"Verbal chess match" Exactly! I know many readers wanted a physical battle at the end but I found this whole confrontation gripping in Breaking Dawn even from Bella's limited POV and now to read it again from Edward's view with so much more insight and information into the thoughts and emotions of the characters especially the malicious Caius, I am beginning to worry if it is really going to end peaceably. And I loved seeing Edward oppose Aro again being the primary diplomatic negotiator while at once dealing with his own emotions. Thank you for this whole great story.

Author's Response:

Thank you!

While I agree with those who feel that a full-out clash with the Volturi would have been more exciting, I've found through writing this story that there is so much buried beneath the surface of the novel's original words. Like chess - a game which admittedly isn't for everyone - what counts the most are the moves you can't anticipate though you try to, and the strategies of both sides of the match.

The inevitable 'checkmate' is coming in the next chapter, and even I am looking forward to what it will bring.

Wow, you really had your work cut out for you in this one!  So many different thoughts to "hear", and you did a very convincing job on all of them!  I did very much enjoy your Garrett and Edward's assesment of him as well.  Also, I agree with you about Caius and Aro.  Caius is evil incarnate, but what you see is what you get.  Aro, on the other hand, can appear benevolent when he is anything but.  I loved hearing Jake's smarmy asides as he took in all that was going on.  Can't wait for the next chapter-take a nap-you deserve it!

Author's Response:

I really did... I had to take a break from writing for a bit after this one was finished. But now I'm ready to get back in the saddle. :-)

I completely agree with your analysis of Caius and Aro. They both are sadistic monsters, but Aro shows another face to the world - one that seems benevolent and peaceable - when inside he is vicious and power-hungry. I think that makes him all the more dangerous.

And my favorite Jacob commentary is the one about the "Twilight Zone". At that point in the chapter, it seemed like a little comic relief was needed to counter the eerie-ness.

My favorite part of this chapter was Edward's discovery of Bella's secret.  Hearing his horror along with Jacob's was so moving.  It was also interesting to see Renesmee's POV - it was highly believable, which I'm sure was no small feat.

I too enjoyed your interpretation of Garrett's character.  Knowing he'll likely be a member of the Denali clan soon after the conclusion of the battle makes him all the more personible and likable.  We're really getting to the crux of things now. 

I'm looking forward to Edward seeing Bella's shield for the first time for certain - it's great that he's already recognizing his wife's hidden prowess.  Looking forward to the next part of the battle.

Author's Response:

Thank you for reviewing!

The entire 'farewell' scene was the most difficult in this chapter, both emotionally and psychologically. And Renesmee kind of quietly inserted herself into the flow of the chapter; I really wanted to try to capture her essence, because she is quite fascinating to me.

Garrett... What else can I say that I haven't already? He's just such an interesting character.

And I thought that Edward would have a suspicion about Bella's ability before this next chapter, so I decided to sneak a little in there during Kate's struggle with Garrett.

Hopefully, I will have the next installment ready soon.

Holy Moly!  You amaze me!

 

Way to go!

Author's Response:

Thank you very much!

Wow.... This story has  been amazing so far, and this chapter has out done them all in my opinion.

I really hate Aro and Caius.  I do not mind Marcus, as he is being basically held against his will  by the other bastards....

Can't wait for the next update!

Author's Response:

Thank you very much!

This chapter was a beast, so I'm really glad to hear you liked it.

And with you in regard to the Volturi. In my opinion, Caius is right up there with Jane on the "Should Die" list – but frankly, Aro creeps me out the most. His civilized, benign facade hides the power-hungry fiend within, and I think that makes him more dangerous. I also feel sorry for Marcus; he got a raw deal, for sure.

I'll try to have the next chapter ready soon. Please be patient with me. :-)

That was so fantastic!!!!  I feel at a loss for words.....but I'm going to try to fumble through my review here.  I wish I could buy you that new special edition of Breaking Dawn that is coming out this month as a thank you for undertaking this daunting task! I'm just so overwhelmed at how well you have captured everyone's characters here.  You have added a heightened emotion to this part of the BD that to me, could not exist without hearing it through Edward's mind. I cannot tell you how many people I have recommended this story to...I have lost count! 

I love Garrett!  His character really struck me when I read BD.  Benjamin was another favorite too.  I'm so excited that the next chapter will be the point when Edward (and everyone else) finally realizes what Bella is truly capable of.  Her shield is most definately a force to be reckoned with.  I'm going to be grinning like a chershire cat when Edward hears Aro's terror in his mind over how strong Bella really is.  heeheehee.....sadistic, I know....but I will be loving it! 

Oh...and did you hear me squeal with pure joy when I read your response to my last review and mentioned that you were thinking about writing Edward POV from Eclipse?  The very thought makes me tap dance with joy!  heehee!

You're awesome as always...thanks again for writing this! :o)

Author's Response:

Thank you so much!

That new copy of "Breaking Dawn: Special Edition" is sitting all neat and pretty on my bookshelf. I know it may seem corny, but it makes me happy to see it there with the other books in the series. I carry my beat-up, worn copy of BD almost everywhere so that I have it with me for reference; I write quite spontaneously sometimes.

And thank you for the recommendations! I really appreciate it.

This next chapter is the defining moment of the story, and I am obsessed with getting it right. So, it might take a bit longer for an update – unless my muse hits me with a huge dose of creativity and spare time – but I promise that I'll have it ready as soon as I can.

And yes, I have been thinking of tackling "Eclipse" from Edward's point of view. It is my favorite novel in the series, though BD is a close second, and a lot of my favorite moments are in it. (Like the entire chapter "Compromise".) So, we'll see what happens with that.

Awesome chapter.  I love Garrett too.  I really liked how you did Renesmee's view point :D

Author's Response:

Thank you!

I'm glad you liked Renesmee's little blurb. I worried about it at first, but then it was like she came to life inside my head and developed her own inner 'voice'.

again, this is lovely.

First and foremost, a very heartfelt THANK YOU for taking the time to undertake the monumental task of writing this companion story from EPOV.  It's amazing how you manage to provide a detailed retelling of Edward's perspective, but to chronicle all the thoughts and emotions from so many characters simultaneously in just this chapter alone...  WOW.  Just, wow ;).  I don't blame you for feeling beat up psychologically.  Of all the vampires we're introduced to in BD, Garrett indeed made the biggest impression on me, and I'm glad you'd weaved into his compelling speech his tender inclinations for Kate as well.  Last, as despicable as they are, I salute you for your accurate depictions of the Ancients.  I somehow felt that Ms. Meyer's descriptions of the Volturi left something to be desired, so to be able to read the thoughts behind the motivations of the Italian coven from Edward's perspective truly brought to light how pompous and monstrous these creatures really were.  Best wishes again for the coming awards!  You write beautifully, and I look forward to more of your work.

Author's Response:

You're welcome, and thank you for reviewing!

My brain definitely needs some 'recharge' moments during and after each chapter, and this next one is already kicking my butt. But in a good way. :-)

Garrett and Kate's relationship is really quite interesting to me. I'd love to see more of them in a story.

And the Volturi have seemed to take on a life of their own through my writing. I guess my subconscious sees them in a darker, more sinister light than the way they appear outwardly. I'm very excited to see how Aro and the others are portrayed in the "New Moon" movie.

Although I didn't receive any awards, I was deeply honored and privileged to have been considered, and the stories that did win are phenomenal. But I think that every aspiring writer deserves an award.

I love this - can't' wait to see what happens next!!

Author's Response:

Thank you!

This was emotionally the hardest part of the whole series to read... sure new moon was sad and "oh, poor bella" but this was the hardest because they just got the lives they always wanted and the dirty bastard volturi have to ruin everything... i really thought that the cullens would be killed... You did an AMAZING job with every part of this chapter... as good as  canon

Author's Response:

Thank you!

And I think you're right about the heart-wrenching intensity of this moment in the series. In "New Moon", I clung to the faint hope that maybe, just maybe, Edward would return – but in this novel, I had no idea if things were going to work out. It was a serious nail-biter.

I love Garrett, too. :) He's so vivid! 

Love what you did with that poignant moment with Renesmee and Jacob and Bella and Edward.  Beautiful.

Author's Response:

Thank you so much!

First of all, congratulations and best of luck on your nominations in the Bellie and Indie TwiFic Awards.  Indeed, Metamorphosis is indisputably a Canon Fic That's Better Than Canon!  I have read it with the same rapt attention I'd given the Twilight books, maybe even more intensely so.  I have truly wondered about Edward's development of character in Breaking Dawn, and in writing his story, not only have you given him a convincing voice, but captured his thoughts and growing hope so eloquently...  it's beautiful to watch his transition from angst-ridden pessimest to inspired hopeful.  Most of all, throughout your story, I sincerely respect how you've been able to capture his all-consuming passion for his wife all the while maintaining his chaste respect for her.  The love scenes are intimate and genteel, even if they are fueled with passion.  They are indeed the most passionate of lovers, and yet he remains ever the gentleman, reverencing, not ravaging, his wife.  I look forward to the rest of the story!  Thank you so much for taking the time to let us see this portion of the tale through Edward's eyes...  it's as riveting as he is ;).