The Girl from Away
Okay, I read this when you sent it to me but finally have a chance to review. :)
I love that Buffy is set on seeing and talking to Faith, even though Willow tries to convince her not to. It shows her strength in that she's sticking to what she wants and she feels for Faith. Faith's reactions to everything felt very authentic, especially with how she reacts to this new Buffy.
Can't wait for the next chapter! I just really enjoy Buffy's reactions to all the people in this new-to-her dimension. :)
Author's Response:Thanks! Buffy is definitely her own person and not going to be bowed over by what the others here want I'm glad Faith felt in character. In a way the other story was easier to write because Buffy's distrust was so strong. Faith's feelings are more subtle and harder to pick apart. :p
That was so gratifying to read, from the prison visit to the whole Spike revelation. I couldn't really picture how you'd do Buffy meeting Faith but you did a fantastic job of it and I really loved it. Their interactions and all that underlying subtext just bounced around and I think you wrote redeeming Faith very well here, not too defensive but not too tame.
Again, love seeing the differences in these worlds that you forget about, how characters could have died if the situations were different, how others can become allies. Really looking forward to what's in store for chapter 3. ;)
Author's Response:You're not seeing it as soon as you thought, eh? :p
Thank you! It was a weird scene because Buffy has all these feelings threatening to escape everywhere and Faith's just like, mind = blown. I'm glad it came across impressively, haha. :)
I just love this story, so much I want to say but Im on a time constraint. But so cool for pointing out how Cordelia would be dead in the other dimension because Angel didnt come back. And I also appreciate the fact that your chapters always advance the story, they dont just wonder aimlessly, that keeps me reading because I know each chapter is going to move the main story you are telling
Author's Response:Thank you. :) I am not sure it's always accurate to say that, but I appreciate it. :p :)
I think there are a lot of differences between these two worlds that we haven't learned about yet, so I'll work them in as they come to me, haha. Cordelia is one, but there would be so many changes from Angel never coming back.
Yay! I thought Faith might take to Alt Buffy since she didn't have all of that anger towards her and I am waiting for the ball to drop when they realize they are stuck with one another. Wonder how Alt Buffy's reaction will compare to Alt Faith's? Cannon Faith is definitely responding to finally having someone who really, truly cares for her, which is something other Buffy didn't do and the Scoobies surely didn't do until it was too late. I always felt bad for her because she honestly had no one in the series until she went evil and they were all trying to convince her that they cared, but she obviously wouldn't believe them because they hadn't cared before really so why start now? Liked how Faith and new Buffy interacted and how Buffy was repulsed that Spike is not only there helping them, but she can't get over that he made a sexbot of her which makes sense and was funny as hell at the same time. Have to love Anya and her straight-forwardness. Very excited for more. :)
Author's Response:Thanks!! :) Faith is definitely open to talking more with Alt Buffy, but she's still a bit cautious.
Buffybot... Learning about her would definitely throw someone for a loop. :p And yes, Anya never changes. I think her only moment of sensitivity on the show was after Joyce died.
Angel cares about Faith, and she definitely knows and appreciates it, but deep down, all of us know she wanted Buffy to. Heck, the First Evil knows it!! :p :)
I like how I'm getting to understand the other faith through this Buffy... I don't know if that was your desired effect but by getting to know this Buffy I'm understanding her relationship with the other faith much much more than I originally thought! I don't know if that makes sense but I know what I mean!
The Buffy faith meeting was really quite emotional... Really well written and believable ( to me anyway!) their interaction when the put their palms on the window separating them got me right 'ere! (pointing at my heart!)
I'm totally invested in this story of yours and very much look forward to where you take us next!
Soooo as per my 'flowers' sign off.. Friday countdown starts.... Now!
Author's Response:It does make sense, although it was unintentional. :p
Thank you! It was a balancing act trying to keep Buffy somewhat reserved and to have Faith be curious but still cautious. :)
Friday's coming soon! :D
loe that the two stories start out pretty much the same. this dawn is very needy, willing to accept any buffy, just so she has her sister. great start!
Author's Response:Yay, you're here!! :) Was the problem IE9 then?
Thank you so much for the review! Dawn here is more needy, definitely. Joyce died a few months ago, and without Buffy, she has no one. Alt Dawn was in a better situation, because she also had Faith there for her. :)
Uahah! It seems I have finally found my way here! And so far so good my dear, I'm already hype for the next chapter!
Hmm I think I should do something special with this editor.
Okay so how do I turn this stuff off uhhhh
xP
Cheers!
-Ran (will make account later probably)
Author's Response:Run, do not walk, to the register button. :p
Thank you!! Hope you like the next chapter as well. :)
More, more, more please! I can't wait to see where this goes.
Author's Response:More is coming! :p
Love it as much as i loved Flowers For a Ghost. Can't wait for chapter 2!
Author's Response:Thank you so much!! :)
Hey! I've come over to this site from buffynfaith after reading your story Flowers for a ghost. I was soo happy to hear that you started this fic. Never been on this website before now but I just came over to read the beginning of this new fic. I'm totally stoked that you started it and am glad you decided to do a story with the Alt-Buffy. I know you had a lot of feedback for it and I totally am right there with you very anxious to read this story :).
I do like how you've portrayed Alt-Buffy so far. It rings true in everything so far. I would have liked a scene where Buffy was pressuring some of the gang to spill the beans on Faith and have them have a vitrol filled comeback or something like that.. but its no biggie and I'm sure you've got a vision of how this will go.
Also let me tell you as a fan of FfaG.. I really would like some meatty Buffy and Faith togetherness on this one. Like I know there needs to be conflict to make a fic good but I really want the fic to reach the point where Buffy and Faith are together and they are more or less OK with each other for some period of time before the end of the story. The conflict can maybe stem from all the resistance everyone has to Faith being around/Buffy being with Faith/etc. I'm just saying it could be different. There obviously needs to be a good deal of Buffy & Faith conflict but if the focus shifted at some point to Buffy & Faith vs The World I not only think it would make it a very different fic from your last one but it would make fans squee with glee. Maybe more sex scenes too =)
Anyway I wait with baited breath for an update. I think I read somewhere that you update pretty slowly because of your busy life. That is something of a bummer but it won't keep me from checking from time to time to see if you've got some new juicy chapter for us. Good luck writing! Love it.
Author's Response:Read about me? Where?? :p I update once a week, which is not very slow at all. I probably write slowly compared to some, but I typically do not post until a story is complete or nearly complete, so it doesn't really have anything to do with the speed of my life.
Glad you've enjoyed it so far. This will have an entirely different feel than Flowers, and will not really mirror that fic in any way. I think you will like where I take it, at least I hope so. I guess we'll find out! :p :)
Oh, hello! So I find myself leapfrogging over to this site to throw another review your way. Because, story!
The first thing I noticed was that this story is using a different tense than Flowers for a Ghost. I think 3rd person present tense is one of the hardest forms to write convincingly - it seems easier to portray present tense from 1st person perspective. That's not to say it can't work, of course, and a talented writer can pull it off. Someone like you, for example. :P
Choosing to make the story fast paced at the start is a good idea, as your previous story already went through the "huhwherewhowhy" phase. If you went into too much detail with that us old timer readers would be tapping our fingers a bit, but your pacing is perfect! The amount of information you throw down is just enough to let us visualise the world shown.
Another thing, yay for Angel! His appearance for Buffy would help cement the reality that this is not her world, and the talk between them was succint and sweet - although she never stopped loving Angel, she can't love him the same way anymore. That sums up their relationship so well - a lot of fan fic writers tend to make Angel plain or vindictive or possessive if he's part of a Faith and Buffy story. That's not who he is, and I loved reading it. :D
Looking forward to seeing more - and maybe much more writing from you in the future. Because, I need my fic fix.
K?
K.
Squee. :P
Author's Response:Haha, why did you review as anon?? :p
I wrote almost all (or maybe all?) the Ten Roads stories in 3rd person present tense, and Omega in first person present. It was exceedingly strange to write in past tense again when I did Flowers, and actually I felt like i was hindered. Like it wasn't as conducive to the things i wanted to write. Also, present tense seems to work better with my love of sentence fragments and run-on thoughts. :p I don't remember now if you've read my one-shots, but I think I pulled them off, so this should be reasonably decent. Lol. i hope!
You're so right about Angel. He's a class act (except when it comes to Spike, but who can blame him because Spike's Annoying with a capital A), and i don't for a moment think he'd be vindictive. Jealous, yes, but he'd hide it and brood about it. Plus to set the story after season 5, he needs to be there for Faith's arc. They had such a wonderful relationship, and i wouldn't want her to lose that. :) *tear* God, I love Angel. Maybe there's an Angel lovers anonymous group I can join. Well, I guess it's not that anonymous...
There is much more to come! After this story concludes, I am six chapters into my next fic already. That one will be a bit longer than these two, most likely. :p I'm kind of in a writing groove these days, it seems. Now if only we can get you in one...
Now I was one of those people who inquired about alt Buffy and yes you sidestepped from answering that query! Keeping us all in suspense and then throwing it out there! Like your style!
So the story thus far is totally and utterly doing its predecessor full justice!
No need to rehash what you have already so brilliantly conveyed in Flowers... So I'm not in agreement with the feedback that suggests its rushed... The pace is right on the money!
I have high hopes for this one... Your fault for being a writing genius! But also because I'm realllllllly intrigued to find out how you will approach the emotional journey this Buffy is gonna go thru when she meets evil faith, and how or if she's gonna embark on a relationship with her!
I predict exciting times ahead!
Author's Response:I'm sly, what can I say? :p Probably not that sly, since I'm sure some guessed I'd do this, haha.
Thank you so much! Glad you're enjoying it so far. I hope the times ahead are as exciting as you predict! *bites nails* I'll do my best. :D
Glad to see that you recover Alt-Buffy, we really missed her and what would she do when facing real Faith.
I think that you did lose a fantastic opportunity with no intertwining those two stories. They are so many possible parallelisms ...
Anyhow, thanks for writting Alt-Buffy's story, and sharing it with us. I'm looking forward to enjoy it. I'm wondering if you'll mirror the first story (I would love that) and this time Alt-Buffy will be the one holding back, freaking out with a feeling of betraying the love of her life. Obviously Alt-Buffy must be the one contacting Faith and helping her, because she knows how a wonderful human being she's deep inside, but Faith should be the one romantically pursuing Alt-Buffy (as Buffy was the one romantically pursuing Alt-Faith).
Thank you.
Author's Response:Thank you. :) You will have to wait and see how any potential romance develops. :p :) As for intertwining, that wasn't/isn't the story I wanted to tell. I hope you'll enjoy those that I tell instead.
I really enjoyed it. It was well written and the charscterisation was superb. I liked the twist about Angel from the Altverse. If that little tidbit was in the companion piece I overlooked it. The only thing that really bugs me is the lack of Spike. I would think that, sunlight permitting, he would have been by Buffy's side in the hospital, or at least would have come rushing to her soon afterwards. Was this just an oversight or are we viewing a third altverse where Spike isn't or wasn't around?
Author's Response:Thank you so much. :) It was in the companion piece too. Canon Buffy found out that Angel had never come back there, and she had some big feelings about it. It was neither oversight nor a third universe! Spike will show himself soon, no worries. :D
Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
-Becomes a man again-
Ahem. So yeah I am thoroughly enjoying being on the other side of the window after reading Flowers for a Ghost.
I, like many other readers of that story, kept wondering what 'B' could possibly be like since Alt Faith went on about her like she was the lovechild of Mother Theresa and Superman. A Buffy with a little less pain in her life and a lot more love would surely be a drastically different character.
I think I may have been expecting something closer to the "naive school girl" Angel first saw her, but really a Buffy in pigtails who's peppier than an entire cheerleading squad isn't really Buffy. There is definitely a softer edge to this Buffy, it's subtle for the moment but I'm sure as events from her life are further explored and she comes out of her shell I'll get to see just how different she is. I have no fears over your ability to bring something interesting and satisfying to this version of Buffy. :)
Really liked seeing the differences and similarities in the dynamic of the scooby gang and Buffy's observations of both. Angel's presence in this world does allow for a very different story and his inclusion was a nice scene; something I'm glad you addressed already within the first chapter. The fact Willow and Tara are much more skilled in the magicks and Angel and his gang have just come from another dimension themselves also makes me wonder whether the events in Flowers for a Ghost are completely over...;)
So yes...Friday. That's tomorrow right? Yes? Don't be a meanie and make us wait till next week! Friday is Friday! Please?! Look I'm uploading my stories to Chosen Two right now! See? I did good! I DID GOOD! Uh, so yeah...update soon, whatever, no big.
Author's Response:Lol, what even?
Alt Faith has some rose colored glasses, but let's face it, any Buffy is pretty great. Wasn't that one from wishverse great? She was like 'I have braids and combat boots, fuck you all.' :D I hope Alt Buffy lives up to your expectations though; they sound very high. *Hides under a table*
I assume you don't really want me to answer this question about magic and Angel's group's varied ability. :p Speaking of which, Angel! I love me some Angel. I don't know if most fuffy shippers love Angel as much as I do, but I just want to squish him and pet him and give him all sweet moments in the stories. It's probably because of that time he was a puppet. Who could not love that puppet?! I have a heart, okay? Or I did. But puppet Angel stole it.
Anywayyyyy as you can see it's Friday and I haven't updated, because I clearly didn't mean TWO DAYS LATER. Do you think I'm a machine?? Go work on NMG and hush yoself. :D
I can't wait to see Faith and Alt Buffy interact for the first time. Especially knowing how much Alt Buffy misses and loves Faith, I can't imagine she'd be able to hide it all that well.
Author's Response:You only have to wait until the next chapter. :D
Nice, looking forward to the next chapters! XD. The other fic was good as well, I just finished reading it today.
Author's Response:Thank you very much. :) I hope you enjoy the next!
i registered just so i can review...lol
thanks for posting the alt buffy..i so wanted to know what's going on with her
how come you didn't post it on the other site?
anyway, pms!
Author's Response:Hey Hael, thanks for coming over!! :) Ask (repeatedly, in a group :p) and you shall receive. :) hope this one will satisfy your curiosity about Alt Buffy.
As for why not posting at the other site, a couple reasons. This is my site, so I'm trying to devote my attention to it right now. Plus there were some issues at the other that bothered some of the authors, and it seems like it could disappear at any moment. :/ Hence, new site, new story, fun times. :p
Yay, loving the fact that Alt Buffy gets her own fic... Thanks for tricking us btw!!! :)
So the two Buffy's did switch worlds... Knew it!!!
How is this Buffy going to deal with not having her Faith? Buffy has always been very into her relationships (even Spike), so how will she deal with being in a world where there's a Faith that isn't hers. Faith in this world hates/is not close with her. Plus the rest of the gang hate her... This will be very interesting.
How many chapters is this btw? 10 like in Flowers For A Ghost?
Author's Response:Omg it was hard not to say anything when people kept asking me about her though! Haha. :)
Buffy definitely has some struggles ahead of her. It will be interesting, I hope! This fic is very different than Flowers.
It will be at least 10 chapters, but to be honest, I am actually starting to post while the fic is only about half done, for a change. So it may end up being longer depending on how I'm feeling around the tenth chapter. :) I do promise to do my very best to get out one chapter every Friday though. For the next several weeks, the chapters are done and ready to post. :)
*came here from fanfiction.net (this is a cool site, thanks for introducing everyone!)*
Sweet! I've been wondering what happened to Buffy in the buffy-and-faith-aren't-together-universe. I was going to mention it, but voila, perfect! I can't wait for Alt Buffy and Faith to meet here :)
I feel like canonically, Faith is more into Buffy than Buffy is into Faith, so it'll be interesting to see how Faith reacts to a Buffy that is totally into her. By the way, Flowers for a Ghost is like, my favorite fuffy fanfic and I'm sure this will be too. Keep up the awesomeness!
Author's Response:Thank you, glad you headed over!! :) Faith will be in next chapter, so you don't have to wait too long. I agree with you--canon had Faith into Buffy, so this will definitely throw her for a loop.
Thank you so much for the kind words on Flowers. I am so thrilled for it to be someone's favorite!! :D
I think it suffers from the same issue that the start of the other fic did: it's rushed, and while you've provided enough details to ground the story, emotionally, there is no connection here. You're other fic got substantially better a few chapters in, so I'm assuming this one will too.
Author's Response:I disagree. If I delved into great detail in the first chapter, it would be a re-hashing of the other story. You know what's going on, and you already know a lot about where she came from. The purpose of this chapter is to lay some groundwork before this story deviates from the other, and I think it does that. And I think it does it while allowing us to identify with Buffy. At least that's what three betas said prior to it being posted, so I don't think I'm completely crazy here.
I sure hope this one gets better a few chapters in. ;)
I have been waiting patiently for this I love how it started and I can't wait to see wait Alt Buffy says to Faith
Author's Response:Thank you for your patience, and for coming over here to read it! :) Faith will be in the next chap, scout's honor.
Yup, i'm with everyone on this, wondering what happend to Faith's Buffy.
I don't know about the others, but i really really want them to return home to their correct partners, and for Buffy and Faith prime to work shit out.
Watching eagerly
R
Author's Response:And you shall find out!! :D I appreciate you coming over here to read this. :)
So far so good...these might be the words of a greedy reader, but I am looking forward to more.
Author's Response:Greedy is okay, as long as it's polite. :p Happy you are excited for more! :)
Excellent start!
I really like the pace in this chapter. It feels like I've gotten up to speed on everything right along with Buffy. It's interesting how she reacts to everything. She keeps it together even though she really wants to find Faith and seems a little lost without her. That is one tough slayer.
Can't wait for the next chapter!
Author's Response:Thank you!! :) I wondered if it felt too rushed, but most people will have read Flowers and there's no need to play out the same scenarios over and over.
It's interesting that you say "tough" to describe her. When this was being beta'd that was the same comment I got, that Buffy was coming across very strong. I don't think I did it consciously. I just wanted her to be on par with the awesomeness of Alt Faith, and she came out as very together and in control. She'll have her moments though. She definitely is a little lost without Faith, as you said. :(