Giles relenting on putting Spike back in the game (more real here because they're actually near each other) was nice, but I almost think that somewhere down the line, he's going to screw something up. I'm not really loving Giles here; at least, he's trying though. And
the fact that Spike was in with the Angel/WR&H fray, also makes me wonder how much they TRULY trust him. (Buffy being exempt here, and Thanks for that as well - it's about time she SAID that she trusts him, 'cause it was evident in Season 7 that she did.)

Back to Spuffy. Really captured the essence of that last scene of the two of them in "Chosen"!! I think you definitely got it right! All
the conversations centered around "Chosen" really kicked ass! (emotionally) And as for sharing every little secret of how much they loved each other; I cried my eyes out. Really like that he admitted to the prior dealings with "The Immortal" - very funny! Spike loves her so much, and I felt that he finally got it right and told her. All his insecurities, his doubts, it all was beautiful! I feel like he went from Willing Slave to Love's Bitch to Love's Soul Survivour!!! You made Buffy listen to him; and gave him all the
beauty and intelligence that we know he's had but no one would ever admit - even him!

The sexiest stuff in this ep. was definitely the simple snuggling (always was so jealous in Sea.7 for just being able to be in his arms!). Buffy's letter finished up a lot of issues between them and gave her a voice that wasn't too preachy. I liked it!

Mike - Wow, does he have a pair or what? Really loved what you did with him and that bitch he's stuck with. I'm really glad that he's fair and not completely evil (I secretly hope he isn't entirely too good, but I like the vacillating between job and conscience. The
meeting with WR&H was quite the gut-wrencher! I miss Wes, and Fred, and having Cordy say 'hello' just broke my heart! It's sad to say, but our guys are soo going to need WR&H!

Xander had a few lack of memories for me. Like going to a Frat Party! Doesn't he remember the fiasco's of "Reptile Boy" or "Fear,
Itself"?? Loved the mention of "Him" and the jacket that didn't fit!!! LOL!

Spike's 'new name': I have to admit I'd forgotten it, so cute! It didn't dawn on me until this ep. but the "Goodman Theatre" was where James first was an actor; so kudos on that! There was a lot of stuff that just seemed like mini-odes! The silky pajama bottoms from Andromeda, the suit and tie (that you guys actually described better than any actual pic I've seen of it!) The feeling of being with him was like both Heaven and Hell - "exquisite torture" - is so true when meeting James! The nod to no using computers - LOL! How ASH actually called James' attempt at a North London sound, when he ended up with mockney for Spike! LOL! How Spike got long-winded talking about passionate things - so James! And music being a favourite topic! I really loved the line "no store would ever sell anything better than Spike." Too True!!!

You guys must really know Ann Arbor and the area; so many details, I felt like I was there! But I did feel for poor Dawn; someone had to be annoyed with Mena!!! I really felt for Dawn here, too, because of her curse of "everyone is always leaving her" or being taken away. She must feel she's losing Xander all over again! And the poor girl, although she can kick some serious ass for a "regular" girl, she needs something that's her "special power". From a ball of energy to "why am I here?" when she sees everyone getting stronger or more important (Xander and Andrew are even Watchers now!), and she's kinda left behind. Although I think she has the most level head!

All in all, it was a great episode! There is just one more thing I feel I need to mention. You have a lot of characters involved now, and I think they are all written well. I love the details about emotions and places. But it seems like there is no one else that exists in this world. No mentions of waiters at the restaurant, or anyone at the Frat party (except the Vamps). There are no real passer-by's. I just feel like maybe when you describe where and what our group is doing, that you could just make up some of the outsiders (was done good in the nightclub, the other episode ago).

So really only 2 criticisms, not bad for me! I really am enjoying this series, newly found Spuffy feelings and all! I look forward to your next episode!
As always, Thanks for keeping Spike alive!
Your faithful reader,
Lizz

Anyway, looking forward to more adventures with Mena and Xander....keep the witty remards and humor coming!

I almost forgot -- thanks to all the creative talented people who have done the wonderful pictures!!!!!!

I'm one of the ones who has been waiting patiently for the Spuffy, and hoping that you would be able to do it justice. Wow! Did you ever surpass my expectations!!! You had them exorcise so many of their painful, old emotional demons, so that they can now build a new future together -- at least, I hope that's where you're going. I guess I can handle it if they end up as only friends, but I do so want to see them end up as a couple, even if they continue to have troubles and setbacks.

Spike loves her so much, and I want Spike to have some happiness. Not perfect happiness, of course, because then, where's the story? :-) But some happiness. At least, now he knows she really does love him, too.

The Beneath You episode promise has been fulfilled -- he is both
forgiven and loved.

I was also glad that you didn't flinch back from making Buffy own up to her own mistakes. She did some awful things, and it was only right that he called her on some of them. Very, very good job, you guys!!

I loved the whole episode, not just the Spuffyness. The meeting with the W&H baddies was great. Loved how Spike took charge and made them send most of them back to whatever Hell dimensions they're in. And enjoyed seeing Gunn and Angel, no matter how briefly. It's really only fitting that Angel have a chance to say goodbye to Buffy, and I hope he & Cordy will be happy.

Again, the entire episode was top notch! It will be hard for you to
write another one that can claim the throne from this one as being my "favorite", but I'd love for you to try! I am one happy reader!

Thanks for all your hard work on the writing and editing and the fantastic images!

[Producer's Note: If you think adults don't have times when they're overcome by their emotions and "act like teenagers", then the adults who you know are very unique. :-) By way of explanation, we felt that since the Spuffy Factor is so controversial, it would be challenging for us to make it work for ALL the fans. We did our best to write it in a way that the widest group of fans would be able to believe and accept. Many of the major Spuffies may feel as you do -- that the lengthy confrontations we wrote were unnecessary because they love each other so much that they should be able to get back together without all of the discussion. But there are also some major Buffy-haters in the Spike fandom, who have trouble forgiving her for the way she treated Spike in the past. There are others who were Spuffy fans at one time, but ended up being unable to believe that Buffy really loved him. We decided to address all the old baggage and issues in an attempt to heal some old wounds and get the characters and the fans over the past. This way, Spike and Buffy could "start over" and begin a new relationship with a fresh start. Although they'd had a few phone conversations that made Buffy think they were already on good enough terms to now be a couple, she was dismayed to find that he really hadn't believed her "I love you" in the Hellmouth, and that it would take some effort on her part to convince him of her love because she had hurt him so much and so often in the past. To help the fans who have trouble believing in the Spuffy ship, we made sure that Buffy "earned it" -- so that Spike could really believe in the possibility of their love being a full-on, two-way street. And since this was the first episode that they were physically together in the same place, and would not be together again until the end of the season, we purposefully focused most of the episode on them.]

Also, the way you like to explain every place they go to. Like a tour guide. It was okay at first, but too much of anything is bad. Just think of it as someone else's writing when you read it, and you'll see what I mean. [Producer's Note: Since they're traveling to a new location with each episode, we believe in making the location as real as possible for the readers and making full use of the setting within the plotline. The reason we emphasized it even more in this episode was as a tool for two purposes: (1) For their fresh start together, Buffy was, for the first time, showing an interest in Spike's past. So we used his recollections of his time spent in Ann Arbor with Dru from 1969-early 70's as a chance for him to talk about his past and to show Buffy around the town. And (2) we were revealing more about Mena - her interest in history and places, as well as her photographic memory abilities, which could also help reveal a bit of a rivalry between Dawn and Mena for the affections of Spike, Xander and even Andrew, although it's mainly a Dawn issue -- a sibling rivalry kind of thing, like when a new younger child suddenly appears on the scene and takes focus from you in your family. So, we had storytelling reasons for emphasizing the town and the campus in this
episode.]

And there's the thing in the beginning where we see Xander having a nightmare about Spike -- why is that? Are you going to explain that? A friend of mine read it, and she thought it was a hint to Spander, but I think the poor thing was crushed when Buffy came into the picture. lol [Producer's Note: That nightmare when we first re-introduced Xander into our series was meant only to show that he feels guilt over his past treatment of both Anya and Spike, and that he is recognizing his mistakes and slowly maturing into a better man. There are a lot of Spike fans who have trouble liking Xander due to his treatment of Spike in the TV series. We enjoy the Spike/Xander dynamics and are trying to show a gradual friendship developing between them, despite their past.]

I'm not trying to put you guys down. I just think that this is a great series and would like it to be that way and better. Keep up the great
work. Giya [Producer's Note: We respect all opinions and will take Giya's thoughts into consideration as we continue the series. Hope my explanation made clear why we chose to do what we've done so far.]

Of course, I live for Spuffy. It's nice to see them back together and interesting to see Buffy being the one hoping for romantic crumbs. This very firm Spike is a little harder for me. I know you are writing a
simulation of a TV show and need to keep it PG. I've gotten so used to reading R and NC17 fics, I keep waiting for a little more sex, and I'm amazed at how much you're giving us and yet keeping it OK for prime time...so to speak. I'm guessing for the sake of your "show", you're going to stall the relationship, and that always kills me. I keep playing around in my mind with Happy Ending scenarios, but so many
things would have to change in both of them, and it would have to be mystical because so much of their character definition is out of their
control. I come up with one, and then the negative side of my mind kicks in, and I realize that idea won't work either.

I'm pretty sure the gal with Mike (Lia) is an assassin, probably his assassin, and I also have really bad feelings about this Haley. She's a
Rayne. 'Nuf said! [Producer's Note: This feedbacker sent her thoughts in two parts. The preivous was sent when she was just about halfway through the episode. What follows is what the feedbacker sent after shefinished reading it.]

Did I finally get to read the rest of the episode? Oh, yes, indeedy! Positively yummy. I want my Spuffy to have a happy ending one day, but I don't mind going slowly. I never gulp my tea...only sip...to make the pleasure last longer. You gave us a little of both, didn't you?...You vixens.

I found myself annoyed a little with Spike. I wanted him to respond more and faster, but the Spike you are creating is a long term, maturing Spike, and I understand his hesitation. And now as they part again, we're left with a little angst. That's OK. Absence makes the heart grow fonder.

Re: the other folks. Still not so sure about the Rayne girl. She's bright and attracted to Giles, but I still think she's trouble, ulterior motives and all that. About Dawn, I never, ever liked her while the show was in production.Never liked the character and never particularly like the actress either (although I do give her credit for playing an annoying teenager very well), but fanfic authors have re-created her into something almost tolerable, and so I find I'm not so quick to judge her. I like that she's getting to do something, and I find I'm actually worried about the role of courier. It seems particularly vulnerable.
Your team of writers has done a fine job of creating a terrific cliffhanger. Looking forward to the next episode after hiatus. What do writers do during hiatus? I'll be they write....No rest for the wicked!

It's been a great season so far. I've loved every bit. I so hope you've gotten the feedback you deserve.

Okay, so it took me a while, but I just finished it. AWESOME! LOVED IT, LOVED IT, LOVED IT!!!! Kudos on the build up to the Spike/Buffy exchange. I was in tears when he read her letter and
realized how much she loved him. Nice touch on the Buffy/Angel exchange also. I like how he was paired w/Cordy and it was accepting to Buffy.The kiss on the forehead also brought a tear to my eyes. Now that I'm done, my first question is....when's the hiatus
over?????? NEED MORE! KEEP UP THE GOOD, NO SCRATCH THAT -- GREAT WORK!

And I would like to say thank you to the writers who have done a magnificent job of writing all the different episodes, and how wonderfully they flow. I have tried to write a bit. Kudos to the ones
who write Spike and Buffy; I think that they are the most difficult to write of all of the characters. I also like the fact that Spike has been written as such an intelligent man, and that he is (or was) so cautious
of starting a physical relationship with Buffy. BUT... I am glad that
they have. It wouldn't have been right if one of them had not made it
back without having shown each other how much they love each other, and let's face it, sometimes it can be shown better than said.

Okay, I am sorry for the long-windedness...

Amanda,
Newfoundland, Canada

I feel as though I've been on a tour of Ann Arbor with Spike and Buffy.A mini-vacation to brighten my dreary Spring days.

I salute you. This was a massive chapter, and you must have been working overtime to pull it all together. The writing was seamless, and the story is brimming with potential -- what is W&H up to? What is the real purpose of the ceremony? Will Buffy and Spike be able to surmount their past relationship and forge a new one?

As always, the images were wonderful and added to the visual integrity of the story. The writing is strong enough that they wouldn't be needed, but having them shifts the fic into a higher realm. Frosting doesn't make the cake, but it certainly enhances the flavor.

Your original characters are coming to life more and more with each
chapter. You have a fairly large cast, so it is impressive that you have managed to integrate them so well.

I enjoyed seeing Gunn and Angel. I like the way you are working all our old friends into the script. They never seem like an added thought but rather are always an important part of the story.

Well done. I can't wait until the re-run season is over!

Oh, God! Okay, you guys are as bad as Joss...What, a spring break??!!!!
Your series is like a really good book. You get into it, and it flows ...and it makes you feel warm in the center and wrapped up in the plot. That's why I like it so much. You all keep to the feel of the series and do not try to make the characters different. Seems like you captured the essence of Joss's concept and kept it going.

Great job....Loved the whole series! Please keep up the good work and the good fight...Best fanfic I've read......by far!

Will look for further updates.....

This series really means a lot to me. I'm always so happy when a new story gets written. It makes me feel just the way I felt on the days when BtVS or AtS aired. I'm filled with anticipation, and then you guys always deliver a great story.

This one, in particular, was so emotionally well done -- very touching and romantic at the right moments, but still having moments of humor and anger and confusion and all the myriad of emotions that real people have. Very believable. I liked all the references to the past. I enjoyed the song choices -- I don't always like it when fanfic writers include song lyrics, but I see why you selected these, and they enhanced your scene. I also enjoyed those few lines of Lewis Carroll's that you included; I've always liked that poem.

I liked how you really used your Ann Arbor setting. I've been there several times, many years ago, because my husband went to college there, and I could picture everything you wrote about. I even got the chance for the Drake's Tea Shop experience that Buffy missed out on, but we couldn't afford to eat at the Gandy Dancer, except one time for a Sunday brunch when his folks took us out, when we were all there for his graduation. We love that town. I'm going to get my husband to read this episode!

Thanks for writing this. It really touched my heart. I loved, loved, loved it! Do I need to write that 10 times! I'll be anxiously waiting for more episodes.

And did I mention the absolute giddy-fest during the summit meeting. I miss Lilah! BTW, when was Harmony ever considered a friend??? It was fun seeing her again, too. Can't wait to find out what Wes and Fred have been doing with Illyria.

But, AHHH!! Spring Hiatus. That's just cruel. You started mid-season. You're not supposed to get a spring hiatus yet.

I am with McGraw-Hill, the publisher - we have many products, and I am a reporter with the editorial side of the construction news division. I used to be a developmental editor for medical texts with a different publishing house. I am a great Buffy/Angel fan, and when I read fanfic, the way it's written (grammar, punctuation, syntax) is almost as important to me as a good story. I am sure that's why I lose interest in fiction with a lot of errors. My brain hits a roadblock, and if I have to stop and puzzle out the meaning, it takes all the pleasure out of the experience.

So, you all are great. I think, first and foremost, the story line is very interesting (that's just personal), but you all have taken care with the rest of it, too, and as a reader, I appreciate it! Keep the good thought that a lot of people read and enjoy and just don't say anything.

And all the other scenes that weren't involved with the Spuffyness were really good, too. I can't wait to find out more about this new character Haley! And I loved the scene with all the old dead Wolfram and Hart lawyers -- especially Lilah! I always got a kick out of her and you wrote her as snarky as ever! And it was fun to see Gunn & Angel again - however briefly. I liked how Angel ended things with Buffy and his joking with Spike and his advice to Giles! Ha! And maybe even Giles will start to accept and even trust Spike - that would be great to see.
Andrew was as fun as ever. And I liked the sort of sibling rivalry thing going on in Dawn's mind about Mena. Always gotta have a little conflict going on or it's not the Jossverse, right? I thought the scene with the vampire pretending to be Spike was really funny -- and now Spike has a duster again - Hooray! Oh, and Mike -- I'm liking him more and more all the time.

Back to the Spuffyness now, because that's my favorite part. I thought the big talk that Spike & Buffy had in the car and then at the rest stop was just spot on -- you touched on so many things that I knew they needed to talk out together. That was quite an emotional scene! Their first date was fabulous -- absolutely fabulous! He even brought her a rose! And their long talks and getting to know each other and opening up. Lovely. The first two nights where they just slept together was handled very well. You had me worried that Spike was never going to give in, but how could he not after that love letter Buffy wrote him! Wow! It was like a David Letterman Top Ten List only instead of funny, it was so sweet and hearfelt and real. She said all the right things. The things Spike needed to hear. And then you wrote such a sweet and sexy love scene without getting too clinical -- which I really liked. Very romantic.

And your images were super lovely this time! I always enjoy them, but you had some really special ones for this episode. I loved the final
love scene image of just their faces, and Spike in his blue robe (from
Andromeda, right? that was so smart of you!), and Spike & Dru as
hippies!!! And I loved the Viper image and the one with the leaves at
the top when they were snuggling at the rest stop. And the ones from the date were great, too. I loved how when I clicked on the restaurant image to see it bigger, I actually got to see more of that classy restaurant!
Gee! I guess I just liked it all, didn't I? Fabulous! Fabulous! (Should I type fabulous 10 times to go along with your theme about the significance of 10? Consider it done! Fabulous 10 times!) But now I have got to go to bed and get some sleep. I bet I have wonderful dreams! Thank you so much for this episode!

I love getting the surprise appearances. I totally wasn't expecting Angel and Gunn to pop in, or all the dead crew from W & H, though
Holland and Lilah being there totally makes sense.

Xander isn't pissing me off, which is a good thing, and Mena is delightful. She's a sweet girl, and a real asset to their team for being so young. I figure Dawn was acting bratty because she wants Andrew's attention. Ms. Rayne makes me wonder. I don't trust her yet. Wes and Fred are two of my favorites, so if they have a good reason to pop up, that's cool, too.

I haven't had any complaints yet, so nothing to share there. I hope you guys have a good brain-storming session during your hiatus. I read A LOT of fic, and this is at the top for me among a select few.

Look forward to what comes next.

I am enjoying the Spike - Xander - Mena dynamic. I am always drawn to Spike/Xander friendship. It's coming along slow, but it's fun to watch it develop.

The different locations used in your series make the story more fascinating. And meeting new and old characters keeps it fresh. I like that Spike and Buffy will be apart for awhile - it will be good for both of them.

This new Watcher gal is intriguing. I don't know if she's bad or good, but if she's not evil, she will make a good love interest for Giles. He desperately needs to get some. The relationships you have shown so far have not disappointed. You are on the right track.

I have recommended this story to others. It is really high quality work. Thanks again to all the writers for their time and efforts - it is really appreciated.

First, the title was perfect! I really felt it summed up the ep. soo well! The pic of the Hellmouth in Cleveland was beautiful (in that special sort of way). Nice nod to Spike (and are you all going to Sacramento in July?) with the "happy meals on legs"!!! Also, the "I've never worn boogie shoes" reminded me of Entropy's "I don't have a sexy dance." LOL! And a big "awwww" for remembering Willow's 'resolve face'.

I thought it was odd that Mena would want to see a zoo, but it was a good way to work in the "Hyena guy/Xander". Not sure if you meant it snarky or not, but whether or not the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is owned by demons is a REALLY GOOD QUESTION!!!

You all had me by the heartstrings when you eluded to "School Hard", the fact that Spike was in the pic of Woodstock was brilliant. (Isn't it sad that you have to date that it's the '69 Woodstock? That later one was such a load of crap! IMO) The Flashback was really a nice blend of established canon and new stuff that fits well, and I love the male-on-male biting!

I was, however, very surprised that you put in the following: "Yeah, Drusilla gets visions. Not really sure how. Guess she's a psychic of sorts. Anyway, she knew that one day we would be in here." -- I can't figure out why you would make it seem that Spike knows so little about Dru when they spent around 100years together? He knew Dru better than Angelus even knew her (although Darla always seemed to understand her). [Producer's Note: I believe the writer's point would be more clear if you emphasize the word "how" in "Not really sure how." Spike certainly knows Dru gets visions, and he assumes she must be psychic, but he doesn't really know HOW she gets them or if some specific good or evil power sends them to her or if it's "the fairies" that Dru often mentions or what!]

The pic made for Dru was flattering, and I love what you did with it! (If you can't tell, I'm a huge Dru fan!) When Spike got all sentimental talking/thinking about Dru and deciding she needed to live unless HE did the dusting -- oh, that's our romantic guy!!! After all, Dru will always be his first love of his unlife! And thanks for having Mena stick up for Spikey!!! I have to say that I saw the "Kevin" thing coming a mile away, but it didn't make it any less funny! And, was he the total embodiment of an ex-hippie in today's culture or what???

The fight in the VIP room was simply superbly written! There was a lot of detail and it was possible to really visualize what was going on! The last fight wasn't as strong in comparison, but it seemed like there were more emotions involved. I like how Spike is taking up the slay w/a pun thing; it's kinda cute. (Not to say he isn't always witty. It's just more like Buffy here, I thought.) Good mention of The Order of Aurelius -- not everyone can remember that bit; and to see it mentioned really touches me!

WR&H: Mike is reminiscent of Lindsey (only Season 1). His new partner could never live up to Lilah. I hope you're not going that way with her, but I do like her. However, it would be friggin' hilarious if Xander fell for her, don't you think???

Faith and Wood: Well, they were done exactly as I've always seen them: Faith, slutty and not too bright; and Wood, well I guess wooden is the best way to describe him. So, good on you for keeping them canon! I swear, when I read Spike getting a good one on Wood with "No, it's true; I'm a hero. I'm a bloody champion." I screamed 'Fuck Ya!' (which wasn't too appropriate 'cause I was in front of relatives. LOL) I think Mena had the right idea when she thought she looked like a prostitute after Faith's 'make-over'!! LOL! And the piece de resistance was definitely: "Maybe I'm too tired for humour." Wood=tired!!! LOL!

So, now for my confession: I'm a die-hard Spangel! I couldn't help but think Spangel thoughts when you mentioned "having Angelus get him in similar grips" when Spike gets grabbed from behind and almost bit!!!

2 things I was concerned about:?? "Fred's soul game"? Not sure what that is, am I supposed to? [Producer's Note: More is mentioned about Fred in the next Ep., in terms of how her soul was "supposedly" obliterated when she was transformed into Illyria.] And I'm kinda concerned at HOW MUCH Xander is comparing Mena to Buffy, and taking comfort in her. (I know I shouldn't be worried, but it kinda worries me 'cause it reminds me of his early relationship with Buffy.) [Producer's Note: Don't worry. We're not going there.]

And Last -- I guess I asked for it (continuous antagonism from Xander)!!! But, the AR??? All I can say is that STUPID is an understatement for Mr. Harris!!! How Dare You???

As always, Thanks for keeping Spike Alive!!!!
Your Faithful Reader

Farah

So, I was touched that you remembered the days counted when Buffy was dead. That hit me soo hard in "Afterlife". I don't know how she didn't just fall for him then and there! And speaking of falling down, that pic of Spike smiling (while on the phone), I'll just say, SWOOOON! Does 'Samahani' mean 'oh, god!'? That's just what it sounded like.

Okay, bringing in the 'new blood' was great! I have always had a soft spot in my head for the WR&H guys!!! This was a great move! (BTW, do you know of anyone who's written fic, or a book even, about the WR&H? Hope it's not rude to ask.) Still happy anytime the ciggi's are mentioned; I know it's bad on me, but I find it adorable on Spike.

OZ, the great and powerful, was written with the amazing, sardonic humour and quick, yet succinct, wit I've always liked about him --
Bravo! Wasn't too impressed with the firm "Wilde & Williams" name, but I do like the idea of them and hope they branch out and become a good antithesis for WR&H.

Brought on a lot of nice visuals to ep's past ("Gone", "Crush", "Destiny"), and they were 'fond memories' for me as well as for Spike -- it's nice to identify with him on it! I also like that Spike finds his present state, while not boring in the least, more of a hardship. Alluding to his 'soulless'/'conscience'-free days as carefree, seemed to bring depth to his current situation. Oh, also on the pics -- the one in the alley with Spike against the werewolf was a great shot of his jacket, which I've been dying to get a good look at, and I think it
suits him well. (It does remind me a bit of Angel's.) I felt very sorry for Mena and her continuing Ghost phobia! It seems like every Slayer has her Achilles heel though. I like how often she is described exactly how I would have described early Buffy; I really liked her!

How Spike handled the free will issue was very interesting to me. I never thought it was addressed much, and I'm glad he's guarded about it, to a certain extent. As far as the brain chip vs the werewolf
implants: made me think that I was right to consider The Initiative as bad as WR&H. And maybe run by the Senior Partners? lol, sort of! Aside - I can't remember the sci-fi reference you made to 'So long, and thanks for all the fish'. [Producer's note: That's from The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.] It does sound familiar, but I simply can't place it!!! Arrghh!

I have to say BE STILL MY BEATING HEART when you mentioned Spike missing his duster, and will he ever see it again!?!

Overall, I'd say the werewolves were done very well; I'm just to much of a gore fan to be at all objective about the fighting though. And I'm VERY suspicious of Kennedy's disease/death -- sounds like
someone isn't sharing what's really going on (I'm not pointing to Buffy here)!

Of course, I do have a beef about something; always do! With Xander becoming more and more accepting of Spike (which is not a bad thing; I like it just fine), it seems that there's no antagonist to him. Now, with Faith and Robin entering, that could change. Afterall, no matter how much I love Spike (good, bad, you name it), not everyone can get along with him, right? Anyway, I'm trying to be open-minded about Faith and Robin. Really don't care much for them. But all things aside, I have to warn you -- If you bring in Riley, without a slow, painful death, I might be forced to hunt you down! The lot of you!! (And I'll think up a funny torture if it comes to it!)

All kidding aside, Thank you all for keeping SPIKE alive!

Your Faithful reader,
Lizz

I'm looking forward to Faith and Robin. I like them together, and I
am anxious to see how Spike and Robin react to each other.

Thanks again for the great illustrations and terrific chapter. I really like this.

P.S. I like the hints of Spuffy. It keeps me going!

And last but not --- I want to thank you gals who did such beautiful
work on the pictures. So far, they are stunning! Keep up the good work, as I look forward to your future work. I know all of it is very hard work, and this is one reader who wants you to know how much I appreciate all of you!

Will look forward to March 15 for yet more of the continuing saga. Yay, team!

Hello
I really enjoyed this episode. I think that it has been my favorite so
far. What I like includes: Buffy's growing closeness to Spike, Spike's friendship with Andrew, Xander's growing awareness that Spike can be a good guy and Mena's equal treatment of both men. Especially liked Spike's comment to Mena for her to listen to her Watcher. It shocked Xander and gave him a new view of Spike. It was good seeing Oz again, and, okay, my Kennedy-hatred is talking here, but I am glad she is gone.

Liked that there was more action and the fight scenes were good. Only thing that still bothers me (and this is little, I assure you) is that Spike still seems a bit too introspective. I know that he has been through a drama, and he is learning his way, but sometimes, I feel like
Cordelia - "spank your inner moffet and get over it." I also know that he isn't letting Xander or Mena see his inner "demons". I guess I just
want his inner "demons" to go away. I guess it will just take time. That being said, it's your story, and I am just along for the ride and am enjoying the whole thing.

The visuals were wonderful again. Kudos to the people doing them. It gives me an inner vision of what is going on, and it helps to see it in
my mind's eye. (Point: Warn a person when you have a picture of nakkid Spike; I nearly choked on my diet coke ;^}}} )
Any chance of there being just a sheer comedy like Smile Time?
Looking forward to next episode.

Wouldn't mind to read more of those feelings of his. Also, when Mena told Spike and Xander she loves them, I felt my throat tighten along with Spike. Can I tell you how much I want to thank you all for the things that you gave us that mean ol' Joss didn't? Like the Spike/Xander interaction (something that we should've had a LOT more of!) and soon to be friendship… not to mention your Dawn/Spike talk that SO should've happened in S7. Andrew calling Spike is SO cute and funny! Uhhh, that's all I can think of now as I try to jam it all into this feedback… there is so much more I liked, but I'm still drawing a blank. All I can think of is more Spike/Xander/Mena scenes! Guess it'll have to wait until the next episode….Oh! Faith/Wood/Spike clash…Just Like Old Times…can't wait to find out what that means… does it refer to the Hellmouth revisit/ the gang (need to get a name for the new gang btw! Mini-Scoobs? That's gonna piss Spike off LOL) Stopping another end of the world? Or something else?… Can't wait!!

The Mission Mission Part II - Many "aww" moments! Especially bringing Clem in!!! Loved the play on Spike's nom-deplume! (and thanks for keeping William, always loved that name for him). You all had good insight to how Vampires differ due to how they were previous to 'being made'! Didn't completely sell me on the "Gilroid" vamps and all; guess that's the Watcher in me! I also love how everyone kept saying to Spike "I thought you were dead" -- reminded me of Snake Pliskin in "Escape From New York"! I totally LMAO when you call the council COW!!! The pics are great. Is Mena based on someone real? And, does someone on the team actually know Swahili? It's impressive! I like how you started redeeming Xander; many Spike fans tend to dislike him greatly due to his treatment of Spike in Seasons 6 & 7! AND, while I'm still baffled as to why Vamps have a problem with garlic, I like your use of an 'Allergic' explanation. Oh, and lastly, GREAT ON THE CLOTHES: colours are beautiful on JM, the blue silk robe (ahh!), Doc Martens (you rock!)!

Visitations -- Xander comparing himself to Giles was priceless! Your
descriptions of Nevada, and passing Las Vegas at night was DEAD ON! I love that you put a connection between Illyria in there! Spike's
literal "soul searching" was both gut-wrenching and beautiful. "The Powers That 'Bugger'" was sooo cute! And, "Hunting is not a sin.
It just depends on what you're hunting" was beautiful! The caves --glad he needed his ciggies! "...good man" line said by Fred! (tears)
Sweet that Angel would think that Spike "always knew where you stand".

Dru -- better left unsaid, I love her! And you did her justice!
LORNE: Solitas (one word -- oh, yeah!). You kept the pastries nicknames (what would he be w/o them?). He was so sad, but he did great dealing with those W&H boys! Liked the way Xander and Mena were treated ("any friend of Spike's" -- very funny! I don't like "Good Charlotte", but those lyrics were well chosen! AND James, er, Spike's voice DOES curl your toes!!!
MOST OF ALL! Since I've been reading, I've picked up on something! Spike's reflection (no pun intended) on the changes in a town he used to know, "Guess nothing ever stays the same", is what I've learned to accept in these Stories, i.e. Spike!

I'm enjoying the Xander/ Spike friendship you're developing. The bragging was kind of cute! And Spike and Mena have an interesting dynamic. Little like Spike and Dawn, but not quite. Looking forward to seeing where you take this! It's going to seem like a long, long time until the 22nd!

I like the banter between Spike and Xander. Mena is charming. I love her teaching Spike Swahili. Interesting....the way you've brought back the other characters. Is Dru a good guy now?

At the end of the episode where the trio is leaving the B&B and Ms.
McKennon wishes they would take payment, I couldn't help having a
flashback to "Who was that masked man, grandpa?" or...."Into the BatCar, Robin...we're off." Or on the naughtier side, from the musical Camelot, the song "Fie on Goodness":

When I think of the rollicking pleasures
That earlier filled my life
Lolly-lo, lolly-lo
Like the time I beheaded a man
Who was beating his naked wife
Lolly-lo, lolly lo!
I can still hear his widow say
Never moving from where she lay:
"Tell me, what can I do, I beg, sir, of you,
Your kindness to repay?"...

Spike might have liked that better than an offer for a room?

Loved it, loved it, loved it. The vision quest was capital (loved how Angel has to now look after him - a real guardian Angel). Great that Fred could come and talk to him. Not to forget Lorne's great line "Any friend of Spike is a friend of mine." Liked the demon they had to fight and how Xander and Spike had to work together to do it. Pictures were outstanding (especially the one with Spike and the
eagles.)
Going back to re-read it.
Soul Survivor has made Tuesdays my favorite day again.

As always, loved it. Dru is one of my favs so her cameo and implied upcoming visit are a treat. Lorne was great too. Been thinking about Not Fade Away alot and Lorne's part in it. Feel so rotten for him, especially since I agreed with Lindsey that Angel was the one to kill him. But I digress. And since can't review without giving in my one nitpick, I'll get it over with. Much as I love her, Fred shouldn't have been able to make her cameo. In Shells, Illyria told Wes that her spirit or soul - for lack of better word - was eaten in the fire that gave rise to Illyria (or something to that effect). Wes then told Angel there was no possible way to resurrect Fred because there was nothing to resurrect, even if they could find a way to get Illyria out of her body.

That said, the story is still the marshmallows in the hot chocolate that is my life. Especially since I've recently learned that my Joss-fix has to wait until September to be scratched. Keep up the great work and I impatiently await the next installment - nice that you give us the release date, however. Keeps me from going too nuts wondering if it will ever be updated.

Just another quick note to say how much I'm enjoying your series, and I'm not usually that much of a fanfic fan. I was a bit disappointed not to see more of Mena in this story, but it was such a pleasure to see Lorne, Angel, Fred, and Dru (very clever how you got them all in) that I got over it. I hope that we will see Lorne again. He doesn't want to be a hero, but somehow he always gets roped into it. I really enjoyed the illustrations a lot this time. I liked the painterly quality of them.

•Home
•Never Give Up - Pt 1
•Never Give Up - Pt 2
•The Mission Mission
   Part 1
   Part 2
•Visitations
•Against Your Will
•Just Like Old Times
•The Big Ten
•You Can't Always Get What You Want
•The Meanness of the World - Rated R for language and violence
•Split Decision
 •Gypsies, Vamps & Thieves
   Part 1
   Part 2
•Hearts of Darkness
   Part 1
   Part 2
•Holiday images

UPCOMING EPISODES:
•Hoodoo You Love?
•The Offering
•To Dream Again - An Epilogue