Well... here 'tis. The first part of the sequel to Ramble On. If you've read my stories before, you know I have a tendency to fall in love with words... I hope you won't let that sway you from reading. :unsure:

I've outline this story to six chapters, but in the past, six has always turned into eight. I have a thing about the number eight. Don't ask...

The story is set after BUABS. There is no rest for the weary. An old friend and a new hunt pits Dean against the elements and Sam against himself as the brothers fight for each other and for survival.

Rated T for language and themes.

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/4040745/1/In_the_Light

Hello there- Glad to see you've started posting this. I haven't had time to read it yet (as always you've given a wonderful "meaty chunk" to get going on), so I'll pop back to comment later... :)
P.S. I love the banner

The description at the beginning was very well written, left me with a chill.

Here are my favorite parts:


>>Dean dropped his shoulders, resting his chin on his chest for a minute. Tension sat like a third party on the seat between them. Dean heard Sam swallow, felt the unabashed fear roll off his brother, washing over Dean in waves. Putting his back to the door, Dean faced Sam, staring at him until Sam looked back.


>>They had been in a million bars that looked exactly the same. Wooden floors, wooden furniture, wooden people. Once in awhile, a character would step from the gray background and show up in Technicolor, offering one of them—usually Dean—companionship or a mark for a hustle. But for the most part, patrons of a bar blended like the background noise of jukebox music and multiple conversations.


>>He'd never confess as much to Dean, but he enjoyed watching his brother play—both pool and people. He enjoyed watching Dean perform; it was something he was good at, and it wouldn't get him killed. *laugh* Maybe…if Sal doesn’t take him out back and shoot him for stealing his money.


>>…made him tighten in all the right places. :D

>>DrunkSam!! Nice!!

>>Lashes long enough to portray youth blinked up to reveal green eyes that had left innocence behind. Beautiful.

>>"God, no." Maggie's chuckle was deep, shaking her shoulders slightly. She rested an elbow on the bar, cocking her hips to the side. "Hunters might be as sexy as cowboys, but they'll hurt you twice as bad." Loved that line!!

>>Dean's eyes met Maggie's squarely. "You might be surprised what I can do." I smiled at this.

>>"Hey, boy," Dean said, a grin tugging at the corner of his mouth. He hesitated a moment, then nodded, addressing the dog, "Okay, well… don't let anyone get past you." He stepped down next to Abe, then turned back. "That includes Sam." Aw, I like their new friend.

>>Dean grinned. "Belladonna…isn't that the name of a porn star?" No Dean, but women used to put it in their eyes to make the pupils larger, nightshade family, not fun, very deadly…okay shutting up now…

>>It had been a long time since anyone had said his name—his full name—with such respect. Dean found that he'd forgotten to continue with the natural act of breathing. Pulling in a lungful of air, he dropped behind the wheel of the Impala, the scents of leather and life and Sam and survival wafted around him. The smell of home.

>>When Dad had disappeared, Dean knew exactly what to do. He went to Sam. He found Sam. He knew he and Sammy could fight anything together. Together. When Sam disappeared… Dean had nothing *Sad*

>>Hell, yes, I'm hurting. You shot me, Sam. You beat the shit out of me. You dug out the darkness, the doubt, everything ugly that I know to be true and you slapped me in the face with it. You said I was worthless. You said I was worthless… *whimper*

As always, your OC's are wonderfully carved out and your playlist has me grinning like an idiot. I don't know what this talk is about having to find your writer's legs. You never were without them. Glad to see you back at solo work, and looking forward to what lies ahead.

-SJ

Thank you, chica -- I'm honored you took the time to review in each place. :) You didn't have to do that, but I so appreciate it. Especially here as I'm new to posting in this forum.

You truly are a treasure and I hope you enjoy where the story goes from here...

Here is the next chapter. Hope you enjoy!

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/4040745/2/

Yipee! I've just finished reading chapter one (OK so I'm a slow reader- I like to find proper time to read through without rushing a good story. It's my excuse and I'm sticking to it :blink: ) and here's chapter two ready for me to get my teeth into...
Anyway, I was just heading over to say how much I enjoyed the opening chapter. I liked Abe so it's nice to see him again and trust Dean to start off with a good whump! Love to know what's going on with the lobo. As always you have a great "eye" for portraying the brothers and the mixture of angst, guilt, humour and their differences and balance. Once I started reading I didn't want to stop.
Looking forward to chapter two (and the rest)
:D

*grin*

Thanks alena! I'm so happy to see you reading it! And I don't care how fast you read -- you're reading, that's enough for me. So glad you're enjoying and I hope you have fun with chapter 2!

GS

Chapter three. Hope you enjoy!

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/4040745/3/In_the_Light

Done it again- must be serendipity! I've popped in to comment on chapter 2 and hooray here's chapter 3 waiting for me
Another great chapter and plenty to get my teeth into- love the issues between Sam needing to talk and understand about his possession and Dean's need to push away from it as well as the pair of them coming to terms with John's deal, death and the "Sam solution". I also like the way you're teasing in the hunt details and Abe's involvement, and Maggie and Bobby. Poor Dean- can't keep out of trouble... just knew he'd have another run in with Sal and pals - just didn't expect it so soon
Anyway- looking forward to reading chapter 3 B)

*claps*

Thanks so much, alena! I am so pleased that you've been enjoying this -- and thank you for continuing to post reviews. I check back just for you. :) Hope you enjoy Chapter 3 -- next one is underway and should be posted this week if all goes well.

(I've just caught up with your comment Gaelicspirit- I've been visiting family and only managed to sneak onto my brother's computer once)
Thanks for popping in to check up on my ramblings :wave
I'm gritting my teeth as this is the second time I've tried to post this- computer timed out on me just as I pressed send :comp - so here goes hoping...

Chapter 3
I love the link you've suggested between Lobo and Dean (Abe's description of the lobo was so Dean) and can't wait to find out more about the lobo- I'm sure there's something more going on there. Loved Dean's reaction to realising how Sam had saved him and Sam's determination to find his brother.
Sal has certainly been earning himself a "bad end" (as my Granny would have said)- perhaps he (or one of his cronnies) already has...
Looking forward to the next chapter :D

Hi Alena! Thanks so much for your comments here -- I check every other day to see if you've commented and only just realized I could "tag" the thread and get an email sent to me. *silly Gaelic*

Anyway! The connection between Lobo and Dean is intentional and I hope when the tie is revealed it works for you. :) It will be a bit, though, if you're willing to hang with me. And your Grannie's right -- Sal's gonna meet a "bad end." May even be a bit messy...

I think you might be the only one reading this over here now (hee), so I'll just put the link to the next chapter below. I hope you enjoy!

CHAPTER FOUR:

http://www.fanfiction.net/secure/live_prev...0745&chapter=4/

Great chapter 4 is here!! :cheer
:huh: Ooops, I can't get at it though as it keeps asking me to login and I don't have a fanfiction account... :blink:

Anyway- glad to hear there's more to the Dean-Lobo connection and that Sal will get his just desserts

Hmmm... well, if you still want to read it, try this link:

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/4040745/4/In_the_Light

If that doesn't work, here's the link to supernaturalville.net:

http://www.supernaturalville.net/viewstory.php?sid=1281

Hope that works... I'm not sure how else to post it here...

Oh thanks gaelicspirit! I tried the first one and it worked just fine. :D

Just to make up for my ineptitude in finding chapter 4, I have devoured it in one sitting.
:clap Wow Again, another tense chapter with a humdinger of an ending... after all the angst of Dean fighting off the ikiryoh, it's nabbed Sam instead! It had better not shred Sam .... :angry: Of course with their lives either brother would be a feast for it.
At least there is one fewer of Sal's gang to torment the brothers- what a lovely gruesome description of the late Mr. Jones!
The mystery is shaping up nicely and starting to get to me- I must say that I had wondered about the girl at the bar in chapter 1.
I'm also really intrigued about Maggie and why she doesn't want to involve Bobby.....
Anyway- great chapter and just itching for chapter 5!
P.S. Thanks again for the help to chapter 4

Hey alena!

Thanks so much for your review. I'm so pleased you liked it. :) It was one of those chapters that kinda creeped me out a bit writing...

Anyway, just for you, here is the next bit. Hope you enjoy.

CHAPTER FIVE:

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/4040745/5/In_the_Light

Thanks Gaelicspirit
(and the link worked just fine) :D

Oops- just noticed my spelling mistake :blush - now corrected!!!

Bother!!! I just spent ages writing a review, pressed the wrong key and lost the lot :bang
Anyway, I thought after all the great discussion over on the Discussion Thread that I ought to get my act together and leave a comment for chapter 5!

You've certainly kept the angst factor cranked up high- I'm biting my knuckles over poor Sam. I just knew Sam not having that charm was a bad idea.
All I can say about Claire at the moment (to paraphrase my favourite brother) "that Claire chick, what a b***h!". Although she has every right to want justice against Sal and friends, that's no reason to hurt Sam or Dean (or anyone else not directly involved). Ooh and I think they are going to have trouble with Yeats unless Claire deals with him first.
Glad to see Maggie has finally called in Bobby.Let's hope she's got a successful plan to help Sam.
Great to see the return of Lobo when Dean needed support- since Sal was being his usual charming and pleasant self...
Roll on chapter 6 :)

*grin*

Thank you, alena! I love that you're faithful about reading as you're the only one here. Hee. Yeah, Claire's situation isn't an easy one; I hope you get the way things continue to unravel. And by "get" I mean... not hate me. :)

Had some unexpected visitors this weekend which put a cramp in my writing plan, but I'm working on Chapter 6, and as promised will not let more than 2 weeks go between postings. I really hope you enjoy it.

Best to you,
Gaelic

PS
I hadn't noticed your spelling mistake, so no worries.

I hope your weekend went well.
No worries about updating (I'll just gnaw away on my knuckles until chapter 6 :D)...

Hi alena! And... anyone else who wanders by. :)

Here's CHAPTER 6. Hope you enjoy!

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/4040745/6/In_the_Light

Slainte.

Just to let you know that I've read Chapter 6- nearly a record time for me! :huh:
Another riveting chapter and worth the wait. I really like the way the different characters all fit together and the way you tease out their back stories.
Poor Dean- I loved the touch about John singing to Sam when he was ill. Just so Dean to let these moments through only when he is so badly hurt.
So glad to see that Sam worked out how to remove the ikiryoh :) and WOW you promised a "bad end" for Sal and he certainly got it!! :evil
Claire definitely dealt with Yeats! It's sad, but at least the others won't be faced with having to fight a grieving Yeats about his daughter.
I'm glad you brought Bobby into this story- he's such a great character and fills in some of the holes that John never seemed to. It's interesting to see how Bobby and Abe react to each other.
Nice work teasing out the wolf/ charm/ Lobo details...
There's so much I'd like to comment on, as you always give so much food for thought in your stories, but it starts to get splurged together in my brain (and that is never a good thing)- so sanity says STOP right here :blink:

I'm looking forward to your next chapter (and here's hoping that I hit the right button this time :blush )

alena -- thank you so much for your faithful reviews. I treasure them! I didn't see that you'd replied because I got logged out somehow and then had to search for my password. *blush*

There is more to come about Abe, Bobby, and Maggie -- as seen through the boys' eyes, of course. I am hoping to make Chapter 7 the creepiest, angstiest, kick assiest (heh) one of the story... with Chapter 8 wrapping everything up. Ahem. IF I do it right.

Anyway I thank you for reviewing and I'm so sorry it took me a bit to reply.

Slainte.

No worries gaelicspirit- glad I'm not the only one who has "untech moments"- my usual one is carefully typing out a review and then pressing the wrong key and losing the lot!
I'm drooling already by the sound of what's in store for the remaining chapters .... :drool2

Hi alena (and anyone else that wanders by). Here's CHAPTER 7:

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/4040745/7/

Chapter 8 has been started and I hope to get it to my beta by the end of this week unless something random happens...

I hope you enjoy!

Slainte.
Gaelic

Oh Yipee! :cheer it's chapter 7
Thanks gaelicspirit- I'll pop back when I've had a chance to read it. I'm off to visit my family on Tuesday for a week or so- so I don't know whether I'll be able to hijack my brother's computer to review before I get back (as you know I'm not exactly a speed reader :blink: )
Anyway... slainte mha

I hope you're feeling better Gaelic. :wave
I'm back home and I've finally got some quality time on a computer (MINE! :evil )
Chapter 7 was another rivetting read- great stuff!
The tension in the safe house scene kept me twitching, wondering if the ikiryoh would claim another victim after Sal. I had a nasty moment or two when I thought it would finally get Dean... and I'm intrigued by the hints that Sam shouldn't have been able to rid himself of the ikiryoh. I loved Dean's embarassment when he realised he was naked and Bobby's matter of fact fatherlyness (probably not a word, but it fits). Interesting backstory between Bobby and Maggie- I really liked it and the way Maggie still had his clothes- just as well it was Dean and not Sam in that fix!!!
I liked the way you linked Sam and Dean and their protections/protectors- loved the Abe angle! I'm also glad that Lobo survived his encounter with Claire. I haven't completely changed my earlier opinion of her, but that was a nice little twist with the Roadhouse hunter and why Claire wouldn't call off the ikiryoh. It all fits so well when you look back at it. I'm really itching to find out what will happen to Claire and her ikiryoh now that they are reunited :o
Anyway as I've already said- don't rush yourself to get the next chapter out- your health is more important even if it has given you more writing fodder! :blink:
:hug
In the most sincere way- Slainte mha

Hi Alena!! (and anyone else reading over here :unsure: )

Well, it's done. :) Here's the link to CHAPTER EIGHT:

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/4040745/8/

I sincerely hope you enjoy.

Best to you,
Gaelic

:cheer :cheer :cheer :cheer :cheer :cheer Chapter 8!
Great to see you're out and about again- hoping that you are fully recovered (and baby too)
I'm off to Asylum next weeekend so I don't know if I'll be able to get my act together to read and review before then, but I'll do my best
Rushes off to get chapter.....

Hello there Gaelic- sorry I won't be able to review just yet as real life, getting ready to go to Asylum etc. have eaten up my time and I haven't managed to finish reading Chapter 8 yet.
I just wanted to say that what I have read so far is fantastic and I've really enjoyed it. Great stuff!!
:cheer

No worries -- glad you're enjoying it so far!

Have a fantastic time at Aslyum! I can't wait to hear all the reports. :)

Best to you -- Gaelic

Hello there Gaelic! Asylum is now behind me :( , but I had a great time and met a few people from the forum.
Anyway, on to chapter 8...
I have really enjoyed this story overall and this last chapter rounded off the story lines perfectly. I liked that the each of the sets of characters had the time to deal with the events and come to terms with them. It was so fitting for Abe to return home and I liked the fact that the two talismen ended up together. I was sad to see Dean having to leave Lobo, but it was never an option and very poignant because of this.
I must confess to doing a double take with Dean's conversations with John and a little wibble as Dean's ties to Sam won through. It was a nice way to mull over just what John intended when he dropped that bombshell on Dean before his demise.
The whole hospital section was really riveting. It was interesting to see Dean's reaction to Claire after all that had happened and like Dean, I still have very mixed feelings about her and her actions- to want justice after what happened to her is one thing, but to let the ikiryoh destroy those who never had any part in it is quite another.
Thank you again for your wonderful story. I will miss waiting for the next update and I shall be re-reading it in its entirety now that it is complete. :clap :cheer

Thank YOU for reading and always sending me encouragement through your reviews here. You're the only one that did so on sn.tv... and I have to confess, were it not for you I would have pulled the story from here awhile back. It just didn't seem as though it was either in the right place, or really caught anyone's interested on this site.

But I thank you sincerely for reading and for taking time to review, and I'm pleased that you enjoyed this chapter.

I hope to see you again in future stories. Maybe I'll do better and choosing a spot on this site... but in any case, they'll always be posted on ff.net and on my LiveJournal.

I'm so happy you had a great time at Asylum and how fantastic that you were able to meet folks from the forum!! Take good care of you.

Until next time -- Slainte.

Gaelic

Oh man, I am so glad you didn't pull it from here, it gave me a chance to nominate it for best story in the Misc section...because I don't even have to read the others to know this story is the best in this section!!! Well, okay, its tied with "Ramble On." <_<

*grin*

Thanks for the nom! And for bumping Ramble On... you know how to do that stuff way better than I do.

And I feel a bit differently about sn.tv than other places -- mostly because I haven't posted here a lot, so I'm not really all that well-known. :) So no pulling of stories.

Thanks so much!
Gaelic

I was really glad to see it here too, since it meant I could nominate it ;) I really did enjoy this one so much.

You won, you won, oh yeah, oh yeah, whup, whup!!!

You DESERVED it with every fiber of soul you put into that story. *hi fives you*

*GRINS SO BIG*

Thank you, my friend! I truly appreciate it.

:cheer :cheer :cheer Congratulations hon on winning the miscellaneous category with this awesome fic, you so deserved this award! :cheer :cheer :cheer

I clicked on the link here which took me to ff.net where I read and reviewed this fic and I loved it! :)

Sarah