#beyond the ether

[powerfulweak]

Hello! I just finished your fic Beyond the Ether and had a few questions about the ending. Did Dean keep his memories when he became mortal? Will Cas ever remember his past? What does their life look like after they fall in love? Just curious!

I had a similar set of questions after I first finished the story and answered them here. Thank you so much for reading!

[powerfulweak]

I'm reminding myself that I love you over and over again so that I don't hate you right now #AngstIsNotMyFriend

I can guess what chapter you are at... You’ll get through this, bby. 

[powerfulweak]

An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works

Words: 52,611, Chapters: 22/22, Language: English

Fandoms: Supernatural

Rating: E

Warnings: Graphic Depictions of Violence

Categories: M/M, M/F

Characters: Castiel, Dean Winchester, Sam Winchester, Emma (Supernatural), John Winchester, Jessica Moore, Gabriel (Supernatural), Bobby Singer, Ellen Harvelle

Relationships: Castiel/Dean Winchester, John Winchester/Mary Winchester (mentioned), Jessica Moore/Sam Winchester, Ellen Harvelle/Bobby Singer

Mythology fascinated Castiel. On a professional level, of course (a requirement when you teach world religions and philosophy), but very much on a personal one as well. When he accidentally summons an ancient pagan god and protector called Dean, he is thrust deeper into that world then he ever thought possible. Initially based on diminuel‘s pagangoddean art. 

[powerfulweak]

Hi there! I finished your beautiful story "Beyond the Ether" today and I have a few questions if that's okay. First I have to tell you how much I loved this story. I can't stop thinking about it. Now the questions: At the end, does Dean still have his memories or did he lose them too? And when Cas dies, will he remember everything again? Also, since Dean's a god, he doesn't age I presume. Is he still gonna grow old with Cas? I hope that weren't too many questions. :-) Verena

Under the cut for spoilers

Dean is basically under a spell so he can live a human life with Castiel. He’ll seem to age, just like Cas, but will probably appear stronger and have a better constitution (not getting sick, not really getting hurt). There might also be the confusing coincidence of power line transformers exploding if he loses his temper. Does he remember? I’d say no with a “but”. He definitely feels a strong drive to be with Castiel, but his memories (his true memories) are more like familiar dreams that linger in the back of his mind. He’ll have a deep abiding interest in the tribes of ancient Europe (hence why he teaches Anthropology) and would naturally be very good at archery.

When Cas is at the end of his mortal life, His divinity and his previous memories will return once he reaches the realm. 

Thank you so much for reading. Those are great questions and you picked up on a lot of aspects that I was hoping people would catch without having to be so overt.

[powerfulweak]

To the Anon who messaged me earlier about "Beyond the Ether", response below the cut to avoid spoilers.

When I was writing the story, my goal was always to have an open-ended finale, one where the reader can let their imagination decide what happens to the characters.

There is no sequel in the works; I have too many other ideas I want to start on, plus the ReverseBang in November.

I've actually never taken to time to headcanon what would happen after Dean and Cas return to the realm. I'm actually very satisfied with where it stands.

[powerfulweak]

Finished the first draft of the final chapter of "Beyond the Ether" this afternoon

... and I just rewrote the final scene 5 minutes ago.

Posting it tonight. You have my word.

[powerfulweak]

I'm so close to the end of "Beyond the Ether" and I'm debating posting Chapter 21 (the second to last chapter) tonight, or waiting until I have Chapter 22 finished and posting both together.

This would mean waiting until probably the weekend for an update, but the fic would be complete.

?

[powerfulweak]

I'm 500 words into Chapt. 22 of BTE and I'm like... Ugh!! I'm dreading writing this chapter while at the same time really looking forward to it. It's just got me nervous and on edge (mostly because I know what is going to happen, as if that's not ominous enough)

I might write some fluff tonight instead while I try to bolster myself to do this.