So let me start off with saying that this was probably the eeriest chapter of this story, any sort of discussion set around a system of beliefs(though I know this wasn't set on any structure) sort of gives me the creepies...lol. I really liked it though, especially for everything tugging together and FINALLY making sense. Just out of curiosity how did you make this up? Did you research different parts of different religions, or did the idea manifest from one that you sort of fiddled with? Or was it pure imagination? It's pretty good stuff regardless, there's a lot of depth and detail like their usually is with you, and I was wrapped up in the story of it. I think it's pretty brave to branch out on this subject, though this isn't a religion and it's a fictional story, you know that you will have your upset readers and those that truly appreciate a good story line. I don't know what people bargain for when they read a story like this, it's apparant that it isn't your everday Jacob n Bella, Bella n Edward, sort of fiction. I've said it before, but I'll say it agan, I really enjoy reading this story. I like the twists no matter how twisty they get, and I like background and detail in a story especially. This was a good chapter and the more I think about the pros and cons of it, the more I realized it has to be one of my favorites in the story. I like stories, music, and basically anything that can make you feel and think something beyond the main point. I like that feeling of the creepies, because I can imagine what it would be like the be that character, and I don't know, sometimes it's cool to be so absorbed in something you forget everything else. It's why I like Twilight and the various other books I read, you get what the characters feeling, and it makes you feel something even if it's 'Edward's way too obsessive and I wish he would shut up' or four near blank pages with just the names of months on them. It's controversial to write about witches and wizards, depression, and religion among a broad spectrum of other things, but life would be boring if it wasn't controversial because none of us would have a voice. So I guess I'm ranting, because well, little things miff me, but I just wanted to tell you I don't think you're being offensive in anyway. I've studied a lot of religions and I believe in a lot of them and I don't see how offense can be caused by a fictional story that hardly carries a tagline about how witches are bad or being a christian is good or whatever.....I'm moving on.

This was one of thos dark chapters in a story you have to love, and I did love it. I'm starting to lean a little away from Vanessa, the more I read of her, the more I'm inclined to think she's the littlest bit evil. I'm very stubborn, because even though Bella's soul seems condemned, you didn't have me believing it for one second lol. I was like no, it's not. I hope this isn't like when I was a kid and I watched Lion King and I refused to believe that Mufasa wasn't going to wake up. I put too much faith in happy endings, which is probably why I've never liked tragedies.

I'm really curious to see where the Cullens factor into this, I don't know, I'd be running to their door step and advising them to pack up and move before the witches get seven easy kills. Hopefully Bella's the key to everything being resolved.

SO even though I'm thinking this story is going to end J/B I wouldn't mind if it whent E/B because in the past month I've switched back to Team Switzerland. XD XD XD for real, I can't pick. If you end it E/B I just want it to make good sense why she went that way, and not copy New Moon in the way she randomly returned to him and totally wrote off Jake. I think I'm swayed a little in the way of J/B though, so I can't lie and say I wouldn't be a little disappointed. This story is definitely the best J/B out there and it shouldn't lose it's title just cus she picked Edward in the end. Wouldn't it then technically be a E/B? In the end, when you're finished, will you chang the summary to include the pairings or will you leave it a mystery for the random reader who luckily stumbles upon a finished fic? I'm FULL of questions today :)

I seen the awards on theair_thesun earlier, I have to figure them out and I will try to vote for you. I have no patients for LJ XD

I read thunder cake. It was AH MAZINGGG everyone should go read it. :)

P.s. - Is Vanessa the baby girl that was born by Varius? Just curious ;)

Author's Response:

My witch history mostly came from playing a mental game of "connect the dots." I started with one idea, and then in order for that to happen I had to explain Aspect A, which meant I needed Aspect B, which could only if happen if Aspect C were in place. And it just kind of ballooned from there until I made sure I had all of my bases covered and everthing fit together (no plotholes).

I knew it would be risky playing with this subject matter, but that never once made me hesitant because it's so easy for me to seperate the fictional world from the real one (like it is for you).  There are very clear boundaries for me, and I could very easily read a book about a world where there is no God or no religion and it wouldn't offend me as long as it were well written and I ejoyed the plot and characters. Like you, I read for the characters and for a world I can get lost in (even plot is secondary to characters for me). But I know not everyone thinks that way, and the people who have commented on it so far have been very respectful about aserting their beliefs. So no regrets.

"I was like, no, it's not." That made me laught out loud. Okay, and here's the thing: there are only a handful of chapters left and a LOT of ground to cover. Bella's story isn't going to end with this fic, and stuff like the where her soul ultimately ends up might not get answered as a "fact." You may be left to draw some of your own conclusions once you see the path she is on in the last chapter (or the epilogue). Sorry if that sounds vague, but I think that by the end you'll know what I mean.

Yeah, I've got a feeling the Cullens are going to be watching their backs from now on. (Although I'd degate whether or not they'd be "easy" kills.) No drinking from strange ladies! :)

See, I consider myself "Team Jacob" because of reasons that largely pertain to cannon, but there are a number of fic writers who can develop/re-work Edward and Bella's relationship to the point where I'll support it. They were just so freakin' dysfunctional together in the series, but fanfic can work miracles. Obviously I wont reveal how it ends, but I think its going to cause some contraversy either way. I don't know anymore what makes a story like this J/B or E/B. Maybe it's the ending, maybe its the couple with the most amount of screen time. IDK. But I am leaving the summary "E/B/J" FOREVER! :P

You should totally check out the awards. The nominations are all super.

Thanks, dear.

P.s. - Yes.

 

 

that was an amazing chapter and i can't wait for more. even though i still hate jacob, i really like this story and how jacib has ended with bella. it's pretty awesome. i hope you update soon cuz i can't wait for you to do so.

Author's Response:

Hehe, well thanks for sticking with me this far. There should be some Edward next chapter to help soothe things over.

Thank you so much.:)

Well, that was interesting!  What a novel way to look at all of the religious influence.  I, personally loved it!  I'm agnostic so it didn't offend me in any way, but I can see how it could offend a true 'believer'.  I'm sad to hear this story is almost at an end, but I loved it nonetheless.  I hope Bella finds a way to remove the curse from herself and family and finds a way to be with the one she loves-be it Edward or Jacob.  Though I hope it's Edward, in a sick way~lol, and if that's the case I hope they find a way for her to be changed without killing any friends or family.  But I'm sure however you resolve this conflict will be wonderful, because the story hasn't dissapointed me so far :)  Please update again soon!

Author's Response:

I have had a couple people express concern with the religious aspects of the story, so I thought it would be best if I took a moment to clarify that I was not attempting to explain real life. It's easy for me to disconect my religious beliefs from fantasy stories, but I know it's not the same way for everyone.

My hope is that Bella finds some measure of happiness and stability by the end of the story. Whether that's through a significant other or not. Guess we'll just have to wait and see. ;)

Oh, and recall that Vanessa is over a thousand years old (and still lookin' like a twenty-somethin'). So don't forget to figure in how that will effect relationships.

Thank you, and I will do my best to update speedily.

That explains alot, but I am sure there is still more to explain on the trip to Italy. I found you story about halfway through and have enjoyed it very much. It is unigue and creative. Is Bella going to explain it to the Cullens (particularly Edward) anytime soon?

Author's Response:

Yeah, about that trip to Italy... Don't buy your tickets just yet. ;)

Yes, both the Cullens and the pack need to be filled in (but I promise I won't make you sit through those conversations) and that will be happening in the next chapter.

You've been reading for a while then. Thanks for sticking with me! Glad you enjoy it.

gold star ready!!

i'm really liking this story, and im anxious to hear vanessa's story as to what's going on with bella and her new talents.

Author's Response:

Then the next chapter is going to be perfect for you because more than half of it is dealing with Vanessa's story. Thank you for taking the time to review! Love it.

sooo.. when do we get another chappie??? and will there b lemons?? i like the j/b lemons LOL!!!

Author's Response:

The next chapter should be coming relatively shortly. My goal is to submit it by this Sunday.

And, sorry, but no lemons here. lol. I'm not confident in writing them, and at this point things are moving too quickly for me to slow them down for a scene like that. Sorry to dissapoint!

I'm probably breaking the rules right now....I'm SUCH a rule breaker! I'm a heart breaker, too, but that's another story. ; )

I had to tell you that I found Beautiful Hands and Thunder Cake on another site (something about the sun and the air....mmmm..... yep.... something like that) and they did NOT disappoint. Both had different vibes, but were equally wonderful. Just had to mention that. 8 ) I don't think either one are here, but I could be wrong.

Oh, and Zenith is aweshome (as my four year old likes to say)! I believe I've read it at least twice (and certain sections of Zenith several times). Love it! Can't wait to read more.

Author's Response:

I approve of your sneaky ways.

I know what LJ comm you're talking about, and I'm actually one of the mods there. So that's cool that you checked that place out.  Thunder Cake got validated here on Twilighted a few days ago, and, no, I haven't posted Beautiful Hands here because its so short and I wrote it a long time ago (I don't think its my best work). But I'm glad you got to read them both and actually enjoyed them. :D

Oh boy, I don't think I have the courage to go back and read the story over again from the beginning. I think I would cringe my way through it (probably shouldn't admit to that). Hehe. But that's awesome that other people re-read it and actually enjoy the experience. Thank you so much.

love wut i've read so far! can't wait to read more...edge of my seat here!!! i thought i'd be very against the j/b scenerio...but i am leaning towards the..."she better not pick ed over jake" mindset thus far!!!

Author's Response:

I'm glad you've taken a liking to Jake. He's a sweetheart. But don't feel like you have to give up on Edward. Believe me, it's possible to like both of them at the same time (just ask Bella...or me.)

Thank you for the review!

best wishes with your academic pursuits

Author's Response:

Thank you!

what the hell???? oh i have to say that i am more than disappointed in bella! she should not have had sex with jacob because she now just ruined any and all chances of being a part of the family that she so badly wanted. i really am so disgusted with her that i want to stop reading ,....but i am so hoping that she was just dreaming the sex, so i am continuing on but not because i want to,,,,hahahahha. good writing, true to your talent....i just hate that it wasnt edward!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Author's Response:

I don't think Edward would turn his back on Bella just because she slept with someone she's in love with. Edward cares too much about her to be turned off by something like that, I think.

Sorry this chapter was painful for you. I know a lot of my E/B readers didn't exactly enjoy it. :/

i swear that i just had a serious panic attack just like i would have if i were in bellas shoe...damn my heart was pounding

Author's Response:

Ooh, I'm so glad this chapter was able to draw you in like that. :)

damn it this is the part of the story that breaks my heart, time and time again,,no matter how the story is told or plays out, i hate, hate , hate bella for breaking my heart..notice i say my heart!!!h ha . i adamently tell you i am without a doubt 'Team Edward'...i love him like, well like i wish i loved a real man,,,,ha ha but i love jacob to because he is just so lovable and genuine....damn her why couldnt she just suffer alone??? instead of sucking poor jacob in!!!????????????

Now what??? is she going to see him??? i sure hope so.......................

i love this chapter and cant wait for the next..u rock

Author's Response:

It is heartbreaking so watch someone in love suffering the absence of the person they care about most. And there's three people involved so by the end of the story SOMEONE is going to have to leave the equation. Maybe it will be Bella and Jacob and Edward will finally get together. ;)

Thank you for all of these reviews that you are leaving me. It's great knowing that you're so captivated by the story.

ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh god