Ok, let's see ... first worry - The stuff they're pumping into Spike is like the Mohra demon? The one that made Angel a 'real boy'?? I hope that the pseudo-mohra doesn't have that effect on Spike! Second funny - I knew Andrew would add some levity and he did. Good job on him! Third - Loved Ripper. I think Giles' voice was spot on and I loved the glasses on and off and then finally him giving up on it. I wonder if Giles will actually let Ethan walk ... he's been on the verge of killing him more than once in the past, this could be his chance. Forth - surprise - they have Faith? And she's cooperating. Buffy may not be much of a joiner, but Faith isn't either, unless they promise her some alone time with Buffy or something... My only 'criticism', which is really a small one and I hope is taken constructively, is the word 'said' ... he said, she said ... there are lots of other words that could be used that convey more than the word 'said' ... like Xander pleaded or begged, Andrew teased, Giles scolded, Eddie admitted ... I know, that's really picky, but it would raise the level of writing another notch from very good to exceptional. I'm very much liking the story and think you've got the characters down very well and the plot is intriquing.

Author's Response: Hey, thanks for the detailed comment. Also, all the saids were a stylistic choice. I try to show people how the characters are acting, rather than tell them. If the dialogue is strong enough, it should be able to convey that Giles is scolding or that Eddie is admitting. I hope it's not too distracting.

Great to see an update to the story! Needless to say, Maggie is off her rocker. Oh, my heart goes out to Buffy having to wait, not knowing if he'll come back. But it looks like help is finally on the way. Totally biting my nails over what is happening to Spike!

A few more notes, I LOVE Andrew and Eddie. They are so cute together. Just loved Andrew tasing Ethan, he sure deserved it.

And this chapter finally killed the last hope of Xander & Davinia. He had something so good and now he has this weird thing with Willow. What ARE they doing? I guess she saw something good in his head because they were at it again. Poor Giles. I'm glad he said something, because they're acting like addicts or hoarders. They are not aware about how their actions are affecting others. I hope you go further with the conversation between Willow and Giles, because I was ready to read more. I really wanted her to start being accountable or well least aware of what she really wants.


Author's Response: Yes, I totally killed the last hope of Xander and Dav while I restored hope for the rescue of Buffy and Spike so as not to leave everything crummy. Glad you liked the discussion with Giles. It will continue. I wanted to do a small bit of compulsive dark Willow and self destructive Xander. In a way this bad behavior is a good thing. It catches their tendencies before they get out of hand.

Loved the CSN reference!

And you very much have Giles voice down. His dialog *sounds* like Giles. Enjoying very much that Giles has been a man of action on this story--dusting Angel, socking Ethan in the kisser.

Wonderful Eddie - Andrew interaction! They are just too cute!

And my cat is still here! And she(?) made into the Initiative.

Maggie has gone 'round the bend. What she's done to Spike is simply horrific. Mentally ill or not, she's the true monster, not the demons and vampires in her lab.

And now I'm curious to see what Ethan's serum is going to do to Spike. It's not quite Mohra blood, but close enough I suspect that it may do more than just revive his body....

Also curious about thebackstory with Dr. Oliver and Dr. Walsh. He knows her childhood pet name...so many implications there.....

Looking forward to more.

Author's Response: Yes, your kitty is still there! I couldn't resist using her again, she's so visual and handy. That was the most inspired, brilliant idea in this whole story, I wish it had been mine. See, you're reading closely, and I think you know what's going to happen with Spike. Maggie is completely out of her mind, no excuses. She's had a break with reality. Thanks so much about the Giles praise. In many ways, this is his story. I don't know if you read the comics, but this is kind of my love letter to that character. It means so much to me that I'm doing him justice. Dr. Oliver and Dr. Walsh and their strange relationship. I am not sure exactly how much of that story will be revealed before the end. Thank you for your wonderful comments!