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.

80. Chapter 80: The Freshman

Chapter 80: The Freshman

August 23, 1999 – Monday

Restfield Cemetery

Buffy paced restlessly in the eerie ambiance of the cemetery, the moon casting shadows on the tombstones. Willow sat peacefully on a picnic blanket, surrounded by scattered books, her fingers flipping through the pages of a Berkeley University course book. Willow was deep in academic contemplation.

"Anything?" Buffy's voice cut through the stillness, a sigh accompanying her words as she faced her friend. The ritualistic pacing resumed while waiting for Willow's findings.

"Ah!" Willow's sudden exclamation brought Buffy to a standstill. The redhead's eyes sparkled with excitement as she delved into the course book. "'Introduction to the Modern Novel. A survey study of twentieth-century novelists,'" Willow read aloud, her gaze lifting with hope. "Open to freshmen. You might like that."

Buffy's concern flickered across her face, and she nibbled gently on her bottom lip. "Introduction to the modern novel? I'm guessing I'd probably have to read the modern novel."

A nod from Willow confirmed Buffy's suspicion. "Maybe more than one," she added, her tone optimistic.

"I like books," Buffy conceded, a small frown lingering on her brow as she envisioned a towering stack of novels in her mind. "I just don't want to take on too much." Her gaze shifted to the side before returning to Willow. "Do they have an introduction to the modern blurb?"

Willow's eyes remained fixed on the course book, scanning the text as if unraveling the mysteries of Buffy's academic fate. "Ooh!" Her sudden exclamation broke the silence. "Short story."

"Well, that's good," Buffy chimed in, a sense of ease settling over her. Short stories seemed like a manageable literary conquest.

But Willow's elation was short-lived. A subtle "oh no" escaped her lips as she continued to scrutinize the course book, her brows furrowing in dismay. "It conflicts with Psych."

Buffy's optimism wavered, and she shifted uncomfortably. "Maybe I shouldn't take Psych," she muttered, uncertainty lacing her words.

Willow's head snapped up, her eyes pleading with Buffy. "You gotta. I-it's fun, a-and you can use it as your science requirement. Anyway, Professor Walsh is supposed to be great. She's like world-renowned," Willow insisted, hoping to sway Buffy's decision.

Buffy sighed, conceding to the practicality of needing a science requirement. "How do you even get to renowned? I mean, like, don't you have to be nowned first?"

Willow's eyes remained glued to the course book, her finger tracing lines of potential academic exploration. "Yes, first there's the painful nowning process." She sighed, acknowledging the necessary steps on the path to academic acclaim. But then, like a beacon in the sea of course offerings, a revelation sparked excitement in her eyes.

"Wait!" Willow cried out, lifting her gaze to ensure Buffy was fully tuned in to the unfolding discovery. "'Images of pop culture,'" she read, her voice filled with enthusiasm. "This is good." Willow beamed at Buffy, her excitement contagious. "T-they watch movies, T-TV shows, even commercials."

Buffy's surprise was evident as she processed the information. "For credit?" she questioned, a mix of incredulity and curiosity in her voice.

Willow's smile widened. "Heh, isn't college cool?"

Buffy, captivated by the newfound prospect, made her way over to join Willow on the picnic blanket. "How'd I miss that one?" she wondered aloud, realizing the appeal of a course that seemed more like entertainment than academia.

Willow cast a slightly reproving look at Buffy. "Well, you did sort of wait till the last minute with your course selection."

Buffy settled herself more comfortably on the picnic blanket, a playful quip escaping her lips. "Sorry, Miss I-Chose-My-Major-In-Playgroup." Her eyes flicked over to the course book, disbelief lingering in her expression as she contemplated the overlooked gem of a course. A moment of levity, however, was soon accompanied by a somber note as Buffy added, "Sorry that I was grieving for my sister." The memory of Prue, just three months gone, cast a shadow over her eyes, a lingering sadness that time hadn't completely erased.

Willow, attuned to her friend's emotions, glanced at Buffy and recognized the pain in those eyes. "I miss Prue too, you know," she said gently, offering a comforting pat on Buffy's arm.

"I know," Buffy replied, gratitude evident in her eyes for Willow's understanding presence.

"How are you doing?" Willow inquired, concern etched on her face.

Buffy sighed, contemplating the rollercoaster of emotions that accompanied loss. "Some days good and some days are blah. It'll take time. But at least I am beginning to move on." Her gaze shifted to the horizon, a silent acknowledgment of the healing process. "I know Prue, Piper, and Phoebe are legally my cousins. But as I realized over the last year, they became my sisters in all but name. Losing Prue is…"

Willow nodded empathetically, understanding the gravity of Buffy's words. "I understand," she said softly. "While not the same as what you went through, I think of my own sister. Faith is sitting in prison, and it's hard not to miss her."

Behind the two girls, the eerie night air seemed to stir as the dirt on a fresh grave shifted, and an unexpected hand shot out from the ground, reaching into the cool darkness.

"Anyways, I just haven't had a whole lot of time to think about Berkeley University," Buffy mentioned, the ordinary conversation unfolding in the extraordinary setting of a graveyard.

"It's exciting, though, huh?" Willow asked, her eyes reflecting both enthusiasm and the underlying supernatural reality they lived with.

"Yeah!" Buffy exclaimed, a spark of excitement in her voice. "It's gonna be an adjustment." Her tone shifted, a tinge of worry creeping in. "Especially with the fact I'm a Charmed One now."

"It's uncharted territory," Willow acknowledged, understanding the weight of Buffy's newfound responsibilities as a Charmed One.

Unbeknownst to the girls, behind them, the vampire in the freshly disturbed grave was determinedly pulling himself out of the dirt, the struggle hidden from their attention.

"Giles said I have to be secret-identity gal again," Buffy sighed, a hint of frustration in her voice. "If too many people know I'm the slayer, I'm a target blah blah blah... I've been secret identity gal for 3 years, because of being a witch."

"Yeah, you don't want to risk exposure. Bring back the witch trials," Willow agreed, her words carrying a mix of historical caution and the practicality of their supernatural reality. Unbeknownst to them, the vampire behind them had successfully crawled out of his grave, the night air pulsating with the hunger that burned in his throat. The sound of their voices became an inadvertent beacon, drawing his attention like a moth to a flame.

"Still patrolling is gonna be tough, though… with a roommate," Buffy muttered dubiously, envisioning the logistical challenges of maintaining her Slayer duties while sharing living quarters. The mental image of sneaking out for patrol with a roommate lingering in the room added a layer of complexity to the college experience. "I've been debating just staying in the Manor. I know Piper would like it if I stayed in the Manor. But I told her I have to at least try living in the dorms just once."

As the vampire stealthily closed the distance between them, a sinister smile revealing his fangs, the girls remained oblivious to the impending danger. The juxtaposition of their mundane concerns and the supernatural threat lurking behind them heightened the tension.

"I'm psyched about college," Buffy told Willow with a determined nod, expressing her enthusiasm for the upcoming academic adventure. The vampire, however, halted in his tracks as his eyes fell upon the array of weapons stacked beside the gravestone against which the girls were seated.

"I just need to figure out how it's going to work with my extra-curricular activities," Buffy continued, the looming danger unbeknownst to her.

The vampire's predatory gaze shifted from the weapons to the petite blond engaged in conversation, his hunger-fueled mind registering the essence of their talk.

"I just can't let it take the edge off my slaying, my Charmed responsibilities, or my responsibilities as your Whitelighter," Buffy asserted, her commitment to her various roles evident in her words. The vampire, sensing the danger lurking beneath her determination, widened his eyes and shook his head, quietly retreating. Realizing the odds weren't in his favor, he turned and swiftly ran off into the night, opting for a less formidable prey for his first meal.

"I gotta stay sharp," Buffy concluded, her focus momentarily diverted as she turned to look back at the grave, hoping to catch a glimpse of the vampire she was anticipating. "Is this guy ever gonna wake up!" she grumbled, frustration evident in her voice as she turned back around with a sigh.

The night was growing darker, and the urgency to return home before her impending move to campus weighed on Buffy. Tonight marked the last night she'd spend in her own bed, adding a layer of sentimentality to the moment. Willow, feeling the fatigue of the night's endeavors, let out a huge yawn, prompting a warm smile from Buffy.

"It's ok, Will, you can go. You've fulfilled your best friend requirements," Buffy reassured, acknowledging the unspoken camaraderie that defined their friendship.

Willow glanced over at Buffy, her eyes conveying both gratitude and a hint of weariness. "No, it's okay. Really…" Another yawn escaped her, underscoring the exhaustion she felt after a night spent in the cemetery.

Buffy shook her head slightly, a fond smile playing on her lips. "Not that I don't want your company, Will, but I would be negligent in my duties as your Whitelighter if I didn't have you heading off to bed so you can be fully awake for our first day on the campus tomorrow." The dual role of friend and Whitelighter manifested in Buffy's caring insistence, recognizing the importance of a well-rested start to their college adventure.

Willow, appreciating Buffy's concern, smiled and nodded. "Alright. Thanks, Buffy. I'll see you on the campus tomorrow," she said excitedly, a spark of anticipation in her eyes as she gathered the books scattered around the picnic blanket.

August 24, 1999 – Tuesday

Halliwell Manor

The next morning, the sun painted the sky in hues of pink and gold as Buffy busied herself loading the last-minute items into her car, preparing for the college journey that awaited her.

"Buffy, I really wish you would stay here," Piper said, concern etched on her face. The familiar sentiment hung in the air, a recurring conversation that reflected the deep bonds of their sisterhood.

Buffy sighed, her eyes meeting Piper's in a mix of understanding and determination. "Piper, we've had this conversation. Whether or not I turn around and do it a second semester. I want to at least do the dorm thing once, just to say I've done it. I'm not moving out of town. Plus, I'm just a flame away if you need me for a Power of Four."

With the trunk securely closed, Buffy turned to face Piper, her expression a blend of anticipation and gratitude. "I promise, Piper, it's just a semester. And you know I'm just a flame away if you need me," she reassured, the bond of sisterhood reinforcing her commitment to their shared destiny as the Charmed Ones.

Piper nodded, a mixture of understanding and reluctance in her eyes. "I know, Buffy. It's just hard to see you go."

Buffy stepped forward, enveloping Piper in a heartfelt hug. "I'll miss you guys too. But hey, think of it as a trial run for living in the mortal world without my magical safety net."

Piper chuckled, the tension easing slightly. "Just be careful, okay? College life can be unpredictable."

"I've handled my fair share of demons and vampires. I think I can handle a few college parties," Buffy replied with a confident grin.

As Buffy prepared to embark on this new phase of her life, Phoebe joined them, offering her own words of encouragement. "You're going to rock college, Buffy."

With a final round of hugs and well-wishes, Buffy climbed into her car, glancing back at the familiar manor that had been her home for so long. The engine roared to life, and as she drove away towards the campus.

Piper and Phoebe stood side by side, watching Buffy's car disappear down the street. The echo of the engine's hum gradually faded into the distance, leaving an uneasy silence in its wake. Piper sighed, her gaze lingering on the vacant space Buffy's departure had created.

"This is a disaster," Piper finally said, her voice tinged with both frustration and concern. She turned to look at Phoebe, searching her sister's eyes for shared sentiments. "First we lose Prue, and now Buffy's going away to live on campus."

Phoebe nodded in understanding, the weight of their collective losses casting a shadow over the moment. "I know, Piper. It feels like we're drifting apart."

Piper's shoulders slumped, the weight of her responsibilities as an elder sister pressing down on her. "I just worry. Buffy's been such an integral part of our lives since she moved in three years ago. What if something happens and we're not there to help her or she's not here to help us?"

Phoebe sighed, mirroring the weight of her sister's concerns. The magnitude of change in their lives had become a recurring theme, each shift carrying its own set of challenges and uncertainties. "I don't know," Phoebe admitted, her gaze momentarily drifting towards the now-empty street where Buffy's car had vanished. The once vibrant and magical household felt a bit emptier, as if a piece of their collective strength had left with Buffy.

Berkeley University

Buffy found herself standing amidst a sea of bustling students, each seemingly with a purpose and a clear sense of direction. Uncertainty knotted in her stomach as she clutched her folders to her chest, surveying the sprawling campus that loomed much larger than the familiar confines of high school.

"Freshmen!" a voice rang out, slicing through the chatter. Buffy turned towards the source, a female student volunteer who seemed to have a handle on the chaos. A hopeful glimmer sparked in Buffy's eyes as she anticipated some guidance. "We're doing this by folder color! If you're not holding on to a yellow folder, you're in the wrong group. You belong up by Wiesman Hall."

Buffy's gaze darted down to her small pile of folders, realizing none were yellow. She followed the indicated direction, weaving through the crowd, a blend of excitement and trepidation marking her steps.

In the midst of her journey, a sudden commotion caught Buffy's attention. A protest rally unfolded nearby, an impassioned student standing on a raised platform beneath a banner that read 'It has to stop.' Buffy couldn't help but be intrigued, her Slayer instincts tuned into the unfolding drama. A girl with a megaphone rallied the crowd, shouting, "What do we want?"

The responses echoed in a cacophony of voices, a chaotic chorus of demands. Buffy strained to make out the words amidst the fervor. "When do we want it?" the girl continued through the megaphone.

"Now!" The collective roar of the crowd reverberated through the air, leaving Buffy momentarily transfixed by the passionate display.

Buffy turned away, attempting to navigate the bustling campus, but before she could take a step, she found herself accosted by an unknown student thrusting a flier into her hand. "Rally tomorrow night. We have to let the administration know how we feel," he insisted earnestly, a sense of urgency in his voice.

"Okay, right," Buffy responded uncertainly, her gaze following the student as he moved on to the next person in the crowd. She absentmindedly placed the flier on top of her folders and resumed walking, only to be intercepted by another student.

"Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your personal savior?" the girl inquired, offering Buffy a flier from her stack. Buffy chuckled nervously, "Uh, thank you, but I'm Wiccan," she replied, handing back the religious pamphlet. Undeterred, she continued her journey, only to be greeted by yet another intrusion.

A guy with a mischievous grin approached Buffy, shoving a colorful flier under her nose. "Party, Thursday at Alpha Delta, you gotta be there. Free Jello shots for freshmen women," he declared, a sly wink accompanying his enthusiastic pitch. "That's our guarantee."

Buffy accepted the flier with a raised eyebrow. "Right. Do you know where Wiesman Hall is?" she asked, looking up only to find that the guy was already engrossed in a conversation with another freshman girl behind her. Buffy sighed, feeling a bit overwhelmed, and continued walking up the stairs she had mounted, pausing at the top to scan her surroundings, hoping for a sign that would lead her to 'Wiesman Hall.'

In the midst of her confusion, a familiar voice broke through the chaos. Willow, with a strong bounce in her step, approached Buffy. "Hey, Buffy!" she greeted giddily, providing a welcome anchor in the whirlwind of campus chaos. Relief washed over Buffy as she turned around to face her friend.

"Hey, Will. Boy am I glad to see you," Buffy sighed in relief, grateful for the familiar face amid the whirlwind of campus chaos. Willow beamed in response, the excitement of the new college experience evident in her eyes as they fell into step and continued up the path.

"Isn't this cool? There's so much going on," Willow exclaimed, her gaze darting around avidly, absorbing every detail of the vibrant atmosphere.

"Yeah," Buffy nodded, her tone tinged with a hint of overwhelm. "Almost, one might say, too much." The sheer volume of activities, fliers, and the energetic buzz of campus life left Buffy feeling a bit inundated.

"I got all my courses… except for Modern Poetry, I had to switch to Ethno-musicology," Willow shared, her excitement bubbling over. She turned slightly to look at Buffy. "But that's cool, West-African drumming. I think it's going to change everything. Have you met your roommate yet?"

"No," Buffy replied with a shake of her head, the prospect of meeting her roommate adding to the mix of emotions she was navigating in this new chapter.

"Me neither," Willow murmured, a hint of disappointment lingering as she recalled their initial hope of being roommates. "I hope she's cool."

Buffy glanced down, her eyes catching the brightly colored fliers neatly arranged on top of Willow's folders. "I see you got ticketed too."

"Yes!" Willow exclaimed, her enthusiasm evident. "I've heard about five different issues, and I'm angry about each and every one of them." Willow shifted her attention to Buffy's small pile of fliers. "What did you get?"

Buffy looked down at the flier on top, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Jello shots!"

Willow's expression shifted to disappointment. "I didn't get Jello shots." She quickly rifled through her fliers and pulled out one. "I-I'll trade you for a-a Take Back the Night." Willow extended the flier toward her petite blonde friend, hoping to make a more appealing exchange.

Buffy, however, simply smiled at Willow and handed over all her fliers. Willow's eyes widened in ecstatic surprise as she gladly accepted the unexpected windfall. Buffy's gesture earned her a beaming smile from Willow, who was relieved that she hadn't needed to part with any of her own fliers in the exchange.

As they continued walking, Buffy's thoughts refocused on their destination. "Are we heading anywhere near Wiesman Hall? I still need to get my I.D card," Buffy inquired, scanning the surroundings for any sign of the hall.

"Oh, I got mine this morning," Willow responded, her brow furrowing in concern. "The lines are really long now; you should have gone early."

Well, I hope that I learn from this experience, and that I grow," Buffy quipped, maintaining her stride alongside the enthusiastic redhead along the winding path.

Willow glanced over at her best friend, a hint of self-awareness coloring her expression. "I'm being annoying, aren't I?" Willow murmured, her uncertainty revealing a desire not to overwhelm Buffy.

"No," Buffy corrected quickly, her tone reassuring. "It's nice that you're excited."

Willow's face lit up with a wide smile. "It's just in High School, knowledge was pretty much frowned upon. You really had to work to learn anything. But here, the energy, the collective intelligence," Willow's excitement bubbled over, and she skipped slightly. "It's like this force, this penetrating force, and I can just feel my mind opening up, you know?"

Her dreamy gaze swept across the campus, taking in the vibrant surroundings. "And letting this place thrust into, and spurt knowledge into…" Willow trailed off, a self-conscious laugh escaping her as she caught the bemused look Buffy was giving her. "That sentence ended up in a different place than it started out in."

Buffy couldn't help but smile. "I get it, though, I do. I'm all for spurty knowledge. It's just a little overwhelming. You know?" Buffy turned to Willow, seeking a shared sentiment. "Don't you feel that?"

"Well, I'm…" Willow began to respond, but her words trailed off as her attention was captured by the sight of Oz walking down the hill towards them. "Ooh, boyfriend! My on-campus boyfriend," she exclaimed excitedly, the shift in focus revealing a different facet of her college experience.

Oz walked up to Willow with a characteristic half-smile, his demeanor calm and collected as he leaned forward to kiss her with tender passion. "Hey, guys," he greeted, acknowledging Buffy's presence with a casual nod.

"Oh no, I forgot to pick mine up," Buffy quipped uncomfortably, her gaze shifting away from the couple. "Line's probably really long there, too," she mumbled to herself. While she genuinely felt happy for Oz and Willow, the recent losses in her life, both Prue and Angel, left her grappling with the newfound reality of being single.

"How are you doing?" Willow asked Oz as they broke apart, her attention fully on her boyfriend, oblivious to Buffy's inner turmoil.

"Good," Oz replied with his usual calm demeanor. "This is pretty much a madhouse, a madhouse."

Buffy looked back up at them, relieved to find someone who seemed to share her sentiment about the overwhelming nature of the campus. "I know, I was just saying that to Willow. I mean, it's just so overwhelming. Don't you feel completely disoriented?" Buffy sought a connection with someone who understood the challenges of this new environment.

Before Oz could respond, another guy who noticed him walked over. "Oz!" he called, interrupting the conversation and diverting attention away from Buffy's musings.

"Hey Paul," Oz greeted, turning to face the approaching figure.

"Finally matriculating with us, very cool!" Paul ribbed good-naturedly, a friendly banter that spoke of shared experiences. "Tell me you're playing this week!"

Oz nodded in affirmation. "Thursday night, Alpha Delta."

"Ooh!" Willow exclaimed, holding up one of the fliers Buffy had given her. "I have that one!"

Buffy looked at them helplessly, a growing sense of aloneness settling in the pit of her stomach. As her two friends seamlessly integrated themselves into college life, Buffy couldn't help but feel a twinge of isolation. The cheerful camaraderie between Oz, Willow, and Paul accentuated her own struggle to find her place in this new and unfamiliar environment.

"I'm bringing the wrecking crew," Paul informed Oz with a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Jello shots. Hmm?" He then turned more serious. "Do you know where they're distributing the work-study applications?"

"Back of Richmond Hall, next to the auditorium," Oz replied, pointing in the general direction with a casual gesture of his finger.

"Thanks. See ya bro," Paul called out, walking off with a wave that Oz reciprocated with a casual nod.

"Yeah," Oz called after his friend, before turning back to Buffy and the ongoing conversation. "The band's played here a lot," he explained, offering insight into his familiarity with Paul. "But it's all still new. I don't know what the hell's going on," he admitted, a sentiment that resonated with Buffy and brought a smile of relief to her face. However, Oz's attention was soon diverted as he spotted someone else he knew across the campus. "Hey, Doug."

"You're not playing Payson's?" Buffy asked, her concern evident as she looked at Oz.

Oz smiled reassuringly, understanding the sensitivity of the topic. "We're still playing Payson's, Buffy, on Saturday. You don't have to worry; we're not going to give one of our best gigs up."

"Thanks, Oz," Buffy said, a genuine appreciation reflected in her smile. "Well, I've got to get to Wiesman Hall before the line gets any longer," she announced, turning to continue down the path.

"Oh, I'll come with," Willow exclaimed, her cheerful demeanor unaffected by the dynamics of the earlier conversation. She gave a wave to Oz as he moved off in the opposite direction, readily joining Buffy on the journey to Wiesman Hall.

Berkeley University – Campus Library

A while later, Buffy and Willow strolled into another building, their footsteps echoing in the hallway as they familiarized themselves with the campus. Willow's eyes lit up as she noticed a staircase and a sign above it. "Library… Ooh! Library. C'mon," she urged, her excitement contagious. Buffy grinned and followed Willow up the steps.

"It's too bad Giles can't be the librarian here. Would be convenient," Buffy mused as they reached a landing and turned left to ascend another staircase.

Willow chuckled, her voice carrying a playful tone. "Well, he says that he's enjoying being a gentleman of leisure."

Buffy raised an eyebrow, giving Willow a skeptical look. "Gentleman of leisure? Isn't that just British for unemployed?"

A mischievous smile played on Willow's lips as she nodded. "Uh-huh, he's a slacker now."

"Speaking of slack, have you heard anything from Xander?" Buffy inquired, a hint of concern in her voice. She hadn't received any updates from Xander since Prue's funeral, and the silence left her wondering about his well-being.

Willow shook her head with a slight frown. "Not since Prue's funeral. He's still on his cross-country-see-America thing," she explained, her voice carrying a touch of disappointment. As they reached another landing, Willow turned, and they began climbing yet another flight of stairs. "He said he wasn't coming back until he had driven to all fifty states."

Buffy cast a glance at Willow, her curiosity evident. "Did you explain about Hawaii?" she asked.

Willow looked down, a tinge of guilt coloring her expression. "Well, he seemed so determined."

Buffy nodded, understanding Xander's adventurous spirit. "I hope he gets back soon. It'd be fun to have the whole gang back together, you know, hang out in the… library," Buffy mused, her eyes widening in awe as they finally reached their destination. "Wow!" she breathed, taking in the grandeur of the huge room with its high ceiling.

Willow couldn't contain her excitement. "Oh my gosh! Isn't this amazing?" she exclaimed, resisting the urge to do a happy dance. Her fingers twitched with anticipation, eager to delve into the books neatly stacked on the shiny, polished shelves—quite a contrast to the dull shelves in the old high school library that never seemed to shine.

"It's… cozy," Buffy muttered, her enthusiasm not matching Willow's as she looked around the large library.

"You know," Willow observed with a thoughtful expression. "I never wanted to hurt Giles' feelings, but occult books aside, our old library just didn't have the greatest selection. But this!"

"It's, yeah. It'll be great," Buffy said dubiously, a hint of skepticism in her voice. "You know, if we ever need a place for the Nuremberg rallies."

Willow turned her eyes back to Buffy. "It's like a real library," she explained, her face lighting up with enthusiasm. She grinned as they were 'Shh'-ed by someone nearby. "See," she whispered eagerly. "We even have to whisper. It's like a whole new world." Willow exclaimed giddily, earning another 'shh' from the same student along with a venomous glare.

Buffy looked around the library again, a sudden wave of homesickness washing over her.

Berkeley University – Campus Bookstore

Buffy carefully navigated through the sea of students, each determined to secure their necessary books without missing a beat. Clutching a small armload of books, she moved slowly down an aisle, scanning the shelves for the elusive final book she needed.

Amidst the student frenzy, Willow approached Buffy, a shopping basket hanging over her arm. "Here," she offered, gesturing for Buffy to put their books in the basket.

"Thanks," Buffy replied, graciously accepting the help even though she had been managing fine without the basket. Together, they resumed their quest through the bookstore.

Willow glanced down at their lists. "Introduction to Psychology," she murmured, looking up at the shelf they were walking along. Her eyes caught sight of the required books precariously perched on the top shelf, partially hanging over the edge.

Buffy eyed the books skeptically. "Here, I'll get 'em. I would… you know," she gestured, implying that she would use her supernatural powers if not for the crowded bookstore. Willow nodded in understanding. "You know, this store discriminates against short people," Buffy muttered, a hint of playful annoyance in her tone.

Willow grinned. "Oh, I think there's a protest next week."

Buffy moved closer to the shelf, using it to aid her reach as she leaned up on her toes. Her fingers brushed the books. "Got it!" she exclaimed, ready to grab them. However, her hand slipped, and all four books tumbled off the shelf. "Woah, oh," Buffy cried out in surprise as they fell. A man who had been crouched beside the end of the shelf let out a surprised, pained sound and staggered back as all four books hit him on the head simultaneously. "Oh," Buffy stuttered, her eyes wide in shock. "Oh god, sorry," she apologized profusely.

Willow and Buffy looked at him as he stood up, reassuring them with a smile. "I'm okay. It's okay," he said, brushing off the incident with good humor. "Well, that was bracing."

"I'm so, I just…" Buffy began to apologize again but changed her mind. "The books were too high, and then everything was bad." She mentally shook herself, rerunning her words through her head. 'Pull yourself together, Halliwell! Just because you dropped Psychology textbooks on a cute guy…' She bent down quickly to help, preventing herself from spewing any more awkward babble.

"Let me give you a hand," he offered, wincing slightly as the movement made his sudden headache throb. He picked up a couple of the books, examining them. "Let's put a few of these down here," he suggested, placing them on a lower shelf. "So, uh, are you girls taking Intro Psych, or do you just want me dead?"

"Uh huh," Buffy answered before realizing how it sounded. "I mean the first one," she added, looking away in embarrassment. 'What in the world is wrong with me?' she thought, feeling slightly flustered.

"Well," he said, looking away from the cute but definitely strange blonde, turning his attention to the redhead. "You'll have a lot of fun. Professor Walsh… she's quite a character."

"You've taken it?" Willow asked excitedly, her eyes lighting up with curiosity.

"I'm a TA, I'll be helping the Professor out," he replied, glancing from Buffy to Willow and back again. "I'm sorry, I've forgotten my manners in all the concussion… I'm Riley."

"Willow," the redhead introduced, indicating herself. "And this is my friend Buffy," she gestured at the petite blonde. Willow looked between Buffy and Riley for a moment, a thoughtful expression crossing her face as the idea of the two potentially forming a cute couple flickered in her mind.

"It's nice to meet you both," Riley said politely.

"I'm nice to meet," Buffy replied, earning herself a surprised look from Riley. She glanced down when Riley looked away, his attention now caught by Willow.

"Hey, do you know if we're going to be studying 'Operant Conditioning' in the first semester? Because I hear that's kind of Professor Walsh's specialty," Willow inquired, her enthusiasm for the subject evident.

Buffy couldn't help but wonder why she was acting like a stuttering fool. True, Riley was a little cute, but he had nothing on Angel. Was she really interested in him, or was it simply a case of nerves because she had dropped four Psychology textbooks on him?

"Absolutely," Riley agreed, bringing Buffy's attention back to the conversation. She shook off her self-critical thoughts and focused on the discussion at hand. "Do you know her treatise on Dietrich's work?"

"I know of it," Willow sighed longingly.

"It's not in the syllabus, but it's a fascinating read… if you're into that sort of thing," Riley muttered, clearing his throat as he realized he might be sounding a bit overzealous. "They have it here."

"Oh, where?" Willow asked eagerly, her eyes shining with excitement.

"I'll show you," Riley said with a friendly smile. "I don't meet that many freshmen that know that much about psychology."

"Well, it's fascinating," Willow breathed, her eyes gleaming with enthusiasm.

"Yeah, because… you know, everyone's got a brain," Riley remarked, giving her a polite half-smile before gesturing for Willow to follow him. "Or, almost everyone…"

As they started walking, Willow cast a concerned but slightly sharp look at Buffy, sensing that something was amiss with her friend. The flustered stage should have been over during her long silence in the conversation. Buffy responded with a half-shrug, trying to convey nonchalance, but Willow continued to study her with a searching gaze. Despite Buffy's attempt to play it cool, Willow's intuition told her that something was on her friend's mind.

With a sigh, Buffy decided to follow the duo, knowing that she would have to give Willow an explanation for her unusual behavior.

Berkeley University – Dorm Room

Buffy walked through the bustling crowd of students, making her way down the hall to her dorm room. Glancing back as she passed an open door, the number 214 caught her eye. Intrigued, she backtracked and entered the room, finding a young woman with her suitcase open on the left-hand side bed.

Surveying the room with curiosity, Buffy slowly walked in. "Hi," she greeted.

The dark-haired woman looked up from her unpacking, a perky smile on her face. "Oh, hi! Are you Payson?"

"Yeah," Buffy nodded, still taking in the room's layout. The symmetry struck her – two beds on one side, two desks on the other.

"Kathy," the dark-haired girl introduced herself.

"Yeah, it's nice to meet you," Buffy replied, putting her things down on the right-hand side desk. She then walked over to the free bed and sat down.

"Yeah," Kathy murmured, the perky, wide smile still fixed on her face.

"So, it's a pretty nice room," Buffy observed, unsure of what else to say to her new roommate.

"Hmm!" Kathy exclaimed, turning around with a poster hanging down her arms as she had been sorting through her suitcase. "I was surprised because you hear horror stories about freshmen housing." Kathy glanced at the bed Buffy was sitting on and then at her things piled on the right-hand side desk. "You took the right side?"

"Uh, yeah," Buffy replied self-consciously. "But if you wanted to be on the right…" she offered.

"No, no," Kathy cut her off. "I just wanted to make sure that's what you wanted. Are you excited for classes tomorrow?" she asked, turning to observe her side of the dorm room, searching for a good spot to hang her poster.

"Painfully," Buffy quipped with a wry smile.

Kathy laughed good-naturedly, turning back to look at Buffy. "I bet there's going to be a lot of parties to go to this week, too. Not that I'm a crazy partier. Oh, and I'm not always this hyper, either. I'm just excited," she beamed.

"I know. Me too," Buffy agreed with much less enthusiasm.

Kathy crossed the room with her poster, heading towards the wall. "I'm really glad they put me with somebody cool," she said, talking to Buffy over her shoulder as she began tacking up a brightly colored poster of Celine Dion. "I can tell that you're cool. I just know that this whole year is going to be super fun!" she exclaimed as she stuck down the bottom corners of her poster.

Buffy looked at the poster for a long moment, trying not to judge her new roommate's taste in music. She turned her eyes away, deciding it was best not to make any comments that might dampen Kathy's enthusiasm.

August 25, 1999 – Wednesday

Berkeley University – Dorm Room

Buffy lay in her bed, staring up at the ceiling, the rhythmic snores of Kathy providing a somewhat amusing and occasionally lip-smacking soundtrack. Glancing over at the digital clock on the nightstand between their beds, Buffy sighed. It was 2:30 a.m., still early by her usual standards. Tonight, she had decided to take a break from her slaying duties, wanting to be fully rested for the challenges of her first college classes the next morning. However, sleep seemed elusive.

Berkeley University – Riegert's Classroom

Professor Riegert paused for a moment to wet his whistle before diving back into his introductory lecture. The air in the classroom buzzed with anticipation as he set the tone for the course.

"The point of this course is not to critique popular American culture. It is not to pick at it, or look down upon it. And it is not to watch videos for credit," he declared, eliciting a collective chuckle from the students. Buffy, perched in one of the middle rows towards the back, observed her peers with a curious glance. "The point is to examine..." the professor continued, his words hanging in the air.

However, Buffy's attention wavered, her curiosity drifting towards more practical matters. Leaning towards a fellow student, she whispered, "Do you know if this class is full yet?" The question, innocuous as it seemed, earned her a disapproving look from the girl beside her. Unperturbed, Buffy sought answers amidst the unfolding lecture drama.

Annoyed by the disturbance, Professor Riegert glanced up from his notes. "And there are two people talking at once, and I know that one of them is me. And the other is… a blonde girl. You, blonde girl. Stand up. I'm excited to hear what you have to say that's worth interrupting my lecture for."

Caught in the spotlight, Buffy scanned the faces of her peers, nerves tingling. With hesitant resolve, she rose to her feet. "Well, I..." she began, only to be swiftly interrupted by the professor.

"Getting off to kind of a slow start," he remarked, the room's attention now squarely on Buffy.

"I was just asking because I didn't know if the class was still open, if we could still sign up," Buffy explained, her words hanging in the air, met with a mixture of curiosity and judgment from her fellow students.

Professor Riegert, visibly perturbed by the interruption, took a measured step back towards his desk. With a sense of authority, he retrieved a clipboard from its resting place and held it aloft, showcasing its contents to the entire class. "If your name isn't on this sheet, then you are wasting everyone's time," he declared, his stern gaze scanning the faces before him. His attention honed in on the petite blonde, standing awkwardly amidst the rows of students. His eyes locked onto Buffy, he questioned, "Are you on this sheet?"

"No, but—I was told that—" Buffy attempted to explain, her words cut short by Riegert's stern interruption.

"Do you understand? You are sucking energy from everyone in this room. They came to learn. Get out!" The professor's words were sharp, slicing through the air and leaving a tense atmosphere in their wake.

Buffy, feeling the weight of the room's collective gaze, gathered her belongings with a mix of frustration and embarrassment. Undeterred, she mustered the courage to express her discontent. "Look. That was just rude. I was told I could sit in to see if I wanted to take this class. But you know what, I don't now. Also, I will be reporting you to the Dean for your treatment of students."

With determined steps, Buffy navigated through the sea of seated students, their eyes following her exit. The heavy doors swung open as she made her way out, leaving behind a classroom brimming with a palpable tension.

0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0

Buffy stepped out of the confines of the building, the cool breeze of the outdoors providing a welcome contrast to the stifling atmosphere she had just left behind. The vast grounds beckoned, and her eyes scanned the surroundings until they settled on a nearby tree. Determinedly, she made her way towards it, finding solace in the shade it offered.

Choosing a spot beneath the tree's expansive branches, she sat down at its base, leaning back against the sturdy trunk. With a sigh, Buffy brought her knees up, hugging her chest as if seeking comfort from within. Her bag, housing the weight of academic materials, lay casually on the grass beside her, forgotten for the moment.

Closing her eyes, she allowed herself to drift away from the present reality. In the realm of imagination, she conjured images of the familiar surroundings of the Manor – Piper and Phoebe by her side, as they had been for the past three years. The memories of shared laughter, camaraderie, and the comforting presence of her sisters enveloped her like a warm embrace.

In this mental retreat, Buffy could almost hear the echoes of their voices, the playful banter, and the shared moments that defined their sisterhood. The scent of familiarity wafted through her mind, momentarily transporting her from the challenges of the present to the security of the past. As she sat there, leaning against the tree, the illusion of being back home in the Manor provided a sanctuary for her troubled thoughts.

Berkeley University – Walsh's Classroom

Buffy found herself navigating a bustling hallway, the vast and unfamiliar surroundings leaving her slightly disoriented. In her quest to locate the Psychology department, her eyes scanned the multitude of doors lining the corridor. Just as confusion began to set in, Riley, making his way through the crowd, caught sight of her.

With a friendly demeanor, he halted beside her. "If uh, you're looking for Psych, it's through here," Riley offered, gesturing towards the direction she should follow.

Grateful for the assistance, Buffy flashed him a warm smile as they started walking towards the indicated classroom. Seizing the opportunity for a quick conversation, she inquired about his well-being. "Oh thanks. How's your head?" she asked, a tinge of regret in her voice.

"Sorry?" Riley responded, momentarily puzzled, as they stepped into the classroom that was steadily filling up with students.

Buffy looked up at him, surprised by the lack of recognition. She was sure he had directed her to Psychology because he had recognized her. "Yesterday… in the bookstore… you don't remember," she sighed, a sense of awkwardness settling in.

"Oh no, sure, I remember you. You're Willow's friend," Riley clarified, recalling the peculiar encounter with the girl who had inadvertently tipped a cascade of books onto his head.

"Yeah," Buffy affirmed, confirming her identity within the context of her connection to Willow.

"My head's fine, it just stung for a bit and I lost most of my basic motor functions. No biggie. I'm sorry, I'm trying to remember you?" Riley explained, his tone casual as they navigated the crowded classroom.

"Payson, Payson Halliwell," Buffy replied with a small smile. "But my friends call me Buffy."

"Buffy, right. Have fun," Riley wished her, his attention shifting as he made his way towards the teacher's desk, leaving Buffy to find her place in the tiers.

As she turned towards the seating, a hint of worry crossed Buffy's expression, causing her to glance back at Riley. "You know, I was just wondering. Professor Walsh isn't planning on yelling at me and kicking me out of the class, is she?" she inquired, a touch of anxiety in her voice.

Riley, looking slightly puzzled, fixed a polite smile on his face. "It's not in her lesson plan," he assured her, leaving Buffy to her thoughts as he continued on his way.

In the elevated tiers, Willow observed the exchange between Buffy and Riley with a slight smile. Perhaps, she mused, there was more to her friend's interactions with Riley than mere disinterest.

"Great," Buffy said, a palpable sense of relief washing over her. Turning her attention back to the tiers, she spotted Willow and Oz, making her way towards them with purpose. Seating herself beside Willow, she greeted them with a warm smile, the expression carrying a hint of apology for her abrupt departure at the bookstore.

"Hey," Buffy said, her smile extending to convey a sense of camaraderie with her friends.

Returning the smile, Willow leaned in, seizing the opportunity before the class officially began. "How was pop culture?"

"I decided not to take it," Buffy confessed as she settled her belongings. "The professor was a real jerk."

Before Willow could respond, the entrance of Professor Walsh commanded the room's attention. Marching in with purpose, she headed straight to her desk, where Riley handed her a sheet of paper. The room hushed as the professor prepared to commence the lecture.

"Okay," Walsh began, finally looking up at the tiers and the students in their seats. "This is Psych 105, Introduction to Psychology. I'm Professor Walsh." Leaning back against her desk, she crossed her arms, setting the tone for what lay ahead. "Those of you who fall under my good graces will come to know me as Maggie. Those of you who don't will come to know me by the name my TAs use, and think I don't know about, 'The evil Bitch Monster of Death'."

As the professor asserted her authority, Buffy swallowed, her eyes fixed on Walsh as she continued her stern introduction. "Make no mistake, I run a hard class, I assign a lot of work, I talk fast, and I expect you to keep up." Walsh surveyed her students coolly, the weight of her expectations evident in her gaze. "If you're looking to coast, I recommend Geology 101. That's where the football players are."

The weight of the professor's words settled over the room, and Buffy couldn't help but feel a sense of trepidation. It seemed that she was in for one hell of a year, and this was only the first day.

Berkeley University – Footpath

Buffy strolled along the dimly lit footpath, her steps hesitant as she scanned the unfamiliar surroundings, a sense of nostalgia tugging at her heart. She couldn't help but long for the cozy familiarity of the small campus at Gateway High School, where every nook and cranny felt like home. Here, in the sprawling expanse of the university grounds, it seemed getting lost was an inevitable part of the journey.

Lost in her thoughts, Buffy collided with a passing student, the unexpected impact jolting her out of her reverie. "Ooh!" she exclaimed, taken aback by the sudden encounter.

"Oh. Wow, sorry," the boy apologized, lifting his gaze from the map he had been studying intently.

"No, I'm sorry. I wasn't looking," Buffy replied, her eyes meeting those of the dark-haired, lanky boy she had inadvertently bumped into.

"Did you, uh lose your way?" he inquired, his expression mirroring her own sense of bewilderment as he glanced around the shadowy campus.

"Me? No, no. I'm just heading to Fischer Hall. It's right…" Buffy began, her voice trailing off as she scanned the area. "Uh, I know it's… on the Earth planet. Recently voted 'Most Pathetic.' Uh huh," she added, a playful lilt in her tone as she tried to mask the slight embarrassment of being lost once again.

"Hmm, well, I'm lost and I have a map," he confessed, holding up the crumpled sheet of paper adorned with countless fold lines. "So…" His voice trailed off, a sheepish smile tugging at the corners of his lips as he gestured towards the map.

"Ooh, I come in second," Buffy said with a playful grin, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "I'm Payson, by the way. But my friends call me Buffy."

"Eddie," the boy replied, a hint of bashfulness coloring his tone. "Edward. I mean - Edward. But I aspire to be Eddie."

Buffy stepped closer to him, peering over his arm to get a better look at the map he held out. "Okay, here's Fischer Hall," she pointed out, her finger tracing the spot on the map.

"Yeah," Eddie agreed, nodding in recognition. "And this is Dunwirth, that's my dorm…" he explained, his voice trailing off into a sigh. "But it's us I can't find," he muttered hopelessly, his gaze sweeping the campus once again in search of their elusive destination.

Buffy furrowed her brow as she studied the map, her mind working overtime to decipher their location amidst the jumble of lines and symbols. She glanced up, scanning the grounds with a determined expression before returning her focus to the map. "Are we the blue part?" she asked, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

"No…" Eddie muttered, his disappointment evident in his tone. But then, his eyes widened as a spark of realization ignited within him. "Yes!" he exclaimed, his spirits lifting at the newfound clarity.

"Yes. Okay, I came from there," Buffy murmured, her finger pointing back towards the hall she had just departed, her memory retracing her steps. "So, then we just want to go that way," she continued, gesturing in the direction she had been originally heading. "To the bike path."

"You sound very certain, I'm in," Eddie replied, a small smile gracing his lips as he lowered the map, his trust in Buffy evident as they set off towards the bike path. He couldn't help but notice the stack of books she held tightly to her chest. "You're taking Psych 105 with Professor Walsh," he stated, his gaze flickering to the textbooks.

"Yeah, I mean, I'm gonna try," Buffy corrected with a dubious frown, her confidence wavering at the mention of the challenging course. "She's not afraid of the long words, huh?"

"Yeah, she's pretty intense. A lot of the courses are really tough," Eddie agreed, his expression mirroring Buffy's skepticism as they navigated the maze of campus pathways.

"I'm a little upset. I had it on good authority that this was a party school," Buffy murmured lightly, a hint of disappointment lacing her words as she reflected on her expectations.

"I think it's supposed to get easier," Eddie offered, though his tone lacked conviction, uncertainty clouding his optimism for the future.

"I still feel like carrying around a security blanket," Buffy admitted with a sheepish smile as they rounded the bend in the path, her arms wrapped around herself in a protective gesture.

"'Of Human Bondage.' Have you read it?" Eddie asked, his curiosity piqued as he glanced over at her.

"Oh," Buffy said, caught off guard by the question and stumbling over her words in embarrassment. "No, I'm not really into porn… I mean I'm just… I'm trying to cut way back," she hastily corrected, her cheeks flushing crimson at her unintentional slip of the tongue.

Eddie couldn't help but chuckle at Buffy's misunderstanding. "No, there's no actual bondage," he reassured her, his laughter bubbling up at the mix-up. "It's just a novel. I've read it like, ten times. I always keep it by my bed… security blanket," he explained, offering a glimpse into his reading habits.

"I don't really have a security blanket… unless you count Mr. Pointy," Buffy said, her words slipping out before she could stop them, a shadow of seriousness crossing her features as she mentioned the name.

"Mr. Pointy?" Eddie questioned, his brows furrowing in confusion at the unfamiliar name, his curiosity piqued by Buffy's cryptic remark.

"Hey, bike path," Buffy exclaimed, relief evident in her voice as she pointed to the narrow trail they had been heading towards, grateful for the timely distraction it provided from what was about to become a very awkward attempt at covering her tracks. "Thanks. It's nice to know that I'm not the only entirely confused person on this campus," she added, turning to face Eddie with a genuine smile.

"I suspect there's a lot of us," Eddie replied softly, a small shrug accompanying his words as he acknowledged the shared sense of bewilderment that seemed to permeate the university grounds.

"Well, I'll look for you in Psych," Buffy promised, her tone hopeful as she envisioned a potential ally in navigating the complexities of academia.

"Yeah, maybe we can help each other figure out what the hell they're talking about," Eddie suggested, a hint of humor lacing his words as he contemplated the daunting prospect of deciphering the intricacies of their coursework.

Buffy laughed in agreement, a sense of camaraderie blossoming between them. "Cool," she said, a warmth spreading through her as she anticipated the prospect of facing the challenges ahead with a newfound friend by her side.

"Maybe even make it through the year," Eddie said with a laugh of his own, a glimmer of hope shining in his eyes as he turned to continue up the path leading to his dorm room.

"Goodnight," Buffy called after him, her voice carrying a note of warmth and goodwill.

Eddie turned slightly to look over at her as he continued to walk, offering her a small wave. "Night," he replied, his smile reflecting the kindness he felt towards his newfound acquaintance. Buffy turned and began walking away, her figure receding into the darkness of the night.

Eddie smiled happily at her retreating form, a sense of gratitude washing over him for having found another person who shared his confusion about college life. Turning back around to resume his journey towards his dorm, he took a few steps before suddenly being yanked to a stop as strong arms seized him from behind. A cold hand clamped over his mouth, stifling any attempt at a scream as fear gripped him.

Turning his head, Eddie's eyes widened in terror as he beheld the grotesque visage of a man with a deformed face looming behind him. Before him, two more figures with similarly disfigured features emerged from the shadows, their hungry gazes fixed upon him. A shiver ran down his spine as he realized he was trapped.

And then, as if to intensify his horror, an attractive blonde woman stepped forward, her demeanor unsettlingly calm as she addressed him with mock apology. "I'm sorry," she said, her voice dripping with malice as she leaned closer. "Did you lose your way?" Her words sent a chill down Eddie's spine, his heart pounding in his chest as he realized he was face to face with something far more sinister than mere confusion.

August 26, 1999 – Thursday

Berkeley University – Walsh's Classroom

At the end of Psych, Buffy scanned the room for Eddie as her classmates shuffled past her, their chatter blending into a soft hum. Despite her discreet efforts to locate him during class, Eddie seemed to have vanished into thin air. Frowning with disappointment, Buffy's gaze flickered anxiously around the almost empty classroom.

Willow and Oz sidled up beside her, their presence drawing her attention. "You looking for someone?" Oz inquired, his calm demeanor contrasting with Buffy's growing unease as she continued her fruitless search.

"Yeah," Buffy replied, her tone distracted as she continued to scan the room in vain.

"You made a friend?" Willow's eyes lit up with excitement, a warm smile spreading across her face. "Good for you."

"Thanks, mom," Buffy quipped teasingly, though her mind remained preoccupied with the mystery of Eddie's sudden disappearance. With a resigned sigh, she finally conceded defeat and headed towards the exit, her footsteps echoing in the quiet classroom.

Once they reached the hallway, Buffy came to an abrupt halt, a determination settling over her. "You know what, I'm gonna go see if I can find him," she declared, her resolve firm as she recalled Eddie's mention of living in Dunwirth dormitory.

Berkeley University – Eddie's Dormitory

Buffy stood in the doorway of Eddie's single dorm room, her heart heavy as she took in the scene before her. Beside her, the building's RA held a clipboard, his expression resigned as he delivered the news. "Yeah, Eddie just took off, packed his stuff, left a note," he explained, gesturing towards the piece of paper resting on the bed. "Happens sometimes," he added with a nonchalant shrug. "People just can't handle it. There's always a few kids who lose it early in the first semester and just bail."

As the RA spoke, Buffy crossed the room with slow, deliberate steps, her eyes fixed on the note that lay before her. Seating herself on the edge of the bed, she reached out to pick up the crumpled piece of paper, her fingers trembling slightly as she unfolded it. "'This is too much to handle. I can't take it anymore. No time to say goodbye! Eddie,'" she read aloud, her voice barely above a whisper, a small frown creasing her brow as she absorbed the weight of his words.

"Weak ones, I guess," the RA remarked indifferently, his indifference only serving to deepen Buffy's sense of concern as she watched him depart, leaving her alone in the empty room.

Placing the note on the bedside table, Buffy's gaze wandered to the partially opened top drawer. With a sense of foreboding settling over her, she reached out and pulled the drawer open fully, her hazel eyes immediately drawn to the familiar sight of a book resting inside. She hesitated for a moment before picking it up, the title 'Of Human Bondage' sending a shiver down her spine. As she examined the book, a knot of worry tightened in her belly. Eddie wouldn't leave this behind; you didn't abandon your security blanket.

Giles' Apartment

Buffy pushed open the door to Giles' apartment, the thumping beat of music from his stereo drowning out the sound of her knocking. With a sigh, she closed the door behind her and ventured further into the room, her eyes scanning the space in search of her Watcher. "Giles?" she called out, her voice barely audible over the music's crescendo.

Behind the counter, an elegant black woman paused in her task of arranging cheese on a plate, her brow furrowing in concentration. "Rupert, is this Blue cheese, or is it just cheese that's gone blue?" she mused aloud before emerging into the front room. Startled, she came to an abrupt halt upon spotting Buffy standing there, a look of surprise crossing her features. "You're not Giles," she remarked, her observation stating the obvious.

Buffy attempted to maintain eye contact with the woman, her gaze flickering briefly to the oversized shirt she wore before returning to meet her eyes. "You're not Giles either — unless he had a much more interesting week than I did…" Buffy quipped, offering a small smile as she tried to diffuse the awkwardness of the situation. "The door was open, so I just… uh, Giles does still live here, right?" she inquired, a glimmer of uncertainty in her voice.

"He does," the woman confirmed, her smile warm and welcoming as she glanced towards the hallway where Giles had just emerged, clad in a blue bathrobe. "He appears," she announced with a playful twinkle in her eyes, stepping aside to reveal Giles standing in the doorway. "Rupert, you have a guest."

"Buffy! Hello," Giles greeted, his surprise evident at the unexpected company.

Buffy cast a glance between the woman she had never met before and Giles, a hint of uncertainty creeping into her expression. "Is this a bad time?" she asked tentatively, hoping she hadn't interrupted something important.

"No!" Giles reassured Buffy, his gaze shifting briefly towards the woman. "Oh, uh, forgive me. This uh… this is uh, Olivia. She's uh, an old friend, she's staying here for a few days," he explained, his words stumbling over each other in his haste.

"Couldn't pass through sunny Cal without looking up ol' Ripper," Olivia chimed in affectionately, her smile warm and genuine as she glanced between Giles and Buffy.

"Uh huh," Buffy replied dubiously, her eyes flitting from Olivia to Giles and back again, a nagging sense of curiosity tugging at her mind.

"Buffy is a, uh, was a student of mine," Giles explained to Olivia, his tone tinged with a hint of pride as he introduced her. Turning his attention back to Buffy, he attempted to steer the conversation towards more familiar territory. "How's uh, how is university?" he inquired, his voice laced with genuine concern.

"Pretty much the same as high school, in the sense that I need help," Buffy replied with a wry grin, her words tinged with a touch of self-deprecation as she acknowledged the challenges of her academic journey.

"Ahh… help… yes," Giles muttered, his voice trailing off as he adjusted his glasses, his mind racing to formulate a response that would adequately address Buffy's concerns.

"But, this just looks like a bad time," Buffy remarked, her gaze flickering once more towards Olivia, her unease palpable.

"No, you guys talk," Olivia insisted with a smile, her demeanor relaxed as she made her exit. "I'll just go slip into something a little less comfortable." With a suggestive glance exchanged between her and Giles, Olivia disappeared up the stairs, leaving Buffy and Giles alone in the room.

Giles turned his attention back to Buffy, his expression one of mild concern as he noted her obvious discomfort. "So, uh, trouble with uh, studies?" he inquired, attempting to steer the conversation back to more mundane matters.

"This is a bad time," Buffy reiterated, her gaze still drawn towards the staircase where Olivia had vanished.

"You keep saying that," Giles observed, a note of amusement lacing his words as he watched Buffy's persistent agitation.

"Well, it looks pretty bad!" Buffy exclaimed, her frustration evident as she gestured towards the now empty staircase. "I think someone has just a little too much free time on their hands," she added pointedly.

"I'm not supposed to have a private life?" Giles questioned, his tone tinged with a mixture of amusement and mild exasperation at Buffy's insistence on prying into his affairs.

"No!" Buffy replied firmly, her expression turning serious as she leveled a determined gaze at her Watcher. "Because you're very, very old, and it's gross," she whined, her words punctuated by a playful pout as she sought to deflect the seriousness of the conversation with a touch of humor.

"Well, before I succumb to the ravages of age, why don't you tell me what brings you here?" Giles interjected, his voice taking on a more somber tone as he gently reminded Buffy of the reason for her visit.

"There's a student missing," Buffy stated bluntly, cutting straight to the heart of the matter.

"Yes?" Giles prompted, his interest piqued as he leaned in attentively, waiting for Buffy to elaborate on her discovery.

"Eddie. He's supposed to have left school, but… I just don't think he did. I met him outside last night, and then I went back to where we met, and it looked like there had been a struggle," Buffy explained, her words tumbling out in a rush as she recounted the events that had led her to seek Giles' assistance.

"You suspect vampire activity?" Giles inquired, his voice laced with concern as he regarded Buffy with a penetrating gaze.

Buffy nodded solemnly. "That was my first thought. Actually, that was my only thought."

"And?" Giles pressed, his arms now crossed over his chest as he awaited further explanation.

Buffy looked at him, taken aback by his apparent lack of urgency. "What do you mean, 'and'? We need to stop them! Eddie's RA said that kids disappear a lot. There could be a gang of vampires working the campus. We need research, and charts and stuff," she insisted, punctuating each point with a determined jab of her finger.

Giles uncrossed his arms, a hint of discomfort flickering across his features as he shifted his weight. "I still don't see where I fit in. You haven't described anything that you can't do yourself," he pointed out, his tone tinged with a touch of defensiveness.

Buffy looked up at him incredulously, her frustration mounting at his apparent indifference to the situation. Where was the man who had once been her steadfast mentor and guide? "Okay, remember before you became Hugh Hefner, when you used to be a Watcher?" she retorted, her voice tinged with exasperation.

"Officially, you no longer have a Watcher," Giles stated softly, removing his glasses and avoiding meeting Buffy's gaze, knowing that his words would likely disappoint her. "Buffy, you know I'll always be here when you need me. Your safety is more important to me than anything, but you're going to have to take care of yourself. You're out of school, and I can't always be there to guide you."

Buffy's shoulders slumped, her disappointment evident as she absorbed Giles' words. "Oh. Okay. I'm sorry to bug you," she murmured sadly, her voice tinged with resignation as she turned towards the door, her heart heavy with the realization of her newfound independence.

"Buffy, I…" Giles began, his voice trailing off as he struggled to find the right words to convey his concern for her well-being.

Interrupting him, Buffy turned back, a fleeting look of uncertainty crossing her features before she squared her shoulders with determination. "Oh! No! I mean, yeah, you're… you're right. I can handle it. It's just that…" Buffy hesitated, her resolve faltering as she debated whether to confide in Giles about her struggles adjusting to college. Ultimately, she decided against it. "I'm on it," she concluded, her voice firm as she turned once more and made her way towards the door. "Thanks."

"I'm here if you need me," Giles called after her, his voice tinged with concern, but Buffy had already closed the door behind her, leaving him alone with his thoughts and his worries for the young Slayer.

Berkeley University – Footpaths

Buffy walked through the dimly lit campus, the darkness cast eerie shadows around her as she navigated through the bustling crowd of students bustling to and fro between the towering buildings of the expansive campus. Buffy's frustration simmered beneath the surface as she scanned the throngs of people, her annoyance evident in the furrow of her brow and the set of her jaw. "How am I supposed to hunt in this mob?" she muttered to herself, her voice laced with exasperation, pausing momentarily to observe the sea of milling students. "Don't you people have homes?" Her query fell on deaf ears as a group sauntered past her, engrossed in their own animated conversation.

Turning on her heel, Buffy grappled with the dilemma of how to effectively patrol while maintaining her covert identity amidst the multitude of people traversing the school grounds. It was then that her keen eyes caught sight of a familiar silhouette, his back turned towards her. Almost as if attuned to her presence, he glanced over his shoulder, and she caught a fleeting glimpse of his features. "Eddie?" she murmured, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

Without hesitation, Buffy hastened after him, her steps quickening until she reached him in a secluded alcove beside a weathered bulletin board. "Eddie! Eddie, hey wait up!" Her plea echoed in the stillness, laden with genuine concern. "God, I was worried that something had happened to you…" Her voice trailed off as Eddie turned to face her, his countenance revealing the telltale contours she recognized all too well. "…And of course it has, 'cause you're a vampire. I'm sorry." Her apology hung in the air, tinged with regret.

"I'm not," Eddie retorted, a predatory gleam flickering in his eyes as he savored the anticipation of his imminent prey. With hunger he lunged towards her.

"You will be," Buffy asserted with steely resolve, sidestepping his advance with the fluidity of a seasoned warrior. In the blink of an eye, a fierball materialized in her outstretched palm.

Eddie regarded Buffy with newfound interest, a calculating appraisal gleaming in his crimson eyes. Undeterred by the impending danger, he charged at her once more, only to be met with the searing heat of the fireball hurtling towards him. In a blinding flash of incandescent light, he erupted into a blaze of inferno, reduced to a pile of smoldering ashes at Buffy's feet.

Behind her, atop a weathered concrete dais, a vampiress observed with keen interest, her crimson gaze fixed intently on Buffy's figure as she traversed the terrain. "The Slayer!" she proclaimed, her voice slicing through the air like a razor, prompting Buffy to whirl around, her senses on high alert. "Wow, um, I heard you might be coming here," the vampire continued, her tone a curious blend of admiration and anticipation, her minions emerging stealthily from their concealed positions to encircle Buffy like vultures closing in on their prey. "This is, well I mean, what a challenge! The Slayer!"

Buffy regarded the vampiress with a cool, unwavering gaze, her stance poised and ready for whatever may come. "And you are?" she inquired, her voice betraying none of the trepidation that might have been expected in such a perilous encounter.

"I'm Sunday. I'll be killing you here in a minute, or so," the blonde vampiress declared boldly, her confidence exuding an air of arrogance that bordered on audacity.

A faint smirk tugged at the corner of Buffy's lips as she cocked her head slightly, her demeanor laced with a hint of amusement. "You know, that threat gets more frightening every time I hear it," she retorted, her words dripping with sarcasm like venom from a serpent's fangs.

The lanky minion, his countenance a mixture of confusion and apprehension, glanced nervously between his formidable leader and the blonde Slayer before him. "Uh… are we gonna fight? Or is there just gonna be a monster sarcasm rally?" he ventured tentatively, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

The orange-haired female, her eyes gleaming with a predatory glint, sized up Buffy with a calculating gaze, her lips curling into a sinister smirk. "I'm in for a piece," she declared with a wicked grin.

"Everybody gets to play," Buffy assured with a forced confidence, her eyes darting nervously around at the gathering minions, the odds stacked against her sending a shiver down her spine.

Sunday fixed her underlings with a stern gaze, her authority unquestionable in their midst. "Guys, this is totally mine," she asserted, her tone brooking no argument as she asserted her dominance over the impending confrontation.

The blond male minion, his bravado wavering slightly in the face of the Slayer's formidable reputation, looked up at Sunday with a mixture of apprehension and deference. "Okay," he acquiesced, his uncertainty palpable as he contemplated the daunting prospect of facing off against the legendary Slayer. "But you gotta share the eatin'. 'Cause I'm thinkin' Slayer's blood's gotta be… woah! Like Thia Stick."

Buffy shot him a withering glance, her patience waning thin at the minion's ill-timed attempt at humor. "I thought people were supposed to get smarter in college," she quipped, her sarcasm laced with a touch of disdain as she redirected her focus back to their leader.

"Yeah, I think you had a lot of misconceptions about college. Like that anyone would be caught dead wearing that," Sunday remarked with a derisive sneer, her gaze sweeping over Buffy's attire with thinly veiled contempt.

Buffy's brow furrowed in confusion as she glanced down at her attire, a rare moment of self-doubt creeping into her normally unshakable confidence. It was a fleeting lapse in concentration, a momentary distraction she couldn't afford, especially not when facing off against a formidable opponent like Sunday. With a shake of her head, Buffy refocused her attention just in time to catch the full force of Sunday's punch square in the jaw, the impact sending her sprawling to the ground with an audible 'oof'.

As Sunday leaped down from her elevated perch, her movements fluid and predatory, Buffy scrambled to regain her footing, her muscles tensed in anticipation of the ensuing skirmish. Reacting with lightning speed, Buffy blocked Sunday's attempted kick, her reflexes honed through years of rigorous training allowing her to evade the brunt of the attack. Seizing the opportunity to counter, Buffy unleashed a flurry of punches, but Sunday proved to be a nimble adversary, deftly dodging and parrying each blow with calculated precision.

Undeterred by the setback, Buffy fought to regain her composure, determined to turn the tide of the battle in her favor. However, Sunday's relentless assault left little room for respite, her relentless barrage of strikes driving Buffy back with each successive blow. With a fierce determination burning in her eyes, Buffy lashed out once more, her fist aimed squarely at Sunday's midsection, but the vampire seized her wrist with alarming speed, effortlessly redirecting Buffy's momentum and hurling her onto the elevated dais with a resounding thud.

Before Buffy could mount a counterattack, Sunday was upon her, her grip like a vise around Buffy's throat, cutting off her air supply with ruthless efficiency. "Don't take this the wrong way, but..." Sunday's words were punctuated by a savage punch to Buffy's already battered face, the force of the blow driving stars behind Buffy's eyelids as she fought to stay conscious. "You fight like a girl," Sunday sneered, her disdain evident as she hurled Buffy from the dais with contemptuous ease, executing a graceful somersault to land gracefully on the ground below.

As Buffy staggered to her feet, a surge of adrenaline coursing through her veins, she launched herself into a counteroffensive, her movements fluid and precise as she sought to exploit any weakness in Sunday's defenses. With a swift kick to Sunday's stomach, Buffy managed to score a hit, but the blonde vampire quickly evaded her next attack, her frustration mounting with each failed strike.

Determined to press her advantage, Buffy unleashed a barrage of kicks, each blow fueled by a potent combination of anger and determination. Yet, Sunday proved to be an elusive target, her agility and speed making her a formidable opponent. Infuriated by Buffy's persistence, Sunday retaliated with a vicious strike to Buffy's face, the force of the blow sending shockwaves of pain coursing through her body.

As Buffy struggled to regain her footing, Sunday seized her by the wrist, her grip unyielding as she propelled Buffy onto the hood of a nearby pickup truck with a savage shove. With a grimace of pain, Buffy attempted to rise, but Sunday was relentless in her assault, her boot connecting with Buffy's back with bone-jarring force, sending her sprawling onto the roof of the vehicle.

Gasping for breath, Buffy attempted to mount a defense, but Sunday was already upon her, her knee crashing down with brutal force onto Buffy's captured arm. The sickening sound of bone snapping echoed in the air, drowning out Buffy's cry of agony as she crumpled beneath Sunday's merciless onslaught.

"Did you think you were gonna show up on my campus and just swing with the In Crowd?" Sunday taunted, her voice dripping with derision as she unleashed a swift kick aimed directly at Buffy's face. With a desperate roll, Buffy narrowly evaded the blow, her body protesting with every movement as she struggled to remain upright amidst the onslaught.

Gasping for breath, bloodied and broken, Buffy forced herself to her feet, her resolve unyielding despite the searing pain that coursed through her battered form. Ignoring the ache in her bones and the taste of copper on her lips, she met Sunday's gleeful challenge with a defiant glare, determination burning brightly in her eyes.

"Come on. What do you got?" Sunday demanded with a malicious grin, her anticipation palpable as she awaited Buffy's next move, relishing the opportunity to deliver the final blow to her adversary.

A sly smile tugged at the corners of Buffy's bruised lips. "Be seeing ya," she declared with a smirk, her voice tinged with a hint of mischief as she disappeared in a swirl of fiery flames.

Berkeley University – Dorm Room

Buffy materialized in the dimly lit confines of her dorm room, her body pulsating with residual adrenaline from the harrowing encounter with Sunday. With a silent sigh of relief, she cast a quick glance around the room, grateful that her roommate Kathy was blissfully unaware in the throes of sleep, her rhythmic snorts and teeth-grinding providing a discordant soundtrack to the otherwise silent night.

Taking cautious steps across the room, Buffy lowered herself onto the edge of her bed, her movements careful and deliberate as she gingerly began to tend to her wounds. The throbbing ache in her left arm served as a constant reminder of the brutal confrontation, each flex of the injured limb eliciting a sharp twinge of pain that shot through her like a bolt of lightning. With a grimace, she settled her arm gently in her lap, her fingers tracing over the myriad cuts and bruises that marred her once unblemished skin.

Lost in thought, Buffy turned her gaze toward the window, the moonlight filtering through the glass casting a silvery glow over her weary features. For a long moment, she said nothing, the weight of her thoughts hanging heavy in the air as she contemplated the events of the night. In the stillness of the room, a myriad of emotions churned within her, a tumultuous mix of anger, fear, and determination warring for dominance in her heart.

August 27, 1999 – Friday

Berkeley University – Footpaths

Buffy eased the door to her dormitory open, the warmth of the morning sun greeting her as she stepped out into the bustling campus. Despite the vibrant energy of the day, her left arm remained carefully cradled against her body. As her gaze swept across the courtyard, she spotted Willow and Oz engaged in animated conversation with a fellow student, their laughter ringing out like music in the air.

For a fleeting moment, Buffy's eyes lingered on her injured arm, a silent acknowledgment of the burdens she bore alone. She watched as her friends laughed and chatted with the unfamiliar student, a pang of longing tugging at her heart. They deserved every moment of happiness, every semblance of normalcy that college life afforded them, and she was determined not to disrupt their bliss with her own troubles.

Turning away, Buffy made a silent retreat, her footsteps carrying her through the throng of students, unnoticed and unremarked upon by those around her. Yet, despite the bustling crowd, a palpable sense of isolation weighed heavy on her spirit, a stark reminder of the loneliness that had plagued her since the departure of Angel and the tragic loss of Prue.

Brushing aside the gnawing ache in her chest, Buffy pushed forward, her resolve unshaken by the specter of solitude that loomed over her. She had faced adversity before, and she would do so again, drawing strength from the bonds of friendship that tethered her to those she loved. But as she disappeared from sight, a solitary figure amidst the bustling crowd, the echo of her footsteps mingling with the whispers of her inner turmoil, she couldn't shake the lingering question that lingered in the depths of her soul:

Why did she still feel so alone?

Halliwell Manor

Buffy stepped into the familiar surroundings of the Manor, her footsteps echoing softly against the tiled floors of the kitchen as she navigated the space with cautious steps. "Piper?" Her voice carried through the empty kitchen, a note of concern lacing her words as she searched for any sign of her sister's presence. With a furrowed brow, she continued her exploration, her footsteps carrying her through the familiar corridors of the Manor as she followed the faint sounds of activity emanating from the upper floors.

As Buffy ascended the stairs, her anticipation mounting with each step, she caught sight of Piper emerging from her room, a warm smile lighting up her features as their eyes met. "Buffy," Piper exclaimed, a hint of surprise coloring her tone as she welcomed her younger sister with open arms.

"Hi," Buffy greeted, returning Piper's embrace with a gentle squeeze, the warmth of her sister's presence a comforting balm to her weary soul. "Buffy, how are you?" she inquired, her concern evident as she studied Buffy's tired expression, her gaze flickering briefly to the injured arm cradled against her body.

"I'm hanging in there," Buffy replied with a weary smile, her voice tinged with exhaustion as she leaned into Piper's comforting embrace. "Is Dad here?" she asked, her voice heavy with resignation as she awaited Piper's response.

Piper shook her head, a somber expression clouding her features as she turned her gaze upwards, her voice carrying through the silent halls in a plaintive call. "Leo!" she called out, the sound echoing through the Manor as she summoned her husband.

Leo materialized in the hallway in a shimmering display of blue and white lights, his presence a welcome sight to Buffy as he greeted her with a warm smile. "Buffy," he said, his voice filled with paternal affection as he enveloped his daughter in a tender embrace. "How's college?" he inquired, his concern evident as he glanced down at Buffy, his eyes scanning her weary features for any signs of distress.

"Bad," Buffy admitted with a grimace, lifting her injured arm to show her father the extent of her injuries. "Can you heal me, Dad? I got trashed by some vampires. I think my arm may be broken."

Leo's expression softened with empathy as he nodded in understanding, his hands glowing with a warm, golden light as he hovered them over Buffy's injured shoulder. With a gentle touch, he channeled the healing energy through his fingertips, the radiant rays of light enveloping Buffy's arm in a comforting embrace as the pain began to recede and the fractures began to mend.

Meanwhile, Piper watched with a furrowed brow, her worry etched upon her features as she observed the exchange between father and daughter. "You had no one with you patrolling?" she asked, her concern evident in her voice as she sought to understand the circumstances that led to her sister's injuries.

Buffy shook her head, a hint of guilt shadowing her features as she met her sister's gaze. "No, I didn't," she admitted quietly, her voice tinged with remorse as she recalled the solitary vigil she had undertaken in her pursuit of the forces of darkness. As Leo completed the healing process, Buffy flexed her newly restored arm, a sense of relief washing over her as the pain faded into memory.

"Buffy, you know we always want you to patrol with someone," Leo reiterated gently, his voice tinged with concern as he emphasized the importance of safety in their dangerous line of work.

"I know, Dad. I know," Buffy replied with a rueful smile, acknowledging the wisdom of her father's words even as she bristled at the thought of being constantly shadowed by a companion during her nightly patrols.

"Alright, when Phoebe gets home we'll go out with you tonight. See what we can do about this vampire problem," Piper offered, her determination to support her sister evident in her resolute tone as she stepped forward to join the conversation.

Buffy's smile widened at Piper's offer, a surge of gratitude swelling within her chest at the unwavering support of her sisters. "Thanks, Piper," she said, her voice laced with genuine appreciation for the solidarity they shared in their fight against the forces of darkness.

"And you know you don't have to come home just for me to heal you," Leo interjected, his words a gentle reminder of the unconditional love and support that he and Piper offered to Buffy, no matter the distance or circumstances.

"I know, Dad. I just wanted some time away. I didn't have classes today, so…" Buffy trailed off, her explanation tinged with a hint of guilt as she struggled to articulate the conflicting desires that tugged at her heart.

"We'll meet you in your dorm room," Piper declared, her tone decisive as she set the plan in motion. "7 pm sound fine?"

Buffy nodded in agreement, a sense of relief washing over her as she embraced the prospect of facing the night's challenges alongside her family. "That's fine," she confirmed.

Buffy stood poised to flame out when the shrill ringing of the telephone shattered the stillness of the room, cutting through the air with unexpected urgency. Instinctively, she pivoted towards the sound, her muscles tense with anticipation as she moved swiftly towards the nearest extension, which happened to be in her own room. With a quick motion, she lifted the receiver to her ear, her voice professional as she greeted the caller. "Halliwell Residence, Payson speaking," she announced, but was met with only silence on the other end of the line.

"Hello?" Buffy pressed, her brow furrowing in confusion as she strained to discern any sign of life from the silent caller. However, her efforts were in vain, as the dial tone echoed through the receiver, signaling that the mysterious caller had abruptly ended the connection.

Turning to face the doorway, Buffy spotted Piper and Leo standing there, concern etched into their expressions as they observed the unusual interruption. "Must have been a wrong number," Buffy offered with a shrug, attempting to downplay the oddity of the situation.

Piper nodded in understanding, her features softening with a reassuring smile. "Okay, we'll see you tonight," she confirmed, her tone filled with a sense of determination to carry out their planned patrol.

Buffy returned the nod, a sense of gratitude swelling within her chest as she met Piper's gaze. "Okay. And thanks, Piper," she added, her voice tinged with genuine appreciation for her sister's unwavering support and understanding. With a final nod of farewell, she disappeared in a swirl of fiery flames.

Piper and Leo lingered in the doorway of Buffy's room, their expressions mirroring the concern that weighed heavily on their hearts. As the flames of their daughter's departure faded into memory, Leo turned to Piper, his eyes reflecting the worry etched into her features.

"Piper, I can't shake this feeling of unease," Leo confessed, his voice laced with apprehension as he struggled to articulate the depths of his concern for his daughter's safety.

Piper's gaze softened with empathy as she reached out to gently grasp Leo's hand, offering a silent reassurance of their shared burden. "I know, Leo," she murmured, her voice tinged with a mixture of fear and determination. "I tried to get her to do like Phoebe did when she attended Berkeley. But Buffy was sincere in doing the dorm thing at least once, despite the fact that Buffy is not just a Slayer anymore but a Charmed One. I've worried every single day she's been gone that an upper level demon will come after her."

Berkeley University – Dorms

Buffy materialized in her dorm room with a swirl of fiery flames, relief washing over her as she noted the absence of her roommate, Kathy. However, her sense of calm quickly evaporated when her eyes landed on the sight that greeted her: her side of the room was barren, stripped of all her belongings in a manner that sent a shiver down her spine.

Her gaze shifted to her empty bed, where a small sheet of paper lay innocuously on the mattress. With a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach, Buffy approached the bed and picked up the note, her heart pounding with a mixture of confusion and apprehension.

As she read the hastily scribbled words, a frown creased her brow, the unfamiliar handwriting adding to the sense of unease that gnawed at her. 'This is all just too much for me. I have decided to take off. Sorry I didn't have time to say goodbye, but I need to be by myself. Good luck this year. Buffy.'

With a heavy sigh, Buffy dropped the note back onto the bed, her fingers trembling with a mixture of frustration and worry. She sank down onto the bare mattress, her mind whirling with possibilities as she stared off into space, lost in a maze of uncertainty.

After a long moment of contemplation, Buffy rose to her feet with a determined resolve, the furrow of her brow deepening as she made her way out of the dorm room and into the cool night air.

Payson's

Buffy entered Payson's, the melancholic strains of a slow, sad song drifting through the air like a mournful lament, perfectly mirroring the somber mood that hung heavy upon her shoulders. With a heavy heart, she cast a quick glance around the dimly lit club, her eyes scanning the faces of the patrons, all of them strangers in the sea of unfamiliarity.

Finding solace in the secluded privacy of the owner's booth, Buffy sank down into the plush cushions, her gaze drifting idly across the room as she sought refuge from the chaos of her thoughts. The club pulsed with life, couples swaying in tender embrace on the dance floor, their movements synchronized to the rhythm of the music, while others sat at tables scattered throughout the room, their laughter mingling with the soft strains of the music.

"Evening, Ms. Halliwell," greeted Britney, one of the club's waitresses, as she approached the booth with a warm smile. "Your usual?"

Buffy sighed wearily, the weight of the day pressing down upon her as she contemplated Britney's offer. She knew that a drink would offer temporary respite from the turmoil of her emotions, but tonight, she found herself longing for something more than the numbing embrace of alcohol.

With a heavy heart, she nodded in acquiescence, her voice barely above a whisper as she replied, "Yes, thank you, Britney." Though her words were polite, there was a hollow emptiness in her tone, a reflection of the emptiness that gnawed at her soul as she grappled with the weight of her sorrow.

"Is there something wrong, Payson?" Britney inquired, her concern evident as she regarded her boss with a furrowed brow.

Buffy offered a faint smile, grateful for Britney's kindness but knowing that her troubles were far beyond the realm of assistance that the waitress could offer. "Nothing you can help with, Britney," she replied softly, her voice tinged with a hint of sadness. "But thank you."

As Britney nodded understandingly and retreated to retrieve Buffy's drink, a voice sounded from behind her, causing Buffy to tense involuntarily. "The whole world in front of her, and she comes back to this dive," the voice remarked with a note of wry amusement.

Buffy whirled around, her eyes widening in surprise as she caught sight of her friend Xander standing there, a mischievous grin playing upon his lips. "Xander! How dare you call my club a dive," she exclaimed, though the mock indignation in her voice was betrayed by the genuine warmth that filled her heart at the sight of her longtime friend.

With an exuberant cry, Buffy lunged forward, enveloping Xander in a tight bear hug that spoke volumes of the depth of their friendship. "Hey, Buff," Xander greeted with a fond chuckle, returning the embrace with equal enthusiasm.

"When did you get back?" Buffy asked, her eyes alight with excitement at the sight of her old friend, relieved to see him back in town safe and sound after his time away.

Xander shrugged casually, his easy demeanor belying the whirlwind of emotions that stirred within him at the sight of Buffy's familiar face. "Couple days ago," he replied nonchalantly, though a hint of warmth softened his features as he took in Buffy's enthusiastic greeting.

Buffy couldn't help but tease him, a playful glint dancing in her eyes as she lightly punched his arm. "You freak of nature. Why didn't you call?" she chided him with a grin, her affection for her friend shining through in her teasing words.

Xander chuckled unabashedly at Buffy's jest, his grin widening at her playful rebuke. "Well, I knew you guys were starting the whole college adventure and I didn't want to, um, you know… help you move," he admitted with a mischievous twinkle in his eye, fully aware of the chaos that typically accompanied the process of relocating.

Buffy playfully swatted him again, her laughter ringing out like music in the air. "I missed you," she confessed, her voice soft with sincerity as she regarded her friend with genuine affection. "How was your trip? Was America nice? I hear its' nice."

Xander couldn't help but grin at her enthusiastic curiosity. "There's some purple mountains majesty, I'm gonna have to say," he quipped, his words laced with humor as he attempted to sum up his travels in a single, albeit poetic, phrase.

"What did you do?" Buffy prodded eagerly, her curiosity piqued by the thought of Xander's adventures during his time away. "What'd you see?"

Xander hesitated, a blush creeping into his cheeks as he struggled to find the right words to describe his less-than-exciting experiences. "Well…" he began awkwardly, shifting uncomfortably under Buffy's expectant gaze.

"Come on, tell me!" Buffy pleaded, her impatience evident in the eager tone of her voice as she leaned in closer, eager to hear every detail of Xander's journey.

"Grand Canyon!" Xander blurted out suddenly, his eyes lighting up with a spark of excitement as he revealed his supposed adventure.

Buffy's eyes widened in excitement, her face breaking into a delighted grin at the thought of Xander's awe-inspiring encounter with one of the natural wonders of the world. "You saw the Grand Canyon!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine enthusiasm.

Xander's grin faltered slightly as he sheepishly admitted, "Well, I saw the movie Grand Canyon, on cable. Really lame."

"Huh?" Buffy's excitement quickly turned to confusion.

"Basically," Xander began, his tone tinged with a hint of resignation as he launched into his tale with a forced nonchalance. "I got as far as Oxnard, and the engine fell out of my car, and that was literally. So, I ended up washing dishes at 'The Fabulous Ladies Night Club' for about a month and a half while I tried to pay for the repairs," he confessed, the memory of his unexpected detour still fresh in his mind.

Buffy listened intently, a mixture of amusement and sympathy playing across her features as she absorbed Xander's tale of misadventure. "No one really bothered me, or even spoke to me until one night when one of the male strippers called in sick," Xander continued, pausing briefly as he caught sight of the quirky smile gracing Buffy's face.

"And no power on this earth will make me tell you the rest of that story. Suffice to say I traded my car in for one that wasn't entirely made of rust, came trundling back home to the arms of my loving parents, where everything was exactly as it was; except I sleep in the basement and I have to pay rent." Xander finished, his explanation. "How's college?"

A mischievous twinkle danced in Buffy's eyes as she leaned forward, her curiosity piqued by the hint of intrigue in Xander's story. "Male strippers?" she queried, her voice laced with playful anticipation as she hoped to wheedle the juicy details out of her best guy friend.

Xander's expression hardened with determination as he shook his head adamantly, a stubborn resolve evident in his words. "No power on this earth," he repeated firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument as he guarded the secrets of his brief stint in the world of exotic entertainment.

"Okay," Buffy relented with a resigned sigh. "College is good."

Xander chuckled, his teasing tone cutting through the air with a playful edge. "Okay uh, once more with even less feeling," he quipped, his grin widening at Buffy's half-hearted response.

Buffy's expression softened with sincerity as she quickly interjected, a hint of urgency creeping into her voice. "No, really!" she insisted, though her words came out a bit too rushed, betraying the weight of the troubles that weighed heavily upon her mind. Seating herself back down in the booth, she motioned for Xander to join her.

Xander raised an eyebrow inquisitively, his gaze probing as he took in Buffy's troubled demeanor. "And you're sitting here alone at your own club looking like you just got diagnosed with cancer of the puppy," he observed, his concern evident in the furrow of his brow as he gently nudged Buffy to open up about what was troubling her.

With a heavy sigh, Buffy realized that Xander wasn't going to let her evade the issue, his unwavering loyalty demanding that she confide in him. "It's just… there was this vampire, and she took me down, and I just… I don't know how to stop her," she confessed, the weight of her admission hanging heavily in the air between them.

Xander's expression hardened with determination as he listened to Buffy's plight, his resolve strengthening at the sight of his friend in distress. "Then where's the gang? Avengers assemble, let's get it going," he declared firmly, his words a rallying cry for action as he prepared to stand by Buffy's side in her time of need.

Buffy shook her head adamantly, her resolve firm as she rejected Xander's suggestion. "No, I don't want to bug them. I mean Willow and Oz are just starting school, and they don't need this. That said, Piper and Phoebe are supposed to meet me later though."

Xander furrowed his brow in confusion, his expression reflecting his growing concern for his friend. "Okay Buff, what's the 'what' here?" he pressed, his curiosity piqued by Buffy's cryptic remarks.

Buffy hesitated for a moment, her gaze dropping to her knees as she struggled to articulate the fears that had been plaguing her for weeks. "It's just, what if I can't cut it?" she confessed softly, the weight of her uncertainty hanging heavily in the air between them.

Xander's brow furrowed in understanding as he absorbed Buffy's admission, his heart going out to his friend as he recognized the depth of her insecurities. "Can't cut what? Slaying? Witchy vanquishing?" he inquired gently, his voice laced with concern as he sought to understand the source of Buffy's anxieties.

Buffy sighed heavily, her shoulders slumping under the weight of her doubts as she struggled to articulate the magnitude of her fears. "Slaying, everything," she confessed at last, her voice barely above a whisper as she admitted to the gnawing uncertainty that had been eating away at her confidence.

"Buffy, this is all about fear. It's understandable, but you can't let it control you. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to the dark side… hold on, no, umm." Xander stumbled over his words, his attempt at offering sage advice quickly derailing as he struggled to recall the correct quote. "First you get the women, then you get the money, then you…" He trailed off, realizing the futility of his efforts as he caught sight of the bemused expression on Buffy's face. "Ok, can we forget that?"

Buffy couldn't help but chuckle at Xander's botched attempt at motivational speaking, her laughter a welcome respite from the weight of her anxieties. "Thanks for the Dadaist pep talk, I feel much more abstract now," she quipped, her playful retort punctuated by a wry grin.

Sensing Buffy's need for reassurance, Xander pressed on, his voice filled with sincerity as he sought to lift his friend's spirits. "The point is, you're Buffy," he asserted pointedly, his gaze unwavering as he met Buffy's eyes with unwavering conviction.

Buffy's smile faltered slightly, her doubts resurfacing in the face of Xander's unwavering faith in her abilities. "Yeah," she murmured softly, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "Maybe in high school I was Buffy."

Xander arched an eyebrow in disbelief, his expression one of incredulity as he struggled to comprehend Buffy's sudden crisis of identity. "And now in college you're Betty Louise?" he quipped, his attempt at humor falling flat in the face of Buffy's solemn demeanor.

"No, in college I'm Payson Patricia Halliwell," Buffy replied with a heavy sigh. "With the exception of Piper, Phoebe, Paige, you, Willow and Oz, hardly anyone knows me as Buffy anymore."

Xander rose from the couch, his movements deliberate as he crouched down in front of Buffy, his gaze serious as he met her eyes with unwavering intensity. "Buffy, I've gone through some fairly dark times in my life, faced some scary things," he began, a soft smile gracing his lips as he sought to offer comfort to his friend. "Among them in the kitchen at 'The Fabulous Ladies Night Club,'" he added with a playful wink, eliciting a small, appreciative smile from Buffy.

Leaning in closer, Xander's expression softened with sincerity as he continued, his voice filled with admiration and gratitude. "Let me tell you something, when it's dark and I'm all alone and I'm scared, or freaked out or whatever, I always think. What would Buffy do? You're my hero," he confessed, his words a testament to the profound impact Buffy had had on his life. "Ok, sometimes when it's dark and I'm all alone I think, what is Buffy wearing?"

"Can that be one of those things you never, ever tell me about?" Buffy joked lightly, her voice tinged with affection as she reached out to gently touch Xander's shoulder.

"It's a deal," Xander agreed with a chuckle, his laughter ringing out like music in the air as he rose to his feet, his determination evident in the set of his jaw as he prepared to stand by Buffy's side in her time of need. "Let's put this bitch in the ground! What do you say? Show Piper and Phoebe that you can do it with just us."

Buffy hesitated for a moment, her resolve wavering as she grappled with her fears, before finally extending her right hand towards Xander. With a firm grip, Xander clasped Buffy's hand in his own, offering her the support she needed to face the challenges ahead. "I think I say thank you," Buffy murmured gratefully, her voice soft with emotion as she leaned on Xander for strength.

"And nothing says thank you like dollars in the waistband," Xander quipped with a smirk, earning a bemused look from Buffy as she shook her head in amusement. "Ok, what do we do first?" he asked, his eyes sparkling with determination as he prepared to embark on their mission together.

Berkeley University – Administration Offices

Buffy sat hunched over the computer, her fingers tapping on the keyboard with urgency, the faint glow of the screen casting a pale light on her determined expression.

Behind her, Xander rifled through the musty newspapers, his brow furrowed in concentration as he scanned the faded print for any clue that might shed light on their investigation. The filing cabinets loomed large in the cramped room, their contents a maze of forgotten documents and old secrets.

"Kids disappearing every year," Buffy's voice broke the silence, tinged with a hint of frustration as she relayed her findings, "not too many, just enough so that everyone thinks that they up and left."

Xander's response was a muttered reflection, his voice carrying a mixture of disbelief and wry humor. "I can't believe the vampires took your stuff. Murder I expect, but petty larceny seems so… petty."

With a nod of agreement, Buffy continued her search, her eyes fixed on the screen as she sifted through the digital trail of clues. "They have to be keeping it somewhere, on campus, or at least nearby," she murmured, her determination unwavering.

Curiosity piqued, Xander interjected with a question, his gaze still fixed on the aged newspapers spread before him. "Hey, how far back do the disappearances go?"

Buffy's fingers paused briefly over the keyboard, her brow furrowing as she delved into the depths of the database. After a moment, she looked up, her expression contemplative. "Uhh…" Her voice trailed off, the weight of the revelation evident in her tone as she scanned the results on the screen. "They weren't too common before '82," she supplied, the implications of her discovery hanging heavy in the air.

"Magic number!" Xander's voice echoed through the room, filled with excitement and triumph as he strode over to where Buffy sat. She swiveled in her chair, her attention immediately drawn to him as he deposited two newspapers onto the counter beside her.

With a curious glance, Buffy leaned forward to read the headlines, her brow furrowing in concentration. "Psi Theta loses its charter. Building to be closed for renovation," she read aloud, the implications sinking in as she processed the information.

"1982," Xander interjected, pointing to the date on one of the newspapers. He then turned his attention to the other, his eyes scanning the text intently. "Former Psi Theta fraternity house lies dormant while zoning issues drag on before the City Council. We have a winner," he declared, a note of satisfaction evident in his voice as he pieced together the puzzle.

Buffy's gaze shifted to the accompanying image on the newspaper, her lips curling into a wry smile. "Looks pretty cherry," she remarked dryly, her tone laced with irony as she assessed the decrepit building depicted in the photograph.

Turning to face Xander, she raised an eyebrow inquisitively. "You up for a little reconnaissance?" he asked, his excitement contagious as he anticipated their next move.

Buffy's expression softened with understanding, a small chuckle escaping her lips. "You mean where we all sculpt and paint and stuff?" she quipped, a hint of amusement coloring her words.

Xander shook his head with a smile. "No, that was the renaissance."

"Oh. I've had a really long week," Buffy muttered in explanation, her fatigue momentarily overshadowed by the prospect of adventure. "Let's go look at the house."

Berkeley University – Psi Theta Fraternity House

Buffy ascended the ladder with the grace of a seasoned warrior, her movements purposeful despite the rusted rungs and precarious footing. As she reached the rooftop of the decrepit fraternity building, her senses honed in on the faint sounds of movement below, drawing her towards the closest skylight like a moth to a flame.

Navigating through the scattered debris, Buffy approached the skylight with silent determination. With a deft maneuver, she lowered herself onto it, her muscles tensing as she brushed aside the remnants of decay to peer inside.

Her breath caught in her throat as her eyes landed on the familiar figures below, their presence igniting a fire of fury within her. The vampires rifled through her belongings with callous disregard, their mocking gestures fueling Buffy's rage.

"Score!" she murmured under her breath, her voice a low growl as she awaited Xander's arrival. Her scowl deepened as Sunday taunted her by holding up one of her cherished skirts, her mocking sway eliciting a snarl of indignation from Buffy.

"That's my skirt!" she grumbled, her irritation palpable as she exchanged a glance with Xander, who had finally joined her on the rooftop. "We have to kill them!" she declared, her resolve unwavering in the face of their trespass.

Xander's gaze swept over the scene, his mind already racing for a solution. "I need a weapon," he commented, his voice tinged with urgency as he peered through the skylight over Buffy's shoulder.

Buffy's eyes darted below, scanning for any sign of her arsenal amidst the chaos. "I don't see my weapons trunk down there. It was right by my bed," she noted, her heart sinking as her gaze landed on her beloved childhood toy, Mr. Gordo, now held captive in the hands of the enemy.

"Go to my room," Buffy commanded, her voice steelier now, her determination unyielding. "If it's not there, try Willow's. I'll keep an eye—my diary?" Her growl of frustration echoed through the rooftop as one of the vampires dared to toy with her most personal belongings.

"I'll hurry!" Xander promised, his understanding of the gravity of the situation evident in his earnest tone. "What do you want me to say to Piper and Phoebe if I see them?" he asked, a note of concern creeping into his voice.

"Tell them to come," Buffy answered, her voice a whispered plea for reinforcements as Xander turned to make his way back across the rooftop towards the ladder they had used to ascend.

"Laugh all you want," Buffy muttered venomously, her voice dripping with defiance as she peered down at the quartet of vampires gathered below. "This time we play it my way. And the rules are just going to be a little bit…"

Her words were cut short by a sharp crack echoing through the room, followed by the ominous sound of splintering glass. Before she could react, the old skylight beneath her gave way, sending her plummeting into the room below. With a jolt of pain shooting through her left arm as she made impact with the unforgiving floor, Buffy couldn't help but mutter a pained "Oof," her frustration evident even amidst the throes of agony. "And I just had Dad heal that arm for me."

As Sunday dropped the stolen skirt and turned her attention to Buffy, a smirk played on her lips. "Say, don't I know you from… beating the crap out of you?" she taunted, her words laced with mockery.

Brushing herself off and rising to her feet with a defiant grace, Buffy refused to let the pain weaken her resolve. "I just thought I'd drop in. Get it? Drop in?" she quipped, her attempt at humor falling flat in the face of the vampires' stony expressions. "Boy, tough room," she added, her sarcasm tinged with a hint of frustration as she assessed the situation.

Sunday's mocking laughter filled the room, her tone dripping with sarcasm as she addressed Buffy. "I must say, you've really got me now," she remarked, her words dripping with contempt. "I mean, it's a diabolical plan, throw yourself at my feet with a broken arm and no weapons of any kind. How am I ever going to get out of this one?"

Buffy's gaze swept across the dimly lit room, taking in the eerie ambiance and the scattered remnants of the vampires' lair. "You got a nice set up here," she remarked casually, her eyes locking onto Sunday's defiant gaze. "But you made one mistake."

Sunday narrowed her eyes as she took a menacing step forward. "Yeah? What was that?" she challenged, her voice laced with arrogance.

A smirk played on Buffy's lips, her confidence unwavering as she raised her hand, a flicker of power dancing in her palm. "You messed with a Charmed One," she declared, her words carrying the weight of destiny as a fireball materialized in her grasp.

But before Buffy could unleash the destructive force of the fireball, Sunday's fist connected with her face in a swift and unexpected blow. The impact sent Buffy reeling backward, her concentration shattered as the fireball dissipated into nothingness, extinguished by the abrupt interruption.

Berkeley University – Dorms

Piper, Phoebe, Willow, and Oz stood gathered in Kathy's dorm room, their expressions a mix of concern and confusion as they listened to her recount the unsettling events of the evening. The dark-haired girl's voice wavered slightly as she handed over the note that Buffy had left behind, the words on the page carrying an ominous weight.

"It seems kind of weird," Kathy concluded, her tone tinged with uncertainty as she looked to the group for answers.

Oz accepted the note with a solemn nod, his fingers tracing over the handwritten words as he absorbed their meaning. "Weird's a pretty good word for it," he muttered, his voice low and contemplative.

Piper, her brow furrowed in thought, echoed his sentiment. "Agreed. Buffy wouldn't just take off, especially when she knew Phoebe and I were meeting her here tonight," she asserted, her concern for her friend evident in her words.

"Buffy?" Kathy interjected, her confusion evident as she struggled to place the name.

"Payson's nickname," Phoebe clarified gently, offering a reassuring smile to the bewildered girl.

Willow, her anxiety palpable, voiced her agreement with Piper's assessment. "I agree with Piper. Buffy wouldn't just take off; that's just not her nature," she asserted, her words carrying a note of desperation as she tried to reassure herself as much as her companions. "Except for that one time she disappeared for several months and changed her name, but there were circumstances then. There's no circumstances."

"Does Payson have a history of emotional problems?" Kathy's question hung in the air, the tone a touch callous as curiosity tugged at her. Her gaze flickered to Willow, Piper, and Phoebe awaiting an answer, her concern masked by a hint of skepticism. "Because on my request form I was pretty specific about a stable non-smoker."

Willow bristled slightly at the implication, her protective instincts kicking in as she met Kathy's gaze. "Buffy's as stable as they come," she asserted firmly, her voice carrying a note of defense. "And she definitely doesn't smoke."

Oz, ever the observer, interjected with his observation as he handed the note to Piper for further scrutiny. "I don't think this is her handwriting," he remarked, his tone neutral as he awaited confirmation.

Piper took the note, her eyes scanning the text with a critical eye. "It's not her handwriting," she confirmed after a moment's examination. "It's a good approximation, but it's definitely not her handwriting."

Before the tension in the room could escalate further, Xander burst into the doorway with an exclamation, drawing everyone's attention. "It's a prank!" he declared, his voice ringing out with a mix of relief and excitement.

Willow's face lit up with joy at the sight of her childhood friend, momentarily forgetting her worries about Buffy. "Xander!" she cried out, rushing forward to envelop him in a tight hug, her relief palpable in the embrace.

Xander spread his arms wide, embracing Willow, Piper, and Phoebe in turn with warmth and familiarity. "How are my guys?" he greeted them warmly, his genuine affection evident in his embrace. He turned to Kathy, and hugged her as well. She stood shocked and bewildered at the sudden embrace. "I don't know you, do I?" he remarked with a friendly grin, his easygoing demeanor helping to ease the tension in the room.

"No," Kathy agreed.

Xander remained rooted in place, his earlier exuberance tempered by a sudden realization of the awkwardness of the situation. "This is very intrusive, isn't it?" he remarked, his voice tinged with a hint of discomfort as he glanced at Kathy.

Kathy nodded in agreement. "Little bit," she conceded, her own unease mirrored in Xander's stance.

Sensing the need to break the tension, Xander released Kathy from his embrace, stepping back with a sheepish grin. "Xander," he introduced himself, extending his hand in a gesture of friendship.

"Kathy," she replied with a warm smile, returning the handshake with equal sincerity.

As the introductions unfolded, Xander turned to Oz with a quizzical expression. "Do we hug?" he inquired, uncertainty coloring his tone as he sought guidance from his stoic friend.

Oz, ever the epitome of calm, responded with his trademark monotone. "I think we're too manly," he deadpanned, his words punctuated by a hint of amusement as he deftly deflected the notion of physical contact.

"What's the prank?" Phoebe asked, her thoughts drifting back to their missing sister.

Xander paused for a moment, his brow furrowing as he tried to recall the details of the situation. "Prank?" he echoed, his expression clouded with confusion before the memory clicked into place. "Oh, the room," he clarified, a wry smile playing on his lips. "Well, some friends of Buffy's played a funny joke, and they took her stuff. And now she wants us to help her get it back," he explained, his words punctuated by a hint of amusement.

As Xander took in the confused expressions of Willow, Piper, and Phoebe, he elaborated. "From her friends who sleep all day and have no tans," he added with a knowing look, the pieces of the puzzle finally falling into place for his friends.

Piper's frown deepened as she processed the information, her concern for Buffy's safety overshadowing any amusement at the situation. "She was going to wait for us to help her with them," she murmured, a note of frustration creeping into her voice.

Xander sighed, his gaze shifting to Buffy's sisters with a sense of regret. "We thought we could handle it," he admitted, his tone tinged with remorse as he grappled with the consequences of their impulsive decision.

Recognition dawned on Willow's face as she pieced together the situation. "Oh!" she exclaimed, her eyes widening in understanding. "Those friends!"

Oz, ever the master of understatement, offered a quiet observation. "Funny guys," he murmured, his words carrying a hint of irony as Kathy looked on with a mixture of bemusement and curiosity.

Xander's gaze lingered on Buffy's empty bed, where her prized weapons chest should have been. "They took the chest," he observed grimly, his voice tinged with frustration as he surveyed the vacant space.

Turning to his friends with a sense of urgency, Xander wasted no time in rallying them to action. "Well, let's go! Let's go to our friend," he declared, his determination unwavering as he addressed the group. "It's nice meeting you, Kathy," he added with a brief nod of acknowledgment to the girl he had embraced unnecessarily, his mind already focused on the task at hand.

With purposeful strides, Xander led the way out of the room, his friends falling into step behind him as they prepared to confront the unknown. Kathy's parting words followed them as Oz closed the door behind them.

Once they were out in the hall, Xander turned to his companions with a sense of urgency. "Let's go to Will's, get supplies," he suggested, his mind already racing ahead to the next step of their mission.

Piper, ever practical, offered an alternative solution. "Phoebe and I brought weapons," she interjected, her voice laced with determination. "It'll be quicker to get them from our car. We're parked just outside the dorm."

As they began to make their way down the hall, Phoebe couldn't suppress her concern for Buffy's safety. "Is Buffy in danger?" she asked, her voice tinged with apprehension.

Xander reassured her with a confident nod. "She's in a holding position," he assured her, his words carrying a sense of resolve as they pressed onward, united in their mission to rescue their friend. "We've got some time."

Berkeley University – Psi Theta Fraternity House

Buffy gritted her teeth against the pain coursing through her body as she hit the floor once more, every movement a struggle as she fought to reach her salvation—the weapons trunk. With single-minded determination, she began to crawl along the floor, her eyes fixed on her goal despite the relentless onslaught.

But Sunday, ever the cunning adversary, intercepted her path, a cruel smirk playing on her lips as she twirled Buffy's class protector award in her hand. "Oh, and this. This is my favorite item. What better way to say, I am the very most of geek," she taunted, her words dripping with disdain as she relished in her dominance over her fallen foe.

"You don't want to touch that," Buffy warned, but her warning fell on deaf ears as Sunday callously dropped the award to the floor, her eyes gleaming with malice as she stomped down on the handle, shattering the once-cherished symbol of Buffy's achievements. Anger surged within Buffy, fueling her determination as she faced her tormentor head-on.

As Sunday leaned in, seizing Buffy's left arm with a menacing grip, the Slayer's defiance blazed forth. "You know this arm's not looking so good. It might have to come off," Sunday threatened, her voice dripping with sadistic delight.

But Buffy met her gaze with unwavering resolve. "You want to know the truth? I only need one," she growled, her right fist clenched in readiness as she unleashed a powerful blow, sending Sunday reeling.

With a swift and fluid motion, Buffy rolled to her feet, her movements fluid and precise as she closed the distance between them. With a resounding kick, she sent Sunday hurtling over the couch, the impact shattering the coffee table beneath them.

As Sunday staggered to her knees amidst the wreckage, Buffy advanced with relentless determination. Each blow landed with calculated precision, the force of her kicks and punches driving Sunday back into the chaos of broken debris.

Amidst the fray, the lanky blond-haired minion and his companions watched on with a mixture of awe and trepidation. "This is startin' to suck," he observed dryly, the reality of their impending defeat dawning upon them as Buffy's fierce determination proved unstoppable.

Sunday rose to her feet, her visage contorted with the telltale ridges of her demon form, her resolve undeterred by Buffy's fierce onslaught. Sensing an opportunity, Sunday's female minion rushed to her aid, intent on turning the tide of the battle in their favor.

But Buffy, ever resourceful, seized upon the moment, her reflexes honed by years of combat. With lightning speed, she snatched up a nearby tennis racket, her muscles coiled with tension as she prepared to strike. Stepping up onto the arm of a nearby chair, she launched herself into a roundhouse kick, her aim true as she connected with Sunday's face.

As the female minion closed in, Buffy swung her right arm back in a swift motion, the broken frame of the racket colliding with the minion's body with a satisfying crunch. With a powerful force, the minion was sent hurtling over the couch, leaving a shattered piece of wood in Buffy's hand—a perfect makeshift stake.

Sunday, undeterred by the setback, advanced on Buffy with renewed determination. But before she could strike, a sudden commotion at the door shattered the tense standoff. Piper, Phoebe, Xander, and Oz burst into the room, the boy's armed with crosses and all of them ready for battle.

Without hesitation, Piper unleashed her explosive power, flicking her wrist with deadly precision to reduce the female minion to a pile of ash in an instant.

Meanwhile, Willow, still struggling to load her crossbow, found herself faced with the lanky blond-haired minion. Sensing an easy target, the minion advanced towards her with malicious intent, a predatory grin spreading across his face.

But Willow, undaunted by the looming threat, raised the crossbow just in time. With steady hands, she aimed true and fired, the bolt piercing the minion's heart with deadly accuracy.

As he looked down at the wooden shaft protruding from his chest, disbelief flickered in his eyes. "Woah!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with astonishment before he disintegrated into a cloud of dust.

Buffy stood tall, her resolve unyielding as Sunday lay sprawled on the floor, her once-menacing demeanor now reduced to a defeated state. "When you look back on this, in the three seconds it'll take you to turn to dust," Buffy spoke with steely determination, her words cutting through the air like a blade. "I think you'll find the mistake was touching my stuff," she added, her voice laced with a quiet confidence.

As the last remaining minion darted towards another exit, his retreat a testament to Buffy's overwhelming presence, Sunday scrambled to her feet, her fury reignited by Buffy's defiance. With a snarl, she launched herself at Buffy, her movements swift and relentless.

But Buffy was ready, her instincts sharpened by years of combat. As Sunday closed in, Buffy swung her left arm in a decisive arc, aiming for her adversary's head. Sunday, however, proved to be a formidable opponent, blocking the blow with a low growl of defiance.

"What about breaking your arm?" Sunday taunted, seizing hold of Buffy's left arm with a vice-like grip. "How'd that feel?"

Buffy met her gaze with a glare, her determination unbroken even as she felt the pressure of Sunday's grip. "Let me answer that question with a headbutt," she retorted, her resolve unshaken as she slammed her forehead into Sunday's, forcing the vampiress to release her hold and stumble back.

"And for the record," Buffy growled, her left fist clenched in defiance, "My dad, who also happens to be my Whitelighter, healed it." With a swift and powerful uppercut, she sent Sunday flying backward, her fury unleashed in a single devastating blow. "Though I did hurt it coming down," she added with a grimace, the memory of her fall a stark reminder of the battle's toll.

As her friends and sisters approached, offering their support, Buffy turned to them, her determination burning bright. "Hey, Buff. Need a hand?" Oz inquired, his concern evident as he surveyed the scene before him.

Buffy shook her head, a fireball forming in her hand as she faced Sunday one final time. "No thanks," she replied, her voice steady as she unleashed the fiery projectile with pinpoint accuracy, engulfing Sunday in flames. "I'm good," she stated with quiet resolve as Sunday erupted into a cloud of ash, her threat extinguished once and for all.

Turning to her beloved Class Protector award, Buffy approached it with a sense of relief, her fingers tracing over the plaque with gratitude. Despite the chaos and destruction that had ensued, she was grateful that this symbol of her achievements had remained intact.

Berkeley University – Footpaths

After successfully retrieving Buffy's belongings from the old fraternity building, Buffy led Piper, Phoebe, Willow, Oz, and Xander back to safety, each of them carrying boxes filled with Buffy's belongings. Xander trailed a bit behind the group, burdened by the weight of Buffy's trunk.

As they made their way Xander couldn't help but voice his curiosity. "So, all that other stuff in there? That's just gonna sit there, right? Uh, I mean, no one owns it in the strictest sense," he pondered aloud, his thoughts drifting to the abandoned items left behind in the fraternity house.

"It seems wrong, somehow," Oz murmured, his typically stoic demeanor betraying a sense of unease at the thought of leaving the belongings behind.

"Dibs on the rowing machine," Xander interjected suddenly, eager to lay claim to one particular item before anyone else had the chance.

Their conversation was interrupted as Giles approached them, his urgent demeanor drawing their attention. "Buffy!" he called out, his voice echoing in the quiet night air as he hurried to catch up with them, a crossbow in one hand and a cross and battle axe in the other.

"Hi, Giles," Willow greeted him casually as she walked past, her easy familiarity with the former Watcher evident as Giles fell into step beside her.

Piper, ever observant, couldn't help but notice the array of weapons in Giles' possession. "What's with the arsenal?" she inquired, nodding towards the weapons with a quizzical expression.

Giles stood before Buffy, his exhaustion evident in the lines etched on his face as he addressed her with heartfelt sincerity. "I've been awake all night. I know I'm supposed to teach you self-reliance," he began, his voice tinged with a sense of duty. "But I can't leave you out there to fight alone. To hell with what's right, I'm ready to back you up. Let's fight the evil a-and fight it together," he declared, his words filled with a rare vulnerability as he acknowledged his commitment to supporting Buffy in her battles against the forces of darkness.

Buffy, grateful for Giles' unwavering support, offered a quick nod of appreciation. "Great! Thanks!" she replied, though she couldn't bring herself to disclose just yet that the threat she had discussed with him had already been dealt with. "We'll get right on that," she promised, stepping around him to lead the way, her companions falling into step behind her.

As they walked, Giles couldn't help but express his confusion. "The evil is this way?" he asked, his brow furrowing in puzzlement as he followed Buffy and her friends.

Buffy glanced back at Giles with a wry smile. "My car is," she corrected, her tone lightening the mood as she subtly redirected their path.

Turning her attention to Piper, Buffy acknowledged her sister's earlier insight with a nod of agreement. "You were right, Piper. When a vampire can enter a dorm room uninvited… Well, I think I should just move back into the Manor. Where I don't have to worry about them stealing my stuff," she remarked, her voice tinged with determination as she contemplated the practicality of returning home.

Piper and Phoebe exchanged a knowing smile, their hearts warmed by the prospect of having Buffy back under their roof. With a silent understanding, they embraced the idea of welcoming Buffy back into the safety and comfort of the Manor, where they could face the challenges of the supernatural world together as a united family.

Santa Clara Women's Correctional

Buffy approached the entrance of the imposing prison, her heart heavy with a mix of emotions. She had come to visit her friend, Faith, who was now confined behind those cold, unforgiving walls. As she went through the necessary security checks, the weight of their shared past struggles and newfound connection weighed on her mind.

Finally, she stepped into the visiting area, and there, behind the glass partition, sat Faith, her eyes filled with a mix of surprise and relief as she saw Buffy walking towards her.

Faith's face lit up with a bittersweet smile as she picked up the phone receiver, and Buffy did the same, the familiar clatter of the device filling the air. Their voices were muffled, but their connection ran deep.

"Hey, B," Faith greeted softly, her voice carrying a hint of vulnerability.

"Hey, Faith," Buffy replied, trying to keep her emotions in check. "How are you holding up?"

Faith shrugged, trying to maintain her tough facade. "You know me, Slayer tough. It's not a vacation, but I'll manage."

Buffy looked at Faith, her heart breaking for her friend. "I know this must be really hard for you," she said softly.

Faith's tough exterior crumbled, and she let out a sigh. "Yeah, it's no walk in the park, that's for sure. But I'll get through it. I have to."

"You don't have to pretend with me, Faith. We're friends now," Buffy said, her voice filled with empathy.

Faith nodded, the weight of their newfound friendship evident in her eyes. "Yeah, I guess we are. The Chosen Two, huh?"

Buffy smiled, touched by the reference to their special bond. "Yeah, The Chosen Two. You're not alone in this, Faith. We're all here for you."

Faith's eyes softened, and a glimmer of gratitude shone through. "Thanks, B. It means a lot," she said, her voice choked with emotion.

Buffy reached out, her hand pressing gently against the glass as if trying to bridge the gap between them. "We'll face the future together. I'll be here when you get out, just like I promised."

Faith's smile held a mixture of vulnerability and hope. "I know you will," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Their visitation time passed all too quickly, but Buffy knew that this newfound friendship would endure beyond the confines of the prison walls. As they said their goodbyes, they promised to stay strong for each other and face whatever challenges lay ahead.

As Buffy walked away from the prison, she knew that the bond between them had grown stronger, and she was determined to be there for Faith every step of the way. The burden Faith carried was heavy, but she was not alone anymore. The Chosen Two were united, ready to face the world together and embrace the hope for a brighter tomorrow.

---

Author's Note: The scene with Professor Riegert always ticked me off. If a professor had treated me like that I would have dropped the class. That's why I changed the ending to that scene. Buffy had been told she could sit in and he was just rude to her, not letting her explain the situation. Of course though she should have talked to the Professor before sitting down.

Author's Note 2: I've had more than one person in either PM or Review mention Dark Willow. At this time I don't think there is a way to incorporate that story arc. Here is the reason... Willow and Tara moved into Buffy's house because of Buffy being dead so they can raise Dawn. Since in my story Buffy and Dawn (when she arrives) are living with Piper, Phoebe and Paige - Willow and Tara won't need to move in to raise Dawn. So that brings in how would I make the start of the Dark Willow arc work then? Willow goes Dark because Warren shoots and kills Tara when he's trying to kill Buffy in her back yard. If Willow and Tara are not upstairs in the bedroom overlooking the backyard then how does Tara get killed? At this time I just don't see a way of making that arc work.

Author's Note 3 (4/26/2024): I since found a way of resolving the Dark Willow arc.