Great pacing to this tale!   Also like the way you placed The Caretaker in there.  He's like one of those mysterious shamans on Angel who just appear suddenly or slowly in this case.

Stupepous update, I'm bouncing in my chair with excitement. Didn't expect it till tomorrow, so I'm doubly thrilled. You keep cranking up the excitement level. Was thinking the next big confrontation was gonna be with Angel almost forgotten about the real big bads. So hope Buffy and Spike reach Slayer Central in time to do some good, I like the baby slayers. I don't miss the Scoobies at all.