I like your independent assertive Buffy more and more - even if she does need Spike to give her a little boost now and then. I did wonder on the show why they made her so dependent upon Giles and the Scoobies, it will be interesting to see how things go when she's the one taking charge this early. Looking forward to the 'gathering of the clans' instead of Acathla... at least I'm assuming it's instead of Acathla?

Author's Response: I've always thought that Buffy was capable of being in charge more and earlier than in the show. And yes, no Acathla in this fic. Thank you for leaving a comment :)

Love how you're setting everything up here, and how Buffy is dealing. The interaction between her and Spike when they really seem to be accepting the other as allies is doen very well, even if very different from the show--for instance, no one would ever bother to let Spike know any of his efforts were helpful or mattered. Glad to see how they're shaping each other's perspectives now.

And what is Angelus planning?

great chapter, thanks for updating! Looking forward to the next installment.

Author's Response: Thank you for a very insightful comment :) I know Spike gets more credit than he ever did on the show, and that's mostly cause this Buffy feels so estranged from her friends and Watcher. Spike is all she has at the moment. And Angelus... he's bad, we know it, and has big plans :)