A bit of pity for the old vamp then. Hard not to feel something. And Willow doesn't seem to be in the best state either. Hmmm... gotta wonder how closely this is going to follow the epi.

Author's Response: Yeah, Willow was a mess - at least on the show - so why didn't anyone sense that, other than Spike? Crappy friends, I tell ya. And you'll just have to read the rest of the story to find out how closely this will follow the episodes. Thanks for the review Buffy Rat!

Ahhhhh... that was nice..

Enjoying.

Author's Response: Glad you liked! - I mean, hopefully you liked...right? *worries hands* I hope so! Thanks for the review Pam!

Right there with you about Angel. Cordy is the perfect princess to scream the Gentlemen away BTW.

Loveing this story and can't wait for more. I put it in my favorites to make sure I don't miss an update. read all 22 chapters today (I should have been writing because I have to post my story at Seasonal_spuffy on the 9th LOL...you've made me a very bad girl!)

Kathleen

Author's Response: Isn't she just? I thought princess - didn't really think Buffy when I thought about that. But then, I wondered...why didn't the gang just drive to LA or some other city and grab a girl to scream for them, instead of wondering around like blethering idiots? So I fixed that! And OMG, I kept you from writing? Naughty Carrie - but thanks all the same! Thanks for the review Kathleen!

I always thought sending the gem to Angel was the height of stupidity.....just imagine if his soul went a wandering again!! Spike didn't deserve it at first but at a later time that would have been nice. Glad he has it at the moment.

Really enjoying the friendship between Spike and Willow.

Kathleen

Author's Response: You know, I never watched Angel - till IBE twisted my arm and made me watch season 5 (still haven't forgiven her :P) BUT, I agree that sending Angel the Gem was very, very stupid. Not one of her brighter moments, that's for sure. And yes, Spike was an ass when he had it in the beginning - but he's soooo changed now, he's kinda frightened of it. Thanks for the reviews Kathleen!

Just came to read this via the nomination at SunnyD awards and am enthralled. I likely will review from lace to place but must say this is the most unusual treatment of Something Blue I've read and it is fascinating. Very nicely done twist here. Your voices are perfect.

On an odd note (Jung would love it) just as I was reading the segment where Spike was singing the CD I had in the player began to play from Loreena McKennitt's An Ancient Muse....the track? The English Ladye And The Knight! I couldn't have planned it better.

Back to reading this well crafted story.

Kathleen

Author's Response: Oh wow, oh wooooow! I just want to say first off, I LOVE YOUR STUFF PFEIFFERPACK! You're stories are awesome! Ahem... ok, back to reality now, tee hee. That's sooo neat you came here through the Sunny D awards - I guess those links actually work! LOL I was tired of typical Something Blue fics, and got fed up while actually watching the episode - but then it hit me: What if every shock Spike got, the info stored in his brain just came spewing out? And then my muse just started beating ME up side the head about it and little Omniscient was born (8lbs 2oz - he was a cutie!) AND OMG!!! It's FATE, I tell you that you were listening to the VERY song that was in that chapter, too much for a coinky dink! I humbly thank you for the kind words, truely...and thank you for taking the time to leave some reviews! You're a GEM!

It's very good that Buffy and Spike still have the 'mind-talk', it was easier for Buffy to convince Spike what she means.
Angel is still his old self, he thinks he's helping Buffy but he didn't ask her. ~ Ah so it's Ripper they have to deal with.
Breaking the spell did bring old Rupert back too? Well it doesn't hurt him to stay in the tub for a while ;-)
Thought so, not being able to talk to Spike worried Buffy now. She won't be pleased that Spike made this decision. ~ Looking forward to more!

Author's Response: Yup, breaking the spell brought Giles back to himself....and yes, he'll stay in the tub for a while. I think, in light of everything, Spike made the right decision - less painful for everyone involved. Thanks Cordy for the review!

Wonderful chapter! I loved it. Can't wait to see what happens next! :)

Author's Response: Aww thanks Pet, glad you liked it. Mucho Spuffyness will occur next chapter and a bit about the Gentlemen in the Lab! Thanks for the review!

And with that statement, Buffy let go of Spike. In no time flat, Spike was on top of Angel, pummeling his face into a bloody mess. ‘I’m nobody’s bloody lap dog!’ Spike roared in his mind, Buffy the only one hearing it.----I FUCKING LOOOOOOOVE YOU!!!!!!!!

Poor Spike, how could he think she'd go back to the Poof after how she showed him she was on his side? *pouts* You better make good on the Spuffiness you promised missy, ya hear?

*smooches* Wuv ya wots!

Author's Response: Is that a threat, little Miss House of Smut on the Prarie? LMFAO! It's kinda a two-way street though... he REALLY doesn't want to hear about her and Peaches in his mind...and likewise, he doesn't want her to find out that Angel made him a monster. Spike really did do the right thing this time. And yes, there is Spuffyness in next chapter... think... uuuuuh...shower and a very messy Spike...and a oh so protective Buffy! Let your imagination run on that one baby! hehehe Wuv you back :D

heh. this story is too much fun. i'm enjoying watching bits of canon weave in and out, and seeing how your muse edits them. :) it's fabulously original and a great read.

Author's Response: Awww thanks Quirks! Glad you think it's original - that was my goal. And yeah, seasons 4-7 needed a serious re-write...so I started with the episode that EVERYONE tends to work with and made it very different. Thanks for the review Quirks!

I can understand your reluctance to write B/A. I recently found myself browsing a site full of it. I lasted a whole minute before closing the page. It was just disturbing. But the way you did it here is quite all right and I can see the need for such a chapter. Anyway, great going!

Author's Response: OMG, you're a brave soul. I dare not go near a Bangle site - I'd probably thrash it with some unkind thoughts. It IS disturbing! Thanks for seeing the need to include this chapter. Thanks for the review as well!

Perfect... that was pretty perfect :) ! You made my day with that blow. Ok.... now I really hope they made up ... hmm.. not that making up. But I have to say... sometimes I like Buffy/Angel as in friendship (please don't kill me now.. but I'm in the right mood today).
But first of all... kill all the Gentlemen and please.. kill Riley too... that would make my weekend!

Author's Response: Not gonna kill you. I can tolerate a Buffy/Angel friendship...and eventually it may get there, but not without a few home truths hashed out. Glad I made your day Julia, and yes, the Gentlemen will go bye-bye..........and maybe, just maybe, if you clap your hands and say "I believe Riley should die a horrible death" it might come true! LOL Thanks hun, you're awesome!

I always thought Buffy should know about Angel's highhanded decision - like he did such a good job of protecting her afterwards!

Author's Response: I sooo agree with you Lou! I mean, he protected her sooooo well that she went and DIED! Yeah, I hated his "gotta do it because I'm the brooding git" mentality. Thanks for the review Lou!