Takeshi. . . what to say about his story that isn't overly . . . . sycophantic. I ached for him as he realized what he was truly facing in the alley, hoping against hope that rescue would come, but already knowing the outcome. Brilliantly drawn OC -- lovely work there. Your knowledge and familiarity of Japanese culture is astounding .

Spike -- he's not just a pretty vampire, he's got brains and feelings and hopes, fears and joys and sorrows just like the rest of them, and I love it when someone shows his having to reflect on everything. And really -- that moment in the store -- captured his anger and fear, and the uncertainty which emotion would prevail.

Sorry it too me so long to review, but my RL issues are staring me in the face.

Author's Response: RL does tend to do that. I hope everything's OK. I'm so flattered that you like Takeshi. OCs can be kind of intimidating because unlike canon characters, if they are boring or irritating, it's completely my fault. With Spike though, half the fascination for writing him is the fact that he is so multidimensional, but canon still left a lot of room to play and interpret. I'm glad you're liking my take on him too. Thanks for the review!

I'm really very tired, so my brain isn't fully functioning at the moment, but I had to read this chapter and make sure and review. I'm still lovin' the story, this was a good chapter. =)

Author's Response: Thanks for taking the time to review!

Another good chapter. Go Takeshi!

And there's a typo on your last sentence. It should be "back there..." instead of "these".

Look forward to more!

Author's Response: Thanks for the review and the proofreading!

sorry...i mixed the tabs in my browser... :S so sorry... but you know i love your story!! cos i'm always reviewing right?? lol anyhow... don't know if you're going to post it or not on the next chapter but i would love to read takeshi massacring all the vampires in vengeance... :P loved this chapter, we're seeing spike in a new light and i'm wondering how buffy is going to react knowing riley is part of the initiative... can't wait for more...thanx!!

Author's Response: Sorry, Buffy and Kaede are up next in the rotation, so the details of Takeshi's fight will have to remain a mystery. Thanks for the review!

Great chapter, weyrwolfen. Sorry for not reviewing the last one, rl kept me busy.
So that's how takeshi got turned, how awful. I'm glad his sword gave him his soul back though. Looks like Angel wasn't the first vamp with one in your verse, and takeshi is soo much cooler, and stronger for that matter, resisting the killing immediately.
I wonder how Buffy will react when she finds out about Riley, now that she's got those extra memories..
I'm looking forward to your next update. ~Nina

Author's Response: Real life has a way of doing that. Far be it from me to complain. :-D Buffy's up next on the agenda, so I hope her reaction lives up to your expectations. Thanks for reviewing!

Pernickety me bit first, pet. The next this he noticed ... s/b 'The next thing he noticed...', methinks.

Oh dear, sweet Takeshi. Married to Kaede just three short months. His love for her though, so intense, so true. So strong that even being turned by Sano and having a demon take up residence within him could not quash his love. I'm not sure if it was his love for the Slayer that ensured he retained his soul or the presence of his sword in his hand, perhaps? Whatever, those scenes in Edo were harrowing.

Spike's inclusion into the Scoobies is a whole other vibe, isn't it. There's tension all around and it's going to take a while for things to settle, information to be shared, trusts to be built or understandings to be stated. Quite remarkable how you've created two mood themes that work so well together.

Wonder what the reaction of the Scoobies will be to Spike's revelation about Riley? I liked Riley in the show and I liked the set up of the Initiative storyline. The whole thing rather fizzled out badly though and although I never felt Riley and Buffy fitted well together I did think that the Initiative could have been a recurring pain in the ass for the Slayer and her Scoobies.... sorry, me rambling there.

This chapter is great, we get more insight into Takeshi and Spike gets to stretch his newly fledged wings... Thank you as always, pet.

Author's Response: I'm so glad you're liking the two moods and plots, because I was (am?) worried they might clash or that the modern storyline would undermine or be undermined by the historic one. (Can you tell that I'm a big worrier? Thought so.) I promise I'll be getting to the matter of the soul/sword and the fallout from the Riley reveal in the next few chapters. Oh, and ramble and persnicket away! I always enjoy getting your reviews, and the feedback helps me improve my writing. Thanks!