&heart;

Woohoo! An update! Thank you so much. I hope Spike heals soon. I'm glad that things are going to well between Giles and Leah. Hope Dawn's ok!!

Author's Response: Thanks so much for sticking with me. We're getting near the end and I have a lot of loose ends to tie up before a grand finale.

Hello!!! So happy to see this update! Thrilled even! I was really worried that he'd die. I should have known you'd find a way to save him ( go you::)) I ab-so-lute-ly LOVE this story! Can't wait for more.

So glad to see a new chapter::)) Loved the chapter; and the whole dynamic of the burgeoning commraderie between Xander and Spike. Very funny, especially the mental visual of a dancing Spike grooving to the Xan-man's tunes no less.............Now I have to wonder about what caused the explosion, if Spike's back is broken, if Dawn's okay and if Buffy's too weak to take down ol' Binney himself?.............. And the saga continues ...........I can't wait to find out::))

Author's Response: *hands to head* So many questions! I figured groovin' to a rock band that uses bagpipes lent a little color to the mix. I'm so glad you're enjoying the story. Thanks so much for commenting. Stand by, more coming soon ...

As usual, this is very well done. Both dialogue and characterization are excellent. However, I have ywo questions : 1. How can a vampire's legs fall asleep when their blood doesn't circulate to begin with ? 2. Was it really necessary to cripple Spike twice in the same story ?

Author's Response: Hi Rich, Good questions, both. 1. At first, I wrote a long answer in explanation and then retracted it, deciding that Binne is not the sharpest knife in the drawer and would have thought in those terms as a human. I'm sure the workings of a vampire physiology have no interest to him whatever. 2. What makes you think Spike IS crippled? You know he's injured, but you only have Xander's say so. Also, vampires may have all sorts of super strength and senses but they are infinitely vulnerable to all sorts of things. Their existence is really quite fragile. Thanks for the comment. I'm really glad you are enjoying the story and I love that you take the time to say so. Thanks again.

Brilliant chapter. I really liked the interaction between Spike and Xander. Then the stunner ending!! Can't wait for more.

Author's Response: Thanks Lou. So many threads weaving intricately together to make something whole. Glad you enjoyed.

Finally an update , jeesh , I almost gave up on you , glad your back now gimme more.

Author's Response: Jeesh! Ain't it the truth? Long fics are my favorites and waiting for the author to update is hell. But when it finally happens it's a squee! Thanks so much for commenting, thanks for being glad I'm back and yes! yes! more, more...coming right up!

wonderful to see you back. loved the update, really beginning tohate xander, but you want us to don't you? poor dawn....she'll find her way eventually. the characterisation is well written. more please

Author's Response: Xander can really be a pain in the ass, can't he? I've had a love/hate relationship with him right through the series. thanks for sticking with me.

I was looking for you and your story again. I didn't have internet for awhile(sob)::))..I am very happy to say that I found you!!....................... I have to tell you; I just love this story, and very much look forward to seeing the next installment in this tale........Very concerned with Buffy's increasing weakness; is she being drugged perhaps? I keep thinking about the Crucimentium (or however you spell it). Loving the interactions between Buffy and Spike...........suffice it to say ; I like everything about this story and I have since reading the very first chapter. .....Heroes and demons and villians ..oh my!!!When you finish it I will be saving it so I can read it whenever I want. good sagas are something you read over and over and this is one of them.

Author's Response: Hi kat, Getting your review is just what the doctor ordered. Real life has kept me away from Mr. Giles. Soon you'll learn what's happening. Thank you for the wonderful review.

Love it. You write so well. Truly a talented writer. More please.....

Loved it when Buffy says to Spike "but when am I going to get lucky" so great. Yeah, Spike step up the plate and help Buffy with her problem.

Author's Response: Hi Spuffyfan. Me too!!! Thank you for your kind words. I love writing. I always wanted to and my friends in fanfiction have given me the courage to throw caution to the wind and give it a go. Just one thing, it was Dawn who says "when am I going to get lucky>" Buffy, bless her, is finally getting some again. *G* And you never know, Dawn may just get lucky too.

I just did a marathon read of this story, and I am so blown away! I thought it was a very realistic vision of what might have happened. Also, I almost cried with poor Buffy! I am so glad Spike finally got back on track. Please keep updating!

Author's Response: Samara, So nice to have you aboard. I'm so pleased you are enjoying. Next chapter soon.

I love this story. Always happy to see a new chapter posted.

Really happy that Spike and Buffy finally had their hot moments. Laughed when Spike couldn't wait and Buffy thought she hurt him. But it really was a sweet thing to see our Spuffy couple so happy again. Cause it was breaking my heart to see Spike and Buffy so down.

Author's Response: Hi spikey, I'm happy you are enjoying the story. I love the reading and writing of fanfic because it keeps us in touch with the characters we loved so much in the show. I always believed that Spike and Buffy belonged together.