Damn girl! You are the best story writer I've read so far. So lovely to read a story where Xander's not a dickhead and he and Anya are in love for once! Do you write your ideas on a notepad or on Word first with a beginning a middle and an end? Brilliant imagination. I hope you are still writing and with actual books that could be published. I believe you are good enough. Never mind this Mr Grey," you can't beat Spuffy!!!

really interesting idea, making the humans the baddies! Love to see buffy & spike happy together. Also lovely writing, your stories are a pleasure to read

Hi,

Because I am crap, this is the first time I've reviewed this story, despite being the second time I've read it. Given that it is 86 chapters long, it is clearly an amazing story (normally I don't even read an 86 chapter long story once!) So, very good story - thanks for sharing it.

Extra credit must go to you for the line about only carrying 11 guns when you've beaten up 11 armed men! Really is a hilarious bit - dialogue is so often a story's failing with many authors, but your's is spot on!

Awesome fic
the awful things that happened to Spike and the other Vampire slaves
Glad rile got what he deserved in the end and everything worked out oaky

okay, can i just say, this has to be *the* best spuffy fic i've ever read, and that's saying a lot. It's not too often you come across a fic that just draws you in like this one... i usually go for the smuttiest stuff with a good amount of background story, but this just transcends what a good AU fic needs to be. Loved it.Simple as that.

Great story! Totally love how Riley finally got a taste of his own medicine.

My god - that was amazing.

I'm completely humbled that such a talented author as yourself enjoys my random, barely-coherent ramblings!

This story was fantastic - so moving, so utterly heart-wrenching. The new Scoobie characters you introduced were instantly loved.

The way you explored the different characterisations of the original gang was magical. And the growing relationship between Buffy and Spike was simply beautiful!

I should have been asleep long ago, but this story just drew me in and kept me utterly captivated - and so, six hours later, I want to say thank you.

You're an amazing author.

It was one of my favorite fanfic of all time!!! I loved it!!!!!!! Sequel please!!!!!!

LOVED THIS STORY!!! SEQUEL PLEASE!!!

Superb piece of work. Heartiest thanks.

Thanks for a truly wonderful story--enjoyed every bit of it!

Awwww....I loved it. The wrap up was very nice. You explained well without exposition, andcame full circle with Dawn coming in at the end. I couldn't think of a better ending to a wonderful fic!

Awww, wow! I am in awe, great fic, start to finish.

Ok - that was just great. You had me going there for a minute, but wow - wonderfully realized story, great ending. :)

What a wonderful and moving tale. I was glued to the edge of my seat through the entire thing and it's hard to keep me interested in a story. Love how you ended it two months later with everyone together and happy. Although now I need to watch some good Riley on Buffy just to get the bad one out of my system. But I love how they are together and forever. A sequel would be good. Thanks for a wonderful story:)

Great story. I am sorry to see it end. There is nothing like a happy ending.

Great Story!
Was checking the site like every day for a new chapter...very addictive :P

JJ

Loved how you unfolded the last chapter with Dawn's ignorance to the past few months. I've loved this story from beginning to end and would love to see a sequel. Thank you for your wonderful words.

Wow finshed. What an epic. Create work my dear

Good job! Looking foreward to what you have for us all next.

That was one of the beststories I have read! I would love to see a sequal that has to do with the reintegration of the vampires. You know that there is know way they would all take it smoothly. I am so sad to see this end, but at the same time, it was a good ending, at the right place. Can't wait to see if you continue or not!

Fantastic Story. Loved every word of it. Thankyou for writing it. I am looking forward to a sequel. There are so many questions un answered with sevearl things. Please start the sequeals soon. Can't wait

I have really enjoyed this story. It was really fun reading about the insecure Buffy and see how she blossomed with Spike`s love. Brilliant story you have here:)

awww i completely forgot that dawn hadnt been around :P Great way to end it!! would LOVE a sequel!!

::hug;: Thank you for this sotry. It's been wonderful to watch it unfold. You did a marvelous job, both with the characters and the world, and I thank you.

So, what're you starting next? ::grin::

Thanks for a good story. I just realized that there are 86 chapters.....Wow!! I really need to say thank you for your devotion to the story and for the constant updates. Hugs.

Thanks for a good story. I just realized that there are 86 chapters.....Wow!! I really need to say thank you for your devotion to the story and for the constant updates. Hugs.

Thanks for a great story, JL.

well i don't know what to say it was wonderful thanks it been great to read i like the fact that riley died i really don't like him and well spike got his girl forever please write a sequel soon perhaps we could find where angel was

Wonderful ending!  I thought it was so cool, the way you used Dawn's Christmas break as a way to pan over the characters and where they are in life now, through another's eyes.  I have really enjoyed reading this fic, from start to finish.  Thanks for putting it out there, for us.

Sniff sniff. wahhhhhhhhh - that was so good but I can't believe it is over. Whimpers - great update!

Ah dear Jessi this was a work of wonder all tied up nicely in the end! You did a superb job in answering the challenge and gifting us with a lovely story of growth, love and change while giving us a few things to think about along the way. So beautifully done. You are a gifted storyteller and rise to the challenge of making entertaining and new plots all while keeping true to the characters. Bravo! ...:::throws roses at your feet:::...

Thanks for the lovely ride.
Kathleen

sweet, tender epilogue. fantastic tale. thank you for a wonderful read. (please work on your projects. as i tell stephanie: write, stop reading and reviewing)

He's really back!

lovely read. flows nicely from the mating, in the previous chapter. very enjoyable read, thanks

that was great more soon please!!!!!!IS THAT JUST TO MUCH BEGGING IT MUST BE CAUSE IT AFTER MIDNIGHT IN LONDON AN I CAN'T WAIT FOR THE UP DATE so more soon please!!!!

This was great, I like it that Spike has a bit of his playful side back, thanks for another great chappie!

Yes! he is "beautiful" and she's one lucky girl. Thank you for updating so quickly.

That was a very good chapter (Iknow, not very original). I know this story is coming to an end, and it is so sad!!

Wonderful chapter.  The game they were playing against each other was so very *them* and yet, you still managed to make it a romantic moment.  Loved it.

ahhhh how nice! Liked the update!

almost angelic face You may be going to far here, JL. Loved the chapter.

Yeah, that mark is more than just a badge...and she's going to learn all about it. Hee hee heee

lol awww :)

Wow - that was powerful!

very nicely done. that has to be the most tender mating scene i have ever read. thanks for the great read.

Ahhh, sweet! I am so glad for them!

I am glad they finally got to claim each other!

Powerful stuff.  Wonderful.

Beautiful, heartfelt chapter. Update soon so that we can see Riley get his!!!

Absolutely beautiful chapter... have loved EVERY word of your story and am really sorry to see it end.

aww thats so sweet.. i was nearly crying when she was proclaiming her love for him :)

Great chapters. I am glad that they are now mated. Soon to be happy endings for all.

WHEW! Hottest bite award goes to........!

This was really a wonderful loving chapter with healing wounds as well as committment. LOVE THIS!

Kathleen

god it was lovely but now its gonna end soon i might just cry forever

::happy sigh:: That was a beautiful, warm chapter. Nice catharsis for the pain of the events in the Initiative labs.

Are you kidding? With all that build up, do you think we'd stop reading *now?* LOL. Great chapter!

lovely - but only one more - please please let me see the aftrmath of the revelations - I want to know what happens with society and the laws *hugs*

Lovely chapter, sad this fic is coming to and end but it has been a good journey.

damn it spike quit being so dense. great read, great updatr. thanks.

Well its about friekin' time!! Great chapter!

Wonderful, thanks for the great chappie!

YES!YES!YES! Ooooh Spuffy goodness. Love it when there's a claim. More soon Please!!!

wow jut wonderful - i need more - more please!

awww... so cute

Aww, touchingly sweet.  Loved the playful antics.

Awww that's sweet. I'll be waiting for the next chapter! (Now...if you could get the Buffy from this tale to talk to the one from "BB," we'd be in busines!;-))

Yay! ::sigh:: mating claims always make me happy. Or is that, give me a happy? ::confused::

Bite her! You're such a tease, JL. This girl needs to be bit really bad. Loved it.

excellent update. i always thought riley was evil, but what he caused to happen, is way beyond evil. thanks for the great read

Wow! another great chapter. How sad to think of the life that Savannha has in front of her and what they could have possibly done to her, very distrubing but glad to hear that Riley will get wants coming to him.

Wow absolutly wonderful update - I love this story. I am so glad the governor is on thier side. What a great alley - wish he could get some punches into Finn!

This is a gruesome twist with the little girl. We need a magic cure, JL.

Very good chapter. A lot of good information, and a lot of emotion. I hope Riley gets his ass nailed to the wall!!

Such a sad story (and sadder still that less the vampire element such things happen). Touching update.

Can't wait to find out Buffy's plan.

I have completely enjoyed each chapter of this story and am so hoping it wins many awards.

Kathleen

riley was even more evil, than we all thought. excellent. thanks for the very fine read.

Wow a reminder that not all vampires all docile. they still have their demons and some are scum, just like some can be nice! great job

WOW! I was not expecting that! How horrifying!

JL - what a creepy twist. You're evil and I like it. Buffy's being awfully nice, too. How long can that last?

No wonder the Gov. was willing to listen to them. How very sad that a small child would be turned. Is she chipped as well? Can't wait to see what's happening in the next chapter. Nice twist.

Just discovered this gem. How did I not know this story existed? This beautiful and haunting story has completly captured me and I've been devouring every chapter for the past couple of days to catch up. I finally got to the latest update and I'm still wanting more. Please update soon so I can know if Buffy and Spike will get a happily ever after.

oh.. thats so sad.. i cant believe that..

An evil act.

oh dear

Poor baby girl! Trapped in a babies body yet growing older over eternity!!!! Yes it's no wonder the governor has it in for Riley (now that he knows why it likely happened)....just hope he doesn't hate all vamps because of it....like Spike!

Interesting twist I sure didn't see coming. Excellent update.

Kathleen

I was expecting it...but still...great job writing...

I liked this chapter - very uplifing and postive - no matter what happens they won!

Julian is such a sweet character, he's a nice addition to the Scoobies, as are the other two vamps. Julian and Tara, best of this chapter.

So sweet, I am glad hes ok! Wonderful update.

great scene with tara and julian. loved the tale. hate to see it wind down. thanks for the read.

Lovely! I do love Julian . Would love to see not just him but Mara and Aaron feature in soe sort of post Riley sequel. I really have taken to these three vamps.

Nice interlude after all the trauma.

Kathleen

That was a very interesting chapter. Seeing how everyone was dealing with not having to be in hiding anymore, and getting some much needed relaxation. I can't help but have this little niggling feeling that things are not all that they appear to be. I keep waiting to find out that things are going to blow up again, you know? Like maybe the governor and Riley were in on the whole thing together, and he is just trying to get all the info he can and then try to hurt Buffy and Spike. If this is not the case, then think about how well you wrote this story, to have people questioning the happiness in the story!

awww... thats a nice little scene there.. :)

I like this story so far - the governor seems to be an okay guy so far - can't wait to find out what happens next@

Nice to know the Gov. is at least listening to them. Wondering what he has to show them? Fine writing.

Uh oh...  Is it a trick?  Or is he gonna show them something that doesn't equal badness for them?  Eek!

Great update!

Very good chapter. I was suprised at the compassion that he had shown. I hope it continues!

A nice governor - who'da thunk it! Time for Spike to start to believe.

OMG what what what!! tell me!! i wanna see *jumps up and down*

great update. you are very convincingly making the chained and beaten riley acceptable to the authority that matters. thanks for the very good read.

Mrs. Buffy Finn. I don't like that name. Makes my skin crawl. Ewww. Hope your going to get Spike back to his old obnoxious self soon.

Oooo... what's behind Door Number One?

Yay Arnie (oops......generic governor *G*). Lovely update. YES!!!! Any decent human would understand the NEED for a bit of revenge. After all courts allow punative damages (even if it is usually financial or more jail time the title itself means to punish!).

Kathleen
still having problems replying to mails and to reviews.....thank you for your kind words though! It always means more when the person giving a thumbs up on your story is an author you admire and respect.

Love the way Buffy distracted Spike. Good chapter.

Buffy has come a long way, hasn't she? Nice job.

very good read. glad to see spike have is priorities back where they should be. fun read, thanks

Ahhhhh,I feel some of my stress leaving, thanks for the update.

Nervous as Spike here! Looking forward to the next update.

The population sure need to be reconditioned to understand vampires DO count and need proper treatment. Being invisible, not just in a mirror, is hell.

Kathleen

slightly careless shrug - That was ice cold, JL. What are you up to?

I want a vampire of my own!

Crossing my fingners here!!

wow - cant wait to see the reactions to the chip and to everything else that will happen - intriguing and very intersting story!

hmm.. great update!!

Good for Tara, asking about Spike, instead of just following the soldiers, first.  Also, loved Giles in defense mode.  Good chapter.

Crafty littls devil the Slayer's become...

And size 6? I'd put her at no more than 4. Which would make you hate her even more, huh? LOL

yes! way to go Buffy. Maybe now the healing can really begin for everyone! except Riley. of course.

I really enjoyed the calvary and Buffy wouldn't let them blame Spike!

I hope he can be trusted. I think Spike has every reason to be wary about everyone they come into contact with.

What happened to Mr. Finn - He fell down the stairs, of course (Chicago Police Dept. style).

Size Six! I hate her.

What next? Doesn't Buffster need to get to chasing down those lose demons?

excellent update. she might get away with it. but "There is one more thing...." that is evil. thanks for the fun read.

Do tell...wonder what last thing she has in mind? I don't blame Spike one bit for being on guard. Speaking of guards, nice this soldier is of the decent sort.

Excellent update (hope Arnie isn't the governor or there might be a male pissing contest with Spike *G*)

Kathleen

Excellent development - may we hope there's a light at the end of the tunnel at last?

Say somethign confidently enough and most people will believe you...

ack!! evil cliffies... tell me tell me i wanna know!!!!

Oh no! how are they going to explain chained, unconscious and beaten Riley? but then again Buffy has gotten out of tighter situations before, hasn't she? Poor Spike, thank you for Buffy's kind and gentle way with him. He's still so broken.

very good update. loved it, thanks. looking forward to how they justify the chained, bloody riley.

That feels so much better. I like Riley as the Bloody Pulp Guy.

Wonderful chappie! Thank you for the update!

Oops, wish they had unchained the Finn first....makes him look too much the victim this way! I trust you'll make it all work out right though.

Loved Buffy accepting all of Spike. She really should have on the show too. After all the demon had to have agreed at least to the soul getting (and that was like suicide) just to protect her!

Lovely stuff here.

Kathleen

Oh, I hope they understand what Spike did to Riley. I don't think they will. Great chapter!

Something tells me it would have been good to have Riley out of the chains before the governor's men arrived. Maybe they can claim that the fight was in self-defense and they after he was unconscious they chained him up to make their escape?

yippee - the cavalary has arrived! Does happy dance - can't wait to see how this gets wrappde up! *does happy dance*

Isn't it great when the cavalry arrive like that!! Here's hoping the politicians do their job properly!

oh no.. what if they see that they are not bound and gagged and beaten???

Ooooh, thank you for making him beg. This is another raw, gut wrenching chapter. I almost lost it myself when I realized what that instrument was for, and what it had taken away from someone like Spike. Very gripping chapter. Thank you.

All I can say, is POWERFUL! Very good.

awesome chapter - - love huting riley - he so deserves it!

Hope he cries like a baby.

excellent update. shame spike can only play with riley for such a short time. thaks for the wonderful read.

hehe.. yay spike for biting him but.. eww with the torture thing.. :S

Aww, poor Riley...  NOT!  Lovin' me some Riley beggage, here!  Yay!  *Happy dance of joy*

Yippy.....a begging Riley! I couldn't be happier. I am glad Spike is getting to at least make him feel some of the pain he was put though. Kudos on a great chappie as always.

And finally Riley gets his just desserts. I know it wasn't supposed to be a funny chapter, but damn Riley begging Spike for anything makes me wanna laugh. He needs to grovel mercilessly at Spikes' feet for hours on end. Spike getting his stones back, and I'm loving every second of it.
Great stuff. I love this story. More please.

Oh yes.....catharsis for the reader *G* AND Spike! The horrifying picture you give (delicately BTW....deftly done!) of Spike's tortured past was chilling. Riley deserves whatever he gets but the bigger picture is the best....an end to this system. You know the saddest part of this story is the plausibility of it all. If the world DID have vampires that could be chipped there would be exploitation like this and a total disregard of them as sentient beings. Scary monsters we humans!

Kathleen

Yes! Spike, arrange that very soon. Pleeease. Need to see Riley gets "some" of what he deserves. Another great chappie.

“Mine! You’re all mine," BITE HER! BITE HER RIGHT NOW!!!!.

Sorry, got a little excited. Interesting that you consider Spike's "natural" face his vampire face and not his human face. Hmm..

nice update! I can't wait to see what happens!

Oh, it's just *too* cruel!  Hehehe Oh, I love it!  Great chapter!

Bring on the punishment - Riley needs to suffer.

Riley torture, torture of Riley*dreamy look*

excellent LOL

very dood update. i am always screaming for riley ass kicking, but this was delicious. physical pain will still be well received. thanks for the fun read.

Get'um Spike! ***Happy Dance*** I want Riley to cry some more that was soooo amusing. Great chappie, as always!

Oh Hell, drop Riley in the nearest landfill. You're too cruel JL, depriving this bum of the ass kicking he deserves.

Oh yeah...payback of the yummy kind. Take that RIley Finn. Can't wait to see what plan Buffy has come up with. Should be a gem.

Excellent update as always.

Kathleen

Oh yeah! Finally some payback. Goody! goody!! Another great chapter.

Riley begging Spike - that is Evil! and Giles, you big hypocrite saying you don't mind if Buffy offs Riley. Not exactly clinging desparately to the moral stance here are we? On the other hand, if you don't kill Riley, how to make sure he doesn't start up again?

goof update sweetie I can;t wait to see how they get up and to know riley is going to be punished

I hope Riley looses his dangly bits at some point, that make me happy....LOL

Ohhhh...Buffy's tapping into her inner Spike. Pass the popcorn. I don't wanna miss a moment.

Very good chapter! I really liked how Buffy agreed that the only reason Riley wasn't dead was because of the "evil, souless vampire". That was the highlight of the story for me!

Start begging Riley. It won't do any good but it'll add to the fun.

hehe *rubs hands together evily* cant wait to read about the show.. :)

Pain and humiliation please.

Retribution is a beautiful thing! I am very excited to see how this all plays out...
I anxiously await your next update. Also, thank you for the response.

::throws back her head and laughs::

Perhaps I should be concerned at the depth of my vindictive streak I'm discovering. ::grin:: Nah.

And now we have the real fun....

love the update. possibly riley is starting to realize how deep in it he is. great read, thanks

Love...Love...Love...this story. So emotionally raw and yet so tender and beautiful.

Hehehehe!  I'm so looking forward to seeing what happens next.  *sing-songs* Riley's gonna geeet it!

Of course Spike would think it through - nicely done.

::evil laugh::

He wouldn’t get away with having the senator killed – or attempting to kill me, or the others - Sure he would! This is America - guilty as hell and free as a bird. Tough up Buffy and squash this worm. Please.

Good for Spike! Having the insight to know that she would feel guilty in the end if she let him kill Riley. I for one still want to see him die, but I will settle for some major suffering instead. Do I sense that this story may be starting to wind down?

giggles - chatting is so nicwe

He, he. Yes they´re going to have a nice little chat... Great chapter. Please update soon.

*evil laugh* All the best Riley!

awww.. great chapters!!!!

fine update. well thought out, spike. please don't cut this hour short. thanks for the fun read.

Yes!!! Spike is amazing as is this story. So happy for Julian

die riley die - die riley did - sorry head hurts and that is the mose I can come up with - lovedf it though!

"crack" lovely sound. very good update. may we have more, please. thanks for the fine read.

Finally. Great chapter. A wonderful turn of events.

*Cheers* been left behind n this one and now I'm all caught up and thongs are looking up, and Spikes got his rocks back. *cheers more*

Hee hee hee.

awww poor Riley*rolls eyes*. A toast to Riley's upcomming brutal death*cheers*

Rileys gonna get it! Rileys gonna get it!!

Yeeehaw -- time for a serious reckoning at last!

This is the best story to come down the line in a long time. I love everything about it. I'll admit I've been a little lax about reviewing during the intense depressing chapters. I enjoyed them but they totally stressed me out. I couldn't let this chapter go without giving you major kudos and a big "YAY!" I can't wait for Spike to kick Riley's ass. I wouldn't mind a little killage either. Great job and I can't wait for more. Thanks for writing.

Actually....if Spike were to turn Riley and make HIM a non citizen available for torture/abuse/slavery/stakage....hum.......sounds fitting since it's what Riley wanted done to Buffy.

K

Woo hoo.....yeah for payback. Of course a part of me hopes that Spike won't kill Riley because here are idiots that would never see that as justified. I also hope that the camera feed has been playing on PCs and TVs everywhere even if Willow and Co. missed the show.

Yeah...Julian will make it!!!! Wonder what Mara will do when she figures out her chip isn't working now. I know she won't hurt the group but my guess is she has a list (don't blame her a bit either).


This is a great addition to a wonderful story. Well done indeed.

Kathleen

Oh please oh please oh please make him pay dearly!!!

Great chapter and SOOOO glad Julian is getting better.

Excellent!! I love forceful Spike. Can't wait to see more. Hope Riley doesn't cry the whole time.

*Turns head after winking at Spike, grinning* Spike, If they ask me, I didn't see a thing. "What lifless husk, Officer? I don't see anyhing." I'll just let you have some alone time with Captain Cardboard. Buffy and I'll be over here...gotta get a good view!

Yes! bone crushing, savage, wrenching pain and pitiful moans of agony. Just what we've been waiting for. More more more

:lash

oooooo

Beat him up Spike... kick Riley's whitebread arse... *GRIN* then turn him over to the vamps in the holding cells for a lil... *SNICKER* anal abuse

Riley's gonna die....Riley's gonna die.....

Oh! Or will Spike leave him alive, but in such wretched shape, that's he's in agony for the rest of his existence. I'm thinking of the threat to Humperdink of punishment in "The Princess Bride"...

And now Julian needs lots of blood and rest.

This is a great story and the visual's that you create are awesome. Love how Spike's true strengh is in the love that he has for Buffy. Really great chapter.

I just love how Spike found the strength to stand up against Riley even with all the pain he’s in. The fear he was able to put into Riley just by being his wonderfully obstinate self. And then the end :D

Go Spike! Go jl1980!

excellent chapter. spike's determination was powerfully shown. and the next chapter should be even more enjoyable. thanks for the great read.

WHOOOHOOOO! OMG! If I didn't need to be sitting to read the computer screen, I would have been on my feet screaming for Spike! GREAT chapter! I loved Spike's words to Riley, they were perfect!

Finally a great turn of events. I am glad that you showed Spike's strength of character while he was still chipped. I think it is good for Buffy to see how Spike truly is. Great chapter.

Does happy dance - die riley die - die riley die! *giggles with pleasure*

wow, that was amazing...

Ha! Not a minute too soon!

im confused.. is the chip not working or is spike just being really brave or whatever.. ??

SQUEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!

Woo Hoo!

Yay Spike!

Now does he get to eat him?

Hell yeah! I can't wait for this!

WOO HOO! Hot damn, Riley's fixin' to get his!!!

What a powerful scene to play out and you did it so well

Buffy - buy a watch! Great chap JL

Throughout this (excellent) update I kept hoping that Buffy's camera was capturing it all and that it was going out on the airwaves as it was happening.

Yeah Spike! Yeah chips being down! Yeah Riley whompage.

Kathleen

cruel you are, so very cruel...

I've had a hard time reading these past few chapters, very intense. But so very good.

To say I can't wait for the next chapter... ;)

Riley's 'request' made my stomach turn, but I love how Spike already decided what his course of action would be.

I did it... I FINALLY caught up!!!
Hmmm... I'm sure Riley must be running out of time by now... I can't wait for the chips to go down!! *rubs hands in gleeful anticipation*

Riley really must die. He is so demented. Isn't the two hours up yet?

JL - ARE YOU EVIL!

great update. chances are riley has just made his own fate much more painful. fantastic read, thanks

I see he's finally lost his marbles then!

I am so on the edge of my seat, I could just scream! Fantastic...more please!

Didn't he say he'd *dust* before he'd hurt her? Even though I don't like the idea, I agree with Spike. "There's no bloody way!"

ahhhh please kill riley soon - or tell me they all have this on tape!

Riley's lost it. Spike is never gonna do that and the moment the remote's out of his hand he's dead!

OMG! That is one disturbed individual!

I can't wait to see riley go down - he deseves so much pain and torture... Great sory so far

I am in awe of both Buffy and Spike and the different types of strength they both showed. Spike in deciding to not allow Riley to steal from him the dignity that Buffy helped him require, and Buffy in trying to control her reaction to Riley to keep him from hurting Spike. I’m not going to mention how sick I think Riley is or how much I want him to pay, because I’ve gone on it enough and you have already said that he would pay. :)

excellent update. if i was an objective reader,by this point i would have found riley to be a contempuous figure. sadly, i am biased. i never could stand him. mostly for the reasons that you wonderful writing is making obvious. thanks for the fine read

I have just finished reading what you have written so far (up to chapter 68) and I have to say that I have been completely engrossed in this story from the beginning. The premise of the story was enough to intrigue me, but the execution of the work itself is awe inspiring. The dialog, the inner struggle of the characters along with the conflicting & complex emotions that you manage to capture has made this story impossible to put down. Dealing with very real historical and current themes of what is essentially a story of enslavement based on race/species, is a very difficult thing to do, yet you manage to capture what I can only imagine are the very real feelings that allowed such atrocities to persist in our own various histories no matter where we live in the world. I think you have done a splendid job of trying to capture the many different sides of the issue and I am most impressed by the very real internalized self deprication that haunts the mentalities of the enslaved vampires in the story. You are a wonderful writer! I found it difficult to read at times and that to me demonstrated how well you are able to invoke the feelings of myself as a reader.This story is magnificent! Thank you so much for sharing. I look forward to reading more soon...
If you ever need a beta, I am listed in the beta section & I would be happy to help.

Good chapter...you build the suspense very nicely. Here's hoping that the computer did its work and Spike's chip won't fire the next time Riley presses the button.

I want to thank you so much for updating as often as you do. It's obvious that you care about the characters, the story and your readers. Thank you again.

He is definatlely one sick bastard! The chips should be going down soon, unless, Riley figured out what they had done and shut off the stop command. Great chapter, and I can't wait for more!

I hpoe the chips stop working soon and Spike KILLS Riley! No scratch that I hope he TORTURES Riley and then BRUTALLY kills him. But since he is Spike and not Riley he'll probably not do anything sadastic.

I was really into this story at first, but now it seems like you are just getting into gratuitous cruelty and it's lost a bit of its attraction. The whole B/S get caught get away get caught get away get caught circle and the repeated use of the remote control of the chips is getting stale.

Poor Spike. Yuck, Riley. Are you sure Buffy can't kick his head in?

Hasn't two hours gone by yet. Riley must be destroyed. I do think that death is to good for him.

Oh let those chips be turned off soon! Spike at least knows that's in the works.

I find myself as concerned for Julian as for Spike. Riley MUST be killed slowly. I vote Spike drain him when the chips go down. He needs the healing blood and it's not all too quick.

Excellent as always.

Kathleen

What a monster! You've done a great job with him.

Oh, goodness....

Oh, I so can't wait for Buffy to kick Riley's ass. She *is* going to, right?

I'm still on the edge of my seat for this one. Cannot wait to find out what happens.

No, no, no! I can't believe that Riley got them, Buffy was right it was stupid of them to loose track of things while still in danger. I liked Anya’s reaction to finding out that her husband was asleep, it was quite cute.

i love this!! its excellent!! i cant wait to see how it all ends.

Spike you're really gonna have to bite that little slut. She's begging for it! Great chap JL

Spike you're really gonna have to bite that little slut. She's begging for it! Great chap JL

knew you wouldn't give them two hours. very good read, thank you.

You are unbelievably cruel. How can you leave the story like that.
Great chapter and I am looking forward to the next update and I hope they will get out of this mess.

GR8 CHAP.reaally love Anya. Hope Riley dies soon. when will the chips stop working? both Julian and Spike really need it.

That vile Riley needs a serious sorting out! And it can't come too soon!!

Arg! You can't end it like that! NOOOOOOOO! Need more, now! Please, please please! *G*

DAMN IT! I friekin' knew they shouldn't have gotten all hot and bothered! DAMN DAMN DAMN!!!

Oh no. oh no oh no oh no.
An hour and a half, an hour and a half...

ohnoohnoohnoohnoohno!! please no.. Riley is an asshole-th.. *grrrrrr's at riley*

Wow! Oh No! Poor Buffy and poor spike... I can't believe he has been captured by riley of all people... oh that chip needs to stop working and quick. i love the way you write riley - very realisticly for me. *smile*

Oh oh.....not good for Spike. However....with the knowledge that the chip will be inactive soon it may be even worse for Riley quite soon.

excellent update.

Kathleen
This SO deserved the award at FF!!

Nice update - like the natural born killrs line!

A tracking program in the chip, can they ever catch a break? I really hope that the chips stop working fast enough to save them.

Damn! I mean, wow! I just read this, from the beginning to the current chapter and I need more! This is a great story and your original characters are very endearing. Please update soon! I want some unchipped Spike!

Good chapter. I know that Spike and Buffy are in love but could they refrain from the smoochies until they are safe. When they get this way they are not paying attention to their surroundings. Please get them out of there I am begging you. You are driving me crazy.

I hope the underling is telling the truth!

Hope the chips are off before Riley gets there.

hehehe sneaky.. :P

How very *Natural Born Killers* of us! Tee-hee!  I really enjoyed this chapter.  Spike and Buffy's intimidation techniques were cool.  Also, again, poor Julian.  You are so good at putting the reader through several emotions in one chapter.  Looking forward to the next update.

really well written, you kept me on the edge of my seat :)

very good update, thanks. what a fine way to kill two hours, but i doubt that you will give them that much time. (i have heard that you are evil.) thanks for the read

I am glad that they want to get all lovey dovey here, but really? Is this the best time for sex?? I can see Riley finding them in the middle of it, and completely unprepared for his attack! Great chapter, and I really hope Julian had 2 more hours.

Ah, JL let Buffy kill somebody. She needs to bad.

I am so nervous, I really hope that Buffy's actions in the control room will work in time to save Julian. Riley, everything about him just makes me sick.

omg!! please dont be a couple of hours!? and omg poor julian.. he must feel so alone.. :( Great update! :D

Maybe Spike can test his chip on Riley's neck. Heh heh heh.

Nice! For some reason I got a flash of Jurrasic Park, when they are climbing out if the T-Rex pen, and the lights and buzzers are flashing cause it about to be turned back on. How far down on the list is Julian, you know? How much suffering will he endure? Will Riley figure it out before they are all off, and will he finally get what's coming to him??

very good read. very evil chapter ending. are you taking torture lessons? thanks for the read. and thanks for the torture, because that means there will be more!

::bites fingernails as she waits to see whether or not it's fast enough for Julian::

hurray for Buffy! and hurray for Jl1980! Spike's gonna be free! free! free!

You're tightening the screws!!!!

excellant chapter! I love the story and really am enjoying the interplay between Julian and the rest of the gang. can;t wait for the next chappie!

Hope the weasel is either lying (and in the world of IT he would be) or that Julian is top of the list!

Excellent story, I really love Giles' kids.

Kathleen

Ahhh,, now I remember why I usually want to wait a couple of chapters between I read your stories... It´s not because I don´t like them because I do, very much, but your cliffhangers usually give me stomachache, like now.!!!!I don´t want Julian to die a slow and terrible death!!!! and if they have to wait two hours for the chip to stop functioning then... he will suffer a lot. Not fair. I want to know what happens NOW!!!!! Arhg you must be laughing and evil laugh right now hmm. ;-))

Arg!  Suspense!!!!!

Love it...this story just keeps getting better and better ;)

Wow - I'm worried about Giles and everyone at the house, but this is GREAT for Spike and Buffy. I hope they can get the chip turned off and out safely.

Great story.

What a fabulous idea turning off all the chips, if they can do that not only could Spike then fight, but it could also save Julian.

Ohhhh kill em kill em kill all the evil people *cackles*

Yeah, Riley needs a chip.

Maybe the doc could give Riley a chip of his own.

OH YEAH BABY!! Shut tha chip off for good, and then plant one in Rileys head! I completely loved this chapter! You wrote it very well. I am very worried about Julian, and I hope that they get the chip shut off before he dusts!

great update. so many possibilities, some very blood. wonderful. love it, thanks

Well this is an interesting turn of events. It is hard to believe that Riley would be so careless as to leave such an important area unguarded. Good chapter.

Oh JL - just catching up and what a wonderful chapter and story you've got going. BRAVA!

No don't stop there! tell us more.Spike chip can be turned off but we'll have to wait for god knows how many chapter 4 that!gah... you're evil!

Oh, ust barerly in time. Hurry, Buffy!

Havoc awaits. To be set free among your abusers..stuff dreams are made of...Wonderful chapter

UPDATE.. hehe LOVE this story!!

Still loving this...the team of Buffy and Spike are amazing. I hope that Giles and the witches are able to come up with something that helps Julian.

Riley is truly far more sadistic then I even imagined. I knew he was evil but deliberately torturing someone to such a painful death, making it last for hours, is sickening. I really hope he gets even a portion of the pain he's caused other back.

Oh my goddess! Poor Poor Julian. I am so mad at riley I could throw him to starving vampires. *growls* great update sweetie!

JL - You've raised a lot of interesting questions about the whole chip thing. What was the Initiative chipping vampires for in the first place and why was Spike the only one we ever see. And, of course, the whole remote control issue.

And who says Aaron can be trusted????

Cliffie again... Can't I just wish for it to be Buffy calling from that control room she found? please?

Another amazing Giles Julian talk, impressing! Loved Giles' joke too *lol* very Giles-y :D

Great chap, looking forward to more

Oh, how awful!  *kick, kick, kicks Riley*  Ooooh, I hope somebody turns and chips him!  Sadistic creep!  I hate him!  Which, of course, means that you are doing an excellent job!  Can't wait until your next update!

very good update. evil place to stop! thanks for the read.

Yay logic Willow (and pets poor worried Mara).

I feel so very bad for Julian. What courage! Just had the thought though that Spike's chip might be triggered by remote as well...gaaaahhhh.

This is such an excellent story and each chapter delivers on story...no slack time.

I am a genuine fan of your writing (having read all you've posted finally)...you have a rare gift that puts you in the category of excellence for storytelling, originality and character voice. Just keep it coming.

Kathleen

Another good chapter. What is so magical about tonight? It is quite clear that Riley can kill Spike anytime he wants. Very interesting.

OMG poor Julian! Loved Giles joke and Willow's reaction. Hope Buff and Spike will get out in the next chap. and ofcurse wanna know what they are doing with the Doctor chap

arrghh.. lie tell him they're dead.. GREAT UPDATE!!

I just wanted to say that Shadow's review was funny as hell! And I totally agree!
Hey Shadow...you get the electricity and I'll start the water!

I knew RIley had to have some way to kill him if he didn't do it
Maybe he can say he did just to spare some time, and Willow can do a major glamour that shows them all dead....but then again, what about Buffy and Spike??

Wow! Such pain right now I wish Giles could get his hands on Riley. So looking forward to Riley getting his due. Great Chapter

oh, poor Julian! *whimpers* just tell him you did it!

poor julian.. brought tears to my eyes. good chap

Riley needs to have HIS head smacked with a hammer and electric current applied to his balls... while he's standing in water.

Kill the SOB already!

Great Chapter btw. MORE!

I really, really hope, they´re so intelligent that they lie to Rilley telling him that Gile´s dead or something...so they have more time to find a way to deactivate the chip...!!!!
Great chapter. Very informative.

I really loved how Spike is his old self with Buffy, that she has given him back his confidence. The interaction between Giles and Julian was so tender and powerful. I could feel the love that they have for each other, and the pain they were both feeling over what was happening. I’m really glad that Julian couldn’t go through with it, if Giles had been saved any other way the impact wouldn’t have been nearly as powerful.

Poor Julien!

And I'm behind again... damn you and your fast updates! :P Just kidding, I love it! :)

What can I say about this chap then... Love how Buffy *really* is the Slayer again, kicking some ass. Can't get enough of that after everything she's been through. Beautiful scene with Giles and Julian, father-son indeed. You made me cry for like the zillionth time... And that's a good thing :)Thanks for sharing this wonderful story

/Nina

Good chapter. You are killing me, please get them out of that place.

wonderfully emotional chapter!!

love it!

Nice that Giles used his intincts to talk Julian down.

Good to see annoying Spike back, but could these two goofs talk just a little bit less when they are in mortal danger? And could Buffy kidnap the doctor and remove Spike's chip? Please please please? Love the story, as always.

I'm really glad you didn't kill this Giles. :)

aww.. poor julian.. he's really gonna feel the guilt now.. :( Great update!!

That was a beautiful scene. Very touching and sincere.

Wow.  Great chapter.  So glad the Julian didn't go through with his actions.  Not only for Giles, but for himself.  I was also really glad to see Spike find a missing piece of himself, when he stood up to Aaron down in the complex...  Even if staying down there, wasn't neccesarilly the most reasonable thing to do!  Besides, when has Spike ever been *reasonable?*  *L*

lovely update sweetie

WOW! What a chapter! I am so glad you didn't cliffie us to bad this time! A little one with Buffy and the control room, but I really liked the way you ended this chapter. The way you wrote Giles was SO good!

very good read. waiting for news of anya and what is in the main control room. more, soon please. thanks for the fine read.

Oh so good! Love the father/son relationship between Giles and Julian. Somehow it is very believable in this world of your. Nor surprised at Spike refusing to leave Buffy or at how it actually worked to her advantage. He's regaining his sense of self and it's lovely. Interested in what this doctor might be about to reveal and hope Buffy has it all on camera. Also interested in where Mara has been through all of this drama (not to mention if Aaron and Anya are okie dokie)...lovely update.

Kathleen

Great chapter. as usual. More please.!!!!

Powerful chapter.

Beautiful scene between Giles and Julian. The poor kid.

I love that Spike insisted staying by Buffy's side, even knowing that he will not be much help, he refuses to just leave her. Poor Julian to have been so tortured, so harmed that even now he can’t be free. I really hope that Riley will truly suffer for all the pain he has caused.

noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

lol.. just thought i'd say.. i love the banner.. haha *runs away 'squee-ing'* oh and the chapter as well!! that is awesome!!

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.... I find it aggravating that spike keeps staying. I know that he loves Buffy but doesn't he ever learn his lesson- that is just frustrating. however I can't wait to see how you bring about the next scene and what happens -plus I am dying to know what happens with Giles!

I had a thought after I posted my review....what did Julian mean by what they are "still" doing to him? If they can remotely activate and deactivate the chip, then that would mean that they can probably set it off by remote also, wouldn't it? Maybe he knows that if he doesn't do what he is supposed to do, that they can still hurt him.

HOLY CRAP!! That was a good chapter! Where is Mara? I hope she, or someone, rescues Giles. I didn't see a character death warning, so I am hoping that there will not be one.

Oh No. This can't be the end of Giles. You are awful for always leaving these cliffhangers. Great chapter.

Interesting - the Initiative is more afraid of Giles than of Buffy, as seen by their sending their spy to take out Giles while they decoy Buffy away. She always falls for the decoy thing. And, what does Riley still want Buffy for? She's pretty much lost the devoted wife thrall at this point. Hmmm.

Is Giles about to become a vampire, too, or just deader than a doornail? Evil JL hangs us on a cliff by our fingernails again.

This story is so great! Everytime I see it on the update page I get a happy. And you update frequently enough that I get my happy quite regularly. Thanks for that and Thanks for writing.

ack!!! oh no!!!

Ahhhh!  Oh no!  I don't know who to feel worse for... Giles or Julian!  Man!  I hope something stops him!  And, is poor Spike gonna get his ass kicked again?  Arg!  Please update soon!  The suspense is gonna kill me!

OMG. Julain's really gonna do it? Evil cliffie!update soon!

Yikes!! Poor Julian - mental meltdown. Thrilled that Spike seems to be on the mend!

Umm.. some help here? Can someone please come and interrupt them? :P Not liking this.

At least Buffy's doing all right fghting the soldiers, Spike was so sweet not wanting to let her go.

Great chapter, more please? ;)

Oh! Very excellent chp!

great read. that praise has nothing to do with one of my thoughts being momentarily validated. know that you will twist things rapidly. and i love it. thanks for the read

Talk about a cliff hanger; you've left two in the same chapter. Good job! Thank you.

oops...sorry bout that...loved it :)

::whimper::

but I have faith in you, and in the story

omg!! *hides eyes* eck!! i'm afraid to look!!! great update!

Noooooooooooo!

evil evil cliffhanger...

This story is getting better and better. I get a little miffed when I come home and haven't found it updated yet. I need a fix. Can't WAIT to see how this ends.

Julian is the assassin, I kind of wondered as he is the most timid. Riley must have really done a job on him for him to feel that he has no choice. I really hope Giles will be able to reach him in time. And I loved Anya's vengeance idea.

really love the update and the tale. also take some joy in giles being wrong, again. thanks for the fine read.

OMG! NOOOOOO not Julian! I love Julian! I can't wait to read the next update! Does happy dance. I got the other two chapters and BB everything up to the 8th. Will get SUnday and today's updates up after dinner I hope! *hugs* - (still out of towwn but managed to hook up) *grin* great update again as always - I am so hooked on this ficcie!

Poor Julian. Yes, I am feeling sorry for him. That's how amazing your writing is, I feel sorry for the man (vampire) that is about to killl one of my favorite charcters (another compliment jl ;))

Good to know that Anya was okay, (or as okay as she can be). I really liked how you immediately made her agree that not bringing Xander was the right decision. Anya is old, and if wisdom comes with the years, she should be pretty darn smart. I didn't like how they made her sound so stupid sometimes in the show.

Another great chap in this excellent story. I'm looking forward to more

/Nina aka Nemo

OH HELL NO!! You can't leave us there! I really don't want to believe that it is Julian, and you are very good at leading us to think one thing, when you go ahead and do something completely different. I am assuming nothing until the nexzt chapter. I am actually hoping that Julian is just gonna know Giles out and kidnap him to keep him safe from Mara. Here's to hoping!

Oh dear.

i kneeeeew it,i frikin kneeeeeew it.........damn im good!! *insane grin* wait a second.............whats this?? *points to screen*......did you just pull a cliffy??....but...but...why...why would you do that...*puppy eyes*......why would someone do that *looks at everyone*.........................*sighs*....cuz its fun to do right?...fine fine ill let this one slide *rolls eyes*......THIS TIME!!..hehe yeah yeah i know im full of it...anyway great chapter!! keep it up

putting it into the waistband of her jeans - Maybe Anya should keep it in her hand. And, you're a very evil writer, if I haven't mentioned it before. Evil cliffhanger, too.

arggggg...He was the last one I suspected...or are you fooling me? You can be sneaky...I hate cliffies...but oh do you do them well! More please :)

Shades of the Manchurian Candidate? Fab!!!

Ooh, yikes!  I gotta tell you, you did a great job at throwing me off with Aaron being unchipped.  The twist you created with it being Julian, instead was awesome!  Can't wait till your next update.

OMG it was Julian! or maybe not. u do have a tendency to surprise us at every turn.

OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG!!!!!!!!

Poor Julian, I knew it was him.

I liked how patient Aaron was with Buffy when trying to explain things to her, of course his life was in her hands, but he managed to stay call when trying to get her to listen. I like Giles's concern for the emotional welfare of 'his' vampires, hopefully his faith in them will pay off.

Your very twisty, arent't you? :P And here you'd finally conmvinced me Aaron was the bad guy. Gotta say you know how to twist your story :)

I can really see Buffy's point here, but Giles' too. He *has* managed to get the vampires trust, a work that took years, and what? He's supposed to lock them up now? But Buffy is being worried, I can understand that, and I really don't want anythign to happen to Giles.

Rambling, sorry. Got another chapter to catch up with, gonna continue reading *grins* I'm loving this!

Oh wow...  Plot twisty.  EEK!  Gotta go see what's in the next chapter.

wow i love this Giles. why couldn't he be like this in the show? glad Aron's no traitor cos unchipped vamp on side of good, simply love the idea.

HMMMMM.....I wonder what is going on here. Maybe they went and locked themselves up just to show that they can be trusted? I can't wait for the next chapter!!

Nice twist! I like the way you don't go with the obvious choice, and that Aaron might not be the attacker! Looking foward to more.

oooohhhh...getting panicked here...more please :)

Hee... I didn't think Aaron was actually attacking Buffy... I mean he's right... she did hit him first!
I understand Giles' decision... lets just hope it is the right one!

Oh no... which one is the traitor? I want to know! NOOOOOO!!!!! Please update soon I am dying to know what is going and what is happening here. *hugs* great update sweetie - I probably won't get anything updated for a week, having problems connecting my laptop (which has the program for updating websites to the internet - which makes it rather impossible to do anything. But when I get home i will update it asap! *Huggles*

arghhh!! please update!! wonderful chappy!!

Good turn of events - still keeping us in suspense.

The depth of Spike's bravery know no bounds, his willingness to go into the depths of hell, his hell, to save Anya shows this. I love his strength and how much he and Buffy each give to the other.

I suspected Aaron would betray them, but I didn't expect him to show up now! That was surprise.

You did a good job at describing the horrors in the torture chambers just by the smell, I think 'hell' was just the right word for it. I had flashbacks to Auschwitz and the other concentration camps I've visited, when reading this and I visited those more than 60 years after the horrors occured. Even without witnessing the terrrible crimes the place can speak for itself, and gice you that *feeling*. I got that feeling again reading your chapter. In other words: you did a good job. :)

/Nina aka Nemo

I bet it was just fright and misunderstanding that has him charging her....I hope...

This could be Spike's chance to cure himself!!!!

Aaron! i was thinking Julian. Hope they rescue Anya soon. Gr8 update.

Excellant chappie - I really enjoyed this - *giggles* snuck on to read it. I am glad it wasn't one of the chipped slaves who was the traitor. It is really sad that someone would betray Giles like that for someone like Riley - perhaps Riley is forcing him somehow? Something? *looks hopeful* I can't wait for them to take Riley down! Excellant story and update sweetie!

arrghhhhh!!!!! omg!?!? NOOOOO.. lol

Loved it...more please

Oh, I love it when I guess right (even if only wagering against myself in my head)! :)
Still, I'd be shocked if Buffy couldn't take Aaron. Of course, if she wants to drag him back for questioning, that could be a little harder to do inconspicuously, with a possibly wounded Anya to transport as well. Hmmm.

Scary! Buffy always falls for the get chased off somewhere while the bad guy attacks her Watcher and friends scam. Duh, Buffy.

This is torture. When are they ever going to get out of this place?

Continues to be painfully effective. So Aaron is the mole - well I'm glad that's out in the open. Still very concerned about Anya. I'm really hoping that there are some Vengence Demons waiting to do their stuff!

Guess her suspicions were proved correct. Well, if Aaron is with her, then at least it should relieve her mind about leaving Giles in danger!

I'm a tried and true Spuffy fan, but Buffy's thoughtlessness makes me think that she really doesn't deserve the unfailing devotion of Spike.

Great story.

Can I just say that I am sick of Buffy making Spike feel like crap. She has spent so much time saying 'sorry' to him and he consistently puts her first. Okay - so she's worried about Giles, but dredging up Spike's abuse isn't going to help.

love the story though.

I really like how Spike helped Buffy see that even with Riley’s placement of an assassin with Giles they might care for Giles enough to go against their training. That she couldn’t just go in and slay all of them but that she needed to give them a little trust. I also really liked the interaction between Buffy and Spike, and the growth Buffy shows with her awareness of Spike’s feelings. RL got in the way and I can’t believe how far behind I’ve fallen with this story, I’m looking forward to getting caught up. :)

Hi jl, sorry for going MIA on you, I haven't abandoned your story, don't worry ;)

Great chapter, but then I keep saying that, don't I? It *really* is. You have again put so much emotion into your chatchters and their words that I'm on the verge of tears.

Spike... what can i say about spike? I *admire* him beyond words in your story. He is so broken but yet so *strong.* His admission to do it for Buffy left me speechless. Wonderful.

I'm worried about Giles now, hope they can make it back in time to save him too. Gonna read and find out, I hope, I've got soem catching up to do :)
/Nina aka Nemo

spike is too sweet, too good to be true! i think every girl in the world must want a Spike! lucky Buffy!

You know, you and these cliffies are just killing me!! YOu are an awesome writer, and I can't wait to see what you come up with for this story next! I still think its Mara though......TBC!! LOL!

excellant chapter! EXCELLANT! hehehe Will post this online soon sweetie - just taking a break from packing!

LOL... it seems to be Buffy's night for having guns aimed at her, doesn't it? Lets hope they can get rid of this guy, grab Anya and get out of there before Riley shows up.

Kick him into next week, Buffy!

Great. More please. Hope she doesn´t kill any of Giles´s vampires, but I do understand her dilema...

good update. enjoy seeing spike help buufy to grow up, but come on, let's save anya. enjoyed the read. thanks

as usual...brilliant, I can't wait for more.

I love that Buffy's getting to the point of being annoyed that people keep shoving guns in her face. On the other hand, it bothers me that every time Buffy gets scared, she ends up thoughtlessly hurting someone. Usually Spike. You'd think over the years the girl would have learned, but she never seems to. Ah well. That's what fanfic is for. (:

great update!! was very close to smacking buffy for a minute...lol, eck! now i'm worried for Buffy, Spike, Anya and now Giles ...*whimpers*

Oh, boy....here we go again...

I like Julian for the villain. He's a creepy little weasel. Maybe Buffy should start carrying a Glock with hydroshock bullets. Good for opening doors and stuff. Excellent Spuffy, more than excellent Spike.

Maybe this was the cha[ter I had not reviewed - either way loving this fic rereading it - very loveley story... I am enjoying the interaction and can;t wait for the sodiers to get thier but kicked!

Nice way to make the "sleeper" theory from Season 7 your own. Now I'm wondering if Aaron is involved, or if it is the newest, meekest vamp that no one would suspect to hurt Giles. Hmmm...great chapter!

WHAAAAAAAAAT!!!!!!!!!.....i think i wet my pants haha....good chapter..keep it up

evil cliffhanger! so whose gonna kill Giles? can spike chip be turnded off? would love to see him bash Riley or ofcourse willow can always hex him.gr8 update

I was hoping Spike would get some vim and vigour back but it's not working - please don't doom him to eternal whinginess!

Ooh, I've been out of the loop for a few days, and am all caught up now...  I had a funny feeling about the un-chipped vamp.  Grr!

Oh my, I am in shock at this chapter, the evilness that is Riley knows no bounds. The question is which of his vampires are the sleeper agent. Please update soon, I don’t know how long I can take this tension.

You never cease to surprise us, do you? I liked this twist *grins evily* although I don't want them to harm Giles, so let's not, mkay? And I really think they should get Anya soon, evidence be damned! I'm getting worried, didn't like that sodlier's suggestive tone. Anyway, another great chapter! (but you should know that by now ;)) More, please?

wonderful twist. really enjoying this fic. thanks for the great read.

.... (makes high pitched 'eek' sound) OMG!! i bet its arron?!? he's gonna make arron kill giles!?!?

you have definatly taken over the mantle of the queen of cliffies. GAAAAH...More please...it was brilliant! :)

eck!!! now i'm worried about everyone back home...sigh...great update, just hope they make it back with the info they need!

I FRIEKIN KNEW IT!!!! I now am forced to believe that it is Mara! I think she lied about being raped by Riley as a smoke screen to get Buffy to back off!! I knew something wasn't right!! OMG! YOU HAVE TO UPDATE AGAIN SOON!! PLEASE?!?!
This is the best cliffie you've done yet!

Okay, people, stuff the file under your shirt, and hurry up!! Anya needs you, her baby needs you. Get the hell out before it's too late!

Interesting update... they should have enough information there to bring Riley down (or at least make his life VERY uncomfortable)... if they can survive long enough to do so.

I like Aaron. And I'm soooo glad someone finally thought about removing Spike's chip eventually. I really hope that happens. I think it will go a long way towards making him feel like Buffy's equal.

I'm really glad that Aaron is going to help, I have a funny feeling that they just might need it. I'm really glad that Spike is there for Buffy when she finally has time to deal with the line she crossed by killing his tormentor. Thanks for the great chapter.

Oh, Aaron to the rescue! This should get interesting... I wonder how the bully guards will cope when confronted by a vampire that can actually behave like a vampire!? I'm hoping that Spike and Buffy aren't in NEED of rescuing but the extra help will be good.

good update to an excellent read. thanks

Although we have different views on Buffy killing that soldier, I think you displayed the aftermath nicely. She still hasn't dealt but that can't be considered at this point, of course. I'm curious how you will describe it when all of this drama with Anya is over.
Another great chapter!

good chappies....i really hope they make it out of there without anybody dying!!

Good old Aaron - I think they'll need him.

Are all these people cowards, or what? Why doesn't Giles go, too? He can fight and Willow can do some mean spells. Jeesh. Loving the story. Waiting semi-patiently for Riley to get beat within an inch of his life.

*hugs* excellant story sweetie! runs off to update on web - I don;t know how you keep coming up with this wonderful twists and turns but I am so glad you do - happy sigh

looks like spike got his wish huh! hoping for an action filled next chap

This is sooo good JL, I am in awe of your ability to capture raw emotion and put it into words. The duality of emotions that your Spike is suffering through wrings my heart. Thank you.

More please.

And into the lion's den...
I'm intrigued to see how those at home are going to react when Aaron finds the dead bodies.

EEEEEK!.. poor buffy and go aaron!!

I just wanted to say that I have a very bad feeling about this whole situation. I think that it is a huge trap, but I can't figure out who the rat in the house is, you know? I think it is one of Giles' Vamps, but which one? I don't think it is Aaron, but I am still not sure. VERY good chapter. I can't wait for more!

Too bad that wasn't Riley under her 'fists of fury.' But no matter, I'm sure his is coming.
Loving the story... good work.

Too bad that wasn't Riley under her 'fists of fury.' But no matter, I'm sure his is coming.
Loving the story... good work.

Too bad that wasn't Riley under her 'fists of fury.' But no matter, I'm sure his is coming.
Loving the story... good work.

What an absolutely amazing chapter. Great job!

Spike is so wonderful, to be willing to sacrifice yourself for someone you love is true devotion, and that is Spike. This chapter was so wonderful and so painful at the same time. I love how Buffy and Spike have become such an extension of each other. And I feel for Buffy who took her first human life, and the horror a part of her feels from it, even though she knows how evil he is. It is that part of her, even though she recognizes the monster that the soldier was, that makes her such a force for good.

Phew! See I knew you'd get them out of it! lol

Poor Buffy, I think it will take her a while to come to terms with what she did... not so much the killing of the soldier but more the way she did it. But I am sure Spike will breathe a little easier now that the bastard is dead.

Wow things just keep getting more and more crazy for Buffy and Spike. and poor anya. Waiting for more with baited breath

I'm having mixed emotions about this. On one hand I want that son of a b*tch dead for hurting Spike, and on the other I wished Buffy didn't kill him. I can't say I think he deserves to die, although he *is* a monster, and I completely understand Buffy's rage... I guess what I'm saying is I don't think she 'had to'...
Just my opinion.

Don't think I'm not enjoying it, though, because I really am. I love your style of writing and how you let your charcters develop. This is an excellent story. Looking forward to more.

I think she's getting it at last! Let's hope it sticks. Get well soon, Spike.

well.. very nice chapter!!!!

poor Buffy! I just want to hug her and tell her it is all okay! Excellant update as usual sweetie

Whoo!  I'm Soo glad Spike shot him!  And, glad that Buffy didn't try to explain how she shouldn't have killed that guy just because of his "humanity."  Great chapter!

woh what a chapter!so what about Anya? how's Riley gonna react to Buffy committing murder? and what about his reaction to Spike killing his soldier?

Hooray-- Let's face it, prison-guard rapists are just *icky*. Thanks for letting Buffy truly protect Spike, and vise versa. The dynamic duo is always best when they are watching each other's backs. Great update.

Hooray-- Let's face it, prison-guard rapists are just *icky*. Thanks for letting Buffy truly protect Spike, and vise versa. The dynamic duo is always best when they are watching each other's backs. Great update.

Hooray-- Let's face it, prison-guard rapists are just *icky*. Thanks for letting Buffy truly protect Spike, and vise versa. The dynamic duo is always best when they are watching each other's backs. Great update.

oh my! cringes, poor Buffy! not sure how well she'll deal with that! great update!

Oh, good chapter. Lovely interaction, and I love watching how each of them is growing through each other.

Wonderful chapter. Very heartbreaking for both of them. FOr Spike to have to come face to face with one of his abusers, and for Buffy to have beaten that same person to death, wow! I think that this willcreate a whole new dinamic to their relationship, and the story itself. Buffy is going to have a VERY hard time forgiving herself for this. It will be Spikes turn to be there for her emotionally and mentally while she works through this.

Great action as well as Spuffy. Love it.

very, very fine read. thanks

She definitely had to. After all , she's supposed to stop evil , isn't she?

god...you are sooo good...I loved this, once again I was sitting on the edge of my seat...More please

I'm really enjoying this story. Its taken me through so many emotions... and not a few tears. Its hard reading a Spike that so timid and weak but I love the way his inner core personality is still the same.
I must confess his undying love for Buffy (though of course I'm a Spuffy-aholic) makes me want to slap her for taking advantage of him at times; but I realize that she's just as much a victim as he is.
I love your characterization of everyone and am eagerly awaiting Riley's downfall (may it include much much pain).

Yikes!! Okay, I know you are gonna get out them of this somehow... but it doesn't look good at this point... rushing off to read more.

Buffy's going to have to whup him up the side of the head. I have an Initiative control box that deactivates chips. Want to borrow it?

verygood update, very evil cliffhanger, thanks for both.

oh excellant - I wonder what will happen now... I cannot wait to find out!

how did Buffy find him? guess i'll find out next chap. thanx 4 the update. more soon please

stupid bloody wankerssssss...buffy and spike were having a MOMENT....i think they should die for interupting...im not kidding...kill them...kill them all...who is with me? i said whos with meeeee???????....get ´eeeeeeeeeemmmm....*loads shotgun*

*eyes bulge out and flop onto keyboard* omg!! nooooooo... (

This is so bad, so horribly bad. Evil, evil soldiers, and no prep work from Willow. I don't want Buffy or Spike hurt but I need to know, update soon please. Great chapter I am now a nervous wreck.

Aah! Cliffie! Evil you! Great chap, but I don't like the idea of Spike there when the soldiers is coming, and where is Aaron? Or Willow with some magic? *biting nails* This is exciting, as always! Can't wait for the next upadte!

YIPES! You actually had me talking to my computer screen, "...This is crazy, Spike. Are you nuts? Yep, you are nuts. Don't go in there!" I don't do that often...it was kinda fun;-) Good chapter!

yikes...girl you have to stop doing this to me...evil cliffies...my heart can't take it!

Loved it, brilliant as usual...MORE PLEASE. :)

eck! you captured spikes fear but determination great! the scene with buffy was touching! right up to where you threw me into turmoil again....lol
wonderful job!

Oh SH*T!! I knew it wasn't good for them to just stand there like that. The dynamics between Buffy and Spike are spot on for me. I like how they interact with one another, and how each sees the same situation with different eyes. I can completely understand why Spike would take off after Anya's sent, although he should have said something, you know Buffy would not have let him go at all.

I can not wait for the next chapter, and I unfortunately see some torture and torment in the future for our happy couple. I really don't think Riley would want Buffy dead. He is a sick individual and would want her to be under his control. Spike he would want to keep alive and torture, probable in front of Buffy to break her spirit. I hate Riley.

I've been away from the internet for a week and am playing catch-up again! *sigh*

Aaron not having a chip was interesting news... I am glad Buffy accepted it as easily as she did.

Gah... worried about Spike... off to read the next chap.

Oh, another great chap! I'm glad Buffy still doesn't let Spike fight with her, and Aaron was a nice surprise! I liked that he said he didn't *want* to hurt humans, something that would have been impossible in the show (without a soul). You really investigate the vampire/human nature a step further.

oh no! great update! *huggles* I can't wait to see where you take this!

I have a feeling that Aaron is not all that he seemsj. He has no chip and although he says that Giles had changed his veiw on hurting Humans, I can not shake the feeling that he may be the "leak". I can see where Spike would feel very helpless where he can not go and help to get Anya back. I can also see that he is kind of nervous about Aaron also. I want to believe that he is all he seems, but when you said he turned to leave with a smile, it set off some bells for me. I hope I am wrong. I REALLY hope I am wrong. You are doing a very good job with this story, and I can not wait for the next chapter! I have gotten into the routine of waking up in the morning, getting my two schoolage children their breakfast befor school, and turn on the computer just to see if you have updated. I know that you do every other day or so, and I will be very sad when this story is over!

While I had recently been reading & reviewing over at the Spuffy Realm, I decided to start reviewing on this site since you are so kind as to leave Author's Responses to feedback-- I really appreciate that! Let me start by saying that you have done an amazing job at giving Spike his stones back, and then, in true Joss fashion, playing on Spike's insecurities again. That is what makes Spike such an interesting character, and this is the most true to cannon feel of both Buffy and Spike-- Buffy, ready to head-off, "guns ablazing" to defend the weak and right the wrongs...like the bloody cavalry. And Spike, his usual bravado changing into smoldering anger because of his insecurities, and because he can't always get what he wants. He is restored to his glorious, hot-headed self-- Thank you! A really great chapter, and although I tease you about being evil, I do like the way you end the chapters on a cliffhanger so that you have our interest piqued, and we are rabid for more. Keep 'em coming!

good chapter. could spike have done something rash? no, not spike. looking forward to next chapter. thanks for the enjoyable read.

Good chapter. Why can't anyone ever listen to Buffy? I hope Spike has not done anything stupid.

oh no! cringes, just knew something bad was gonna happen as soon as she left the room...aghh!

Thank you for Aaron's story, I have been wondering about him. Please, please, please have Spike be okay. Poor Spike, he loves to fight, and is one of the best fighters and because of a piece of plastic in his head it does no good. Thanks for the great update.

*hyperventilate* oh my god.. no spike how can you be so silly???


um.. i cant remember if you explained this.. did dawn go to live with hank.. or what happened? was she written in this story.. ?

Spike needs to lay off those stupid pills. Good chapter.

Hmm...Mr. Impulsive acting out again?

I didn't expect Aaron to not be chipped, but it makes sense.

so aron has no chip. that was a surprise. hope spike doesn't do anything stupid and get hurt, love him too much.

NO! no more hurting spike...you know I just have to make it up to him in my fics don't you...You really do take angst to a whole new level!

More please, 'cause its brilliant as usual:)

omg......dont tell me he left..crap...anyway u better update soon or im bullying you into giving me the next chapter...cuz well ...you got me all riled up now...hehe...anyway good chappie...keep it up

Oh dear....impulsive Spike takes center stage!

Love Aaron and all that the character implies. Nice surprise and fits canon (think Harmony, only less inept).

I could understand both Spike and Buffy's side of the issue so well. I wouldn't want to be in either's place.

The natural solution to the dilema, if they had the time and resources would be to remove Spike's chip. That would also be a wonderful testament to her trust of him as well.

Excellent update.

Kathleen

Ok, little missy-- Brief bone to pick with you! You know I adore this story, and your writing style and sense of prose is very strong. But you did the dreaded "cut to fireplace" when the action was getting hot & heavy! Sorry, but in the words of Marti Noxon, "we love the porny." Seriously, though, you are restoring Spike to his fabulous sarcastic self-- Thank you. Another wonderful update.

Poor Xander, I can only imagine the fear and helplessness he is going through. To be so happy one minute because of a baby and the next to have his wife and the baby disappear. You did a great job of expressing this. And Buffy to go from a sweet moment with Spike to hell was very well written also. And Buffy is right in her decision not to allow him, him going in akin to suicide and as someone who really loves him they need to keep him from hurting himself like that. Thanks for another great chapter.

Ok, KILL RILEY!! Poor Buffy and Spike and Xander. He just got his family and now they take them! GGRR!! And Spike! Buffy wants him all free abut he can't fight them soldiers! GGRRR!!! I have never hated Riley more!

Awesome chapter! UPDATE!!

It's war!! Go Buffy!
And Spike's not coming with her, that's a relief! I think she made the right decision there.
Great update, can't wait for more!

Still all with the loving of this fic!

great chapter.. i can really understand xanders pain..

Oh you have got to know that Spike is going after her...it's just the kind of thing he would do. Love this story!

Very good chapter, as always! I am glad you put that last part in there. It is true that she ordered him, but not in the way that would be bad. Did that make sense? I hope we finally see some Riley pain! Oh, and I have a question, I noticed when they were fighting Riley in his office that Spikes chip fired at the THOUGHT of him hurting Riley, does Riley have a special thing in the ship that makes it fire at the THOUGHT of hurting him, or am I reading to much into it?

Oh wow...stop making me cry woman! I'm supposed to be evil!

Brilliant as ever...More please!

Wow - excellant chapter. thank goodnes spike is not going - the soldiers could kill him with his chip

what a fab story! *hugs*

i hope Riley gets a slow and painful death!what's Anya done to him? is Spike losing his chip anytime soon?

wonderful update!

Because I love you. And I won’t let you hurt yourself like that.”

sigh

Good chapter. I like this strong and resolved Buffy. I hope Riley finally gets his.

I agree with Buffy completely. Either both Xander and Spike should go, or neither. I was wondering about the seeming double standard. I also wonder how Riley found the house. They thought it was so safe!

I bet he's right on her heels!

lovely...well not the anya part...just the rest...buffy is what ive always wanted her to be....just perfect....good chappie, keep it up

What a beautiful beginning with Spike and Buffy, so tender and sweet. And what a terrifying ending with Anya being taken. Can we please add these soldiers to the 'To be Destroyed' list, in particular the one who grabbed himself when saying he knew a way to shut her up. Thanks for another great chapter.

oh noooo anya......bastards...im gonna kill ´em...im gonna rip´em a new one...im gonna.....wait for the next chapter....hehe lol

Lovely Spuffy and worth the wait. Thanks JL

Ahhhhh!  Evil!  Poor, poor Anya!  Her life as a human is so sucky.  Hurry up and update!  The suspense is gonna kill me!

DAMNIT!!! I knew it was to good to be true! DAMN DAMN DAMN!!! Oh, Xander is gonna LOSE IT when he finds out that they took her! Also, maybe this will help bring Spike out of his shell even lore. Riley probably knows of Anya's ex-demon status and plans to use it against Buffy. GREAT chapter, and I can't wait for more!

Riley probably had Buffy followed, or maybe he put a tracking device on the van before he came in the house and confronted them. He had been trying to find them all for a while.

Omg! And it started so good, with sweet spuffiness, and now Anya's been taken! You sure know how to twist your story! :D I hope they don't hurt her or the baby... that woud be too sad. Buffy and Spike to the rescue, anyone? :P

Yikes! Come on Xander - shift your arse!

I guess the house wasn't as protected as they thought unless their is a spy in the house.

Lions and tigers and bears.. OH MY!!!..... this is not good.. yaya for ahya being preg but not for rileys sick twisted things..

Hey, sorry I stopped leaving a review a chap but I've found myself with very little time to read lately and so I just wanted to get caught up!

Very much enjoying the story. I am glad that Buffy and Spike were able to finally get the communication thing working properly! lol.

I'm VERY worried about Anya and her baby and intrigued to see where the story goes from here.

Thanks for an enjoyable read so far!

OMG that is so sad - I hope the baby is okay - please please let the baby be okay. Whimpers and curls into a ball.

Oh no! Well, this can't be good. I've decided Riley should get the Warren treatment (you know--extreme skinning) and be rolled around in a bed of salt. For starters. The love scene between Buffy and Spike was great--very tender and sweet, not to mention steamy (my glasses fogged up twice). Great work!

omg! NO!!! ohhhh evil cliffie!!! whines, great update though! i loved the tender spuffy lovin'!

Oh god....JL...I'm speechless...so wasn't expecting that...as somebody once wrote of Riley: 'That dog needs to be put down'


MORE!

OMG *breaks out the axe* I'm sooo gonna hurt Riley.

very good chapter. did i ever mention that really do not like riley? thanks for the fine read.

What to say? What to say? Gah! I'm loving this story more and more every chap I read! Amazing!

I loved Anya's reaction to the news in the beginning, 'baby?' *giggles* so fun and sweet! I'm glad Xander was happy too.

I figured the whole 'spike can't have children' would come up, but I din't expect Buffy being sterile! Now I hate Riley even more! It would have been different if it was her decision, but Buffy clearly regrets it! What a... there no word for what he is...

Great chapter, as always!

You did it again, the perfect mixture of extreme happiness and extreme sadness. You could feel the shock and then the joy of Anya and Xander about the baby. And then you could feel the pain of Buffy and Spike for not being able to have a child. Another mark for Riley being destroyed, although there are not any marks against him being destroyed, is there. Thanks for the great chapter.

Now, now JL - Your duty as a writer to get out the magic potion .... Very sweet

Now, now JL - Your duty as a writer to get out the magic potion .... Very sweet

That BASTARD! Now I really want to see him in itty bitty little pieces! Better yet, torture the HELL out of him!!

i want spike and buffy to have kids. do something. medical or magical miracle have ur pick but give them kids please!!

can we kill riley.,.... please?????? Pretty please... dangles chcolete covered strawberries at JL...