Date: 28 Jun 2015 2:43 AM Title: Chapter 26 And Yet Another Fight
Obviously Jasper did live to tell about it, but how awful to read about what was done to him! I hope they finally vanquished El Diablo, he sure deserves to die!
Date: 03 Jun 2015 12:17 AM Title: Chapter 25 One More Fight
Just when I think Jasper has met the worst of the worst, another comes along to cap them all! This vampire with five children is surely a different kind. I have to agree with Maria, this El Diablo sounds like he desrves to be destroyed! It's a bit odd to think of Jasper loving Maria this deeply, since he comes to hate her in the coming century, supposedly.
Author's Response:
Finally got the next chapter up! In this story I'm sort of working on a premise that Jasper didn't have as much of an issue resisting the blood, as he did resisting a fight. It's really both, but for so long he was a predator, and one who didn't hesitate attacking any threat. I'm still not sure who was going around creating vampires when these Southern covens were formed.
As far as Jasper loving Maria, it's a thin line between love and hate as the song goes. I see him as a passionate man, who throws himself fully into everything. I also imagine his youth has a lot to do with it. I also think Maria changes over time. Thanks again for reading!
Date: 21 May 2015 11:02 PM Title: Chapter 24 Death or Unlife
Good to know it was Peter who decided Jasper wouldn't die from the chupacabra poison. I wonder if this will be what severs that bond he had to Maria? If Peter changed Jasper this time, maybe it freed him from her enslavement of his will! It was kind of sweet that he got to see Fawn Eyes and First Foot if only for a moment. I like Peter a lot more now than I did before and see the connection these two would now have forever!
Author's Response:
In this story, Jasper never chose to be a vampire. Felipa lied the first time and told Maria he agreed. It's yet to be seen if Jasper's bond to Maria is still there. I liked that he got to see his first love and their son, but he's pretty sure they're both dead now. This little bit of precog. makes it easier to accept Alice's power later. I like Peter in this story, but maybe that's because I picture him as a young Mark Pellegrino. They've got a friendship that can't be broken by a woman, though it was close.
Date: 14 May 2015 7:15 PM Title: Chapter 23 Near Death
That was pretty tough to read, as I have always had a soft spot for Jasper. I know he didn't die, but it looks as if it will take a miracle to save his undead self! I have to wonder if Maria cares whether he lives or not and if she has some plan to rescue him. The more I learn of Jasper's history, the more impressed I am by him.
Author's Response:
I actually like the side characters of Twilight better than I like Bella and Edward--a lot more. There's just so much that wasn't written, and yet they had a solid presence in the story. I like Jasper a lot, especially knowing he went through the Civil War on the losing side. I think the's got to have some pretty serious strength to survive all he's been through. I really love filling in the blanks, and Twilight left a lot of them. Maria is a complicated character, and it's tempting to paint her as the evil witch. But if she wasn't at least a little sympathetic, Jasper would never have stuck around. I just don't see him putting up with her if there wasn't a good reason.
Date: 06 May 2015 9:08 AM Title: Chapter 22 Nagual
She's pulling that noose a little tighter around his neck every time she forces his allegiance in this manner. I can see where this would tend to chafe after a while! See you next time, here or on Dark Roots!
Author's Response:
Maria is a strange women. She demands absolute loyalty--which is sort of how her gift manifests. You're either a friend or an enemy; she doesn't see things in shades of gray. Jasper has never given in completely to her will. Though he loves her, that's not enough for her; she wants him to be completely hers. She couldn't get that from Peter, so she's even more desperate to get it from Jasper.
Date: 06 Mar 2015 8:04 PM Title: Chapter 21 Lucio's Legend
Knowing the truth of his brother's existence seems to have encouraged Miguel. At least he is more amenable to letting Maria's army go, probably to be rid of the burden of maintenance as much as anything else! Now if Jasper and Peter can just convince her to see reason. I was kind of surprised that Miguel actually told them a way to survive. He must really want them all out of his hair!
Author's Response:
Miguel was the ore timid of the two brothers. He hated his older brother for killing their parents and making him what he is, but he came out with a formidable power. Miguel is a little afraid of Jasper. He can read minds, but Jasper seemed to read his, and know his motivations. He also knows Jasper can take out his toughest fighters. Add that to Maria's power and the loyalty of her fighters, and he definitely wants them gone. Miguel is old enough to know that if he makes an enemy of Jasper and Maria, they could come back to take him out.
Date: 10 Feb 2015 7:13 AM Title: Chapter 20 Attack
Two talented vampires from the same family, by blood family. Makes sense, I suppose. Jasper is such a smart guy, despite having no formal education, so what you're born with is as important as what you study and learn! His native intelligence has saved his hide more than once both as a human and a vampire. Can't wait to hear the story of Miguel's family heritage!
Author's Response:
How do I manage to let so many reviews go unanswered? The brothers both had powerful talents, but I'm thinking that just living and surviving in a non-technical age, set them up for some strength that might translate into a power. Jasper had his empathy and charisma before the change, and it magnified after. He was equipped to live by his wits, and he's good at reading people. He's also good at getting into trouble, and he's stubborn enough not to give in.
Date: 09 Feb 2015 9:39 PM Title: Chapter 20 Attack
Maria.. grr
Author's Response:
This is what makes it so hard to write prequels; readers know what's in store and already have an opinion. I can imagine Lucas had this issue when he wrote young Anakin Skywalker, when everyone knew he would be Darth Vader.
Date: 03 Feb 2015 1:51 AM Title: Chapter 19 Ensnared
Well he loves Evil Maria.. how sad is that?
Author's Response:
We all know someone who fell in love with someone who was completely wrong for them. Sometimes it changes them, and sometimes it shows them what they really want. I don't believe anyone is evil, though some give in to evil actions and let it define them. Jasper still has a lot to learn. Nice to have you back!
Date: 02 Feb 2015 9:28 PM Title: Chapter 19 Ensnared
Great job portraying the bonding of Jasper and Maria. I'm thinking this has as much to do with the natural attraction between them, as the pull of her changing him! It's probably going to be tested when she has him start thinning the herd, so to speak.
Author's Response:
Thanks again for reading and reviewing. It's so easy to write the characters as they appeared in the books but I'm trying to show how they got that way. There had to be a good reason for Jasper to stay with Maria, and in this story there are several. Besides, when a romance starts out it seems as if they're perfect.
Date: 26 Jan 2015 11:39 PM Title: Chapter 18 Obsession
Well, Maria has set her brand on Jasper, and he's helped his friend save face, somewhat. All told, not a bad day. If jasper and Maria are truly feeling love for each other, it won't last forever, we know that. It's a strange and complex relationship they have forged!Ireally like this story, so much!
Author's Response:
Maria is a complicated woman. She's been victimized, but she's no victim. She's in love with Jasper, but we know this isn't the love of his life. I've always wanted to see what made the Cullens who they are, Jasper, Alice, and Carlisle are so much more interesting than Bella. Meyer made some seriously dangerous vamps. They can only be killed by another vamp, they can't drink from a victim and let them live, they can't be hurt, they can't be stopped by holy items, they've got perfect recall, they're fast and strong like Superman, they've got a pheremone that attracts people, and the only thing that tips off people that anything is amiss, is their eye color and the sparkle. Add in that the males are fertile, (my biggest issue with them,) and it's no wonder people criticize them. The biggest challenge in keeping with canon is finding ways to counter some of their power.
Thanks again for reading. This story is a little slow to warm, but I think it's getting there. I might be a little slower on the updates in the next month or two. After 27 years in Raleigh, N.C., we're moving to Texas. My husband is a pack-rat, and he's got about forty years of accumulated collections to deal with. He's moving down there this week to start a new job, leaving me to deal with his thousands of books, comics, games, videos, and t-shirts.
Date: 19 Jan 2015 9:16 PM Title: Chapter 17 A Woman Scorned
All is well, and in it's proper place! Maria is a complex character, for sure and as shrewd as they come. She recognizes Jasper's growing power and wants to wield it to her advantage. She thinks to bind him to her will in that way I'm thinking. Human or vampire, sex is such a powerful motivator! It was very kind of Jasper to ask Juanita to be nice to Badger, and to bed him too. The future pattern of Jasper's existence seems to be falling into place. Great , gruesome torture of Lucio, by the way and no doubt exactly what he had coming!
Author's Response:
In the books, Jasper spent a lot of time with Maria. There had to be a reason he didn't leave, even when he had to train her armies, and kill the ones who lost their newborn strength. Considering women weren't respected for their leadership at the time, she had to have something that gave her the top job. What I've written might not jibe with Meyer's vision, but I like it. You're right, sex is a very powerful motivator, especially for a young man like Jasper. With his good looks and charisma, he's easy to fall for, and sex is one of those things vampires can do with few repercussions, though the intimacy is still there. The torture of Lucio was something Maria had dreamed about for a long time. It was gruesome, but everything connected with killing a vampire is gruesome. Thanks for reading!
Date: 13 Jan 2015 11:11 AM Title: Chapter 16 Friend or Foe
Hey Corinne, anytime! This battle was fairly costly to Maria's army. She is totally ruthless and it was no shock when she had Jasper and Brandt dispose of some of their own. Jasper's encounter with Tonahuac, the Chupacabra, was fascinating. I was glad he kept that information to himself. Jasper has little he can call his own anymore, not even his will or freedom!
Author's Response:
Maria is a complicated, multi-faceted character. She's driven by her need for revenge, but she's got a terrible story to tell as well. I love characters who do terrible things without being irredeemable. Maria has had a tough road to walk, and Jasper offers her a little bit of peace.
There are many things in this story that sort of mirror some of the Cullen experiences later. The shape-shifter is one of those, since we're again dealing with an old indiginous race with an affinity with powerful animals. Lucio's power was another repeat. I think he kept this a secret, since he knew the Volturi would want to collect him if they knew about it. Even then they were meddling in everyone's busines.
Date: 06 Jan 2015 1:57 AM Title: Chapter 15 Karma
Oh crap! Now what has our Jasper gotten himself mixed up with? The human-looking predator was bad enough, now it's a big cat! Could they possibly be one and the same? Maybe the Chupacabra is a shape-shifter, like the Quileute wolves! I sure hope Jasper hasn't rescued Badger, only to lose him permanently! As far as I'm concerned, you put as many characters in this story and make it as long as you want, I'm loving the journey!
Author's Response:
This story took a while to warm up, but it seems to be moving along now. From the shape-shifting Jaguar to a cat of a different kind, Jasper keeps finding trouble. It still hasn't found much of an audience on here. I was going to continue the story on fan fiction where it started, but I can't remember how that site works. It's not as if they've earned any loyalty; I just don't like leaving things unfinished. Thanks again for reading!
Date: 29 Dec 2014 11:22 PM Title: Chapter 14 Training
Fierce women are always more interesting than docile ones, so Mary is fascinating! I can hardly wait to hear what she told Carlota. Maria is planning something concerning Peter and Jasper, and I don't think either of them will like it much.
Author's Response:
I have trouble with my stories, because I always seem to discover interesting characters along the way. It makes it hard to keep the story focused, and I end up with huge stories instead of the short ones I planned. I love the idea of a woman marching to war in her husband's clothes.
Maria is definitely planning something with Peter and Jasper. She's a tough nut to crack.
Date: 22 Dec 2014 7:17 PM Title: Chapter 13 Judgments
What a fitting end to McGrath, and really sort of nice that Maria let Trent dispose of him! Maria is smart to let Jasper pick and choose who to turn and train, he's damn good at it. This confrontation with Lucio is going to be quite the battle!
Author's Response:
I've always had trouble reconciling Meyer's Jasper to Rathbone. In the books, Jasper is a tall, strong, physical presence, but Rathbone is small and wiry. I think Rathbone plays the charismatic leader very well,, and he's got that cocky attitude I always associate with a vampire. When I write him, I try to compensate for his size. I imagine he carries himself as a bigger man, who fights harder, and manages to look people in the eyes. Add to that how he used to always be on a horse, and it's easy to give him a larger than life image. Then there's his gift, and I imagine that's what kept him alive while he was with Maria. He had to make himself useful, since she already has Peter to lead her army.
Date: 16 Dec 2014 2:34 AM Title: Chapter 12 Newborn
Though I'm not surprised he went home, briefly, it was unusual that he managed to keep from draining his mother. Jasper obviously hadn't yet completely lost his humanity, or love for family! He's gaining control, of his powers and Felipa. It was very practical advice Peter gave and Jasper accepted. You do what has to be done, and bide your time. Lord knows, he has plenty of time!
Author's Response:
Jasper's having a hard time letting go of his humanity. I figure he had to fall a long way to become Maria's assassin. His empathy and charisma made him a good leader, but it also made him a good person. It was hard to see his character in Twilight, since he was sort of a blood-crazed fiend in that one. I always figured he picked up on Edward's emotions, and his desire for Bella's blood, which overcame his normal restraint. If he was really such a loose cannon, Carlisle never would have sent him to school--where paper cuts abound. Peter is the real killer. He's the pragmatic one who will do whatever it takes to survive.
Thanks again for reading my little orphan story. Hope you have a Merry Christmas.
Date: 09 Dec 2014 6:13 AM Title: Chapter 11 Slave
I like Jasper almost always,, no fan of Alice.
Author's Response:
I'm not a fan of Alice--at least how she's written in the books. Superficial, fashionista, party girl just doesn't intereste me at all. But I love how I write her, arrogant as that sounds. My Alice always has depth, and the perky pixi is a cover-up to make her life bearable.
Date: 09 Dec 2014 12:07 AM Title: Chapter 11 Slave
Thanks for the heads up about Alice, but I think it's very interesting reading about the early days of Jasper's immortality. He still hasn't figured out that he's feeling others emotions and probably will be surprised that he can control them also! This retelling of his early history is fascinating! I see the relationship between Jasper and Peter hasn't changed all that much, either!
Author's Response:
He's starting to understand his grasp of emotions. I also believe early on it was an untrained gift, that got stronger with his age and experience. Jasper and Peter have a bond here, but it's going to be tested. Thanks for reading.
Date: 02 Dec 2014 1:18 AM Title: Chapter 10 Woman's Wiles
ut oh.. NaNoWriMo sounds like fan fiction. LOL
good chapter
Author's Response:
Nanowrimo is finished, and I've got an unfinished story over 100 k words. But it's really good, and I'm having fun writing it. If you've never done nano, you can write anything, even fan fiction. The challenge is to get 50 k words in a month, regardless of how good or bad it is. The challenge is internal, and no one needs to know what you're writing, unless you want them to know. I set a personal goal of 100 k words, and I did it! My other two stories had to take the back burner though, and now I'm trying to concentrate on three very different stories--two original fictions, and one fan fiction. I'm still trying to write something original that's good enough to sell. Most of my fan fiction is too dependent on the original to convert.
Date: 01 Dec 2014 7:35 PM Title: Chapter 10 Woman's Wiles
And so, Jasper is about to embark upon his new existence. We know it will be a long, long journey, terrible in what he is forced to do, but with a happy ending in the coming century. I had a sneaking sympathy for Felipa, even with what she did to Jasper. That was a harrowing tale she told!
Author's Response:
What I hope to show in this story, is how being a vampire changes them. Felipa was just a simple girl who was dealt a tough hand. As a vampire, all those unfulfilled needs and desires are magnified, changing her little by little. As humans, they might have been happy together, if Jasper had not turned away from her. As vampires, everything gets more complicated.
Date: 26 Nov 2014 1:21 AM Title: Chapter 9 Major Trouble
Nope this is not love, desperation is a good word for what they have.
Author's Response:
Jasper was burned by his first love, and he doesn't trust it. Yet he saw how deeply his parents loved, and he longs for that connection.
Date: 25 Nov 2014 12:47 AM Title: Chapter 9 Major Trouble
Oh Jasper, you poor thing! You are just about to begin the long, long road of immortality, whether you want to or not! Too bad Peter didn't listen to Jasper's misgivings. I'll bet he wishes now he had left before the vampires got a hold of him!
Author's Response:
It's always fun to imagine what kind of choice I would make if offered immortality with such a high cost. I think I'd have to say no. Even if the''re not restricted to the night, they're still driven by the thirst. Jasper realizes early that nothing comes for free. Peter on the other hand, embraces the idea of being at the top of the food chain. I'm sure Emmett later reminds him of Peter.
Date: 18 Nov 2014 9:19 AM Title: Chapter 8 Texas Troops
Well his darn horse and knife. LOL
Author's Response:
The boy just doesn't know how to share. In reading up on it, I discovered the Apache and Comanche languages are not comparable, but maybe they understood his intent. I'd imagine a horse was pretty important back then. Even today, people who are into horses get very attatched to them.
Date: 17 Nov 2014 11:27 PM Title: Chapter 8 Texas Troops
I must agree with Jasper, about that guardian angel, as a matter of fact he probably was working overtime! Looks like you can push Major Whitlock just so far and no farther! So far Peter hasn't steered him wrong, either.
Author's Response:
I think Jasper excelled at getting into trouble. He doesn't know how to back down from a fight, though Peter's the deadly one. I'm behind on my Twi movies so I don't know what Peter looks like in canon. But I imagine him as a young Mark Pellegrino.
Date: 10 Nov 2014 11:03 PM Title: Chapter 7 War
I'm with you on this, story telling trumps cold, hard facts! Keep up the good work, I'm loving Jasper's history!
Date: 10 Nov 2014 1:53 PM Title: Chapter 7 War
I am a Texan and you are doing fine. Yes there will be differences. If I wanted to read history, I would get a history book.. Just write. I don't often read stories without Bella in them. I am not a huge fan of Edward, but I am of Bella. So.
Author's Response:
I've only visited Texas, and this story is set in the part I didn't visit. Plus I'm sure the timing makes a big difference. There's a lot written historically, but I'm sure there's even more that wasn't written. I just like to add a little note because I don't want to upset someone who knows I'm taking liberties. I don't want anyone to think I'm writing facts; but I do try to at least get close to the target.
You're in the rare group: fans of Bella. I think fans of Renesmee might be rarer, but most of the Twi-fans I've seen wanted to off Bella and take her place. I always want to make her stronger, without going as far as so many do, changing her character. I'm more a Carlisle fan, but I also like Jacob. He had his flaws, but he was only 16.
Date: 10 Nov 2014 1:40 PM Title: Chapter 6 Burning Desires
Moving? They moved? Oh well I guess that is why the cup is now red..
I don't like him much right now..
Author's Response:
Yeah. I didn't know either, but I think moving means new servers rather than a new address.
Jasper has a lot to learn, and a lot of experiences change him and make him the man he is when he meets Alice. I think he was partly still in love with Fawn Eyes, and partly being stubborn and blind. He got his heart broken, and he wasn't ready to open up again. If not for the wine, he probably wouldn't have started anything with Felipa.
Date: 03 Nov 2014 11:38 PM Title: Chapter 6 Burning Desires
Sad, sad, sad! What did he think was going to happen? There is just a trace of the boy in Jasper, yet. I'm glad he had Peter to be his friend through this latest bump in the road! Poor Jasper, if it weren't for bad luck, he'd have no luck with women at all!
Author's Response:
Jasper still has a lot of growing up to do, and many hard lessons to learn. I'm having fun writing him, and finding out what's behind his scars, his hunger, his emotions, and his devotion to Alice. Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Right now I'm in the midst of NaNoWriMo, and it's taking a bit of time away from my other stories. But when I can settle in to write it, Jasper's voice is getting clearer.
Date: 23 Oct 2014 6:17 AM Title: Chapter 5 Fool's Game
Well, he seems quite smitten with Felipa. She is strong and most helpful.
Author's Response:
Playing catch up again. I liked Felipa when I wrote her, and if Jasper hadn't been hurt before, I'm sure he might have tried harder where she was concerned.
Date: 22 Oct 2014 10:35 PM Title: Chapter 5 Fool's Game
It seems to be kind of hard on Jasper, hanging out with his captain! Everyone was having a good time losing their money to Peter, until the fact of Jasper's heritage came to light! I'm glad the women were there to take care of his wound since Peter wasn't up to first aid 101. At least Jasper knew about tourniquets! Sounds to me as if it's time to go back to their post. I too, like Jackson's cute little grin and it's a shame there are no more 100 Monkeys concerts!
Author's Response:
I didn't realize I'd missed so many reviews. I did look up some of the first aid, and the touuniquet was not widely known. I'm going on the assumption that most weren't trained in first aid beyond washing and bandaging. The need for sterilization wasn't yet known, and simple wounds could become infected and turn life-threatening. It's amazing how primative some things were.
Date: 16 Oct 2014 6:57 AM Title: Chapter 4 Not In Love
He has moved on Fawn Eyes.. new lover on the scene.
Author's Response:
Jasper has some serious history, and much of it comes from the women in his life. He has the kind of magnetism and charisma that attracts women. The story is a little slow to take off, but I'm enjoying where it's leading me. Thanks for reading.
Date: 15 Oct 2014 8:06 AM Title: Chapter 4 Not In Love
I like the way you are telling Jasper's history, he's always been one of my favorite characters. This little vacation from duty with Peter was most enlightening. Fawn Eyes evidently had a very good influence on him.
Author's Response:
I like Jasper. He's one of the characters I see more as he was portrayed in the movies, than the books. Maybe I just like the way Jackson Rathbone owns his roles. I've always got to picture Jasper with that twisted grin. Jasper has some serious history before he met Alice and the Cullen's. The scars on his body are only a part of the story. Thanks for reading.
Date: 09 Oct 2014 12:18 PM Title: Chapter 3 Cavalry
thank you
Author's Response:
Thanks for reading. Writing history is hard for me, so I really appreciate patient readers. Feel free to let me know if/when I goof.
Date: 08 Oct 2014 8:52 AM Title: Chapter 3 Cavalry
Could this be the Peter, the one who becomes a friend of Jasper's for the next couple of centuries? I am not surprised they have ended up together. He gave Jasper more responsibility and he carried out his duties well. They should grow closer during this week of leave from the training, etc. Looks to me as if Jasper is handling all this pretty well!
Author's Response:
I know I'm probably ignoring movie canon at least here, but I like the idea that Peter was with him before he was changed. I still haven't seen the last movie, but I've seen the actor playing Peter, and I don't see him in my story. I picture someone like a young Mark Pelligrino. What got me started on this story, was a reader on another site, talking about how he wanted to read a story about Jasper and Peter, just being friends, haning out, getting into trouble, and up to no good.
Date: 02 Oct 2014 12:45 AM Title: Chapter 2 Married Life
Sad for him, but she was right. Being indian in that time people looked down on them. Ahh racism was everywhere and to some it still is.
Author's Response:
Just calling them Indians is politically incorrect. The racism was definitely there. There's a whole page on Wikipedia for Indian Massacres. Even if they weren't being killed, they were being treated as less than human most of the time. I wish my history was better for this story. I look up what I can, but I still have a lot of gaps.
Thanks for reading.
Date: 01 Oct 2014 7:47 PM Title: Chapter 2 Married Life
Oh poor Jasper! He really loved Fawn Eyes and the baby! Bless his mother's wisdom for trying to ease the pain he suffered, letting his little family go! I guess it was the right thing to do, joining the army. At least it must have taken his mind off his misery, and of course it will lead to his destiny!
Author's Response:
Jasper is such an interesting character. He's the one most experienced with killing, and yet he's the emotional one. I love trying to imagine what shaped him, and made him the man Alice fell in love with before she met him. Thanks for taking a chance on this one.
Date: 25 Sep 2014 9:16 AM Title: Chapter 1 Misspent Youth
so he took an Apache wife Fawn Eyes.. well.
Author's Response:
I know this isn't exactly Meyer's way of one true magical love in a lifetime. But I want to see what made him the man who walked right into Alice's arms to stay.
Date: 25 Sep 2014 1:35 AM Title: Chapter 1 Misspent Youth
I guess Jasper was prone to trouble and danger, just as his parents were aware. Like his father said, at least this lesson didn't cost him his life, and certainly could have been worse! It does raise the question of why he would join the cavalry the next year. What about his wife?
Author's Response:
In this story, I take a few liberties. I'm not sure what Meyer has said about what his life looked like before he was changed. I like imagining the characters had a life and experiences before they were changed, and it's fun to see what led them to such a place. Jasper already had a talent for finding trouble, mostly because he was naive and trusting.