Chapter 4: The Harvest Part 3

March 14, 1997 – Friday

Summers Home

Paige orbed Buffy and Dawn into the living room where Leo and Joyce waited.

"Buffy?" Joyce sighed, her voice filled with a mix of concern and understanding.

"I know, Mom," Buffy replied, a tinge of guilt in her voice. "If there wasn't a chance that Jesse could still be alive, I wouldn't have skipped class."

Joyce nodded; her expression sympathetic. "I understand. I take it he was already dead when you found him?" Buffy nodded sadly. "I'm sorry to hear that. Buffy, since you're home now, there's someone I want you to meet."

Leo glanced at Paige, who gave him a confirming nod.

"Come on, Dawn," Paige beckoned, gesturing toward the stairs. "We need to gather those supplies." She looked at Joyce with determination. "There's a vampire feeding frenzy happening at the club Buffy went to last night. I'll make sure both Buffy and Dawn come back home safely."

Joyce simply nodded, her gaze following her daughters' Whitelighter as Paige led Dawn out of the room and towards the stairs.

0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0

As Paige and Dawn made their way upstairs to gather the supplies, Paige realized that Dawn needed more context and details about the situation downstairs. She stopped on the staircase, turned towards Dawn, and took a deep breath.

"Dawn, there's something important I need to share with you. You know that man that downstairs? Well, he's actually Buffy's biological father. His name is Leo Wyatt."

Dawn's eyes widened in surprise. "Buffy's dad? But how? We both have the same dad."

Paige nodded and continued, "You see, in the world of witches and Whitelighters, there are certain rules about their relationships. Elders, who are like the governing council, enforce these rules. One of the rules was that witches and Whitelighters are not supposed to get romantically involved. That rule is no longer enforced but it was back then."

Dawn looked confused. "Wait, he's a Whitelighter?"

"Was," Paige corrected. "He's mortal now."

"So, if he was a Whitelighter like you, then how did he become Buffy's father?" Dawn asked her confusion growing.

Paige explained, "Before Buffy was born, Leo fell in love with your mom, Joyce. They had a relationship, and Joyce became pregnant with Buffy. But because their relationship was against the rules, Leo had to hide Buffy's existence from the Elders. He didn't want them to interfere or harm Buffy in any way. So he erased your mom's memories."

Dawn's eyes widened with shock. "He erased Mom's memory?"

"That's why she didn't remember him till today." Paige nodded sadly. "And why your mom believed your father was Buffy. Leo erased her memory of him and their relationship to protect Buffy and keep her hidden from the Elders. It was a difficult decision, but Leo did it to ensure Buffy's safety."

Dawn's voice trembled slightly as she processed the information. "So, this is the first time Buffy and Leo are meeting?"

Paige nodded; her expression compassionate. "Yes, it is. Buffy is just now learning what happened. That Leo is her father. Meeting Leo today is a big moment for both of them."

Dawn's eyes filled with a mix of emotions. "Wow, that's a lot to take in. I can't imagine how Buffy must be feeling right now."

Paige put a comforting hand on Dawn's shoulder. "I know it's overwhelming, but we'll be there for Buffy. And Leo is a good man, he cares about Buffy deeply. They'll have a chance to build their relationship from here."

Dawn nodded, appreciating Paige's support. "Thank you for telling me, Paige."

Paige smiled warmly. "Of course, Dawn."

0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0

Joyce turned her attention to Buffy, her voice filled with a mix of emotions. "Buffy, this is Leo Wyatt. He's Paige's brother-in-law."

"Brother-in-law?" Buffy asked, feeling a wave of confusion wash over her.

Leo stepped forward, meeting Buffy's gaze. "Paige is half-Whitelighter, half-witch. She and her sisters are the most powerful witches of their generation. Paige is just like you."

Buffy's mind raced, trying to process this new information. "Like me?" she asked, her voice tinged with disbelief.

Leo let out a sigh, his eyes filled with regret. "Sixteen years ago, I was your mother's Whitelighter."

Joyce nodded; her voice gentle yet filled with bitter sweetness. "We fell in love, Buffy, at a time when doing so was a violation of the rules. And then we compounded the problem by having a child together."

Buffy's voice trembled as she tried to piece it all together. "I have... another sibling?"

"No," Joyce said. "I only ever gave birth to you and Dawn. Leo cast a spell erasing my memory of him. And as a result, I believed Hank was the father of our baby… of you."

Buffy looked from Leo to her mother and back in a state of shock. "You… you're my father?" she asked Leo.

Leo nodded, his expression filled with both sorrow and longing. "I am your father, Buffy."

Buffy's heart skipped a beat as the weight of the revelation hit her. "Why would you cast a spell to make Mom forget you?"

Leo's gaze never wavered as he explained, his voice filled with a mix of remorse and determination. "Our relationship was forbidden, and if the Elders had found out about us, they would have taken you away and assigned your mom a new Whitelighter. I knew your mom wanted to protect you, to bind both your powers and hers. So, I cast the spell to ensure you would never be taken from her. I kept this secret, speaking of it to no one until Paige was assigned to be yours and Dawn's Whitelighter."

Tears welled up in Buffy's eyes, streaming down her cheeks as she tried to process the magnitude of the revelation. She slowly moved towards Leo, and he enveloped her in a comforting embrace.

Meanwhile, Paige and Dawn returned from upstairs, Dawn smiled at Paige, handing her the duffle bag of supplies, before moving closer to Buffy and gently touching her sister's shoulder.

Feeling Dawn's gentle touch on her shoulder, Buffy turned to face her sister, finding solace in the familiar warmth of their connection. Dawn's tear-streaked face mirrored Buffy's own emotional turmoil, yet her words carried an unwavering commitment. "Paige told me," Dawn whispered, her voice filled with empathy. "I'm here for you, Buffy."

Buffy's eyes welled up with tears once more, but this time they were tears of relief and gratitude. In this pivotal moment, as their family expanded to include Leo, the weight of the world felt a little lighter knowing she had her sister by her side.

As Leo released Buffy from their embrace, Paige spoke up, her voice filled with gratitude and curiosity. "Leo, before we leave, I have a quick question. Willow and Xander, the two that Buffy rescued last night. Their memories weren't wiped by the Cleaners. Do you think..."

Leo interrupted, his tone reassuring. "While both sides, the Cleaners and the Tribunal, hold absolute jurisdiction, the Angel of Destiny can overrule them when it comes to someone's destiny. This Willow and Xander must have an important part to play in both Buffy and Dawn's destinies. Their knowledge couldn't be erased because it's crucial to Buffy and Dawn's paths."

Paige nodded, understanding the significance of Leo's words. She took hold of Buffy and Dawn's hands, ready to orb them out.

The Bronze

Outside the Bronze, there was an eerie silence as Paige, Dawn, Buffy, and the others arrived. Buffy struggled to open the front door, but it remained stubbornly locked. "It's locked," she informed the group, frustration seeping into her voice.

Giles looked visibly distressed. "We're too late," he muttered, a sense of defeat shadowing his features.

Buffy's voice laced with a mix of emotions. "Well, I didn't know I was going to meet my real father!" she exclaimed, her words carrying a touch of sarcasm.

Xander, ever the problem-solver, suggested, "Can you break it down?" Buffy shook her head in response. Sensing another option, he turned to Paige. "What about you, Paige? Can you get us in?"

Paige hesitated, fully aware of the risks involved. "I could," she replied, her voice tinged with caution, "but it would not only risk exposure on a grand scale, but it would also alert the vampires inside to our presence instantly."

Buffy took charge, her gaze firm and determined. "You guys try the back entrance," she instructed, her eyes scanning Giles, Willow, Xander, and Dawn. "Paige and I will find our own way."

Giles nodded, understanding the urgency of the task at hand. "Right," he acknowledged, his tone grave. "Come on, let's go."

"Guys!" Buffy called out to them, her voice cutting through the tension. "You clear the exit and get people out," she directed, her words brimming with purpose. "That's all. Don't go Wild Bunch on me."

Dawn shouldered the duffle bag, ready to fulfill her part in the plan. "See you on the inside," she promised, her voice filled with determination. "And, Buffy…"

"I'll be careful, promise," Buffy said as she smiled at her sister. "After all I have to go back and get to know my father more."

Dawn smiled as she turned and followed the others as they hurried around the building,

Buffy turned to Paige, a glimmer of hope in her eyes. "You were there last night. Do you think there's somewhere you can orb us without being seen?"

Paige's lips curled into a confident smile. "I think I have the perfect spot," she replied, her voice brimming with assurance. With a swift motion, she and Buffy orbed out. They orbed inside on the balcony behind an oblivious vampire.

"I feel him rising!" Darla shouted. "I need another!"

Buffy's attention was drawn to Darla, who stood with a three-pointed star on painted in blood on her forehead, proclaiming, "The Vessel…"

The oblivious vampire suddenly turned and grabbed Buffy, attempting to thwart her interference.

"Tonight, is his ascension," Darla informed the horrified onlookers. "Tonight, will be history at its end! Yours is a glorious sacrifice. Degradation most holy." She stopped, her evil gaze sliding from one face to another. "What, no volunteers?"

And then Troy emerged, holding Cordelia. "Here's a pretty one," he said.

"No . . ." Cordelia struggled, but to no avail. As she started to cry, Troy dragged her toward the stage and handed her over to Darla.

The activity had momentarily distracted Buffy's captor. In one swift move, Paige freed Buffy from from his grasp and Buffy hurled him off the balcony, his body crashing onto the floor below.

Silence fell over the room, broken only by Buffy's unyielding voice. "Oh, I'm sorry," she taunted. "Were you in the middle of something?"

Darla's face twisted with fury; her gaze fixed on Buffy. Anger melted away, replaced by a dangerous smile. "YOU!" she exclaimed, her voice dripping with menace.

Buffy's eyes met Darla's, unyielding in the face of danger. "You didn't think I'd miss this, did you?" she retorted, her words laced with determination.

Darla's expression shifted, a mix of emotions crossing her face. The dangerous smile remained as she hissed, "I hoped you'd come."

0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0

Giles, his resolve unyielding, burst through the backstage exit, wielding a sturdy metal pipe. Dawn, Xander, and Willow followed closely behind him, their determination evident in their expressions.

0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0

As Buffy and Paige fought off vampires, a sudden rush of adrenaline propelled Buffy to perform daring acrobatics. She grabbed a vampire that lunged at them and effortlessly threw him into the hookah pit, where he struggled to climb out. With a graceful backward flip, Buffy sailed through a hole and landed on a pool table, closely followed by Paige.

In a seamless display of agility, Buffy executed a handspring, snatching a pool cue in mid-air and landing firmly on her feet, just as another vampire charged towards them. Without missing a beat, Buffy thrust the cue into his heart, the sound of punctured flesh echoing through the chaos. "Okay, Vessel-girl." she stared straight at Darla, challenge flashing in her eyes. "You want blood?" She released the cue, leaving it impaled in the vampire's body as he disintegrated into dust.

"I want yours," Darla snarled at her. "Only yours."

"Then come and get it."

Cordelia, attempting to break free from Darla's grasp, was harshly flung aside. Seizing the opportunity, Buffy launched herself at Darla, delivering a powerful punch to her face. Darla recoiled, shocked by the force behind Buffy's blow.

But Darla swiftly retaliated, lunging back at Buffy. In a quick succession of movements, Buffy ducked and struck Darla with a roundhouse kick. Her stake drawn and ready, Buffy aimed for the final blow, but Darla blocked her attack with a forceful strike to Buffy's face. Weakened and injured, Buffy stumbled into the corner, the stake slipping from her grasp.

Paige found herself locked in a fierce battle with a vampire who lunged at her with menacing speed. Reacting swiftly, she skillfully dodged his initial attack, narrowly avoiding his outstretched claws. With a determined focus, she countered with a series of rapid punches and kicks, using her agility and martial arts training to her advantage.

The vampire, taken aback by Paige's unexpected skill, struggled to keep up with her agile movements. She delivered a powerful roundhouse kick, connecting with precision and sending the vampire stumbling backward.

Seizing the opportunity, Paige channeled her orbing powers and with a wave of her hand, nearby objects orbed out. When the objects orbed back in they were hurtling towards the vampire, creating a whirlwind of debris that disoriented him. The vampire stumbled and tripped over the chaotic onslaught, temporarily immobilizing him.

As panic gripped the crowd, Xander burst through the backstage door, his priority to evacuate the people to safety. He guided the panicking crowd towards the exit, while Dawn, Willow, and Giles assisted in ensuring everyone's escape.

Paige, having dispatched the vampire she was fighting, swiftly assessed the situation and moved toward the main door of the club.

Darla closed in on Buffy, but a fierce kick to her chest sent her crashing into the wall, momentarily incapacitated. Buffy seized the opportunity, ready to deliver the decisive strike. However, her attention shifted as she spotted the vulnerable Xander, unaware of the vampire approaching him from behind.

Thinking quickly, Buffy turned to the nearby drum kit, kicking off a cymbal and catching it mid-air. With precision and speed, she hurled the cymbal toward the vampire, slicing through his neck just as Xander managed to evade the attack. "Heads up," Xander quipped as the vampire's head sailed across the room, leaving him both grateful and astonished.

Before Buffy could react, Darla grabbed her from behind, her grip tightening with each passing moment.

Both Paige and Xander started toward Buffy, but a shriek stopped them in their tracks. Whirling around, they saw Jesse dragging Cordelia farther below the stairs. As Cordelia screamed and struggled, Jesse threw her to the ground and knelt above her, pinning her with his weight.

"Hold still!" Jesse ordered her. "You're not helping."

"Xander," Paige said as she tossed Xander a stake. "And remember that is no longer your friend."

Xander nodded as he caught the stake and moved up behind Jesse and Cordelia. He stood there looking at his friend and Cordelia and then he thrust the stake through Jesse's back into his heart as Jesse exploded into dust. He stretched out his hand.

Cordelia looked at the hand and then up at Xander and slowly she took it as he helped her to her feet.

Helplessly, Buffy struggled, feeling the pressure of Darla's hold on her neck crushing her, her vision fading into darkness. From some distant place she thought she could hear Darla laughing. "I've always wanted to kill a Slayer," Darla confessed, sounding proud and somewhat amused.

Suddenly, the sound of a vampire disintegrating reached Buffy's ears, and the pain subsided as she collapsed into someone's arms.

With a mix of relief and concern, Paige held Buffy in her embrace, their eyes meeting in a moment of connection and understanding. "Buffy?"

"Paige?" Buffy replied as she mustered a smile, grateful for Paige's timely intervention that had turned the tide against Darla.

Dawn, Giles and Willow emerged from backstage, their presence offering further reassurance. Xander, Cordelia, Buffy, and Paige converged in the middle of the dance floor, a sense of victory mingling with exhaustion.

Giles surveyed the scene, a note of relief evident in his voice. "I take it it's over."

Willow, her voice tinged with trepidation, asked the question that lingered in everyone's mind. "Did we win?"

As they surveyed the aftermath, witnessing the devastation surrounding them, it became clear that the immediate threat had been neutralized. Most of the crowd had managed to escape, leaving behind a stunned and subdued few.

Buffy spoke wearily, her words tinged with both exhaustion and resilience. "Well, we may have averted the apocalypse. I think that deserves some credit." She glanced at Cordelia, who rested her head on Xander's shoulder, a newfound connection evident. It seemed Cordelia might have found her knight in shining armor.

Xander sighed, his voice filled with a mix of weariness and anticipation. "One thing's for sure, nothing will ever be the same again."

Summers Home

As Paige orbed in with Buffy and Dawn in the living room, the sisters took in the familiar surroundings, finding solace in the familiarity of their home. They exchanged glances, sharing a sense of relief and gratitude for their safe return.

Leo stood before Buffy; a mixture of emotions evident in his eyes. He took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts before he spoke. "Buffy, there's something important I need to tell you," he began, his voice filled with a blend of affection and regret. "I am married. Her name is Piper Halliwell, she's Paige's half-sister. Piper and I… we have two wonderful sons together. Their names are Wyatt and Chris."

Buffy's eyes widened in surprise, her mind reeling from this unexpected revelation. She glanced at Paige, seeking confirmation, and Paige nodded gently, silently assuring her that Leo's words were true.

Joyce stepped forward, offering her support to Buffy in this moment of revelation. She placed a comforting hand on her daughter's shoulder, her gaze filled with understanding and love.

Dawn, too, was taken aback by the news. She stood beside Buffy, a mix of curiosity and anticipation swirling within her. She was eager to learn more about her newfound extended family members and the connections they shared.

Paige joined the group, her presence a grounding force amidst the swirling emotions. She understood the complexity of the situation having experienced it herself just a few short years before when she had learned she was Piper and Phoebe's sister. She stood by Buffy's side, ready to offer guidance and support.

As the evening progressed, Buffy and Leo spent time together, engaging in heartfelt conversations, sharing stories, and exploring the intricate dynamics of their family. They navigated the complexities of their newfound relationship, with Leo expressing his regret for the lost years and his commitment to being a part of Buffy's life.

Paige, Joyce, and Dawn observed the interactions, witnessing the delicate dance of emotions unfolding before them. They stood as a united front, offering their love and support to Buffy as she processed the newfound knowledge of her extended family.

In that tender moment, surrounded by the warmth of their home and the unwavering support of her loved ones, Buffy began to comprehend the depth of the connections that awaited her. She realized that despite the challenges and complexities, she had a family who loved her deeply, both old and new.

March 17, 1997 – Monday

Sunnydale High School

Contrary to Xander's prediction, the next day had unfolded just like any other, and so had the day after that. Now the warm California sun bathed Sunnydale High School in its gentle glow, and students carried on with their routines as if nothing out of the ordinary had occurred. Laughter filled the air as Harmony, the new self-proclaimed Queen of Sunnydale High, held court with her entourage. "Well, I heard it was rival gangs fighting for turf," she said dramatically. She glanced around at all the eager faces, her adoring fans clinging to every word. "Anyway, Buffy totally knew these guys, which is too weird. I can't remember anything too well, but I'm telling you, it was a freak show."

"Oh, I wish I'd been there," one wannabe sighed.

Overhearing Harmony's dramatic retelling of the previous night's events, Buffy, Dawn, and their group of friends exchanged amused glances. Xander, in a state of disbelief, turned to the sisters with an exasperated expression.

"What did you expect, exactly?" Buffy teased, while Xander shrugged indignantly.

"I don't know! Something... dramatic. The dead rose, perhaps?"

Cordelia chimed in, a newfound appreciation in her eyes as she looked at Xander. She had underestimated him for so long, but now she saw him as her knight in shining armor. "We should have at least had an assembly."

"People tend to rationalize what they can and forget what they can't," Giles reminded them gently, joining the group alongside Paige. He had successfully convinced Principal Flutie to hire Paige as his assistant, ensuring her presence at the school for Buffy and Dawn.

Dawn nodded, adding her agreement. "Believe me, Buffy and I have seen it happen. People have a way of explaining away the supernatural. My dad was the same way."

"Well, I'll never forget it," Willow chimed in, a shudder passing through her. "None of it."

Paige smiled warmly. "Good. It's essential to stay prepared for whatever may come."

Xander's suspicion grew, and Willow echoed his concerns. "Why are we talking about 'next time'?"

Giles gave them a solemn look. "We stopped the Master from freeing himself and opening the Hellmouth. Doesn't mean he'll stop trying. I'd say the fun is just beginning."

"More vampires?" Willow croaked.

"Not just vampires." Giles stopped and turned to face them. His expression was very solemn, even for him. "The next creature we face may be something quite different."

Buffy exchanged a smile with Paige, her excitement evident. "I can hardly wait," she said with a hint of sarcastic enthusiasm.

"We're at the center of a mystical convergence," Giles continued, his tone serious. "We might find ourselves standing between the Earth and its total destruction."

Xander shook his head, voicing his unease. "Buffy, this doesn't sound good."

Buffy remained optimistic; her voice filled with cheer. "Well, let's focus on the bright side. Maybe I can still get kicked out of school."

She smiled at Paige and Giles, setting off with Dawn, Willow, and Xander hurrying to keep up with her.

"That's a plan," Xander agreed. "Because not every school is situated on a Hellmouth."

"I think Buffy and I were going to opt for a subtler approach," Dawn said with a sly grin. "Like excessive non-studying."

Watching their departure, Giles shook his head, arching an eyebrow and adjusting his glasses. "The Earth is doomed," he sighed.

Paige laughed softly as she observed her charges and their friends walking away. After Leo and Buffy had finished talking, she had unbound the sister's powers. She was confident that Buffy and Dawn would develop into powerful witches in their own right.

Looking up at the sky, she smiled, silently expressing her gratitude to whoever had assigned Whitelighters their charges for making Buffy and Dawn hers. She knew that, together, they would face whatever challenges came their way and protect the world from the forces of darkness.