As always, glad to see your latest update. Wow! You killed Giles! I mean there was some foreshadowing, but I was thinking he would die later...maybe even a lot later, lol. And Mac, not just taking over Giles' role as mentor, but Keeper of the Light as well. And wow, what an additional welcome to the supernatural world that is.

So...is he going to look at the paintings soon? I'm curious to see what he makes of them. I do like the twist of him becoming the new Keeper. I'm very curious to see how he adapts to that, and to the new closeness and feelings growing between him and Buffy. I know Buffy has finally realized he's her Red Crosse knight, and he seems to be aware of their deeper connection. I can't wait to see that develop more. :) I loved how he leapt to her defense against Paridell, thank God they know about Riley now. I'm really looking forward to seeing how the group dynamics change now. Mac is a natural leader but he's still new to the supernatural world. Buffy is used to being in charge. Mac, while he had acted on impulse, is usually very methodical and thorough, whereas Buffy is definitely more impulsive. She's definitely more charge in, get beat around a bit, back off, go to Giles and the Scoobies for research, before going back for the win. I get Mac wanting to protect Buffy and the Scoobies, not just due to the connection between Buffy and himself, but I'm not sure how long Buffy is going to let him take over.

He means well, and I get and support the idea of them all moving into Summers Manor, as it makes sense to all be in one place. I also get Buffy's desire to go after Riley immediately. Again with her impulsive nature, and the fact it was Giles, not to mention the darker parts of her power pushing at her...makes sense. Of course, Mac and the others, wanting Buffy to wait until they are better prepared, not to mention having a plan, makes sense as well. I liked how Mac was reacting more primally and less rationally at the thought of her going after Riley so unprepared. He's not really the grabby type, so it nicely showed how close to the edge he was. I'm just wondering how Buffy is going to take all the changes. She definitely recognizes Mac as her Knight, and understands the deeper meaning to the choice she needed to make. However, she's not used to really having someone to fully rely on. She used to have that with Angel, I think, until Angelus and Angel leaving. With everyone else, like Giles, she could rely on their research, back up skills, but until this point she really felt she had to protect them. Willow wasn't powerful, Xander has no super strength or magical skills and while they did patrol with Buffy, I think they had/have a difficult time always remembering Buffy is still a woman, not just the Slayer. I like that Mac is trying to get through to Buffy that she doesn't have to be the Slayer all the time and that she can depend on him.

Love that Anya was whipping the CSI's together to have them save her Xander. :) Nice moment there. And nice closing with Buffy and Adam at Giles' gravesite. I can see Buffy feeling like she's never going to get that happy ending, that she's the warrior and not the fairy tale princess. She's lost quite a bit and I think she'll take on the guilt for Giles' death. I'm looking forward to Mac proving her wrong.

Looking forward to more period. :) Definitely excited to see where things go between Buffy and Mac now. I loved how he didn't want to give her up to Xander when he brought everyone to his apartment.

Great chapter! I really liked Buffy heading straight to fight Riley again...& Anya's explanation to the CSIs (the latter gave me a chuckle). & I liked that it was just Mac & Buffy for a moment, & that he got through to her. I could've gone without Stella butting in...but that's typical Stella--butting in when she has no idea what's going on. Ooh, & I liked the little Mac/Giles kiss for passing off the power of Keeper of the Light. Can't wait to see what kind of plan they come up with.

Glad to see you update! I liked the way you had Giles becoming the new Keeper of the Light, and great idea having Mac witness it. Giles, turning into quite the master manipulator in getting Mac there as a witness.

I liked Buffy and Willow going to the Mansion to find costumes, those being dresses that Alison had worn and infused with her magic or slayerness.

I loved Buffy's last dream meeting with her knight. I'm hoping she figures it out soon. Wouldn't hurt if he caught a clue in the real world as well. :)

I'm intrigued about the after effects of Giles becoming the Keeper of the Light and Mac bearing witness to the event. I like Giles knowing more about what's going on, although I can only imagine the information overload. As he and Mac are both down with the "flu", I'm curious to see if Mac was effected in some way as well.

Loved the start to the ball and the Scoobies, CSI's, and Knights all there for the first meeting with Archimago. I'm so surprised Paridell (Riley) was exposed so early. I thought for sure it may take a while for them to tip their hand. Not that I'm sorry to see him go, because I'm pretty sure that he's not going to survive the power Willow and Buffy just sent at him. I'm just surprised...and intrigued. Is it that Archimago was so convinced of his superiority that he could afford to expose Riley? Curious to see if it was hubris or if Archimago was more aware of Paridell's betrayal of himself by working with Duessa.

Looking forward to more...

Great "opening gambit". I liked that Giles is now the Keeper of the Light, & that Riley's treachery was exposed. So, I'm guessing this is a B/X pairing, from the big ole anvil that was just dropped...unless Willow will join the mix sans Tara. Not my fave pairing, but I like the story so I can deal. I also like that Mac got his team involved to help protect Buffy & Willow, can't wait to see how much they decide to tell all of them. (I'm hoping for @ least the "The earth is longer...one girl in all the world...blah blah" speech. :D)

This was less of a story chapter and more of an author rant / preaching at the Scoobies - to a sufficient extent that I believe a charge of Buffy-bashing in particular can be laid. Who the hell is Mac that he believes he can waltz into her life and start demanding things from her? With his attitude of "I need to subjugate and control this young woman in accordance with my will," he'd get along just fine with Quentin Travers - the Watcher's Council is full of people with similar attitudes. Buffy should have told him where to stick it and wiped that smug "Daddy knows best, little girl" grin off of his face with a good right hook. He's being an authoritarian dick all but openly planning to take over the group and make it "his" as you put it. This makes him another enemy to deal with, not an ally.

Thanks for your opinions even if I don't agree with them. First off, wow, I've never been accused of (even in a vague, round-about) way of Buffy-bashing. Buffy's my favorite character from the show. That being said, just because she's my favorite character doesn't mean I can't see her faults and try to correct them in my story(ies).

It is in my opinion that the Scoobies do, at times, need a kick in the head. Who better to do it than an outsider, who doesn't share their history together. As for Mac, I never intended him to come off that way. I see it, as an older and wiser person (drop the man forcing a young women to do his will crap, it's annoying, overdone, and weak) trying to help Buffy.

Have you read the previous chapters or did you just scan them because you've just taken an entire paragraph, if not the whole story, out of context. I did not mean "his" as in ownership. Oh, oh, oh, take notice of Giles' actions and you may finally see where I'm going. I'm not going to say anything else because I don't want to ruin the next chapter for anyone who stumbles across this. Trust me, you'll see what I meant by "his" in the next chapter.

Author rant, ah no. For the last couple chapters, the Scooby Gang has been primarily seen through Anya and Mac's eyes. Neither of them, especially Anya, beat around the bush. Both of them are honest and in Anya's case, brutally so. In this story, I'm dealing with what I see are the Scoobies faults and if you don't like the way I'm dealing with them or not putting them on pedestals, well, that's your problem. Not mine. Do me a favor, try to remember that I see and interpret the Scooby Gang in an entirely different way than you do. And how I choose to deal with what I see as their faults is completely up to me, as the writer. As for the bashing accusation . . . have you not read my rant against it in my profile.

Despite not agreeing with your opinions, I still appreciate your review and thoughts. Have a good night!

Great update! I like that Buffy was mad about the secret-keeping...not sure Xander & Willow will actually stop keeping secrets though...their response just didn't convince me. But I like that they are making the effort. & I'm glad Giles & Mac are coming to an understanding & taking care of business between themselves, for the future. Will Giles show Sid the Hallway...so Sid more fully understands what the Scoobies have gone through? Can't wait to find out.

Ooh...& Halloween is shaping up to be quite interesting! ;) Keep up the good work.

Thanks for the review. All Xander and Willow can do is try; they're human, so they'll probably back-peddle. They just need to be taken to task when that happens. Oh, good, good, you've caught on to the undercurrents of the Mac-Giles friendship; you'll see what it's been leading up to in the next chapter. Oh, can't answer that question, sorry. Halloween shall be . . . eventful.

Love the update! I really like Mac being there, watching over Buffy and not allowing her to close him, or the other's, off. I like that he is making sure she knows it's ok to need and accept some help and care. I have to say though, I don't think it's arrogance on Buffy's part as much as fear/mistrust that sparks her loner, "I can take care of myself," attitude. Let's face it, going by canon to date she's been abandoned or betrayed several times at this point by people she trusted to help care for her. Merrick died, not a willing abandonment, but a loss to Buffy, Pike left so she could be the Slayer, her parents institutionalized her when she told them the truth, her parents divorced and her father saw her one summer and then nothing - not even for her birthday, and let's not forget her old friend Ford looking her up to use as a sacrifice to become one of the undead. There's the whole Angel/Angelus/Angel saga that ended with him leaving her, her mom kicked her out of the house, and of course Giles and the Cruciamentum. Heck, we even have Faith going evil. While there are a lot of reasons to justify the above actions or to mitigate them, giving the circumstances, what it basically boils down to is there are a lot of people Buffy's trusted, relied on, and had that trust not entirely lived up to. Having so many experiences like that I can see where she would be more tempted to rely on herself. IMO, I think depending on other people to take care of her, makes her feel weak and vulnerable. What if she lets them start taking care of her and they leave too or betray her trust in some way? How much harder is it to go back to taking care of yourself after getting used to relying on others? I also tend to think the Slayer part of her pushes for more isolation. Not that she should be isolated, and I love the Scoobies and Mac working to make sure she isn't, but I can see where it's a difficult thing for her to overcome.

I do love Mac deciding to make sure Buffy can realize her potential to be a good leader and to know when to allow other people to take care of her. I like that he plans to stick around and that he let Buffy know that. I like Buffy making the conscious decision to rely on Mac as well.

Nice moments with Anya and Xander. I love how Mac and Anya seem to be on the same page in regards to making sure the Scoobies look at how their actions and decisions could be seen by the others and calling them on things. I don't think Xander and Willow wanted to intentionally go back on their word regarding Angel, they're trying to be good friends and look out for her, however in light of their promise...I think they needed the reminder that they have to put their money where their mouths are. Love Anya's thoughts regarding how the demon world views Buffy and the Scoobies as well.

I find it ironic and interesting that Paridell is a false knight in more ways than one. First and obviously in his deception against Buffy; but, also false in his service to the Archimago. Duessa is a force to be reckoned with, evil witch that she is, and it will be interesting to see how things develop. (I am hoping Buffy gets over Riley soon though, *grin*.) Curious about the third Summers as well, will he end up making an appearance?

I am also curious to see what the shooting was all about. Did that have anything to do with the Order or was it a random act of violence or related to some other evil Buffy's going to have to deal with in the mean time?

Love the meeting between Sid, Giles and Mac. I really liked Giles' reactions to Sid's comments. Obviously Sid has no idea what the aftermath or collateral damage was in any of the previous battles and I like the way you have him mentioning the previous wins as a rather innocent, she's beat them once she can do it again cheer. It's rather a nice link to how Wesley was, educated about the Slayer but no real practical experience as to how much sacrifice and pain is involved.

Looking forward to the masquerade ball. Somehow I'm thinking (ok maybe it's hoping) that the plan to take Buffy and Willow at the ball isn't going to be as easy as they think. Will Mac make an appearance as well? I'm looking forward to seeing which costumes are chosen and how well the partners do or don't match up. Maybe another clue for Buffy that Riley is not the one. :)

Love the story, definitely looking forward to more.

Thanks for the review. I'll be emailing you, an extremely detailed response to this review and your last one, in a few days. Once again, thanks for the review and have a good night/day!

Ok, a LOT to say, a LOT, a LOT even *grin*. I really am thoroughly enjoying this story. I really love the idea of the CSI:NY crossover and the way you've moved elements of Season 4 (ie Anya/Xander, Oz leaving, Willow and Tara meeting, Riley - although I really ended up hating his character on the show, love your twist here) I think you've done a nice job including events from the season but keeping everything fresh so it doesn't just feel like a rehash of the show.

Also I'm enjoying the way you're incorporating the CSI:NY group, ok mainly Mac (I adore Gary Sinise!), but I'm happy to see the rest as well, it's been interesting to see their thoughts on Buffy, the Scoobies, the supernatural world. I'm dying for Buffy to wake up and catch the clue that Riley is wrong, wrong, wrong for her...and evil even. False knight indeed. Hoping she catches on quickly, before things go too far.

I love the Keeper and her choosing Giles as her successor. I love the Scoobies desire to rework their relationship into a more balanced, healthy friendship. I think Buffy holds them off, shuts them out, because she feels like they won't/can't accept her more human side, faults that all people have. It seems a bit of a vicious cycle here...Buffy feels like they can't accept when she's not perfect (heroine or person) so she holds back a lot of herself not wanting to be judged and found wanting, Willow and Xander want to be her friends, and want to be needed, feel useful and often push their ideas of what Buffy needs or is "best" for her. They can't know what's best for her, because they know the image Buffy projects,see the start of the circle. Any reworking of a relationship, redefining, takes a lot of time and effort on all parts to succeed. I'm a firm believer in established relationships, people treat you the way you teach them to treat you. You let someone be disrespectful, they'll keep on that way. Patterns, habits, develop and they are hard to break. I'm hoping, even with my rather anti-Scooby tendencies, that eventually they'll manage to muddle through and come out stronger for the effort. I expect back sliding, but hopefully they'll start calling each other on it rather than letting things fester and slide until they're kicking Buffy out of her own house mid-apocalypse.

Anyway, enough on that...I love the outsider's perspectives on the Scooby gang. Anya, Tara, Mac and the CSI crew all trying to figure out how to be a part of the Scooby dynamic. Who for all the flaws in their relationships, really do care for each other. I'm glad you included Anya and I like her thoughts on Xander's reaction to Buffy being shot, seems very true to her character. Love Tara, although I loved Oz too, so I'm glad to see her included. Nice seeing Giles involved and taking on new roles in his relationship with Buffy.

And then there's Mac...(did I mention I adore Gary Sinise? *grin*) Ok I may be reading more into this than you intended...and part of the reason I've held off reviewing is because I've wanted to comment, but didn't want you to feel I was pushing for it, but is this going to be Buffy/Mac? First they have a great rapport, second Giles is jealous/resentful of Mac then sees a painting and all of a sudden is visiting and encouraging Mac to support Buffy more, then movie night when Buffy is sleepy he gently directs her to lean on/against Mac. Not to mention you have Xander thinking Buffy should be with someone Giles like, but not Giles - and Mac has some similarities. The Redcrosse Knight in the dream has blue eyes...Mac does too. And the flirty little interaction with Buffy's ice cream. I'm very curious, I'm all for it. I think he has a maturity Buffy needs, someone that really understands duty and loss, and someone that respects a strong woman but can still make her feel like a woman (if that makes sense).

Anyway, regardless if I'm right or just making things up to fit my theory/hope...I'm truly, truly enjoying the novel plot, the great characterizations and a really fun story. Can't wait to read more, although I will. Good luck with the move, the insomnia, and the list of lists. Moving is a nightmare and I feel your pain.

Great update!! Can't help but notice that once again the Scoobies are making plans for Buffy's life & not bothering her with the pesky details. REALLY hope that smackdown is coming soon, because this is getting ridiculous...especially considering the talk they all JUST had. I really hope Buffy starts leaning on Mac & Giles more & shutting out Xander & Willow. They keep proving they can't be trusted not too meddle in her life. & it seems as though Willow is crucial to the success of the good team...she still doesn't care about controlling HER controlling issues. It's hard to fully enjoy the story knowing that Xander & Willow only meant that BUFFY had to be all honest & they could continue doing whatever the hell they want. It's typical of the Scoobies...but it draws focus from the actual story for me to see them already going against their word for "Buffy's own good". Because I already know that if BUFFY tried that...they'd jump all over her like she's the worst person in the world for keeping quiet. I just don't see how this can turn out well w/o full disclosure or making Buffy instantly forgive the Scoobies (which is completely OOC). & since I don't feel they deserve instant forgiveness...I don't know if I will be able to suspend my disbelief for much longer.

Great chapter! I really liked the Mac/Buffy interaction, I'm really looking forward to seeing that develop. & is everyone but Buffy gonna have a relationship? I see Tara & Anya...but no one for Buffy. Really hope she won't be with Riley or back with Angel; two beings who were never good for her. I hope Xander & Willow are honest with Buffy about Angel being in town, otherwise, I see their honesty-policy as only working one way. (ie: Buffy has to tell all to them, but they get to do whatever they want--just like canon, which annoyed me to no end.) I'm curious to know who shot her, & if anyone will find out that Angel killed the shooter...will he go Angelus in his jealousy over Buffy? Not even needing a happy? Interesting stuff, can't wait for more! Good luck with the moving process.

Thanks for the review and the good luck with the moving process. Now to your questions. :)

I'm glad that you liked the Mac/Buffy interaction; I thought it may have come too quickly. Is Buffy going to have a relationship? Yes, but I'm not sure who, I'm leaning towards someone (Not sure yet, don't want to make it seemed forced or unnatural, but I think that I've left enough clues/hints). Don't worry, it isn't Angel or Riley (I agree with you about them not being good for her).

Angel's appearance was to help solidify the honesty policy the Buffy, Willow, and Xander decided on. I hated the way they acted in canon too; everyone frustrated me to no end. I'm trying to rectify that. And Riley is just means to end. And no, I'm not telling you the end.

Have a great day and I'm working on the next chapter now.

This was a lot gushier than I expected it to be. I liked that Oz talked to the CSIs about the Scooby gang, but it seems like you've sprung this they-are-all-in-love-with-each-other thing kinda quickly. I can understand the trio not seeing it because they are too close to one another, but it seems sorta sudden for others to be mentioning this love. & I liked the Willow/Oz talk & how it led to a realization for Xander & Willow, but I can't help wondering if this situation will last. The Scoobies always start treating Buffy like just the slayer, so I'm kinda waiting for the other shoe to drop. Giles meeting with the Keeper of the Light was good, & I liked that he didn't want to see all the visions. Keep up the good work.

Yeah, it was pushing the boundaries of sappiness. The love thing, it was quick, but I've always seen it. For me, I think most outsiders or at least outsiders that notice peoples' emotions, reactions, etc. Would pick up on what the trio feelings for each other. Oz would see it because while he's part of the group, he was always just kind of Willow's boyfriend. And the CSIs, well, I figured that they would notice things like that. I know they're trained in forensics, but if the creators of CSI can stretch the reality of what a forensic scientist does, I'm going to do the same.

Call it artistic license. You're quite right, the Scoobies are going to fall back to their old ways. Every single one of them, but that's what the CSI guys are here for.

I'm glad that you're enjoying the story and thanks for the review. Very much appreciated. Have a good day.

Good story so far, but is it Allison or Alice Summers? I've seen both names used interchangably as far as I can tell, including the use of both "Knights of Allison" and "Knights of Alice" Kind of confused here.

Thanks for the review and glad that you're enjoying the story. Alice is Allison's nickname, so that's why the names are used interchangeably. Sorry to confuse you. Thanks for the review.

Great chappie! I like that the Scoobies are starting to meet the people who are supposed to be helping them. & I love that Mac & the boys are willing to get involved...but why does Mac feel the need to help Buffy? Is there something more to it than the Slayer (or Buffy as a person)? Can't wait to find out. Will Mac be the one to teach her to lead? I'm thinking...maybe. ;) & when's Oz gonna show up again?
Keep up the wonderful work!

Thank you for the review and I'm glad that you're still enjoying the story. Very good questions. You're heading in the right direction. Oz will show up in the upcoming chapter, which I'm hoping to have posted in a couple days. I'm rewriting and moving scenes around (trying to hit the right tone).

Thanks again! Have a good day.

Yay, an update! I was so excited to see you continuing the story. I like seeing Buffy and Mac getting along. Please update again soon.

Glad that you're still enjoying the story. Once again, so sorry for the long time between updates, it has been a crazy and very though year. This story is going to be finished even if I have to stay up all night, every night, to do it. Thank god that I've become an insomniac.

I like that Buffy and Mac are getting along too. Update there shall be! I'm already working on the next chapter.

Thanks for the review!

great part though i wish that buffy would have hit him.

later and love
bunney