I'm aware that my opinions in regards to Buffy and Willow's characters aren't shared by everyone. But there are people who do feel much the same way I do. I've read plenty of fics where the authors make no bones about their opinion that Buffy is vain and full of herself and Willow is controlling and manipulative. Xander and Faith's big problems, as far as I'm concerned, are lack of self esteem. Buffy and Willow only make things worse for both of them and Giles is oblivious.
That being said, I maintain that Angel and Spike didn't love Buffy, they were obsessed with her. Big difference. But Buffy didn't love either of them either. Cordelia put it best at the Welcome Home Party, 'I'm Buffy, freak of nature, so of course I'm going to pick another freak to fall in love with.' Angel was obsessed, Buffy was a narcissist. Angel was a reflection of her. Each, the only one of their kind.
The premise for this story is not unique. I've read others with a similar concept. I hope my take doesn't read like I'm just copying someone else's work, because that's not my intention.
The setup has appeared in other fics. Willow succeeds in doing the soul curse. Buffy can't bring herself to send the reensouled Angel to Hell and sacrifices Xander instead. He spends five years in Hell and fights his way back. He wants only two things, revenge being one of them. The kicker? Time moves differently in Hell then on Earth. He's been gone for five years. But he came back before he got sent there.
The story picks up after his return. The attack on the library has already happened, Kendra is dead and Giles is being tortured. The basic question is. How far will Xander take his revenge?
Buffy the Vampire Slayer is the property of Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy.
This a dark fic, with disturbing imagery. Don't read if that disturbs you. This is a work of fiction, I am not profiting from it. If I offend, I apologize, that is not my intention. That being said, reviews are welcome, but please keep them polite. Thank you.