Your descriptions of little miss creepy creepin' up the walls totally made the hairs on my neck stand up! 

Author's Response:

Hee... I love that I creeped you out. Thanks so much for telling me! I really appreciate your reviews -- I look forward to seeing what you think of the rest.

Best,

Gaelic

Great chapter! I'm glad that Sal finally got what was coming to him. Way to go Lobo! I love that wolf dog. He always seems to know when Dean needs him and is always right there. Good thing he was otherwise Dean could have gotten really smashed up by the time Abe got back.

Poor Sam is really going through his own personal Hell right now isn't he? That thing is forcing him to experience all his worst memories all over again...Jess burning on the ceiling and shooting Dean...etc. It really is doing a number on him, don't know how long he will be able to take it. But at least Dean was able to get through to him on some level and convinced him to fight this thing. So he is trying hard not to give in to this which is good.

Dean stays with Sam as long as he can but eventually his body was bound to give out on him. Can't say I'm that surprised...not with everything he's been through over the past couple days. Especially with that wound over his belly opening again. Wonder if Doc will come and help out again? Or if Maggie has a better idea? Looking forward to finding out.

Author's Response:

Thanks so much for your review. There's a reason Lobo is right there when Dean needs him. I hope you like the reveal of that...

And Doc will help, perhaps not personally, but he will help. Maggie's idea... well, it's not going to be easy, that's all I can say. Hope you like the next parts!

Gaelic

Gaelic, I can safely state that I look forward to this particular story being updated just as much as I look forward to the new episodes of the show.

And what a chapter this was, I can only say that the RW closing in has enhanced the visual and descriptive content and driving emotions of your writing even more. The whole passage where Sam tries to get his brother to believe the creature is inside him, and the haunting visions it brings had me on the verge of tears.

But when Abe spoke to Bobby, you pushed me over the edge...'he heard love'. need job lot of kleenex right now!

You've reserved some of the most descriptive analogies for this one too...'Sam screamed, his body vibrating as the skin along his neck and jaw rolled and curled as if small hands stroked it from the inside.'...good grief, what a visual...and then I had to go to bed and try to sleep...lol

There are some beautiful paralells to 'Ramble On' here, Abe once again being forced to place Sam's wellbeing first, and the talk about what would John do.

But as always with you it's those little snippets, sometimes descriptions, sometimes thoughts and sometimes detail that drive this story home...'personification of defeat', what beautiful wording...'do NOT stand down', what a great throwback to John and his enforced military education of his boys...

...and then there's lobo. I can't tell you how much I love that dog right now...

All in all, I adore this story, beautifully written, as visual as an episode and just as well plotted. Can't wait for more!

 

Author's Response:

Louy -- I thank you very sincerely for this thoughtful review -- and for the heads up on the 'whoops' you noted when you read. I was able to fix it post haste. :)

I thank you for the comments and ways the sections made you feel. My one goal with writing stories is to entertain -- if that means tears, then so be it. :)

Thanks again for the time you spend with me -- it's always cherished.

Slainte,

Gaelic

Gaelic,

 That darn RL does have a habit of getting in the way sometimes but fear not. This was another great chapter. I can't wait to see/read the rest of the movie in your head.

I think my favorite part of this whole chapter is Sam's inner conversation with the Ikiroh. He's not going to give up becuase Dean said to fight. He sees the light because Dean is his light. It's damn hard seperating those two and the Ikiroh will not succeed. Oh but the boys are in bad shape. It's like seeing them in the Michigan woods all over again. Abe is faced with saving them both. He loves them like Bobby does. The two of them will find a way.

 

I can't believe that I didn't catch on to the fact that Sal and his goons were the ones resposible for raping Claire.

*smacks head*

I think I know what Maggie's plan is going to be. We shall see! 

I'm still hanging. It's always a treat to come here and find the story updated.

Brit

Author's Response:

Hey Brit -- thanks so much for this. I really liked knowing what your favortire part was... I really hope you like what is to come. I'll be interested to see what you think Maggie's plan is...

I was really hoping that readers would see the overlapping images of Abe facing the same situation with the boys here as he did in Ramble On.

Thanks for spending time with me. :)

Gaelic

Gaelic,

This chapter amazingly captures the relationship between the brothers. Their ability to think and feel as one; to know each other's needs, to feel each other's fears.  As these men were raised "in each other's pockets" it would only be fitting to have a relationship and connection such as they do.

Your depiction of Sam's sensation that Dean was near and of Dean's images of Sam's life with him were so touching:  scraped knees, training wheels, homework, holding on and surviving are words that bring such emotion to the reader.

Abe seems to bring out Sam's raw emotions throughout this chapter but yet seems to inject Sam with calming effects as well.  Love the subtle way Sam keeps his guard with Abe - unable to look him in the eyes, fearful of what they may tell Abe.

The symbolism you present between the wolf, dog and Dean is masterful.  The wolf cries for lost spirits to return to earth - both men seem to cry out to each other to keep them grounded --- human.  The wolf(Dean), devoted to family, expert hunter and guardian. So touching, so true. 

The brothers relationship is so dynamic in your writings and this chapter continues that - Dean's need to hear Sam's not going anywhere, the depth of their relationship - the intertwining of their hearts you sybolized in the brothers physical closeness throughout the night, Sam's warmth injecting life back into Dean and into his own self. My heart breaks as you present a chance for Sam's needed abolution from Dean, yet he is denied these words so many times --- each brother needing this absolution as much as the other.  Words come so hard to the Winchester's it seems.

I enjoyed so much the descriptions of Abe's ancestry, his ties to the past and the earth.  We as a people need to learn from these proud, special people, you love and deep respect of these Americans are reflected in your words and heart Gaelic.

God Bless, Keep You and Carryon Talented Author,

Pookee/Janet

 

Author's Response:

Aw, Pook how I've missed you! I'm go glad life released you long enough to read this chapter. :) I am touched by the time you take to offer me such fantastic feedback and so happy you've enjoyed the story.

I am in awe of the Native American people and see any culture rich in tradition (like the Irish Celtic culture which is ingrained in me) to be something that should be respected.

I hope that subsequent chapters I write and you read don't let you down. Thank you for spending time with me.

Gaelic

Hey Gaelic

Wow, another fantastic chapter, I was totally engrossed the whole way through. I am so intrigued & excited to see where this is all going. Can’t wait for the next instalment already!!

You know, I never read anyone else’s reviews until I have written my own, I don’t want to be influenced by what other people are saying, and others always come up with a much more wordy & intelligent ways of expressing what they got out of your work. But I am always amazed that sometimes we are all so close in our thoughts, feelings, & opinions and in picking out our favourite parts. So, I guess that means you are definitely on the right tracks!! And, I do love reading what other people have written too, although it often leaves me cursing myself for forgetting to mention something or not have the artistic flair to describe my thoughts adequately!!

Anyway, on with the review….. Oohh, the ‘bad guy’ looks like a child – you beat Kripke to having a demon child!! (I am assuming you had this written well before Jus in Bello aired). And, soo creepy – touching Dean, crawling along the ceiling, and worst of all trying to get inside him – totally nasty.

Loved Sam & Dean reaching for each other in the dark – so childlike & innocent, and so cute.

If Sam & Dean both heard the ikiryoh say different things, what did Abe hear it say? Anything?

Poor Dean, he can never catch a break when it comes to injuries. Honestly, I wish he could just stop, rest, recover…. Instead of always pushing on all the time. There is only so far the human body can be pushed before it reaches its limit, I fear Dean is getting close to his.

Sam reading Dean, seeing through the bravado to what’s really going on in the inside. I’m pretty sure Dean wouldn’t be too pleased if he knew Sam could see that easily. But, that is what comes of being brothers – as Abe puts it later on ‘two halves of the same coin’.

Also, liked the throwback to Ramble On - Don't let go…I'll fall if you let go…

Yeah Dean, where is Lobo?? I hope he’s ok too.

So, the plot is getting thicker with the information about Yeats & Claire. At least we know who is probably behind the ikiryoh now, but how do we stop it, and her??

Oh no – Sam. I told you not to throw that charm under the bed, I knew it was a bad idea!! This is so not good, and poor Dean - how is he going to hold up to this latest turn of events??

Gaelic, as ever you did a fantastic job. The descriptions of the ikiryoh trying to get inside Dean at the beginning totally creeped me out. It seems that unfortunately, Sam wasn’t as strong as him at resisting though. I can’t wait to see what you have coming up next…. Definitely need to go an research Buddhist sutras to try and help the boys out!!

Until next time, take care
Stella


Author's Response:

Hey Stella! So happy to see this. Your reviews are worded just perfectly -- no worries there. I always take something away from them.

First -- thank you so much for reading and taking TIME to review. I know how busy we all are and getting a review of this length from you is thrilling. Next, I love your play-by-play. Fantastic.

To answer your question, Abe does hear the ikiryoh say something to him, and you'll get more of that in the next chapter. I'm just really working to keep it from the boys' POV as much as possible.

And yeah, I'm totally pushing Dean to his limits. Trying to keep it believable, but really wanting to test him until he, um, well, breaks. *hides*

You remembered the charm! Good. :) I hoped you would. I look forward to your comments on the next chapter. Now all I need to do is get it written...

Gaelic

OK... this was a killer chapter....no pun intended.

this ikiryoh- I get the connection to Yeats daughter- really ugly horrible creature.OUTSTANDING verbage on this.

I knew when Sam threw away the protection charm from Bobby- something bad was coming.

Dean is really now in a bad spot- his brother is taken over by this creature and he still has enemies to contend with in his weakened state-AWESOME writing.

Abe knows more than he telling at this point- it just  seems like the other shoe needs to fall here-Abe needs to use his "native" senses.

For some reason, I think Lobo could be of help here-to me he is more a spirit animal -just a hunch.

This is totally GREAT!!!!!!!!

 BRAVO!!!!

MORE PLEASE

Author's Response:

I agree -- Abe needs to return to his native roots. But he's taken a bit of a journey from them and sometimes it's harder to travel back then away.

SO glad you're enjoying this. I love getting reviews from you. Thanks for continuing to do so.

Best always,

Gaelic

I just knew Sam shouldn't have thrown that amulet from Bobby away!!  Wow, what an exciting chapter, so much happening, revelations from Yeats - I'm pleased Maggie and Yeats are still with us - Lobo, Lloyd and Sal still missing. 

The scene in the bar was so creepy with those fingers crawling all over Dean and those legs skittering over the ceiling.  I was sorry to see the jukebox bite the dust though.  It's even scarier that the Ikiryoh isn't alone but has been summoned by a big, bad witch.

I thought at the end it was too good to be true that the Ikiryoh just went, then to find out where it has gone, and Sam's been possessed again, that is so not going to do him any good!!

Abe and Dean just seem to be a natural partnership when it comes to taking care of Sam, Abe's authority giving Dean the strength to overcome his injuries.  It's good to see Dean getting protective towards Abe too. 

I loved Sams' blatant attempts to take Dean's mind off his pain when Maggie cleaned him up, perfect musical choices for the pair of them.  I can't see Sam getting that CD player fitted any time soon though!!

So looking forward to the next one as you've left us with a pretty evil cliffie here!!  Thanks.  Jane

Author's Response:

HA! You're right! That toss of the charm in a fit of temper didn't bode well for our boy. Lobo will be back, as will Sal and Lloyd, but perhaps not all at once.

You're right -- the Impala just wouldn't be right with a CD player. Hee. Classic cars and cassette tapes, that's our Dean.

Working on Chapter 5 now; hope you enjoy it!

Gaelic

Oh that was icky. I could smell the fetid breath and blood you write so vividly.  Slipping and sliding in blood, organs displayed like market day fruit, oh that was one gross chapter in places; I was so there and so didn't want to be. Poor boys is all I can say, get them out quick!

An interesting turn with the ikiryoh and Yeats daughter and I think there is more to this than meets the eye.  Why would her spirit suddenly resurrect in this ikiryoh after sixteen years. And it certainly stirred up some painful memories for Dean. I half wondered if that was why the ikiryoh initially targeted Dean because he offered lots of likeminded emotions.

Dean admitting to Sam he was just holding it together, that's a huge confession for him and the fact he actually went for a nap on the sofa, speaks volumns as to how fragile his body is at the mo. Thank god he's got that stealed personality to get him over his physical failings.  And moreso now as Sam is in huge trouble, which I hope doesn't end with another Alien explosion!!!  How the heck did it get into him, doesn't he too have a charm like Dean?

And ::hugs Abe:: taking control and Dean letting him, again that barely holding it together thing, he's relishing in someone else taking the pressure off of him, leaving him free to keep a good eye on Sam.

Great chapter, lovely cliffy, but how will I manage to get through another week!

Jane :)

 

 

Author's Response:

Hmmm... *does* he have a charm like Dean?? *grins wickedly*

Thanks so much for this, Jane! I love your reviews. I'm so thrilled that you're enjoying this. I grin every time I see your name. I hope you like what's to come. I always get insanely nervous about half-way through writing the chapter and have to block everything else out except the movie in my mind.

I look forward to your next thoughts -- and I find myself thinking of you when we watch GolTV at night. :) Hee.

Gaelic

*Gasps* NO! Not Sammy! I can honestly say I didn't see that coming. I figured if it took anyone, it'd be Dean. And, wow, what a chapter! It was such a pleasure to read, I just zoomed right through it. I swear its not possible for you to get better and then I read a chapter like this and think, "Man, she just keeps getting better."

Very nicely done. The opening scene was aptly creepy, the bar scene was full of tension and then the scene between Sam and Dean was tender and lovely. Great job, friend, great job! And we still have FOUR more chapters to go--excellent!

And don't worry about your updates, you have a LOT on your plate right now, I don't think ANYone has any idea and if they did, they sure wouldn't fault you for it.

I'm just in total awe that you're able to balance it all! You should be called Wonder Woman and rather than Gaelic for all you have to keep up with.  You're still in my thoughts and I sure hope things get better/easier soon.

Nicole 

Author's Response:

Nicole -- you are the best. Thank you for those kind words of support. It's reassuring to know that you know me and like me anyway. :) Hee.

Thanks for the "keeps getting better" comment -- I'm thrilled that you're reading and enjoying.

I hope you like what's to come... *holds breath*

Gaelic

 Gaelic,

First let me say YAY!!!!! Chapter four!!!! 

Then let me say HOLY CRAP! 

You've certainly outdone yourself this time.  You've left me reeling. Oh Sammy! 

 

There was so much going on in this chapter.  I loved the gore. Very creepy and well done.

Emotions were high with each character experiencing their private pain through the powerful influence of the Ikiryo. 

I love how Sam has made a study of  Dean and the way he can read his brother so well. The way you wrote that first scene in Maggie's kitchen was beautiful. How Sam knew just how much Dean was hurting. How he just held on and did his best to distract him from the pain. It's instictive the way one usually knows what the other needs and how they are always there for eachother. 

Abe was still looking at Sammy funny. Watch out for your brother. Don't let him out of your sight. Was he channeling BDW again to get Dean moving or does he know something that even Sam and Dean don't know?

And I know this is such a fangirl thing, but you had the brothers touching a lot. It makes me happy just reading it.

So, how many one pound bags of dark chocolate M&Ms can I send you for chapter five??!!!! I'm dying already. That thing just can't have Sam! 

Don't worry.... I'm hanging.

Brit

Author's Response:

I'm glad you said that it made you happy that the brothers were touching a lot -- I know it's totally a girl way of writing, but I think that despite the fact that they're *guys* and *guys* aren't into that touchy-feeling-self-help-yoga-crap... they're also *brothers* and they have been through Hell together and are still going... and I think that sometimes the power of touch can be an amazing medium for healing. Especially when you don't make a big deal about it -- y'know?

Glad you noticed that Abe is still looking at Sam oddly -- even though he spends most of his alone time with Sam (Maggie's kitchen for food, computer room for research, etc.). There is a reason for it, and I hope it makes sense when it comes out.

Dark chocolate M&Ms are heaven. I've got one open next to me right now, in fact. I am working on Chapter 5 and will post it as soon as I can finish it and get it beta'd. Life is... well, life. :)

Thanks so much for reading!

Gaelic

Wow...just wow! This chapter was one of the best things I've ever read!

Loved the shout out to Alien! When I read about Jones's exploded chest I thought "cool just like in Alien" and laughed out loud when Dean said it just moments later! It was a nice break in the incredible tension you so masterfully set up.

I also loved that the chapter contained that line from "Ramble On"...I remember the situation in which it occurred....it's seared into my brain. It was never clear if Sam heard Dean...clearly on some level he did. These two are able to hear each other no matter what...even if they aren't aware of it.

It was also interesting that the demon was gunning for both Sam and Dean. Initially it seems as if Dean will be it's primary target. Which made sense, since despite the fact that there are horrific events in both boys lives, Dean always seems the most emotionally vulnerable. I think though, that Sam's overwhelming guilt at what he did to his brother while possessed and his desperate need for absolution have left him wide open to this thing. And now it has him...and I'm freaking out!!

Musical sidebar: Got that Seether song you mentioned, it's awesome and is currently enjoying heavy rotation on my mp3 player!

Author's Response:

You are made of awesome, girl. You pick up on so many things that I purposefully lay down to see if they grab anyone -- and here you are! I'm glad you enjoy slight moments of humor midst moments of tension.

As for that line from Ramble On -- 1) yay that you remembered it was from there and 2) I'd always thought Sam had heard Dean, but perhaps didn't realize what he was hearing. Like how our dreams are influenced by our subconscious which in turn is influenced by thoughts and occurences during the day that we don't consciously recognize.

Whoa -- don't know where *that* came from...

You're right -- Dean is raw, but Sam... Sam has other things that would attrack the spirit. Namely, an opening... ;)

LOVE that you like the Seether song. Here's another one for you: Weapon by Matthew Good Band. Love. It.

Gaelic