Your picks for everything fannish

Blood has always been an important element in the supternatural and magical context of the Buffyverse. As Spike says in The Gift, "It's always got to be blood. Blood is life. Why do you think we eat it? It's what keeps you going. Makes you warm. Makes you hard. Makes you other than dead." And, yet, on a show where blood was central to the conflict between vampires and humans/Slayers, as takers and givers of the substance, there was a limited amount of screen time dedicated to it. The following character studies delve into the symbolism and importance of blood on a personal level for both the human and vampire characters on the show. A number of these stories refer to or incorporate menstruation, so please be aware of that if the topic quicks you.  

1. Grown by Prophecy Girl
Buffy, PG-13, assorted seasons
Summary: Buffy comes full circle.

Review: It's amazing how much can be said in just 425 words. This wonderful character study takes blood as the key symbol in Buffy's evolution from Girl to Slayer and uses it to dramatic and insightful effect. It seems that the nature of the beast is born from within. 

( It's always got to be blood )