SHOCKING TWIST! I cannot believe it....but, of course, it's brilliant. Making his torturer....*shudders* You're a genius.

Oh.
My.
Fucking.
God.
It's Xander!
I KNEW IT!
oh, but God i prayed i was wrong, that it was Angel, or Riley, or someone that i hated...Not XANDER!

Oh I was so freaking right. Xander needs his nads handed to him on a paper plate. ERRR!

Anya's not going to like this. But if Buffy makes the wish she has to grant it, right?

Xander? Well that explaind the 'why xander is no good' post at the forum.

I KNEW IT WAS XANDER!!!!!

BLOODY HELL!!! The absolute sewer!!! How come Buffy has suddenly turned dumb? She was doing so well! I hope Spike doesn't start to see her a torturer -- she was really pushing him there.

Aha, Xander! Makes sense what with the glimpses of the dark side seen on the show. Please protect Spike! I can't bear to see further torture.

excellent read. thank you. (still don't feel "enthropy" fits 'beating')

Damn, and here I was hoping it was riley. Ooh, I hope she kicks his butt and figures it out, fast.

Finally, evil writer reveals her hand after scaring her readers half to death. Hope the bullet shot out Spike's chip.

Thanks for the frequent updates, too.

Oh wow, I was so sure the tormentor was Riley, this really threw me.
Great story!

Finally!!!!I was wondering if we ever would get the bastards name!!!!! MY god,how blind can Buffy and Dawn really be????!!!Can`t wait for the next chapter:)

Oh my god, poor Spike. I'm crying here. How can they not realize that Spike is more terrefied then ever!
And Xander! He is so dead! Buffy or Dawn should realize something was up when Spike was so against Xanders idea to leave Spike alone with him.
Please update soon!

See, I had a feeling from the first chapter it was going to be Xander, just because you've never used him as a villain before, but then with all the torture, it seemed too out of character for him to sink to that level....but wow, you really did. Now I want to see Xander's rationalizations for continuing the 4 months of torture, vs. just staking Spike and being done with it. This is still hard to believe from him.

Poor Spike....at least he was able to pick up that they didn't know. I hope he tells Dawn. Dawn would believe him more easily than Buffy. Or, I hope Angel gets to witness more interaction so he can see the signs. I still can't believe Buffy said "a little scared of" LITTLE????! He was terrified! I'm looking forward to Giles' anger when he finds out how low Xander has sunk. Really looking forward to Anya's reaction, too. Hell hath no fury.....

So, what will Riley's place in all this be now?

I'm so disappointed in Buffy right now. Outside of Xander being there, she handled Spike very poorly. She nearly dismissed his fear completely as something he'd just have to "get over". He may be in the body of a man, but you're basically dealing with a toddler right now, and you would not make a child go through it like that, so don't do it to Spike. At this point, it's okay if you baby him some days! He's gone through hell...it's all he knew for months! Yes, once again, Dawn was immediately in tune to Spike's different reaction, and Buffy was clueless.....that alone, makes me squirm every time Spike shows such adoration to her over Dawn. She doesn't deserve it, especially if he knew their history.

XANDER! I knew it! ok I thought it is either Xander or Riley but I was correct 50%.
Wow! Buffy is so stupid, there is noway she will figure this out on her own we need Anya and Angel, and then maybe Xander can see in the first hand why Spike and Angelus were famous in torturing, and why they call him Spike! She is still putting scoobies in front of Spike, "No, you’re a friend of this family, and I’m not going to have you basically kicked out over this – even if it’s temporary" Idiot! Even if he was not the tormentor you love should come first! By the way you are evil for making Spike so vonorable! Keep up the good work and update soon please!

I was so glad to see this chapter after that cliffhanger you pulled on the last one. I was like 95% sure it was Xander, but you still had me guessing up until the movie night line. I hope that Buffy and Anya don't hold back on all the vengeance they wanted to do when they find out it was Xander. And the sad part is that I could see the Xander on the show doing something horrible like this if given the chance. I hope that Spike will try to tell them. More please.

I knew it!!! That rat bastard cowardly...well I'd better stop before I get too offensive. Oh god! Poor Spike. And he's right, she'll never believe him because of her stupid human=good blinders, not until something rips them off, and by then Spike will be even more traumatized. She just keeps willfully ignoring all the clues. Wow! Excellent chapter. Incredibly evocative, and I for one, CANNOT WAIT until this all comes to a head. And I don't know what I'm looking forward to more, the vengeance against Xander or Buffy's entire worldview being flipped on it's head. Can't wait for the next update.

I have *got* to see what Anya does to Xander for vengeance. I hope dismemberment is a big part of the package.

HA i knew it..lol ok i was like 90% sure. I was really hoping buffy or dawn would realize as well.. really really glad you didnt let xander get spike alone.

Geez, make with the pain why don't you. I haven't read in a while. Really, really good. I can't wait to see how thing go from here.

I knew it!!! Great chapter.

wow, i did not see that coming, very well written, as always. please, update soon, i really can't wait to see where you take the story. thanks.

OMG, when I started reading the chappie I figured it was Xander, cause hey, we all know how Xander speaks. See, I knew deep down inside Xander could do something like this to Spike. Great chappie DoS.

Really didn't think it would be Xander. Yea, I can see how much he hated Spike, but he just didn't seem the type to resort to torture. I though that the experiences Riley had while with the initiative would make him much more likely to indulge in that sort of behavior - less likely to be squeamish about that sort of thing. Now that we know who the gulity party is, it's downright scarey knowing how oblivious Buffy is to the situation. Sooner or later Xander is gonna find a way to be alone with Spike. The anticipation is gonna kill me while I'm waiting for your next update. :)

Good! Lord! Thought it was smarmy Xander all along. So glad to have it confirmed.
Thanks so much for the regular updates. Looking forward to tomorrow's installment!

Whoa. Now we know.
I never considered it was anybody else, until I started reading reviews. Then I was convinced it was Reily ('cause I really don't like him...unfair of me, I know) Then I just DIDN'T KNOW. I started thinking it might be Xander during his dialog in this chapter - didn't sound like Reily.
DoS, you ARE the master. Totally amazing. Write on.

Let me kill Xander... please?

Nice Update... but let me kill Xander... Make me a demon... dont care... I just wanna kill Xander.

Aw man. I like Xander. I don't think he could have done something like this on the show, but that's the thing about fics, you can go places the show wouldn't. So if it's not Riley, does this mean he's actually going to be helpful? I still can't believe it's the Xan-man. Sigh.

OMG>>>you had me shaking along with poor Spike. Why are Buffy and Dawn (who usually is quicker on the figuring out) not see the terror Xander brings out in our poor Spike. PLEASE...major wake up call Girls, Giles, ANYA and on with the vengence!

OMG! You had me convinced that it was Riley, even though the dark eyes had me thinking first it was Xander but honestly I didn't think Xander had that darkness in him, not that much darkness, that much evil. He alway's felt that both vamps in her life were nothing but things, but never this much hatred to resort to torture. Wow, I know when this gets out, will Anya be able to exact revenge on Xander after all is said and done? She was so worried that it was him when Buffy called that night. I think if Spike tell's Dawn first it would go a long way toward someone believing him or maybe Giles if he feels more comfortable and safe with him over the next few days. Also if he doesn't react quite as bad when all other males are around then maybe he's reaction toward only Xander, they'd figure it out, at least Angel would. Just love this fic, thanks for posting once more before the holiday's. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, DOS.

arghhh!!! Xander!! arghh!!

I knew I should have stuck with my instincts! I thought at first that it was Xander then as the story went on I kept doubting myself. I thought that maybe it was Riley but he was too obvious so I kept going back and forth between him and Xander.

I wonder who is going to be the first to figure it out?

OOOhhh maybe Angel could figure it out first. That would be cool since he's never liked Xander anyway. Let Angelus have some fun with the idiot dumb enough to hurt his boy. :::sigh::: such a nice dream.....

I can't wait for Buffy to find out that her human "friend" is a cruel sadistic bastard. So much for human equals good and demon equals bad huh?

HOW CAN THEY NOT SEE!?!?!?

Oh, this hurt to read. Hurt so much.

And I really did think the words sounded like Riley. You had me tricked.

NNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

GODDAMMIT! WHY THE FUCK COULDN'T IT HAVE BEEN RILEY?!?!?! ARRRRRGGGHHHH!!!

*ahem* I'm okay now. Really. Please, please, pleeeeaase don't let him get to Spike, pleeeeease!

I KNEW it was Xander. I swear I want to smack Buffy upside the head for keeping him in the house after seeing how strong Spike's reaction to him was. Is she an idiot! He has clearly been traumatized, and even outside of the fact that Xander caused it, she should not be exposing him to people he's THAT afraid of so soon after finding him. Give him some time to heal and find his balance at least before subjecting him to new terrors. Thankfully she didn't go forward with the plan to have Spike alone in a room with Xander.....I really would have blown a gasket then. I so want Spike to tell Dawn and Buffy the truth, but I fear he won't after seeing Xander's easy camraderie with the girls, and his own fears of abandonment

I KNEW IT! I WAS RIGHT

I knew it was XANDER the clues gave it away
1) "sense of inadequacy"
2) "with his unworthy competition out of the way, she *still* refused to choose him"

Only Xander would think this way AND he's always picked on Spike knowing he couldn't fight back and he's ALWAYS wanted Buffy I think that Hyena posession just increased his desire for her. not to mention when he was possed his attempted rape of Buffy and the oh so convient memmory lose of the event. I hope Buffy breaks every bone in that rats body

Another thought...poor Spike might doubt Buffy taking his side even if he had no brain damage considering who his torturer is. She certainly seemed to care far more about Xander and his feelings than Spike's! Damn how is she going to avenge Spike when it's hero Xander (I'm assumung the yellow crayon speech happened here too). Giles might side with Xander at first but Xander annoyed Giles enough (and Giles was aware of hyena induced bad behavior and subsequent lies) that he might clue in. Angel hated Xander so that's to the good. Naturally Riley will be all "go Xander!". Poor, poor Spike....even if he becomes more aware he'll have reason to be insecure of Buffy's aliegence.

Kathleen

Well, that answers that question. Awesome as always, but I'm kinda sad that the major suspense is gone. Please let Spike kill him - Buffy gets all the fun, and it would be cathartic for him, especially if Buffy gave her permission (and I don't even dislike Xander usually!)

SHIT Xander!!!!!!!! Oh do I want him paid back and Anya might even enjoy it for her own sake. I suspected him as soon as you had him talk in this chapter. Your voice is dead on for character and it was obvious it wasn't my pick of Riley. WOW.....my jaw is on the floor.

So glad they didn't make Spike be alone with the miserable bully (okay he was that on the show...here he is far, far worse). God I hope Giles notices and that Angel figures it out too.

WOW...and WOW!

Kathleen

Wow I can't believe it's xander. I woudl have thought Riley, but not Xander. I can't believe Buffy is this big of a moron.

If the positions had been switched, spike woudl have known immediately.

Wow. I mean, wow. I was hyperventilating there for a minute--you really know how to get someone caught up in the story! I kinda figured it was Xander from the beginning, but the reveal made me feel sick to my stomach--I hope Buffy figures it out in time! Of course, I have a bad feeling that Spike is going to have to be alone with Xander. Wiggins. I'm really loving this story, and I hope you have a happy holiday time!

Well, my money was on Riley, suspiciously turning up in town and all, but Buffy will have a harder time accepting and punishing Xander. But I also think Anya was hoping for it. Lucky girl - she'll get to take her own vengeance using Spike as an excuse. I think Xander's gonna be in trouble - eventually. I do hope Spike tells Dawn - she'd more likely to believe than Buffy.

I'd certainly prefer the abuser to be Xander rather than Riley, mostly because I think the Riley-hatred-of-Spike has been done several times in fanfic but the Xander-hatred-of-Spike has never been carried through to its logical conclusion (that I've read). It fits in with Xander himself being abused as a child (which still isn't an excuse!), it would be a more powerful story emotionally if it was Xander (who I think *means* way more to Buffy than Riley ever did, long-term) -- and I actually prefer Angel acting like Spike is family than the stereotypical Angel-hating-Spike relationship.

The main problem is that I don't think Buffy is capable of believing Xander to be capable of evil, both because he's human and probably more importantly because he's her "friend". (Like how the Xander-hyena-rape-attempt is always ignored while the Spike-bathroom incident is always dragged up over and over)

(And just like Buffy is incapable of seeing any evil in Willow's repeated abuse of magic for her own selfish ends, like wiping Tara's memories to keep Tara with her, which to me is absolutely equivalent to a mind rape.)

I also can't see Giles and Willow being able to see beyond Xander's relationship with them to "the reality underneath"; they'd automatically side with Xander against Spike, any time. Which makes it even harder for Buffy to see and acknowledge the truth.

So I'd love to see Xander being the abuser, being found out, and having to actually pay for his attitudes and actions, but I just doubt the much-deserved "carry-through" can occur.

I'd certainly prefer the abuser to be Xander rather than Riley, mostly because I think the Riley-hatred-of-Spike has been done several times in fanfic but the Xander-hatred-of-Spike has never been carried through to its logical conclusion (that I've read). It fits in with Xander himself being abused as a child (which still isn't an excuse!), it would be a more powerful story emotionally if it was Xander (who I think *means* way more to Buffy than Riley ever did, long-term) -- and I actually prefer Angel acting like Spike is family than the stereotypical Angel-hating-Spike relationship.

The main problem is that I don't think Buffy is capable of believing Xander to be capable of evil, both because he's human and probably more importantly because he's her "friend". (Like how the Xander-hyena-rape-attempt is always ignored while the Spike-bathroom incident is always dragged up over and over)

(And just like Buffy is incapable of seeing any evil in Willow's repeated abuse of magic for her own selfish ends, like wiping Tara's memories to keep Tara with her, which to me is absolutely equivalent to a mind rape.)

I also can't see Giles and Willow being able to see beyond Xander's relationship with them to "the reality underneath"; they'd automatically side with Xander against Spike, any time. Which makes it even harder for Buffy to see and acknowledge the truth.

So I'd love to see Xander being the abuser, being found out, and having to actually pay for his attitudes and actions, but I just doubt the much-deserved "carry-through" can occur.

YES!YES!YES!YES!YES!YES!YES!YES!
I KNEW it was Xander! I'm go glad it's that hypocritical bastard. Thank you so much for not making me wait anylonger.

I thought for SURE it was Riley! OMG OMG OMG XANDER!!!??!! That Bastard!!!!

I never liked him but now I really HATE him! Oh please let him at least tell Dawn!!!!

Anya is going to FREAK too!

Thank you for the update! Again i am waiting on pins and needles for the next!

Now he has the name- when he's out of sight all he has to utter are two words. "Xander" and "bad". Simple-for anyone but Buffy. How stupid *is* she!? GRRRR!

Son of a bitch! It's gonna gut Buffy when she finds out.

Harsh touch having Xander still controlling Spike with naught but a finger to his lips.

Poor Spike! (again and again and again)

*whimper* Poor Spike , he really doesn't know who to trust.

Aha! I KNEW! it. *I'm a liar, sue me*

Great job with the chapter, sweetie. Will be waiting eagerly for the after-the-holiday updates.