Buffy the Vampire Slayer: "The Beginning"

The Bronze

It was a warm, languid evening in Sunnydale. The sun dipped low in the sky, casting golden hues across the town. The Scooby Gang had gathered at The Bronze, attempting to shake off the suffocating end-of-summer blues. Buffy, Willow, and Xander occupied their usual table, the strobing lights reflecting the tension simmering just beneath the surface of their casual banter. Buffy's recent return hung like a storm cloud over the group, though no one dared to acknowledge it.

Xander sipped his fizzy drink, his gaze drifting around the vibrant crowd until it landed on a girl stepping into The Bronze. She moved with quiet confidence, her long, curly auburn hair spilling over her shoulders, the loose braids woven into it adding a wild, ethereal quality. Her pale skin glowed softly in the dim light, her deep blue eyes shimmering with a quiet intensity, and freckles dusted her cheeks like a scattering of stars. She wore a midnight blue velvet skirt, the high slit revealing just a hint of movement as she walked, paired with a fitted black lace top that traced delicate patterns along her neckline. A silver pendant necklace caught the flicker of light, and long peacock feather earrings swayed gently with each step, accentuating her striking presence.

"Whoa," Xander muttered, his eyes widening in surprise.

"'Whoa', what?" Buffy asked, following his gaze.

Willow, curiosity piqued, glanced up too. "I haven't seen her around before. She looks... new."

The mystery girl hesitated just inside the bar, her gaze sweeping over the crowd as if she were deciphering the unspoken dynamics of the room.

Buffy narrowed her eyes, an instinctive wariness sparking within her. "I'm gonna go introduce myself. Just in case."

"Need backup?" Xander asked, jumping to his feet a little too eagerly.

Buffy smirked, her confidence shining through. "Nah, you stay. I've got this."

As Buffy made her way over, Xander leaned toward Willow, a glimmer of excitement in his eyes. "I've got a good feeling about this one, Will."

"Xander, you say that about every new girl," Willow replied, her voice tinged with playful exasperation.

He shrugged, a grin plastered on his face. "Maybe. But this time, I mean it."

At the bar, Brenwyn had just ordered a soda when she sensed Buffy approaching. The blonde girl's energy was palpable - an intense hum beneath the surface that drew attention like a magnet.

"Hi," Buffy said, flashing a polite yet cautious smile. "New in town?"

Brenwyn returned the smile, her striking blue eyes flicking toward Buffy. "Yes. Just arrived yesterday."

Buffy's eyes narrowed and there was a cautious edge to her voice as she asked, "You're not… like, evil, right?"

Brenwyn's laugh was soft, like the chime of a bell, her amusement genuine but tinged with something self-conscious. "No," she replied, brushing a stray hair behind her ear. "I certainly hope I don't give off that impression."

Buffy tilted her head, studying her for a moment. "Just doing my due diligence," she said, her tone light. "Sunnydale has a habit of attracting... unusual types."

Brenwyn gave a wry smile. "Now you've got me wondering: how many people actually answer yes to that question?"

Buffy smirked, her wariness easing just a fraction. "You'd be surprised. Sunnydale's kind of... special that way."

"Special," Brenwyn repeated, raising an eyebrow.

Buffy just smiled. "You got a name?"

"Brenwyn," she answered with a warm smile. "And you must be Buffy."

Buffy blinked, surprise flickering over her face. "How'd you—?"

Brenwyn winced, "I had a run-in with the queen bee. I think her name was Cordelia? She had a lot to say about you."

Buffy groaned, rolling her eyes. "Yeah, that sounds like Cordelia. So, you've already experienced Sunnydale's welcoming committee?"

Brenwyn smiled, her expression both amused and empathetic. "She wasn't too bad. I've dealt with worse."

Buffy smirked, leaning casually against the bar, her guard lowering slightly. "Well, if you can handle Cordelia on day one, you're probably tougher than you look."

The two girls stood there for a moment, sizing each other up, before Buffy spoke again, her tone more friendly. "So, Brenwyn, what brings you to Sunnydale? It's not exactly a prime vacation spot."

Brenwyn hesitated for a second, her blue eyes flickering with something unreadable. "My dad got a job offer at Sunnydale Memorial. He's a pediatric nurse."

Buffy raised an eyebrow, sensing there was more to the story but deciding not to press. "Nice."

At that moment, Xander appeared by Buffy's side, his gaze instantly locking onto Brenwyn. "Hey, Buff, I thought I'd come over and, uh, back you up."

Buffy gave him a knowing look but didn't object.

Xander, ever the charmer, turned his full attention to Brenwyn. "Hi! Xander Harris. Resident expert in—" he paused for dramatic effect, "—being helpful in awkward social situations."

Brenwyn chuckled as amusement lit up her face, her eyes creasing warmly. "Good to know. I'm Brenwyn."

Xander grinned, clearly captivated. "Brenwyn? That's a cool name. Unique. Like, mysterious. Are you mysterious?"

Buffy groaned playfully, elbowing him. "Smooth, Xander. Real smooth."

Willow had joined them by now, her curiosity getting the better of her. "Hi, I'm Willow," she said, offering a friendly wave. "Are you planning on sticking around Sunnydale for a while?"

Brenwyn nodded, her smile warm. "That's the plan."

Buffy exchanged a glance with Willow, both of them instinctively understanding that there was more to Brenwyn than met the eye. "Well," Buffy said, crossing her arms casually. "If you're gonna be in town, you might want to know... this place is a little more dangerous than it looks."

Brenwyn tilted her head slightly, her expression thoughtful. "I've picked up on that. But don't worry, I'm pretty good at handling myself."

Xander, still starry-eyed, leaned in. "Good to know! We could always use someone else who knows how to handle... well, the weirdness around here."

Buffy narrowed her eyes playfully at him. "Xander, you're already making plans, huh?"

He shrugged innocently. "What? I'm just being friendly."

Before Buffy could respond, a tall, broad-shouldered boy barreled through the crowd and slammed into Brenwyn, knocking her off balance. The room tilted around her, her vision blurring as she stumbled backward, arms flailing. Before she could hit the ground, Buffy darted forward, catching Brenwyn's arm and pulling her back upright in one swift motion.

"Whoa, gotcha!" Buffy said, her voice steady as she kept a firm hold on Brenwyn, anchoring her.

Brenwyn's breath caught in her throat as soon as Buffy's fingers made contact. The warm, pulsing energy of The Bronze - the laughter, the pounding music, the kaleidoscope of dim, dancing lights - began to fade, replaced by a chilling sensation that crawled up Brenwyn's spine.

The world flickered. It shifted.

Gone were the colorful lights and hazy air of the club. Instead, Brenwyn found herself standing in a dark, crumbling building. Shadows loomed, tall and ominous, the walls groaning with malevolent energy that seemed to seep into her bones. Cold air rushed past her, carrying with it a distant, echoing whisper - a chorus of voices murmuring, their tones laced with madness and cruelty.

Her vision shifted again, bringing her face-to-face with a woman whose pale skin shimmered like porcelain in the gloom. Her raven-black hair fell in soft waves over her shoulders, but her eyes… those eyes were wide and wild, flickering with a dangerous, otherworldly gleam as though she was trapped in a nightmare only she could see.

Brenwyn's breath quickened. Behind the woman, a figure lurked in the shadows, barely visible at first. As he stepped into the dim light, his bleached blond hair shone in the moonlight. His expression was menacing, twisted into a wicked grin that sent a shiver down Brenwyn's spine.

They are coming.

Images flashed before her eyes in rapid succession. Chaos erupted in the halls of a school: Sunnydale High. The skies above were blood-red, casting an ominous glow on the destruction below. Shadows swirled through the corridors like creeping tendrils of smoke, and then there was fire. Bright, licking flames devoured the walls, crackling and hissing. The smell of burning wood and charred air filled her senses. Desperation hung thick in the air as students and teachers alike ran in panic, trying to escape the inferno. Through the carnage, the two vile creatures strode calmly, smiling amidst the flames, their twisted pleasure evident in their cold, cruel expressions.

Brenwyn gasped, snapping back to reality, her body jolting as the warmth and noise of The Bronze returned all at once. The contrast left her disoriented, her pulse racing, and she realized her hand had latched onto Buffy's arm, her nails digging in unconsciously.

"Brenwyn?" Buffy's voice cut through the noise, tinged with concern. She leaned closer, her hazel eyes studying the girl's pale, wide-eyed expression.

Brenwyn blinked, trying to steady herself, her vision still swimming. The music felt too loud now, pounding in her ears - the neon lights overhead suddenly harsh and jarring.

"They're coming," she whispered, her voice trembling with the certainty of her vision. It was barely audible over the music, yet the weight of those simple words seemed to hang in the air.

Xander and Willow immediately fell silent. Willow's brows knitted in concern, and Xander's face, usually full of easygoing charm, was now serious as he focused on her.

Buffy's brow furrowed, her instincts flaring to life. There was a shift in the air, something her Slayer senses couldn't ignore. She leaned in, her voice low and careful. "What?"

Brenwyn sucked in a breath, her grip on Buffy's arm loosening as she tried to steady her thoughts, the remnants of the vision still echoing in her mind. "Two... figures," she said slowly, struggling to find the right words. "A woman and a man. Dark, twisted. They're coming here... to Sunnydale."

Buffy's expression hardened in an instant, the casual banter and lighthearted mood now replaced with the cold focus of a Slayer on alert. "Who are they?" she asked her voice firm, commanding.

Brenwyn frowned, her eyebrows knitting together with concern. "I don't know."

Buffy's gaze sharpened, her body shifting subtly into a more defensive stance. "Are you sure about this?"

Brenwyn nodded, her hands trembling slightly as she withdrew them, crossing her arms tightly over her chest. "I've seen things before... visions. They're never wrong."

Willow exchanged a concerned glance with Xander before stepping forward, her curiosity piqued by Brenwyn's cryptic words. "Are you... a witch?" she asked, her voice soft yet inquisitive.

Brenwyn hesitated, her piercing blue eyes flicking toward Willow. "Yes, I am. But my magic doesn't control these visions, they just come. I've been having them since I was little." Her voice wavered for a moment before steadying. "They show me things that haven't happened yet. Warnings, mostly."

Xander, who had been fidgeting with his drink, set it down, his carefree demeanor quickly slipping away. "Great. So, Sunnydale's about to get even weirder. What else is new?"

Buffy wasn't smiling. Her jaw clenched as she considered the information. "We need more than vague warnings. Who are these people? What do they want?"

"I don't know who they are," Brenwyn replied, her frustration evident. "But they radiate something dark... something old. It feels like they're drawn to this place, like they belong in the shadows. And they enjoy... chaos." Her voice dropped to a near-whisper on the last word, her eyes haunted by the images still fresh in her mind.

Willow bit her lip, her fingers absentmindedly fiddling with the silver rings she wore. "Well, if it's something big, we'll need to research. I can start checking the databases... maybe we can find out if any big bads have popped up recently or if there's some kind of prophecy."

Buffy nodded, already sliding into battle mode. "Do that. Xander, I want you to call Giles. Tell him everything Brenwyn just said, and make sure he's ready to research too. We need to know what we're dealing with before it hits us."

Xander gave a quick nod, already moving toward the door. "On it."

As he disappeared, Buffy turned back to Brenwyn, her expression hard but not unkind. "Look, I don't know you, but if you're staying in Sunnydale, you should know that things are about to get a lot more dangerous. You'll need to be ready for that."

Brenwyn's eyes met hers, a flicker of determination beneath the lingering fear. "I've been running from these visions for years, but I came here for a reason. Something, or someone, has been calling me here. If this is my fight too... I'll be ready."

Buffy nodded approvingly. "Good. Just know, once you're in, you're in. The Scooby Gang doesn't exactly come with an exit strategy."

Willow smiled, stepping closer to Brenwyn, her warmth cutting through the tense atmosphere. "You're not alone in this. We've dealt with some pretty big bads before. We'll figure this out together."

Brenwyn smiled weakly, her heart swelling with the sense of acceptance she hadn't expected to find so quickly. "Thank you."

Buffy's gaze lingered on her for a moment longer before she turned toward the exit. "We should get out of here and prep. If something's coming, we'll need all the help we can get."

As the group moved toward the exit, Brenwyn couldn't shake the ominous feeling that clung to her. The once-vibrant nightlife was beginning to fade, and the streets were quieter now, the soft hum of music the only reminder of the bustling club behind them.

Buffy was on high alert, scanning the darkened streets with a Slayer's keen awareness, while Willow walked alongside Brenwyn, who still seemed a little shaken by her vision.

"I've told Giles everything," Xander said, stepping out of a nearby payphone booth. "He's already digging through his library for anything on ancient chaos-lovers."

"Good," Buffy replied, her voice clipped, all business. "We'll meet up at the library tomorrow morning."

Willow, sensing the tension in Brenwyn, offered a gentle smile. "Don't worry, we've handled our fair share of apocalypses. You'll get used to the whole 'world-ending threat' thing."

Brenwyn chuckled softly, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "That's... comforting?"

Buffy gave a slight smile at Willow's attempt to lighten the mood but remained focused. "I'll walk you home, Brenwyn. Sunnydale's a bad place to be alone at night."

Brenwyn nodded, grateful for the offer. She could sense Buffy's protective nature kicking in, and despite her ability to defend herself, she felt safer knowing she wouldn't be alone. "Thanks, Buffy. I'd appreciate that."

Willow added, her face serious. "Be careful, okay?"

Buffy gave her a reassuring nod. "Always."

With that, Xander and Willow headed off in the opposite direction, leaving Buffy and Brenwyn standing together in the dimly lit street. For a moment, they simply looked at each other, the weight of the night's revelations hanging between them.

"Shall we?" Brenwyn asked, tilting her head.

"Lead the way," Buffy replied with a small smile.

The two walked in relative silence for the first few blocks, the only sounds coming from their footsteps on the pavement. Brenwyn cast a few cautious glances around, still shaken by her vision, but feeling a little more at ease with Buffy nearby.

"You okay?" Buffy asked, her voice softer than before.

Brenwyn hesitated, then nodded. "I'm getting there. This vision... it was stronger than the others I've had. I can't shake the feeling that something terrible is coming."

Buffy glanced at her, her face serious. "If something's coming, we'll deal with it. We've stopped plenty of monsters before."

Brenwyn gave a small laugh. "That's oddly comforting."

"Welcome to Sunnydale," Buffy said with a smirk. "Weird and dangerous is kind of our thing."

They turned down a quieter street, the houses becoming more sparse. The tension in the air began to ease slightly, and Brenwyn felt herself relaxing a little more. Something was reassuring about Buffy's confidence, about the way she handled the dangers of Sunnydale with a mixture of practicality and humor.

"You're handling all this pretty well," Buffy remarked after a few moments. "I mean, visions, dark figures, chaos... most people would be freaking out."

Brenwyn shrugged, her fingers brushing a loose braid back from her face. "I've had these visions for as long as I can remember. They've always been... unsettling, but I've learned to live with them. This one, though—it felt like more than just a warning. It felt like... a calling."

Buffy's brow furrowed, and she slowed her pace slightly, giving Brenwyn a thoughtful look. "A calling? Like something's pulling you here?"

Brenwyn nodded, her expression growing more serious. "Yeah. I've been running from these visions for years, trying to avoid the darkness they show me. But this time, I couldn't stay away. Something in Sunnydale... it's like it's been waiting for me."

Buffy didn't say anything for a moment, letting the weight of Brenwyn's words sink in. Finally, she spoke, her voice steady. "Well, whatever it is, you don't have to face it alone. You've got us now."

Brenwyn smiled, a flicker of gratitude in her eyes. "Thank you, Buffy. I didn't expect to find... allies so quickly."

Buffy smirked, her tone light. "That's the Scooby Gang for you."

The two girls shared a brief, warm laugh, the tension between them easing further. As they approached Brenwyn's house, the night felt a little less ominous, the looming threat of her vision temporarily pushed to the back of their minds.

Brenwyn turned to Buffy, her expression sincere. "Thank you for walking me home. I didn't realize how much I needed this... someone to talk to."

Buffy shrugged, giving her a reassuring smile. "Hey, we all need someone. Besides, it's not like I'd let you walk around Sunnydale alone. Not with creepy visions of destruction floating around your head."

Brenwyn chuckled softly, the tension finally lifting from her shoulders. "I'm glad I came to Sunnydale. Even with all the danger, it feels like I'm supposed to be here."

Buffy nodded, her eyes meeting Brenwyn's with a look of understanding. "Maybe you are."

With that, Brenwyn gave Buffy one last grateful smile before heading inside her house. Buffy watched her go, standing in the quiet street for a moment longer, her thoughts already turning to the impending threat. She couldn't shake the feeling that Sunnydale was about to face something bigger, darker than anything they'd seen before.

Sunnydale High - The Library

The next morning, the sun was shining through the tall windows of the Sunnydale High library. The usual musty scent of old books filled the room, mingling with the faint smell of fresh-brewed tea from Giles' office. Buffy, Willow, and Xander sat around the large wooden table, waiting for Giles to join them. The weight of the previous night's events still hung in the air.

Buffy drummed her fingers on the table, her expression tense. "So, new girl, visions, impending doom. Feels like a Monday."

Xander leaned back in his chair, arms folded behind his head. "Yeah, but Brenwyn seems different. Not the 'trying to kill us' kind of different, which is refreshing."

Willow, ever the researcher, was already tapping away on her laptop, cross-referencing databases for anything that might explain Brenwyn's vision. "She's definitely got power. You could feel it. Plus, visions of fire and creepy figures? That's a big deal."

Before they could continue, Giles appeared, stepping out of his office with a stack of old tomes cradled in his arms. "We have quite a bit to discuss. I... met Brenwyn yesterday, actually. She came to collect her textbooks."

Buffy straightened in her chair, surprised. "You've met her already?"

"Yes," Giles replied, rubbing the bridge of his nose thoughtfully. "I didn't think much of it at the time, though I did notice something... unusual about her. I should have trusted my instincts."

As if on cue, one of the library doors swung open, and Brenwyn stepped in. She looked more composed than the night before, though a subtle tension lingered in her posture. Her dark auburn hair was loosely braided, and her freckled face looked thoughtful as her deep blue eyes scanned the room.

"Hi," she greeted, her voice soft yet steady. "I hope I'm not interrupting."

Buffy stood and motioned for Brenwyn to join them. "Not at all. We were just about to talk about last night."

Brenwyn hesitated for a moment before sitting down at the table. "Thanks for meeting with me. I... I think you all deserve to know what I saw."

She paused, and the room fell silent. Buffy, Xander, Willow, and Giles watched her intently, their expressions a mix of curiosity and concern. Brenwyn took a deep breath and began to describe what she had seen: the crumbling, dark building, the woman with the raven-black hair and the wild, dangerous eyes, and the man with bleached blond hair grinning like a predator. The images of chaos and destruction, of Sunnydale High engulfed in flames, and the shadows creeping through the corridors all tumbled from her lips, each word laden with the weight of impending danger.

As she spoke, Giles's expression grew more grave. Buffy's jaw tightened, and Willow bit her lip nervously. Xander, who usually managed to keep things light, looked uncharacteristically serious. When Brenwyn finished, Giles slowly removed his glasses, setting them down on the table. "This is... troubling, to say the least."

Buffy leaned forward, her voice low and focused. "Do you think they're coming for us? I mean, for Sunnydale?"

"It certainly sounds like it," Giles said, standing up and pacing slightly. "The figures you described, Brenwyn - the man and the woman - they seem... familiar. I'll need to cross-reference my texts, but if my hunch is correct, they could be connected to an ancient order that thrived on chaos and destruction."

Xander leaned forward, concern etched on his face. "So, they're basically evil supervillains who want to burn down Sunnydale. Fantastic."

Buffy glanced at Brenwyn, sympathy in her eyes. "You've been dealing with these visions for a while, huh?"

Brenwyn nodded, her blue eyes flicking down to the table. "Ever since I was a kid. I... I didn't know why they were happening, but they always showed me these terrible things."

Before anyone could respond, the library door burst open again, and Cordelia Chase strutted in, her heels clicking against the floor. She took one look at the group gathered around the table and rolled her eyes dramatically.

"Oh, great," Cordelia groaned, flipping her hair over her shoulder. "Another meeting of the Sunnydale weirdos. And now we're letting random people in on the super-secret 'save the world' stuff?"

Giles sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Nice to see you too, Cordelia."

Cordelia ignored her, her eyes landing on Brenwyn. "Seriously, who is this girl? Are we just letting anyone who walks in on our private apocalypse club now? Newsflash, new girl: Sunnydale is full of freaky stuff, and apparently, these people have made it their job to deal with it. If you stick with them, you're sure to get eaten by something old and gross. I don't know why they even bother anymore."

Ignoring Cordelia, Giles cleared his throat and returned to the task at hand. "Perhaps we should explain the situation to Brenwyn. She should know what she's dealing with."

Buffy nodded, glancing at Brenwyn. "Okay, so here's the deal: I'm a Vampire Slayer. It's kind of my job to stop all the supernatural evil that pops up in Sunnydale. And it pops up a lot. We've fought vampires, demons, hell-gods. You name it, I've slayed it."

Brenwyn's eyes widened slightly. "A Slayer? I've heard of them, but I didn't think..."

"They were real?" Buffy finished with a wry smile. "Yeah, that's the general reaction. But yeah, I'm the current one."

Willow chimed in. "Buffy's saved the world, like, a lot. She's pretty much the best at what she does."

Xander added, grinning. "And we're the Scooby Gang. We help Buffy with research, demon-fighting, and keeping the apocalypse at bay."

Brenwyn looked around at the group, her expression thoughtful.

Buffy met her gaze, a determined look in her eyes. "Whatever's coming for Sunnydale, we'll face it."

Cordelia sighed dramatically, flipping her hair. "Well, this should be fun."

The tension in the library eased as the group stood up, preparing to head to class. Buffy stretched her arms out with a small sigh. "Okay, we'll regroup after school. Willow, see if you can dig up anything in the databases. Xander, try not to set anything on fire in woodshop."

Xander gave her a playful salute. "I promise nothing."

Willow closed her laptop and stood up, adjusting her bag. "I'll head to the computer lab. There's gotta be something out there about chaos figures."

Buffy turned to Brenwyn, her expression softening. "You doing okay? It's a lot to take in."

Brenwyn nodded, though the remnants of her vision still weighed heavy on her. "Yeah. I'll be fine. Just… need to process."

Before Buffy could say more, the shrill ring of the school bell echoed through the halls, signaling that class was about to start.

"Ugh, the sound of doom," Xander muttered, slinging his backpack over his shoulder. "Catch you all at lunch."

As everyone gathered their things, Cordelia, who had been hanging back near the door, suddenly stepped forward, a calculating smile playing on her lips. "So, Brenwyn," she said, tilting her head slightly, "Since you're new and all, I thought I'd do you a favor."

Buffy raised an eyebrow in suspicion. "A favor?"

Cordelia ignored Buffy's tone, her eyes fixed on Brenwyn. "I mean, before the freaks of this school get their claws into you." She glanced pointedly at Xander and Willow, then smirked. "You seem like you've got potential. Plus, you pull off that whole mysterious witchy vibe really well."

Brenwyn blinked, caught off guard by the sudden compliment. "Um, thanks?"

Cordelia looped her arm through Brenwyn's before she could protest. "Come on, let me walk you to class. We can chat, you know, girl to girl. Get to know each other before they corrupt you."

Buffy rolled her eyes but said nothing, while Willow gave Brenwyn a slightly worried look. "Uh, see you at lunch?" Willow offered, though her voice had a tinge of uncertainty.

"I'll catch up," Brenwyn promised, giving Willow a reassuring smile. But before she could say anything else, Cordelia was already dragging her out of the library.

As they walked through the crowded halls of Sunnydale High, Cordelia took the opportunity to size Brenwyn up. "Okay, so," Cordelia began, her tone casual but with her signature sharp edge. "First of all, I love your outfit. Seriously, where'd you get that skirt? It's got that whole 'bohemian-but-not-a-total-hippie' thing going on."

Brenwyn blinked again, a little thrown by the sudden shift to fashion. "Oh, um… it's actually vintage. I found it at a secondhand store."

Cordelia's eyes lit up with genuine interest. "No way. I usually wouldn't be caught dead in secondhand, but that skirt? It's working for you." She gave Brenwyn an approving look. "See, this is what I'm talking about. You've got style. And that's something this school desperately needs more of."

Brenwyn smiled awkwardly, still unsure how to handle Cordelia's whirlwind of personality. "Thanks, I guess?"

Cordelia tightened her grip on Brenwyn's arm as they walked, her expression shifting from light to more calculated. "So listen," she said, lowering her voice slightly, "Sunnydale can be… well, it's not exactly a normal town. But you've probably figured that out already, what with your visions and all."

Brenwyn felt a shiver run down her spine at the mention of her visions. "Yeah, I've noticed."

Cordelia gave her a look that was somewhere between sympathy and superiority. "Here's the thing, Buffy and her little gang? They mean well, but let's be honest, they're not exactly at the top of the social food chain. And this town? It's full of things that'll try to drag you down. Like, literal monsters." She paused, then added with a smirk, "And the metaphorical ones, too."

Brenwyn bit her lip, not entirely sure what to make of Cordelia's sudden interest in her. "And you're… offering to help me avoid all that?"

"Please," Cordelia said with a wave of her hand. "I'm offering you survival tips. Stick with the right people, and you'll be fine. Get too close to the Scoobies, though, and you'll find yourself knee-deep in apocalypse drama and… ugh, vampires."

Brenwyn's brow furrowed. "Buffy told me about that stuff. But I kind of get the feeling she doesn't have a choice in the matter."

Cordelia huffed. "Well, yeah. I mean, I give her credit. She's saved my life more times than I can count. But that doesn't mean you have to throw yourself into the middle of all the chaos. You're new here, so consider this a chance to reinvent yourself. Stick with me, and I'll show you how to handle Sunnydale the right way."

They reached Brenwyn's classroom door, and Cordelia released her arm, flashing a bright, practiced smile. "Just think about it. You've got potential, Brenwyn. Don't waste it by getting sucked into every supernatural crisis this place throws at you."

Brenwyn opened her mouth to respond, but before she could, Cordelia was already walking away, her heels clicking confidently down the hall. Brenwyn stood in front of the door for a moment, her mind whirling with Cordelia's words.

Sunnydale High - The Cafeteria

The cafeteria buzzed with the usual lunchtime chaos as students shuffled through the food line, grabbed trays, and searched for a place to sit. Brenwyn, holding her tray, paused just inside the doorway, her eyes scanning the room for familiar faces.

At their usual table near the back, Buffy and Willow were deep in conversation, while Xander quietly munched on a sandwich. Spotting Brenwyn near the entrance, Xander's expression brightened, and he waved her over with a wide grin.

"Brenwyn!" he called, a little too loudly, drawing a few curious glances from nearby students. "Come join the cool kids!"

Buffy glanced over her shoulder and smiled warmly. "Yeah, come on over. We saved you a seat."

Brenwyn returned the smile, feeling a sense of relief wash over her at the warm welcome. She navigated her way through the crowded cafeteria and slid into the open seat next to Willow, setting her tray down on the table.

"Thanks for saving me a spot," she said, settling in.

Willow beamed, nudging her notebook to the side. "Of course! You doing okay after this morning? You know, with the whole vision thing and Cordelia being… well, Cordelia."

Brenwyn chuckled softly, though the memory of her vision still clung to her like a shadow. "I'm getting there."

Xander leaned forward, his expression comically serious. "Let me guess, she tried to recruit you into the Cordelia cult, didn't she? Well, let me tell you, it's not all glitz and glamour. The dues are ridiculous, and the monthly meetings? Pure torture."

Buffy snorted with laughter, and Willow smirked, shaking her head at Xander's antics.

Brenwyn bit her lip, thinking back to Cordelia's unexpected kindness, albeit laced with ulterior motives. "Yeah, something like that. She was actually… kind of nice. In her own way."

Buffy raised an eyebrow. "That sounds about right. Cordy's not as bad as seems, but there's always a hidden agenda with her."

Willow nodded, leaning in a little. "But hey, no pressure. If you want to sit with her and her 'in crowd,' that's totally your choice."

Brenwyn's eyes drifted around the cafeteria, observing the various groups scattered across the room. Cordelia and her clique occupied the center, exuding an air of superiority. Nearby, jocks clustered around their table, laughing loudly. She glanced over the other cliques before returning to the Scooby Gang. They sat comfortably at their table, seemingly unconcerned by the hierarchy of high school social life, completely at ease with who they were.

"I think I'll stick with you guys," Brenwyn said, a small, genuine smile tugging at her lips. "Feels more… right."

Xander grinned as he popped a baby carrot into his mouth. "Smart choice. We may not be the coolest, but we've got heart. And, you know, a significantly lower vampire-related casualty rate."

Buffy rolled her eyes but smiled.

Willow chuckled, then turned to Brenwyn with a soft, warm expression. "We're really glad you're sitting with us. You know, Scooby Gang membership isn't exactly exclusive, but it's definitely special."

Brenwyn felt a wave of warmth at Willow's words. There was something comforting about the way they welcomed her so fully. "Thanks," She said quietly. "It's nice… to feel like I'm not alone."

Xander nudged her lightly with his elbow. "We're all about the team dynamic here. You bring the visions, we bring the witty banter and occasional demon-slaying. It's a win-win."

Buffy leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms with a smirk. "And don't forget, we're also experts at running late to class because of vampire hunts and narrowly avoiding detention."

Willow nodded enthusiastically. "Buffy's record for avoiding Snyder's wrath is pretty impressive. I think it's because she's got those Slayer reflexes—hard to pin her down."

"Plus," Xander added. "She's mastered the art of the strategic hallway sprint. It's a skill. She could teach a class."

Buffy shot him a playful glare. "I'd have a lot less sprinting to do if certain people didn't keep getting into trouble."

Xander held up his hands in mock defense. "Hey, I can't help it if the forces of evil always seem to have it out for me. What can I say? I'm irresistible to danger."

Brenwyn laughed, relaxing into the easy rhythm of the conversation. "Is this what I have to look forward to? Running from principals and fighting monsters in the middle of the night?"

"Pretty much," Willow said with a grin. "But, you know, it's not all bad. Sometimes we get a quiet week. Once or twice a year."

Buffy nodded. "Yeah, and when we're not dealing with vampires or, you know, world-ending prophecies, we're just regular students. Sort of."

"Sort of," Xander echoed. "Except when we're getting turned into hyena people."

Brenwyn's eyes widened. "Hyenas? I thought the visions were weird, but you guys really get all the hits."

Willow rolled her eyes good-naturedly. "You get used to it after a while. Sunnydale comes with a lot of supernatural baggage."

Xander leaned closer to Brenwyn, lowering his voice like he was letting her in on a secret. "It's kind of like living in one of those weird mystery TV shows. Only, you know, with more stabbing and less commercial breaks."

Buffy snorted. "And trust me, there's never a season finale. The chaos just keeps coming."

Brenwyn shook her head in amusement, the image of the three of them facing all kinds of ridiculous supernatural situations making her smile. "You guys make it sound so normal. I'm still trying to wrap my head around it."

"Well," Buffy said, shrugging. "Normal is overrated. I mean, would you rather be worrying about, like, SAT scores or, you know, averting the apocalypse?"

Xander groaned dramatically. "Ugh, SATs. I'd take an apocalypse any day."

Willow grinned and nudged him. "You say that now, but wait until the next big bad shows up. You'll be begging for standardized testing."

"Can't we just have neither?" Xander lamented, slumping in his chair. "I'd settle for a demon-free existence and a permanent break from anything school-related."

Buffy laughed, "I'm pretty sure that's impossible."

"What about you?" Xander asked, focusing on Brenwyn again. "Got any normal hobbies? You know, other than seeing the future and all that fun stuff."

Brenwyn tilted her head, thinking for a moment. "Well, I read a lot, mostly old folklore and mythology. Kind of fits in with the whole visions thing, I guess. And I used to do ballet."

Willow's eyes lit up. "Folklore? I love folklore! I've read a bunch of books on mythology. And I've got a few theories about how it relates to some of the supernatural stuff around here. You'll have to show me your favorite stories sometime!"

Brenwyn smiled at Willow's enthusiasm. "I'd love to. I've always been drawn to the old stories. There's something about them that feels… connected to everything else. Like they're more than just legends."

Buffy raised an eyebrow. "That's actually pretty useful, considering how often we run into ancient demons and prophecies. You might end up being our resident myth expert."

Xander nodded sagely. "I can see it now: Brenwyn, Myth-Buster Extraordinaire. Saving the world one obscure legend at a time."

Brenwyn laughed, feeling lighter than she had all day. "I'll do my best. If you need help translating ancient Irish curses, I'm your girl."

Willow grinned. "Just don't turn me into a frog, okay?"

As the bell rang, signaling the end of lunch, the group gathered their trays and stood up, heading toward the hallway.

"See you guys in the library after school?" Willow asked as they made their way toward the door.

"Wouldn't miss it," Xander replied, tossing his tray into the bin.

Buffy shot Brenwyn a smile. "Get ready for a crash course in Hellmouth research. You've officially joined Team Weird."

Brenwyn smiled back, feeling more at ease than she had in a long time. "I think I can handle it."