Was checking out all the new fanart when I came across one with Buffy and Tara/Doyle as her whitelighters? Decided to check it out.

...You do realise that the scoobies aren't the badguys right? And at no point did any of them act like that towards Buffy. Mutiny? There not in the military. And the only ones who decided to put Buffy in charge, was the scoobies. And having watched the episode, they didn't even 'kick' her out. They just wanted her to hear them out, after all thats how it had been going for the last 7 years. Then she seemed to only have time for Spike's opinon.

Which is a valid reason why they were questioning her reasonings. It was the SIT that brought up that fact that Faith was also the slayer, and why couldn't she decide the plans? Also Faith said it herself, she didn't know if she could lead....but questioned Buffy on weather or not she could follow.

Leo not being able to heal Xander's eye seemed like a direct way to punish Xander. After all, Leo can heal anyone as long as their not dead. If you can heal the 'dieing', the maimed shouldn't be a problem. 8 years of Charmed made that clear.

And as far as Buffy 'knowing' that something was important at the winery and that everyone should have taken her word for it....why? She had no evidence. Actually, with Caleb attacking and killing some of the SIT it seemed more like a set up for a trap...making the 'evidence' more like negitive numbers. The only reason why there was anything there at all was because Joss put something there.

It was a red herring. No one could have forseen it, there was no evidence, no history, no nothing. She just went there and was vindicated because Joss wanted her to be.

The main reason why I'm posting this rant is because....Buffy was wrong. She was 'in' the wrong. Her leadership was wrong. Her speeches, her actions, pretty much from the get go of season 7 she was wrong.

Honestly, look at the facts. The person she was thinking most about, taking advice from, and supporting without fail...was Spike. Who'd just the reason before attepted to rape her, and lets face it even the sex they were having was violent and rather disturbing. Even taking into the fact that he had a soul no, he was mostly crazy the whole season and apparently brainwashed to kill at the drop of a hat. This was who she put her faith in. If thats not a failure of common sence I don't know what is.

Those 'useless' things Buffy was forced to do, pay bills, clean the house, ect. Everyone else had to do them as well. Being the slayer doesn't mean she doesn't have to live in the world like everyone else. The fact that she couldn't get a better job then flipping burgers is also on her. Honestly, even with 'some college' on her resume, she could have gotten a better job.

Now, i don't want it to seem like I'm needlessly hating on Buffy. But your changing the facts around to suit your on needs here. Which is to somehow make Buffy blameless, and the scoobies to blame.

That simply isn't the case.

If your going to rewrite the story, rewrite the story. Go back before everything had tell the story with the facts you want. But changing the facts that we've all seen with our on eyes on the Show for years doesn't help.



): )

I know that we'll never agree on most of your review, but I had to point out one mistake you made. Leo isn't guaranteed to be able to fix injuries. There were several times on Charmed where he couldn't help the sisters or others because it wasn't allowed or the 'person' in question wasn't somebody he was supposed to be able to help.

Also, the armory was just as big of a trap as the vineyard, but nobody harps about that except for writers like me.

Oh mmooch have I told you lately just how much I enjoy your stories. and no didn't see Doyle coming I teared up quite a bit at that reveal. sigh.

He died far too young and was such a cool sidekick that he needed more 'screentime' - even if it wasn't enough.

Tremendous story!! Sad to read about Willow and Xander, though. Happy for Buffy (and William?)!

Whenever I read the transcript for 'Empty Places' (can't watch the episode without my head exploding), I feel a tremendous urge to bash. What surprised me was that I was willing to let Dawn, Anya and Giles off the hook.

As always with your stories a very enjoyable read.

It was hard seeing what Willow and Xander had come to - but I understand your anger with their actions - and it does seem very Willow-like. Especially from what I understand about the last season.

I hope their life is nothing but hardship! (aren't I bad?)

I suspect Willow will do something that will cause the ptb, etc. to totally strip her memories - and maybe Xander's too!

There's a side story 'Let the Punishment Fit the Crime' that deals with Willow and Xander. Some people think it's too harsh, but others love it.

Glad you enjoy my stories.

awesome story. THank you!

Glad you enjoyed it.

You write most of the characters OOC but my biggest issue is with your characterisation of Amanda. I quote from Chapter 4:
"Everyone was astonished that meek, shy Amanda would stand up to the brash Kennedy..."

Meek shy Amanda? Are you serious? Compare your description with Amanda's interview with Buffy the School Counsellor in Episode 7:4 'Help' (transcript from Buffyworld):

BUFFY
You have to stick up for yourself, Amanda. You need to show this bully that you're not gonna take any more of his sh—guff. Uh, any guff.

AMANDA
'Cause that's what I did. I stuck up for myself. The other day after class, I jumped him in the parking lot, and I slammed his stupid-ass insecure face right into the pavement.

BUFFY
You what?

AMANDA
I guess that's another reason Mr. Miller wanted me to see you. (Buffy sighs) Do you think I should pound on him some more?

And then in 'Potential' she thought that it would be funny to lure a vampire into the gym, while the marching band was practising there, and Dawn had to talk her out of it.

Amanda was about as far from meek and shy as is possible.

Addition: Beth is a terrible name and has no link with Buffy at all. If you wanted Buffy to have used a different name while dead, and ruled out 'Anne' because she gave it to Lily, the logical one to pick is 'Joan'. That would have tied in with her choosing to be called Joan in 'Tabula Rasa' because 'I feel like a Joan'.

In the group of Potentials, Amanada wasn't nearly as outspoken - especially compared to Kennedy. That's where I got the meek, shy bit 'cause that's the part the other Potentials would have witnessed for the most part. I'm not saying she *was* meek and shy, just that she behaved that way most of the time the Potentials saw her. At least by that point in canon.

I had some doubts before I started reading your story. While I share your immense hatred for what the Scoobies (and especially Giles) did in Empty Places, I tend to hate bashing even more. But up until now (Chapter 4), you've proven me that I chose the right choice by starting to read anyhow. I love how you meshed their worlds; I absolutely love the idea that Buffy would be in the process of becoming a whitelighter after dying. That's terrific.
I've decided to try and tune out the bashing. I don't like what you've done to Willow, even though it's probably exactly how you see her. I've always been a great fan of her and I do believe she has a good heart; I don't think she thinks as high of herself or as manipulative as you make her out to be. But I've read stories were the bashing was a lot worse - it's most of the time impossible to ignore it. You at least give good reasons for the bashing; it's part of the story. A story that is too engaging - and most of your characters too interesting, like Faith - to stop reading!

"“Umm, Buffy? Uh, we’re really sorry for what happened earlier and we know that we were just acting on the fear from our fight with Caleb and not really on anything you--” she started before Buffy cut her off.

“No, I was wrong to take you with me. That was much too dangerous of a situation for newbies to go into. Unfortunately, I’ve never led an army before and you girls suffered for it. The Scoobies have been in battle before and, while I’m sorry for the injuries they received - especially Xander - they knew what to expect. They’ve just forgotten that war has costs,” Buffy reassured the nervous looking Potentials."

I'm actually glad they're both apologizing. It means a lot to see Buffy apologize too - she's not perfect, and I'm glad she realizes that. It's also really important for at least some of the Potentials (and it's great you chose Amanda as their spokeswoman) to realize that they were wrong and were led by fear. It'll bring them closer together and make it easier to work together.

"Buffy stood next to Faith. “And just so you know, Faith and I don’t have problems with each other because of tonight. So I would appreciate it if you treated her like the leader that she is meant to be. She is my Slayer-sister and deserves to be respected for not only that, but because she has touched darkness and has come back stronger because of it.”"
One scene I really loved in the episode is how Faith acted; she has made some really bad choices in the past, but she's really trying to get her act together. Things have been pretty tough for her, coming back to Sunnydale, being visited by 'the Mayor', and it's great to see how she's seeing things for what they are.

When I started reading I got similar concerns about Giles as I had about Willow. But I agree that he acted absolutely irresponsible in Season 6, and that made me hate him a little bit, which led me to reading fanfic in the first place (wanted to see Giles back as he was in the beginning). I'm glad you gave him a reason to act like he did; the Buffy/Giles-relationship is so important and I'm glad you put it back on track.
"She eased over to his side and put her hand on his arm. “Are you okay Giles? What’s wrong? I’m not that ugly am I?” she asked with a teasing pout.

“Never, dear girl!” Giles almost shouted. His hands were clenched by his sides in an effort to stop himself from grabbing her and begging her forgiveness. “I just--” he broke down, sobbing.

Buffy looked at him in alarm; the only time she saw him like this before was the night he went after Angelus in the factory. She glanced at the others for a clue as to what she should do, but went with her instincts and put her arm around him. He turned into her and this time did clutch at her as he continued to sob.

The others decided that this was a private moment and caught her eye to let her know they’d be back at the house if she needed them. She nodded in understanding and continued to hold her old Watcher."
At this point I don't know what set his reaction off, but it's nice to see Buffy caring for him. They have such a special bond.

I'm really glad you decided to give Buffy Giles back; I'm especially glad about the spell that kept him away from Sunnydale - I really hated that they couldn't figure out another way to handle Anthony Head's wish to get back to England.

Wow, a Jenny/Giles reunion. That brought me to tears!

"“I suppose it would be good to do this. Plus if I don’t, Spike will hold it over my head that he did and I didn’t,” he finished, not wanting his grandchilde to out-do him."
LOL That's such an Angel-thing to say!

At this point of the series - 'Empty Places' - I pretty much hate all of them except Spike, Andrew and Buffy. Even those three annoy me at times too. But maybe I'll do another fic where Willow is being controlled by some outside force.

Not to skip the majority of your wonderful review, but the reason Giles broke down was seeing Buffy's aura. It really hit him then that he was doubting somebody who wasn't as off-kilter as he thought. I love the Watcher/Slayer togetherness and despise the writers for not coming up with a better reason Giles had to leave. Sheesh, kill him off or make a family member need him in England!

I made Amanda the spokesgirl because I liked her the most of the Potentials. My feelings for Faith go back and forth, so I may not always paint her as nicely as I did this time. And I agree - obviously - that Angel would be worried about Spike gloat if he didn't do the demon trials. Those two should get a room and 'work out' their issues. LOL.

I'm not much of a Xander fan, or a Buffy fan in general. But I get it. Really. Your bash of those two were definitely easier to read than most others. But, why is it that when someone bashes one (or a set of) character(s) that they seem to forget the impact of the mistakes of the one they're praising?

You replied to one reviewer how Willow "filleted" a guy and nearly ended the world. But didn't seem to grasp that Willow's murder of that guy was in retaliation to murder, while Buffy was letting a murderer continue murdering.

I enjoy reading about character's getting their grievous mistakes shoved in their faces. Yet at the same time, it's great to see it balanced by the main character receiving the same.

Well anywho. That's just how you feel. Nice story.

The show pointed out Buffy's flaws enough. I was merely pointing out that Willow wasn't exactly Miss Innocent either. It wasn't meant as brushing over Buffy's mistakes. But it wasn't as if she had numerous opportunities to kill Angelus and didn't. I only remembered a couple and in only one of them was she not distracted by other concerns and that was after the Judge. Do I wish she had staked him right then? Of course, but if I really had my druthers, she never would have been 'shipped with him in the first place.

kind of wish that we could review as we went along when reading an older story, can't remember the pithy remarks that I wanted to make
anyway, I enjoyed the story and I am going to read the rest of the following stories.
thank you

Actually you can, just click on the pull-down menu for which chapter you want to review. Glad you liked the story though.

i decided to read this story a second time as i said before you are a good writer i just dont agree...

i get that you are mad at the scobies for the kicking them out think but buffy was makeing BAD choice and would not listen... they said we are not ready to go back to the vinyard we want to talk about it buffy said I AM IN CHARGE and refusted to listen to anyone else... buffy made the choice to leave. she could have stay in listen, she refused...

they did tell her it was a bad idea to go the the vineyard the first time.. but they trusted buffy remember xander speach.. and she did leave xander at the hospital as soon as she could and she went to the school. did nothing there..

if xander arua is grey becouse he help to get revengre what is buffy she only fightes becosue she is the slayer, if she was normal she would not fight...

i belive that you took at the bad they did and made it worse.. then took about the bad buffy did and take it away.. yet you showed spike they as the good guy.. that i dont understand...

this is good story that was used to bash xander and willow... yes i know you said it was a bash story so i cant be mad.... the truth i can live with bashing anyone if it is done right....

you turn xander form good guy that made a few mistake to a guy that told buffy it was ok for you to get rape..WTF that is so far form the xander in the show i dont know what to think....

HOW DID HE GET LIKE THIS, is he under a spell.. you can not belive this was how xander was ont he show..

you made buffy good and all the think she did bad where there fault not the hers...

the charmed ones was a good idea...but it seems like there story.. were xadner calls the x men, or superman or some one and they win with out buffy... dah you get to call outside help of couse you would not need buffy then... so buffy got to get read of willow and xadner.. and get charmed ones.. i would have thougth it would have been cool if she need willow in xadner even if she was mad at them....

the anya think anya kill 12 people xander wanted to see if they could do anythink buffy did not wait even 5 min before she went to kill her... xander did let her... when anglus lost soul buffy could not kill him for mouths... why is xander a jerk for a little bit of time..not mouths not week but maybe a hour.. one of your reviews said this i was just worndering...

i think this is a good story... very hard on the scoibes.. not that it is hard on them but WHY did they do the think they did... what happen to them... you made it seem like they were bad form the start...

why do you like spike so much he did worse they xander yet spike good xadner jerk..

good story.. i wish you luck with your writing..

ps the next one with xander and wilow in hell for what they did... what should buffy get for her crimes why does she not get hell... or giles... spike.. only xander and willow buffy made just as many mistake if not a lot more

I'm going to just answer a couple of the things you said here. Most importantly, I do NOT like Spike! Personally, after that thing with Adam, I think he should have been staked - if not before that. But he was the one to stand up for Buffy after the others turned their backs on her. And I know that you see that differently than I do, so I'm not going to try to convince you...it's just my opinion on the way it happened, and nothing with change that.

Secondly, Kennedy, Willow and Xander aren't in hell. They were caught in a virtual reality type situation where they re-lived of 'Let the Punishment Fit the Crime' over and over again until their bodies died. Then they were reincarnated into new lives. I'm not about to pass final judgment on anyone - except for maybe somebody like Travers. But then again, maybe he was justified in the way he acted. My point was to get Buffy set up in her new life without having to worry about somebody from her old one trying to drag her back.

"“Seriously, your aura is gold, with barely any white and just a couple flecks of blue. That is the top of purity of spirit..."

Yeah, that's what comes of standing around wailing while your boy-friend slaughters half of Sunnydale, risking everyone's lives when he's returned from hell, and running away from Sunnydale, leaving your 'friends' (although given her multiple betrayals of them) to do YOUR job for you.

Real possibility for sainthood there.

Talk about ignoring canon. Wow.

So apparently you didn't even read the explanation of *why* her aura was that color. Besides, it wasn't her 2nd season aura that Tara saw, it was her post-resurrection aura.

And I suppose the fact that Xander wanted to find a different way to deal with Anya after she slaughtered the frat house less than a *year* before was sooo much better? Or Willow flaying a guy alive and trying to end the world? Again, just a year ago. Sure, I get it now...they *are* much more pure than she is. Thanks for opening my eyes!

I thought I added this review. I'm still just kind of skimming this. If Buffy is not upset with the potentials then she really shouldn't be with the Scoobies. If the Potentials were right to be scared then they needed someone to speak for them. They're newly enlisted privates. They have no voice when a general tells them to go on what they think is a suicide mission. If they don't think that they have the support of someone in that house what's to keep them from running away. Or worse committing suicide like Chloe?

Also Buffy has no reason to ever go by the name Beth.

Edit: I have no idea if getitng this was an error or you edited it. But I don't believe Faith was a better leader. I also don't think they wanted Buffy to leave. I think what happened was basically emotional blackmail that they thought she would cave to them.

There was no negotiating there. THey were in unreconcilable postions. Buffy felt they had to attack then. Delay would mean the First got what it wanted, or it even would have attacked them. The Scoobies felt they weren't ready to fight and attacking would only lead to more death.

I know Buffy didn't attack immediately after she left. But there's two reasons for that.

The in universe version, where she's in an emotional shock that only being kicked out could have caused.

The real world reason the usual crappy arc writing by ME. I love the characters and one shot eps, but in the arcs their attempts at drama are so forced there is only one way for the show to go at the end to end the way they want it to. Regardless of if it makes sense.

First, Buffy and Beth are both nicknames for the name Elizabeth, which I have decided to make her given name.

As for why she's angry with the Scoobies when she isn't with the Potentials...it's not that they questioned her, necessarily. It's that they forced her to step down instead of working with her to make things better and then making her leave when she didn't agree that having Faith lead was the smartest of options. Honestly, you actually BELIEVE Faith is a better choice than Buffy?

Please don't listen to that EXTREME bitter Betty of a reviewer...apparently, Buffy does nothing right in their eyes--all b/c she never chose to bang Xander over the much more intelligent, interesting, & useful men in her life. I absolutely loved this story, from start to finish & I just hope Xander & Willow get what's coming to them in the sequel (which I'll read when it's complete)....I feel like they didn't suffer enough. & it cracks me up that Buffy's cousins are the Kents...that should be tons of fun!

& if you're looking for plot bunnies/kitties for other Buffy-centered stuff~May I suggest Anita, Stargate, or Firefly? Or any of the TV shows, there's a lot to choose from & not as many Buffy-centered stories as I'd like to have, frankly. Ooh, if you really wanna make me happy, you could do a Scooby-less, Buffy-centered NCIS crossover that pairs Buffy & Gibbs (most people just have them work together or Gibbs as Buffy's real dad--but I'd love to see someone tackle a several-chaptered story of them in a relationship...whether they work together @ NCIS or not). Just a thought! :P

I'm still trying to figure out what to do to (with) Xander and Willow. Right now they just aren't going to figure into Buffy's life at all except for the rare memory, happy or not. Dawn needed to go and who better than the Kents to send her to. They'll help the girls and Buffy will help them. And Dawn too, I guess.

My sequel is being thrown off schedule by a bunny that forced its way forward. A mostly Highlander crossover that I started in response to a post-'Chosen' challenge. I love pairing Buffy with *any* guy that I find droolworthy and Mark Harmon *so* is that!!!

I loved this story. I see from other reviews that you post on other sites. Can You post the address of the other sites please?
The ending was a surprise, no big battle, or army of slayer, etc. Are you going to continue the series with Buffy and the Charmed?.

Actually there's only one story on the fanfiction.net site that isn't here. It's a Gilmore Girls story and the first fic I wrote. I was thinking of revising it and posting it here now that I have *some* experience. Buffy is going to move onto a new fandom, but I won't discount the possibility of having a reunion or help during a big battle.

Given the obvious anger you repeatedly showed the Sisters, Leo, and the Elders have towards the four people that cast the spell that resurrected Buffy, why was Tara allowed to be her whitelighter? Why was no righteous anger thrown in her direction? Or at Anya?

She showed the most remorse. Because of the four, only Tara was there for Buffy after she came back. She reached out and tried to help Buffy when she was floundering. As for Anya, she was an ex-demon. To expect her to get the reasons why it was so bad when she couldn't even grasp the concept of civility is asking too much. Plus, it's not like she's going to end up a whitelighter too.