Excellent read so far! I'm really enjoying this. Your writing has deffinitely come a long way.

I think I have read too many Buffy fics. Because as I'm reading this, especially Giles's comment, and the fact that Buffy and her mother are, or are about the same age. . . I'm getting the feeling that they may, in fact, be the same person. Despite what she and Giles say, her powers really do seem to be more Slayer than trained-warrior enhanced. I don't know what it is, or if that is it, hows it could have happened. Maybe something hellmouth related. . . or, maybe it was somehow triggered by Spike's absence.

Sorry, I know I'm probably reading way too much intto this. As you know, 

You know you read way too many Spuffy fics when. . .  

spike has a plan. traditionally that does not workout well. my guess is  he knows where the gem is. good read, thank you.