Yaaay Xander...there really was so much about him, especially early on in the series, that made him seem like someone we could really care for. I have to admit however that, by the time we got to Primeval in season 4, I felt Xander's place as the Heart in the 'Super Buffy Combo' spell seemed pretty undeserved. It's for that reason I appreciate the way you've used the trials in this story to help him grow (or is it more apt to say revert back?) into the person he started out with all the potential to become. Also feeling worried that my little prediction about the potential for Buffy to feel responsible for Willow's death (and any subsequent deaths by her hand - or fangs as the case may be) looks increasingly likely. Thoroughly enjoying this piece despite my nagging sense of foreboding. I'm sure you'll allow equal parts light and dark into this universe though, right?
~Gives a timidly encouraging smile - then sneakily crosses her fingers for good measure anyway~

Wow, only 3 chaps in and already we've got a broken and fled slayer (with bleached vamp in tow) 3 main characters dead and 2 more in severe jeopardy! What a tale. Dark, but oh so GOOD. more please.

Actually nice to see Xander not be an idiot. So long as the Scoobies aren't holding Buffy leaving against her. She thought that the vamp was dust that killed her sister. She doesn't know that he rose again. Nice going Anya with the little orb. That was pretty cool. Look forward to more.