Good to see Xander maturing a bit so he isn't a 'baddy' in this fic. Anya had just as much choice about staying to fight as he did and Willow and Dawn and the others... eevryone except Buffy. She knew what she was getting into and stayed anyway. Not so sure about Giles' motivations yet. Love the interaction between Spike & the Potentials who had been at Sunnydale. Interesting to see Buffy being the chaser and getting a taste of her own medicine. Spike's comments about the uniforms and the morality of taking even criminals' money are helping to get Buffy really thinking about what's going on with Giles and the 'New' Council. Now she's no longer mourning she can stop drifting through life and sit up to take notice.

Author's Response: Anya's death made him grow up. The Potentials would value Spike. They know what he did. Reversing the roles was fun. I'm so glad you like it!

Great chapter!

Giles is such a realistic not-just-villain with such real moral dilemmas facing not only him, but Willow and Buffy and every girl suddenly endowed with power. I love how Spike is still Spike, even wtihout his memory, and his clear sight and honesty show through, along with his snarky tendencies. I do wonder, though, if Buffy's willingness to take anything he's willing to give her will keep him from loving her, because he might not consider her not being there and caring for him from his now limited experience.

The Giles-Angel comparisons, and Buffy's wariness about them, were great. Love that she demanded Spike talk to her about 'her own good' and that he told her to do the same for him. Equal. Wes' not being blind to Angel's faults and able to question his decisions was also shown well. I've been struggling with reading a fic where the author kept Angel wonderful and charming and noble and without flaw, except for the curse, and I wanted to pull my hair out. Of course Angel has flaws! Of course he's got layers! Stop making him so perfect!

I wonder about Spike's moment of distraction was about, absently watching Willow during the meeting after she hears Vi tell her in her head that most of the Slayers gathered in the gym. Foreshadow, anyone? LOL

Author's Response: At this point in time, Giles would be easily seduced by the new power he's not accustomed to. The fascinating thing about BtVS is that all the characters have major flaws and Angel is not exempt. I adore Spike, and he too is seriously flawed, but that caring lover / evil killer dichotomy is so compelling! :D I'm so glad you're enjoying it! Thank you!

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for addressing all that is so wrong about S8 ( besides the obvious..that Spike is not there) You hit the nail on the head, dreamweaver! And this Giles is a complete jerk, as he was in S7 in case anyone missed that. He isn't even grateful to Spike for saving the world for pete's sake. LOVED the Spike love from the SunnyD potentials. Yay! And Willow and Xander were actually nice. It's good to see Xander thinking. He lost Anya, he should be more mature.

Loved the S/B fight and the kissing! HOT!

Don't listen to anonymous reviewers who are rude and have nothing nice to say...this is a BRILLIANT story and you are a great writer who ALWAYS gives us Amazing Spuffy stories!

Loved it and am looking forward to tomorrow's posting. :)

Author's Response: I haven't read the S8 comics, but what I've heard about them upset me, and I'm working out some of my issues here. :D I was a little hurt by that reviewer. It seemed a personal attack rather than a valid criticism. I'm so glad you like my work! Thank you!