Hey great update...and Parker bled to death huh? I'm not sure how I feel about that. It's justice of a form I think but takes something of the edge off of Buffy beating the crap out of him though allowing him to live so as not to become everything that she hates about her captors. Then again it does reiterate the nature of the world Buffy's been forced into, a world where the less empowered control nothing and people like Spike can command even life and death, despite your best efforts or most reasoned pleas for clemency. The tension between Buffy and Spike was beautifully played in this chapter too and adding Angelus in there at the end was a good move - he can always bring Spike's deepest insecurities screaming to the surface. Just like Illyria you don't pull any of your punches and the gritty realism of the bar (as exemplified by Buffy getting sick but still managing to throw a few snarky comments out there) was cool. Something else has got me thinking too. As much as the group is split into two factions I still don't know that they really feel like a solid unit, not Angel's people nor Spike's. Just look at how Cordy and Faith acted this chapter with having to watch over the least experienced member of their group. See I wonder if you'll explore that theme more(?) as it was what made season 7 of BtVS interesting to me - the thought that the truly powerful share their power and empower others, they don't simply maintain their position by virtue of being 'the only one' strong enough to do so. Anyway it's a sign of a good fic when it makes you ask more questions than it answers so well done and more soon please!

Author's Response: I can totally see how it would be anti-climatic if you got yourself ready for some gruesome Parker-torture, but at the same time, it's a logical conclusion, delivered in such a natural way, that it does show the nature of their world, like you said. Yes! I'm glad you noticed the snarky comments, lol. She's got to get some of her edge back, even if she's been drugged...:/ The power plays are definitely going to be explored more. Thanks for reviewing!

Wonderful chapter. Ya kinda have to feel a little sorry for Spike.Being riddiculed by the gangs for looking like he can't hold his own. And with Angelus knowing how Spike really feels about Buffy, she's surely to become his latest target. I'm dying to see what's gonna happen next. I cant wait for the dynamic between Buffy and Spike to change. I wonder if she'll finally cave and submit to Spike's way of life or if she'll be the one to save him from it? Really great. Can't wait for the next chap.

Author's Response: Yea, I wanted to make this chapter mean something, if I was going to get a club scene plus some jealousy in there. I think that's the best part - seeing how the two will eventually get to the same point of understanding, and I gotta tell you, they got some tricky cruves left to go :) Thanks for the review!

A review for you.....

I'm intrigued, again, by this chapter. Spike is becoming not just possessive, but extremely protective of Buffy.

I can see that his feelings for her are genuine (fucked up, yes tee hee) but geniune!

I think Buffy better come to grips with the fact that she set the whole mess in motion when she ran off to LA in the first place. It was a stupid, stupid thing to do and every stupid action usually brings a horrible result.

I am sensing a new kind emotion on the horizon here, perhaps, dare I say it? Love?

I was just thinking about this story today and was so happy to see the update.
spuf

Author's Response: Oh I know you try to always review, spuf ;) I'm glad you got some clarity on Spike, and yes, most of his thoughts and justifications, or what he "thinks" are the reasons for protecting Buffy are messed up, but the hide his feelings about it, which are becoming more and more obvious. He never was good at the emotion control, was he?

You proberly have a lot going on in your life right now and not much time to write the story? But many or at least a few of us love this story and we miss it! You are such a great writer! please please please update soon?? (No pressure or anything=) )

Author's Response: Thanks for the kind words! And I'm about to update, after I finish responding to reviews ;)

Oh my gosh this is the most intense fantastic thing I have ever read in Spuffy fiction. Joss should have hired you over Marti N. any day heehee.

Begs for more

PLEASE!



Author's Response: Aw, what a compliment! Thank you!

I know life gets hectic..but I hope you can update again before long..I actually MISS this story! lol
Not meant to be pressure..just a compliment to your writting skills ; - )

Author's Response: Thanks for that :) And I honestly would've written faster, but I was barely getting sleep. Don't worry, it'll get better after finals :)

Good good... go on!

Author's Response: Thank you!

Great chapter I liked the way the flashback workded into the present. Awesome job so far.

Author's Response: Thank you! I'm glad it wasn't hard to follow :)

update soon, i'm addicted to this. i LOVE it! the development of their relationship is amazing. UPDATE SOOOOON!!!!!!!!

Author's Response: Thanks for the review!

Liked the jumping time line, it was very well labeled. And very insightful into a new method Buffy is using for her freedom. I wonder if their is a sound relationship to be had by those two, with all the hate and anger and power struggles going on. Really great chapter. Please, update soon.

Author's Response: Power struggles are fun to read though :) Thanks for the review!

I just stumbled across this story a couple of days ago, and it has quickly become one of my favorites. You show the dark side well, without making it 'corny' or 'badass', You push the limits nicely, and I can honestly say that this story goes beyond original into classic.

Love it and can't wait for the next update.

Author's Response: Haha, yea, I try to not be TOOOO corny, although sometimes I just can't help it when it comes to gangs :) Thanks for the review!

Excellent chap. Love the past and present to show how things progressed and remind us of Buffy's struggle to regain some of herself. I'm anxious to see more of this Buffy-power development and to, hopefully, see Spike and Buffy kick Angelus and Dru's respective asses. Not trying to give any direction - I'll love anything you write, but I can't help cheering for the Spuffy and despising the Drugelus! MORE PLEASE - LOVE IT! LOVE IT! LOVE IT!

Author's Response: Drugelus! Lol, that still cracks me up. Thanks for the review!