Good to have you back guys. With another great chapter. And Sam's going home, awww... See you next week!

Author's Response:

Thanks for the warm welcome back. We pretty happy you think our chapter is ‘great' - we are smiling like crazy back here...

Petra and Jules

I was so glad to see this next chapter posted today. I have really missed this story, and I am also glad to know with this that you are on the mend. This chapter was certainly worth the wait, but then you ladies never disappoint. It's nice to see the old Sam coming out in this chapter. I really miss him even on the show. I like the way you used Whitesnake and then Willa to see the boys as incomplete without each other and that's what each was missing while they were apart. The ending was great and very touching. Dean giving something of his to Sam was symbolic of his love and committment to him. I LOVE THAT!!

Sam's nightmare was a little scary and would just be a cruel fate if that  really happened, but I trust you and will go back to the beginning of this story and your promise of no death fics. I look forward to next week and your epilogue. I am praying you continue to get better with each passing day.

Author's Response: We are glad to be back! Thank you so much for our well wishes and prayers, I know Jules is healing nicely with everyone's warm wishes and heartfelt concern.

We love your review. A nicer compliment can't be paid than to say that you missed our story and that we never disappoint. Thank you so much for your faith in us.

Yes, we needed to see the old Sam too, and we planned long and hard how to showcase him so we were true to his nature and the development of his character. We are so grateful for your deep critiquing of the brothers as each others missing half - we take Dean's comment "You're my weak spot, you are, and I'm yours" very seriously, so we agree with you and are thrilled you get it with us.

Thanks heaps for your kind words.

Petra and Jules

OK with out a doubt this is the best ending for this story I have read of our boys!! I wait too see the next chapter appear and it nearly drives me crazy in the mean time..you have a gift..so far ever story of your I have read I have loved..am on "In Dreams I walk With You" at the moment and its awesom!! Don't stop the writing and bless the Winchester plot bunnies and all they can make you write!

Karen/plaidweaver

Author's Response:

Oh gosh! Thank you, Karen. Hopefully you're still around waiting for the next chapter - so sorry it's taken so long. Real life slammed me to the ground a little while ago, and it's taken a bit of time for me to 'catch my breath' as it were.

And you've read In Dreams? Wow, that's a marathon! No, I won't stop writing - not unless my hands suddenly drop off!

So chuffed that you are enjoying this. It started out as a story for Petra to make her feel good - and to satisfy our fears for where Kripke was taking the boys. Who knew it would turn into such a monster....But thank you for reading this monster and giving us your feedback.

Jules & Petra

Hope. Hope and restoration. That's what it's all about.

This really sums up so nicely exactly what I want for the boys (especially Sam) in general and I can only hope that Kripke does give us some of that in S5.

First of all- yay for the surprise visitor! I just thought about it reading part 13 and lo and behold you write about it in part 14 :D

I loved Michael's talk with Dean which also allowed us to glimpse into Dean's pov about Sam and the drinking of the blood, even though Dean had made up his mind to go back to Sam before Michael showed up. I liked that Dean stood up for Sam which shows that he's still firmly in Sam's camp.

I'm Jewish, but I agree with you girls about how you dealt with Sam's faith and his need to be approved by the angels- I hate that in the show, it was presented differently and honestly it's one of the reasons why I find S4 so hard to shallow and I'm just hoping that they deal with this in S5.

I loved how afraid Sam is at the sight of Michael and honestly how he's afraid that this is all too good to be true for him and any minute now, he'll wake up and Dean won't be there and he'll just be alone again. BUT seriously? I hope that you have Dean knock some sense into him!! :D but I like how you're keeping it real with Sam's fears and not having him back to his old self just because Dean's there now.

And what an image- having Michael hold Sam in his arms- I LOVED that you echoed from chapter 2 when he offered to take Sam from Dean- it shows how things have changed for Dean as well and how accepting he is of the arch-angel.

And I LOVED the whole 'handing over' of the JACKET! I know that it's Dean's but it's so symbolical of the fact that now Sam is okay and able to come home to Dean and how Dean is there to accept him for who he is.

and what an evil cliffy to leave us until Friday- I was neutral about Whitesnake, but I think that he just signed his own death warrant because Dean is so not going to let him live in one piece now!

I have no idea what Whitesnake's planning and whether it is good or bad but I don't like whatever he's planning.

and omg! only two more chapters to go? O_O

Author's Response:

Girl, you really get us, and our fic. We love how you get into all the nooks and crannies of our story and see exactly what our intentions are, see our connections and symbolisms, and understand the impact it has on the boys. You have touched on so much of what was important in this chapter.

We love the way you analyse and critique with such depth. Thank you so much for continually sharing your thinky-thoughts with us. You make us think, wonder and smile.

Our intention with the Arch carrying Sam was to be a powerful image, so we are thrilled you enjoyed that scene.

Your lovely stars are icing on the cake, thanks heaps.

Petra and Jules

 

 

"Hope. Hope and restoration. That's what it's all about." Yes it is, so true! This chapter so clearly is one of my favorites and I honestly have to say your end notes meant as much as the actual text to me. I felt about these things (that disrupted my little world a lot) exactly the same - to see it written down and solved, you can't even imagine how this feels, can't possibly ever thank you enough for it!!

Micheal's (and again, he is a fantastic character, so wished we could have him at the show) appearance turned out to be a real blessing for both brothers, a healing, in particular for Dean as an answer to his doubts (his call for god actually!) and for our Sam as a restoration of his faith (god, I truly loved this part!!).

I knew they were on the right track when Dean's anger came back with a vengeance after Micheal asked him if he would kill Sam, aww Dean's answer, "What the hell are you're sayin'...My brother's not evil! He was never evil!" Yes and yes and yes! And Michael was so right that Sam had lost his 'moral compass' - "You Dean, he lost you...You - both of you - are each other's moral compass - each other's conscience, if you will. With you gone, Samuel lost his true north." So it was just this little push Dean needed to understand for good this time his love for his brother is an unbreakable one and that he truly loves him like he was his own kid (oh, and he is)!!!

Sam's meeting with the archangel was another deeply moving part. An unforgettable image when Michael after the healing and delivering God's message held Sam in his arms like a child, not only for Dean a moment to hold dear.

And you had this wonderful scenes about Sam coming home to Dean (I recall this once was said about a movie scene, that it was the most beautiful scene of a home coming ever, but in my opinion this honour now belongs to you!!), starting at the park - "I think you should come home."/"Home?"/"Back to South Dakota, with me. Where you belong...Actually, everything sucks without you around" - and then the jacket as the final step to come home, "He paused with one hand inside the sleeve, his thoughts turning to ...the way Sam had clutched the jacket as it had been draped around him. He'd seen the younger man's face soften, and guessed the worn old garment had evoked a lot of memories. Good ones, if Sam's expression had been anything to go by...His expressive eyes wide, Sam pulled on the jacket, running one hand down the sleeve. Years of memories came flooding back, and the taller hunter stilled, lost in moment."

Well, we're nearly there and I have a good feeling about the end (oh, and could the surprise in ch. 15 be an eye-hug, this would be totally awesome!) - but till then I'm anxious what Whitesnake (who I really liked until now) is up to. Thanks again ladies, amazing chapter!!!

 

Author's Response:

Wow, what a stunning review. Your emotional and indepth response has both humbled us and thrilled us. Review like this make all the hard work worthwhile.

We are blown away that this chapter effected you on such a personal level, and love how you pointed out and commented on the parts that did impact on you. As authors, you have paid us the ultimate compliment. Thank you so much.

Jules is thrilled beyond words that her a/n meant so much to you. You have touched her heart with that one!

Sam's restoration with his faith was as important to us as his restoration with Dean, because we believe Sam's faith is integral to who he is, both as an individual and a brother. And we know from canon that Dean understands this too.

Again, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for this amazing review, you have no idea how much you made our week.

And your glittery stars are much appreciated.

Petra and Jules

 

I love this chapter,  I love that Micheal healed Sam and told him to pray again. That God hadn't forsaken him, he just need to find his faith again. I agree with you, Kripke angels are such dicks and are just as manipulative as the demons it's hard to get behind them. It's like it's a giant  game and they don't care who gets hurt in the crossfire. I'd like to believe that God and angels really aren't like that . But then I'm stoned on Flu medication so who knows!

Author's Response:

This review of yours packed alot of punch. You think exactly like us, much of our discussion and direction for this fic have come from exactly the same thoughts. Thanks for much for letting us know.

We are stoked that you love this chapter, and in particular Micheal healing Sam and encouraging him to pray again. Thanks heaps for that.

And yeah, we both had our turn being stoned on flu meds, so we get the ramped up emotion too!!

Petra and Jules

 

 

Reading what you wrote in the end about the Hope and restoration makes this story even more powerful. I have to say that you really succeeded with this. Although I'm a lutheran christian I believe in Angels as the messengers and warriors of God. I believe they can do anything God empowers them with. 

Dean had the answer in his head before Michael showed up, he knew Sam did what he did because he needed to save his brother and the world, even if that meant sacrificing himself. Michael just needed to say the right things to make him realize this. I felt it was a sign of understanding from Dean's side, when he told Michael he wouldn't let the angels come between him and Sam again and he needed to tell Sam the message himself. When getting back to Sam his reaction to seeing the spilled pills was something that almost any one would have done, assume Sam took them. It was a step forward though, that he apologized. 

Sam's reaction to Dean telling him he was not mad at him but mad at his actions is so understandable to. He takes it, yet he can't quite believe it because it has been way too long that he has been living in fear and self loathing.  So he assumes Michael is here to finish what Dean isn't willing to do. In a way it's the same reaction as Dean had with the pills. Yet Michael suddenly tells Sam the unexpected. Instead of God turning away from him, he wants Sam to turn back to God. The healing is a sign of forgiveness, the leaving of the demon blood the cross to bear that we all have, just like you said. The cradling of Sam in angels arms is the ultimate sign of love, as God promised to send his angels to keep us from harm. What a wonderful picture. I think Dean needed this almost as much as Sam because he needed to see how forgiving and loving God is, no matter what happens. 

Sam's reaction to all the forgiveness, healing and love from God and Dean is almost like the reaction to finding out he had cancer. It is to much to take in and accept all at once, so although hopefull, he denies it at first, is confused over it and it takes time to let it sink in. In all this Dean is sensitive, gives his brother space, although only until he sees he might come to bodily harm. Yet still he doesn't pressure and is supportive and helpful by letting Sam have his coat and taking him to a movie. As for White Snake, I liked the reverence he had for Sam when he realized he was 'touched' by angel. And the cut across the wrist, well I don't know but I don't think it's bad. I know native American's did this for blood brotherhood. They would cut there wrists and than bind them together so the blood to mix. 

Definitely awesome story. To see Sam being torn apart this season, his faith being destroyed  was terrible for me. To me it was the last bond that  kept him from going dark. His bond with Dean was already broken and now he just wanted to save his brother and the world. God being against him, or so he thought, there was nothing that could save him from hell anyway, so he had nothing left to loose.  It makes me happy to see that you felt a lot like me.

So I'm looking forward to next week. Hope you two are doing alright. Hugs, Vonnie

Author's Response:

What an absolutely amazing review! We treasure your thoughts very much. Thank you so very much for letting us know how our fic impacted on your personally, we take that as a gift.

Your understanding of forgiveness and love within our fic - beautifully stated. Thank you so much for your elequent words, you get everything we are trying to do. We are very excited that we have readers such as you would read and analyse in such depth.

Your shiny stars are beautiful, thank you so much for sprinkling them over our chapter.

Petra and Jules

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!   What can I say ladies, a very emtional chapter.  You have me sitting on the edge of my seat here.  Can't believe that Whitesnake would pull something like that on Dean and Sam.  I have a sneaky feeling that his plan will be for good (or least I am hoping).

Thank you so much for your very candid and personal comments about Season 4.  I was raised a Roman Catholic by my Grandmother.  She was a very strict Catholic.  I was allowed to venture out and ask questions but I always went to her with my questions.  I have a very strong belief in God, angels and the power of prayer.  Had some very personal and wonderful things happen because of that belief.

So in keeping with that thought I think that you empowered a very wonderful image with Michael coming in person to answer Dean's prayer.  Then when Michael came face to face with Sam that was just an awe inspiring moment.  Sam who was just so lost, who needed to be told he mattered, then an arch angel comes to him in person to deliver that message.  WOW!!!

The image of Michael curing Sam and then holding him was a very faith filling image.  Definately  a faith restoring moment for Sam.

The brotherly moments were so just right on.  Dean running out then accepting Sam (thanks to archangel Michael) were perfect.

I have my fingers crossed and my hopes high that Sam and Dean will be able to come back to being brothers without trouble and problems from other hunters.

Again, outstanding job ladies!!!  Your talent, hard working and all that you have put into this chapter and all the others too have really come shining through.  You have done such remarkable work.  Your heart and sould have made this a story that just sits in your heart and soul.  I know that I can't wait to see that next chapter up and see where the boys are and how they are doing. 

Again great job and give yourselves a great big pat on the back!!!!!

many hugs to you both,

Jane

 

 

Author's Response:

Jane, your heartfelt review just blew us away. Thank you so much for your kind words and indepth descriptions. We are stunned and honoured that our story impacts on you on such a personal level.

Your comment that our fic just sits in your heart and soul, just stole our heart and soul. We can't thank you enough.

Your kinds words have put smiles on our dials that just won't let up.

And your shiny stars are much appreciated and admired by two grateful writers.

Petra and Jules

Wow, heartbreaking again. But I loved how Dean managed to get Sam to break, and cry, and talk... I'm gonna keep this last secret for tomorrow. Awesome job guys, I'll be back soon...

Author's Response:

Thanks Fredo. We love having you along for the ride. Thank you so much for your kind words, you make us very happy.

and yes, come back!

Petra and Jules

First of all sorry for being so lazy with my reviews lately. This story is so amazing it would have deserved a "thumbs up" for each and every chapter!

Jules, I am so glad you are well enough again to continue providing us with fantastic updates. Cookie, thank you for having Jules' back and working on this fic together with her.

In find it difficult to express all the thoughts (especially in English, not my mother tongue!) that go through my head after reading the past two chapters. I am deeply moved by everything that has happened: Sam's revelation, Dean's reaction. Sam and Dean seem to come closer again and I simply LOVE the way you brought in Michael! He is so powerful. Everything is coming together now. I have found myself sitting here smiling and sighing hopefully after almost finishing this chapter. Sam seemed pretty comfortable again. But then Whitesnake came along... What are you doing to Sammy/to us???

I am looking forward -as always- to the next chapter. What a ride you are taking us along! Thank you! Roll on next Friday... and happy weekend :) 

Author's Response:

Aww, thanks, Dagmar.

We really wanted that payoff from Michael to help restore Sam. Glad we could pull it off so smoothly. Believe me, it was tweaked incessantly to make sure it flowed properly.

Ah, Whitesnake - well, that's the real kicker, isn't it? Is he good, or is he up to no good? Only time, and chapter 15 will tell.

Take care, and big hugs to that beautiful bubby from us

Jules & Petra

I have loved this story from the beginning and you ladies definately have me hooked, but this chapter is my favorite. This is about the restorating of Sam's faith. Being a Pentecostal Christian myself (yes, I do read the chapter end notes and know what that means) it has grieved me watching Sam's loss of faith this season. Seeing the angels be a big part of that with Uriel's actions and Castiel calling him "the boy with the demon blood" is even more condemning. I can see where Sam would think this. I watched "Great Pumpkin" just last night and then to read this today seems to have brought it full circle in my head. I don't think Kripke and Co. will be doing this with the show (but oh how I would love to see this).

Dean remembering what Bobby said from "Lucifer Rising" was great. "He was quiet - real quiet. And then he just took off." I could hear his voice in my head (literally) as I read this. Very little attention was paid to this statement in the episode, but it said alot for Sam's state of mind. Thank you for letting Dean remember and expanding to make it more. Thanks for bringing Bobby back to even if only in Dean's head. He's still there for the boys.

I'm anxious to read next week and learn whatever Whitesnake has in his head with this latest twist. Have a great week and 4th of July. I'll see you next Friday.

Author's Response:

Thank you so much, Jane.

Yes, we've been watching Sam's slow decline as well - and his determination to make it a suicide run since he feels he has nothing else to lose... And our hearts have been breaking for him, even though he's done the wrong thing. He thought it was the only way to stop Lilith - thought he was doing it for the right reasons.

And how cruel was Kripke, making the brother with the faith, the brother who prayed every day the one who was cursed and tainted by demons?

Oh, Bobby's statement - well, let me assure you Petra's and my ears pricked up at that, as we were dying to find out what that four months alone had done to Sammy. And yes, even though we killed Bobby - by inference - he's still around in their memories. And he's still helping the boys - his boys.

Thank you - won't be long before we see what Bill's really up to.

Jules & Petra

Wow, another great chapter girls.

Loved how you had the Archangel Michael visit Dean as he stormed off after Sam's revelation, and kinda fitting he ended up in a cemetery.  And Dean was right on track insisting the Michael gave Sam the message himself rather than through a messenger. That was a stroke of genius Michael's message from God for Sam to start praying again, as to me, losing his faith played a big part in Sam being manipulated by Ruby and taking the path he did, even though his intentions were good.  

Not surprised that Sam was horrified when Michael appeared in his living room and terrified that he would smite him, but Dean would never have someone else carry out his dirty work, he's no coward.  Great twist Michael not only giving Sam back his faith but also curing his cancer permanently.  My heart was in my mouth when I read that it had started to come back again, too small to be detected by machines.

And what an ending - Bill Whitesnake turning up.   Not 100% sure but I'm guessing other hunters led him to Sam.  Surprised and intrigued as to why he has slashed Sam's wrist, something about the demon blood?  There again you could be leading us to think wrong and that Whitesnake's intentions may not be bad.  Sam would have thought long and hard before pairing Bill with his brother for hunting and Dean got on well with him but, there again, he could have been got to by other hunters.  Hedging my bets here!  Guess I will have to wait for next week's instalment to find out!

Sarah

Author's Response:

Thanks, sis.

Actually, I think we kept the Archangel bit from you as a surprise - were you surprised? LOL. We really wanted that scene with Michael and Sam - and Sam finally having an angel appearing to him to do good, not to threaten him or take his brother away. And no, Dean would have stepped in front of Sam in a heartbeat if he thought Michael had other plans.

Yep, we brough the cancer full circle, too - it's all part of the freeing process - freeing Sam to go home.

As for Bill - well.....there could be something up his sleeve apart from his arm - sort of depends what he's going to do with that knife next...

Jules & Petra