Charmed: Another Halliwell

by Brenna's Urbangirl Projects

Summary: Buffy Summers is the daughter of Joyce and Hank Summers. Joyce was born Patience Joyce Halliwell she was Prue, Piper and Phoebe's aunt. When Joyce dies Buffy is left in the care of her cousins. Pairings: Prue, Piper, and Phoebe (and later Paige) canon pairings. Buffy/Dawn (Yes, Forbidden Sibling Love). A/U Set during and after Charmed Season 1 and Buffy season 1.

60. Chapter 60: The Wish

Chapter 60: The Wish

December 13, 1998 – Sunday

Golden Gate Park

The sun blazed overhead, casting a bright light throughout the large park on a gorgeous day with barely a cloud in the sky. The tranquil atmosphere was shattered by the scaly dark green monster, his tentacles slicked over the back of his skull, as he emerged from the shadows. The demon's eyes glinted wickedly as Buffy kicked at him, trying to break free of his iron grip. She breathed shallowly, struggling to escape as the demon trapped her against the rough bark of a tree by her neck. She grimaced, feeling the filth on his flesh against her skin.

Buffy struggled to draw breath. "Nnnrrf! Nnnrrf! Nnnrrf!" she shouted, straining against the creature's grip. The demon laughed at her attempt and tightened its grip around her throat, restricting her oxygen.

A terrible throbbing emanated from Xander's head as he slowly began to return to consciousness.

"Oh, God! Demon! Demon! What kills a demon?!" Willow screamed, digging through the weapons Buffy had brought with her.

Buffy strained with the hand at her neck without success. The pressure of its hand made not only breathing difficult but somehow cut her off from her magic as well; she couldn't use her powers. "Nnnrrf! Nnnrrf! Nnnrrf!" she shouted again, hoping to get Willow to realize what she needed.

Willow didn't hesitate in her hunt for the meaning of Buffy's distorted word. "Oh, nurf! Not nurf. A knife!" she corrected herself as she looked for a knife. When she found it, she ran closer to Buffy before tossing her friend the weapon.

Buffy snatched it from the air blindly and with a strong thrust downward stabbed the demon in the chest. The monster fell to the ground, taking her with it. Willow and Xander rushed over to assist her as she got to her feet.

"Okay. That was too close for comfort. Not that slaying is ever comfy, but... you know what I mean?" Buffy took a big breath, relishing the use of her lungs. She held up her hand and watched as a fireball formed in it. With the demon's death her powers had been restored. "If you guys hadn't been here to help…"

Willow cut Buffy off. "But we were, and we did, and we're all fine." She lowered her gaze to the dead creature on the ground. "Isn't he going to go poof?"

Buffy cast a gaze down at the demon. "Probably a lower level demon. Not all of them go poof when their vanquished. We'll have to bury him or something. Ugh…" she groaned, not wanting to dig a hole large enough for the demon. She walked back over to the picnic table and sat on top of it with her legs crossed. The others joined her in sitting around the table. "Makes you appreciate upper level demons and vampires. No muss, no fuss."

"How come, Faith, was a no-show? I thought mucusy demons were her favorites?" Xander inquired, munching on one of the snacks they had brought with them.

"I couldn't reach her again," Buffy answered with a sigh. "She hasn't been hanging out much. Off by herself."

"I detect worry," Xander said.

Buffy nodded. "Little bit. Slaying's a hard gig; too much alone time isn't always healthy." She looked at Willow and Xander, concern for Faith etched on her face. "Stuff gets pent up."

Willow reached out and placed a comforting hand on Buffy's shoulder. "We should try to do more socializing with her." she offered.

"Well burial detail aside. Does this cap us off for the day?" Xander asked forcing a cheery smile.

Buffy looked at him. "You have plans?" she asked slightly surprised but pleased for him.

"I cannot stress enough how much I don't have plans." Xander sighed, already missing the things he'd done with Cordelia over the weekend.

Buffy gave him a sympathetic look. "No luck reaching Cordelia?" she asked remembering that Cordelia had recently broken up with Xander after she had caught him and Willow kissing.

"I've left a few messages. Sixty… seventy… but you know what really bugs me?" He looked at Willow for support. "Ok. We kissed. It was a mistake. But I know that was positively the last time we were ever going to kiss."

"Darn, tootin'!" Willow agreed, glad to be able to pass the blame if even the excuse was lame.

"And they just burst in rescuing us without even knocking? I mean this is really all their fault."

Buffy raised an eyebrow at him. "Your logic does not resemble our Earth logic."

"Mine is much more advanced," Xander told Buffy sheepishly. Earning a small amused smile from the blonde.

"At least tomorrow's Monday, another school day," Willow said.

"Well, that's good. You know, focus on school. That's the strong Willow way to heal," Buffy said encouragingly.

Willow shifted uncomfortably. "Actually, I was thinking Oz will be there and I can beg for forgiveness."

Buffy quickly changed directions. "That works too." She nodded.

"I want to be strong Willow," Willow admitted. "But then I think I may never get to be close to Oz again, and it's like all the air just goes out of the room."

"I know the feeling," Buffy said.

"Right, you've been through it with Angel and you're still standing," Xander said as they stood up. Buffy grabbed the demon's legs while Xander and Willow grabbed it's arms. "So, tell us Wise One, how do you deal?" he asked, truly wanting to know despite his glib tone as they drug the demon toward the bushes.

Buffy gave him a serious look. "Well, I have you guys."

Chase Residence

Cordelia sat on her bed; her drapes carefully closed to block out the bright sunlight. She had her lights turned down low, just enough to see by. She examined the photograph in her hand. The picture depicts her, Xander, Willow, and Buffy with their arms around each other in a comforting embrace. Taking the scissors in her hand, she cut right through the photo, severing Buffy and let the piece to fall into the basin in front of her. She slashed into Willow next, her movement even more violent than when she eliminated Buffy from her life. She bit back a sigh as another message played from the answering machine and Xander's accursed voice once again filled the room.

"Hey. This is Xander. Please call me if you get this." Cordelia tried to ignore his voice as she examined the remaining portion of the snapshot in her palm. Xander's face was goofily beaming up at her. What had become of her? She was Cordelia Chase. Nobody cheated on her! Cordelia slashed into Xander's face. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she allowed herself this one day to weep over Xander and his cruel treachery.

"Hi! Xander. I, um... I'm available if you want to call. Bye." Cordelia sighed deeply, her eyes shutting briefly before picking up a match and lighting it. For a brief moment, she was drawn to the flame. Holding it to what remained of Xander's photo. Sad eyes watched as it started to burn.

"Hi, Cordelia. If you get a chance. If we could talk, I'm here." Cordelia tossed it into the bowl of cut-up images of herself and Xander as she purged herself of her past, vowing to start over tomorrow. "Hey, there!" It's me. I've arrived. Again."

For a moment longer she watched Xander burn before she got up and walked over to her private bathroom, stripping her clothes from her body she jumped under her shower, beginning the process of making herself look presentable again before she went out and restocked her wardrobe.

December 14, 1998 – Monday

Gateway High School

Willow nervously shifted her feet as she peeked around the corner of the hallway. Her attention was focused on one locker in particular, and she was growing increasingly anxious as it remained untouched. Suddenly, Buffy appeared behind her.

"How's it going?" Buffy asked.

"Oz hasn't been to his locker yet," Willow sighed, fixing her friend with a sad look before turning away again to monitor the row of lockers. "He may have books in there he needs, but he still doesn't come." She glanced back at Oz's locker, dreading that she might miss him if she looked away for too long.

"What about Cordy? Has Xander seen her?" Buffy offered, changing the subject in an attempt to distract Willow from her worries.

"I don't think so," Willow sighed, looking back at Buffy. "But she is coming in today. Amy saw her last night at the mall." Once more, she looked towards Oz's locker with hope in her eyes.

"How was she?" Buffy asked with genuine curiosity regarding the cheerleader.

"I don't know," Willow began slowly, trying to remember what Amy had told her. "Amy said she looked pretty…scary," she concluded after racking her brain for the right term.

0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0

Cordelia drove into the student parking lot, top down on her convertible, music playing while she tried to take even breaths and not think about Xander. She was past her Xander craziness and eager to start fresh. The only thing she was concerned about was how her friends would respond to her attempt to re-enter the fold. She strode into school bravely, armed with the clothing she had purchased the day before.

Cordelia made her way through the breezeway that led to the quad. Her confidence was disappearing with each step she took inside the school, and she didn't like how the other kids who should have been clustering about her fighting for her undivided attention just walked right by her, not even noting how gorgeous she looked, not even a glance that couldn't be considered more than a glimpse. She battled the need to hesitate as she remembered telling Harmony she was a sheep, shaking her head. Her thoughts returned to it when she noticed Harmony across the breezeway with a bunch of her old friends.

Harmony noticed Cordelia and paused, fighting the impulse to laugh at the brunette's expense. With a little wave of her hand, she signaled the other girls to keep silent, as she didn't want anything to give them away. She approached Cordelia with a nice welcoming grin. Cordelia felt a wave of relief rush over her and smiled brightly at the blonde she was hoping to win over.

"Cordelia! "You look fantastic." Harmony smiled as she approached the brunette, bending in with Cordelia to exchange an air hug and cheek kisses, neither of them wanting to spoil their clothes or makeup.

Harmony took a short step back from the greeting and motioned to one of the girls Cordelia didn't recognize. "Oh. You have to meet Anya." Harmony reached out and grabbed the blonde-brown-haired girl in front of her. "She just moved here, and her father just purchased...what was it...well. A utility or something like that." Harmony shrugged, not caring.

"I like the bag. Prada?" Anya inquired, her gaze fixed on Cordelia's bag, as she analyzed the girl she had come to meet.

Cordelia smiled. "Nice call! Most folks around here can't tell the difference between Prada and Payless," she stated a bit more fiercely than she had intended, her thoughts wandering treacherously to Xander.

Harmony pulled herself up, ready to refocus everyone's attention on her. "Oh my God, Cordy, when I heard about...I couldn't believe it. But it was smart. You know, the injury? You take a week off and let everyone forget about the brief craziness that was Xander Harris."

Cordelia lifted her brows, her rapid tongue covering her offended feelings. "Xander, who?"

"Oh!" Harmony was astonished, expecting a far more painful reaction from the brunette. The awkward pause that followed was broken by nervous laughing that was glaringly phony even to their own ears.

After the laughing subsided, an old ex-Cordelia worshipper spoke out. "You understand what you must do. Start dating. Get back on the horse."

Cordelia nodded eagerly, this was going better than she could have imagined, it never occurred to her that it was almost too simple, especially after how she had discarded them. "Oh, of course! I'm ready to ride!"

Harmony resisted a wicked girlish chuckle. "Then I just have the stallion. He's just like you." She led Cordelia and her group of friends over to the outside steps, where the geeky-looking Jonathon sat, drinking a soft drink. He cast a wide-eyed glance at the group of girls in front of him, not expecting the sudden attention, and he was nearly convinced he was about to be pushed into something.

Cordelia's smile faded as she felt a pang of dread in her gut and looked around to see whether her 'friends' may have meant someone else. When she saw no one else, her heart sank as the realization of who Harmony meant settled in, making her heart heavier than it already was, and the tears that had recently been so close to the surface threatened to escape her tears ducts, but she bit them back, the last thing she needed was to show them tears.

Harmony laughed, pleased to be able to express how amusing she felt the scenario was. "I'm confident he won't cheat on you. At least not for the time being. He also has a killer moped." She giggled as she and her friends walked away, leaving Cordelia behind. Jonathon gave Cordelia a sympathetic look, knowing what it's like to be on the receiving end of one of their cruel games, before turning his gaze away from the brunette and back to the relative safety of his soda; she may not be one of them anymore, but nothing could make him forget how cruel she could be.

0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0

Cordelia descended the stairs and entered the student lounge. She turned down the hall, and she face was unhappy, but it wasn't because of Xander, but because of how much trouble she was having resuming her previous role as Queen of Sunnydale High. She noticed Xander leave the cafeteria as she peered across the hall. He halted when his sight fell on her, his breath held in his throat. She glanced about for a method to persuade Xander to leave. When she saw an old boyfriend in the crowd, she drew him to her.

"Hey, John Lee. Is there something stuck in my teeth?" Cordelia inquired, flashing him a dazzling smile to show off her pearly whites. Shifting her head back and forth, angling her head up so he can see. John Lee diligently tracked her movements, his gaze fixed on her teeth.

Xander clenched his teeth as he watched what appeared to be Cordelia and John kissing; he couldn't help but feel jealousy and misery. Anger was also present. He stayed there for a while more, paralyzed by the sight, and then marched back into the cafeteria, trying to find something that would remove the burned picture from his mind's eye.

When Cordelia saw Xander go back through the cafeteria entrance, she took a step back, her smile relaxing and shrinking to a more comfortable size. "So, what's new? It's been a gazillion years!"

"Look, the guys have been really down on me lately. Coach has moved me to second string. If anyone saw me with Xander Harris' castoff on top of that... Death, you know, but... maybe..." John Lee gave her a sly look with his eyes, his smile turning leering. "If you want to go someplace private..."

Cordelia cut him off, her gaze revealing her amazement at the quick turnabout. "What?"

"Think about it," John informed her with one final tempting gaze before turning and walking into the crowd, not wanting to be seen with her and getting thrown off the team.

Cordelia glanced after him for a time, unable to believe what had just occurred, but the words buzzed about in her head, making it difficult to deny that they had been uttered. She began down the corridor, anxious to get away, hoping that this was all a dream and that she'd wake up to find that her journey into social suicide had never occurred. She jumped when she felt someone collide with her. She turned to find Anya standing next to her.

Anya smiled at her. "Hey."

Cordelia glared at her, raising her defenses and crossing her arms protectively across her chest. "Go ahead and do it. Your imaginative insults will amaze me. "Join the crowd," she yelled at the smaller girl.

Anya gave the brunette a thoughtful look, resisting the impulse to roll her eyes. "Hardly. I've actually been looking for you. Since we met this morning, I've been thinking, 'Thank God there's another person in this town who reads W.'"

Cordelia's demeanor shifted from defensive to confused. "But... Harmony..."

Anya waved her hand dismissively. "Oh, she follows me around. If that girl had an original thought, her head would explode." She meant every word she said, just being forced to hang around the girl had made her want to scream, but she'd have to fit in somewhere and the tall brunette wouldn't have talked to her at all if she wasn't with a popular crowd. Sometimes she hated teenagers.

Cordelia looked Anya over sizing the girl up. She looked like she had a good fashion sense and wouldn't embarrass her in public. She shrugged mentally, she could do a whole lot worse than Anya, and she desperately needed someone. "Tell me about it."

"And she's upset about some guy you were dating? Have we completed the seventh grade?" Cordelia giggled as Anya inquired.

Cordelia's gaze focused on a pendant with a vivid green stone in the center, quickly drawing her interest. "Isn't that Gucci?"

Anya stared down at her pendant, urgently trying to come up with a cover story for it. "Um... no. It's an actual antique, kind of, hmm... good luck charm my father gave me."

"Too bad I didn't have one of those pre-Xander," Cordelia mumbled an outburst of rage and betrayal, her eyes gleaming with intensity.

They proceeded down the corridor, the stillness engulfing them for a brief while before Anya broke it. "Can I just say... Men!"

"Seconded."

"Aside from lacking class, the guy is obviously blind. He deserves whatever he gets," Anya said with intensity and hatred seldom heard in a teenager.

Cordelia didn't notice since she was too preoccupied with her own anguish and betrayal. "I'm not even considering him. I'm over it. I'm enjoying my life."

"Still, I mean... Don't you kind of wish..." Anya began, but Cordelia cut her off in her typical domineering manner.

"I don't wish. I act. Starting immediately, Xander Harris is going to get a taste of how sick of him I am." Her dark eyes shone with conviction, a sliver of spiteful glee piercing her heart at the prospect of retaliating against the loser she had dated.

Payson's

Xander observed Cordelia as she sat at the bar chatting to some guy he didn't know, a scowl on his face as he saw the grin light her face, leading him to assume she was having a good time. He fisted his palm on the armrest of the couch he was sitting on with Buffy, Willow and Phoebe, wishing he hadn't noticed her hot red spaghetti-strap dress.

Willow glanced out across the crowd, her mind wandering to her own worries. Buffy and Phoebe were chatting about the reveal that Angel was still alive and Piper's reaction to the news.

Suddenly Xander put out a fake chuckle, which startled them. His face was bright, with a broad, trying-too-hard smile pasted on it. Phoebe, Willow, and Buffy exchanged glances before turning to face Xander.

Xander's smile faded, and he gave them a frustrated expression. "Excuse me. I need to be both giving and receiving mirth. Is a little backup too much to ask?"

Buffy smiled and placed a kind hand on his knee. "I'm here for you, Xander. I'm Support-O-Gal," she informed him before removing her hand and looking across at Cordelia. "I just...feel a little strange about this us-versus-Cordelia thing. She's been through a lot," she replied emphatically.

"The same is true for me, Xander," Phoebe added thinking back to the reveal of Cole also being Belthazor. "Or have you forgot the guy I was dating turned out to be a demon?"

Willow looked over toward Cordelia, who was still at the bar, conversing amiably and clearly having a good time. "It's true. Cordelia is of the justified camp. She should make us pay. And pay, and pay, and pay... In fact, there is really not enough pay to make up for…"

Xander felt his guilt build with each word Willow said; the sensation enraged him; he despised guilt and despised being forced to feel it. He cut Willow off with a furious sneer. "Look, you can do guilt-a-palooza all you want, but I'm done with that. Starting right now, I'm going to seize that crazy little thing called life and let it do its wonderful little healing thing. What has been done is done. Let us live in the present moment. Look at the beauty that is right now." He raised an eyebrow, hinting. "Who's on board with me?"

"It's true. We are young and free in America. How dare we be spun by love or its absence?" Buffy nodded, brushing off her friend's heartbreaks as gently as she could.

"Buffy's right," Phoebe said firmly.

Willow swallowed anxiously. "Absolutely," she agreed. "It's self-indulgent. I'm in. I'm on the joy train." She tried to make her grin bright and cheerful, but it came out half-hearted.

Buffy, Phoebe, Willow and Xander took deep breaths before plastering ecstatic smiles on their faces as they looked around Payson's pretending to be happy. After a moment their smiles faded into nothingness, leaving them looking as glum as before their attempt at seizing life.

"That didn't work…" Buffy admitted. She looked toward Phoebe. "What do you think? Chocolate?"

"Chocolate," Phoebe agreed as she and Buffy rose to their feet and made for the quickest route to the bar through the mass of bodies in the club.

Willow followed Buffy and Phoebe with her gaze not wanting to look at Xander for too long a moment, just encase it got back to Oz and he got the wrong idea.

Xander, oblivious to Willow's distraction, looked at Cordelia with sorrowful eyes, envy tugging at him as he saw her effortless happiness. "Look at her." He made a little hand motion toward Cordelia. "Clown tears, baby." Or is it... a sad person's grin?" Still oblivious to Willow's lack of attention, he reached out in his old familiar way, his palm resting on her arm. "Or maybe it's..."

Willow finally looked at Xander, or rather at his hand, with a slightly uneasy expression on her face. "Xander, your hand."

As he gazed at his long-time friend, Xander snatched his hand away, a surprised expression on his face. "Oops! Sorry. But why the 'oops'? I mean, we've always touched digits. It's a friend thing. Comfort. Just like chocolate."

Willow shrugged firmly yet awkwardly. "Maybe it used to be, but since we... It's different." Xander broke eye contact again, gazing across toward the bar. "I'm sorry. But if I ever want to make things right with Oz, my… everything… has to be for him exclusively," she said as Xander returned his gaze to her. He nodded in agreement, but the expression on his face screamed all about how upset he was about it.

Buffy and Phoebe made it to the bar. Buffy's gaze was drawn to Cordelia as the cheerleader muttered a few words of goodbye to Anya before turning around to depart, a boy brushing into her as she swerved past him. Cordelia clenched her wound with a grimace as agony pierced it.

"Get the chocolate, I will be right back," Buffy said hesitantly before following after the cheerleader.

0 – 0 – 0 – 0 - 0

Buffy stepped out the door, her gaze fixed on Cordelia. She noticed her a bit farther away from the club, moving slowly so as not to irritate her injuries. "Hey, Cordelia, wait a second."

Cordelia came to a sudden halt, her eyes shutting briefly as she exhaled a small breath of air. She turned to face Buffy; her eyes empty of any emotion save irritation. "Did Xander send you to beg for him? Because if he did..." she began, a little bit hopeful that he had.

"No. I promise I'm a free agent. I simply wanted to check in on you." Buffy cut in; her palms slightly lifted in submission.

Cordelia faked a grin as unwelcome disappointment washed over her. "Never been better," she virtually hissed, before turning to leave.

Buffy let out a soft sigh and followed her. "Cordelia, I know what it's like to be hurt by someone."

Cordelia spun around, ready to spout a series of choice harsh words at the blonde, but the expression on her face stopped her, making her swallow the harsh words back down into the pit of fury and betrayal.

"You're hurting so bad you don't think you'll make it." Buffy paused and took a deep breath. "But I expressed my feelings to my sisters and to my friends, and you know what? It got a little better. "

Before Cordelia could answer a vampire jumped from the roof to land right behind Buffy. The vampire took a swing at her head, but, having been alerted by his landing, Buffy blocked it. Buffy sent a punch to his face sending the vampire tumbling to the ground. Not giving him any chance to recover, she threw another punch directly at his face and grabbed his shirt's lapels to pull him up.

Spinning him around, Buffy let go of his clothing causing him to lose balance. With a snarl, he advanced toward her with a roundhouse kick, which Buffy was able to dodge along with the second blow. He tried to hit her with a punch again but Buffy ducked in time; then she retaliated with a kick that sent him backward.

Suddenly realizing Cordelia was standing right in his path, Buffy winced as the vampire stumbled into her friend who fell onto her side into some trash. "Cordelia...look out," she called out too late.

The vampire sprang into the air, a loud furious growl exploding from his chest, aiming a kick at Buffy's head. She effortlessly evaded it, whirling around and grabbing his arms as he charged at her. Kneeing him in the belly, she rolled the winded vamp onto his back as a fireball formed in her hand. She flung it at the vampire and he burst into flames. She turned toward Cordelia, a sorry expression on her face as the vampire disintegrated to dust. Cordelia irritably flicked a few rubbish bits off her clothing before gently clambering out of the heap, her wound now more than twinging.

A group of girls left Payson's laughing. Looking behind her, Buffy noticed Harmony and a small group of her friends walking past. They halted for a brief minute when they noticed Cordelia, and as they looked her over, their laughing erupted again, this time more vengeful and contemptuous than joyful.

Cordelia shifted her gaze to Buffy once Harmony and the other girls had left, leaving behind the echo of their laughter. Her brown eyes were filled with anguish and rage. The feelings that had led to her sliding into the rubbish had turned towards the petite blonde.

"You know what I've been wondering about the last couple of days? Why me? Why do I keep being impaled? Why do I keep being bitten by snakes? Why do I keep falling for such losers? And you know what, I think I've finally solved my problem. You're the one! It's always something to do with you when anything like this happens! You and the stupid secret world that you dragged me into. So here's an idea: keep away from me!" Cordelia shouted, before turning on her heel and storming off, vanishing as she turned a corner, her rage temporarily masking her agony.

Buffy watched Cordelia walk away, not daring to pursue her again. Cordelia's words rang in her head. The fact that she could see the truth in them made them excruciating. When anything horrible occurred to either her, her sisters or her friends, it always seemed to come back to her and her responsibilities.

December 15, 1998 – Tuesday

Gateway High School

"Payson 'Buffy' Halliwell. That's when all my troubles started," Cordelia grumbled to Anya as they walked across the quad. When she moved badly, she felt a spike of pain and grimaced, reaching for her side. "When she moved here," she said, her voice anguished.

Anya saw and looked concerned. "Are you feeling okay?"

Cordelia smiled as she waved it away. "Oh, I just pulled some stitches last night. "Do you know why?" she said, her attention falling on Buffy, who sat with her friends on one of the quad's benches. "Surprise. It was Buffy's fault," she complained. Anya glanced over, uninterested in the girls' troubles with the blonde. She simply wanted the girl to make her wish so she could stop pretending to be a teenager.

Harmony noticed them as she and her companions entered the quad. Her lips formed a bitter amused smile. "Oh hey, it's Garbage Girl," she announced loudly enough for everyone to hear. "I liked your look last night, Cordy. Dumpster chic for the dumped." With a wide smile on her face, she squeezed in between Anya and Cordelia, her followers following suit as they walked away, their high-pitched laughter traveling back to the humiliated cheerleader who was staring at the ground, trying to ignore them.

Anya paused for a bit before removing the necklace she had been wearing. "Here, I think you need this more than I do right now." Cordelia didn't even flinch as she moved her hair out of the way so that her one and only friend could fasten the pendant around her neck.

"I could use some luck." Cordelia glared angrily at Buffy. "As well as a stick with pointy, sharp bits. If Buffy wasn't..." She barely kept herself from revealing the blonde's secret. And perhaps if she hadn't been so bent on putting her troubles on someone else, she would have understood that act alone demonstrated that she wasn't truly upset with Buffy. "I swear. She's a pain," she grumbled.

"But Xander, he's a complete loser. Don't you wish..." Anya began, only to be cut off.

"I never would've looked twice at Xander if Buffy hadn't made him marginally cooler by hanging out with him," Cordelia said to Anya, her gaze still drawn to Buffy and her friends, who were laughing softly.

Anya lifted an eyebrow in skepticism. "Really?" Her gaze returned to Buffy, who didn't appear to be anything unique.

"I swear! I wish that Buffy Halliwell had never come to San Francisco," Cordelia lamented.

Buffy looked at Cordelia and Anya as her Slayer hearing picked up Cordelia's use of the word 'wish.' "Oh shit," she muttered looking around for a genie.

Anya's body sagged slightly in relief as she finally heard the girl express a wish. When she turned back to face Cordelia, her face was excessively wrinkled and rough. Cordelia gasped in surprise, her eyes widening. Cordelia was about to yell for Buffy when Anya said, "Done." The world around Cordelia suddenly became a dazzling white mist.

0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0

Cordelia gasped, her eyes widening in disbelief as she came to a sudden halt. She scanned her surroundings, desperately searching for Anya, but to no avail. The bustling courtyard that had been teeming with people just moments before had now dwindled to a handful of skittish kids hurrying off to class. "Anya?" she called out, her voice filled with concern, but there was no trace of her friend. She absorbed the unsettling realization, her gaze shifting toward the spot where Buffy and her friends had been standing, only to find it empty.

As the gravity of the situation sank in, Cordelia became aware of something even more astonishing. She gingerly touched her torso, where a deep wound once marred her skin, only to discover that it had miraculously vanished. Her injury had completely healed. A sense of awe washed over her as she gazed at the pendant Anya had given her. "I wished Buffy had never come to San Francisco," she murmured, a smile spreading across her face as she comprehended the incredible truth. Her wish had come true. "She was, like, a good fairy. A scary, veiny, good fairy..."

After school, with dusk approaching, Cordelia rummaged through her purse in search of her keys, her anxiety mounting with each passing second. Determinedly, she strode toward the spot where she parked her car that morning. However, her steps faltered as she arrived at the parking lot and found it completely devoid of any vehicles. Her car was gone, and the absence of other cars was eerie and unsettling. "Okay, this is not funny!" she exclaimed, her frustration mixing with a tinge of fear.

Cordelia began to pace back and forth, her eyes catching sight of the caretaker rushing past her. "Hey! You there! Where did you put my car!?" she demanded, her voice laced with urgency.

The caretaker stopped in his tracks, his expression quizzical as he looked at Cordelia. "Pardon?" he responded, clearly puzzled by her question.

"My auto!? El convertab-lo?" Cordelia repeated, her shock palpable.

Shaking his head, the caretaker dismissed her with a bewildered expression. "You students aren't allowed to drive, and you know it," he stated matter-of-factly.

"What?" Cordelia gasped, taken aback by his response.

"Go on now, miss. It's best you get indoors before the sun sets," the caretaker advised before scurrying away, leaving Cordelia speechless and utterly bewildered by the inexplicable turn of events.

Streets of San Francisco

As dusk settled over the desolate streets, Cordelia, now thoroughly shaken, hurriedly made her way home. The once vibrant stores and restaurants were now eerily closed and boarded up, rendering the entire area akin to a ghost town, devoid of life.

Suddenly, in the distance, Cordelia's ears caught a faint but piercing scream. Startled, she instinctively took a deep breath before breaking into a run. Rounding a corner with a sense of urgency, she collided forcefully with Xander. He caught her in his arms, a sinister smile playing on his lips. Xander's attire exuded a dangerous allure, clad in black leather pants and a long dark coat, while his deathly pale complexion added an unsettling aura to his presence. "Well, well, what do we have here? Cordelia Chase," he taunted.

Cordelia forcefully extricated herself from his grasp, her eyes brimming with disbelief. "Is this some sick joke? Harmony told me you were dead," she retorted, her voice laced with a mixture of anger and confusion.

Xander's response was laced with a hint of sarcasm. "Now, why would she say something like that? Let's think..." he trailed off, his words dripping with a sinister undertone.

Ignoring his cryptic remark, Cordelia pressed on, her urgency palpable. "Whatever. Just listen to me. We have to find Buffy. She'll figure out a way to save us. As much as it kills me to admit it, things were better when she was around," she implored, hoping to evoke a shred of reason in Xander.

"Buffy, the slayer?" Xander queried, feigning ignorance.

Cordelia's frustration was evident as she responded with biting sarcasm. "No, Buffy the Dog-Faced Girl. Duh! Who do you think I'm talking about?" she retorted.

"Bored now," Willow interjected, her tone laced with a mix of apathy and amusement. "This is the part that's less fun, when there isn't any screaming."

Approaching the scene, Piper and Phoebe walked up with sly smiles adorning their faces. "She's right, Xander," Piper affirmed, her voice filled with a sense of agreement.

The sight of Willow struck Cordelia with a renewed sense of astonishment. Stammering, she struggled to comprehend the situation. "What... What's going on with you four and the leather?" she managed to ask, her voice betraying a mix of bewilderment and trepidation.

Willow slowly approached Cordelia, invading her personal space in a manner that was simultaneously menacing and seductive.

Confusion clouded Cordelia's expression as she instinctively took a step back. "What's going on?" she questioned, her voice laced with unease.

"Play now?" Willow provocatively pleaded, her words infused with a dark allure.

Xander intervened, wrapping his arms around Willow and pulling her back, his lips nuzzling against her. "Not that I don't appreciate your appetite, Will, but I thought we agreed it was my turn," he teased, his voice laden with a mix of desire and amusement.

Piper nodded in agreement. "Xander is right, Will. It was Xander's turn."

Cordelia, unable to comprehend the absurdity unfolding before her eyes, exclaimed in frustration, "No! No way! I wished us into Bizarro Land, and you guys are still together? I can't win!"

Xander redirected his attention to Cordelia, his face suddenly transforming into a terrifying vampiric visage. "Probably not," he responded, his tone sinister. "But I'll give you a head start."

Cordelia screamed and fled, desperately attempting to escape Xander's pursuit. Willow and Xander watched her for a lingering moment, their expressions filled with sadistic pleasure. "I love this part," Willow gleefully expressed.

Xander indulged in a lingering kiss with Willow, savoring the moment. "You love all the parts," he whispered.

Phoebe chimed in, a hint of amusement in her voice. "It's always fun when they run."

Xander chased Cordelia with astonishing speed, swiftly overtaking her and forcefully throwing her to the ground. The sickening sound of her head hitting the pavement echoed through the air, rendering her unconscious. Standing triumphantly over Cordelia, Xander was soon joined by Willow, Piper, and Phoebe, all wearing pouting expressions.

"No fun. She didn't even put up a fight," Willow complained, a trace of disappointment in her voice.

Xander lifted Cordelia off the ground, poised to sink his fangs into her, but his actions were abruptly halted by the screeching of tires. Oz's van, driven by Oz himself, skidded to a halt at the curb. Piper, Phoebe, Xander, and Willow exchanged incredulous glances, their surprise evident.

"Oh, swell. It's the white hats," Piper groaned.

Without wasting a moment, Prue, Giles, Larry, and Nancy leaped out of the van. Prue held off Piper and Phoebe while Giles wielded large crosses to fend off Xander and Willow. "We've got them. Get the girl!" Giles commanded.

Larry and Nancy swiftly dragged Cordelia into Oz's van, and as soon as they were safely inside, Prue and Giles followed suit. The van roared to life, racing away from the scene. Piper, Phoebe, Xander, and Willow stood there, their amusement overshadowing any other emotion.

"Prue needs to find a new hobby," Phoebe whined, the lingering traces of a smirk on her face.

Gateway High School

In the dimly lit library, Cordelia lay unconscious on the table, her head resting on a folded coat belonging to Giles. She remained oblivious to her surroundings, completely lost in her deep slumber. Giles leaned over her, carefully checking her pulse for any signs of distress. Standing nearby were Oz, Larry, and Nancy, their concern etched on their faces.

Oz broke the silence, his voice laced with worry. "How's she doing?" he inquired, eager for any signs of improvement.

Giles looked up, a hint of relief crossing his features. "Her pulse is strong," he reassured them, a glimmer of hope resonating in his voice.

Nancy interjected with a hint of curiosity, pondering the situation. "What was she doing wearing blue? Everybody knows vampires are attracted to bright colors," she mused, her voice carrying a mix of bewilderment and fascination.

Larry chuckled softly, his voice tinged with a touch of sarcasm. "That's Cordelia for you. It's better to look good than to feel… alive," he remarked, his words hinting at the socialite's fashion-conscious nature.

Giles swiftly shifted his attention, issuing instructions to his companions. "Go watch the perimeter - in case those vampires followed," he directed, fully aware of the potential threat lurking beyond the library's protective walls. Oz, Larry, and Nancy promptly gathered their weapons and exited the room, leaving Giles alone with Cordelia, his focus solely on her well-being.

0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0

Prue sat in Giles' office, seeking a moment of respite from the chaos that had enveloped her life. Seated at the desk, she stared intently at the Book of Shadows, its worn pages brimming with ancient knowledge and memories.

Her thoughts wandered back to that harrowing time when Piper and Phoebe, had been turned into vampires. The vivid recollections replayed in her mind, a haunting reel of events that had ripped her sisters from her.

She remembered the anguish she had felt, seeing the two people she held closest in the world transformed into creatures of darkness. The betrayal and sorrow had cut deep, overshadowing their once unbreakable unity. The sight of their familiar faces, twisted by the vampiric visage, had shaken Prue to her core.

But amidst the darkness, a flicker of hope had remained. Prue recalled the arduous battle she had waged in her desperate attempt to restore Piper and Phoebe to their true selves. But nothing had worked.

Prue's gaze lingered on the pages of the Book of Shadows, containing spells and incantations that had once aided their family in their fight against evil. It served as a reminder of the strength they had harnessed and the sacrifices they had made to protect one another.

The creak of the office door drew Prue's attention, and she looked up to find Giles standing in the doorway. Concern etched across his face, he took a step forward, his voice filled with genuine care.

"Prue, are you alright?" Giles asked, his concern palpable in his tone.

Prue met his gaze, grateful for his presence and the concern he showed. She offered a faint smile, though a hint of weariness still lingered in her eyes. "I'm holding up," she replied, her voice carrying a mix of determination and vulnerability. "Just reminiscing about Piper and Phoebe."

Giles walked further into the room, his concern remaining evident. "The memories can be difficult, especially when they involve family," he empathized, his voice filled with understanding.

Prue nodded, acknowledging the weight of the past that continued to influence their present. "Yes, especially when it involves my sisters," she added, a hint of sadness tugging at her words.

Giles took a seat opposite Prue, his expression a blend of support and wisdom. "Their transformation was a trying ordeal for all of us," he affirmed, his voice carrying the weight of shared experiences.

As Prue sat there, memories of the harrowing encounter with the Master flooded her mind. She closed her eyes, trying to gather the strength to recount the painful events.

"I remember it vividly," Prue began, her voice laced with a mix of anguish and determination. "The Master's relentless pursuit to convert us all to the side of evil, to extinguish the power of the Charmed Ones once and for all."

Her hands clenched tightly, recalling the moment when Piper and Phoebe, having been sired as vampires, had turned against her. Their once familiar faces twisted with malevolence, their powers wielded against her in an attempt to break her spirit so that she too could be turned and made a vampire.

"I barely managed to escape," Prue continued, her voice trembling slightly. "The darkness was suffocating, threatening to consume everything I held dear. But I refused to succumb."

Her mind replayed the desperate struggle, the raw power she had summoned to free herself from the clutches of evil. It had been a fight for her own life.

"I fought tooth and nail, using every ounce of strength and determination," Prue said, her voice growing stronger with each word. "I couldn't let the darkness win. I couldn't let the Master claim all of us."

The memories were painful, but they fueled Prue's resolve. She opened her eyes, determination burning brightly within them. "I escaped that encounter, but I couldn't save Piper and Phoebe."

Giles, sitting across from her, listened attentively, understanding the weight of her words. He nodded, his expression reflecting a mix of empathy and admiration.

"I remember, Prue," Giles said sadly. "That was when you and I met. And I remember how devastated you were and how determined you were to try and find a way to give Piper and Phoebe their souls back. To have your sisters back."

Prue nodded, a mix of gratitude and determination emanating from her. "Thank you, Rupert."

The Bronze

At the Bronze, the once vibrant and lively atmosphere had transformed into a den of darkness. Vampires filled the club, their presence palpable as they moved with eerie grace. The air was thick with the scent of cigarette smoke, pulsating music, and the undercurrent of predatory hunger. Some vampires danced, lost in the night's revelry, while others fed on hapless victims, their prey bound and helpless.

Amidst the crowd, Piper, Phoebe, Willow, and Xander navigated their way through the throng of vampires. Their appearances mirrored the eras they hailed from, an eclectic mix of styles spanning decades. Xander approached a vampire with a distinct 70s look, who leaned casually against a pool table where a fresh victim was bound and gagged. A camaraderie passed between them as they exchanged a greeting.

Moving past the watchful eyes of two imposing vampire guards, Piper, Phoebe, Willow, and Xander made their way into a private room. There, a high-backed chair awaited, and as they approached, the Master rose, his imposing presence commanding attention. He turned to face them, his gaze filled with a mixture of annoyance and dark amusement.

"Ahhhh, Xander, Willow, Phoebe, and Piper," the Master intoned, his voice dripping with authority. From the depths of the chair, he lifted a young girl, her body already marked by their kind but still writhing in discomfort.

"Hungry?" the Master asked, a touch of disdain in his tone. "I lost my taste for this one. She kept looking at me. I'm trying to eat, and she looks at me..."

Phoebe, Piper, Willow, and Xander hesitated, their conflicting emotions visible. But hunger won out, and both Phoebe and Willow's faces transformed into their vampiric visages. They seized the girl, sinking their fangs into her with unabashed satisfaction, dragging her away to fulfill their grisly desires.

The Master observed them, a bittersweet nostalgia flickering in his eyes. "I remember that lust for the kill," he mused, momentarily lost in the memory. Shaking off the reverie, he refocused his attention on the group before him. "So, any news from the street?"

Xander spoke up, recounting their recent encounters. "Had a prime kill—an old crush, actually—but that wannaslay librarian..."

"And Prue showed up," Piper added, her voice tinged with regret.

"A sad loss," Xander concluded, his tone weighted with remorse.

The Master's gaze turned steely, his focus intensifying. "The librarian will be dealt with soon enough. And Prudence will soon join us, reuniting the Power of Three."

Piper interjected, a note of curiosity coloring her words. "There is another thing: the girl kept talking about Buffy, we had to get Buffy here. Isn't that what they call the Slayer?"

"Buffy," Phoebe said with a hint of mock fear. "Ooh, scary."

Xander nodded in agreement. "Someone has to talk to her people. That name isn't striking fear in anybody's heart."

Their casual banter abruptly halted as they noticed the Master's expression turning grave, his anger simmering beneath the surface. He slammed his fist onto a nearby table, his voice seething with menace. "This girl spoke of summoning a Slayer here? Now, of all times? And you didn't kill her?"

Phoebe, Piper, Xander, and Willow quickly offered their defense, Phoebe mentioning the presence of crosses as a hindrance. But the Master's rage remained palpable as he issued his chilling ultimatum.

"The plant goes into operation in less than 24 hours! You find that girl and kill her before she contacts the Slayer—or I'll see all of you kissing daylight."

Gateway High School

In the library, Cordelia began to stir and moan, her consciousness slowly returning. Giles and Prue rushed from his office, their concern evident as they approached Cordelia's side.

Cordelia struggled to focus, her gaze falling upon Giles and Prue. She attempted to make sense of her words, desperation coloring her voice. "Giles, Ms. Halliwell. It's my fault. I wasn't... I made this stupid wish—"

"Please, you must stay still," Giles interrupted, his tone urging caution.

Frustrated, Cordelia pushed harder, determined to convey her message. "No! You have to get Buffy. Buffy changes it. It wasn't like this. It was better. I mean, the clothes alone... But people were happy—mostly—and..." She turned her gaze directly to Giles. "Wait. Why are you here? And she's not... I mean, you were her Watcher."

"How did you know I was a Watcher? I never—" Giles started, only to be interrupted by Prue.

"Who's Buffy?" Prue interjected, her curiosity piqued.

Cordelia shifted her attention to Prue, her eyes filled with a mixture of urgency and recognition. "Your cousin. You know, the Charmed Slayer."

Before Giles or Prue could respond, a sound from outside caught their attention. They turned, listening intently to the disturbance.

"What was that?" Cordelia asked, her voice tinged with apprehension.

"I'll check it out," Prue swiftly volunteered, her determination evident. She moved with agility and stealth out of the room, making her way down the hallway.

Meanwhile, Giles approached the book cage, frustration etched on his face. He forcefully swung open the cabinet, revealing a scant selection of weapons. Determined, he grabbed a cross and a long stake, his focus sharpening. "I want you to start again and explain everything very carefully."

As Giles turned back, the door to the room abruptly slammed shut, trapping him inside. Phoebe and Willow grinned at him, their eyes glinting with a predatory hunger. Willow taunted him by holding up the keys, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. Standing beside them, Xander and Piper restrained Cordelia, their vampiric features fully manifested.

"You're in a big cage," Willow taunted Giles, her voice dripping with condescension.

Xander chimed in, a hint of sadistic delight in his tone. "Not too bright, book guy."

Furious, Giles pressed the cross against the bars of the cage, causing Willow and Phoebe to recoil and growl menacingly. Piper, her vampiric instincts taking over, stepped forward, her voice laced with curiosity. "So, you're a Watcher, huh?"

Xander's smile widened. "Watch this." With a swift and merciless movement, he sank his fangs into Cordelia's vulnerable neck. Cordelia's eyes widened with shock as she stared at Giles, her life force rapidly fading.

Giles watched, horror-stricken, his desperation mounting as he desperately tried to break free from the cage. But his efforts were in vain. Helpless, he could only bear witness as Phoebe, Piper, Willow, and Xander took turns draining Cordelia, their collective thirst sated in a macabre display of symbiotic ecstasy.

As Cordelia's lifeless body fell before the cage, Giles stood frozen, his expression reflecting a mix of shock and grief. Phoebe, Piper, Xander, and Willow made their exit without ceremony, their grisly business concluded.

Giles snapped out of his daze and retrieved a cudgel from the weapon cabinet, intent on breaking the lock on the cage door. With determination, he swung the weapon, the lock finally giving way, and the door flew open. He rushed to Cordelia's side, futilely checking her pulse, the weight of loss heavy upon him.

Prue returned to the library, accompanied by a bloodied and shell-shocked Oz and Larry. Giles looked up from Cordelia's lifeless body, his eyes filled with grief.

"They attacked them right outside," Prue revealed, her voice tinged with sorrow.

"Nancy?" Giles inquired, a sense of dread in his tone.

"Dead. One of the witch vampires got her," Oz responded solemnly.

Giles nodded, his gaze shifting to the boys. "Would you mind... could you take her body to the incinerator? Prue and I have some business..."

Oz nodded in understanding. "Yeah." He and Larry began gathering Cordelia's lifeless form, preparing to carry her away. Just as they were about to leave, Prue halted them, leaning down to retrieve a pendant from around Cordelia's neck—a gift from Anya. Satisfied, Prue gestured for Oz and Larry to proceed. Without further words, they left with Cordelia's body.

"Prue," Giles started with a twinge of regret, "Piper and Phoebe were here. They, along with Xander and Willow, fed off her."

"I know, Larry and Oz told me." Prue's voice dripped with regret as she spoke. "And unless I find a way to give them their souls back, they're not my sisters."

Giles gestured towards the pendant in Prue's hand, curiosity evident in his expression. "What is that?"

"I don't know yet. I have to check the Book of Shadows," Prue replied, her attention turning towards the ancient tome.

"While you're doing that, I need to make a call," Giles informed her, his voice tinged with a sense of urgency.

0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0

"Hear these words, hear my cry, spirit from the other side. Come to me, I summon thee, cross now the great divide!" Prue chanted, her voice filled with determination, while Giles observed the scene from the sidelines. The air crackled with anticipation as the incantation reached its conclusion, and bright balls of white light materialized within the circle of flickering candles. Gradually, the ethereal form of Prue's deceased grandmother, Penelope Halliwell, took shape.

"Prue? Why are you calling?" Grams' voice echoed, tinged with confusion and surprise.

"Grams," Prue began, her voice laced with earnestness. "When Aunt Joyce passed away, why didn't I know that my cousin had powers like me, Piper, and Phoebe?"

A hint of hesitation clouded Grams' expression as she replied, "I... I can't tell you. I've been sworn to secrecy."

"By who?" Giles inquired, his curiosity piqued, while Grams briefly glanced in his direction.

"By me," a new voice chimed in. Once again, orbs of radiant light emerged within the circle, gradually shaping into the transparent figure of Patience Joyce Halliwell. "By me. As you know, Prue, your Grams and I had a falling out. What you didn't know is that my daughter, whom I wanted to name Payson but her father wouldn't let me, which is why she was named Buffy, was erased from your memories, and you were erased from hers. The reason behind this decision was the attachment that was forming. Mom and I feared that if that attachment continued..."

"That you, Piper, and Phoebe would be denied your powers," Grams interjected, her voice carrying a tinge of regret. "You see, we believed that if the attachment had been allowed to continue, it would have made Payson a Charmed One."

Prue's confusion deepened as she sought to comprehend the revelations. "So you stripped her from our memories so that our destiny would continue?" she questioned.

Joyce nodded solemnly. "Exactly, Prue. You see, when I died, I believed that Hank would have sent Payson to live with you, reuniting the potential for the expansion of the Charmed Ones. But you refused to take her in, and as a result, her potential destiny as a Charmed One came to an end."

Prue's mind swirled with a mix of emotions. Confusion, anger, and a sense of betrayal washed over her. The revelation of her hidden cousin and the manipulation of their destinies left her feeling adrift in a sea of unanswered questions.

"But why keep it a secret? Why not tell us the truth?" Prue demanded, her voice tinged with frustration.

Joyce met Prue's gaze with a mixture of sorrow and remorse. "We thought it was for the best, Prue. We wanted to protect you, Piper, and Phoebe. The Charmed Ones had a great responsibility, and we feared that adding your cousin who would became a sister in all but name to the mix would only complicate matters."

Giles, who had been listening intently, interjected, his tone filled with sympathy. "I understand the concern for the balance of power, but it was a grave decision to strip away their memories without their consent. The impact it has had on their lives is undeniable."

Grams lowered her gaze, a heavy weight of guilt settling upon her shoulders. "Believe me Patience and I know. We made choices that we thought were right at the time, but we failed to consider the repercussions fully."

Prue took a deep breath, attempting to steady her emotions. She had always been the strong and level-headed one, but this revelation shook her to the core. "Where is she now?"

Joyce's transparent form seemed to waver, her voice filled with regret. "I'm afraid I don't have the answer to that, Prue. After you refused to take her in her path diverged from yours. The Slayer side of her became dominant. She doesn't even know she's a witch that she has powers like you."

Grams turned toward Giles. "You should be able to find her, given if she had come to San Francisco you were to be her Watcher." She looked back at Prue. "And should he not be able to, there is one person who should. Leo."

"Why?" Prue questioned in confusion.

"As you know Whitelighters and witches aren't supposed to be together," Joyce admitted sadly. "Leo was my Whitelighter after Sam clipped his wings. We had one night of indiscretion and Payson was conceived. Leo is her father, not Hank."

Prue took a deep breath, attempting to steady her emotions. She had always been the strong and level-headed one, but this revelation shook her to the core. "Where is she now?"

Joyce's transparent form seemed to waver, her voice filled with regret. "I'm afraid I don't have the answer to that, Prue. After you refused to take her in her path diverged from yours. The Slayer side of her became dominant. She doesn't even know she's a witch that she has powers like you."

Grams turned toward Giles. "You should be able to find her, given if she had come to San Francisco you were to be her Watcher." She looked back at Prue. "And should he not be able to, there is one person who should. Leo."

"Why?" Prue questioned in confusion.

"As you know Whitelighters and witches aren't supposed to be together," Joyce admitted sadly. "Leo was my Whitelighter after Sam clipped his wings. We had one night of indiscretion and Payson was conceived. Leo is her father, not Hank."

Prue's eyes widened as she absorbed the shocking revelation. The intricate web of family secrets continued to unravel before her, leaving her feeling both overwhelmed and determined to uncover the truth.

"Leo..." Prue repeated, her voice barely above a whisper. "He's her father? And he can help us find her?"

Grams nodded, her ethereal form shimmering faintly. "Yes, Prue. Because Leo is her father he has a deep connection to her. Just as a Whitelighter can sense their they can also sense those they love profoundly. If anyone can find Payson, it would be him."

Giles, ever the pragmatist, spoke up. "I'll reach out to the Council and inquire about her whereabouts. It's possible they may have some information on her activities as the Slayer."

Prue turned to Giles, gratitude mingling with determination in her gaze. "Thank you, Giles. We need to find Buffy not only because of whats happening here, but to bring her back into our lives. It's time for her and I to face our shared destiny together."

With a resolute nod, Giles picked up the phone and began dialing, his gaze focused on the task at hand.

The Bronze

The ambiance was filled with a sinister energy as Piper, Phoebe, Xander, and Willow made their way into the Master's private room. The dimly lit space exuded an air of secrecy and malevolence.

"The deed is done," Piper stated with a sense of finality, her voice carrying a hint of satisfaction.

The Master, seated on a high-backed chair, nodded approvingly. His imposing figure commanded attention as he leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. "You killed the girl who was looking for the Slayer?" he inquired, his voice laced with a mixture of curiosity and authority.

Willow flopped into a nearby chair, exhaustion evident on her face. "It was too easy," she admitted, her voice tinged with a touch of remorse.

Phoebe chimed in, her tone filled with a mix of disbelief and self-doubt. "I felt cheap."

A wicked smile played across the Master's lips as he absorbed their words. "Excellent. The opening will commence as scheduled," he declared, his satisfaction palpable.

Piper, her eyes shining with hope, couldn't help but ask, "So... you're pleased?"

The Master's nod was filled with a sense of sheer ecstasy. "Ecstatic."

A mischievous glimmer danced in Willow's eyes as she motioned between herself and Phoebe. "Then... can we play with the puppy?" she asked, anticipation evident in her voice.

A cruel smile crept across the Master's face as he gave his consent. "Be my guest."

Phoebe and Willow exchanged a delighted glance, their excitement bubbling over at the prospect of indulging their vampiric desires.

Gateway High School

Giles paced back and forth in the library, his voice filled with urgency as he conversed on the phone. The frustration was evident in his furrowed brow and the way he clenched the receiver tightly. "...yes, I understand, but it's absolutely imperative that I see her. Here. Well, when will you...? You are her Watcher, for heaven's sake! I would think she'd at least check in to... Yes, I am well aware of the significant demonic activity in Cleveland. After all, Sunnydale being on a Hellmouth and all... yes, it is so!" With a defeated sigh, he reluctantly hung up the phone, his hopes of reaching Buffy dashed once again.

Turning his attention to Prue, who was deeply engrossed in the ancient Book of Shadows, Giles approached her with a sense of resolution. He knew that time was of the essence, and they needed to take a different approach. "I would say it is time to contact her father," he stated, his voice steady but tinged with concern.

Prue nodded in agreement, her eyes fixed on the ceiling as she mustered her powers. "Leo!" she called out, her voice carrying a mix of determination and anticipation.

In a dazzling display of blue and white orbing lights, Leo Wyatt materialized before them. His expression mirrored surprise and confusion, his eyes scanning the library and settling on Prue. It had been quite some time since they had crossed paths, and he couldn't help but wonder what had prompted her to summon him now.

"Prue?" Leo's voice held a mix of curiosity and concern, his gaze fixed on her.

Prue took a step forward, meeting Leo's gaze with a determined look. "We need your help, Leo. Grams and Aunt Joyce revealed to us that your Buffy's father and that she is my cousin. Giles and I have exhausted all our avenues, if you possess the power to find her. Please."

Leo's brows furrowed as he processed Prue's words, the weight of responsibility settling upon him. He had longed for a chance to reconnect with Buffy, to embrace his role as her father and protect her from the dangers of the supernatural world. Now, presented with an opportunity to assist in finding her, he knew he couldn't turn away. "I've watched over her every step, unseen but ever present. But approaching her won't be easy. She remains unaware of my true identity and our familial connection."

The Bronze

In the dimly lit confines of the cell at the Bronze, a sinister atmosphere hung heavy in the air. Willow and Phoebe approached the cell, their expressions filled with twisted excitement.

"Bored now," Willow said, her voice laced with a chilling nonchalance.

Phoebe nodded in agreement, her eyes scanning the surroundings. "Daytime is the worst. Cooped up for hours, unable to hunt..."

Angel lay curled on the floor, his body tense, hoping against hope that they would leave him be. Willow moved along the cold stone wall, her fingers trailing over a macabre selection of torture implements. After careful consideration, she selected a long, rusty pair of scissors, a sinister choice for their unholy game.

"But the Master said we could play," Willow mused, relishing in the perverse excitement of the moment.

Phoebe unlocked the gate, and the two step into the cell, closing the door behind them. Their predatory gazes fixate on Angel, who remained eerily silent, his fear palpable.

"Puppy's all quiet. Come on, don't be a spoilsport," Willow taunted, her voice dripping with sadistic delight.

"I know you like it when we come," Phoebe added, her tone suggestive and menacing.

Willow crawled atop Angel's prone figure, settling herself on his back. Her hands run through his tangled, dirt-streaked hair. Then, without warning, she violently yanked his head back, his muscles straining under the pressure. Still, he refused to utter a sound. She leaned in close, her breath brushing against his face as she whispered in a chilling tone, "Guess what today is? Today, the plant opens. It's a big party."

Phoebe grinned wickedly, joining in the torment. "You remember we told you about the plant? All those people you tried to save... It'll be quick for them."

Willow leaned down further, her grip tightening on Angel's hair. A flicker of distress registered in his eyes as he absorbed the cruel revelation. And in a lightning-fast motion, Willow flipped him, straddling his chest, her weight pressing down upon him.

"That's right, Puppy. Willow and Phoebe are going to make you bark," Willow taunted, a sadistic pleasure dancing in her eyes.

Phoebe reached down, her fingers grabbing hold of his shirt, ripping it open with a forceful motion. Buttons scatter across the cold floor, exposing Angel's tortured chest, covered in ghastly blistering wounds. A macabre fascination takes hold of them as they examine their handiwork.

"Ooh. Maybe we went too hard on you last time," Phoebe remarked with a twisted glee.

Just then, Xander, standing at the bars, made his presence known. He held a box of matches in his hand, a wicked glint in his eyes. "Too hard? No such thing."

Willow glanced up, catching sight of Xander. She saw the box of matches and issued a warning, her tone edged with a hint of self-preservation. "Watch it with those things. You almost got my hair."

Xander entered the cell, handing the box of matches to Willow. He moved with an unsettling tenderness, his hand caressing her head affectionately. "Sorry. Got carried away," he said before settling into a seat in the opposite corner of the cell.

Phoebe and Willow shared a twisted smile, their anticipation mounting. With a flick of her fingers, Willow lit a match, casting an eerie glow upon the scene as their sadistic game continued its horrifying course.

Cleveland, Ohio

Leo appeared in an alleyway in the bustling city. He scanned the surroundings, his eyes settling on a figure nearby. It was Buffy, dressed in a black combat shirt and fatigue pants, her hair was pulled back tightly to ensure it wouldn't obstruct her vision. A Carolingian cross adorned her neck, while a battle scar marked one side of her face, a testament to the countless battles she had fought. She stood with her back against a brick wall, a wary expression etched on her face.

Approaching her cautiously, Leo stepped into her line of sight, his voice filled with a blend of apprehension and hope. "Buffy, my name is Leo Wyatt," he began, his words carrying a gentle sincerity. "I know this may come as a shock, but I'm your father."

Buffy's eyes widened, her skepticism evident as she regarded him with a mixture of disbelief and guarded curiosity. "My father?" she repeated, her voice laced with uncertainty. "Why should I believe you?"

Leo understood her skepticism. He hadn't been there for her, and his sudden appearance raised doubts. But he knew he had to find a way to bridge the gap and earn her trust. Taking a step closer, he met her gaze with unwavering determination. "I understand that this is difficult to accept, but I've been watching over you from afar. My identity was kept hidden because of rules that forbid a witch and a Whitelighter to be together. I want to be a part of your life."

Buffy's expression softened slightly, her guard beginning to waver. "And why now? Why reach out to me after all this time?"

Leo's eyes reflected a mix of regret and longing. "Because I've discovered something important," he replied earnestly. "Your cousin, Prue, she needs your help in San Francisco. I don't know all the details but she's been searching for you. She needs you to come with me to San Francisco."

Buffy glowered at Leo. "The cousin that refused to take me in when my mom died?" she asked. "The cousin that shipped me off to an orphanage where I was adopted by my Watcher? Why should I help her?"

Leo felt the weight of Buffy's skepticism and understood the pain behind her words. He knew that he needed to be honest and transparent if he wanted any chance of earning her trust. Taking a deep breath, he met her intense gaze, his voice filled with sincerity.

"Buffy, I won't make excuses for the past. I wasn't there for you when you needed me, and for that, I am deeply sorry," Leo admitted, his voice tinged with regret. "But I've come to realize the importance of family, of connection. Prue just learned how deep her connection is to you. That you were always supposed to know each other, be there for each other. She wants to get to know you. And she needs your help."

Buffy's eyes narrowed, the hurt and anger still evident in her expression. She had endured hardships, felt abandoned by those who should have been there for her. The idea of helping Prue seemed contradictory to her own well-being.

"Why should I trust her? Why should I put myself in a vulnerable position again?" Buffy questioned, her voice laced with a mix of defiance and pain.

Leo took a step closer, his voice soft yet resolute. "Prue made a mistake in the past, but she's searching for redemption. She wants to make things right, to be there for you now," he explained, his eyes filled with empathy. "This is an opportunity for all of us to find the family we've longed for, to heal the wounds of the past. I understand if you're hesitant, but I ask you to consider it. Together, we can be stronger, protect each other, and build a new future."

Buffy's gaze wavered, torn between her lingering resentment and the glimmer of hope that Leo's words stirred within her. She had always yearned for a sense of belonging, a family who understood her unique circumstances. Slowly she nodded.

Gateway High School

In the dimly lit library, Prue led Giles out of his office, carefully cradling the ancient Book of Shadows in her arms. As they approached the table where Larry and Oz sat, diligently carving stakes, a sense of urgency hung in the air.

Placing the opened Book of Shadows before them, Prue pointed to a specific page that detailed the demon known as Anyanka. The page featured a vivid image of Cordelia's pendant, which Prue placed next to the book for everyone to compare. "It's what Cordelia was wearing," she stated, her voice filled with a mix of concern and intrigue.

Giles chimed in, his voice laced with knowledge. "The symbol of Anyanka. She's a demon who was once a scorned woman. Seeking revenge on her unfaithful lover, she raised a demon to carry out her bidding. However, she was cursed and transformed into a vengeance demon herself."

Oz, the ever-calm and enigmatic presence, admitted his lack of familiarity. "Don't think I know her."

Prue nodded in understanding. "Anyanka is like a patron saint for scorned women. It seems that the cry of a betrayed woman calls out to her like a siren's song," she explained.

Curiosity sparked within Larry. "What does she do?"

Giles took a moment to clarify. "She grants wishes, fulfilling the desires of those who seek vengeance. As for Cordelia, it appears she made a wish."

Oz raised an eyebrow, his dry humor seeping through. "Cordelia wished for something? If it was a long and healthy life, I think she should get her money back."

Prue shook her head, a somber expression crossing her face. "We're not entirely sure of the full extent of the wish. All we know is that my cousin, who is the Slayer, was meant to be here. That she was supposed to have been here already."

"That would have been helpful," Oz chimed in, his tone revealing a hint of understated irony.

Giles agreed, his voice tinged with determination. "We have exhausted our efforts to contact her. It seems she remains elusive." He glanced at Prue. "We should delve deeper into researching Anyanka."

Prue concurred, her gaze locked with Giles'. Their shared history and deepening connection had brought them together in a time of darkness and grief. "Home it is then," she said softly, hinting at the sanctuary they had built together. Giles had found solace in Prue's company, and their bond had blossomed into love.

"Agreed," Giles replied, his eyes lingering on Prue with a mix of gratitude and affection. She picked up the Book of Shadows. "I do have additional research materials at the Manor." They headed towards the exit, Giles casting a parting glance at Larry and Oz. "You two get some sleep."

Oz responded with his usual stoicism. "Watch your back."

Streets of San Francisco

Giles maneuvered the car down the road, with Prue seated beside him in the passenger seat. As they made their way, something caught Prue's attention, causing her to question with intrigue, "What's that?"

Responding to her inquiry, Giles decelerated the vehicle, allowing them to approach a sizeable truck adorned with a cheerful sign proclaiming 'SAN FRANCISCO LOVES RECYCLING!' It had come to a halt on the street, and a distressing scene unfolded before their eyes—two vampires were herding a group of San Francisco citizens into the back of the truck.

Bringing the car to a stop by the curb, Giles and Prue sprang into action. Prue handed Giles a cross and a stake, equipping him for the imminent confrontation. They swiftly exited the vehicle and advanced toward the truck. Giles brandished his cross, warding off the vampires, while Prue interceded, rescuing several of the intended victims from their clutches.

"Run!" Prue instructed the frightened citizens, urging them to escape. Responding to her command, they fled down the dimly lit street, propelled by fear, their legs carrying them as swiftly as possible. In the midst of their heroic efforts, Prue reached out to save another helpless woman, only to be blindsided by a third vampire lunging at Giles from around the truck. The forceful attack brought Giles to the ground, causing him to lose his grip on the cross and stake, which skittered away on the pavement.

Seizing the opportunity, the third vampire prepared to apprehend Giles, while the second vampire moved to capture Prue. The first vampire, overseeing the sinister operation, commanded, "Put them in the truck!"

Just as the dire situation reached its climax, a distinctive sound echoed through the air, signifying someone orbing into the scene. Within a fraction of a second, all three vampires were staked, disintegrating into particles of dust. As the haze cleared, Buffy's figure emerged, standing beside Leo, the orchestrator of their timely salvation.

"Buffy?" Prue's voice quivered with longing and disbelief.

"That's right..." Buffy confirmed, her tone tinged with curiosity. "Want to tell me what I'm doing here?"

Without offering an immediate explanation, Prue instinctively pulled Buffy into a tight embrace, catching the teenage Slayer off guard. "I'm sorry," Prue confessed, her voice laden with remorse. "I'm sorry, Buffy, that I wasn't there for you."

As Prue held Buffy in her arms, the tumultuous emotions began to subside, replaced by a sense of connection and unspoken understanding. It was a reunion that both of them had yearned for, a chance to bridge the gap that had separated them with the death of Buffy's mother.

Buffy, still slightly taken aback by the sudden display of affection, gradually relaxed in Prue's embrace. She looked into Prue's eyes, searching for answers and reassurance. "Why weren't you there?" she asked, her voice laced with a mix of vulnerability and lingering resentment.

Prue's grip on Buffy tightened, her voice filled with genuine remorse. "There are so many things I wish I could change, Buffy," she confessed, her voice trembling. "Piper, Phoebe and I had just come into our powers. It was a tumultuous time for us. For a time we felt lost and we took our time trying to navigate the revelation we were witches. We should have been there for you, guiding and protecting you. But we failed you, and for that, I am truly sorry."

Buffy's guarded expression softened, allowing a flicker of understanding to seep in. She had experienced her own share of abandonment and loss, understanding the complexities of navigating a world filled with supernatural forces and personal responsibilities. While the wounds were deep, she couldn't deny the longing she had felt for family, for the connection she had missed out on.

Leo, standing beside them, spoke up with a gentle tone. "Buffy, Prue has changed since then. She has fought tirelessly to protect innocents, just as you have. She has become a powerful force against the darkness, and her love for you has never wavered."

Buffy turned her gaze to Leo, to her father, studying him for a moment before shifting her attention back to Prue. The battle scar on her face served as a reminder of the trials and sacrifices she had endured. "I've fought many battles, faced countless enemies," she admitted, her voice filled with a mix of weariness and determination. "But I can't deny that I've missed having family by my side. If you're here now, if you want to be a part of my life, then show me. Show me that things can be different."

Prue nodded, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I will, Buffy. I promise," she vowed, her voice steady and resolute. She glanced at Giles and Leo. "For now we need to get off the street."

Halliwell Manor

The air was filled with a mix of anticipation and tension. Giles sat at a large oak table in the conservatory, surrounded by an array of ancient books, his brow furrowed in deep concentration. Meanwhile, Buffy, Prue, and Leo had gathered in a corner of the room, their voices hushed yet filled with a shared determination to bridge the emotional gaps that had plagued their relationships.

Prue, her eyes reflecting a mix of sorrow and longing, leaned in closer to Buffy. Her voice carried a weight of regret as she began to unveil the painful truth. "Buffy, my sisters, your other two cousins, Piper and Phoebe... they were turned, sired by a vampire known as the Master," she revealed, her words heavy with the burden of past failures. "I've exhausted every avenue, searching for a way to restore their souls, but my efforts have been in vain."

Buffy's features tightened with a mixture of empathy and concern as she absorbed the weight of Prue's confession. The thought of her cousins trapped in a state of darkness, stripped of their humanity, tugged at her heartstrings. It was a reminder of the perpetual battle they all faced against the forces of evil.

Leo, standing beside Prue, interjected with a voice filled with a father's quiet desperation. "As Prue, Piper and Phoebe's Whitelighter I've also dedicated myself to finding a way to help Piper and Phoebe," he added, his eyes filled with a blend of sorrow and unwavering determination. "But it's proven to be an arduous task. There was reports of a Romani tribe having the capability of doing it, but that knowledge has been lost to time."

Buffy's gaze shifted between Prue and Leo, her desire to bring her family back together burning brightly within her. She understood the gravity of their predicament, the arduousness of the battles they fought, and the sacrifices they made in the name of protecting the innocent.

Taking a deep breath, Buffy straightened her posture, her voice filled with a newfound determination. "We can't give up, Prue," she said, her tone unwavering. "We've both faced unimaginable horrors, and we've come out stronger. If there's a chance, any chance at all, that we can restore Piper and Phoebe, we have to pursue it. We owe them that."

Prue's eyes glistened with gratitude, her heart filled with a mix of hope and gratitude. She reached out, placing a hand on Buffy's arm, a connection forged between cousins who had found each other in the midst of chaos. "Thank you, Buffy," she whispered, her voice tinged with a blend of emotions. "Your unwavering support means more to me than you can ever know."

"Aha!" Giles exclaimed, his eyes lighting up with a spark of discovery as he looked up from the worn pages of the ancient tome he had been poring over. The dim light of the room cast intricate shadows across his face, emphasizing the lines etched by years of relentless research. "Here. In order to defeat Anyanka, one must target her power center. By destroying it, we can reverse the wishes she has granted, rendering her mortal and stripping her of her powers once more," he explained, his voice filled with a renewed sense of determination. "This should restore the world to its previous state, free from her influence. It seems my Watcher skills are not entirely withered."

Buffy's eyes widened with a glimmer of hope, eager for a solution to their predicament. "That's great news! So, what exactly is her power center?" she inquired, her voice laced with anticipation.

Giles hesitated for a moment, his expression shifting to one of uncertainty. "Dyeh—ahhum, it doesn't say," he admitted, a touch of frustration coloring his words. The weight of responsibility settled upon his shoulders, knowing that their success relied on discovering the elusive vulnerability of Anyanka.

Buffy's brow furrowed, her mind racing to formulate a plan. "Why don't I just put a stake through her heart?" she suggested, her voice filled with a hint of frustration.

Prue, her gaze focused and contemplative, interjected with a calm yet resolute tone. "She's not a vampire, Buffy," she clarified, her voice carrying the weight of wisdom and experience. "Killing her won't solve our problem. We need to find a way to reverse the effects she has had on this world. Giles and Leo will agree that our goal is to undo whatever influence she has exerted."

Leo, standing beside Prue, nodded in agreement, his features etched with a mixture of determination and empathy. "Prue is right, Buffy," he affirmed, his voice gentle yet unwavering. "Anyanka may hold the key to rectifying the damage caused, and we need to uncover how to reverse what she's done."

Buffy absorbed their words, her eyes reflecting a mix of determination and uncertainty. "Okay," she acquiesced, her voice tinged with both hope and caution. "So, if we destroy her power center, everything changes?"

Giles released a weary sigh, his shoulders slumping slightly as he grappled with the weight of their predicament. "I'm sure it's not that simple, Buffy," he replied, his voice laced with a hint of resignation. "But essentially, you are correct. By destroying her power center, we may have a chance to reverse her influence on this world and revert it back to the way things were before."

Prue, her gaze steady and resolute, turned to Leo and Giles, her voice carrying a sense of determination. "Why don't the two of you focus on uncovering the details of Anyanka's power center?" she suggested, her tone hinting at an unyielding resolve. "It's time for Buffy and me to confront Piper and Phoebe, to find a way to reach them and bring them back."

Giles shook his head, a mixture of concern and caution etched upon his face. "Prue, you know it won't be that simple. Walking in and expecting a quick resolution—"

Prue leaned in, interrupting Giles with a tender yet determined kiss, her gesture conveying both love and the strength of her conviction. "I have to try, Rupert," she whispered, her voice filled with unwavering resolve. "If destroying Anyanka's power center proves elusive, then perhaps the Power of Three can be the answer. I need to make the attempt, to find a way to reach my sisters and restore them somehow."

Giles met Prue's gaze, his eyes reflecting a mixture of admiration, concern, and unwavering support. In that moment, the bond they shared became a beacon of strength, fueling their determination to overcome the formidable obstacles that lay ahead. With a nod, he silently conveyed his understanding.

The Bronze

Buffy and Prue cautiously entered through the back door, their footsteps echoing in the empty establishment. The once vibrant venue now stood deserted, devoid of any signs of life. They ventured past the vacant stage and the barren bar, their eyes scanning the desolate surroundings. It was as if time itself had frozen within the walls of the Bronze. Their search led them to a set of stairs that descended into the dark depths of the cellar.

As they descended, the faint sound of a trembling figure caught their attention. Angel, huddled in a corner, appeared broken and vulnerable, his head buried in his knees. Buffy and Prue exchanged glances, silently acknowledging the unfamiliarity of the situation. Angel's gaze lifted, meeting Buffy's eyes in a momentary connection. His astonishment was evident, for he recognized her, but Buffy's expression betrayed no hint of recognition or remembrance. Intent on leaving, they turned away from Angel.

Yet, something compelled Angel to speak, his voice trembling with desperation as he moved towards the bars of his confinement. "Buffy? Buffy Summers?" he called out, his words infused with a mixture of hope and disbelief. Buffy and Prue halted in their tracks, their attention captured by his desperate plea. They turned back to face Angel, their curiosity piqued.

"How did you know my name?" Buffy questioned, her suspicion evident in her tone. Prue's narrowed eyes mirrored Buffy's wariness as they awaited an explanation.

Angel's voice quivered as he recounted his connection to Buffy. "I waited. I waited here for you," he confessed, his gaze fixed on Buffy. "But you never... I was supposed to help you."

Buffy's gaze shifted to the state of Angel's captivity, his wounded state casting doubt upon his words. She regarded him skeptically. "You were gonna help me?" she questioned, her voice tinged with incredulity.

Angel nodded, his eyes reflecting regret and remorse. "The Master rose. He let me live—to punish me. I kept hoping... maybe you'd come. My destiny."

Buffy exchanged a bewildered glance with Prue, struggling to process the revelations unfolding before her. "What do you think? Is this a 'get in my pants' thing?" she asked Prue, her skepticism evident. Prue shrugged, mirroring Buffy's uncertainty.

"I'm... sorry. I just meant-" Angel said.

Interrupting the strained exchange, Prue's impatience became palpable. "We don't have time for stories," she interjected, her voice tinged with urgency. "Where are the Master, Piper, and Phoebe?"

Angel's gaze shifted, his tone carrying a sense of purpose. "They're at his factory. It starts tonight," he divulged.

Buffy's confusion deepened, her eyes searching Prue's for answers. "Factory?" she questioned, a hint of uncertainty coloring her voice. Prue's shrugged response revealed that this new piece of information was as unfamiliar to her as it was to Buffy.

"I can take you there," Angel offered hopefully, his desire to be of assistance shining through.

Prue studied Angel for a moment, her gaze assessing his intentions. With a wave of her hand, she telekinetically unlocked the cell door, allowing it to swing open. However, as they waited for Angel to step out, they realized he had already reached the limits of his chains, preventing him from moving any further.

Exasperation filled Buffy as she decided to take matters into her own hands, intent on breaking his shackles. But as her Carolingian cross swung towards Angel, instinct kicked in, causing him to instinctively back away. Prue and Buffy shared a moment of realization—the truth became undeniable. Angel was a vampire.

"You've got to be kidding me," Buffy exclaimed, her voice laced with disbelief, as she turned away from Angel, leaving him bound by his restraints.

Angel's voice pleaded from behind, desperately trying to convince them of his sincerity. "Wait! I won't hurt you," he implored, his words hanging in the air.

Prue's eyes narrowed, her skepticism unwavering. "No, you'll leave that to your Master," she retorted, her voice laden with accusation. "After all, I know that he wants to complete the set—the last Charmed One, turned and made into a vampire."

"You don't believe I want to help you." Angel said as he opened his shirt. "Believe I want him dead."

Buffy and Prue saw his chest bearing the wounds of the torture he had experienced. Buffy and Prue observed his injuries, their guarded expressions reflecting their contemplation of his words, weighing the authenticity of his plea. The decision to trust him, or not, rested heavily upon their shoulders as they stood at this precarious crossroad.

Processing Plant

In the sprawling room filled with machinery, the Master stood proudly near a long conveyor belt that snaked its way through the space. On one side of him stood Willow and Xander, their appearances transformed into creatures of the night. On the other side stood Phoebe and Piper, adorned in elegant attire befitting a grand ceremony. They faced a raucous throng of cheering vampires, their excitement palpable in the air.

The Master, his voice infused with exultation, addressed the assembled crowd, his words carrying a tone of superiority. "Vampires! Undeniably, we are the world's superior race," he proclaimed, his eyes glinting with a sinister gleam. "Yet we have always been too confined, too restricted by our mindless routine as predators. Hunt and kill... Hunt and kill... It may be titillating, yes, but is it practical? Hardly... Meanwhile, the humans, with their mundane minds, have introduced a truly demonic concept to us: mass production."

Unbeknownst to the Master, Buffy, Prue, and Angel remained hidden behind a refrigeration unit, eavesdropping on his impassioned speech. Buffy discreetly held a crossbow by her side, prepared for the impending confrontation.

Curiosity piqued, Angel turned to Buffy, seeking guidance. "What's the plan?" he whispered.

Buffy handed him a stake, her eyes focused on the scene before them. "Don't fall on this," she replied cryptically. Her gaze fell upon Piper and Phoebe, recognizing them as Prue's lost sisters. "Are those them, your sisters, my cousins?" she inquired softly.

Prue, her voice tinged with sorrow, confirmed Buffy's observation. "Yes, that's them," she admitted, a mix of regret and determination to somehow save Piper and Phoebe etched on her face.

Meanwhile, the Master continued his oratory, his voice resounding through the space. "The days of compromise, of coexisting with the humans, are over," he declared, his words dripping with disdain. "It's time to eliminate them. Time to treat them like... well, let's not mince words here—like the cattle they are!"

The crowd erupted in fervent cheers, their approval resonating throughout the room, echoing the Master's malevolent intentions.

Caught up in the moment, Xander interjected with a touch of dark humor. "We really are living in a golden age," he remarked, a glimmer of twisted amusement dancing in his eyes.

Halliwell Manor

The dining table served as a makeshift altar, adorned with an assortment of mystical artifacts. Crystals, sage roots, and other esoteric items cluttered the surface, creating an aura of otherworldly energy. Giles, his hands trembling slightly, held a weathered book before him, its pages filled with ancient text. He cautiously navigated the summoning ritual, his voice filled with a mix of trepidation and determination.

"Anyanka, I beseech thee, uh..." Giles glanced back at the book, searching for the correct passage. After a momentary pause, he found his place again. "In the name of all women scorned - come before me!"

Beside Giles, Leo stood, clutching a chalice containing a fragrant blend of herbs. With a flick of his hand, he ignited the mixture, releasing a swirling plume of aromatic smoke that danced in the air. Together, Giles and Leo waited anxiously, their eyes fixed on the shadows.

Suddenly, emerging from the darkness, Anya stepped forward, her presence commanding attention. She exuded an air of confidence, tinged with a hint of mischief.

"Do you have any idea what I do to a man who uses that spell to summon me?" Anya's voice echoed through the room, laced with a mixture of amusement and menace.

Giles and Leo exchanged glances, a combination of triumph and fear flashing in their eyes.

Processing Plant

Inside the grim confines of the Processing Plant, the atmosphere was suffused with a palpable sense of dread and anticipation. The Master, a sinister figure, presided over the operation, his command resonating through the room. The industrial setting buzzed with eerie machinery and the hum of tension.

With a nod from the Master, one of his henchmen forcefully seized a terrified girl from the holding pen, her desperate screams piercing the air. The henchman callously subdued her with a cattle prod before strapping her to the conveyor belt. The Master explained the gruesome spectacle, his words filled with a sadistic glee.

"See, she's still alive here, for freshness," the Master proclaimed, his tone chillingly matter-of-fact.

The conveyor belt rumbled into motion, carrying the wide-eyed girl towards an open chamber, the darkness within promising a grim fate. Amidst the chaos and distraction, Angel, Prue, and Buffy maneuvered stealthily through the mesmerized crowd, their objective clear. The crowd's focus remained fixated on the horrific machine, allowing the trio to blend into the shadows.

Separating momentarily, Buffy and Prue made their way towards the heart of the room, determination etched on their faces. Meanwhile, Angel directed his attention towards the captive humans, a mission of liberation unfolding before him.

Within the plant, a network of plastic tubing pulsed with a crimson flow, transporting blood into a large container. The girl's eyes flickered with fading hope before succumbing to death's grip. Oblivious to the gruesome scene, a henchman collected a glassful of blood from the killing machine, presenting it ceremoniously to the Master.

Taking the center stage, the Master ascended a platform, his voice resonating with triumphant zeal. He raised his glass in a toast to the enthralled crowd, reveling in the macabre spectacle that surrounded him.

In the midst of the sea of onlookers, Buffy and Prue positioned themselves strategically, bracing for the imminent confrontation. Prue drew a stake, readying herself for the battle ahead, while Buffy shouldered a crossbow, her aim fixed upon the Master. The tension reached its peak as Buffy released the arrow, hurtling towards her intended target.

Alert to the danger, the Master reacted swiftly, yanking Xander in front of him as a human shield. The arrow found its mark in Xander's shoulder, inflicting pain but failing to achieve its original aim.

Meanwhile, Angel, true to his mission, began freeing the captive victims. Amidst the chaos, some victims scattered, seeking safety, while others, such as Oz, Larry, and a few courageous souls, seized makeshift weapons and launched a counterattack against their vampiric captors.

Pandemonium erupted throughout the plant as vampires and humans clashed in a desperate struggle for survival. Amidst the fray, Xander tugged at the embedded arrow, Willow's eyes widening as she spotted Angel's presence.

"Uh oh. Puppy got out," Willow remarked, her words laced with a mixture of surprise and concern, as she hastened to join the escalating fight.

A wicked grin played across Piper's lips as she and Phoebe approached Prue, their shared sisterly bond tainted by the darkness that now enveloped them. The stage was set for an epic confrontation, each side bracing themselves for the inevitable clash of powers and wills.

Halliwell Manor

Anya's predatory movements sent a shiver through the air as she circled menacingly towards Giles and Leo. The atmosphere crackled with a tangible tension as the two men held their ground, their determination etched upon their faces.

Giles, his voice laced with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension, broke the silence. "Cordelia Chase. What did she wish for?" His gaze locked onto Anya, searching for answers.

Anya's lips curled into a sly smile, reveling in the chaos she had unleashed. "I had no idea her wish would be so... exciting," she replied, a touch of mischief in her voice. "A brave new world. I hope she likes it."

Giles delivered the grim news, his voice tinged with sorrow. "She's dead," he informed the vengeance demon, his words heavy with the weight of loss.

Anya shrugged nonchalantly, her indifference unsettling. "It happens," she remarked callously, brushing off the significance of Cordelia's demise.

Leo, undeterred by Anya's brazen demeanor, stepped forward, his voice firm and resolute. "You're going to change it back," he declared, his conviction unwavering.

Anya, drawn closer to the confrontation, locked eyes with Leo and Giles, her gaze filled with a mix of amusement and defiance. She reveled in the power she wielded, a force born from the very essence of granting wishes.

"We're not afraid of you," Giles asserted, his tone resolute. "Your only power lies in the wishing."

But Anya's true strength surged forward, as her hands shot out, encircling Giles and Leo's throats with a vice-like grip. The air thickened with an aura of danger, palpable and suffocating. Leo's body was enveloped in a cascade of ethereal blue and white lights as he disappeared, only to reappear a few feet away moments later, the mark of a Whitelighter.

Anya chuckled, her voice dripping with amusement. "A Whitelighter," she mused, relishing the unexpected twist. "And what exactly do you think you can do to me, Whitelighter? You're a pacifist by nature."

Processing Plant

Amidst the chaotic battleground of the Processing Plant, Buffy fought with fierce determination, her lithe form moving with a fluid grace. She swiftly dispatched a vampire that lunged at her, sending it flying through the air. But her attention was quickly diverted as Xander closed in, fueled by anger and betrayal. He yanked the arrow from his shoulder and with a malicious intent, advanced towards Buffy, poised to strike.

In that crucial moment, Angel, ever watchful and protective, leaped into action. He intercepted Xander's lethal trajectory, positioning himself between his friend and Buffy. With a resounding impact, Angel's fist connected with Xander's jaw, sending him sprawling to the ground, momentarily stunned. The clash of their confrontation echoed through the air, drawing the attention of nearby combatants.

Buffy's eyes widened as she observed the unfolding scene, her focus momentarily shifting from her ongoing skirmish with another vampire. Time seemed to slow as she watched Xander's hand drive the arrow deep into Angel's chest, piercing his heart. In a heartbreaking instant, Angel's body disintegrated into a cloud of shimmering dust, his final moments marked by an outstretched hand reaching towards Buffy, his lips forming her name before he was consumed by the inevitability of his fate.

Buffy stood motionless, her gaze fixed upon the spot where Angel had vanished. Without a moment's hesitation, she stepped through the remnants of Angel's fading essence, her purpose unchanged as she resumed her relentless pursuit of Xander.

Unyielding and devoid of sentiment, Buffy closed the distance between herself and Xander, her movements fluid and calculated. The battle continued to rage around her, the clash of weapons and the cries of the combatants filling the air.

0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0

Piper and Phoebe, their once familiar faces now twisted by their vampiric visage, moved with an unholy grace towards Prue. The predatory glint in their eyes mirrored their sinister intentions, casting an eerie glow in the dimly lit room. Their movements were both graceful and unsettling, as if they were creatures caught between the realms of darkness and humanity. Prue stood her ground, her stance unwavering despite the inner turmoil she felt at facing her transformed sisters.

As they closed in on Prue, the air became charged with a palpable tension, crackling with an otherworldly energy that sent shivers down her spine. Shadows danced and flickered, seemingly alive with the malevolent aura emanating from the vampire sisters. The room itself seemed to hold its breath, caught in the grip of the supernatural conflict unfolding before it.

Phoebe, empowered by her vampiric strength, launched herself at Prue with deadly precision. Her movements were a blur of speed and agility, driven by an insatiable hunger and an unyielding desire to overpower her sister. Prue, drawing upon her years of combat training and supernatural abilities, skillfully evaded the attack. She gracefully sidestepped Phoebe's lunges and parried her strikes, her body moving with a fluidity that belied her inner turmoil.

The siblings-turned-enemies continued their macabre dance, circling each other like predators in a twisted waltz. Prue's eyes, a mix of sorrow and determination, met the cold, crimson gaze of Piper and Phoebe. A flood of memories surged through her mind, memories of shared laughter, love, and the unbreakable bond they had once shared as the Charmed Ones. It was a painful reminder of what had been lost.

"Piper, Phoebe, you don't want to do this," Prue pleaded, her voice filled with desperation, hoping to reach the remnants of their humanity that may still exist within them. "This is not who you are. There must be another way to bring you back, to restore your souls."

Piper responded with a chilling chuckle, her laughter dripping with a newfound darkness. "Oh, but aren't we?" she sneered, relishing in her newfound power. "We have embraced our true nature, Prue. The power, the freedom... it's intoxicating."

Prue refused to back down, her voice unwavering. "We are the Charmed Ones, the protectors of the innocent," she insisted, her words laced with determination. "We can reclaim that purpose, that destiny. We just need to find a way to break free from the darkness that holds you captive."

Phoebe's lips curled into a wicked smile, her fangs gleaming in the dim light. "And we can, dear sister," she taunted, her voice filled with a seductive allure. "All you have to do is surrender to the darkness within you, to allow one of us to sire you. Together, we can reign in eternal darkness."

Prue's heart sank at the realization of the dire choice they were offering her. She understood that accepting their offer would mean forsaking her humanity, forever succumbing to the insatiable thirst for blood that consumed her sisters. Yet, deep within her, a flicker of hope remained. She believed that there was still a way to save them, to restore their souls and bring back the light that once defined their lives.

With a mixture of resolve and sorrow, Prue tightened her grip on her stake, a symbol of her unwavering determination. She prepared to fight not only for her own survival but for the chance to reclaim her sisters' humanity, to give them back the souls that had been tainted by darkness. In the face of such adversity, she remained steadfast, ready to confront the shadows that threatened to consume them all.

Halliwell Manor

Anya, her grip on Giles unyielding, relished in her triumph. Her eyes gleamed with a mixture of sadistic pleasure and twisted satisfaction. "This is the real world now," she declared, her tone filled with a cruel certainty. "There's no going back. This is the world we made."

Leo's gaze shifted swiftly between Giles, who struggled for breath in Anya's vice-like grip, and the pendant that dangled from her throat. It was similar to the one she had bestowed upon Cordelia. As his eyes locked onto the pendant, a flicker of realization sparked within Leo. The pendant was Anya's power center. With a glimmer of hope, he knew what he must do.

"Isn't it wonderful?" Anya asked, a twisted smile curling upon her lips. The pendant shimmered in the dim light, a symbol of her dominion over the world.

Processing Plant

Xander's fists hammered into Buffy's face, the force of his blows reverberating through the air. But Buffy refused to yield. With unwavering resolve, she met his attacks head-on, retaliating with equal ferocity. The room echoed with the sound of their collision, a symphony of grunts, punches, and the occasional spray of blood.

Meanwhile, Willow hurried towards Xander, her focus on aiding Prue in the fight against the vampiric sisters. Unbeknownst to her, Oz, his eyes blazing with feral intensity, emerged from the shadows. In a swift and calculated motion, he lunged at Willow, his strength amplified by his lycanthropic nature. Before she could react, Oz slammed her body against a jagged piece of broken wood protruding from the battered holding pen. In an instant, Willow disintegrated into a cloud of dust, her essence scattered to the wind.

As the battle raged on, Piper and Phoebe launched themselves at Prue with unrelenting determination. The clash of their supernatural prowess sent shockwaves through the air, reverberating with a dangerous energy. Their movements were fluid yet deadly, each strike aimed at overpowering Prue and bending her to their will.

Piper unleashed a relentless barrage of lightning-fast strikes. Her blows carried an unnatural force, fueled by the darkness that now coursed through her veins. Prue, however, relied on her honed combat skills and supernatural agility, gracefully evading Piper's onslaught with calculated precision. Every movement was a testament to her unwavering focus and determination to resist the darkness.

Phoebe, with a devious grin etched upon her face, employed her cunning and agility to outmaneuver Prue. She constantly changed her attack patterns, utilizing her vampiric speed to her advantage. Yet, Prue's unwavering focus allowed her to anticipate Phoebe's every move. With swift and precise strikes, she countered her sister's assault, refusing to yield to the darkness that threatened to consume them all.

Halliwell Manor

The air crackled with tension as Leo swiftly closed the gap between himself and Anya. In a decisive move, his hand snatched the pendant from around her neck, leaving her stunned and disarmed. As shock settled in, Anya's grip on Giles loosened, causing him to stumble back, his expression a mix of relief and uncertainty. Meanwhile, Anya's eyes widened with genuine terror, realizing the gravity of the situation.

"No!" Her cry erupted through the room, fueled by a desperate desire to regain control. With unparalleled speed and determination, she lunged at Leo, driven by a torrent of anger and fear. But Giles swiftly positioned himself as a barrier between Anya and the Whitelighter. In a display of strength, he delivered a powerful blow, his fist connecting with Anya's body, propelling her forcefully backward until she collided with a corner, momentarily stunned and disoriented.

From her fallen position, Anya glanced up, her eyes ablaze with a mixture of fury and uncertainty. Leo, undeterred by her protestations and unwavering in his mission, calmly placed the pendant on the table, a symbol of liberation from the twisted reality they found themselves in. His gaze shifted, and he seized a weighty object, to use as a mallet, recognizing its potential as a tool to shatter the pendant and break the hold it had over their world.

Anya's voice, dripping with disdain and doubt, reverberated through the room as she challenged the validity of their pursuit. "Trusting fools!" she sneered, her tone laced with bitterness. "How do you know the other world is any better than this?"

Giles, his voice resolute and tinged with determination, stepped forward, standing beside Leo. "Because it has to be," he declared, his words carrying a profound belief in the possibility of a brighter future. It was a declaration fueled by their unwavering faith in the inherent goodness and resilience of humanity.

In silent agreement, Leo nodded, aligning himself with Giles's conviction. With purposeful intent, he swung the heavy object downward, its impact resonating through the room.

Processing Plant

With a swift maneuver, Buffy seized the opportunity and disarmed Xander, sending his weapon clattering to the ground. Sensing her advantage, she seized her stake, her eyes locked onto Xander's vampiric form. In one fluid motion, she lunged forward, driving the stake into his chest with unwavering precision.

As Xander turned to dust, Buffy wasted no time, swiftly pivoting to face the Master. The air crackled with tension as their gazes locked, a battle of wills playing out between them. The Master, exuding dark power and confidence, smirked in anticipation of their confrontation.

Buffy's heart raced, her every instinct honed for this moment. With unwavering determination, she launched herself at the Master, unleashing a barrage of swift and calculated strikes. Her agility and combat skills allowed her to move with lightning speed, evading the Master's attempts to counter her attacks.

Yet, in a moment of miscalculation, the Master seized an opportunity and swiftly snapped Buffy's neck. The room fell into an eerie silence as Buffy's lifeless body crumpled to the ground. The Master stood over her, a malevolent triumph etched on his face, confident in his perceived victory.

0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0

Prue's relentless fight against Piper and Phoebe continued unabated, each blow exchanged with fierce determination. Despite her skill and agility, she found herself momentarily vulnerable as Piper seized an opportune moment. In a lucky move, Piper managed to gain the upper hand, overpowering Prue and sinking her fangs into her exposed neck.

A surge of pain coursed through Prue's body as Piper's vampire instincts took hold, feeding on her life force. The taste of blood on Piper's lips only heightened her insatiable hunger, fueling the dark power coursing through her veins.

Meanwhile, Phoebe, ever the cunning strategist, opened a vein in her wrist. With a mixture of anticipation and a touch of wickedness, she pressed her bleeding wrist to Prue's lips, initiating the siring process.

Suddenly a wave of energy rippled through the air, reverberating with a palpable force. The room seemed to tremble as reality itself was rewritten, and the world underwent a profound transformation.

Gateway High School

"I wish that Buffy Halliwell had never come to San Francisco," Cordelia lamented, her voice filled with frustration and regret.

Buffy's Slayer hearing caught Cordelia's use of the word 'wish,' causing a surge of concern to ripple through her. Her gaze darted around the room, scanning for any signs of a mystical presence, a genie ready to grant Cordelia's ill-fated desire.

Anya, her body slightly slumped in relief having finally heard the girl's wish. As she turned to face Cordelia, her facial features were normal. "Done," she declared, but to her bewilderment, nothing happened. She glanced around, a deep perplexity etched on her face.

Sensing the gravity of the situation, Buffy turned her attention to Willow and Xander. "Excuse me for a moment," she requested, rising from her seat and making her way over to Cordelia. "Cordy, can I have a word in private?"

Cordelia was about to voice her objection when Buffy shot her a meaningful look, prompting her to acquiesce. They moved away from Anya, stepping into a more secluded space.

"I know we've never considered each other friends, but I'd like to think we are," Buffy began, her tone earnest. "The use of the 'W' word should never, ever be uttered where someone can hear you."

"W word? Oh, you mean 'wish'?" Cordelia responded, a realization dawning upon her.

Buffy nodded gravely. "Yes, wishes can have nasty consequences, Cordy. A few months ago, Prue, Piper, Phoebe, and I stumbled upon a genie and accidentally made some wishes. Prue wished to be a teenager again and tragically met her demise. Piper's wish resulted in our next-door neighbor rapidly aging. And Phoebe's wish granted her a new power, but it attracted a demon seeking retribution for his stolen power. As for my wish, it transported me to a future where Piper was alone, and Prue and Phoebe had passed away. Wishes are not to be taken lightly. Never say 'I wish' in front of anyone."

Cordelia absorbed Buffy's warning, gratitude shining in her eyes. "Thanks for the heads up, Buffy. I'll add that to the ever-growing list of rules for living in San Francisco."

"You're welcome," Buffy replied, a faint smile touching her lips. "And regarding the wish you mentioned... I understand, really. A lot has happened because I moved here. Sometimes, I wonder what my life would have been like if I had never come."

Cordelia nodded, the unspoken understanding bridging the gap between them. As they walked away from each other, a silent truce settled between them.