Helen, as I read, I could absolutely, without a doubt, SEE Dean, and see every expression that traveled across his face.  This was just incredible--the fulfillment of Dean's longing for his mother, and then, sadly, the other shoe drops and he has a decision to make whether to stay with her or give her up forever to return to Sam.  Despite the fact that we know what his decision will be, how painful for our boy...  You're as good at torturing him emotionally as you are physically.  And in some ways, the emotional torture is so much harder to read.

Oh, and before I forget--do you know how big a smile I got on my face when I read your chapter end note????  LOL  Hey, if I have to have an addiction, it might as well be this one--after all, just LOOK at Jensen and Jared, they're like hot, sexy male drugs...  hahahahaha

Author's Response:

Well, you know me Vanessa, I like to spread the torture out equally (I mean between physical and emotional...all of which is for poor Dean though). 

I am so glad to hear that the depiction of Dean's emotional reaction was almost visible.  I think we all wish he had some kind of emotional release every once in a while. (It would be great to see him break down, just once, wouldn't it?)

I am also glad to have been able to make you smile too.  I have to agree, the J&J addiction is so much healthier then booze or drugs and a whole lot more fullfilling too!  Bring on the angst/pain/sick/whumpage crack!! 

Loved it! What a wonderful idea to have this point of view in here and give Dean the chance to see his mother again, he so deserved these special moments. Also he could see how much Sam cares for him. Mary told him very important things about the bond he shares with his little brother ("Sam needs you to keep him grounded." "You two are truly soulmates. He may be the one with powers, but you are the energy that feeds them." - these lines cover it completely!!). We all know what Dean's choice will be, no matter how hard this is and whatever the cost, but this makes him even more lovable!

Author's Response: Thanks Sabine!!  I don't know about you, but I find it hard to believe anything could possibly make Dean anymore lovable then he already is!!  He's like perfection in flesh, isn't he?  Ha ha...little tangent there.  Anyway, I truly believe that you can't have one without the other and that applies to the Winchesters too.  They are truly two halves of a whole and are incomplete without the other.  And yeah, everyone probably does know what Dean's choice will be, but hey...you never know when I may toss in a weird twist or two!!

that was a wonderful chapter.dean with his mother was beautifuly written.

Author's Response: Thank you so much!  I really worried about that when I was writing it since we have so little insight into Mary.  Glad you liked it and thanks for saying so.

WOW!  I can't believe Dean did that!  And you having him swallow holy water innocently which kept the demon from possessing him was brilliant!!

Author's Response: Thanks again!  Holy water will do that little trick every time, so I've heard.  Hope you continue to enjoy until the end!!

I think it's a great cliffhanger!  You are soooo cruel-making Dean stab himself to let the demon in. 

Author's Response: Hee Hee, all part of the ultimate plan!!

I think it's safe for you to come back out from behind the rock....it's a miracle!! Dean's alive!!!!! although i must tell you that making Sam have enough psychic powers to be able to revive Dean back, that came out from the left field. for me, anyway.

Don't get me wrong. i love that Dean's not dead, any i'll accept any way to bring him back, even if Sam has to use his psychic powers. but i don't know if Dean's gonna be happy about the fact that Sam used his 'shining' to bring him back to life. *shrugs* i'll just have to read on, don't i? :)

Author's Response: Crawling out and stretching in the bright sunshine, thanks!  I thought long and hard about this line of thought and just couldn't help myself.  That scene in 'Nightmare' when Sam mentally pushed his way out of that closet with just the knowledge of his vision always made me wonder what extreme emotional duress would do to his psychic abilities.  I mean, at least he knew then that Dean wasn't dead yet.  The knowledge of him really being dead would be way too much to bear for him and that's where I took it.  As for Dean, he may not be happy about it, but at least he's alive and that's all that should matter to him...I think.

Damn, and I mean damn...get you ass out from behind that rock and get writing...we need another update right now...turbot's in the bin I promise!

What a superd 3 chapters and I'm just overcome...awesome work my friend...you deserve more stars than are on the list! XX Louy

Author's Response:

Phew, I'm breathing a huge sigh of relief!  Crawling out now...getting to work immediately (as soon as the demon-in-law takes off tomorrow that is)

And thank you as well, my friend, for all the awesome words!  I can not tell you enough how much I appreciate them!

Well, you just keep on hiding behind that big 'ol rock missy till I've moved on...lol

Wow, what a wild ride this chapter was and the cavalry arrived...yeah...must move on and find out what happens to our boy...love it when there are a few chapters to read all in one go...hehehe X Louy

Author's Response:

still cowering Louy...move on quickly, my legs hurt from crouching.

love it

danny

xxxx

Author's Response: Thank you so much for letting me know it!  I love that you loved it and hope you enjoy the rest!!

Ah Helen, climb out from behind that rock, ok? Lol! So, Sam does indeed have even more powers than we thought before.

I was looking forward to this update and it didn't disappoint. Now how are Sam and Bobby gonna finish the task in the cabin and then make sure that Dean really stays alive? More please soon :) 

Author's Response:

I have slowly crawled out but it's still hidden in my yard for me to dodge behind at a moments notice.  I personally thought the show never did give Sam his due in the powers department.  I think they could have taken that and ran pretty far with it.

Anyway, I am so glad to hear you were looking forward to it and that it wasn't a letdown.  I only wish I had gotten it done sooner, but unfortunately life has been insane the last two weeks.  Calmer days are ahead soon and faster updates should be right behind!  Thanks for your patience.

Helen,

you did it again; i cried for the whole chapter. 

the pain Sam was in and Bobby trying to get Sam to release Dean.  OMG.

Great writing as always

Renee 

Author's Response:

Thanks, as always Renee.  I am always so happy to hear that the stuff I think is cheezy cornball stuff was well received.  I appreciate it every time you tell me that what I post isn't garbage because sometimes I'm must not so sure.  thanks for always boosting my confidence and I hope you continue to enjoy!!

The chapter left me speechless. Powerful, poignant and so beautiful chapter you gave us Strigo, you did an outstanding work with this one. I can't wait for your next update.

Author's Response: I am so glad to hear you liked it!  I thought everyone would think it was a little off the wall.  I'm glad it wasnt.  Thanks for sticking with it...only a couple more to go!