The Fall Out

‘The Fall Out’ is a chapter of the comic, preceded by Summersets / Side A and followed by BUUZA!!.

Episode 1

Ju and Zhen watch a news broadcast where Miriam describes that all council and holy family members are safe, but not all service staff have been accounted for. The reporter interrupts to ask questions about the Divine Oracle Aria. Leila, listening to the radio broadcast with Nithiya, brings up a rebel group that the newspaper thinks may have been responsible, which was active 10–15 years ago when Nithiya was in university. Leila worries that Zach may have to live through the same tensions and conflicts she did. Musa returns and tells Zach that Sam is safe too, but that she won’t be back in time to open the diner tomorrow.

Episode 2

Sam and Aria get out of bed together the morning after the attack, Aria rushing to get dressed because of their sisters’ imminent arrival. Spider priests open a web portal through which the sisters arrive.

Episode 3

Sam standing beside Aria does not bow to the sisters, and one of them aims to scratch across her face as punishment. Zarina attempts to intercede for her granddaughter, but Aria instead steps in front of the blow, which catches their arm. Aria says there is no need for Sam to be punished.

Episode 4

Aria reveals that Sam saved her life, and that she will not be punished. Sam and Aria go to another room, where Sam changes out of her party get-up to go home. She confronts Aria about their secret relationship, saying she can’t do it. She leaves the holy island.

Episode 5

Aria’s sisters tell them to give up on Sam, presenting a stack of other potential suitors instead. They bring up the Bird Folk sightings in the city, and how important it is to keep them away. They tell him to use his power to see the moment when Zarina gave up her parents’ revolution and agreed with the Al-Harir dynasty to keep their secret, in exchange for her family (her daughter and granddaughter Sam). They see her covered in blood, face newly wounded, holding a baby, cursing and prophesying the downfall of the Al-Harir dynasty, naming Bird Folk in the prophecy. Aria doubts the prophecy will eventuate, given the steps already taken to prevent it. The sisters pass Aria a dossier with a proposal to resolve the Bird situation. Meanwhile, Sam returns to Zach, carrying her morin khuur to cheer him up; he hugs her knowing she’s safe back home.