This was brilliant! Such a great idea. I love the concept. It was fun reliving a different version of season 4. It made complete sense that Spike couldn’t remember everything and they still had to figure stuff out. So happy to get to the end and see that there is a sequel where you “do” season 5 too. :)

First time through-30

I'm stopping at this point. I was really into the story at first, but as it progressed my interest began to wane. I think, its because Spike and Buffy actually got together. I'm not saying that I don't like this pairing, but there was no... effort? In in them working out. Spike was too... I guess willing to help. That sounds like a dumb thing to complain about but, your Spike has already been through all of this mess. He had a clear goal in mind, and the scoobys don't like him at this point. I just don't get why he went along with what they wanted to do with him.

After they found out about the soul things became too easy for Spike. They have zero reason to trust him, or even believe Tara about him having one. After he hit Buffy in his attempt to leave Giles' place he should have kept going. The thing with Warren has no explanation, or rather it does but that explanation means that the world Spike was dropped into wasn't his actual past. Either that or some other Power is playing against Spike and changing things. Like the council showing up and being all season 5 on the group. It's like you crumpling story beats together. And the only reason I can see why you would do that is to give the Scoobys future experience before those thing actually happen so that the group could more easily deal those future happenings. The trouble I find with doing this is that you are going to spin entirely new story beats to replace those later confrontations.

It's been a long time Since I have actually reviewed a story so I'm out of practice. But in the spirit of offering something constructive I can only say what I found off putting about the story. It was all to easy. Buffy capture and rescue was too easy. She didn't even get experimented on like Oz did when he was captured. If Walsh was trying to test her then Buffy should have been wired up to machine that monitored how her body reacted to stimuli. Eclectic shock, extreme heat and cold. How her adrenal system functioned when stressed. A gladiator fighting pit tests nothing but martial training and stamina, two things that could have been tested after Buffy was fitted with a chip and as such they could shut her down.

The thing is that how your story flows is fine. Not everyone wants complicated new situation that all come together in some interwoven story arc. Quite a lot of readers just want to read about their favorite characters winning and getting things done. But as this is part of a trilogy then this first story should have been completely and utterly about Spike earning Buffy's trust. The end of the story should be Spike having spent the whole thing earning the trust of each member of the gang until Buffy finally gives in and asks for his help against Adam. That way you second part of the trilogy could be that trust being tested as buffy finds out that he knew about Dawn, and Glory and that he was planning on killing Ben. And it should end with the trust broken and buffy's death as told before. with the final part of the trilogy being Spike dealing with the failure and stopping the spell to call all the slayers. The powers 'main stated' concern was that they didn't want the army of Slayer to be called... but this is just one reader's opinion. With the way the story is going at the moment I can't see any over reaching plot that would sustain through three full stories. There had to be a reason that the powers sent spike back to this time. Beyond you wanted to cut out the Riley and buffy story line. By all rights if the plan was to stop a)buffy's death b)Buffy's resurrection or c) the calling of the slayers then Spike should have been plopped down some time in season five.

I'm going to stop ranting now. The story is fine to read to pass the time. But unless your just looking for a feel good Spuffy piece it doesn't have anything that compels a reader to continue on to the end. So I'm taking my leave. Sorry for the complaining nature of my Review. Feel free to delete it.

thank you oh so very much. loved it all. I like the quick nods to Buffy and the truly original spins. wonderful job with the dreams. and certainly liked Faith's outcome. by the way I'm a huge fan of Dawn.

Ah. Btvs verse of double standards. Angel, Giles, and Xander can run their mouths about anything, but Buffy should keep her trap shut because she is a little girl who doesn't know any better which is why she must try to protect their feelings and constantly apologize for her choices and daring to hint what egocentric assholes they are.

Thank you

Fantastic story
I can't wait to read the next one

I assumed the first time was when he was turned, no?

Good story.

I'm searching my mind and can't remember. Spike says to Buffy that he's died twice. He died in chosen but when else did he die?

I love this story, couldnt put it down

I really liked the story. You did a great job. I always wondered what it would be like if spike got a second chance to go back in time set things right with Buffy. I love the realness of spike not being able to remember every little thing and how things kept changing in little ways that caused a big effect later on. I really hope their will be more.

LOVED yr story and am eagerly awaiting the next story

P

You have nailed Buffy and Spike in this story. This is excellent and very fun to read.

I really enjoyed spike and Xander's snark. This was fun. Thanks for sharing.