Planting the seed of doubt. A few more and Spike will start to see a problem. Guess they'll probably kill Parker, not that he doesn't deserve it. Great read, thanks.

Author's Response: Thanks for reviewing!

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!

First off, your are clearly one VERY talented writer and I was surprised at how quickly I became sucked into your story. Secondly I try never to read WIP’s, b/c I’m an instant gratification kinda gal. I didn’t check to see if this was complete so when I read till the end, (no, that can’t be it right?) I scolded myself severely. The suspense is killing me. The depth to which you’ve created your characters and the transformation over time in Buffy and Spike, plus the other characters own little side stories, is sheer genius. I can usually tell ‘what’s going to happen next’ in most stories, but this has kept me guessing, which is exactly why I’m hooked. Spike is clearly such a ‘bad rude man’ he seems almost unredeemable – very curious as to what/who will redirect his energies to recovering. He’s such a *$@#! That I found myself really hating him, which is great for effect – yet another reason I’m hooked.
Buffy? Well, she’s gotten so dark, and been transformed despite her efforts not to be controlled through Spike, that I’m glad to see she truly becomes her own master of her emotions, or lack there of, the one thing Spike can’t control. – as exhibited thru not killing Parker. She reminds me of a famous war prisoner who had everything taken from him but realized that the one thing they couldn’t take away was his free will to think, feel and act about his dire situation. He exercised that and survived as a result. So I’m glad to see Spike can never truly “have” Buffy no matter how much she’s changed.
Is Spike realizing that he can never truly change her and become what he wants her to be? Is he unaware that he doesn’t really want her to and that’s his attraction? Who will be the one start the long road to recovering anything resembling a relationship? Would she possibly wind up pregnant? Will she somehow escape, only to return of her own free will? I’m honestly in awe that I can’t guess ANYTHING at this point. You’ve done your job well. The angst is brilliant, bloody brilliant.
You have a good deal going on w/ all the other characters that I’m anxious to see how you will weave all the loose strands into the finally web. Take your time. I would hate to see this story rushed to an unsatisfactory ending, becoming to short then cheesy, or too long and well, not ever knowing what happens to everyone in the end.
You’re truly a wonderful writer, thank you.


Author's Response: Wow, what an awesome review! I'm glad you see the point about Buffy and her emotions, although the next chapter will be a 'test' of sorts, and a break away from the intense angst, as you call it, lol. Thanks for the review!

Rather disturbing quote indeed.
Great chapter, loved the flashbacks and Angels' comment on Illyrias' blue hair. Haha. I do wonder as to what's gonna happen to Parker...

Author's Response: Yes, someone commented on the hair joke! lol. I'm a dork :P Thanks for the review!

Great chapter!!! I was thinking about this fic a couple days ago, and then voila, a new chapter - very exciting! I've never read a fic quite like this one before - one that presents the "dark side" in this way, which I think is one of this fic's many charms. Can't wait for more - please update soon! : )

Author's Response: I'm glad the dark side amuses you *evil grin* Thanks for the review!

Very nice chap. update soon

Author's Response: Thanks for the review!

WOW! Okay I just read all of what you have for this story so far and I love it! It is really origional and defying! I really cant wait till you post again so please do so soon! :) Lighter

Author's Response: Thanks for joining me :D

Great, great story, I'm addicted to it! Poor Buffy, a life like that has to suck, where she's completely trapped like that. Not really sure how spike's gonna be redeemed in this one (though it seems he's at least feeling guilt for some of his actions) but I'm ready and waiting for whatever else you throw our way with this story. Intersting and engaging plotline, very well written. Can't wait for more, please update again soon when you get a chance. Thanks :)

Author's Response: Thanks for the compliments :D and the review !

wow great chapter, it wasn't confusing at all :) please hurry and update again soon. i can't wait to see what happens next :)

Author's Response: Thanks for the review!

This is an excellent chapter. Probably the best one so far... and the sex was good too!

It's a brave thing for a writer to take a whole chapter to explore past experiences and character development in the midst of what has been a very action packed storyline. Especially when the last chapter ended so bloodily. But this one has worked superbly.

The snapshots are brief enough that they don't detract from the overall tension, and the changing Buffy/Spike perspectives actually raise emotional conflicts in the reader. We get to see how Buffy's anger and distress has been channelled toward a goal - to escape. She's learned to exploit her lessons. She's learning to dig inside herself so that she can hold her revulsion of what Spike has done to her inside and use his own technique against him. Just how successful she is can be seen in his own questioning of himself. I definitely see a swing in the balance of power here, and I'm joining the Buffy Cheerleading Team (a first for Chrissie!).

Spike on the other hand is starting to look somewhat weakened. His techniques to bring Buffy into line and have her as his 'mate' aren't quite delivering as he'd intended and, poor sod, he still doesn't realise why. I don't think he can truly comprehend that the need of 'Freedom' that Buffy has is even remotely conceivable. In addition, Buffy, as the chink in Spike's armour is now a threat to his Gang and Angelus and Dru raising that has surely set some cats among the pigeons!

Methinks that there's got to come a point where Buffy is put in the position of being Spike's savious or virtual executioner... At this moment in time I'm not sure she wouldn't choose thumbs down. *sighs*

I'm really looking forward to see how you get us out of this fine mess, PJ!

Superb update.

Author's Response: Poor sod, indeed. And I'm glad you liked the chapter - the comments are all great. I would get into a discussion if I weren't finishing up responses so I could post the next ch ;) Thanks for the review!

A very intense chapter, revealing the 'development' of the Buffy/Spike relationship in all its wrecked glory. It is a compelling powerplay that Spike seems to win all the time - and yet her very struggle and perceived defeat almost gains her points with the dark and troubled Spike - especially when she comes back, stronger and more resolute. Love it!

Author's Response: I'm glad you like their developments! Thanks for the review!