Reviews for The Lateralus Duet - 2 - Reflection Anon 2008-04-10 id # 7457 "I have no clue what to expect." Boy... not the only one. I had been wondering if there was going to be more of this, and what a pleasant surprise it was to find out. I'll admit to being very confused so far, but being confised just adds to the desire to read more. I'm looking forward to more. Didge didge4@btinternet.com 2008-04-10 id # 7458 Ok so "cryptic Valyssia is back after taking a rest during the last story (Flood). One chapter from multiple view points without explaining who's who. Magic! (Sorry for our American cousins I'd better explain I use this as a term of approval) One observation, I think you should advise people to be at least familiar with "Schisms" to prepare them for understanding the relationship in this story. Dirk Valyssia 2008-04-11 id # 7461 "One observation, I think you should advise people to be at least familiar with "Schisms" to prepare them for understanding the relationship in this story." The Lateralus Duet - 1 - Schism The Lateralus Duet - 2 - Reflection Description: Set at the end of season six. This is a follow up to my nightmare Schism. Not really sure I can be much more plain. If you guys don't get it, it's 'cause you don't read. Not reading...it's not a good thing here. That's what this place is sorta about. Val Whedonist whedonistic.tendencies@gmail.com 2008-04-11 id # 7464 Before the posting of this, I took a moment and read through the original first chapter of this piece. It helped get my head back into the story since it's been so long. The changes to it were a good choice. Moving the tense to first person gave it a tighter feel. I will say I had a hard time finding Buffy's voice in her opening scene, but you tightened the ship up and by the time she comes back around it's very clear who is speaking. The one thing that sold me on this version was the journey of the other girl. Reading it though her eyes you get a better sense of her desperation. It's still only the first chapter so we'll see where you're heading with this tale. Look forward to more reading..work get's awful boring...okay I get bored and don't want to do what's sitting on my desk..but still... =0) W. Rin 2008-04-11 id # 7466 I just went back and reread part one a couple weeks ago...and now I wanna read it all over again, so I can be sure I'm caught up on this one! Didge didge4@btinternet.com 2008-04-12 id # 7471 Don't shoot the messenger! I'm just playing "Devil's Advocate" here; thinkin' of any newbie's reading your prose. Some people will include a recap in the first chapter to explain relationships in continuing stories others put something like "It isn't necessary to read my previous story but it might help". In your case it definitely helps to have read "Schism" at least as far as the Buffy/Willow relationship is concerned. Dirk Valyssia Valyssia@gmail.com 2008-04-12 id # 7472 I see what you're saying Didge. My apologies for the teeth marks. I despise recaps. I think they are a waste of time for both reader and author. I never watch (if I can help it) the little recap segments of a television program either. I suppose I could add the statement you suggest, but to my mind if someone can't look at the 'part 2' statement and understand that there are going to be some serious differences between this and canon, then they--well, they're gonna be lost by me anyway. Val Cuprit 2008-04-12 id # 7473 I like the multi-plot that you have occurring, can't wait to see how they all converge. Good Job. Rin 2008-04-13 id # 7475 Oh... I want so much more!! Argh... I don't know what to expect, either!! The first person throws me off a little. I liked the third person flow you had with part one better but this works, too. Anon 2008-04-16 id # 7480 You continue to hold my interest with this one. I'm still not 100% sure of what is going on, and that makes it all the more intriguing. Willow's self image, and more specifically, her worry about what she's doing is particulalry captivating. Rin 2008-04-16 id # 7481 So twisted...I love it! Although, I don't know what that says about me... I love knowing what's happening to these characters. I really enjoyed the first part of the duet and find I'm intrigued by your change in POV and introduction of the cryptic characters. japmap japmap@yahoo.com 2008-04-30 id # 7545 Masterful weaving of story arcs, as usual. Interesting, at times the pov shifts are temporarily disorienting, and while I'm figuring it out I think for a moment I feel like this Buffy, waiting for "Mistress Valyssia" to tell me what she wants me to know when she's ready... ;-D Interesting what and how B and W teach each other, about themselves and each other, with the yielding, giving and receiving of power. I think it was good that Willow realizes and communicates her her fears, her impulse to dominate, control and punish...that there should be limits and safeguards, and that she is out of control and needs help. She needed to scare herself, as when she finally stopped herself from whipping Buffy w/ the tawse. That was a pivotal moment, especially when she suddenly comprehended Buffy was begging for her to stop, and she realized what she was doing. For a moment, I wondered if Buffy would feel this like an echo of Spike's torture, because, at least briefly, she was beaten with no mercy, and no regard for her pleas; unlike with Spike, though, it was temporary insanity. As usual in the Valyssia-verse, pain is instructive, and great pain often yields great revelations and character growth. Like the writing of the great Joss, your stories make me think and feel about things in ways I hadn't considered. Rin 2008-04-30 id # 7546 Oh, how I love these updates... Anon 2008-05-01 id # 7547 Okay, words completely fail to describe just how eagerly I await a new chapter from you. This latest twist you've thrown in, seeming to mix elements of season seven (and possibly 8, I've not read the comics, so I don't know) into your reimagining of season six has completely grabbed me. And just what is Mary up to? I eagerly await more.