i read your comment at the end of this chapter about it being a really rough week for you and even though I'm not sure when you wrote it---- it could have been months ago, I could certainly sense your need for some positive feedback for all of your hard work. You deserve all of that and more but suffice it to say that to quote your son: "I love this story so much it makes me want to barf." Go you!!!

yea! lovin it. great work,

Wow. Amazing chapter, Nia! Giles' musings on Spike vs. Angelus, Pregnancy by vampires, and the chip was so awesome. It was wonderful to see Giles come to the realization that the chip needs to come out. Hopefully he can find a good demon neurosurgeon who can take the chip out without doing any harm to Spike. Buffy will be relieved when she learns of this development. Xander pissed me off again, the doo-doo head. I hated the off-handed comment he made to Anya about not understanding why she talks to him at all. He is so absorbed in his own little world, which consists of himself, Willow, and Buffy. I can't wait to see his expression when he meets Angel's son. I kind of wish we could put a souped-up Xander in a room with Angelus and just let them kill each other. I'm so curious as to what Tara saw in Willow. What did Willow do to Buffy and Spike? I can't wait to find out! Loved the confrontation between Willow, Tara, and Oz. So cute how Tara and Oz are so familiar with each other. It's so good seeing them become close friends. I always knew Oz would really like Tara if there wasn't jealousy or resentment hanging in the air. They're both such strong, yet gentle souls. Loved the talk between Buffy and Spike, in the end. The flashbacks to their shared history was AWESOME! I just adore how you occassionally link their current relationship to something that occured in the past. When you show flashbacks like this, or relate what is currently happening to their shared history, it just makes for such a richer story. It really enriches the depth of feeling between these two, making them seem fated to be together. Wonderful, phenomenal, brilliant chapter! Especially fantastic, knowing you had such a bad week. I'm so sorry you had a really rough week, sweetie! And I'm even more sorry that I didn't get a chance to read this chapter until now. Thank you so much for this incredibly lovely chapter. I hope this week goes much better for you, honey. *hugs you tight*

Oh Nia, I'm so sorry about your rough week! I know how life can get sometimes...I hope all is well or at least getting better. And this was an absolutely amazing chapter. I could just feel the electricity between Spike and Buffy, so emotional. I love how deeply devoted Spike is to her, the way you've written it...it's just lovely.

Niamh, I am de-lurking to tell you how much I appreciate the totality of your vision for Origins. So often in fanfic I find that you can tell when an author is 'winging it.' You, however, are not. I just wanted to thank you for the hours of delight I've taken from reading your epics. Keep up the good work and take as much time as you need. Too often, folks, don't realize that fanfic authors are speed demons compared to published authors and to do a story right you need time, patience and continued inspiration. Slainte.

Oh, I have a bad feeling about Willow. A really really bad feeling - please prove my suspicions wrong (and in case they're right I'm not mentioning them here). Tara/Oz friendship is so cute! Missing Dawn a bit, which is saying something - love your Dawn, hope she reappears next chapter. Giles rocks like none other; ditto for Buffy. Eagerly waiting for Wes to explain everything to everyone. Oh, and also for Anya to dump Xander's sorry ass. Good job with this one, and I hope you feel better soon!

It is a great story...a little confused about where it is going, but I'm sure you will tie all the subplots together. Loved the dialouge with Oz, Tara, and Willow. Tara and Oz seem perfect allies. Keep it up, really excited about the next chaps.

I loved everything about this chappie. You are very talented.

Glad to see you back at writing. Excellent chapter. I'm a little lost as to just what did Willow do? lilpuff

Another wonderful chapter. Would have loved to be a fly on the wall when Willow saw Tara and Oz together - not gonna help her hair revert back to red! Hope you are feeling better - gotta look after yourself or we'll all be deprived of your wonderful tales. Take care. Love and hugs.

GREAT CHAPTER!!! Loved the interaction between Willow/Tara/Oz...I felt a little sorry for Willow, but then I remembered everything she'd done...didn't last very long...I loved the beginning with Giles too...interesting how it was with the Aurelian line...hmmm....and the Spuffy was FAB! I like the addition of the S2 look...that's when I knew for a fact that Spike felt something for her....not only lust. Can't wait for more, and I really hope you feel better soon!!!! Take care!!!

Good stuff. I'm sorry you're having a hard week, and grateful that you still took the time to post this wonderful chapter. Thank you!