I was expecting Buffy and Spike to play out another epic battle with Orochi. But, I like that you gave that fight to Kaede and Takeshi alone. The dusting of Orochi seemed to be honoring thier memories rather than down-playing thier importance. Well done!

Oh, and I loved the little jokes about 'The Rock' and Xander's choice in girlfriends!

Author's Response: The honest thing is that I was planning on this huge climactic battle, but when I got to it, it felt wrong. I didn't want to steal Kaede and Takeshi's kill because they were the ones who had suffered and lost to defeat Orochi. I am such a sap. Thanks for the review!

Great chapter! Loved it!

Author's Response: Thank you!

Whew!! That was close!

Nice repoire building between these two. Makes me all kinds of smiley.

And Kaede blushing over the "cute boy". So cool, that they affected each other so much at first sight. Poor girl, having such a stuffy old Watcher. The guy's a total dick.

Author's Response: I could kick Ichiro, and I'm responsible for him. ;-) Thanks for the review!

Yeah! Goodbye Riley!
I'm a little surprised Orochi didn't give them more trouble, but I guess they were only doing the cleanup, as you said.
I'm a bit sad there's only one chap left, I've really enjoyed this story. You're doing great!

Author's Response: I simply couldn't steal Kaede and Takeshi's kill. I don't have it in me. Thanks for the review!

I saw the update late yesterday evening and took a quick look but I had no time to read. Doing it now. Oh, and there was as ad on this story for Samurai & Ninja swords so I took a look at a katana. My imagination was right. :) ~ Only one more chapter? I'm truly sorry to see this one go. Well the story of Kaeden and Takeshi limits it, it can't go back farther then to the start. Well Ichiro wasn't to pleased to help... but he did. One second I thought ~ but this is the good thing in reading backwards. You know :) ~ * ~ Wow.. nifty pendant :) Long overdue indeed: so Orochiâ??s body crumbled and dusted now. I hope that means he is not coming back. This was kind of easy.. wonder if something will happen. Oh... bad bullet. Spike was at the wrong time at the wrong place! At last he is a vampire so the he wasn't killed. And they managed to escape, so that's good. :) ~ As much as I'm looking forward to the next part I'm sad that it will be the last. Till then!

Author's Response: Yes, no suspense what so ever in the Kaede/Takeshi storyline huh? Oh well. ;-) I'll be posting again soon. Thanks for the review!

Ooh, action chapter! Nice fight scene; very descriptive. *Of course* Buffy wouldn't know about Professor Walsh--I guess I'd forgotten that! Naturally she wouldn't when she didn't know about Riley. Yeah, I'm a little slow!

Really like Buffy's attitude to Riley; I think it hits all the right notes. Regret for the relationship that never quite got a chance, and a willingness to protect her teammate anyway. Her unsureness about leaving him in the airvent was just right.

Only one chapter to go-- going to miss this story!

Author's Response: Whew. I'm glad you liked Buffy's reactions. This all related back to my not being able to really get her, so I'm glad I'm not totally bungling the last few chapters. Thanks!