I dare to say Spike was worried about Buffy. :)
Spike's fight was harder (his opponent more dangerous).
Enjoyed the update.

Author's Response: Spike was worried, but he doesn't want to admit that to himself.

Buffy is learning all is not black and white in the supernatural world - a lesson it took her far too long to learn on the show. Poor Spike, I think the UST is affecting him more than Buffy at the moment - just wait until she sees him in the shower! [drool]

Author's Response: Exactly on both of your two statements. I agree totally! Well, next chapter...ah ah ah...you'll have to wait!

At least Buffy and Spike are not alone and have each other during their captivity. The sexual tension seems to prove more painful to Spike than his injuries. Buffy having to acknowledge the fact that not all demons are menacing and violent with noble characteristics (her ring opponent's peaceful nature and Spike's honoring her pleas for privacy) are proving contrary to her text book training at the hands of the Watcher's Council. Their jailor's are highly organized with the facilities and resources to hold these events. Knowledge of their captives weaknesses and strength's forcing them to fight in a gladiator style forum suggests gambling profits and elite clientele. These type of underground events as secretive as they may be, will still fall under the radar and notice of the Watcher's Council. Here's hoping that Buffy's friends use all means necessary to locate her. Look forward to more.

Author's Response: This story was written to point out what Buffy missed until late Season 6, that demon doesn't=bad. Nor does human=good. I'm glad that through my writing, this was portrayed. I felt that she missed out on so much happiness because of these black and white thoughts. When I watched ATV Season 1, The Ring, they seemed very organized and Wolfram and Hart were involved. They never really explored how deep the connection was, so I did and added the government in for good measure!

Glad Spike made it out of his fight, more or less, okay, as if there was ever any doubt. And the poor boy has Buffy swimming all around him. I eagerly await that tension to explode. Hopefully not literally over those creepy red lines! Please, update soon!

Author's Response: Update is coming next week/or this week since I'm responding to this on 5/23!

Riley and his friends reacted weird; good thing Willow didn't go in the house I think. She could have been in danger too if she did.
Ah Clem's cousin. He kind of killed himself, this blood isn't on Buffy's hands. Bad timing, Spike being back now. Naked slayer, that will be hard for him to watch. ;)
*gg*

Author's Response: Yeah, Willow used her incrediably squishy lobe for this one. I feel that Buffy trusted the Initiatives wayyy to easily in Joss' world.

awww.... poor Wally... :( at least he didn't suffer long... and Buffy didn't kill him i was mostly glad about that.

oh my... i can already imagine Spike scratching at that red mark on the floor to remove it so he could join her at the shower... *winks* if only that would be so easy..*sigh*
great update! can't wait for more...

Author's Response: Thanks Shard! I know, I feel bad about writing Wally that way, but the point for Buffy to see that demon doesn't=bad, it had to be done.

Gotta up their UST. Pretty fantastic. So sad about Clem's cousin. Nice touch that she didn't actually have to slay him. Poor guy. Hope Willow and crew understand how dire their situations are, not just Buffy's. Looking forward to more. Update soon.

Author's Response: I will be updating real soon...next week! And of course, what would it be without UST!

Aww sadness for Wally, but good that Buffy is seeing that demons can be good and humans can be evil. Also good, that Willow knows something is up. And ooooh naughty spying Spike!

Author's Response: I'm glad that in my writing that point shone through. And Buffy is naughty, but could you blame her?!?

Good that at last someone noticed Buffy missing. Too bad Cordelia (a bit jealous, huh?) didn't give the message to Angel. Could be Angel stumbles upon the prize fight....
(Maggie + Riley? Ewww - how could he.)
Looking forward to more!

Author's Response: Well, for maggie and riley, he called her mother, she watched them with a camera and when Buffy and Riley tried to get groiny she called to stop them. Plus, Maggie trying to kill Buffy, why? Cuz a deep seeded lust, that's why!!!

Such a good story.......but the bit with Riley and Maggie? Totally gross. LOL. That's gonna squick me for awhile.

update soon?

Author's Response: Update soon!

I keep trying to like Cordelia but--nope, she really is just a self-absorbed brat. I certainly hope she gets it from all concerned. In the meanwhile--I'm loving this story!

Author's Response: Thanks Sibb! Cordelia is just being Cordelia. I loved writing her, never did before.

Not good Cordelia.. a little jealousy there. And yuck on Maggie and Riley.

Author's Response: Cordelia is just being cordelia. Maggie and Riley...I've always thought there was strange tension there. He called her mother, she spied on them with a camera and during the episode The I in Team (not my world, but Joss') she called to stop them from getting groiny again and tried to kill Buffy. I just took it one yucky step further!

aww! nice build up of camaraderie between the two.

Author's Response: thanks quirks. I know it won't happen right away, but these two really need each other, despite the past