A New Family For Buffy Chapter 12: The Good, The Bad Part 1, a Buffy: The Vampire Slayer + Charmed Crossover fanfic

Chapter 12: The Good, The Bad, And the Cursed Part 1

March 9, 2002 – Saturday

Halliwell Manor

Buffy and Faith sat side by side on the living room couch, their hands intertwined as they enjoyed a moment of tranquility. The room around them seemed to radiate a comforting ambiance, adorned with warm hues and soft furnishings that enveloped them in a sense of peace.

Phoebe entered the room, her presence interrupting the calm atmosphere. "Buffy, we need you to come into the conservatory," she said, her voice tinged with urgency.

Buffy raised an eyebrow, glancing at Faith before getting up. "What'd I do?" she asked, half-jokingly.

Phoebe shook her head. "Nothing, Buffy. It's something important. Please, come with me." Buffy and Faith exchanged curious glances before following Phoebe to the conservatory.

As they entered the room, Buffy's eyes fell upon the scene before her. Leo, Piper, and Prue stood gathered around a mystical bowl emanating a swirling purple smoke. The air crackled with an electric energy, and the room seemed infused with the anticipation of something significant. "What's going on?"

Prue held up a necklace adorned with a triquetra charm; its significance not lost on Buffy. The symbol had long been associated with their family and the ancient Book of Shadows. "Thanks to Leo," she began, her voice resonating with a mixture of pride and determination, "we have found a way to grant you powers, Buffy." She paused, letting the weight of her words sink in.

"In each circle a part of their power is going to rest," Leo continued, his voice steady and reassuring. "Prue will gift you the power of telekinesis, Piper will grant you the power to freeze, and Phoebe will bestow upon you the power to levitate.

"We're giving it to you now because you'll need to practice." Piper said. "It took me a while to get it, but we don't have a while. We could be attacked at any time. And we don't want a repeat of what happened with Kellman."

Prue carefully placed the necklace within the smoking bowl, and together with Piper and Phoebe, they formed a circle around it. Their connection felt palpable, their shared determination visible in their unwavering gazes.

"Take a piece of we three Charmed," they spoke in unison, their voices harmonizing. "And transfer it to this symbol of protection."

"The power to freeze," Piper said.

Phoebe smiled at her sisters and went next. "The power to levitate."

"The power to move things with your mind," Prue finished.

As each sister touched the bowl, a radiant light enveloped their hands, representing the unique power they held. Piper's hand emitted a glacial hue, Phoebe's hand glowed with an ethereal shimmer, and Prue's hand emanated a captivating energy.

"Hear our plea, let the spell be complete," they chanted, their words echoing through the room. The bowl itself began to radiate with a resplendent glow, and the light from Prue, Piper, and Phoebe's hands merged with the swirling smoke. Sparkles danced within the dissipating smoke, signaling the culmination of the spell.

Leo reached into the bowl, retrieving the necklace now infused with the powers of the Charmed Ones. With a sense of anticipation, he handed it to Buffy.

Buffy gingerly placed the necklace around her neck, feeling a surge of energy course through her being. The charm flared with a brilliant white light, illuminating her features. "Wow," she whispered, awestruck by the newfound power she could sense within her.

Leo looked at her, his eyes brimming with curiosity. "Do you feel the power?" he inquired.

Buffy nodded, a mix of excitement and apprehension shining in her eyes. "Yes, Leo. It's like an electric current flowing through me."

"Well, try something so we can see if it worked." Prue said. "Move something."

"Um…. I don't know how." Buffy said.

"It's easy. Here." Prue stepped forward holding a stress ball. "Now, Buffy, visualize the stress ball in your mind, then concentrate on moving it with your thoughts. Initially, it might help to squint or gesture, but as you gain control, you'll be able to manipulate objects effortlessly."

Buffy focused her thoughts on the stress ball Prue held, imagining it floating through the air. As she squinted and gestured, the ball responded, soaring across the room. A sense of wonder and exhilaration washed over her. "Cool!"

"Ok, my turn." Phoebe said, going next. "Imagine yourself floating off the ground and then jump."

Buffy closed her eyes, envisioning herself effortlessly floating above the ground. With a leap of faith, she soared into the air, her surroundings shrinking beneath her. "Would very much like to come down now," she pleaded and suddenly she was brought back to solid ground.

"This is the hard one." Piper said. "Leo, you don't mind, do you?"

"No," said Leo as he moved over to the side.

"This one's a bit trickier," Piper explained turning back to Buffy. "Point and shoot, as if you were using a crossbow. Visualize the stillness you desire, and let it emanate from you."

Buffy mimicked Piper's hand motion, causing everything except for herself, Piper, Phoebe, and Prue to freeze in place. The room stood in suspended animation, frozen in time. With a few more attempts, Buffy gained more control, gradually mastering the power to freeze and unfreeze.

"Well, you almost got it," Piper said noticing that Faith and Leo were frozen. She wondered why Faith would be frozen since Faith was supposed to be a good witch. Unless it had to do with how Faith's powers had been bound.

"How do I unfreeze it?"

"Point and shoot, only want to unfreeze it."

"I want to unfreeze it." Buffy flicked her hands again and the whole room unfroze. She tried a couple more times and finally, only Leo was frozen.

After practicing their powers a few more times, Buffy and her family agreed that she had made significant progress. As Buffy pondered their abilities, a question arose regarding Faith's involvement. "What about Faith?" she inquired, her eyes turning towards her girlfriend.

Prue and Piper glanced at each other. Respecting Faith's wishes they hadn't told anyone else about Faith being half-witch, half-Darklighter. They wounded if Faith were to use the necklace if it would alert Faith's father to where Faith was.

Leo responded, assuaging any concerns. "The powers were primarily intended for you, Buffy, but in case of emergencies, I don't think Prue, Piper, or Phoebe would have an objection to Faith borrowing the necklace. It's crucial to ensure your safety, and they understand that."

Prue nodded in agreement. "Faith, we're doing this so that Buffy can lead a long life. It's about protecting her, and you're an important part of that."

Faith met their gaze, a sense of gratitude evident in her eyes. "I understand," she replied, acknowledging the truth behind their words. It wasn't just about their intentions it was in case the powers of the necklace somehow brought her father to their door. "I appreciate the trust you're placing in us."

Buffy's curiosity led her to another question. "Since I now have your powers, does that mean, while wearing the necklace, I can perform magic as well?"

Leo's response carried a tinge of revelation. "Buffy, even before receiving the necklace, there were signs indicating your connection to magic. The Book of Shadows recognized you and Dawn, adding two smaller triquetras to its cover. The Elders believe you are a progenitor, a mortal capable of performing magic without possessing inherent powers. So yes, it's possible that you can wield magic even without the necklace."

March 10, 2002 – Sunday

Abandoned Old West Town

Buffy and Phoebe sat side by side in Buffy's car, anticipation hanging in the air. As they waited, a car pulled up, and they stepped out to greet Victor. Warm hugs were exchanged between the three of them, embracing the familial connection that bound them together. With purpose in their steps, they began their walk through the eerie ghost town, its abandoned buildings whispering tales of forgotten lives.

Phoebe, unable to contain her curiosity, voiced her inquiry. "Alright, dad, spill it. What are we doing here?"

Victor feigned innocence, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Can't a father spend some quality time with his daughter? Or a grandfather with his granddaughter?"

Phoebe saw through his playful façade, her voice laced with familiarity. "Alright, I take after you, okay? I've inherited all of your tricks, especially your fine art of fibbing."

Victor shrugged, a hint of a smile tugging at his lips. "I don't know what you're talking about. Tell me more about this Leo fellow anyway. How did he and Piper meet?"

Phoebe took a moment to recall the beginnings of Leo and Piper's connection. "Oh, it was a couple of years ago at the house. He was our handyman," she explained, trying to suppress a smile as she noticed Buffy fighting back laughter. Buffy was privy to the truth—Leo's guise as a handyman was a way to conceal his true identity as a Whitelighter until the time was right.

"Piper's marrying a handyman?" Victor exclaimed; his surprise evident.

Phoebe hurriedly clarified, realizing Victor was unaware of Leo's true nature. "Well, no, he isn't really a handyman. Wait, you do know..."

"All I know is he's a nice enough guy who seems to know the big bad secret," Victor interjected. "Trust me, it's a lot better for a mortal to know he's marrying a witch before the wedding instead of after. Wish I had."

"Mortal. Right," Phoebe murmured, realizing that Victor remained oblivious to Leo's identity as a Whitelighter.

Their conversation was momentarily interrupted by a faint noise emanating from one of the dilapidated buildings. Buffy and Phoebe exchanged a knowing glance, their senses heightened by their unique abilities.

"What'?" Victor inquired, sensing their alertness.

"Slayer senses are tingling," Buffy replied, her gaze fixed on Victor. "Grandpa Victor, why are we here?"

Victor let out a sigh, his vulnerability shining through. "Alright, I confess. Phoebe, I wanted you here, hoping maybe you could lend me a little bit of your help. I just didn't know how to ask."

Phoebe sighed in understanding. "Magical help, Dad..."

"Well, this place seemed like such a promising investment," Victor revealed. "Almost too good to be true. It made me think that all the stories about this town were real."

"Maybe we should bite," Buffy suggested, her instincts urging her to explore further. "Especially with my Slayer senses tingling."

Phoebe nodded; her curiosity piqued. "What stories, Dad?"

"Ghost stories," Victor confessed. "Something's been keeping people from investing and razing this place for over a hundred years."

Phoebe contemplated his words, her mind already formulating a plan. "So, what? You wanted me to do a little supernatural inspection?"

Victor nodded, grateful for her understanding. "Well, yeah. I thought you could do a little Feng Shui on the place and maybe see if there's anything going on."

Phoebe's voice carried a mix of frustration and disbelief. "Okay, first of all, I don't do Feng Shui, and secondly, I can't always summon a premonition whenever I want," she explained, her words laced with exasperation. Just then, a peculiar sound emanated from one of the nearby buildings, capturing hers and Buffy's attention. "Buffy, did you hear that?" she asked, her senses on high alert.

Buffy affirmed her awareness. "Yeah, you too?"

Phoebe nodded, confirming their shared perception. "Yeah."

Confusion filled Victor's face as he asked, "Heard what?"

The air crackled with anticipation as Buffy and Phoebe turned their heads in unison, drawn to the sound of shattering glass. "Okay, you didn't hear that?" Phoebe asked her father. Hers and Buffy's eyes widened as a cowboy named Bo was forcefully ejected from a saloon, followed closely by another man, their altercation intensifying.

"You're a dead man, Bo," the second man threatened, his words dripping with malice.

Phoebe, her voice tinged with urgency, questioned Buffy. "Buffy, can you see them?"

Buffy nodded; her gaze fixed on the unfolding scene. "Yeah."

Victor, still bewildered, sought clarification. "See who?"

Phoebe's voice rang out, attempting to intervene. "Hey! Hey, what's going on?" she called out to the men, her concern evident.

Neither men seemed to hear her as the second man, with a chilling demeanor, retorted, "Nobody crosses Mr. Sutter," before striking Bo forcefully across the face.

To Phoebe and Buffy's astonishment, Bo was propelled backward, passing right through Phoebe before quickly regaining his composure and fleeing from the scene. In a final act of violence, the second man fired a gunshot, narrowly missing Bo, before both assailants vanished into thin air.

Buffy's voice carried a sense of urgency as she began to speak. "Okay, I think this is one hundred—" Her words were abruptly cut off when she noticed Phoebe's bleeding lip. Concern etched across her face; she addressed her aunt. "Aunt Phoebe, your lip is bleeding."

Phoebe, ever the quick thinker, dabbed at her lip with a handkerchief, her tone laced with irony. "I wouldn't recommend investing in this place, Dad. Really, really bad Feng Shui."

Halliwell Manor

Prue gracefully descended the staircase, her gaze sweeping across the dining room table. Something caught her attention, and she turned to her middle sister, speaking with a hint of confusion. "Uh, wait a minute. We have one too many place settings."

Piper, her attention focused elsewhere, dismissed Prue's observation. "No, we don't."

Prue persisted; her tone inquisitive. "Okay, uh, you, me, Leo, Phoebe, Buffy, Dawn, Faith, and Dad. That's eight. We have nine."

Unfazed, Piper offered an explanation. "So?"

Pressing the matter further, Prue questioned the identity of the ninth place setting. "So, who is the ninth for?"

Piper's response carried a touch of wistfulness. "It's for maybe, um, Mom. What? It's my wedding. At least she could be here in spirit, if nothing else."

A sense of understanding washed over Prue as she embraced her sister. "Yes, she can be."

Just then, Faith, Leo, and Dawn descended the stairs, joining the conversation. Leo, oblivious to the sisterly moment unfolding, commented on the dining setup. "Wow, looks great. When do we eat?"

Piper, mildly exasperated, reminded Leo of the ongoing sisterly bonding. "Leo, can't you see we're having a sister moment?"

Apologizing, Leo offered his assistance. "Oh, sorry. Do you want us to go?"

Piper shook her head, eager to include everyone. "No, I want you to help. This is your rehearsal dinner too, you know."

Prue seized the opportunity to tease Leo. "So, Leo, you nervous? I mean, only one more week before dum, dum, dum-dum."

Leo chuckled and replied, keeping his composure. "Well, as long as no demons come bursting through that door, until then, I am fine."

Just then, the familiar voice of Buffy echoed from the front door, drawing everyone's attention. "Mom! Aunt Piper!" she said as he and Victor helped Phoebe into the house.

Piper exchanged a knowing glance with Leo. "You had to jinx it."

Curiosity piqued; Prue inquired about their arrival. "So, what happened?"

Phoebe downplayed the situation. "Oh, it's nothing. I'm fine. I just need an aspirin."

Piper's concern shifted to Buffy. "Buffy?"

With a hint of excitement, Buffy shared the events that had unfolded. "Grandpa Victor wanted Aunt Phoebe to get a premonition on this ghost town we met him in. We got a lot more than that. We saw, I think, real ghosts."

Phoebe added to the account, recalling the details. "Two cowboys, actually, who were in the midst of a bar fight. Bo and some other guy. I didn't catch his name." She glanced at Buffy, who confirmed her inability to recall it as well.

Buffy chimed in, sharing her perspective. "I think I speak for both myself and Aunt Phoebe when I say we think he was the bad guy."

Victor gazed at his youngest daughter with a mixture of regret and concern. "Sweetheart, I never would have asked you to meet me there if I had any idea." His voice held a tinge of apology.

Phoebe reassured him; her words laced with understanding. "It's fine, Dad. Really, don't worry about it."

Leo, ever the caretaker, offered his assistance. "Here, let me take care of that." He reached out, attempting to heal Phoebe's injury.

Phoebe gently declined. "No, I'm alright." Turning her attention to her father, she suggested a course of action. "Dad, why don't you go to the porch and get those town files? You know, maybe there's something in them that can help us."

Victor nodded, accepting the task. "Alright." He made his way back outside to retrieve the box of files.

A heavy sigh escaped Phoebe's lips, bearing the weight of a secret. "Dad doesn't know that Leo is a Whitelighter."

Faith, Dawn, Prue and Leo shared a shocked expression, realizing the significance of Victor's lack of knowledge.

Buffy confessed her initial reaction to the revelation. "That was my reaction. Then Aunt Phoebe reminded me about Grandma Patty and her Whitelighter."

Piper chimed in, acknowledging the delicate situation. "Yeah, I've been meaning to tell him. But considering Mom had an affair with her Whitelighter, I didn't think he'd be really receptive to the idea."

Faith glanced at her girlfriend, processing the implications. "Wow. Which means he may have a problem with our history."

Buffy concurred; her tone tinged with uncertainty. "Possibly."

Leo, burdened by the weight of impending revelation, spoke with a sigh of resignation. "Piper, he's going to kill me when he finds out."

Just as the tension filled the room, Victor reentered through the front door, carrying the box of files. "Just a lot of investment stuff and background info. I don't see how it's going to help you find out what happened."

Phoebe interjected, connecting the dots. "Well, you're the one that called it a ghost town, and since Bo fell through me and I ended up with the same split lip that he had..."

Prue offered her perspective, supporting Phoebe's theory. "I think Buffy is right. Sounds like a ghost to me."

Buffy couldn't help but inject a hint of humor, tinged with a touch of apprehension. "I just hope it's not a male-o-whatsit spirit because I don't really want to be possessed again." Victor's gaze shifted towards her; curiosity piqued by her cryptic statement. "Back in high school, I was possessed by a spirit that was trying to get forgiveness for accidentally killing a woman he loved."

Leo, displaying his knowledge on the subject, spoke with certainty. "It can't be a ghost. Ghosts don't bleed."

Piper couldn't help but roll her eyes at Leo's remark. "Ahem."

Leo quickly corrected himself, remembering that Victor didn't know he was a Whitelighter. "I mean, so I've read in books. Obviously, it's not my area of expertise."

Victor acknowledged his lack of expertise. "Mine, neither. What do you say we let the supernatural stuff be handled by the pros and go grab a bite?"

Leo hesitated, unsure about the suggestion. "I don't know, Mr. Bennett."

Prue's smile widened, finding amusement in the situation. She patted Leo on the back. "Oh."

"Victor, please," Victor corrected. "It's time you called me Victor, son. Faith, why don't you join us? It'll give us a chance to have that conversation too. Come on."

Faith glanced at Buffy, seeking her approval.

Buffy reassured her girlfriend, nodding in agreement. "It'll be alright. He knows you're a Slayer."

Faith nodded and followed Victor and Leo out the door.

Piper let out a sigh of resignation. "Great, now I'm dead."

Dawn chimed in, adding a touch of sarcasm. "Probably," she agreed as Piper playfully nudged her.

Prue took charge, redirecting the focus to Phoebe. "Alright, why don't we just focus on Phoebe and try to figure out what happened?" She headed towards the stairs. "I'll get the book."

Piper decided to join her sister. "I'll get it and maybe a drink."

Buffy suggested involving Giles, seeking additional information. "Mom, can I call Giles? He might have something on his end, you never know."

Prue gave her consent. "Go ahead."

Risso's Restaurant

Victor, Faith, and Leo found themselves seated at a cozy restaurant, ready to enjoy a meal together. As they perused the menus, Victor's curiosity about Faith's past before she became a Slayer grew, and he saw this as an opportunity to learn more about her.

"Faith," Victor began, his tone gentle and curious. "I've heard a lot about your experiences as a Slayer from Buffy in her emails to me, but I'm also interested in knowing about your life before that. What was it like for you growing up?"

Faith's expression held a hint of turmoil. She decided only to reveal what her life with the Lehanes had been like and not with her birth mother and the reasoning why her witch powers were bound. "Well, Victor, my childhood wasn't exactly a walk in the park," she began, her voice carrying hints of both resilience and vulnerability. "I grew up in a tough neighborhood, surrounded by struggles and hardships. There were moments when I had to fight to survive, both physically and emotionally."

Victor leaned forward, his eyes fixed on Faith, fully attentive to her words. As Buffy's protective grandfather he wanted to understand what had drawn his granddaughter to Faith, why they had started dating. He wanted to understand the depth of her experiences, the challenges she had faced that molded her into the woman that Buffy had come to love.

Faith, aware of the genuine interest in Victor's eyes, felt a mixture of vulnerability and a desire to be understood. She knew that this conversation could help bridge the gap between her and Buffy's adopted grandfather, allowing him to see beyond the Slayer and into her past.

With a deep breath, Faith continued to share her story, her voice resonating with a raw honesty that drew everyone's attention. "Growing up, I didn't have the stability or support that most kids had. My neighborhood was rough, filled with crime and poverty. I was exposed to violence and danger at a young age, and it shaped the person I became. I was 17 years old when my mother was arrested and I was sent to live with this very religious foster family, who forced their beliefs on me."

As Faith shared her experiences, the flickering candle on the table seemed to cast fleeting shadows on her face, accentuating the depth of her emotions. Victor, sitting across from her, listened intently, his gaze filled with empathy and a desire to understand.

Beside Faith, Leo reached out and gently clasped her hand, offering a silent gesture of support and understanding. His touch conveyed a reassurance that she was not alone in recounting the difficult chapters of her life.

Continuing her narrative, Faith spoke of a pivotal moment in her adolescence. "I was seventeen when my mother was arrested for prostitution, and my life took a different turn. I was sent to live with a deeply religious foster family who imposed their beliefs on me."

Her voice wavered slightly, recalling the conflicting dynamics she had experienced during that time. The restaurant's subdued lighting seemed to reflect the complex emotions that enveloped the table, enveloping them in an atmosphere of vulnerability and shared humanity.

Faith's gaze turned distant as she reminisced about her encounters with the supernatural. "I attended a parochial school for a while, and it was there, just after Christmas break, that I had my first encounter with a vampire. At that moment, I had no inkling of my future powers or my future destiny as a Slayer. But when I pulled back the curtains, bathing the vampire in sunlight, I watched him with shock turn to dust before my eyes."

Leo held Faith's hand tightly, his grip conveying both admiration for her strength and a newfound understanding of the depth of her experiences. The fragments of Faith's story that he had heard from Buffy now fell into place, painting a clearer picture of the transformative journey she had undergone during her time in prison.

Faith's voice took on a reverent tone as she spoke of her Watcher, Diana Dormer, known affectionately as Lady Di. The candlelight flickered, casting gentle shadows on the contours of her face as she recounted the pivotal moments in her life.

"It was shortly after that encounter," Faith continued, her voice carrying a hint of both nostalgia and sorrow, "that Lady Di officially adopted me and became my Watcher. She guided me, revealing that I was a Potential—a chosen one with the potential to be called as a Slayer. Three months later, when Buffy's successor, Kendra, tragically was killed by a vampire, I was called as the next Slayer. But my journey was not without its losses. I lost Lady Di. She was killed by a vampire named Kakistos. I ran away from Boston then, ran clear across the country to Sunnydale where I met Buffy."

The weight of Faith's revelations hung in the air, a mix of triumph and hardship. The restaurant's ambiance seemed to hold its breath, honoring the gravity of her words. Victor, moved by Faith's resilience, met her gaze with newfound understanding and respect.

Victor, deeply moved by Faith's resilience, met her gaze with newfound understanding and respect. He could now grasp the immense transformation she had undergone, the trials she had faced, and the depth of her commitment to the fight against darkness.

"I cannot fully comprehend the hardships you've endured, Faith," Victor began, his voice filled with genuine admiration. "But I want you to know that I see the strength within you. Your journey, marked by triumphs and heartbreaks, has shaped you into a remarkable individual. You will make a wonderful partner for my granddaughter."

"Thank you, Victor," Faith replied, her voice filled with genuine appreciation. "Your words mean a lot to me. It's been a long journey, and I'm grateful to have Buffy by my side. I promise to do everything in my power to be there for her, to support and protect her."

Victor nodded; his gaze unwavering. "I believe you, Faith. And I trust that you will be a positive influence in Buffy's life. You've already proven your dedication and loyalty to her, and I have no doubt that you will continue to do so."

Feeling that enough attention had been devoted to Faith, Victor shifted his focus to Leo, wanting to learn more about him. "So, Phoebe says you're a handyman?" he inquired, his curiosity evident as he engaged the Whitelighter in conversation.

Leo's response caught Victor by surprise, prompting a further inquiry about his profession. "Oh? Uh, actually, no. I'm a doctor," Leo clarified. "I mean, not a doctor, doctor, per se. More like a counselor doctor. I guide people."

Curiosity piqued; Victor delved deeper, probing Leo about his financial situation. "You make good money?" he questioned, seeking to gain a better understanding of Leo's circumstances.

Leo's response was candid and honest. "Uh, honestly, no. It's more of a calling," he confessed.

With Leo's occupation and aspirations unveiled, Victor turned his attention back to Faith, seeking to understand her role in Buffy's life. "And what about you, Faith? What is it you do?" he inquired; his gaze fixed upon her.

Victor's affirmation resonated deeply within him, and his unwavering gaze portrayed a newfound understanding and respect for Faith. He recognized her resilience and the profound transformation she had undergone, comprehending the trials she had faced and the unwavering commitment she displayed in the battle against darkness.

Leo's response caught Victor by surprise, prompting a further inquiry about his profession. "Oh? Uh, actually, no. I'm a doctor," Leo clarified. "I mean, not a doctor doctor, per se. More like a counselor doctor. I guide people."

Curiosity piqued, Victor delved deeper, probing Leo about his financial situation. "You make good money?" he questioned, seeking to gain a better understanding of Leo's circumstances.

Leo's response was candid and honest. "Uh, honestly, no. It's more of a calling," he confessed, emphasizing the intrinsic motivation behind his chosen path rather than monetary gain.

Faith met Victor's gaze head-on, her expression determined as she responded. "I work for Buffy and with Buffy," she explained, sensing Victor's curiosity. "As a Slayer, I fight by her side, battling demons and vampires. Additionally, I am the manager at Buffy's art gallery. I oversee its operations and am usually present during Buffy's counseling sessions, classes, or when she's engaged in combating supernatural threats alongside Prue, Piper, and Phoebe."

Victor nodded in understanding, acknowledging Faith's diverse responsibilities in supporting Buffy's endeavors. Sensing the need for a candid conversation, he decided it was time to reveal a matter of importance.

"I think it's time to come clean," Victor stated, his tone serious yet empathetic.

Faith and Leo exchanged puzzled glances, unsure of why Victor felt the need to disclose something significant. "You do?" Faith questioned; her curiosity mixed with a hint of confusion.

Victor responded, clarifying the purpose of the forthcoming discussion. "Yes, I need to talk to you both about something man to man," he explained, adapting his words to acknowledge Faith's presence. "Or rather, man to woman, considering your interest in my granddaughter."

Faith's curiosity grew, and she leaned in, attentive to Victor's words. "Like what?" she inquired, eager to understand the matter at hand.

Victor's gaze shifted between Faith and Leo, his expression grave. "Well, from one mortal to another or one mortal to a Slayer," he began, his voice carrying a weight of experience and reflection. "It's not easy being married to a witch."

As Victor's words sank in, Faith's eyes widened slightly, a realization dawning upon her. She understood the inherent challenges that came with supernatural entanglements, drawing parallels to her own experiences as a Slayer. He locked eyes with Faith, his tone tinged with regret. "While you and Buffy are both Slayers, you both are living in a house with witches… This is precisely why my marriage to Piper's mother didn't work out," he confessed. "It wasn't due to a lack of love, but rather my unpreparedness for the challenges that awaited us."

Leo nodded understandingly. "Well, I think Faith and I are prepared, sir... I mean, Victor," he admitted sincerely.

Victor's concern was evident as he responded, his voice filled with sincerity. "Don't get me wrong," he emphasized. "I want your marriage to succeed, Leo. And I want, when you and Buffy think you're ready for that step, Faith, to succeed as well. That's why I'm warning you both. There are dangers out there worse than demons and warlocks. You both do know about them, don't you?"

Faith and Leo exchanged glances. "Well, yeah, sure," replied Leo.

"Of course," said Faith.

Victor's gaze shifted between them, his voice lowering slightly. "Well, the dangers I'm talking about, you're not even going to see coming. The thing I'm talking about will just sneak up on you and destroy your marriage if you're not careful. Do you both know what a Whitelighter is?"

Faith and Leo glanced at each other.

Halliwell Manor

Twenty minutes had passed since Buffy had called Giles and now, she anxiously awaited his return call. As she sat next to the phone, she noticed Dawn approaching her, concern etched across her face.

"Mom and Aunt Piper are going through the Book of Shadows," Dawn informed her. "Mom told me about the necklace. What's it like?"

Buffy shrugged, contemplating the newfound powers within her. "It's different. I've always had powers, as you know, but this feels different. Did they tell you I might be able to actually do magic?"

"Yeah," Dawn replied, her voice filled with understanding. "Mom, Aunt Phoebe, and Aunt Piper wanted to keep it a secret until you were ready to bear that burden. I get why. You were going through so much already that you didn't need more, especially when you had just asked for your Slayer powers back."

Just then, the phone rang, interrupting their conversation. Buffy eagerly picked it up, her face lighting up with a smile. She held the phone so Dawn could listen in as well. "Halliwell Residence, Payson speaking," she said into the receiver.

"Buffy?" came Giles' voice from the other end.

"Hey, Giles," Buffy greeted him warmly, glad for his timely response.

"Hi, Giles," Dawn chimed in.

"Hello, Dawn," Giles greeted her.

Buffy wasted no time, eager to hear Giles' findings. "What do you have?" she inquired.

"I found records on the town you mentioned. However, there's a peculiar circumstance. All record-keeping ceased in 1873," Giles explained, his tone tinged with curiosity.

Dawn's surprise was evident as she interjected, "What? How is that possible, Giles?"

Giles pondered the question before responding, "From what I've gathered, the town I believe was cursed into a time loop to relive over and over a certain series of events till the loop was broken."

"Why would they be stuck in this loop?" Buffy wondered aloud.

Giles offered possible explanations; his voice filled with speculation. "Possibly some form of great evil or maybe some great injustice happened."

"So, we have to right whatever went wrong?" Buffy concluded, determined to set things right. "Great now we're Sam Beckey."

Confusion laced Giles' voice. "Sam Beckey?"

Dawn quickly stepped in to clarify. "She means Sam Beckett, a character from a TV show that jumped back and forth through time fixing whatever had originally went wrong."

"Ah, I see," Giles acknowledged, appreciating the clarification.

Buffy expressed her gratitude, "Thanks, Giles," before hanging up the phone. She then led Dawn into the living room, where Prue, Piper, and Phoebe eagerly awaited their update. They quickly revealed what Giles had told them.

With a sense of urgency, Phoebe spoke up, connecting the dots between their supernatural predicament and her own recent symptoms. "So that's probably why this is happening to me," she stated, referring to her unexplained injury. "Our job is to right the wrong."

Prue chimed in, emphasizing the need for swift action. ""Yeah, well, we better do it before your symptoms get any worse."

Just as they were processing the weight of the task ahead, the doorbell rang, momentarily interrupting their discussion.

"I'll…" Prue started.

Buffy swiftly took charge. "Already got it," she announced, heading toward the front door. Opening the door, she was met with the unexpected sight of Cole, holding a bouquet of flowers.

Cole's gaze met Buffy's, his expression gentle. "Hello, Buffy. Is Phoebe home?" he inquired.

Buffy's response reflected caution and protectiveness. "Yes, she is. But so is Mom and Aunt Piper, and I should warn you, they're not your biggest fans, especially Mom."

Cole remained undeterred, determined to make amends. "Well, I have to start somewhere," he said, hoping for a chance.

Buffy stepped aside, allowing him entry. "In the living room," she directed, leading him to where the others were gathered.

Confusion and shock filled Phoebe's voice as she saw Cole. "What the... Cole, what...?" Her words trailed off; her thoughts scattered.

"Phoebe, hi," Cole greeted her, offering the flowers he held. Phoebe instinctively pushed them away, her emotions conflicting.

Prue's voice brimmed with suspicion as she addressed Cole. "Okay, two questions. What the hell are you doing here? And do you have some kind of death wish?"

Cole let out a sigh, attempting to explain his presence. "I told Phoebe last a couple days ago that I wasn't giving up on her, and I meant it."

"You talked to Phoebe?" Piper questioned, then she turned to Phoebe, seeking clarity. "You talked to him?" she questioned; surprise evident in her voice.

"Uh-huh," Cole said with a nod.

"You said that he was alive," Prue said with a sigh. "You never said that he was back."

Phoebe confirmed it, her words laced with finality. "It didn't matter because, as I told him, I don't want anything to do with him anymore."

"Oh, well, in that case," Prue began, her powers ready to be unleashed upon Cole.

Piper swiftly intervened, aware of the consequences. "Hey, hey, hey! I just set that table. We don't have time to buy a new one before dinner."

Cole attempted to ease the tension, assuring them he meant no harm. "I'm not here to fight, I'm not going to use my powers against you anyway. In fact, I'm never going to use them again, ever. It keeps me from being evil."

Prue remained unconvinced, reminding Cole of his demonic nature. "No, you will always be evil. You're a demon."

Cole's voice carried a hint of sorrow as he clarified his identity. "Half-demon. My human side can suppress it if..." He trailed off as he noticed Phoebe's injuries. Concern crossed his face. "Phoebe, you're hurt. What happened?"

Phoebe's initial response was defensive. "You know what, Cole? It's none of your business. So, why don't you do yourself a favor and just get..."

Her words were interrupted as she suddenly was thrust into a premonition in which she saw Bo being shot. As a result, she collapsed into Dawn's arms. "Aunt Phoebe?" she said worriedly. She glanced over at her sister. "Buffy, help me."

Buffy swiftly assisted Dawn in moving Phoebe to the couch, Prue, Piper, and Cole following closely behind. "Phoebe, what happened?" Prue inquired, the gravity of the situation hung in the air.

Dawn frowned as she looked down at her hand, stained with blood. "Mom, call for Leo," she urged urgently, realizing the severity of Phoebe's condition.

"Why?" Prue questioned, her eyes narrowing, until she saw Dawn's hand and the blood staining it.

"I think Aunt Phoebe has been shot," Dawn declared, her voice trembling with fear.

Risso's Restaurant

Victor sat at the table, engrossed in his conversation with Faith and Leo about Whitelighters. As he spoke, his voice carried a mix of skepticism and bitterness. "The thing is, they can orb into their charges' lives any time, day or night," he explained, emphasizing his point. A waitress came by and refilled his coffee, the aroma wafting through the air. "Without us mortals even knowing about it. You can't trust the Whitelighters. They're sneaky little bastards."

Leo's response countered Victor's perspective. "Really? Because Piper says that they're really, really good guys. More like guardian angels."

Victor scoffed, dismissing Leo's viewpoint. "That's the party line, but don't believe it. You can't trust 'em," he asserted. "They have this tendency to fall in love with their charges. Before you know it, they've stolen your wife. The girls' mother, Patty? She fell for her Whitelighter."

Faith interjected, seeking clarification. "Wasn't that after you and Patty separated?"

Victor's bitterness seeped into his words as he recounted the past. "Oh, he was putting the moves on her long before we split up, believe me," he revealed, his tone tinged with resentment. "Anyway, you know, we never had a chance to get back together because of him. And, um, you know, then she died." His voice trailed off; the pain of the loss still evident. "Look, my point is, if you want to..."

Leo's expression shifted, a sense of urgency crossing his face as he heard Prue calling for him and it seemed pressing, demanding his immediate attention. "Uh-oh," he murmured, glancing at Faith.

"What?" Victor inquired, puzzled by the sudden change in Leo's demeanor.

"Faith and I have to go now," Leo explained, his voice filled with urgency.

"Go?" Victor questioned, his confusion growing. The situation was beyond his comprehension.

"Yeah, and I don't think you're going to like the way I have to go, either," Leo responded cryptically. Taking Faith's hand, they vanished in an instant, orbing out, leaving Victor sitting there, stunned by their sudden disappearance.