Reviewer: Gobigorstayhome (Signed) · Date: 16/04/08 07:01 PM · On: Glance

A wordless plea that called to Dean with the intuition of birth orderMan, the power of that statement is unreal.  Though I don’t “know” birth order, I fully comprehend the responsibility that it brings.  Perfect image. "Aw, fuck me…"So Dean.  I can see him saying that too. J he felt his body shutting down like a computer system going off-line,Again such a clear –picture.  Perfect!!! Ignoring the pointed way no one looked directly at himThat in and of its self is painful.  Like they are looking at a dead man walking and don’t want it to wear off on them.  Sad, pain, ouch.  **pushes hand over heart** "Ya think?"There’s our Dean, to the end a sarcastic pain in the ass  J Sighing, Dean slipped free of his will and melted against his brother's chest, trusting in the strength that had always been there to catch him as he fell.Super nice ending….You always drag us along to the next chapter so well.  Not that dragging us is necessary.  I for one will be skipping when I learn that there is more.So well written.  So much to feel.  Just so much!!!!  Thanks for the ride

Author's Response:

Hello my friend. Thanks for this -- you always know just what to say. And you see into the heart of my stories.

Love ya. :)

Reviewer: darkhunter (Signed) · Date: 13/04/08 06:37 AM · On: Watch

wow,brilliant start,i'm really looking forward to reading this story.

Author's Response:

Hey! Fantastic -- I'm so glad you liked the start and I hope you enjoy the rest of the story. Thanks for reading and taking time to review.

Best to you!

Gaelic

Reviewer: bulletbabe (Signed) · Date: 09/04/08 04:59 PM · On: Glance

Okay so this is attempt 3 to review so it may turn out to be one big box of text, that’s what happened last time I copied and pasted a review, and I do apologise if that is the case…but just had to review this chapter. I have my beer, my popcorn, (only salty will do) and I read this chapter with gusto, it’s still my favourite story out there at the moment and with good reason.  Once again you have displayed a remarkable ability at finding completely original and innovative combinations of words and phrases that just leave me spellbound.  ‘intuition of birth order’…’sound raked Dean’s spine’…silence held sway for two heartbeats’…all just mesmerising. I loved Bobby’s parental role in here but also the glimpses into his softer side, his passions and loves and it was a great touch to have him living a parallel life to the boys, leaving a loved one in order to protect them. The whole passage about a ‘normal life’ was heartbreaking yet again and those poignant little punctuations throughout the story always leave me breathless… …and a NAKED Dean…what’s not to love. And at this point I need to register a complaint…the line about ‘going commando in Bobby’s jeans’ literally had beer frothing from my nose, not something I recommend…and I actually had to go away and have a little sit down somewhere dark and quiet before I could come back and finish…please put a ‘guffaw’ warning on any future chapters that contain lines of that quality, and I’ll make sure I don’t have a mouthful of beer when I read…lol What a lovely nod to the end of Raiders…"Close your eyes!" Abe ordered, and Sam finally, finally obeyed. "Keep them closed, don't look, no matter what you hear!" and I couldn’t be happier that lobo is OK, I was more than a little worried there. 

And Abe’s wisdom shone through in this paragraph…"When faced with the reality of what his actions toward Claire had resulted in—how many lives he had ruined with one selfish, sinful act—he did not show remorse, regret, or sorrow." Abe's voice was silk. The smooth cadence rocked into Sam and pulled his eyes up, hope glistening in the air between himself and the Ojibwa. "Light had given up trying to break in. You have much light inside of you, Sam Winchester. Never forget that."

 

But this line, and what followed, was what had me reaching for the tissues again…’ The tears came hot and unbidden. Dean felt them smack the back of his eyes and linger, burning the edges of his lashes like the acid of remorse. He didn't dare blink, knowing that they would spill, and all would see his weakness.’

 Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful…Roll on the next chapter. XX Louy

Author's Response:

Hi Louy,

So sorry it took me a bit to reply to this. I had been watching for you, too! But life... well, you know. :)

Every time I post, I hold my breath, waiting for that one review that will crush me, send me scurrying back to my corner with a "don't quit your dayjob" type comment.

I never truly expect reviews like yours and when I get them I am overwhelmed. Thank you for taking time -- three times over, in fact! -- to leave me such a heart-felt review. I'm so pleased this chapter spoke to you and that you were left breathless at times.

When I wrote this, I saw it vividly in my head and got lost in it for a bit, coming up for air and hoping that the words I'd spilled across the paper actually made sense. Thank you for validating that for you, they did.

There's a lot more that still has to happen, and I hope I can wrap up chapter 8 to your (and others) satisfaction.

Best to you always -- oh, and now that some of my promises have been kept and I'm in a forced-to-rest situation, I am pleased to say I get to read your fantastic "Dream" very soon!!! *does dance*

Slainte,

Gaelic

Reviewer: PurpleSpinx (Signed) · Date: 08/04/08 12:10 PM · On: Glance

Really awesome chapter!! The scene where Dean had no pants was hilarious!! So true to character. I loved it!! I can't wait til the next chapter. My poor broken Dean needs a lot of TLC. Thanks for not killing off Lobo. He is to cool for that!!

Author's Response:

You're so right. He really does. And he shall get it, I assure you. :)

Thank you for reading and for your lovely comments. Glad you liked the pants scene -- they stripped him for fever... had to do something with that, yeah?

Slainte,

Gaelic

Reviewer: Dean494 (Signed) · Date: 08/04/08 08:59 AM · On: Glance

Excellent job. This chapter was packed with emotion. Both boys so broken, and ready to quit until Bobbý's words. I really love the way you write Dean and how he interacts with Lobo, glad that this beautiful animal is not dead.

Author's Response:

I couldn't kill Lobo -- not only because I promised Nana56 (for whom the story was written) but also because I'm a firm believe in the DOG ALWAYS LIVES! :) There will be more of Lobo (and Lobo and Dean) in the final chapter.

I'm so please to hear that you enjoy the way I write Dean. That character is so vivid in my head that no other hero seems to be able to match up in TV or movies these days. :) He's ruined me. I fear he's ruined a great many of us...

Thanks for reading and I hope to see you again in the final chapter.

Gaelic

Reviewer: Oceane (Signed) · Date: 07/04/08 08:51 PM · On: Glance

So an intense, very powerful chapter. So well written than I felt the same emotions than what Dean, Sam and the others were felling. I'm so loving this story, I'm going to miss it when it'll end. Gaelic, I'm waiting with eagerness your last chapter.

Author's Response:

Hi!! I love seeing you here knowing I won't see you over at the VS anymore. Thanks so much for coming by to read and THANK YOU for your kind review. I'm so glad you're enjoying it and that you're eager for the next chapter.

Slainte,

Gaelic

Reviewer: mymuseandi (Signed) · Date: 07/04/08 04:28 AM · On: Glance

awesome!!!!!! i love the fact that Dean and Sam joined the fight in the end. for them to just quit is...not them at all. they never know how to quit! although i wish it didn't have to be so detrimental to their health. as it is, i guess Dean is conscious due to sheer willpower alone, and thank god for Sam to be there to catch him when he fell.

Had some questions over the chapter when i was reading them, but for the life of me i can't remember what they are now!! LOL

"Nothing," Sam chuckled. He didn't really know what was funny except that… "I spent a week possessed by a demon. I shot and beat up my own brother. I killed a hunter. I tried to hurt Bobby. And… after all that… this ikiryoh gets stronger after being in Sal. Not me."

See, Sam is not evil after all!! well, not so as much as Sal anyway. Sal is so much more evil, and yet he's only a normal human being.

Yup, missing the music. Haha. Will the jukebox be working again, or should Maggie just buy a new one? :) 

Author's Response:

Heya Muse! Thank you so much for this! :) You always make me smile.

Sam has some internal processing to do about what happened to him this hunt-that-wasn't-supposed-to-be-a-hunt. I hope when you read it, it works for you.

Maggie's gotta buy a whole lot more than just a jukebox after this. :) But there are other ways to bring music into a story... *Gaelic grins*

Thanks again for spending time with me.

Gaelic

Reviewer: rbliss1969 (Signed) · Date: 06/04/08 11:35 PM · On: Glance

Amanda,

OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

what a powerful chapter!!!

i almost cried when Lobo came out of the woods.

"Who protects the protector." so true Dean is always protecting Sam who protects Dean?

i love Abe his character is amazing; his strength, his power is hypnotizing. Abe being Sam's talisman excellent.

Bobby and Maggie i was wondering how you were going to let Sam and Dean in on how much they still loved each other.

Bobby leaving to protect Maggie i can see after what happened to his wife in season 3.

i have read several of your stories and they all have left me wanting to read more. you are truly talented. 

i have only 1 other person on this web-site that i can not wait to read her chapters but i can honestly say you are right next to her as my fav.

i have read several other authors and you and Birdie clearly are number 1.

Renee

Author's Response:

*glee!* To be put in the same category as Birdie is a treat, indeed. Thank you for that. :) Hee.

The funny thing is, I've had this story mapped out for some time -- since August, in fact -- and I didn't know about Bobby's wife. I figured he'd had a past, but wasn't sure what it was, of course. Which is why the reference to "her" is so vague. But, for those who have seen that S3 episode, I thought it fit nicely, so thanks for saying that.

I thank you so much for your comments and compliments. Hope you enjoy the next part!

Gaelic

Reviewer: Phoenix_Song778 (Signed) · Date: 06/04/08 08:25 PM · On: Glance

Man! That was intense! My eyes are stinging...and not just from staring transfixed at my computer screen ;)

I loved the description of the ikiryoh...particularly the image of it climbing the wall backwards. For some reason I had a flash of the scene from "The Exorcist" when Linda Blair crab walks down the stairs with her head turned completely around! Can't explain why...it just popped into my head!

Dean realizing he's naked and demanding to know the whereabouts of his pants, made me smile. Not to mention the great dual meaning you had going on in terms of what exactly "naked" and "getting dressed" can refer to --not always to clothes. That just really struck me for some reason.

Dean's snark about how everyone has a hole in their stomach--again had me smiling and shaking my head--smart ass! But then Sam's assertion that he would rather die than watch Dean die...the echo of those words coming from Dean in BUABS slammed into me. Gotta say that smile faded pretty damn quickly.

Then there was Dean's realization that no matter how much he may want it, that he would never be like his father. For me at least, that's not necessarily a bad thing...Dean's true strength lies in the ways he's not like John.

After Maggie admits her love for Bobby and Dean thinks: "He'd never heard someone say those words to him before, he had no idea what it meant, had no idea how to say them to another.." God that was a kick in the gut and I had the sudden, overwhelming urge to burst into tears.

Abe telling Sam not to ignore the light...that that is what separated him from Sal...a wonderful exchange.

And a great line: "Its dead hands wrapped around her shoulders like a sweater of dark memory." An amazing visual.

Musically--I love "Lunatic Fringe", a wonderful, haunting song. You might be interested to know that Gavin Rossdale has a new album coming out in June. The first single has already dropped--it's called "Can't Stop the World"---check it out and let me know what you think!

Author's Response:

Okay, answering backwards because GAH! I heart Gavin Rossdale -- did you see him in Constantine? Seriously, though. Nice! *goes to look up new song*

And this genre for some reason calls the most random song forward into memory. I hadn't heard "Lunatic Fringe" for eons, and when I was writing the moment in the kitchen, the "ohh-ohh-ohh" part of the song swam up, and I realized I had to put those lyrics in there.

Thank you so much for your comments, girl -- you are so busy! I mean you never miss a beat and I love you for it -- between reviewing the VS and this and I'm sure many others... you are a treasure.

I clapped when you caught the dual meaning of "naked" and yeah, you got the image of the ikiryoh climbing backwards pretty spot on. I didn't think of that scene, but now that you mention it, it fits perfectly.

I'm glad, too, that you liked the Maggie/Bobby exchange. More to come there.

I agree with you about Dean's strength lying in the ways he's not like John, but I'm not sure that at this point Dean agreed with that. I'm not sure he agrees with that where the show is, but he's getting closer. It's hard to see yourself, though, isn't it? It's like were all... vampires inside. No true reflection until someone else shows us.

Okay, it's obviously late. Hee. I just saw this from you and had to reply.

Best to you,

Gaelic

Reviewer: birdie (Signed) · Date: 05/04/08 11:52 AM · On: Glimpse

Amanda.

You said in your end notes that you kinda missed Dean in this chapte but I wanted to let you know that even though he was unconcious for a large part of the chapter I felt at one with him through the words and gestures of the other characters. And this is from a rabid Dean-o-phile so I mean this as a great endorsement of the wonderful depth of characterisation I have found in all your players.

I loved the growth of Maggie in this chappie and the complexity of her heartfelt emotion was conveyed with your usual well goverened choice of such appropriate words. I could feel her internal conflict throughout, her perhaps confused feelings for Bobby, her painful loyalty for Yeats and her want to help and nurture the boys. She's a lovely character so you clearly have a wonderful friend in Terry!

Oh and I hadn't seen the 'shift the Japanese monstrosity' into Sal coming but what a fantastic solution as that guy is one slimy creature, and your Sam showed such strength in casting it out. I loved the way he used Dean's faith in/ and love for himself to give Dean back the strength he needed to not allow his own grief and pain and inner daemons make him the most vulnerable when he cast the creature out, and thus it went to Sal. Sorry confusing but ya know what i meant i hope.

"All he remembered for much of those two weeks was the absolute absence of strength and the constant presence of Dean. He hadn't wanted his dad; he'd wanted Dean." This was lovely and that whole scene where they are both so poorly and can only instinctually gravitate towards each othe for safety and comfort is beautiful. I was reading this chapter in the car and had to break of half way through and drive somewhere unobserved because I was crying so much!

Oh and you're so clever Amanda. The explanation of the words mine, soon and taken was so horrific and sad but it was so clever how the words had been so appropriate to Sam  and Dean and Abe when they were not really for them at all. Your planning and story design is so impressive and makes the story so wondefully complex and multi layered. It's a rich and heady delight.

And now to the the shower scene!  Well what can I say?  It was tremendous I could sense the slow ebb of Dean's remaining strength played out against his own poetic description of the ocean.Oh and how it enhanced the poignancy of the scene that his view of the ocean had been achieved through his sad seperation from Sam. And as to Sam, I could feel his terror, growing panic and his utter exhaustion to the point that I think I joined him wholeheartedly in his "Oh thank god" when you finally brought Bobby to the rescue.

I was touched by so poorly Dean's fevered rememberances that John and Mary used to sing to Sammy and I will be checking out the track, and I loved that you had Bobby sing to them.

And then Maggie saw Bobby and boy that was powerful! I could feel the sparks (I've always suspected Bobby is a real passionate lover!) and I thought him calling her Mags was so intimate. Somehow I knew he was due that slap to the face too but underlying that is a lot of affection I think!

Sorry I know I'm rabbiting on and on! Just  abit more!  "Jesus, you talk like friggin Yoda" - that had me howling with laughter and I suspect there was a look of vaguely hurt amusement of Abe's lovely face as weary, exhausted Sam said that.

Oh and go Lobo! Good dog have a bonio and a pet from me!

Enough Bird, you're babbling!  In case I need to reiterate I'm loving it and more soon would be appreciated!

Bev xx

 

 

Author's Response:

Hey Bev -- this was fantastic. I just returned from a nephew's birthday party full of screaming four-year olds on a sugar high, weary from wrangling my one-year-old, and sat down to find this waiting for me.

All weariness forgotten. Your reviews make me feel like I can leap tall buildings in a single bound. Thank you for that. :) I love that you're able to feel the emotions I work to weave into my words.

It sounds mean and cruel, but I actually love that you cried. That really means something to me. I'd been playing with exactly how to handle the shower scene so that it conveyed the need and fear and didn't go over the edge into squirmy terriroty. I didn't want smarm. I wanted care.

So I'm glad that worked for you. :)

More is on the way, I promise. Chapter 7 is finished and with my beta and if all goes well, I'll post tonight or first thing tomorrow. I dearly hope you enjoy it and I thank you sincerely for spending time with me.

Yours,
Gaelic

Reviewer: POOKEE (Signed) · Date: 03/04/08 06:17 PM · On: Stare

Gaelic,

I must apologize again for the lateness of the review and for its quality even before I start.  Fatigue is beginning to set in and my creativity is waning.  Forgive me.

This chapter continually examines and force feeds the boys relationship with the reader.  The responsibility that Dean must bear - although willingly - now and since Sam was four  is heartbreaking.  Responsibility levied on Dean as a parental figure yet similiar in age of his charge.  This responsibility given to  and accepted by Dean - the lifetime of promises made to Sam overwhlems Dean but never beats him.  Dean desperately needs someone to take care of him, to guide him and he finds this more and more from Abe.  We all have been given roles to perform in life but no matter how strong the will is to bring those roles to fruition, we all physically and mentally stumble, needing help getting to our feet.  Dean is no different.  The reader can see this as Dean sobs over Sam's pain and allows Abe to help if but for a brief moment, then the soldier returns to complete his mission - protecting Sam. 

The phrase that Dean relates to "the emptiness felt when you know you are the last in order of importance to someone most important to him" - a child , grown or not, should never have to feel that way, yet many do and never come to terms with it.  Dean's fortress seems to be fading - allowing some feeling and needed healing to creep in.  The mere act of telling Abe "I need your help" is a great turning point for Dean.  Ironic that Dean asks Abe for help - a loner ver similiar to Dean.  Dean will hopefully realize he is so important in the lives of many who consider him a parent - Sammy and a son - Bob and Abe.  He needs to let himself feel again not just exist.  Both Sam and Dean need to forgive themselves before they can truly forgive each other. Hopefully the strength of the people around them will allow for it to happen. This chapter of lost innocence for Claire, for Sam, for Dean begins a new trail as Sam reveals his belief of his responsibility for Dean's pain, Mary's death and John recruitment of Dean ..... and with Dean's plea to Sam to forgive himself.

Powerful.

God Bless and Keep You,

Pook/Janet 

 

Author's Response:

Pook,

I swear to God every time I get one of your reviews I end up with a lump in my throat. You have the uncanny ability to read between my lines. I write what I write, but there are thoughts and feelings inside that don't always make it to the paper -- yet you pick up on them anyway.

Wow. Just. Yeah, thank you. Thank you for seeing power in my attempt at imagry.

Take your time reading and reviewing -- anytime I get a review from you I smile because I know that means you've gotten a break and I'm happy for that. :)

I will respond to your thoughtful email from earlier this week soon. I'm trying to work my way through emails while Rowan sleeps on a Saturday morn... *Gaelic scrambles*

Best to you,

GS

Reviewer: birdie (Signed) · Date: 28/03/08 08:19 AM · On: Look

Gaelic

Oh the whole scene in the river is epic. Dean is such a good man he even saves the creep who was gonna kill him!  And boy you hurt Dean so well! I would so want Abe with me if I was lost in the woods - the man's a treasure and sexy as hell.

Oh and Lobo came to save Dean, that's terrific, he's his spirit animal, the personification of Dean's great strength of character. Lovely, such beautiful animals. I was in Cananda last summer and saw a wild wolf and it was amazing.

The warming Dean up after his near drowning was ...just so hot and the bit where he didn't want sticking with the fish hook had me in hysterics. And the fact that Dean has watched Harry Potter - so funny!

"Dean lay against his brother, his head resting on Sam's collarbone, his eyes closed, mouth tight even in unconsciousness. Sam's eyes were on the fire, his cheek against the top of Dean's head, his arms wrapped in a protective, almost possessive, embrace. His body language told Abe all he needed to know: Sam may be Dean's purpose in life, but Dean was Sam's anchor. His connection to reality" These are beautiful words, it made me cry.

Oh and having Sam dress Dean and then that whole I hate rain thing?  Too sweet for words!

Love the story, wonderful

Bev xx

 

Author's Response:

Okay, I have been thinking about you calling Abe "sexy as hell" since I read this review a couple of days ago. Do you have any idea how thrilling that was? That he was 3-D enough for you to find him sexy? I was on a high about that.

Especially because he's got some things he's gotta do in chapter 7 and 8... well, I'll stop there.

I really believe the words about what Dean and Sam are to each other. By intention or not, Kripke, Jared, and Jensen created two characters that have climbed inside of us and haven't let go and when I think of them, I see balance in togetherness that is rare in the real world.

I hope you continue to enjoy!

Gaelic