that was an awesome story, really deep and connects all the characters. I really hope u write some more stories, i'd luv to see wat other ideas you'd come up with for story lines n such. 10 outta 10 :)

This was such an original tale - wow. It really kept my interest and took all my attention to keep up with all the twists and turns. Your style of writing creates such vivid descriptions and creative turns. I loved the battle scene in the old Russian warehouse and the way you counted down the minutes and switched between various perspectives. Melvin and Nancy were such great characters. The whole story was fantastic.
I am a bit shamed to admit, however, that I felt as baffled as Spike apparently was at the "ding" reference. ? Do I need a remedial Buffy course or was I not paying attention in the story.
I'm glad that you were able to wrap things up so nicely for all the characters. It is an incredible story and I hope you continue to write more in the genre. The unique thing about this story was how well you kept my interest in all its components- no just the Buffy and Spike parts. Thanks for a great story!

Author's Response: Thanks for the kind note, sta. I'm glad that the story held your attention; I know it's not the traditional Buffy/Spike story, although I'd hoped they were a big enough component of it to archive on Spuffy sites like this one. I'm also thrilled that you liked my OCs, and that you took the time to write me a review. As for "ding" --- Hahaha, I don't think you necessarily need a "remedial Buffy course," but you didn't necessarily miss something in the story itself. A few readers told me that it took a few minutes to figure it out. Maybe if you read the final conversation Buffy has with the Dauphin in the chapter "Breakthroughs" it would ring a bell. Or, you could watch the first couple of scenes from the episode "Chosen." I mean, what goes "ding" when it's ready? :-D Cheers and XXOO.

I don't really know where to start except to say that I am totally in awe of your amazing talent. The poetry you weave with simple words leaves me floundering with envy.
My God, How are you not a published author?
I am and always will be a huge Btvs fan but I would read pretty much anything you write just for the pleasure of marveling at how easy you string together galaxy's worth of emotion and pain with so few words.
Please continue to write, if not in this verse then some other ,because in my forty some years on this planet ( most of that from the time I was old enough was spent reading) I have seldom read an author that has impressed me so much in one sitting. You are far to good to be writing only fanfic.
Thank you for the story it was poetry on an epic scale.


Author's Response: Dear bitchee, Thanks so much for the wonderful words of encouragement. Since that's the only payment I'll ever get out of this, I really chreish them. I've been thinking about it quite a bit, and I do think I will try my hand at an original novel. I may even try another BTVS tale one of these days (I do very much love the characters and the tone of the 'verse). And you are very welcome, also. I'm glad you enjoyed it. Cheers - Lostboy.

Wow! Im loving this story so much that I had to tear myself away to give you a standing ovation. Brilliant writing style; descriptive yet gripping, choppy & slick. The style makes the story easy to get absorbed in, and very visceral. The plot (as its beginning to develop) seems exciting, original & well plotted. I love what you've done with the characters, & how you've written Buffy's inner dialogue. So far this looks like its a Spuffy unlike any other. I want to devour the whole fic in one sitting! Brilliant story so far - thank you for the entertainment :D

Author's Response: Dear LittleMarshmallows, Thanks so much for your lovely review. I'm glad you were able to stop and leave one (and if you ever feel compelled to do so again, that would be much appreciated, too!). And of course you're welcome. I love these characters very much, and it was fun working and playing with them for a while. Cheers - Lostboy

"Theirs was not a fairy tale....

The dome began to melt away, revealing the sky behind it. And — strangely, miraculously — it was filled with rain."

And maybe, there's is. Love the poetry, in as simple a way that the final battle allowed Spike to fight back in his traditional garb, to the words used. And the fact the it rained when there should have been sun. Loved that moment. Also loved Melvin and Andrew effectively bitch slapping Kennedy. Awesome.

Awesome, Jarod. Your imagery is so amazing. Great chapter.

Author's Response: Thanks, SeaPea. I saw you left me a review on EF as well. I really appreciate the thought.

Sounds like Buffy did Kennedy in, at least to the point she's not gonna bother us too much. And Giles seemed to get the upper hand on Ethan. And Andrew has an atomic bomb and a disconnected hell demon. Love the random, and the well placed violence. Update soon!

Wow. Well, I'm glad that Willow and Tara didn't really die at the hands of Giles. Though it seems that Oz was as fooled about it as I was. What a way to go, taking Giles out by the throat. And the Spike vs. Sideways-verse Spike battle. Love how very well they could read each other. Even if it ended up working out to a disadvantage, as the cavalry will always return to Buffy. And Xander couldn't slay his friend, though I truly applaud his acting. Amazing. Waiting for hell to break loose. :) Update soon.

Author's Response: Thanks BR. All hell is on its way.

Damn... So much going on. A few small fires put out. The very small ones, and some big ones getting bigger. No peaceful end for Willow, and Oz seems to be wolfing again, though I wonder what good that will do against an angry master warlock. And our Buffy is willing to make Death her parting gift. Funny how her dying seems to make her serene. I loved Andrews little masquerade and Mel's joy over Andrew's ability to get the evil slayerette's to disrobe. And I still wonder what exactly Drusilla's role is in this whole big game, the fallen angel. But, alas, you have one more chapter waiting, and that is where I must go now, though you again are keeping me up way past my bed time. :)

Author's Response: Thanks BR. I always love to hear from you. You probably know by now that all isn't exactly what it seemed. Just a bit more left to tell in this story. I feel like the characters have taken over the steering wheel now, so hopefully it won't be long before the next update. Cheers!

Bloody hell - this is fucking awesome. I don't usually do WIP - too much potential for heartbreak if they die the slow death. But after two years and 36 chapters, I figured you're invested enough to finish the journey. And oh my God am i glad I took the risk. Even if you never finish, the quality of your writing, the originality of your plot, the complexity of the storyline and the character development will forever stand this tale as a piece of art. i love the way you use imagery to paint the landscape of your multiverse, and the almost playful way you select words and phrases. I find myself reading lines over and over again to suck out every metaphor, ever image, each nuance. You're a true artist, please finish those final strokes to complete this masterpiece. Do I love it - hell yeah!!!

Author's Response: Thanks so much, badgervamp. Nothing short of a well-aimed bullet can stop me from finishing it now.

Wow, things are heating up. I think I'm starting to get it. Great chapter.

Author's Response: Cheers, seapea! There's not much more left to go. I have a firm grip on the ending now, and I promise it's not of the "it was all dream" variety.

“Probably not,” said the man who used to be Charles Gunn, kicking up his heels. “But then again, it’s gotta be better than giving the shit away for free.” -- Love that. Certainly has a point. And Grange seems to be at the end of his days. Not seeming like a fun way to go. Nancy is still creepy and Kennedy seems to be aiming to blow everything up. Kinda feel like she may have the right idea. And Buffy is in a holding dimension that mimics old Sunnydale complete with a Spike for her to pal around with. Wonder if anything wonky will happen if our Spike meets that Spike. Looking forward to more. Update soon!

Author's Response: "Kinda feel like she may have the right idea..." Heh heh heh. Thanks for the review (and for your patience), BR.

So time for bed, so this shall be brief...

I just constantly want more of this story. More answers, questions, random facts... Want to see what happens. And will Willow and Spike meet, and what is Xander ready for. And what on earth is going on in Nancy Starks head... why does Frank know her? Just loving it. Update soon.

Author's Response: Thanks BuffyRat. Frank knows Nancy through their mutual work with Maggie Walsh's Initiative (this was revealed back in Chapter 19: Cute D'Etat).