you know it's amazing that in the series angel gets a happy by screwing a young girl but not by the birth of his son; that showed that his priorites were definitely off. so this makes it sad that something that should make him happy also makes him loose his soul.

That was an excellent chapter. It was richly detailed and action packed. The Buffy/Spike was wonderful. They're so domestic, and I love how Spike often takes a breath and realizes the enormity of their situation. You're writing their relationship beautifully. Dawn is a revelation, she's likable and the search for her origins is a great plot device. Willow is self serving and deluded - I can't wait to see that spell blow up in her face. What will Spike's true nature be? Bet it won't be anything like the Spike;lus she's imagining! The plot is fascinating, and all of the threads are tightly woven. Wow, I didn't see "the moment of perfect happiness" coming at all. Excellent job.

I read and loved the first part of this story; delighted to see that there's more! Intrigued by the hints of Dawn's biological parentage; glad to see it's confirmed. I'm asuming that it's the same knights that are hunting the key? Also enjoying the bad Willow story arch. I like her best evil! And also suspect that the "real Spike" isn't going to turn out the way she planned. i would never have put Tara with Oz, but I'm liking it. Curious to see where you take that one! And the Angel twist at the end-- didn't see that coming! Anxious for much, much more!

Brilliant there's so much going on I don't know If I'm on my head or my heels. I suppose now all roads lead to Sunnydale.

Wow! This is a tremendous chapter! There's so much going on. Great S/B and Spike's such a prince. Tara and Oz were fun and unexpected. Willow creepy as ever and oblivious to what she may be unleashing. Nice impressions of Dawn at the dance, and Angelus -- a shocker. So logical that his son would produce such a moment of happiness. Very fine!

oooh. what a twist! angel's experiencing a moment of pure happiness at the birth of his son...yikes! you have me thoroughly entranced with this story. oh, and willow must die. die!willow!die...

OMG! Friiggin' spectacular chapter, Nia! Not even a broken arm keeps you down for long, sistah! No matter how many times I say this just can't get any better, you have to go and make me a liar! I soooo can't wait for the next installment! More, soon, please! XOXOXOXOXOXO Stephi

Holy shit, Nia. Sorry I'm not more erudite, but damn I did NOT see that coming!!! This was just amazing...the Oz/Tara and Buffy/Spike moments particularly. I have such an affection for that Spuffy moment because it's so perfectly in tune with them--particularly Spike. It was the kind of moment I wanted to badly to see--Buffy being human in a way that she could only really be around Spike. That said, you are EVIL for giving me THREE different cliffhangers to deal with. E-V-I-L. What happens with Willow's spell? Who are the men after Dawn? And ANGELUS? So didn't see that coming, but it's an incredible twist. I'm just breathless... just, gah! Need more! Thank you so much for such an awesome chapter. I'm glad I was able to help last week, sweetie, and I hope next week is better. *hugs* Great work!!

Ok Good Chapter...I cannot wait to see where you are taking this...waiting in PA skywolf_fem2@yahoo.com

Sooooooo good Nia! Oh my gods, so good. This chapter was so rich in detail, action, emotion, and carefully woven plot threads. You swung us from contentment and peace to fear, frustration, pain, grief, and back again. Just amazing. Lovely interaction between Buffy and Spike. They are too precious for words. Willow's spell did not surprise me. She has shown nothing but contempt for anything that doesn't fit in with her desire or design. I'm a little confused by the presence of the warriors and black robed cleric, and their purpose. But I'm sure you will disclose all to us in time. And I don't know what that would have to do with men blocking exits at Dawn's dance, or why people would be fleeing the building, if at all. I have a feeling it may all be connected to either Willow's spell or the birth of Connor. Or both. I have no doubt you have finely woven wonderful plot threads only to reveal to us at your leisure. And I can't wait! The suspense is fantastic. The best thing, I thought, about this chapter was the emergence of Angelus once again. Ever since Connor came into existence on AtS, I wondered why and how Angel never lost his soul. Surely, if anything would bring perfect happiness to Angel it would be the purety of love for his son. I loved how you brought that to fruition, how utterly and fully Angel surrendered to those feelings. Because, really, he had no chance. And it should have been something that the AI team foresaw. I am so impressed by how you capitalized on the emotionally hectic and heady moment in the back alley of Connor's birth to bring forth Angelus. A double birth, of sorts, occurred in that alley. What a wonderful, weighty, emotionally packed chapter! I can't wait to see how all these plot threads are connected!

*hugs* Nia.. Thank you for the birthday gift it was fantastic *grins*. Ok so I am getting older, now on to the good stuff *laughs*. That Spike he just keeps getting more perfect every chapter. I mean what man would ask about a period. Please they think it's what makes us bitches...lil do they know it's putting of with their shit. But I digress...How touching and heartfelt was that moment. Gods it was like just read that scene over and over again and the cramping will just go away. Taking us into those tender emotions was fantastic. Oh that Willow, what has she done,but let things blow the hell up in her face. She asked that the true Spike be revealed. Well I would say he is already there, so she pissed with universe yet again and we shall see"becareful what you wish for" it can not be good sometimes. Ok so the covert action guys are after Dawn I take it? Somehow Casey may not be the normal teen first made to be? Hmmmmm I am stumped but hey remember i am old so the brain don't work as well. Hold my breath, tear my heart out and stomp on it. Gods that scene with Darla was just...I am at a loss for words. Angel getting a true happy,ahhhh the birth of child can do that to ya. It's a joy that is inscribable. YOu nailed the emotions that Angel was feeling as he held the new born boy in his arms. Gods that is scariest thing to love something so much and go oh shit now what. But alas we do. Oh Coridella should of shot Angel the moment Wesley had the infant. He doesn't deserve to have anything. Now havoc will he reap with Angelous back in the picture. Spike I see going seriously out of his mind if he can't find Dawn at the dance. This can't lead to anything good. Ahhhhhhhhhh cliffhanger evilness, I love it but I hate it. Oh well it was a great present for you to post. Thank you again Nia!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh yeah WHOA could Tara be turning to the male world again or just in need of someone who knew Willow the way she does.Either way wonderful interaction with her and Oz. I look forward to more on that relationship, be what i may.

There was so much in this chapter. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I am waiting for the next chapter. It is great that you are addressing Buffy's period and it's good that Spike is trying to understand it. I am not sure how the spell will affect Spike but I hope it's something good, because she asked that Spike show his true self...hmmm. It's great that you show Dawn having a good time as a teenager but I am afraid of what's going to happen next. Angel losing his soul when his son is born is very believable. I actually questioned this episode on AtS. He must have experienced a moment of true happiness. I am not happy that Angelus back but at least he knew it would happened and handed the baby to Wesley... I love the series and please update soon.

No why in the hell did that NOT happen in ATS? His Buffy moment was soul worthy, but NOT becoming a father? I LOVE this. I never even thought about it until right now. GREAT twist.