I've just started reading this story, and I have no idea why I waited until now to start... Believe me, I'm smacking myself for it. I loved your other story, and my sentiments are the same when it comes to this one! It's absolutely awesome so far! I'm definitely hooked, line and sink her. ;-) I can't wait to see more of this story! =)

Author's Response: I'm glad I managed to reel you in. ;-) Thanks for giving this one a chance too. Thanks also for the review!

Oh, honey, this story is awesome! I had tears building when Takeshi said goodbye and faced the sun. I have a fondness for Japanese culture, also, but your knowledge certainly passes mine. My boyfriend would probably love to discuss sword lore with you. He's read all about Minimoto Musashi.
Very fitting that the Initiative would want to use Orochi. Their arrogance in the face of supernatural creatures was disgusting. They had no clue what they were really dealing with.
Buffy and Spike definitely have a lot to talk about now. *grins* And you're not the only one more comfortable in Spike's head. I have a hard time writing Buffy, for if I end up with her being too bitchy, then I just want to give her a very painful death for all she did to Spike. Hence the fluffy Spuffy.
Anyway, I'm loving both sides of the story and can't wait for more!

Author's Response: If he hasn't already looked into it, tell your boyfriend to read A Book of Five Rings. Reading about Musashi is fun, but reading Musashi himself can really make you think. As for the Initiative and the bleached duo, I promise strife and communication, or some combinations thereof, ahead. Thanks for the review!

Poor Kaede-- and poor Takeshi. Well done setting the scene though; very believable moment. The hands against the barrier thing was especially well done.

Glad Buffy is moving beyond chaining Spike to the plumbing; that kind of emotional growth is a good mirror to the other half of the story.

Really enjoying this!

Author's Response: Wait? Emotional growth?! Now we know I'm going waaay off canon. :-D Just kidding. (Okay, maybe not entirely.) Thanks for the review!

I had to re-read that 'tootsie roll pop' line a couple times before the light clicked on in my head. Clever me! Reading Kaede's reaction to seeing her vamp husband made my heart hurt. A little fun, a little angst, and you've got one great chapter!

Author's Response: How many licks does it take to get to the center of a sword box? (Apparently one if you're the slayer.) ;-) Ahem. Sorry... As for the angst factor, strangely enough it's Chapter 9 that really gets to me. That one will be going up soon. Thanks for the review!

(BTW I think now the childe was human.) *sigh* I'm so sorry for Kaede and Takeshi. *sigh* Must have been heartbreaking for Kaede. And Takeshi too because I think he too still loves Kaede. ~ *grins* Buffy's story had Giles in Watcher's mood again ;-) And Buffy reacts more Kaede like.. at last a bit :) The amulet of Amaterasu? Looking forward to the next part.

Author's Response: I think both Buffy and Spike could profit from a little Kaede and Takeshi -ish behavior, sans the post-turning angst of course. Thanks for the review!

whee! An update! So what exactly is that amulet? And very interesting how Bufffy's got all of kaede's memories and so that means Spike has all of his counterparts? Gah, you're killing me here. . . I can't wait for these updates

Author's Response: So of course I disappear for a few days... (Sorry!) I'm glad you're liking this fic so much. Thanks for the review!