Reviews for The Lateralus Duet - 1 - Schism Whedonist 2007-12-18 id # 6988 I'm not sure how much we covered in my pre-reading of this story, but if I didn't say it then ('cuz you know me and my crappy memory) I needed to say that the character voices you've got for the first chapter on here are excellent. The way you handle the Willow and Buffy scene post zapping is spot on and very well done. As per usual I will be here for the read. =0) W Rin 2007-12-19 id # 6989 Interesting...I can't wait to see what you do with this!! zinerva 2007-12-19 id # 6990 Oh my ... That final scene of the chapter with Spike and Buffy heading down the highway was just plain creepy, really set me on edge, forced my heart up into my throat - even more so than the crypt scene that proceeded it, which left me disturbed, 'cause I really felt Buffy's powerlessness in the sitch. Very well done. You did an excellent job of capturing the angst of season six. Very well done, highly authentic. As I usually am, I am wowed at your ability to capture the essence of Buffy and Willow. Just fantastic. Can't wait to see more. Ahn 2007-12-20 id # 6992 This is a great idea for a story. I like what your doing with it. It's an interesting take on what would happen if Buffy's personality was split in two. Can't wait for more. Rin 2007-12-25 id # 6998 Still love this concept!! Though...is the "confidence" and love for Willow all slayer, is that what you're trying to convey? That the 'just Buffy' part isn't as concerned with Willow or being strong? She actually likes to be dominated? Whedonist whedonistic.tendencies@gmail.com 2007-12-25 id # 7000 *hops up and down* lookin' mighty fine Val. Rin, in response to the question. I would think about the character traits that a whole Buffy possesses and then think about what would happen with her if you split a human Buffy away from a Slayer Buffy. Think about and it I'm sure sense will be made. Happy Christmas and Blessed Yule to All! W Valyssia 2007-12-25 id # 7001 I figured--and this is my thing--the Toth weapon should be a dead soldier. They wouldn't just leave it lying around if it weren't. When you introduce that notion and the idea that it can be charged for different effects a whole new can of worms opens up. You can say that what ends up on one side of the fence isn't necessarily 'slayer concentrate' as per the show. I mean we got the Trio pricking around with rats in their basement to test the thing. Who knows what you'll get. Warren doesn't care. He wants a Buffy who's skull he can turn into a gooey paste. That's it... In writing the characters I took the weakest and strongest elements and slid them on either side of the fence. Then I sprinkled a dash of weak on the strong pile and visa versa. Strong Buffy is less likely to fold to self doubt, but it can happen. Weak Buffy will fall into a pit of despair if someone sneezes, but it's not impossible for her to find strength and she does...but it's the wrong kind. She resolves herself to die. That's what she wants and she's willing to go through all manner of hell to get it. Sounds a bit like Buffy at the beginning of the season, doesn't it? What do you get if you put them back together? *wipes brow* It's a bloody mess. *continues to sort* Val Rin 2007-12-26 id # 7003 All I know is that this is one of the best stories I've read for a while...so keep it comin'...and keep it comin' hard, er...I mean fast. I may ask questions from time to time but that's just indicative that I'm intrigued and want to know more. Valyssia 2007-12-27 id # 7005 Would that I could duplicate you ten times Rin. I'd actually feel like I was getting some of the attention I deserve for the effort I put into entertaining. Reviews are the currency with which a fan-fiction author is paid and I work for pennies on the dollar by comparison for some of the other authors here. Why I continue to do it is anybody's guess. It's more sheer boredom now than anything, but I've been toying with moving on to working inside a verse of my own creation. So, I'm sitting here collecting ideas and stuffing them into a pile. When the pile grows to the point it has form you will be minus one Valyssia. Perhaps that's a bit arrogant. Probably. I enjoy the characters and the fandom. It's just plainly difficult to sit here and continue to be giving with so very little return for my efforts. Val Anon 2007-12-27 id # 7006 I'm afraid it's a trend I've seen here: good, nay, exceptional stories like yours sometimes don't get the volume of glowing praise they richly deserve whilst other stories which are, at best (and without wanting to come off as arrogant or as if I'm putting others down), 'OK' get people vomiting unjust praise at them left right and centre. It happens. Like most things in life, it isn't fair, but it happens nonetheless. It's a sad state of affairs. Also, without wanting to sound preachy, do you write these brilliant stories for yourself, because you enjoy it, or for others? I know getting lots of good reviews is an ego boost, but it shouldn't be the only aim. Also, few good reviews is better than getting bad reviews, no? The best don't let that stop them (and I definitely consider you amongst the best of the fanfic writers out there): Led Zeppelin were savaged by the British press to begin with. Didn't stop them from becoming one of the biggest bands on the planet, did it? Guess all I'm trying to say is this: You're good. Very good. It's always a pleasure to see a new chapter from you. I'm sure others will readily agree with me on that score. Please don't let the above sad state of affairs stop you writing. Only stop writing if you no longer enjoy it. Even then, people (myself included) will probably encourage you to keep at it because we do so enjoy what you write. Anyways, in the words of a modern classic, 'feel better, champ.' Valyssia 2007-12-27 id # 7007 Does a bodybuilder lift weights because he/ she enjoys it, or because the act keeps the body toned? The answer is of course, 'yes' on both accounts. I'm not asking for copious amounts of praise from my peers. The fact that I'm asking for anything truthfully makes me a little ill. It would simply be nice to write something for once and have more than three comments by the same three people after it sits for a week. Bless you Ahn & Rin! It's not too much to ask. I've tried being coy about it. Adding little hints here and there that I would love for someone--hell anyone--to come right out and legitimately dissect one of my pieces and tell me how bad it sucks. That's actually what I crave more than praise. The trend is actually, that those with less complex writing styles that write very predictable coupling angst wiffy stories get large amounts of praise. It's a formula that makes me want to scream. Funny, I was warned that my style was probably too dark and angsty for my target audience. That Wiffy was 'a soft ship.' Perhaps, the person--who shall remain nameless--that made the remark was dead on the money? I actually suggested and co-authored/ wrote that Seuss piece to make fun of just that. I spent five hours tearing apart Dr. Seuss to stick a fork into the fad and I we got four reviews for it. *giggle* It was depressing. Val Rin 2007-12-27 id # 7008 I try to do different things. I consider fanfic my 'fun, not work' writing. It gets me out of my own verse creative flow (as I'm very literary in real life, chock full of metaphors, symbolism, and tricks...read any of my published stories, and you'd see what I mean). What I'm saying is that you shouldn't stop just because people aren't reviewing. That doesn't mean people are reading it! I always check the numbers on the fic page to see how often it's been hit. Some people don't feel like they could comment at all on such great ones, or long ones...and those are usually the best. 'Switcheroony' is an excellent fic, the chapters are long, the story is developed well, and the reviews are thinning, yet the story has so many hits (both b/c of the numerous chapters and people reading it). Here, you have 2 chapters, and already have 450 hits. I consider that excellent. Another sad truth to think about: the fandom weans as the years pass. I used to read only K/W fics, then T/W fics...but found that I really like the B/W relationship the best, and it wasn't canon! Since we're not canon, we don't get as much as those canon relationships. Don't discourage! I think you're doing extremely excellent! I don't like when the girls are thrown together automatically, and fluff is good sometimes but I like a little depth (it's the literary in me). It's good to see somebody new taking this approach! There are so many good writers here, so many good stories written and currently in progress. I would hate to see you stop writing something you obviously love just because reviews aren't pouring in. It's more about the reader count for me because the reviews are nice to have but don't represent everything. I have so many stories in mind to do but can't seem to finish my other ones because of time. When I do get a chance to write another chapter, I look more at the numbers b/c that represents more of the community here. For me, if 200 people read a chapter or story...that's good. Maybe your number is higher but I try to be realistic b/c of the facts listed above. Anyways...point of the story: don't discourage. I think you're doing better than you think! Anon 2007-12-27 id # 7009 This is a splendidly dark story. Much of what appears here is nowhere near as dark, and for making this (and your other stories) so, I thank you. It's alo very well written, you have the voice of the characters down pat. Now, the particulars of this chapter: making the weaker half of Buffy a vampire? Impressivly ballsy move. I can't wait to see where you take us with this one. It's sure to be veeeery entertaining. And the out of body experience? Spooky. Eagerly looking forward to more. -Chris- zinerva 2007-12-27 id # 7012 Oh goodness! Your writing is incredible to me, you always manage to suck me in to your characters and their world and this piece is no exception. Very well done. *** SPOILERS *** The ghost scene was truly terrifying in the way it expressed Buffy's sense of powerlessness over the sitch. And the way she immediately went for a reaffirmation of life and love after coming back was very real and touching. As was the earlier scene in the park. While this Willow/Buffy narrative line isn't the roller coaster ride as the Spike/Buffy one, it is definitely my favorite part. I endure the terror of the Spike/Buffy for the satisfaction of the Willow/Buffy story. The whole Spike/Buffy narrative has very logically been leading to the final scene of chap 3 at least since Spike's kidnapping of the weaker Buffy. I had been fearing it coming - in a good way, the narrative was really toying with my emotional responses; very intense - yet in the end it was gruesomely cathartic. I usually don't respond well to things as openly brutal or the type of brutality that went on between Buffy and Spike, or any Buffy dying stories for that matter, yet in this story, instead of making me stop reading you completely hooked me and I found myself cheering vamp Buffy on rather than being repulsed. Not sure what that says about me, but can you tell I hate Spike? And not just your Spike, who totally and completely deserves everything vamp Buffy did to him. Fan fics with the emotional impact yours contain are very rare and a true pleasure to read, even when they leave me as disturbed as this piece does. It takes true talent to pull that off, and you do so in spades. Great job! Enough with the gushing praise, I eagerly await more. zinerva 2007-12-27 id # 7013 Just thought I'd say that I hope you don't stop writing Willow/Buffy, but which ever way you go in the end, I'd love to read something completely original by you. I don't know if I've said this before in a review, but I've paid good money for stuff not a hundredth as good. Queen of the Slayers comes to mind. Worst media tie in ever in any fandom and they charge ten freaking dollars for it. You give yours away to the world, and it so much more a satisfying read. You are honestly one of my favorite writers, and not just of the non-commercial variety. Even if you decide to stop writing in the Buffyverse, just keep writing. Something. Anything. Please. And Thank You for what you have written. It has been pure pleasure to read. Anon 2007-12-27 id # 7015 Great update! I loved the way you took out Spike. That was perfect! And god I remember when I was supposed to read 1984 in high school. I can't wait for more of this story. Your doing a great job as always. Thanks! Didge didge4@btinternet.com 2007-12-28 id # 7020 Ok I get it! The ferula-gemina didn't split Buffy into Pure Slayer and Pure Buffy instead it split her into Buffy's strong points, which include the Slayer and Buffy's weak points but surely self doubt is a weak point? Or did it split Buffy into the things which Buffy has most of, which would include self doubt and... no that doesn't work either. Perhaps it's ... Oh F*** *t I'll just enjoy the story and try to ignore the inconsistencies which seem to crop up in each chapter. Oh did I forget to mention how much I like your writing? It's always different I never know where you are going with your stories. Ok Spikes turning Buffy was more or less a given from the end of Chap. 1 (and your past stories) but what is going to happen when Willow, Buffy and Giles realise what has happened and look for the other Buffy? Can't wait to find out so hurry up and update. Please! Rin 2007-12-28 id # 7021 Now...see how awesome you are??!?! That was a good twist, and very 'in the moment' of you. I like the whole 'scared' Buffy so she wakes up Willow with surprise sex. LOL. Plus, 'vamp' Buffy's way of getting rid of Spike...was great!!! Only you could come up with something so gruesomely amazing!!! Valyssia 2007-12-28 id # 7022 Poor Didge... There was actually method to the split. If you scan through the review comments I've posted you will find a clean description of what I had in mind. The idea was that the Trio would not have the expertise to charge the ferula-gemina as effectively as the Toth demon did himself. As a result we end up with sort of a patchwork. Actually, the vamp Buffy was not something I had in mind from the start. It was simply a logical course that I arrived at. Whedonist was the one who talked me into going forward with it and suggested the wonderful temporary death scene as a repercussion. It worked beautifully and I am in her debt for making this story better, or at least simpling up the process. Who knows, I might have arrived at it on my own, but it would've been more about the hair pulling and less about the just doing it. More bathtub revelations. I'm not sure whether to be flattered or not, Rin. Me? Gruesome? *bats eyes and tries to look innocent* Val Rin 2007-12-28 id # 7024 As I sit here (working by watching a documentary on the Beats), I'm glad that I'm drinking a few, and reading your stories over. It slows my brain down, so I can take it all in without thinking too much! Don't take this as bad criticism b/c in all honesty, I think you're writing stories better than I do, and I'm partially jealous. You have a natural talent for writing, not just this...but you (like several people here) know the voices, and are able to put them into different, more disturbing contexts than Joss ever did, and these stories are the exact reason why Joss encouraged us fans to write the fanfic. Keep the characters alive, give them something new. I think if Joss read this, he would like it. He would be proud that somebody could write something like this...but that's just me. I have a tendency to switch the characters around, or take certain characteristics and build on them (see 'North and South,' or even 'Red Series'). I would love to be able to finish stories...but I get so bored with my own writing sometimes. LOL. I don't think you do, and we see these long, excellent chapters which give us more and more...and I'm so happy (could be the beer) right now!!! Rin 2008-01-03 id # 7051 Yay, another chapter. How happy I am now... Anon 2008-01-04 id # 7053 Well, what can I say about this latest chapter? I want to come up with some incredibly verbose and witty review, but I'm afraid it's just going to be two words. Or three, with one repetition. Interesting. Very Interesting. Rin 2008-01-04 id # 7058 I keep rereading your stories, and always find something new in them. It's like getting a Christmas/Hanukkah gift that's wrapped several times! It's very exciting...makes me feel like it's Chrismukkah all the time! Didge didge4@btinternet.com 2008-01-05 id # 7060 Just thought I'd let you know that I'm still with you and really enjoying this story. Just one small criticism and that one is a very small one, since the vamping the two Buffy's have become very similar, almost interchangeable and I think I would have preferred more difference between them but then again I don't know if you've already plotted the meeting between them and I suppose a "wimpy" vamp is a non starter. Anyway keep the updates coming and I'll see how, if any of, my questions are answered. Will "vamp" Buffy meet Willow or "slayer" Buffy first? What's V Buffy done with the "stick" Clem gave her? Will Willow work out what happened before the two Buffy's meet? I could go on but I'll wait and see, for the moment. Anon 2008-01-09 id # 7074 A very interesting (not to say 'mean') ending, but I have to give you props: good way of sticking it to us. Part of me is, or course, annoyed that this ended where it did and the same part hopes for more, but the other part of me (the part that absolutely loves ambiguous endings) is smiling at the boldness of it and saying 'well done for pulling it off.' I think you can rest assured that people will be scratching their heads over this, wondering what happened next, for a good while to come. I think the most impressive thing about this (and, indeed, most of your writing I've seen) is that you kept the characters familiar to us in spite of the changes they went through. As different as they became, it was always 'Willow' and 'Buffy,' instead of different characters with the same names. Well done, indeed. -Chris- Rin 2008-01-09 id # 7075 Oh man...I wondered whatever happened to Mad Hamlet. You're absolutely right, his stories were brilliant, and I find myself reading them over and over again. You're also right about Red Willow's sex scenes...lol. Thesaraus...but sometimes that's what you're in the mood to read. LOL. Being a literary person, the stories I keep returning to over and over, even after my 2+ years (I too didn't start 'reading' until well after the show started, and definitely didn't write until about 6-7 months after I started reading) are the ones with the most literary potential, and I'm sure I'll keep returning to your stories (and I have). There used to be a website by the author Chimera Bloom that I kept referring to because I liked the idea of the split, and the differences in realities. I can't find the stories anywhere else, though, since her/his (I never knew) website shut down. Another story I think is cute in that 'high-school-Pretty-in-Pink' sorta way? Cilia's 'Secret Lives of Quarterbacks and Cheerleaders.' It was just...a cute story. Not angsty at all...but like I said, sometimes that's what you're in the mood for...some good old-fashioned 'John-Waters-esque' fanfic. As long as it's well-written. You should see the notes and outlines I keep on all my stories (which I need to refer to more often so I don't fall into the 'too quick' trap). In my professional writing, I use this writing program (Dramatica Pro 4) to help me map out every single detail in a novel (which I haven't written in a long time, though I have started notes for a new one). Other than that, I have 3 separate journals: Fiction Writing, Dream Journal, and Poetry. Pretty self explanatory. When I write my B/W fic, I write it to get away from my literary background/every day life, and I know it shows from reading my own stuff compared to my fanfic here. When I read your fanfic, I love the literary aspects (and you'll hear me say that a lot). Do it for yourself, because MH is right...apathy is big. You'll get the same people over and over reviewing with a few stragglers on occasion...maybe 25-50 reviews on a 15 chapter fic...but always look at the counter. With the community not as big as it was back in 2002/2003, even getting 100 new reads is big on here. I'll reiterate what I always tell you: don't fret!! You have more fans than you think. Some people just like those 'fluffy' things, not attuned well to angst at all. Some people just don't like to read longer chapters...because they honestly don't have time. We Buffy/Angel fans are older now...we have 40-60 hour/week jobs...kids, spouses, dogs. Those of us with none of the above (myself included) have the time to write reviews, to enjoy the long chapters (and I adore longer chapters because I feel like I'm getting more). Regarding this chapter?? I'm interested to see what happens next. It's all coming together, and now they know each other exists, it'll be interesting to see how they'll adapt...and even how Willow (and Mary) will adapt. BTW...I did notice the Wiffy-Dreamverse was gone. I still have it bookmarked in my favorites in memory of a once great site. Valyssia 2008-01-09 id # 7076 It's a double edged sword. I really should say this in the meat of the 'Intermission' as part of the text, but this is just as valid a place to voice it. There's this old formula: Activity (Pick one...even bowling works. Though, it takes a special sort of sickness to enjoy that activity...and usually a lot of beer.) + Expectation = Disappointment. In rare cases it can lead to 'gratification,' but I find more often than not that people just disappoint. It's what they're truly good for. Yes, I'm a bloody cynic...and damned proud of it, I might add. One does not get one without the other. Expectation and disappointment are a perfectly bookended set of conditions, causality, perfect symmetry...point 'A' to point 'B' and back again. In order to create something that truly appeals and holds interest to a broad audience one must expend a great deal of energy, blood, thought, and occasionally bits of flesh. That is the fact of art...any sort of art. You prostrate yourself to the masses, awaiting their acceptance or ridicule. Silence kills. There are two reasons for doing it: for yourself, for the shear joy of expressing; for others, to share the gift. If the second reason enters into any of the creative process, and jesus...it's hard for it not to, then you have to begin to look at the above formula. What are your expectations. Is your body writing checks that your arse can't meet? It's hella easy to get burned out when the formula doesn't mesh in any way, shape or form. You expect more than you get. I think Mad Hamlet expected something. I'm not exactly sure what. I'd bet it didn't involve confetti and ticker tape--no parades... But if you look at his fiction as it sits here...I'm doing a damn sight better at garnering reviews/ feedback than he ever did. It's a shame too, cause he was actually better at the craft in many ways than I am. I can till your emotions, make you think, get inside your head, but often I shock. He was more subtle. I'm just not a subtle girl. I like grabbing by the throat and shaking. So in fact, what I present when I post this chat log is also a cautionary tail to the other authors here to check...make certain you don't expect too much. Don't put out more than you can afford. Don't pour your heart in unless you can stand to lose it. My heart atrophied years ago and my soul is bankrupt in currently being held as collateral for a vast percentage of my prana. This is a last ditch effort on my part to affect the people around me. How am I doing? Val Rin 2008-01-09 id # 7077 I have noticed you are quite cyncical but it's probably what I like about you...at least one of the things. Expecting too much can garner tons of disappointment (it took me 6 months to get something accepted for publication, and 2 years for it to show in print...and that was a short story in a literary journal). You put your heart and soul, little pieces of you, into what you write. Writers, by definition (at least the really great ones), are normally so odd and out of it with people because they're so consumed in their art. They're studying everything around them, they're curious about everything, they want to know, know, know. It's just part of the writing life...but I love it, so I accept that I'm borderline schizophrenic, maybe a little more crazy than most. You learn to deal with your own writing demons after awhile. It just takes time. Some authors never, ever get published until 20+ years of trying. I was just lucky...plus, it doesn't hurt to have that creative genius working for me. I realize you get disappointed but yeah, Mad Hamlet (imho) expected more than was being offered. His ego (I guess I'll say) needed more 'you're the greatest' than the average fanfic writer. What I'd really love to read is original stuff by MH. Actually, I'd love to read original stuff from all the writers of the Wiffy-verse, especially the really good ones (yourself included). If my original stuff wasn't so different from my stuff here, I'd advertise myself more...but I'm content being in the shadows sometimes. I really need to break out my notes for these, though...so I can say I finished more stories. Btw...I'm really interested to see your "Anywhere but here" Buffy comic rendition, as I loved where you took the last one. I guess you could say...I'm curious to know what you think happened when they walked away from each other. Valyssia 2008-01-09 id # 7078 Is it wrong to expect something? Mad Hamlet's Prism series, which is very easily makes my top five favorite pieces available in the 'ship,' has...count them for me boys and girls...ZERO reviews across all four parts. Crickets. What is the sound of nothing? A huge tree fell in the forest and no one was there to listen, or at least no one acknowledged hearing the sound. O.O You're welcome to say what you like about 'ego,' but if I heard nothing I'd pack my bags and find another place to be...and crush a cricket or two on my way out just for spite. At this point saying anything almost seems stupid. The stories are only umm...five years old and mid-800's in hit count for story two. Do you think MH would even give a rat's arse if we batted an eyebrow? Are there other authors here that found the same end? Quite a few. What's left? Look around. There's better stuff going on with the Spuffy and Bangle ships, that much is certain. I can't bring myself to read that swill though. Hell, I have a rough time with Fuffy. Or is it Baith? It's way more popular--god knows why--the characters have to be rewritten to get them to not want to kill each other after a month. It's all about the one-night-stand. Lots of steam, no staying power. The tale I tell is cautionary. *wink* I've not read 'Anywhere But Here' at this point so I have no reaction. I'll go pick up my copies soon and give them a reluctant glance, probably between split fingers. I'm almost afraid to look at this point. The level of my dissatisfaction with the comics grows with every release. Val Ahn 2008-01-09 id # 7079 Val you already know I love your stories. I will say I suck at the feedback thing because I never know how to put what's in my mind in words. Of course that would be why you'll never see me write a story. But you are one of the best and deserve the feeback. I agree with Rin, always look at the counter because people are reading and coming back for more. Stories are getting more feedback now then they did almost a year and a half ago when I started coming here. I personally always try and leave something because the writers do put there heart in the stories even if it's just something small. I was on here awhile before I felt confortable leaving feedback and there are still times I have my issues with not feeling like an idiot with what I leave feedback. As a single mom getting to read all this is my escape from reality. I stop trying to figure out how to pay the bills and my 5yrs issues and all the other problems life has to offer. Then when I'm done with the reading I have a clear head and can deal with things again. I'm thankful for the writing that writer's like you, Rin, Mad Hamlet....... but out for people like me. I've learned to always expect the worst because I never want to be disappointed. Now given I still get disappointed but not as often as I did when I always expected the best. The point with all this writing that I'm not very good at is that remember that there are people out there like me that look forward everynight to something new to read from people like you. Ahn Whedonist whedonistic.tendencies@gmail.com 2008-01-10 id # 7081 *sighs* Right, felt I'd chime in with my bit o' fun. There's loads that's been said today that causes the last remaining brain cells I have to actually rub together and think. Very taxing mind you, but on the whole, Mad Hamlet was right in doing what they did. The stories that I've read of his are well written and regardless of one's ego coming into play, it's just plain nice to know that someone is enjoying whatever it is that you are doing. While I agree that expectations should probably be kept to a minimum ('cuz more than, just lays badness and tears) to not have any would have made me go away too. But I didn't, you can either kick yourself for keeping me around or give yourself a pat on the back. *smirks* Not sure what I'd do either...hehehe In my misspent youth, I was involved in a community where not getting support would have, okay well did, make you lose the passion for the fight. I think, while we aren't smashing the state and standing up for the little people writing fanfic, the same sort of principle holds true: In order to continue putting yourself out there to be judged, positive re-enforcement is kinda a must. Otherwise, you just end up spinning your wheels and burning yourself out. And as much as I have found that I enjoy writing, it's not worth it if you don't know how you're doing. Period. To know that things are being read and, hell, even if it's not liked, I'd rather know than not. Also, I will concede to being in a similar boat with Ahn on the whole feedback thing. It's kinda hard sometimes to put down what you're thinking. I myself am in the whole 60+ hours of work and then familial responsibilities category. I read primarily to make the daily stuff not so...much...it helps. Usually I just want to thank the writers for allowing me a bit of time in the world that they've created and return the favor with the stuff I put out. So thanks Val for writing such kick ass stuff, I've said it to you before, but hey why not reiterate, you rock, and see people agree, *yay* and thanks to the rest of the writers on IKOLY. Good stuff... W Anon 2008-01-14 id # 7089 Once again you give us a very good chapter... and an amusing intermission :p. You raise some very interesting issues here and I'm keen to see how you deal with them. The word 'heartbreaking' gets used a lot these days, but some of the scenes in this latest chapter were just that: heartbreaking. Buffy is quite badly broken and it wont be too long before Willow starts to buckle under such immense strain. That will be very interesting to see if, indeed, thats where you're going with it. Regardless, good work. Can't wait for the next installment. -Chris- Rin 2008-01-14 id # 7090 Interesting that you made that one the dominant psyche. I'm interested to find out how Willow (and Dawn) fix the problem, if at all. Thanks for another great update! Whedonist 2008-01-14 id # 7092 Two words on the intermission: Booster Seat. =0P W Rin 2008-01-15 id # 7097 Interesting. If I didn't have piles of 'real-life' reading, I'd comment more. Bleener 2008-01-17 id # 7117 the intermission was a nice insight and i for one have been apart of causing the apathy but it was more of not you or any of the other writers fault but my sense of i stop everything i do sometimes and read and read and read deeply into the fics and get up and go do something in life when it interrupts my reading. i've read pretty much every popular B/W fic since 2001 i was native and avoided the "hard stuff" and i read other pairing in the down time of not having any B/W to read. I even flirted with writing B/W fic myself at one point but never been one to write things down unless i'm very unhappy in life so i'm glad in that respect. I started reading fanfic from Pat and Kate Bolin or everything from that old Xena heavy site (altfic or alternfic or something) that also had other fandom's. But i could go on and on about old fics and authors that warmed my heart that i didn't properly give feedback (tho i have done so in other fandom's a few times) I've just recently noticed you Valyssia when you caught my eye with the fics based off the Tool and APC songs and it had what i want in fics now a days length with the show off the air of every fandom i read i crave lenght and a plot. And schism mind **cks me and i like it. I could see how you get sayings of likeness about Mad-Hamlet (and not The Bear i hope but i can say i read half of Triality while bored) I've yet to read the last two parts at this point because had to re-read the first and 2nd chapter after the 3rd but felt needed to say something. I hope you do keep getting feedback because i learned that feedback is water everyone needs it at some point Rin 2008-01-21 id # 7130 Still lovin' it...and am excited to see if the slayer is faking, or not. I don't think she is...but you never know.