Reviewer: Primrose (Signed) · Date: 18/04/10 11:23 PM · On: Chapter 2

NOOOO!!!!!  Poor Sam, he's had it so rough!  *sniffle*  

Author's Response:

He has, hasn't he? Actually on the show, I'm surprised that he hasn't collapsed into a sobbing heap by now. Most people would have gone spectacularly insane by now, having the weight of the world - literally - on their shoulders. 

And um - it's not going to get better any time soon....*scuffs feet on floor*

Running away now....

Jules

Reviewer: vonnie836 (Signed) · Date: 18/04/10 06:11 PM · On: Chapter 2

Wow, what a cliff hanger. Do I think Dean did the right thing, absolutely. It was the only thing he could do, even if it meant possibly sacrificing his brother. I know it took Bobby and Cas to convince him and stand by and with him, otherwise he wouldn't have been able to do it, but that's what friends are for. His emotional state, the tiredness and depression were so really, you did such an awesome job making it this way, it made me want to just hold the poor boy up.

On the other hand there was Sam, not giving up and trying to get out of his prison, even banishing his guard, until Zach gets there and robs him of that hope. At this moment I wanted to rename Zachariah into Alistair and strangle him. What he did to Sam, how he shackled him, it was less angelic than most other things he's done. The only thing for him was, at least he gave Sam the dignity to not have to wet his pants.

I thought it was interesting, how different the boys perspective was on what Castiel did. Dean, who already felt betrayed by everyone didn't have the ability to see beyond the betrayal at first. Sam on the other hand has been the one with regret for betraying others and immediately through it back in Zach's face that Cas only followed orders. Shows the different states of mind the brother's are in and reflects a lot of what 5.18 will show you when you finally will see it. I love how you caught those state of minds of both boys. See, this is what I appreciate so much about you as a writer, you just have this uncanny ability to capture something and bring it down on paper without loosing anything.

I can't wait to see what is going to happen to Sam and what Cas' plan is and if it is going to work. Great job once again! Hugs, Vonnie

Author's Response:

Hey, Vonnie,

hugs to you first of all

Yep, that was a pretty evil cliffie, I must admit. And I have another one planned for chapter 3, too. That's naughty of me, isn't it?

I wrestled with both boys' choices and motivations, hoping to get inside their heads and dig around until I found what I needed. So I'm quite relieved that you felt Dean had no choice but to say no, even though it meant the worst possible outcome for Sam. 

And Sam's literally out of the frying pan and into the fire, so he's not going to have it easy in the next chapter or two...

I hate Zachariah with a passion, and I hope that God swats him like the blood-sucking mosquito that he is. However, until such time as my wish is heard by the great Kripke and played out, I have plans for him in this story - nasty plans...

Ah, so thrilled that you saw the differences in the boys' thinking. It's always astounded me just how quick Sam is to forgive. He's really quite a bundle of contradictions when you start to dissect him - in a nice way, of course. But he's also coming from a level of understanding that Dean doesn't have - or doesn't think that he has. 

Thank you so much, hun. Your words have such impact - I treasure each and every one.

Jules

Reviewer: bia1007 (Signed) · Date: 18/04/10 09:25 AM · On: Chapter 2

You had so many scenes here I can't get out of my head (and kept me awake most of the night) - Zachariah's cruel ultimatum, he more and more seems to be a counterpart to Alistair, cunning and vicious, trying to destroy Sam's hope and faith completely (how terrible was his "But it doesn't change the fact that Dean 's close to fulfilling his destiny. He's got nothing else to live for" and how much hurt the Sammy comment, hits every time, "How long has it been since he's called you Sammy, huh? Days? Weeks? Months? And when he does, it doesn't sound the same any more, am I right?"). Brutal!

Then there is Dean, loved his rage against Cas cause he let Sam out of the panic room, this so was big brother Dean here, yes, he still does care a lot. The most painful moment for me though was when Zachariah gave Dean as proof a lock of Sam's hair and I think this helped Dean to make his decision - "Dean continued to stare at the small tress curled in his palm."..."We'll find another way. We can still stop all this, Dean...we'll find it...you and me, we'll find it."

I believe Cas was right, "There always is a choice" and hope so much his plan will work, Dean will have enough trust in Cas and himself but most of all that Sam can hold on and doesn't think his brother gave up on him.

Stunning!

Author's Response:

Oh, no! I didn't, did I? Oh, I feel so bad now! 

And chapter 3's worse!!! Oh, dear....

And yes, I feel the same way - Zachariah's no better than Alastair with his manipulation, etc. He's horrible. I can't wait for him to be smited. Or should that be smote? 

Dean's got one more shock in store for him - and he hasn't actually dealt with the first reveal yet. He still hasn't forgiven Cas for his part in Sam's escape. Dean's got quite a lot to work through at the moment. 

But I believe Cas, too - there has to be another way. This can't be all that the boys had been born for - I can't believe that all they are is cannon-fodder in a holy sibling war. 

I think I need to send you hot milk and a Sam or Dean doll to cuddle before you read chapter three, hun.....

Jules

Reviewer: Micaiah (Signed) · Date: 16/04/10 01:12 PM · On: Chapter 2

Hmm...for some reason I didn't get a notification that you had posted the second chapter but I got a review notification so I came over to answer the review and behold, chapter two!  Jules, do you know how hard it is to read this and not give away spoilers to you? :)  I'm trying really hard!

I love, love, love the confrontation about the panic room between Dean and Cas.  I so want to see that on the show.  Love this line of Dean's: "No! No, I didn't! See, my father gave me an order once. An order to kill my brother if I couldn't save him. The brother that I raised. The brother that I died and went to Hell for. And I couldn't do it. I still can't. It sucked, and it was so totally wrong, and he should never have laid that burden on his children! So don't you tell me about following your Father's orders blindly like a good little soldier! You have to do what you know is right, not what you're freakin' told!"  AMEN!

Can't wait to see what's in store for Sam when he comes face to face with Lucifer?  Will he continue to stay strong?  Love the fact that he is praying again.  I so want to see his faith restored.

Looking forward to more!

 

Author's Response:

Hi, Sonya,

Huh - that's weird. But then, I got five emails for reviews on one of the chapters, but when I looked, I only had three actual reviews. Still looking for the other two.....

I know how hard it is, believe me! Do you know how hard it is to just keep flicking the SH discussion emails into the folder unread??...*tugs hair*....ARGH! 

I'm stoked that you loved the confrontation after Zachariah's little bombshell - he's such a sleazy little tattle-tail. Trying to isolate Dean from his allies again, just like I think he was trying to do in heaven. And we've been waiting for it to come out on the show, but there's been nothing. I'd have thought it, and the phone message, would have been dealt with on-air, so to speak. That's one thing that has sort of disappointed me so far about season 5. 

Because yeah, you're right - those were two major issues, especially the message. That was what really pushed Sam over the edge, because before that, he was starting to doubt that he was doing the right thing - even said to Ruby that Dean might be right about it all. And what would Dean have been thinking, giving his heartfelt apology only to have Sam - in his eyes - ignore it and keep on his chosen path. 

Ah, Sam - he's about to be in very hot water.....

Jules

Reviewer: ziggy (Signed) · Date: 16/04/10 10:14 AM · On: Chapter 2

Awesome chapter sis.  And my lips are sealed about all episodes after 5:16, wild horses wouldn't get any information from me!  I will tell you nothing!

Not surprised Dean was a little sceptical about  the honesty of  angels and tackled Castiel about what Zachariah had hinted.  And  that Dean just didn’t accept his explanation of following orders, when Castiel knew exactly why he was letting Sam out.  Glad that Castiel mentioned that he thought Zachariah orchestrated something else to sway Sam, although he didn’t know what, as it’s really frustrating that the doctored phone message has never  been mentioned again in the series and it was crucial to Sam making the decision to kill Lilith.

And loved how Cas popped back and forth from Dean to Bobby and back again, filling the older hunter in on events!

Gosh, Zachariah really did a psychological number on Sam to try and break him and make him believe that Dean would say yes to Michael, what a b*stard.  And how awful for Sam to have Dean’s damning words running through his head , strengthening what Zach said.

Not satisfied with trying to do a number on Sam he then tries to do the same with Dean to get him to say yes to Michael.  And how cruel, ripping out a chunk of Sam’s hair - that pr*ck of an angel needs taking out permanently for that alone!  Thank goodness Bobby and Cas are there to counter Dean when he feels he has no option but to give in, especially when Zach appears again when time is up.  At least this time Dean has images of Sam running through his mind and remembers his little brother’s determined words when he tells Zach where to stick it.  Now he just has to trust Cas and his plan.  He may not be 100% sure of Cas since Zach’s revelation (so his plan didn’t work) but he knows how sorry the angel is and that he wants to make up for his mistake.

Dramatic end to this chapter, hurting and dehydrated Sam being whisked off to Lucifer, hope in his weakened state he can hold out - and that Cas’ plan, whatever it is, is a success.

Sarah

Author's Response:

Thank you, sis. It's been hard to stay away, and I've been petrified that someone will slip up, so I haven't even been on the site much except to check reviews. I've been hiding under my rock trying to get chapter 3 done and sent.

That thing with Cas has bugged me, as you know. So I had to get that out, and I just knew Dean wouldn't take it well. 

And yes, Zachariah's a sod. I hope he has a messy end in the show. And I've got something special planned for him in this story...*smirks evilly*.... But yep, he's playing the boys, trying to get a crack in their armour. 

As for Cas' plan, well, we'll find out very shortly what it is.

Jules

Reviewer: Micaiah (Signed) · Date: 15/04/10 01:05 PM · On: Chapter 1

I finally had the time to read this.  I like how you brought up the issue of Cas letting Sam out of the panic room.  I'm still hoping they address that this season and it would be a really good way to strip Dean of any person/angel he feels he can still trust.

I'm wondering where you and Jane are heading with this but I tell you there is no way I couldn't watch the show!  Can't do it, nope!

I love the image of Castiel sitting on the edge of the Grand Canyon.  And can somebody please hurry up and kill Zachariah?  You know I hate him so much!

I'm wondering what wrinkles we helped iron out? :)  Dark Side of the Moon is going down as one of my faves for sure just because of the broad range of emotions it brought out of me.  These boys are absolutely breaking my heart this season.

Author's Response:

Hi, Sonya,

I have to tell you, it's been very hard not to peek at the spoilers you and Sabine have been hunting down and sharing. But I've saved all the emails, and I'm going to treat myself the moment I send the final chapter to Sarah - lol.

We have two issues that we're going to deal with to our satisfaction, actually. The panic room is one of them. The other is.....something else...*grins*....

So glad you loved the image of Cas at the Grand Canyon. And as for Zachariah, well, you know how much I hate him too. I have something rather special planned for our resident slimeball.

Hope you enjoy the second chapter, hun.

Jules

Reviewer: dixie (Signed) · Date: 10/04/10 12:33 AM · On: Chapter 1

Kudos to you and your team, Jules - you never cease to amaze!  What an awesome start.  Can't wait to read more!

Author's Response:

Hullo, Dixie!

And thank you. I have a wonderful backup crew that I can't do without these days. 

It's going to get a wee bit scary from here on in. Darkest before the dawn, and all that. So glad you're coming along for the ride. 

See you next week - well, this week now....lol

Jules

Reviewer: Maureen Nesbitt (Signed) · Date: 09/04/10 02:21 PM · On: Chapter 1

Fantastic,  all that distrust pain and look where it has got Dean.  How is he going to save Sam this time without saying yes to Michael?  Looking forward to your next update.  Great new story by the way. Love your work

Author's Response:

Thank you so much for that.

Dean's at breaking point, that's for sure. It's going to be a battle to get through the next twenty-four hours - and then he has a tough decision to make at the end of it. His back's really to the wall this time. 

See you next week, and thank you again.

Jules

Reviewer: vonnie836 (Signed) · Date: 09/04/10 11:43 AM · On: Chapter 1

What can I say, mhm, let me think....First of all, I have to say that I can't wrap my mind around what is happening on the show. It leaves me in shock and with a sadness that I can't even start to describe. So reading this, it helps. It's great to see you write a lot of what I'm thinking. Dean being hopeless and unable to care and Sam feeling guilty for what he has done and unable to get through to Dean. I feel the same about the memories the boys had in heaven and that they were manipulated to make Dean give in, to make him get away from Sam, as after all what Sam did, after all what Dean gave up for his little brother, he has to now see that he never really meant anything to Sam. At least that's what they want him to think. I also can see Zach in his 'devilish' angel mind twist things and use Sam against Dean, although he just basically showed Dean that Sam doesn't love him. In my eyes Zach is pretty much equal to Lucifer, maybe even worse, as he still pretends to be on God's side. For Dean to give in so he can save Sam from Lucifer would make so much sense, yet in my eyes would be almost the worst betrayal, as Sam doesn't want him to do it. On the other hand, just because Zach hands Sam to Lucifer doesn't mean he will say yes to him, there is still a chance Dean could save him. I am rambling, told you I don't know what to think. One thing so is clear, you are doing an excellent job getting into the boys minds and showing their emotions. Let's hope Zach didn't completely break Dean's trust in Castiel and our boy angel will be able to help. I'm looking forward to reading the next chapter. Once again, please forgive my rambling. It's all Kripke's fault. Hugs, Vonnie

Author's Response:

Hi, Vonnie,

Yes, me too. The boys have been through so much, and they're both in such a downward spiral - I really fear for their end. 

I'm with you - I think the memories and incidents in heaven were designed to drive a wedge between the brothers  again, because when they're apart, they're vulnerable. And if you tie in their rather inhospitable reaction from Bobby, and the uncertainty they were left with at the end of episode 5.15, it's like every ally has now been put in doubt or stripped away, leaving them alone, and no longer certain of each other. Alienation. Divide and conquer. 

Thanks for that, hun. Things are about to get....interesting....and there will be a few twists and turns before we reach the end.

Jules

Reviewer: ziggy (Signed) · Date: 09/04/10 07:06 AM · On: Chapter 1

Well you won't hear any spoilers from me for the 100th episode sis, I am staying spoiler free and just watching the episodes via streaming as they air!

Great start.  Was certain Zachariah manipulated the boys good memories in DSOTM in order to stop their relationship becoming more brotherly again, and what better way to do it that show Dean that Sam doesn't need him.  Though you only had to see young Sam's face in Dean's memory of the fireworks to know that wasn't so.  And just to put pressure on Dean to say yes he sets up a trap and kidnaps Sam to use as a bargaining tool and drops the bombshell that it was Cas who let Sam out of the panic room the night Lucifer was freed, to alienate him from the angel too.

Just hope that both boys have faith in each other and will hold out, Dean from saying yes to Michael and Sam from saying yes to Lucifer when Zachariah hands him over, as he is sure to do, as he's admitted himself that he's petty.  At least Cas has whisked Dean away from Zachariah and Bobby is on his way as I sense those two will be crucial in stopping Dean from saying yes, as that pr*ck of an angel puts pressure on Dean, yanking his chain.

Already eagerly looking forward to the next chapter.  And congratulations on posting your 50th fic sis.

Sarah

Author's Response:

Hi, sis,

Don't forget to not tell me about the episodes either. 

I'm pretty sure Zachariah had something to do with it, too, although Bardicvoice had a different theory in her meta analysis of the episode. But it seemed like everything Dean saw up there was destined to do one thing - alienate him from Sam again. 

And we all know that apart, they're vulnerable. But it's going to get pretty tough before the end...

Thanks for that - wasn't the expected fiftieth story, as you know, but it was obviously meant to be this one, and not Seven Days.

Jules

Reviewer: amethyst (Signed) · Date: 09/04/10 06:35 AM · On: Chapter 1

that was brilliant, I've only just finished watching Dark side of the Moon and I'm still in shock. Truly gut wrenching episode. I'm so glad you've decided to do a fic following it as I know you'll do it justice.

I can't believe God could have just given up on his creations. I really hope it just means he has faith in them to solve this on their own. Although it's sad that I trust Lucifer more than Zacharia.

Great story for you 50th, can't wait for next week.

Author's Response:

Hey, Debbie,

Oh, me too - my jaw dropped the moment the first shotgun went off, and just stayed lying on the desk like a discarded hunk of steak for the whole forty-odd minutes. And that near-deafening clunk when the amulet hit the bottom of the bin - ohhh...*flails*...

Thank you - I will do my damnedest to do it justice, and tidy up two loose ends that have been bugging the CRAP out of me since the end of season 4. 

And no, I can't believe God has turned His back either. There has to be some purpose for allowing the boys to remember heaven this time....although - not my idea of heaven....

The plot, as they say, thickens...

Jules

Reviewer: pinkphoenix1985 (Signed) · Date: 09/04/10 04:38 AM · On: Chapter 1

SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

Jules, I love love that you're writing fic! especially one that deals with the heartwenching episode that was 5x16...

I love the constancy of the angels calling the boys vessels. It's inhuman and fitting!

And OH!!! I LOVE LOVE that you're going to be dealing with the panic room betrayal!!

IF ONLY this was really canon!!

See you next week :D

Pink

Author's Response:

LOL - Hi, Pink. Still squeeing? I heard you all the way down here!

And like I said in the email, I love love your review! 

Seriously though, thank you. And yes, we are going to deal with the panic room escape - AND the tampered phone message, because the fact that we don't know if this has been discussed is really bugging me. Jane heard that the boys were asked at a recent Con about the message, and they said the Winchesters knew - it was one of those 'off-camera' discussions. But that's sort of a cop-out, I feel - not from J2, but for the writers not to deal with that on-screen. 

So we're going to. 

Oh, and I'm so with you - I yelled "Dean, don't do it!" at the computer screen when I watched the end of the eppy. And then he did, and Sam took that shaky breath, and my heart just broke....

See you next week, hun.

Jules