Retribution goes awry when Jarod inadvertently kills a man. (Story in English)
My hands trembled when I clicked recent stories and saw you had updated for us Mirage! I nearly broke me finger trying to click on the title to read it lol. I had chills from the word floating. You can write any genre, but you display action extremely and much better than any man I've read. I think you have brass ones woman! More please. I will beg.
Disclaimer: Mirage isn't responsible for injuries (physical, psychological, et cetera) sustained by readers while perusing her horrible stories. Haha. Thank you, Gunner, for reading and reviewing. You shall have more. I have to find the rest of the story. It's not beg-worthy. Thank you just the same.
Reviewer: Gunner Signed
Ohhh wow. I need to be working not reading. I don't know how I didn't see this before...or if I thought you'd abandoned it....I don't know. The first chapter is Pretender perfect. I know that much! Jarod can't always know the exact outcomes. He can't control everything....like gators that might show up univited. Call me hateful and unforgiving but I think the guy got what was coming to him. I think other guys like him should be eaten by gators too!
Reviewer: Gunner Signed Like that Jarod tried to mislead them, two hotels, a key in one hotel, a safety deposit box in the other. Good investigative work by the Parker and gang too and a clear process of the progress. No sudden...oh it must be here...fantastical leaps of logic where Jarod knows because he knows...smh Great work Mirage.
Reviewer: Gunner SignedBoom and Parker knocks it out of the park: "tripping over their erections or drooling over my legs"... lol! oh noooo. Why can't Parker listen to Jarod? Splendid writing, perfect descriptions and characterisations. I don't care what anyone else says. These characters belong to you.
Reviewer: Gunner SignedAngst. Double servings of angst from Mirage. Jarod can be mean..and sometimes I forgot how dark he can be. This refreshsed my memory!
You're very welcome, Gunner. Haha. Thank you for reading and reviewing.
Reviewer: Gunner Signed You don't like the f word much...speaking of that. If they'd slept together then it would been fucked up lol. I see that she wanted to end the ugliness but couldn't go through with seducing him to fool him. Poor Jarod would have followed her to the Centre with his tongue wagging. But we see here that she was wrong and he playing the game to see. He knew because he wanted to know how sorry she was ... ohhhh. Spot on job with the insights.
Reviewer: Gunner Signed I keep thinking how you were going to stop at chapter one! So glad you continued. You've voiced hatred for this and other fics you've written but this and all of your stories are wildly terrific. I love every chapter and I want more. Keep it on Mirage!
Thank you, Gunner. You're too kind.
Reviewer: Gunner Signed OMG! The way you write! It kills me Mirage. Your story takes my hand and yanks me in! Now you cover a lot of abuses and different types. It got me wondering. I was reading somewhere that one fan of Pretender thanked Craig and Steve and that fan was sexually abused and talked about how the show helped her deal with the abuse and stuff or something like that and so I guess I wonder now if you are that fan. But then I think how much you don't like Jarod and you don't ever go into details of that risque business episode where that therapist was raped... yeah I remember your other fic...therapist spells the rapist.. weird that I never noticed that before....I'm nosey. You do seem to like being anonymous, never giving us pictures or your name or location...
I love your fics and I do love that you raise awareness and here it's happened to Jarod now. You deal with it respectfully and show all the damage. I wonder how you will end this now and if Jarod will cope. Please hurry and update fast the wait is killing me.
No, Gunner. I don't know what (or to whom) you're referring (perhaps you've stumbled upon a bit of gossip?). I've never even spoken to the pretender creators. On the off-chance you've stumbled onto something that isn't gossip, I hope you'll let this quest end right here out of respect for that individual.
Anonymity was never the intention. That said, I confess: it felt absolutely right to be synonymous with illusion (and synonymous rhymes with anonymous) (it's a conspiracy, I tell ya). Don't overthink it; I certainly don't.
I'm not the first person to write about rape. The TP writers wrote about it- pregnancy via rape; Catherine was unconscious, unconscious people cannot consent and some people still can't grasp that simple truth (and that's probably reason enough to write about consent more often).
I was only going to write fluff (don't hurt yourself laughing). My fluff is fairly horrible- even worse than everything else I write. It's too easy and feels dishonest and a bit like wearing the wrong skin. However, I hate the darker fics. I swore I'd never write about the darker places. I learned something about myself, however: I'm just the writer; the stories (and the muses) lead me. I know: I never do the popular thing, I offend people (Circles of Hell in particular was all around offensive: rape, abortion, same-sex relationship, adultery, suicide, and bad lust, not to mention language). That's okay. No one ever died (solely) from being offended/bothered by something they've read (and they were warned). The earth spins still.
No, I'm afraid I never was Jarod's biggest fan, but not for the reasons you seem to be implying- although, I'm not sure exactly what it is you're implying.
I'm simply indifferent. I'm an objective observer.
It's wise not to take these things seriously; after all, Jarod is a fictional character, and The Pretender was a fictional television series. Life is short. Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Mirage Mirage Mirage Mirage ...your name I say like a prayer...like Jarod whispers Parker's name in your beautiful stories. Heartbreaking and beautiful Mirage I love you. Your prose is eloquent and lovely, your plotting is second to none and the dialog and characterisations...I mean really who bothers to write so well anymore? Only you. No one writes the characters the way they were on the televised series and telefilms EXCEPT YOU. I feel and see them and breathe them. It's like Michael and Andrea together speaking and gesturing and me watching nearby. It's magic. Thank you for that. More please?
Reviewer: Gunner Signed Ahhhh I love it. Parker is being humane. They are saving each other so to speak. Magical. Your writing is magical. She's right. It doesn't matter now. They've come to the end of tragedy to find that the petty crap, chase and lies never mattered.
Finally.
This is shaping up to be my favorite show ending.
Thank you Mirage. Thank you from all of my heart.
Reviewer: Gunner Signed Twelve years after Carthis, the death of a dear friend reunites predator and prey. *If adultery bothers you, click elsewhere or prepare to be bothered.
I finally figured out the chicago front man is Peter Cetera and the song is RULE THE WORLD! OMG! I like the song. Do you like these songs or you just use them? WEll thanks for a freaking perfect chapter and for introducing me to really great music.
Reviewer: Gunner Signed When Jarod and his clone are presumed dead and further cloning attempts prove futile, Raines is determined to find another way. He finds it in Dry River, Arizona.
Whoa that is tense Mirage. Somethings gotta give here and please don't leave this tension so wild for too long. Miss P is going to snap. What you did here with Ethan and Miss P regarding Jarod is amazing and I agree with both Miss P and Ethan:
"He was occasionally assertive, he possessed panache in spades, and Ethan could understand how Jarod's passion could easily be misinterpreted. He believed that Jarod had employed canny restraint, and had answered the Centre's gratuitous violence—and innumerable atrocities—with passivity, tact. Jarod had taken great measures to ensure that neither Parker nor her pursuit team were incarcerated. "I'm sure that was never Jarod's intention."
That is truth. Jarod is all of those things and he is everything Parker thinks he is too. You don't give your opinion at all I see. Are you still no shipper? You still don't like Jarod?
Anyway LOVE this story. Thanks for updating. You are the best.
Something will give, Gunner, I'm just not sure it's going to be what you want it to be. I'm still not a Parker-Jarod shipper (Thomas Gates is still alive, I assure you, and I am going to sail that ship right into the sunset one of these days (at 3AM). I don't hate Jarod. I never hated Jarod. He's fictional. I'm an indifferent observer. Now that I think about it: I almost like him when he speaks softly to Miss Parker- both instances: "what do you think they said?" (IOTH) and "you'll figure it out, and so will I" (bank). In fact, If he'd used that voice more often when speaking to Miss Parker, he might have had a kiss (God forbid) to rub her face in (in addition to her mother's death, her father's wickedness and brother's insanity).
I'm glad you're liking this. Thank you for reading and reviewing.
Reviewer: Gunner SignedIve been thinking about this so much. The song that Jarod pulled the cord on is RULE THE WORLD by Peter Cetera...you referenced that song without naming it in Circles Of Hell...and I just put the clues together and finally found the song. It's really good! I love the song now. and the part about the 'sweat and the tears...and "someday when I rule the world, gonna stand by you, love you all I can" GOOD STUFF> and Jarod is supposed to be the chosen one. DO you like the song? Do you like Peter Cetera? I can never tell with you. I just discover Peter Cetera thanks to you. I like 'Do you love me that much' too and it could be a Jarod Parker song "can you find it in your heart.. let me go and give me up...do you love me that much" so sad. I'm totally a fan now. I have to read circles of hell again now. BUT FIRST>.. the song RULE THE WORLD was playing the whole time Jarod was in the hacienda and he didn't pull the plug until after the final "oh don't give up on me" and then silence...but the song is nearly over then anyway. lol. So tell me if like these songs. Great story as always. I bow to you!
Do I like those songs? Er. Mm. I wish you hadn't asked. Certain compositions cause nausea and a general sense of unwell-ness (those two songs included). I refer to it as my music anomaly; it's not limited to those two tunes or that one artist/genre (because that would be too easy, and life can't be easy, now can it?). There is a scientific explanation; music can even trigger seizures in some listeners (at least I've never had a seizure) (yet). I do like him; he was Chicago's bassist and front-man (for a while, but no longer) (I think?), and while the band is before my time, the early albums are kind of awesome (25 or 6 to 4) (they had some epic brass).
I must state clearly for future reference: you should not look to my fics for music recommendations (you shouldn't look at some of my fics period, particularly Circles, which I haven't even read) (and that's why it's still littered with typos). Thanks for reading and reviewing and playing along.
Reviewer: Gunner Signed "At least it's free" you must be kidding! I would pay to read you! I've never said that about a fanfic author before. Your work isn't like fanfic. This is perfect Mirage! LOVE love love that Parker gave Jarod a flash drive and I know you are going to tell us what's on it right? Soon I hope. Lot of things going on here with the communication and implied language between Jarod and Parker. He's got some issues and you know them well and have them outlined concisely. He really can't be alone. WOW. I love Tess, your characters and descriptive work. Just blows me away every time I read you. I really love that Parker is sticking around only to watch Jarod's back. Wonderful. I love your writing style. You really know these characters. I'm kinda glad you aren't writing with Craig and Steve. I like your writing so much more.
You are being kind. This chapter, like its writer, is far from perfect. You know I will eventually tell you what Jarod discovered from the drive. The dysfunctional duo seem to communicate even when they aren't speaking. Thank you for the generous review. It's okay if you want to be honest, however. Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Reviewer: Gunner Signed Wow. This isn't going the way I thought it would. I'm glad it didn't. You always surprise me with a twist or a hundred. I love the way you got them here. Ive been a Pretender fan from the word go and am a long time reader of fanfic. I love the way you write them, how true you are to the characters and the story. I wasn't happy with the novels comics merchandising as they are a retelling of the dvds and an inferior one. I'm glad you haven't sold out. I'm glad you write the universe I know and love. Thank you thank you thank you thank you. Please continue.
Haha. Um, no, the stories never exactly stay on course. I'm as shocked as you are. No, I'm appalled actually. Mortified. I have a feeling I'll be snarling at the laptop before I'm done. I will continue. Thanks for reading and reviewing, Gunner.
Reviewer: Gunner Signed How much do I love this Mirage let me count the wayzz. Jarod telling her he'd take her word for it. YES. Scored big there. Parker later slapping Jarod...it's because I know she has feelings too and he hurt them once already when he left...Right? Kirkland...what can I say Mirage? You create the best characters ever and evolve and grow the ones I know and love. More please with a cherry on top for you. I love this. You prove again that you rule the fandom. You know these characters better than anyone...maybe their own creators if you don't mind my saying so... please update soon.
That was odd. I'm glad Jarod trusts her- the Muses did something nice for a change. I think you're correct. She was hurt. She attacked. Thanks for the r and r, Gunner.
Reviewer: Gunner Signed
You haven't abandoned this have you? I hope not. Please update all of your stories soon.
Author's Response:
Hello, Gunner. No, I haven't abandoned this (or any fic just yet). Thank you for reading and reviewing.
Reviewer: Gunner SignedSo you met Michael T Weiss a couple of times didn't you? Did you like pick his brain about Jarod or something because MY GOD MIRAGE YOU KNOW Jarod so well! I mean I've never read anyone who captures and illustrates him and his actions and mannerisms so spot on before and that includes the so called official pretender novels. You bring him to life him the real Jarod portrayed by Michael T Weiss. Anyway was that weird to meet him? Were you writing at the time? I'd love to know your thoughts and what you took away from conversing with him. Please let me know and please update all your fics soon. Thank you for this really it means so much to me.
Reviewer: Gunner Signed Am laughing out loud at your author chapter note at the top. HE DOES HAVE IT COMING. And I love Jarod so... jus sayn.
Great work Mirage and I can tell you put effort and thought into it no matter what you say. These characters POP off the screen in much the same way they do when I POP the Pretender dvds into my player and watch them. Superb writing!
So you told me in email that you had something new planned for fall and that won't be long now. Just reminding you. I know you already have 4 or 5 fics in the works at the same time but I want more! I looked at your stories just now and most of them begin between August and November. Hmmmmmm interesting Mirage.
He DOES have it coming. I'm glad you can read anything I write and laugh. Okay. I wish I had the time to put effort and thought into anything. I did mention a new story (because apparently I don't have enough of them). Strange. There is something about Autumn. And - what do you know: as of a few moments ago it's Sept. 22 (it's official). Thanks for reading and reviewing, Gunner.
Reviewer: Gunner Signed You really ARE back. Yes. Stay back this time. We need you. I still wish you were writing the official novels though gotta say it Mirage cos no one else comes close.
I do have a real life and responsibilities. Adulting kinda sucks but no one else is going to do it for me. You're kind, Gunner. Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Reviewer: Gunner Signed Oh my god! The way Jarod was cynical that it was Parker that had been identified and then the way he rejected the truth and his expressions and mannerisms God. That's amazing writing Mirage. I love this fic and I demand more. Write young woman and please write quickly. Please.
Reviewer: Gunner Signed Jarod wants something more.
It's always a pleasure to read you Mirage. This is so beautifully and exquisitely written. Is there any chance of a sequel?
Reviewer: Gunner Signed 
A crime scene, a chance meeting, two people transcending the lives chosen for them. Jarod POV. S.M.U.T.
D#(@! That was the hottest smut, the best smut, the best smut story line, the best anything that has ever had anything to do with smut or The Pretender that I've ever read here or anywhere else ever in my life and the history of The Pretender! I've read tons of smut here over the years and sex scenes and whatnot but OMG! This is the best and it wasn't just about the sex here. There was a plausible plot line and intelligence. Very professional. You are a genius girl! You are amazing!
Reviewer: Gunner Signed When you care enough to send the very best
I could have sworn I reviewed this. I echo everyone else. You are one of the few truly talented authors here. The other truly talented writers haven't been here in ten years or more! YOu came along, picked up the torch, lit it up and you keep the fire burning. I respect you so d#^* much for that. I am totally blown away by your writing. It's intelligent, elegant. Exquisite Mirage and this story is more fitting a Pretender Christmas story than any I've ever read. It's about time she gave herself the gift of avenging her mother. That's what the Pretender is mostly about. Revenge and Justice. Jarod gets it every episode and this story The Gift captures the spirit of Pretender Christmas like no other. Christmas ain't Christmas without the savlation army bells and Ella Fitzgerald either so there u go. lol. I love how nice Jarod and Parker are while she bought bullets and was supposed to be retrieving him ? it was really touching and she was giving him a gift too by killing Raines so that's why she couldn't have dessert with him. I hope to see a sequel one of these Christmases. Your gifts will keep on giving too. Thank you for sharing. Hugs.
Reviewer: Gunner Signed Part IV
I wish you were writing the Pretender novels. This is brilliant as are all your other fiction. Thanks for still entertaining us.
Thank you, Gunner, for reading and reviewing.
Reviewer: Gunner Signed