugee who are in over their heads in debt. Their main aim in life is to survive long enough, just long enough, to reach the next job, jobs which may or may not require straying outside the confines of the law. They traverse the galaxy together while encountering strange beings and taking on big challenges, whatever it takes to stay alive.

The characters, the story, the acting, it's all so wonderfully done, and I know you're going to love it. There's absolutely a reason why this show has gotten over 2 million downloads. Season 4 just started, so it's a great time to catch up. We Fix Space Junk. Find it wherever you listen to podcast. When Kilner accepted the job of smuggling escaped heiress Samantha Trap across the galaxy, she expected the job to be over and done with quickly,

but now they're stuck with each other and they have a job to do. Think of all Tomnacon as a sort of student loan company. You take a loan from them and then they own you until you've paid it off with interest. ReFix Space Junk is a sci-fi sitcom from Battlebird Productions, featuring Traveling by Cryer. Don't worry if you feel like you're drowning. That's perfectly normal. Wait, what?

Aliens. Greetings, visitors. AIs. Dad, how do I do air? You're already doing it automatically. Calm down. And, of course, thrilling and exciting missions in outer space. We Fix Space junk is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever else you get your podcasts.

Season 4, releasing now. Hi, friends. Jared here. so good to be back with you after such an extended absence. And I'm excited for you to hear this episode and the many that I have in the works already. Normally, I would toss in some shoutouts for new Club 86 members at this point in the show, but for today's episode, you'll find those shoutouts at the end. Speaking of Club 86, it's a great way to help the show, keeps the lights on, keeps the burrito freezer stocked. It's also how you can get exclusive episodes.

including the Game Night and Grief Train miniseries. You can listen without ads. And I have another short form mini series in the works called Meanwhile Back the Station, as well as another series that I'm not going to tell you about just yet that I'll be announcing soon that's going to publish between every episode. Lots going on for those of you who can't get enough of the astral plane. If you're interested in joining Club 86, just visit patreon.com forward slash Descartes. desert skies. So that's it for now. Stick around for those shoutouts. And also maybe follow the show on Instagram or Facebook. It's up to you. Social media is weird. Or join us on Discord. That place is cool.

And you can water our fake trees. All the links for everything are in the show notes. So just check those out. And anyways, so glad to be back with you. Enjoy the show. This episode was made by a human for humans and coyotes for the best listening experience. Headphones and human-made art are recommended. Everyone else is still in the long pause, and they're probably wondering where we are. I should go. Listen, if it turns out we can find the grand trivia lizard, and if it's true, he's discovered a way to traverse the planes.

We'll do everything we can to relay instructions to. you. May you be victorious in your quest, girl. May you reap the rewards of your efforts. For your sake and ours, you must succeed. I'm desperate. I feel it. I am already at the edge of the fire, already at the stairway.

Siwa Koato, please. Hold on just a little longer. You can rely on us. Do they know? Know what? the other purposes of your journey. I haven't told them anything except that we're going home. Will you tell them?

I should have already. Would they still be willing to help you? If they knew it meant I would return to the astral plane. There's only one way to find out. I have to tell them. Why risk it? I have their trust. Even with everything I haven't said, they believe in me.

I don't intend to lose that trust by not telling them about you. You haven't told them about their lives. How is this different? They fear you. You know that. I'm not the monster they think I am. I know. And I'll do my best to make sure they know it too.

And what if they don't believe you? I will stop at nothing to achieve what I'm here to do. I trust your resolve. And when you find him, tell him I'm sorry. You're going to tell him yourself. Farewell, girl. Cash. Zochil.

Thank you for everyone. everything you're doing, for everything you've done for us, for my sister, she, she doesn't have long. Even I, as little time as I've spent here and beginning to feel the effects of the physical plane, we don't belong here. I can't imagine what centuries of this it felt like to my sister. I don't know how long it will take for us to find the answer, but if it's really only been 12 minutes since I passed on the physical plane, then from your point.

perspective, this shouldn't take long. I mean, to me it's felt something like a week here, I think, so one could assume that an hour there is equal to something approximating a little less than a month and a half here. In less than 24 of your hours, we'll have been traveling... Cash, before you get too ahead of yourself, I wish it were as simple as you say. I really do, but this is the astral plane you're talking about. And I can only assume that it does with time exactly as it pleases. Twelve minutes here could be something like a week there, or it might be something like exactly 12 minutes there.

You're saying I should assume there's no constants when it comes to time here. If there were, how would we be having this conversation in real time? How did I not think about that? That's amazing. That's the astral plane. So we should move quickly. I think we can safely say that whether you move quickly, or move slowly.

It won't change whatever the outcome is meant to be. Do what you must do. And trust, Cash. Trust, the astral plane will guide you. I will. Farewell. Jerry! I'm sorry, what?

I said, it's gonna be great to see Jerry, Cash. You doing all right? Let's go inside, Mac. I need to speak with everyone. Doing what? Corson, calm down. Calm. First you tell us about this,

psychotic gargantuanca. It's actually a gecko. And now this, you know what she did. You know what she's capable of. Who again? Siwa Coatl. Did you hear nothing, Cash said? Don't snap at me. I heard it. I just don't know what it means. Somebody explains. Siwa Coatl. The dangerous, devious, despicable...

I think I'd prefer a different narrator. Tind, are you sober enough? Yes, I am. Thank you astral metabolism. Siwa-coddle. Short version? Short version? Siwa-coatlum is Zochilicu's sister. Yep, I think I remember that.

Ages ago she was banished to the physical plane. For what? For something she didn't do. Travelers had started disappearing and people thought she was responsible for it. Eventually, she was caught and confronted, and it ended with Siwa-coatal on Earth. How? How did she go to Earth? to Earth. One sphere mover has the power.

Well, that's great news. Let's find them. They can send us back. There's a couple problems with that. First, we're dead on the physical plane. Even if our souls can be reunited with our bodies, they're probably underground. I don't know about you guys. I don't want to come back to life in a box, just to, like, suffocate and die.

That is if we were all buried, or were we cremated? Why is everyone looking at me? I'm not telling. Please tell me I had a Viking funeral cash. I mean, look at me. I'm not... Just blink twice, Cash. Just blink twice.

How? The other problem is that the sphere mover with the power to banish souls isn't here. It's Sochilicue. Sochilicu was the one that did that? Her sister couldn't have taken that well. No, she didn't. She became a sadistic psychopath who tried to destroy the astral plane. It's not that simple, Corson.

I'm not doing it. I'm sorry. I'm not helping her come back here. Corson, I think we should hear Cache out. Let her tell us what Cicuacowardel said. I'm not interested, Cache, my dear. I know you're smart, but you've been manipulated. We're walking into a trap. Can't you see it? It's not a trap, Corson.

Come on, Corson. Let her tell us. Cash, what did Ceywalk Ouddle say that convinced you she's no longer a threat? It's not something she said. Can we go for a walk? No, we finish this conversation here. Now. What do you want me to say? I want you to say no.

This isn't happening. Because you're scared. You've already asked me to help you leave this plane, to leave me alone. And now you're telling me you will go and she'll return. How can you ask for my complicity? You risk the destruction of everything precious in this plane. I can't stop her, cash, not by myself, and certainly not when my powers are... You won't have to try and stop her, Corson.

I will. You won't. I promise, and I can show you why. And if I still don't believe you? Then we'll carry on without you. That's cold. After everything. I made a promise.

A promise that I intend to keep. Come. Should we wait for him to catch up? He's so far back. If we slow down, so will he. Let's give him some space. Good idea. I'm going to walk with him.

That's kind of the opposite of giving him space. Oh, right. Well, true to my rebellious nature, that just makes me want to do it even more. So I'm going to go. I know, Mac. I can't control myself, Tend. I know, pal. Thanks.

I feel seen. That's because I see you. A true friend. A best friend. Go, Rebel. Go walk with Corson. I don't need your permission. Now I kind of feel a path to stay.

Mack, just go. Okay. Cash, you had to listen to them bicker like this for how long? That had to have been irritating. It used to be. Sometimes. Hmm. Used to be?

Now it's my favorite sound in the whole astral plane. Hey, need a walking, buddy. If you don't mind walking in silence. You got it, man. Thank you. Sometimes you don't need to talk. It's just nice to have someone present. I'm happy to be that someone.

Thank you. You're welcome, man. Do the stars look different here? Maybe a different shade of... Back. Oh, right. No talking. Right.

Yeah, got it. I know you said not to talk, but I have to ask something if that's okay. I'll take your silence as a yes. Did something happen between you and Siwa Coatl? I mean, I get you being upset, but... Well... Man, you're taking it a lot harder than the rest of us. and, well, it was us she tried to destroy.

Not you. So what's the deep? He's disappeared. But how? Mac, come here. Look at that. What? What is it?

There, in that clearing. Those two trees. Those two trees are moving like swaying in the wind. Like walking around. I don't see him. Watch the stars there above the forest line. See how they're disappearing. and reappearing there.

That's because something is moving in front of them. Oh, I see it now. How on the hell did you notice that? You don't win games by ignoring small details. Yeah. So, giants. Likely. I've never seen a giant before.

I've seen a few. But not on this sphere. Which ones? None that you know of. Then tell me. I promised cash. I wouldn't. Why? She wants you to experience the astroplane the same way all travelers do.

Which is how? In constant surprise. Oh, can we go talk to the giants? I think we better not. We should catch up with the others while we still can. Or we might lose them. Yeah, maybe we can find the giants on the way back. Perhaps.

The hell is that? Looks like we're about to have company. We are. There. behind those bushes. Why? Now... Where's there go?

Probably runs off the way you runs about. Why do you mend the way I runs? I mean, you don't know how to take soft steps. You're twice as big as me and twice as loud. I may be bigger, brother, but I knows how to be dainty. Dainty. Hey, dainty is a skitter. What lands on your head without you?

without letting you know. Would never have scribed daintiness to a skito? I has a way with words, brother. You'll hear no arguments from me, brother. Can you teach me to be dainty? No, doubts as I can. Fares enough. Which ways you think they went?

Let's think on it. Hr-r-o-'s gone the ideas. No, I can't see. Sayers our hands. Did you get a good look at them? Was they the ones what's been bothering? No, say it's not the ones. I got a fairly good look.

One was short and pudgy, and the other one was a funny dresser. What? Who are you calling a funny dresser? Ah, so there's they are funny things. A ma'chus hiding away. If a small spook, it's a small, Look at your ego and your into the tisies.

We've got some questions we'd like to ask. What kind of questions? What's I? And are you with them? With who, bitch? Provide some context. What is a bitch? Am I a bitch?

I don't know. Am I a bitch? All of us are bitches in one form or another. What's it mean? Why so many things? the time. Who may I ask is it that you're looking for? You knows who? The bear and a metal man used with him. No. We're with a metal lady. Perhaps you mistake me for a bear. You enshrows our senses. We as keen eyes. It was a metal man and a young bear. We don't know who that is. Why

do you ask? Because there's nothing with us. Causing us a right bit of trouble. In what way? You tell them. You tell them. Well, here's the tale. This bear and metal man There's messing with our fish.

Your fish. Where's the fishes? My name's God. And this is my brother. Name's Orsborn. Pleasure. I am Cawson. And this is me.

Mac. Nice to meet. Seems nice to meet. And with that fine introductions, I shall continue my tale. Wee's the fishes and wee's overseas, the fishery. A fine old place where we get the fish pieces, what's the bears eat? The fish pieces? You mean the fish? Now why would we want the whole fish? We only take the tails. Drys them out, grinds them up,

and the bears puts the tail powder in their fried fish balls. Gives it flavor. I think I'm going to throw up. Point away from my shoes. You mean to tell me that you take these poor fish, remove their tails, and waste the rest? That sounds cruel. They gives them to us.

A tail for a tail. A tail. for a tail. And they grows back anyways, and it's not like it hurts. Anyways, there's a bears and a metal man who tricks our fishes into giving up their tails for a tail. But then, days provides no tail and runs away laughing. It ain't right.

Tail for a tail. That's the way it's always been. Guys, this is some seriously fascinating stuff. And I'd be remiss if I didn't share that I am remarkably confused. Same. So, what do you mean? A tale for a tail. Comes with us to the fishery and sees for yourself.

Our friends think we're still following them. Yes, we must catch up. Or we might lose them. Perhaps we can visit when we make our way back to the highway. No need. Sneaky robot. Stealth mode. Terrifying.

It really is. She can be a little too quiet when she wants to be. You guys are so big. Seriously. How did I miss you the first time through here? We's been introverted and dainty. I's dainty, but I'll try to teach him. So, there's more of you, and one of them's metal brother,

likes the metal man. Same's but different. Shames, but different. My name's Cash. You here's to take off fish. No. I'm not. Tell me about this metal man. Did he look like me?

Same's must a bit different too. What could it be, Cash? I'm not exactly sure, but I might have an idea. So, you mean to tell us that there is a rogue robot running around the astral plane? God, just when you think this place couldn't get any cooler. Well, we're all here now. Should we visit this fishery? I'd like to see it.

Same. Then follow us. Or better yet. We could carry you. Nope, nobody carries me. I'm good. Fast enough on my own. Certainly not.

Totally, but only if I can ride on your shoulders and use your hair to steer you. Sounds like funds to me. Come on, big boy, let's ride. How can working at your local Tims take you further? Sure, you can level up your teamwork skills. You also get a chance to receive a Tim Horan's scholarship award. Ready for what's next? Apply today at careers.timhorans.ca.

If you're a lover of horror, real, creeping, atmospheric horror, then it's time to tune into The Gentleman from Hell. An entire town, gone. No signs, no warnings, just silence. This is the tale of Cold Sparrow. Twenty-four years ago, every resident vanished without a trace. No bodies, no evidence, just a mystery that has haunted the world for decades. until now.

Three elite private investigators, famous for dismantling one of the most dangerous cults in history, have taken the case. Their mission? Uncover the truth behind the largest mass disappearance in modern history. But the deeper they dig, the darker it gets. Whispers of something unnatural, something watching, something infernal.

Some mysteries don't want to be solved. and some towns have roots that stretch far deeper than the soil. The Gentleman from Hell, listen now on all podcast platforms. This place really is something. It's enormous. It has to be. I believe a poor word is in order. Been some time since we was able to show folks about true, brother.

So, that's theirs, Orsborn's chair. That one there's dauts. We got the fire pit where we cooks our dinner and looks at it. What is it? What do you mean what is it? It's a portrait. A portrait I painted of me and my brother. Oh, I see it.

It's an abstract painting. Abstract. But this over here is what we want to show you. Is it about to? You say we stink. You are a bit, musky. So is, and we likes it that way. No, this is a pond, one that connects to the river through a tunnel rut runs beneath.

That's really cool. What's it for? So we show them, brother. Inns and outs of our business, the ways of the fishers. I think they'd like it. We'd love it. Right, then we begin. Come little fishies from the river next door.

The fishers are here, and we've got some law. The bears at the bar got some needs to feed. And you little fishies got the tails they need. Look at the water, man. Whoa, so many. We got an offer that we think's just fine. A tale of yours for a tale of mine. So stay little fishes make yourself at home.

A tale for a tail. A tale for a tail. The tale for the tale time has begun. Well, little fishes, as Osborne grabs the puppet stage, let's decide on the tails, shall we not? On tonight's menu, we have the following tales to choose from. We has the tale of the rabbit we saw the other's day. That's a new story. We has the tale of the time.

Osborne and I saved a little person from the river. and we has an old shared tale. You ain't heard in quite some time. The tale of the sisters. Don't see as we as guessed? Why don't we let him pick? What's the tale of the sisters? Oh, now that's quite the story.

It's a very old story. A melancholy tale. Something we've seen with our own eyes. Something we'll never forget. Some horrible and beautiful and momentious. You ever seen a woman with hair dark as night. Eyes like fire bow on her back and a dagger sharper than the teeth of a bear. As you ever seen a woman with a dress made of flowers?

You ever seen someone just disappear because we have? Yes, we has. Zocilicu. And Siwa Koroa. I, the sister. We was there. We saw the battle. Ah, ah, no spoilers.

Is that the tale you choose? The astral flame will guide you. What's there you saying? Just something someone said to me. Corson. You're going to tell me. There's a reason we're here. You must have already known about this.

I'm not sure how you did. Corson, this isn't what I plan to show you. Do you want to hear it or not? I'm not going to make you, Corson. I'm not as hard-headed as all that, my dear. Go ahead, tell your tale. Just let me grab my puppets and let's me turn the lamp down. Ladies and gentlemen, we shall now take our place beneath the stage.

Metal girls and fishes, we the Fisher Brothers, Jordanosborn, present to you a tale of old, the tale of the sister. Our story begins in a round clearing in the woods, where the trees are at the thickest, but for that part where our story takes place. My brother and I was taking a leisurely stroll. We likes to see the fireflies down past the old shaw mill. That's when we heard it. A voice. Something about it told us it weren't no traveler. We feared it were a ghost.

Though we don't have those here in the forest, so we lay down on the forest floor and looks out at the small. clearing the same ones where we used to play marbles due to it being a perfect circle. Behold the woman beauty unmatched, the cupeted flowers of a thousand colors. That puppets the size of us. Behold the green princess at her side and the dog. A little strange man. That green princess is Masonia.

She's an alien, the mover of the Martian sphere. And that's not no dog, that's a coyote. His name's Weiwei. And the little strange man is... We knows it. We hasn't said the names yet, because as the narrator's, we shan't reveals what we ourselves would not know at this point in the story. No interruptions, please.

Kay, you guys are doing great. Appreciate it. Behold, the flower lady says to the princess, Thanks for coming here, and the green lady says in reply, I'm sorry that this time has come. This, the darkest of ours, and the dog said, Ah-oh-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha! God damn, what?

That one dude's doing all those voices. Of course he is, and he's doing it quite poorly. They all sound the same. Shut up, man. You're the one that started the conversation. Please stop talking, or I'll ask you to leave the fishery. We're stopping. Good.

Now's the green princess, she says. You are incredibly strong, Zochilicu. It feels cruel to ask this of you. Alas, you are the only one capable of putting an end to this should our suspicions be confirmed. It is a cruel twist of fate that this power rests with me. I feel so ashamed. Poor's O'Chilicue. I can't imagine how hard it would be for Doug to turn against his own brother. If I had one, that is, but this isn't your fault. And you're not alone. We're all here.

Wei, Coyote, do you truly see no other way? There's no need to apologize, Wei Wei. This course of action, is. Quiet. Do you hear that? Is it her? Welcome, Jerry. We're grateful you're here. We're going to need all the help we can get. This is where Wei Wei last picked up her scent. Let's hope she returns. I'm embarrassed to say that I hope she won't. That is understandable. Wei Wei, I must ask you once more, are you confident that we're doing the right thing? In all the ages I've known, my sister, she's never done a traveler harm.

In fact, quite the opposite. She's cared for them, possibly more than anyone I've ever known. I know. The evidence is abundant. Every time a traveler's disappeared, there's been witnesses to her presence. Sochilicue, look, the edge of the clearing. Everyone stand prepared, So Chilicue, we do this together. and if by some small chance

we're wrong then we shall all bear the blame No, no not yet Let me speak with her alone But what if she she won't She will not attempt to harm me Then go, we shall wait and watch And be ready

Sisi Sister The only time you've looked at me With eyes that red Was every time I beat you At Uya Malizli This game you're playing now is more dangerous.

Word has spread among sphere movers that you've been looking for me. I have. But not out of concern for me. You believe I'm the cause of their disappearance. You're telling me you're not. How can you even ask me that?

Sister, how long have you known me? Was eternity too little a time to prove my character? I have never been anything but a protector of the dead who traversed this plane. I know. I know, C.C.

But you must help me understand and help you help. the others believe. Why do travelers disappear wherever you go? What are you doing with them? Why does the burden of proof rest with me? When I've done nothing wrong, fine. I've been searching for the one who is taking travelers.

Sisi, it's true, Zochilicue. I've tracked them. Follow the little clues they've left behind. I'm so close. Whoever they are, I can stop them. you could be helping me but instead you've turned against me

they've warped your mind that coyote has never liked me that's not true and even if it were he would never who was that what are you talking about someone's out there

you're imagining things again just like you imagine that I'm who is it C C C C sister I can't explain whoever you are step out of your hiding and show yourself do as she says

who is this it's not what it looks like and you're giving them weapons? You're building an army. So Chilicu, this plane of existence is run by fools. Travelers are always in danger, always exposed to the worst possible pains. You lied to me.

It was you all along. No, I swear it. I only started to recruit travelers when it became obvious. Let them go. No. No. I won't do that. Don't you see?

This is how it has to be, the prime mover, his superiors. They're impotent, powerless in their ability to protect, lacking in their desire to, I need warriors. Warriors who will help me to finally make this place of existence as safe as it should have always been. Siwa Kwahtal It is not your place To decide how travelers should be treated This place is meant to serve

This place serves no one Building an army is not the answer I'm not hurting them I'm making them strong I'm giving them power Over their destiny They must go to the next life Never

We have no idea what lies Beyond that gate But consider what we know Of the physical plane and couple that with what we know of the astral. No, I will not send them to a place where I can't protect them. You're out of your mind. Perhaps I am.

Or perhaps I'm the only one who isn't. The only one who truly cares and who truly sees. Weiwei was right. You're a danger to travelers. A traitor to the astral plane. And those who inhabit it, those who travel it. Surrender, Siwaquato. Surrender or I will have to move me from existence my own sister it doesn't have to end like this

Oh sister it will never end like this warriors still yourselves So chillicue leave leave and we won't have to fight I cannot do that and you give me no choice A great battle ensued though few were injured perhaps you say What are injuries to inastral beings since permanent damage cannot be acquired? Because hurts is still hurts and pains is still pains. And that's why our heroes did all they could do to subdue the warrior travelers without giving them a scratch. And for the most part, they succeeded. But our eyes weren't focused so much on that battle.

Our eyes were focused on a more important battle. A battle of words. Cece, this is foolish. Look at them. Look at the coyote you malign, the bear, the princess, the dog. Do they look like they don't care about the safety of travelers? Why can't you understand? I never said that they aim to hurt them.

They just do nothing to protect them. And isn't that the same? That is not true. And besides, you've already proven yourself a liar. You said you weren't taking them. And you were. This goes against everything we stand for. Everything we've been called to do.

Tell me that you'll stop. Please. I won't. Then I will do what I have to. For the good of those we serve. Be honest, sister. You don't even like them. These travelers,

You've always thought that they were lesser than us. Always looked down on them, aggravated, when they'd accidentally step on one of your precious roses, even though you could always make more. My annoyance doesn't excuse me my obligations. And your unfounded fear doesn't excuse you of yours. Unfounded. You can say that with a straight face after what happened.

Ceasing, I wasn't. He was my son, So Chilicue, your nephew. How could you forget? I was foolish once, like you are now. I believe that the powers that be were strong enough to keep bad things from happening. You recognize this dagger, don't you? Of course I do. All that was left behind.

How long had I left him there? Oh, my son. Come, sister, lay down your arms. Let us renew our search for him. He is out there. We will find him. He is gone. These are now my children.

and I shall keep them in my care, and we will find the one responsible for the things you accuse me of. Please, this isn't the way. This is the only way. You'll see. I'll show you how much better things can be when we rule this plane. Sister, I'm going, Zochilicue. Don't follow. I cannot let you go.

I said I'm leaving. Sisi, please. if you walk away. What? You remove me from existence. Yes, that power is wasted on you. Patronous of life and death. What a joke.

It should have been me, but, oh well, keep your magic. I'll keep my dagger. One more step away, sister, and I swear. Goodbye, Zochilicule. Goodbye. And with that, Zochialikul, stretched out her hand and the most amazing of things happened. Her sister, what was there in one moment, was gone, the next, removed from exist. The warrior travelers put down their

weapons. The band of sphere movers told them they were safe now and that they should be on their way to the next life. After the travelers departed, the companions The companions did their best to comfort so chillicule, but there was no comforts to be had. They stayed a long time, but eventually they started to departs once by ones. But there she stayed. Osborne and I, who is checked all of from time to time, she never moved nor gave us notice. And a strange thing happened. The forest around the clearing started turning flat, while the place where the Ocillecule note

in her grief became abundance with flowers. Great flowers of more varieties didn't the mines can imagine. As she notes, the flowers grew over her. We couldn't even season no more. She became one with them. Eventually, after many ages, she was gone. We couldn't even season no more, but the flowers that grew around her state, like a monument to her. And that, my dear fishes, is the tale of the sisters.

Now, Paisal! As you go, put them in the bucket. Many tanks, much obliged. Hope you like the... So, what about you, dear friends? Did you care for our story? Oh, hell yeah. That was awesome and incredibly emotional.

Like, that really impacted me. It was very informative and, yes, hard-hitting. I even cried a little. Very well done. I've already heard this story, but your performance really brought it to life. Thank you. Corson. I count Zochilichu.

among my friends. I hate to think of her kneeling in that field, wallowing in her grief. Her love for her sister must have been very great. You have no idea. Still, it doesn't change the fact that Siwa Coatl is dangerous and must not be allowed to return to this place. What you mean return to this place?

You heard our story she was removed from existence. She wasn't. So Chilicu couldn't bring herself to do that. She banished her instead to the physical plane. For an astral being, fate worse than annihilation. Torture. And it's taken its toll. It drove her mad, and her desire for revenge has caused her to do awful things, even from afar.

Nothing at this point could undo the spot. That rages within her. Can you blame her? No. No, I can't. That doesn't change anything. But there is something that will. Dodd, Orsbourne, thank you.

We have to be going. We've enjoyed your company for the brief time our paths has crossed. Fair thee well. And if you happen to come across that barren, troublesome metal man, tells them to stop playing tricks on our fishy friends. If we see them, we'll deliver the message. With our fierce. Calm down, Mac.

Okay. These trees, are they even really here? Is this what death looks like? Is this what it looks like on the astral plane? Darkness. We're almost there. Have you been here before, Cash? No, but she told me about it.

So, Chillicue. Yes. And here we are. Oh, wow. Damn. My stars. It's amazing. I didn't know there were this many colors in existence.

Is that? Yes, it's her. The shape of her. That's where she spent ages, weeping, regretting, buried in her own flowers. You know, she thought about removing herself from existence. Back then, she told me that. Gosh, I would do anything. for Sochilicu, especially after what she did to save you from Olinas, banishing herself.

Such a sacrifice. Look, it breaks my heart to be here. You would break my heart even more to know that I was complicit in reintroducing such a terribly dangerous person to this place. Can we not just save Zochilicu and leave her safe Zochiali? and leave her sister on the physical plane. So Chilicue would never come back without her. Corson, you asked about the dark trees that surround this place.

Yes. They're not dead. The shape death leaves behind. People think of death is the total absence of something. But death always leaves something behind. A shape, memories, an aching of the soul, whatever shape it takes. What does that have to do with the same? these trees.

So Chilicu can seemingly grow flowers from nothing. But it isn't true. The reason she wears flowers is because she draws power from them. She's the only one who can, the patroness of life and death. She takes a bit of one flower's life and she uses it to create another. But there's no life here. It isn't life like we know it. It's what life is here on the astral plane.

So all of these magnificent flowers. They're here because she killed the forest surrounding her. And when she could no longer draw from the trees, she drew from herself. She drew from herself to grow these flowers. But why? No, Corson. She wasn't trying to grow flowers. That just happened.

Then what was she trying to do? She was trying to bring her sister back. I didn't know. I'm not here to try to make you sick. Dad, Corson, I'm trying to help you understand. I understand. Now, it should be over here somewhere. What should be over here?

It's buried. Here, under where she melts. Oh, man, you're ruined the flowers O'Chilifu Monument. They'll grow back. I'm certain. Oh, good. Here it is. Is that a knife? A dagger.

Siwa Coato had a son. Meeks Coato. He was taken, and all that was left. behind was this. What do we need it for? We're going to find him. We're going to find her son. This dagger might offer clues.

What makes you think we can find him? Because we have to. Because I promised. Corson, Sochilikyu is certain that it was the loss of her son that made Siwa Coatl who she became. Her loss led her to create armies. Caused her to wage war against the people she held responsible for his disappearance. But astral beings don't just disappear.

apart from when Zo Cilicu makes it happen. So Chilicu wouldn't do this. Siwa Coatl's son is here somewhere. We're going to find him, and we're going to find out who is responsible for taking him. Siwa Coatl would have no reason to keep fighting if she has her son back. This will help her heal. This could fix things.

How do you know? I don't, but I believe it. I just want to get this straight. What? We are on this journey so that we can finish. living our lives on Earth. Yes. But also so we can bring Zochiliku and Siwa Coatl back here.

We go that way, they come this way. Correct. But first, we have to find Siwa Coato's son because you said you would. Yes. And the grand trivia lizard, we need to find him because he might know the secret of traversing time and space. It's a possibility. So that means... Means what?

That I now know what we're doing. Let's go. So much is at risk. I know why we're doing this, but... I'm not sure I can trust that Siwa Coatal can change, or trust her sister's judgment in this matter. Then for now you'll just have to trust me. Any other secret you're holding on to?

Bombs you plan to drop along the way. Maybe. Can you just do that now and save us all the trouble of waiting and worried anticipation? No. Well, then at least give us a break from any more surprises. Okay, Corson. No more surprises for. Hurry.

What in the hell is that? They went that way. Get them guys. Oh, chasing these guys. We got such fun. All of us working together. We can do this. I'm not wearing any shoes.

That's it, bitches. I'm going home. No. This episode was written, produced, and performed by me, Jared Carter. The show is executive produced by my fellow human. Michael Freiberg. Until next time, safe travels. Thanks for sticking around for these shoutouts.

If you just subscribe to Patreon in the last few days, you may not be included in this list, but you will be on the next one. Without further ado, thank you to the following folks. Charles K. Choi, the other Jared, Annabelle Lee, Tater-taught Assassin, Lady Sarah Purr, Whisker Vale, Greg, Steve Sims, Jenny A, Nicholas, Gen Waldy, Nathan McGowan, Fracture, Sylvia Finch, Timothy O'Reilly, Nat Dwight, Andrea Lightman, August, Ure, Captain Benjamin Hawkeye, Captain Benjamin Hawkeye Pierce the German short-hair pointer from Nashville wants to tell his mom Maddie that he says,

Woof! Ho! Tyler Thyson? Charity Shop Doug, T.J. Walk. Frank L. William Mayorga. Fantasy junkie. Hannah May. M.K. K. Mann. Zach. Eden Gavin. Farrah. Don't actually say this part of my name. Just the name, please. K. N. Gregory. Haley. Jennifer Kaye reminding you to drink your water you sorely needed. Chris Rose. Susan Bidonis Abados. Coast the Most. Ed. Becky. Lucy Villa. Chris Ball. Hallard, Hogram, Robert Veja, Donna Palmer French, Stephen Rhodes, Max Olson, Lou Woods, Radio Shack Jake, Colin Rossetti, Craig Armstrong, Cody Downing, Ian Steins, M&A and A&D Skylark, Gizmo, Pastafarion, Sabre slash Paladin, Sarah Ortner, Jill Branham, Joshua and Becca Farrow, Michael McDonald, Wesley Lundstrom, Noblaschki, Shannon McKinnis, Kim Pekarinoch, Jada Addison, Zone, Alex Ashworth, Where's My Tardis, Cindy Marie Murphy, Lisa, Sugar Rat, Josh Portillo, Nelly, Mike, Amy Wilkins, Laura C, Cody Brazelic, Drew, Gecko 13, Dan Danger 665, Dr. Combs, Liam Spalding, Patrick Smith, Kelly Greco, Bildo 964, Aaron Enos, Desi, John Leggett, Rachel Hunley, Megan Wonsink, Trish, Mary Jo Rhoda, Ben, Garrett Johnson, Sarah, Pearls, Heather Autry, Jake Reed, and Amsterdam. And Amster Martin. Thank you all so much for being Club 86 members. You're the ones who make the magic happen. I love you. Lots of good stuff for you on the way. Safe travels.

Folly Network, where fiction producers flourish. Hey y'all, it's Kelly Clarkson with Wayfair. Ever order furniture online and wonder, what if? Like, what if it doesn't hold up? That sofa was four days old. You should have ordered from Wayfair. With Wayfair, there's no what if. Just style you love and quality you can trust.

Visit Wayfair.ca. Wayfair, every style, every home.