Flashback 1 - 1838

Dublin, Ireland

Night - Streets

It was Christmastime in Dublin, and there was snow on the ground. People in the streets were all dressed in warm cloaks as carriages went by.

A very worried looking young man hurried along the road, constantly looking back to see if he was being followed. His name was Daniel. He passed a choir group singing "Silent Night", but paid them no mind.

In a more crowded area, Daniel pushed his way through the people, eliciting a few comments on his rudeness.

Suddenly, a pair of arms reached out from an alleyway, pulling Daniel in and throwing him to the snow-covered cobblestones.

Daniel looked up to see who his aggressor was.

Angelus was standing over him, sporting his vampire face. "Daniel. Where were you going?"

Daniel looked at him in shock and fear. "You! You're not human."

"Not of late, no," Angelus agreed.

"Wh-what do you want?" Daniel asked pleadingly.

Angelus smirked as he played with him for a moment. "Well, it happens that I'm hungry, Daniel, and seeing as that you're somewhat in me debt..."

Daniel crawled back, frightened. "Please, I can't!"

Angelus stepped closer. "A man playing at cards should have a natural intelligence or a great deal of money, and you're sadly lacking in both."

Daniel tried to get up and flee.

Angelus grabbed Daniel by the coat with a vampiric roar. "So I take me winnings me own way."

Daniel looked skyward, terrified as he began to pray. "The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures..."

"Daniel, be of good cheer," Angelus interrupted. "It's Christmas!"

With that, Angelus bit Daniel violently on the neck and began to feed.

∞

Now

Day One

Night - Angel's Mansion - Angel's Room

Angel woke up in his bed from his nightmare with a start. After realizing it was only a dream, he sat up in bed.

∞

Living Room

Bianca sat in the living room of the mansion, gazing off with dazed, expressionless eyes.

Every time she closed her eyes, she was in the Wishverse again, replaying every horrible thing she did without a soul all over again. Due to the Guardian power coursing through her veins, just like Alice, Brooke and Hope, she remembered every moment of the alternate universe where she never got her soul back from Zoey and Layla. She remembered everything she did to Hope, to Angel, to Wyatt, Carmen and Cordelia.

Bianca had already been haunted by the atrocities she had committed in her own world while she didn't have a soul, while her mind was liquefied by cancerous tumors that drove her over the edge of insanity. Now, she had an entire alternate life of memories flooding through her mind - each act of violence and betrayal replaying like a cruel film reel.

Bianca clenched her fists tightly, biting down on her lip to suppress the rising tide of nausea. These weren't just dreams; they were vivid recollections of the darkest corners of her being. The cries and screams of those she had tormented echoed in her ears, and she could almost feel the weight of their pain pressing down on her chest.

Worse, even - the memories from what she had done in her own reality and from the Wishverse were nearly indistinguishable in her weakened, shattered mind, leaving Bianca in a state of not knowing what she had truly done and what had been a figment of the alternate reality that danced around inside her mind. It was a dark tapestry woven from the very essence of her being, one that she couldn't escape.

"Bianca?" A soft voice broke through her reverie, and Angel stepped into the room, concern etched across his features. He had grown accustomed to seeing her lost in thought, but there was something different today - a weight that felt heavier than usual.

Bianca didn't respond, lost in her thoughts as the images flickered through her mind like an old film reel: innocent lives extinguished, friends turned to ashes, laughter twisted into screams. Each image felt like a dagger in her chest.

Angel had always taken Bianca under his wing as his protege, even when they both had been without their souls, but ever since Bianca had brought him back after their souls returned, he had felt almost paternal toward her. He knew that she had been abused by her father and manipulated by her brother Ford to betray the Summers in order to turn into vampires in order for her to survive, leaving her with no other family left alive or worth knowing, and she was struggling now more than ever.

Angel crossed the room, kneeling beside her, gently placing a hand on Bianca's shoulder to draw her out of her reverie. "Bianca. What's going on in that head of yours?"

"I can't... I can't shake it off," Bianca murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "The memories of what I did over there... what I could do again if I ever lost my soul..."

Angel shook his head urgently. "That wasn't you over there. Carmen and Zoey and the others all explained, remember? It was an alternate world. A wish world."

"But we all know I was just like that... before Zoey and Layla gave me my soul," Bianca whispered. "And if I lost it... like you did last year..."

Angel's grip tightened slightly on Bianca's shoulder, his brow furrowing with concern. "You won't lose it again. You fought hard to make amends, to make things right. You are not that monster anymore."

Bianca looked into Angel's eyes, searching for the reassurance she desperately needed. "But what if I can't control the darkness inside me? What if it comes back?" The panic in her voice was palpable as her fingers clenched into fists.

"You won't let it," Angel replied firmly. "You have us now. You're part of our family, and we won't let you fall into that abyss again."

Bianca inhaled shakily, struggling to find solace in his words, but the memories lingered like ghosts in the shadows of her mind. Images of torment danced before her eyes - of friends betrayed, laughter turned to screams, and a thirst for blood that had once consumed her.

Angel's heart ached at the raw pain in Bianca's expression. He leaned closer, his brow furrowed in concern. "Bianca, you've fought so hard to be better. You can't let the darkness of that world define who you are now."

"But what if it does?" Bianca's eyes glistened with unshed tears, her vulnerability laid bare before him. "What if I can't control it? What if I hurt everyone I care about again?"

Angel took a deep breath, searching for the right words, as he was still struggling with his past coming back to haunt him. "You have power and strength now - both from your Guardian magic and your soul. What you did before was not a reflection of who you are; it was a result of suffering and manipulation."

Bianca looked away, her fingers trembling as she conjured phantom images of their past battles - the times she had lost control, the nights spent tearing through innocent lives without remorse. The memories twisted in her mind like a dark vine, suffocating any flicker of hope she had.

Feeling a surge of pain within her mind, Bianca clutched at her skull. The pain that she had been forced to get accustomed to from the tumors in her skull in her melted brain even after she had turned into a vampire only seemed to amplify the agony of her past. "Angel, I can't keep living like this. I feel like I'm losing myself again."

Angel's heart broke at the sight of Bianca in pain. He reached for her hand, squeezing it gently in reassurance. "You're not losing yourself. You're fighting to be better, and that fight is what defines you now. You have the power to choose who you want to be."

Bianca looked into Angel's eyes, searching for the strength she desperately needed. "But what if I fail? What if I hurt you or the others?"

"You won't," Angel said firmly, his voice steady and reassuring. "You have a family that stands by you, ready to catch you if you fall."

Bianca took a deep breath, feeling the warmth of his hand enveloping hers, grounding her in the present moment rather than letting herself get lost in the nightmares that haunted her.

"Okay," Bianca whispered, although doubt still flickered in her mind. She couldn't help a whimper of pain as she put a hand to her head. "My head... it hasn't hurt like this since..."

Angel nodded in sympathy and understanding. "I know. Eric and Willow did a session to heal you yesterday, so I can head to town, find something else that can help with the pain until they can try again."

"Like what?" Bianca asked softly.

"Something from the magic shop that can help with pain that doesn't clash with Guardian power or witch magic," Angel answered. "Something that doesn't risk making your mind worse. Until I get back, why don't you get some rest?"

Bianca nodded slowly, feeling the heaviness of exhaustion settling over her like a thick blanket. She wanted to fight against it, to push through the pain and confusion that occupied her mind, but Angel's presence was a comforting balm.

"Okay," Bianca whispered, a small sigh escaping her lips as she let go of his hand and shifted back into the plush couch. "Just... don't take too long, please."

Angel smiled gently, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "I promise I'll be back soon. Just rest."

Angel leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to her forehead. Bianca's eyes closed at the comforting fatherly gesture, more of the tension leaving her body as Angel headed toward the door.

As he left the room, Bianca closed her eyes, hoping to find solace in sleep. Yet as soon as she slipped into the realm of dreams, the memories came flooding back - dark shadows looming over every familiar face, each moment twisted with regret and anguish.

She saw herself as both the Wishverse version and the soulless version of herself in her own reality - a cold, detached version of herself, relishing in tormenting those around her and rising to power by draining it from her victims. Alice, Brooke, Hope, Sofia... Every time she hurt Brady and Wyatt and thereby everyone else. The one time she nearly helped end the world. As she sought solace in sleep, memories surged again - visions of bloodshed and darkness that had once consumed her soul in either world. The faces of those she had wronged lingered in her thoughts like a ghostly choir, reminding her of the cost of power unchecked.

∞

Sunnydale Shopping District

In the window of an audio/video store, a TV was tuned to the weather.

Weatherman: (on TV) "It's going to be sunny and warm with temperatures continuing in the high 70s throughout the holiday weekend. Just a little warm to light the Yule log, but it should make for a very nice Christmas."

Angel walked past the shop window at a brisk pace and crossed the street.

Somewhere on the block was a group of carolers singing "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen".

Angel passed a Santa Claus ringing a bell and collecting for the Salvation Army. A passerby dropped some coins into his pot.

The Santa smiled. "Merry Christmas!"

Reaching the magic shop, Angel wandered inside to track something down that would be able to help ease Bianca's pain.

Once inside, Angel stopped short when he unexpectedly ran into Carmen. They were both surprised to see each other in the magic shop that night so close to Christmas.

Carmen was perusing a shelf filled with mystical herbs when she turned and nearly bumped into Angel. Her brows furrowed in surprise before softening into a warm smile, relieved to see Angel. Just as Spike had pointed out, despite the two soulmates attempting to keep from falling into an intimate relationship, their passionate feelings for each other never truly faded.

Carmen brushed a few stray strands of hair behind her ear. "Angel. Hey."

Angel managed a small, shaky smile in return, out of sorts tonight. "Carmen."

"I didn't expect to see you here," Carmen admitted. She couldn't help but tease him a little. "In case you forgot, I'm the witch here, not you."

Angel smirked slightly at that, chuckling softly. "Could never forget. I came to find something for Bianca. She's been struggling with some... aftereffects of this... wish world or whatever you guys called it."

Carmen's brow furrowed with concern as she stepped closer. "Yeah, Zoey, Layla, Brooke, Alice and Hope all saw visions of it because of their gypsies and Guardian powers. We knew Bianca would, too. The visions have been haunting all of them lately."

"Yeah," Angel replied, rubbing the back of his neck. "I know it's taking a toll on them all, but Bianca's having a particularly hard time dealing with it, given that her mind was already pretty shattered to begin with because of her sickness."

Carmen nodded, understanding, concerned for Bianca's well-being. "I know Eric and Willow healed her yesterday a little bit. Did that help?"

"In a way," Angel answered. "But she's having a lot of pain. Pain she hasn't had since before she turned, and we think it's because of the two worlds clashing in her head. Since Eric and Willow can't heal her again for another week because of the Guardian energy, I came to find something to help with her pain. Something that won't interfere with her powers. I just have no idea what I'm looking for."

Carmen's face lit up with understanding and determination as she turned instantly to motion toward a section filled with various vials and dried ingredients. "I can help. There are some remedies here that might work. If we combine a few things, we might be able to create something that eases her headache without compromising her Guardian magic."

Angel's expression shifted to one of gratitude as he moved closer to the shelves. "Thanks, Carmen."

Carmen led Angel to the shelves as she started to pick some ingredients.

Carmen began pulling vials from the shelf, her fingers deftly scanning the labels. "Okay, we'll need chamomile for its calming effects, and maybe some valerian root to help with the pain without suppressing her energy." She puled out a small jar. "Lavender Haze can soothe the mind without dulling her powers."

Angel nodded, his eyes focused on her movements, appreciating the way she took charge. "That sounds good. What else?"

Carmen continued down the shelf, scanning the labels until she spotted a jar of crystalline powder, holding it up for him to see. "And this is Moonstone Dust. It enhances intuition and can help her discern between real memories and those from the Wishverse. It might give her some clarity."

Angel watched as she worked, admiration swelling in his chest. "You really know your stuff."

Carmen glanced up, a bright smile breaking through her earlier concern. "It's what I do. But I might need your help gathering a few more things."

"Anything," Angel replied.

Carmen led him deeper into the shop, pointing out various herbs and enchanted stones that could amplify the effects of their potion. As they worked together, there was an easy rhythm that flowed between them - an unspoken understanding that made the task feel almost therapeutic against the backdrop of their tumultuous lives.

While gathering ingredients, Angel couldn't shake the feeling of warmth that enveloped him when he was around Carmen. The comforting familiarity made it easier to forget about the darkness that threatened to overwhelm him and Bianca both - as well as everyone else.

Angel looked at Carmen for a moment. "What were you doing out here so late, anyway?"

Carmen looked up at Angel. "I was getting some gypsy stones, bracelets and necklaces for Zoey and Layla. You know, Christmas and everything."

Angel nodded in understanding. "Ah."

Carmen frowned in concern. "But Zoey's been having a really hard time with the visions of the Wishverse too. She was a vampire but she kept her active gypsy powers and she was the second in command with the Master. Everything she did over there... she says that she was worse than Drusilla."

Angel frowned in concern, looking down in guilt as he remembered killing Jenny Calender in this world. "I remember. You guys said that Zoey was the one that killed... her aunt Jenny in the Wishverse. And she killed Cordelia and tortured all of you."

Carmen nodded. "I didn't see anything of what Zoey, Layla, Alice, Brooke, Bianca and Hope saw over there in the Wishverse, but... I know that it's bad enough that Zoey and Bianca are tearing themselves apart because of who they were over there. And I'm really worried about Zoey. And Layla."

Angel, even with his guilt nearly consuming him after everything he did to Zoey and Layla when he was soulless, was a constant comforting presence for Carmen in her life. "Of course you are. Zoey's your best friend. And Layla's the only true mother figure you've really known. You just want to help them."

Angel's heart warmed at the thought. "A Christmas gathering? That sounds perfect. It'll give everyone a chance to reconnect and heal together."

Carmen nodded eagerly as she poured the last of the ingredients into a bubbling cauldron. "And the holiday spirit might help lift their spirits, too."

The potion shimmered with a vibrant hue, emanating a calming aura that filled the air with a sweet fragrance.

Carmen turned to Angel with a small smile. "Good food, familiar facies, sharing stories, memories, even some laughter, and a chance to celebrate being alive. I think it could help Zoey and Bianca feel like they belong again, remind them of what we're fighting for. Plus, it might even give us another chance to bring Hope and Faith further into our friendships so they don't have to deal with the slaying world alone anymore, too. Zoey, Buffy, Brooke, Alice and I were all really worried about Hope and Faith and wanted to bring them in, and Layla's idea to bring everyone together was also to help Hope heal from her memories of the Wishverse, so it's the best of both, too."

Angel smiled softly at Carmen as he watched her work, feeling a sense of hope within in him. "You always know how to lift people's spirits. It's one of your greatest strengths."

Carmen glanced up, her cheeks flushed from the compliment. "Thanks, Angel. It's just... I care about them, you know? All of them. I want to see them happy again, not haunted by their pasts.

Angel nodded in agreement. The weight of his own past loomed over him as well; he understood the importance of family and support in overcoming darkness. He spent far too long going without one, and it led him to a lifetime of emptiness and loneliness he wouldn't wish on anyone else. He couldn't let the same thing happen to Bianca, Carmen, Zoey or the rest of the Scoobies.

Angel frowned in concern. "Are you sure that it's okay if I come? I don't want to make Zoey and Layla uncomfortable, after everything with Jenny and Enyos... Snowy."

Angel looked down in guilt and shame, swallowing as he struggled against his own demons threatening to break out and destroy him.

Carmen looked down briefly before she took a deep breath. "They're the ones that said I could invite you." Angel looked at Carmen in surprise. Carmen nodded. "After you saved their lives again, and after Zoey remembered what the alternate version of her did to Jenny in the other world. She said that it was... a horrific version of what happened to her here. You don't want to know the gory details, but... Basically, Zoey hates herself far more than she could hate anyone else. And she was already trying to give you a chance again."

"Zoey and Layla both gave me a second chance when they returned my soul," Angel murmured. "Even after what I did. I don't expect anything more from them. I don't deserve it, Carmen."

Carmen turned to face him. "No one deserves any of this. But you're making amends and they're seeing you try, just like Bianca's been trying. And that's what matters to them. You should hear how many fights they get into with Xander over this very conversation about you and Bianca. They believe in second chances. Everyone else should, too."

Angel paused, absorbing Carmen's words as he watched her spirits lift. "I just don't want to hurt them again. If they can forgive me, I don't want to squander that trust."

Carmen stepped closer, her eyes earnest and steady. "You're not the same person you were before. You've changed, Angel. You're fighting for others now, not against them. The fact that you're here, trying to help Bianca - it's proof of that. You're basically like her father at this point."

With a subtle chuckle, Angel nodded slowly, the weight of her words sinking in. "You're right. I need to believe in that change."

"Good," Carmen said with a bright smile, her confidence infectious.

Angel felt a flicker of hope at Carmen's words, but his past loomed over him like a shadow. He remembered the blood on his hands from the lives he had taken, the pain he had caused to those he loved. Even so, he could feel the warmth of Carmen's belief in him seep into his heart.

"Okay," Angel finally said, determination strengthening his resolve. "I'll come to Layla's gathering."

Carmen smiled brightly, relief washing over her features. "Good! I think it will mean a lot to them to see you there."

Angel managed a small smile in return. "I hope so."

Carmen tilted her head. "In a way, Zoey knows how you and Bianca feel. Living with memories of an alternate, soulless version of her playing through her mind of everything the other her did, as if it was her."

Angel frowned in thought, realizing she was right. "You're right. Like me and Bianca are two separate people before and after Zoey and Layla returned our souls."

Carmen nodded in agreement. "None of the rest of us know what to say to Zoey to help her. I guess..."

Angel looked at Carmen knowingly. "You want me to talk to her... if she'll let me."

Carmen bit her lip in thought. "If she wants to talk about it. I don't want to force her. I just... I don't know what to say to help her. But maybe you do, like you help Bianca."

Angel nodded slowly, understanding the weight of Carmen's request. "I'll do my best. If Zoey is open to it, I think it could help her to hear from someone who's been through a similar struggle."

Carmen smiled with gratitude. "Thank you, Angel. I know it means a lot to her, and to all of us. I think maybe it could help both of you and even Layla finally get some closure after everything last year."

Angel gave another nod, pressing his lips together. "Maybe it will."

Carmen gave him a soft smile. "Now let's finish this potion for Bianca so she can start feeling better before we head back."

As the potion bubbled gently, releasing fragrant wisps of steam into the air, they worked together seamlessly - Carmen guiding him with ingredients and measurements while Angel focused on the stirring method she had described.

Once they finished the potion, Carmen carefully ladled some into a small glass vial, corking it tightly before turning to Angel with a determined expression. "This should help Bianca manage her pain temporarily until Eric and Willow can heal her again."

Angel felt a sense of purpose begin to course through him. He was determined not only to help Bianca but also to support Zoey in navigating the shadows that threatened to consume her, relieved to have Carmen's guidance and support through every step of the way when he felt as if he could crumble as well.

"Thank you, Carmen," Angel told her.

Carmen nodded in agreement. "Come on."

Once they had everything they needed, they made their way back to the mansion. The atmosphere felt heavy with unspoken burdens, but there was also a glimmer of hope in the air - an understanding that together, they could confront whatever darkness lay ahead.

∞

Angel's Mansion - Living Room

Upon arriving at the mansion, Angel led Carmen inside where Bianca sat waiting in the living room. The warm glow of candlelight flickered around the mansion, casting long shadows that danced across the walls.

Bianca sat on the plush couch, her gaze distant as she stared at the flames flickering in the fireplace, lost in her thoughts.

As Angel and Carmen entered the room, the warmth from the hearth contrasted starkly with the chill that clung to Bianca's spirit. She looked up, her expression shifting slightly as they walked toward her.

"Hey," Carmen said softly, trying to break through Bianca's haze. "We brought you something."

Bianca blinked, shaking off her daze and pushing herself up straighter. "What is it?"

Angel stepped forward. "Carmen and I put together a potion that should help ease your pain."

Bianca's eyes flickered between Angel and Carmen, doubt wavering in her gaze. "I know Angel was going out to get something. But you didn't have to help, Carmen."

Carmen shook her head firmly. "Of course I did! We care about you, Bianca. Both of us."

Bianca's eyes brightened slightly as she sat up straighter. "What is it?"

Carmen stepped forward, holding the vial between her fingers, the liquid shimmering in the light. "It's a blend of herbs and potions. It should help ease the headaches and clear your mind from those... memories."

Bianca's gaze shifted between them, uncertainty etched on her face. "You really think it will help?"

Angel knelt beside Bianca, his voice steady and reassuring. "I do. Just give it a try. I'll be right here with you."

"We both will," Carmen assured.

With a hesitant nod, Bianca accepted the vial from Carmen, twisting the cork off and drinking it.

As Bianca swallowed the potion, a warm sensation spread through her, unlike anything she had felt in ages. The initial bitterness of the herbs faded quickly, replaced by a soothing wave that enveloped her mind and body. She could feel the tension in her shoulders easing slightly, the dull throb of pain beginning to dissipate.

"Keep breathing, Bianca," Carmen said softly, watching her closely. "Just let it wash over you." She sat down beside her, keenly observant. "How do you feel?"

Bianca closed her eyes, allowing herself to focus on the calming effect of the potion.

"It's... better," Bianca admitted slowly, opening her eyes to meet their gazes. "I can actually think a little clearer now."

A flicker of hope ignited in Angel's chest. "That's great to hear. Just take it easy; if you feel any more pain coming back, let us know right away."

Bianca nodded gratefully, the weight still heavy on her shoulders and psyche, but for a moment, she felt clarity and peace. She knew it was only a result of the potion, but in that moment, it was blessed relief.

Carmen beamed at Bianca. "I knew it would help. Just remember this feeling whenever those memories start creeping back in."

"I'll try," Bianca murmured. The weight of everything Bianca had experienced in both lives felt suffocating, and it was hard to shake off the memories that haunted her.

Carmen took Bianca's hand, offering a comforting presence. "You don't have to put on a brave face around me. I know about the darkness you've dealt with... It doesn't define you."

Bianca looked at Carmen, searching for solace in her friend's eyes. "It feels like it does sometimes. I can't escape what I was, or what I did... and now these memories from that other world? It's like I'm drowning in it all."

Angel and Carmen shared a concerned yet knowing look. They were aware that both Zoey and Bianca felt this way, and they were determined to help them through it.

Bianca's voice quivered as she spoke, "What if I can't emerge from it? What if I hurt someone again?"

Carmen tightened her grip on Bianca's hand. "You won't. You have us to help you, to remind you of who you are now. You've fought too hard to let the darkness win."

Angel nodded, leaning closer. "Remember, Bianca, what you did in the Wishverse was not a reflection of who you truly are. You have the power to choose differently now."

As Bianca took in their words, a flicker of hope ignited within her. "I want to believe that."

Carmen smiled warmly. "Then let's work together on this. We can create more potions, practice spells - whatever it takes to help you reclaim your mind and memories."

She could feel a sense of camaraderie building between them, reminding Bianca that she wasn't alone in this battle. It felt comforting and empowering.

Angel shared a look with Carmen before turning his gaze to Bianca again. "Zoey and Layla are having a Christmas gathering at their home, and we're invited. Layla wants to make sure everyone's healing from what both of them, you, Brooke, Alice and Hope saw from the Wishverse."

Carmen nudged Bianca's shoulder lightly. "All of us Scoobies together, Hope and Faith. Joyce is coming too. We might not get a white Christmas in sunny Sunnydale, but we can still manage to get a good Christmas out of the holidays, can't we?"

Bianca allowed a small smile to tug at her lips, the warmth of their encouragement wrapping around her like a comforting blanket. "A Christmas gathering, huh? Nice big happy family. Sounds nice."

Angel nodded, his expression earnest. "It'll give everyone a chance to relax and connect. We can share stories, laugh, and remind each other of the bonds we've built."

Carmen's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Exactly! Plus, we can indulge in all the holiday treats Layla will whip up. And who knows, maybe some fun games as well."

Bianca felt a flicker of anticipation at the thought of being surrounded by friends and laughter after everything they'd endured. "I could use that right now."

"Then it's settled," Angel declared, a sense of relief washing over him. "We'll go together."

Carmen glanced at Bianca, her voice tender and sincere. "You're not alone in this anymore, Bianca. We're in this together."

Bianca managed a small smile in return.

However, Bianca's attention was diverted to behind Angel.

In the middle of the living room, Bianca saw an apparition of her dead brother Billy "Ford" Fordham looking sinisterly back at her.

Memories rushed through Bianca - memories of Ford manipulating her into betraying the Summers and delivering Brady to Spike in return for turning into vampires and gaining eternal life so Bianca could survive her sickness. Brady had rightfully called out that Ford - by using Bianca's medications for pain to force her to comply to his insanity - was using his own sister as a tool and for his own ambitious gains while using the motivation that he was trying to save Bianca as a secondary excuse. In reality, Ford had wanted immortality for himself before he was killed by Brady himself the second he crawled out of his vampiric grave.

Bianca was absolutely frozen when she saw the figure of Ford in her living room as if he was living and breathing.

However, Angel and Carmen didn't see Ford and continued speaking.

"I should go home," Carmen admitted. "It's getting late."

Angel frowned in concern. "What about your family? Are you still losing your home?"

"Yes, but I'm staying with Zoey and Layla over Christmas break," Carmen answered. "Cordelia's going with one of her old friends to Aspen. I'll be fine."

Angel nodded in agreement.

Meanwhile, Bianca was staring in shock at the figment of her brother, and Ford was still staring at her silently.

Carmen noticed her distraction. "Bianca?"

Angel and Carmen followed Bianca's gaze, but neither of them saw Ford.

While Carmen saw nothing, Angel saw the apparition of his victim Daniel. Daniel was looking sadly back at Angel.

Angel was stricken, in utter shock.

Carmen turned her concerned attention back to Angel and Bianca. "What is it?"

Bianca's eyes widened in horror as she stared at the apparition of Ford. His sinister grin sent chills down her spine, memories of his manipulation and betrayal flooding back. Without warning, Bianca bolted from the couch, nearly knocking over Carmen in her haste.

"No, no, no," Bianca muttered, backing away from the phantom image of her brother. "You're not real. You can't be here."

Carmen reached out, trying to grasp Bianca's arm. "Bianca, what's wrong? What do you see?"

But Bianca was beyond hearing. With supernatural speed, she darted out of the living room and down the long hallway of the mansion. Her footsteps echoed off the stone walls as she ran, desperate to escape the haunting vision of Ford.

"Bianca, wait!" Angel called after her, but Bianca was already racing to the foyer.

Bianca burst through the front doors and out into the cool night air, not bothering to close them behind her. The crisp breeze whipped through her hair as she sprinted across the lawn, her legs carrying her as fast as they could.

∞ Slayers and Guardians ∞

Day Two

Morning - Sunnydale High School - Entrance

As Brady and Alice arrived at school in the week leading up to Christmas, Alice was still dealing with her memories from the alternate Wishverse as well. The halls were decorated with twinkling lights and festive garlands, but all Alice could focus on was the darkness that had once lurked beneath the surface of their lives.

"Hey," Brady said softly, noticing her distracted gaze as they walked through the bustling school entrance. "You doing okay?"

Alice forced a smile, though it didn't reach her eyes. "Yeah, just... thinking about everything. It's hard to shake off what I saw."

Brady nodded in understanding, squeezing her hand reassuringly. "I get it. We all do. But remember what you said? We're fighting for our lives here - the ones we've chosen now."

"I know," Alice replied quietly. "It's just... those memories feel so close sometimes. Like they could come back at any moment."

Brady looked at his soulmate in sympathy, but determined to help her spirits rise. "Then let's make sure it doesn't. We gotta help everyone move on from what you guys saw in that other world."

Alice nodded in agreement. "That's what Layla's planning with this Christmas gathering for everybody, especially Zoey and Bianca, knowing they're taking it the hardest. Zoey's still blaming herself for everything she did in this other life that wasn't even her, and Bianca..."

Brady looked down, swallowing in concern despite the conflicted past between him, Alice and Bianca. "She's struggling with her mind and making amends for things she did here. So memories from another life like this is going to be hell for her."

"Yeah," Alice agreed softly, looking at Brady sadly. "Brady, I know you're worried about her. And I am too. You don't have to hide that from me. Even after everything that happened."

Brady sighed, running a hand through his hair as they made their way to the crowded hallway. "It's just... I used to know her. Love her, even. Before all of this madness. I can't help but feel responsible for her well-being. Maybe if I had been able to reach her sooner..."

Alice stopped and turned to face him, placing a gentle hand on his arm, grounding him. "You did everything you could, Brady. We all did. You had no idea what was happening when Bianca and Ford got to town. That she was sick and her own brother was using her sickness to manipulate her into betraying you and to become a vampire to save her life. Bianca's choices were not of her own, but made from the insanity of her brother and her cancer melting her brain, and then the demon that took over her body after she became a vampire. She's a different person now and making atonement for those mistakes and choices. She's making her choices now, just like we have to make ours. It's not any more your fault she ended up where she is now than it is her own."

Brady nodded, although doubt lingered in his eyes. The weight of the past was heavy on both their shoulders, yet they had come so far together.

"How about we focus on making this Christmas gathering a bright spot for everyone?" Alice suggested softly, trying to inject optimism into the conversation. "We can create new memories - happier ones. Zoey and Layla really need it after all of their memories in the Wishverse. Especially since Zoey blames herself for 'killing' her aunt Jenny, Cordelia, Layla and me even when that wasn't her. We can make everything better, hopefully."

Brady managed a small smile at that. "You're right. You can make your Zoey - who is almost your stepsister at this point because of Layla and Giles - happier. And we can cheer up Bianca. And Brooke definitely needs it, too. My sister's been going through it since she got the memories of the Wishverse. She keeps replaying what it was like for me, her and Buffy away from Sunnydale and everyone that we love and turned into versions of Kendra and Sofia without friends or family besides each other, only caring about the fight rather than people. And how that got each of us killed in the end."

Alice took Brady by the hands. "But you have all of us here in this world. And none of us would ever let that happen to you or your sisters."

Brady nodded, determination flickering in his eyes. "You're right. We have a chance to make things right, to be there for each other. Let's focus on that."

Alice smiled, the warmth of his resolve helping to ease her worries. "We'll make this Christmas gathering special. A reminder of what we're fighting for and who we're fighting for."

As they walked through the hallways filled with laughter and chatter, Alice could feel a sense of hope stirring within her. The holiday decorations around them sparkled under the fluorescent lights, casting a warm glow that contrasted sharply with the weight of their recent memories.

"Speaking of making things special," Brady said, glancing down at Alice with a playful smile. "What are your thoughts on holiday traditions? You know, like decorating the tree or baking cookies?"

Alice chuckled softly. "I'd love to try both! I've never had a typical Christmas before. I mean, when you grow up training to become a Guardian, you have to forsake a lot of childhood keepsake memories such as Christmas."

Brady's eyes lit up with excitement and enthusiasm. "Then it's settled. We're going to have the best holiday ever. This Christmas is one you'll never forget. We'll start with decorating the tree at Layla's Christmas party. What do you think?"

Alice nodded enthusiastically, her previous worries momentarily forgotten. "That sounds perfect! We can even make it a competition -whoever decorates their section of the tree the best gets a prize."

Brady laughed, his playful spirit shining through as they continued their walk. "Oh, it's on! Just wait until you see my ornament skills. I might have to take creative liberties."

Alice raised an eyebrow teasingly. "Creative liberties? I hope that doesn't include putting tinsel on every single branch."

"Hey, tinsel adds flair!" Brady defended, smirking. "Besides, we can't have a tree without some sparkle."

Alice laughed, a genuine smile breaking through. "You're on! Just know that I have some serious decorating skills."

As they rushed down the hallway, excitement coursing through them, they passed by a classroom where the sounds of laughter and chatter filled the air. Inside, a group of students were putting together decorations for the upcoming holidays - a stark reminder of the normal teenage experiences Alice had missed out on.

"See?" Brady asked, gesturing toward the classroom. "Everyone's getting into the spirit. It's contagious."

Alice nodded, her heart swelling with warmth. "It really is. I can't wait to make new memories here. I always get to make the best ones with you and the rest of the gang."

Brady smiled, pulling Alice into his side as the couple shared an embrace while walking down the hallway. "And we'll keep making the best memories we can make."

Alice smiled softly as she pressed a kiss to Brady's lips, and for a moment, the chaos and darkness that loomed outside their world faded away, leaving just the two of them wrapped in warmth and light.

As they pulled away, Alice felt a renewed sense of hope wash over her. "I think this Christmas gathering is going to be the perfect way to remind everyone what matters most. We need joy, laughter, and a sense of belonging after everything we've faced."

Brady nodded, his expression serious as he glanced down the hallway filled with students. "And it will be a chance for Bianca to see that she's not alone in this fight. She deserves to feel accepted after everything."

Alice's heart swelled at the thought of bringing Bianca into their circle, despite her complicated past. "You're right. We can invite her to help decorate or bake cookies with us. It might help her feel a part of something again."

"Let's do it," Brady said firmly. "The more, the merrier."

Alice looked at Brady with a warm glow in her eyes. "I'm really glad I have you by my side through all of this. In the other world, it wasn't the same without you, Brady Summers. I want us fighting together, always."

Brady smiled, kissing Alice on the head, causing her eyes to flutter closed at the intimate action. "Forever. Other worlds might have kept us apart, but in this one, I'm not going anywhere."

As they continued to walk, the festive atmosphere began to seep into Alice's heart, lifting her spirits further.

Brady and Alice caught up with the other teen Scoobies.

Brady, Alice, Buffy, Eric, Zoey, Brooke, Carmen, Xander and Willow were gathered around Carmen as she explained how she and Angel made the potion for Bianca the night before to help with her pain until Eric and Willow could heal her mind again, before Bianca's "episode" where she took off, or as it seemed to Carmen, since she hadn't been able to see Ford - or Daniel's - apparitions the night before.

"And then Bianca just bailed," Carmen finished. "She didn't say anything. She just took off. It was so weird."

Zoey, Brooke, Eric, Brady and Alice exchanged a concerned look.

"Bianca?" Xander retorted. "Weird? What are the odds?"

The others shot Xander a look.

"Do you think something's wrong?" Willow asked.

Eric raised his eyebrows at Willow skeptically. "You mean other than her pain, the fact that we can't heal her mind again for at least a week without our magic clashing with her Guardian powers, and she has a whole other life worth of memories as a soulless vampire causing mayhem in another world that she can't distinguish from her memories of what she did in this world?"

Zoey turned to Carmen. "You said that the potion you made for her was working."

"It was," Carmen confirmed. "But then she took off, so I don't know if it backfired, or..."

Brooke frowned in concern. "We can talk to Wyatt. I'm sure he'll know what to do."

"Yeah, we can tell Layla, Giles and Wyatt when we reach the library later," Buffy agreed, wanting to help.

Brady sighed heavily. "Do you think Bianca's going to be okay, though?"

"Considering that she was insane before and now she's doubly insane from memories an alternate version of herself running amok in her mind?" Xander asked. "No, highly doubtful. But then again, when was Bianca ever sane or okay?"

Everyone was very tired of Xander's quips about Bianca and Angel.

"Xander, enough, okay?" Alice asked. "Bianca's trying and so is Angel. Just drop it."

Carmen sighed heavily. "And Angel was really down last night, too. I'm worried about him."

Willow tried to perk up. "Maybe they just have the holiday blues. Everybody gets them. Especially when they're alone."

"It's just so frustrating," Buffy admitted. "After everything you guys remember from the Wishverse, Layla's going above and beyond to try and throw this Christmas gathering for all of us so we can move on and heal, and then, boom, more badness."

Brooke nodded in agreement with her twin. "Yeah, why can't we just have a nice, quiet holiday vacation?"

∞

Student Lounge

The Scoobies walked into the student lounge, where there was a big Christmas tree set up.

"So what's the special plans Layla has for this party, Zoey?" Brady asked. "I bet you and Alice are helping set it up, so spill the beans you two. We all need something to look forward to."

Zoey glanced around the lounge, her eyes brightening slightly as she took in the decorations already being put up despite her own memories of the Wishverse haunting her nearly as bad as Bianca. "Well, Mom is going all out. She wants to have a potluck-style dinner first, so everyone contributes their favorite holiday dish. There's going to be a cookie decorating station too, which I think Alice will love."

Alice smiled enthusiastically. "Layla and my father wanted to go all out not just to compensate for my lack of Christmases in the past, but for all of what we've all been going through. So this is going to be fun. Brady even said that he would help me bake cookies as a tradition."

Brady chuckled. "And knowing you, Alice, they'll look like art pieces rather than just cookies."

Everyone smiled slightly.

"There will also be games," Zoey added, her excitement growing. "Mom wants to do some holiday-themed charades and maybe even a Secret Santa."

"Secret Santa?" Eric raised an eyebrow. "That sounds fun but challenging since we all know who each other are."

"That's kind of the point!" Carmen chimed in, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "It'll be hilarious to see if we can guess who each of our Secret Santas are just by the gifts they give."

"It'll be a good way to bring light to all of us, for sure," Buffy agreed.

Willow tilted her head. "Eh, I don't know. Me and Eric are Jewish. Remember, people? Not everybody worships Santa."

Eric smiled, rolling his eyes slightly. "Come on, Will. There's a reason why it's called Chanukah. Everybody needs this right now."

Willow nodded in agreement.

As they group went to go sit down, they noticed Cordelia sitting on one of the couches with a friend.

Xander was instantly nervous upon seeing Cordelia.

Brooke took her bag over to the Holiday Food Drive collection box behind the couches, starting pulling cans of food out of her bag, putting them in the box. All of these were things that she, Buffy and Brady had gathered from the Summers home to give to the food bank.

Alice, Eric, Zoey and Carmen had brought food as well, taking out bags from their backpacks and putting them in the box.

"Well, I'll be enjoying my annual Christmas Eve camp-out," Xander told them. "See, I take my sleeping bag outside and I go to sleep on the grass."

Cordelia and her friend stood up, her friend walking over to the stairs, waiting for Cordelia.

Brooke looked at Xander. "Sounds fun."

"Yeah," Xander agreed. "I like to look at the stars, you know? Feel the whole nature vibe."

Cordelia smiled smugly. "I thought you slept outside to avoid your family's drunken Christmas fights."

Xander gave her a look, as if he expected no less from her. "Yes. And that was a confidence I was hoping you would share with everyone." He smiled sarcastically.

"Well, I'll be in Aspen," Cordelia told them. "Skiing. With actual snow."

"I hear that helps," Alice told her.

Zoey and Carmen raised their eyebrows at Cordelia, wondering if she was putting on a facade of civility for their benefit, as Cordelia had promised not to make them choose between her and the Scoobies again.

Yet, Cordelia couldn't resist being a little snarky after Xander and Willow's betrayal. "It must be a drag to be stuck here in Sweatydale, but I'm thinking of you."

Zoey rolled her eyes at Cordelia's comment. "Well, good for you, Cordy. Enjoy the snow while the rest of us brave the warmth of Sunnydale. Just remember to bring back some of that great hot cocoa."

Cordelia smirked. "You know I will."

Carmen cleared her throat, trying to diffuse any lingering tension. "Maybe we could all get together at Layla's Christmas gathering when you come back? It'll be a chance to reconnect."

Cordelia raised an eyebrow, considering it for a moment. "Sure, I guess I could make an appearance. If only to show off my fabulous ski gear."

Zoey chuckled with a cross of her arms. "Wouldn't expect anything less."

"You sure you're gonna be okay here, Carmen?" Cordelia asked.

Carmen nodded. "I'll be with Zoey and Layla for Christmas. You go have fun in Aspen. You deserve it, Cor."

"Remember you have a place with us too if you come back early," Zoey added. "Mom always has an extra guest room available."

Cordelia's expression softened slightly, and she seemed to consider their invitation more seriously. "Thanks, Zoey. I've been enjoying the time away from the chaos for a bit, but... your family always knows how to make things feel like home."

Zoey and Carmen smiled slightly.

Alice smiled brightly. "You're welcome anytime, Cordelia. We could use some of that Aspen flair at the gathering."

Brooke gave a small grin. "Yeah, maybe you can bring back some snow and sprinkle it around for effect."

Cordelia rolled her eyes playfully. "As if I'd waste my precious snow on this town. But fine, I'll think about it."

Brady chuckled at the banter. "Just don't think too hard; we like you when you're not overthinking everything."

"How sweet," Cordelia shot back, smirking. "Though it's probably unintentional flattery; coming from you, Brady, doesn't really hold much weight."

Carmen laughed lightly as she watched Cordelia still maintain a decent friendship with the other Scoobies other than Xander and Willow, on the behalf of Zoey and Carmen. Despite Cordelia's rage and pain of being betrayed in such a way, she wasn't trying to punish everyone, and the banter between them felt lively and spirited that lit up their moods from their previous worries. She relished in her sister trying for her and Zoey if nothing else.

As Cordelia gathered her things and waved goodbye, she walked away.

"Well, at least she hasn't reverted to complete form," Buffy remarked, looking back at Zoey and Carmen. "I think that's entirely to do with the two of you, though."

"Yeah, Cordy's trying," Carmen agreed. "And I love her for it."

"Yeah," Eric agreed. "It's a pretty big step for her. And we gotta cut her some slack after everything. She's doing a pretty damn good job, considering."

"Exactly," Willow agreed. "And forgiveness is a big theme with me this year."

"That's the Christmas spirit," Xander told her.

"Hello, still Jewish," Willow told him. "Chanukah spirit, I believe that was?"

"Yes, Chanukah is definitely the order of the day," Eric agreed. "Or week."

Everyone chuckled, smiling slightly.

∞

Library

As the Scoobies approached the library, Brady pointed toward the entrance of the library where a large banner reading "Happy Holidays!" hung above the doorway. "Looks like Layla's already getting into the spirit."

Zoey smiled, imagining her mother coordinating everything as she always did, ensuring their friends had a place to celebrate together.

Alice chuckled, a warmth spreading through her as she imagined her father allowing Layla decorate his sacred library purely for the benefit of the teenagers.

Brooke couldn't resist a smile as she imagined Wyatt inside the library and taking everything in with his usual mix of amusement and stoic humor.

"This should be good," Zoey remarked.

"Let's go inside," Buffy said, practically bouncing on her feet.

"After you," Eric replied with a laugh, gesturing for Buffy to lead the way, opening the door for her.

Buffy smiled at Eric before ducking into the library, followed by the other Scoobies.

When they entered the library, they were greeted by a flurry of activity. Layla was bustling about, hanging garlands and arranging tables filled with various treats and decorations. The atmosphere was warm and inviting.

Giles and Wyatt were watching with amusement as Layla put them to work with helping decorate the library with a cheerful tone for when the younger Scoobies arrived.

"Look who's here!" Layla exclaimed, glancing up from her work. Her face lit up with joy as she spotted Zoey and the others entering. "Just in time!"

Wyatt looked toward Zoey in amusement. "Your mother has been making us decorate the entire library for an hour just for you guys."

Zoey grinned widely, feeling a surge of excitement at the sight of her mother so animated.

Brooke smiled as she made her way toward Wyatt, grinning at the sight of her boyfriend being pulled into the decorating. "The all-powerful warlock was forced to do anything?"

"Maybe I wanted to help to see that smile," Wyatt replied, meeting Brooke's gaze with warmth.

Brooke's heart swelled at his words, and she leaned in closer as they joined the others.

Layla chuckled, catching Wyatt's teasing tone. "Don't let him fool you; he's been a great help. Who knew that a warlock could be so good with tinsel?"

Alice walked up to Giles, smiling at her father. "Even you, Dad?"

Giles looked down at Alice, his expression softening at the sight of his daughter. "Anything to make sure this place looks festive for you all. After all, this is the first Christmas we've truly been able to celebrate, Alice. Layla and I wanted to make it the best not only for you and Zoey but for everyone." He gestured animatedly as he added some ornaments to a nearby tree.

Willow smiled, her eyes sparkling as she glanced around the library, taking in the warmth and laughter that filled the air. "Speaking of festive, this is amazing. It feels like we're stepping into a holiday postcard."

Xander nodded in agreement. "Yeah, it really does look great in here. It's far better than anything I've ever seen in my family's living room."

Carmen beamed. "It feels like home."

Zoey joined Layla's side. "It's amazing, Mom."

Layla enveloped Zoey in a warm embrace. "I'm so glad you all like it. I want this place to feel like a warm haven for all of you. After everything you've been through, you deserve some holiday cheer."

Alice glanced around at the festive decorations and the bright lights twinkling against the backdrop of the library shelves filled with books.

"It really does feel homey," Alice said softly. "I love it."

Layla smiled softly at Alice, reaching over to take her by the hand. "I'm so glad you do, Alice. You deserve to have the best first Christmas." She looked at Eric and Willow, quickly correcting herself on their account. "Chanukah. I'm sorry."

Eric and Willow smiled happily.

Giles smiled softly. "Yes, Layla's gone above and beyond."

"Well, you and Wyatt have certainly been a help, Rupert," Layla replied.

Wyatt smirked slightly as he wrapped an arm around Brooke. "Yes, well, some of us truly needed the holiday spirit."

"I think we all did," Brady agreed. "Though you guys are certainly getting a headstart. The party's not for a while."

"True, but Layla pointed out that you could use some cheer in the library leading up to the party, and Wyatt and I agreed," Giles admitted.

Eric smirked slightly. "It doesn't help that Layla has Giles wrapped around her finger."

Giles adjusted his glasses, a hint of pink creeping into his cheeks. "I assure you, I'm doing this entirely of my own volition."

"Sure you are," Xander teased, crossing his arms. "We can all see who's really running the show here."

Layla chuckled, leaning against Giles affectionately. "And I plan to keep it that way. You all deserve some joy after everything you've faced."

Brooke looked at Giles with a playful grin. "But it's nice to see a bit of that holiday cheer shining through the stoic Water facade."

"Absolutely," Buffy beamed. "It's always nice to see our Watcher let his guard down."

"Either way, it's wonderful to see all of you together," Layla said warmly, her eyes sparkling with affection as she surveyed the group. "The holidays is about family, and you are all my family now."

Zoey felt a swell of emotion at her mother's swords. "And I'm glad we have everyone to share this with."

Zoey glanced around at her friends, feeling a warmth enveloping them despite the chaos they had faced.

Everyone smiled warmly.

"Let's make this the best Chanukah ever," Willow declared.

The atmosphere pulsed with promise and warmth, an antidote to the shadows that had lingered in their lives.

As the Scoobies began to contribute to the decorations, laughter and cheerful banter filled the air.

As they did, Carmen moved closer to Wyatt to share her concerns about Bianca and Angel from the night before.

Carmen turned to Wyatt, leaning in a little closer as the others became busy with the decorations. "Hey, can we talk about Bianca and Angel for a second?"

Wyatt glanced toward the bustling group, noting how Zoey, Alice and Brady were helping Layla hang ornaments while Brooke, Buffy and Eric debated the best way to wrap tinsel around the tree. "Sure, what's on your mind?"

Carmen's expression shifted from cheerful to serious. "I'm really worried about them. After everything that happened last night - with Bianca's episode and Angel being so down - I just feel like they're both struggling more than they let on."

Wyatt nodded concern etching his features. "You told me about the potion you made. Did it help?"

"Yeah, but she saw something," Carmen answered. "A vision, or something. I don't know, she just looked so shaken when she bolted last night."

"It could be something she saw from her visions of the other world," Wyatt suggested. "We won't really know until Bianca tells us. And Angel... I know he has a lot of guilt he's still carrying around from his past. It's hard for him to see her suffering like this. He's adopted a father like role with her ever since she brought him back from the hell dimension, which we don't even know how she was capable of doing."

Carmen sighed heavily, her brows knitting together in worry. "I'm just worried that Bianca could start spiraling again, and I just want to be able to help Angel."

Wyatt looked thoughtfully at Carmen, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "I know you want to help, and you're doing a great job just being there for both of them. But we can't force them to confront their pain if they're not ready."

Carmen nodded, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. "I just wish there was more we could do. They both deserve to feel free from those memories, especially during the holidays."

Wyatt squeezed her hand gently, his eyes softening. "We'll need to keep an eye on them, but maybe this gathering will help them connect. I think the best thing we can do right now is to show them that they're not alone. Layla's gathering will be an opportunity for them to connect with everyone and maybe it'll help them both feel supported."

Carmen nodded, though her eyes betrayed her lingering concern. "But what if they're too far gone? What if the memories overwhelm them both during the party? I want to make sure they both feel safe."

"They will be," Wyatt assured her. "We'll keep an eye on Bianca and Angel. If anything happens, we can step in. The moment they feel uncomfortable, we'll help them through it."

Carmen took a deep breath, trying to ground herself in Wyatt's comforting presence. "You're right. Layla's right about one thing -family helps heal wounds."

∞

Night - Christmas Tree Lot

Zoey and Layla walked through the tree lot, trying to find the right tree for their gathering.

Other shoppers were also selecting trees.

Off to one side, the tree merchant was spraying fake snow onto a tree.

Layla looked over to one of the snowed trees. "Do you wanna get one with snow on it? It would be very Christmasy."

Zoey glanced around as they continued through the tree lot. "I think those are just for display."

Layla shrugged. "Oh. I just want to find the perfect one for the house. Everyone deserves to have the perfect holiday."

Zoey looked at Layla, tilting her head. "Mom, don't you think you might be overcompensating a little? You don't have to try to make everything better."

Layla took Zoey by the hand, pulling her closer. "I know I don't have to, Zoey. I just want to try and help everyone move on. It's my way of trying to move on, too. The Wishverse memories are too much for any one person to take."

Zoey nodded in understanding. "And putting all of your energy into making the best holiday for all of us is your way of dealing with your memories."

"Exactly," Layla agreed. She guided Zoey through the tree lot, sighing heavily. "You don't have to keep pushing me away, either, you know."

Zoey looked down, swallowing. Her memories of the Wishverse were running rampant in her mind, replaying all of the horrible things she had done to Layla, Alice, Carmen, Cordelia... her aunt Jenny.

As much as Zoey was trying to act as if everything was fine, Layla knew her daughter. And with their shared empathy power, Layla could feel just how tormented Zoey was by the memories of what Vampire Zoey had done to the people she loved the most in the parallel universe.

"Zoey, you have to know that whatever you think you did..." Layla trailed off. "It wasn't you. It was that other version of you, twisted by darkness. You're not her."

Zoey stopped walking and turned to Layla, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "But I still saw it. I still feel it. All those terrible things. And sometimes it feels like I can still hear their screams, see their faces..." Her voice trembled, and she could feel the weight of guilt pulling her down.

Layla wrapped her arms around Zoey tightly, holding her close. "We're not defined by our pasts, sweetheart. And we're definitely not defined by alternate universe versions of ourselves created by a wish granted by a vengeance demon. You've fought so hard to become who you are now. You're brave and strong, and you've chosen to fight for the good side."

Zoey leaned her head against Layla's shoulder, feeling vulnerable and exposed. "But that other world showed me just how easy it could have been to go the other way. I just don't want to become the darkness that she was."

Layla stroked Zoey's hair soothingly. "You won't. You could never become her, Zo. We'll make sure of it."

Zoey pulled back slightly, looking into her mother's eyes, searching for reassurance. "But what if I slip? What if I lose control?"

Layla cupped Zoey's face gently with her hands. "You have so much love inside you, so much light. It's that love that will guide you through even the darkest moments. You have your friends, your family, and me. We're all here for you."

As Zoey took a deep breath, she felt the warmth of her mother's words seep into her heart. "I just... I need to believe that."

"You don't need to do this alone," Layla said softly. "This gathering is about bringing everyone together, sharing our burdens, and reminding each other that we are not defined by the darkness we've faced but by the strength we've shown in overcoming it."

A slight smile crept onto Zoey's face as she absorbed Layla's comforting words. "You're right. Maybe being together will help."

Zoey took a deep breath, allowing her mother's warmth to comfort her, even as the shadows of the past lurked at the edges of her mind.

Layla pulled back slightly, searching Zoey's eyes for reassurance. "You're right. We're doing this together, remember? You have a family that loves you and stands beside you."

With a nod, Zoey allowed a flicker of hope to ignite within her heart. "I know... I just wish it were easier."

Layla smiled gently. "Healing takes time, and it's okay to feel overwhelmed. But each day is a new opportunity to choose who you want to be, and I believe in you."

"Thanks, Mom," Zoey whispered, feeling the weight on her shoulders ease ever so slightly.

Just then, Layla spotted a tree that stood out amongst the sea of green pines, its branches perfectly symmetrical and adorned with an artificial layer of snow that glistened under the lights strung overhead. It was perfect.

"Zoey, look at that one!" Layla exclaimed, pointing toward the tree. Its branches were lush, and the artificial snow glimmered like frost under the holiday lights. "What do you think?"

Zoey turned to follow her mother's gaze, her heart swelling with a mix of excitement and warmth.

"It's beautiful," Zoey admitted, a smile breaking through her earlier somber mood. "Let's get it!"

As they approached the tree, Zoey couldn't help but feel a sense of hope rising within her. Maybe decorating this tree would be a step toward letting go of the darkness that had clung to her spirit for so long.

Layla reached out to clasp Zoey's hand for support as they stood before the tree.

"This will be perfect for our gathering," Layla said, beaming with pride. "Let's make sure it's decorated beautifully. I'll talk to the merchant."

"Okay," Zoey agreed, looking toward the back of the lot, distracted. "Uh, I'll be right back."

"Okay," Layla said.

As the merchant walked closer to greet them, he gave them a wide smile, his tinsel-covered hat bouncing as he approached. "Looking for a tree, ladies? You've picked one of our finest!"

Layla pointed to the magnificent tree. "Yes. I think we'll take this one."

As they continued to talk, Zoey walked away toward the back of the lot.

Unexplainably drawn to the back, Zoey noticed an area of where six trees were all brown, along with the grass and plants all around them.

Zoey frowned, walking over to the trees for a closer look.

An worker walked up behind Zoey. "Bunch of them up and died on us. Don't know why. If you want one, I can make you a hell of a deal."

"No, thank you," Zoey replied. "My mom's getting one right now."

Zoey turned to walk over to Layla and the tree merchant.

∞

Bianca's Dream

Images of a fire and burning candles floated around in a small, cavernous space.

The image of a round table with candles at its center and ritualistic artifacts arranged to form three spokes upon it, all surrounded by a circle, appeared.

Three chanting figures were sitting round the table, their palms placed flat upon the table's rim, as if using a Ouija board. The table and figures floated by several times.

Suddenly the view angled up from the table and into the face of one of the three figures. It had no eyes, but instead had runes branded in the flesh where eyes should be.

∞

Angel's Mansion - Bianca's Room

Bianca woke with a gasp, frightened and breathing hard. She realized it was only a dream, rubbing her head with her hands.

Scarily enough, she didn't know if it was a Guardian prophetic dream or something worse.

∞

Day Three

Morning - Hope and Faith's Motel Room

In their dingy motel room, Hope and Faith were alone as the sisters were trying to get the TV to work, slapping and shaking it to try and get some reception, but got nothing.

When there was a knock at the door, Hope opened it. "Yeah?"

Buffy and Brooke were outside, walking in.

"Hey," Brooke greeted.

"Hey, what's up?" Faith asked. She shook the TV again. "Work, damn it!"

Buffy closed the door. "Hey."

Faith gave up, turning off the TV.

"What's going on?" Hope asked. "Scary monsters or Wishverse dreams again?"

"Neither," Buffy answered. "Layla's having a Christmas Eve gathering at her and Zoey's house, and we've been inviting everybody."

Hope nodded. "Yeah, Zoey and Alice called about it. Said that it could help with moving on from everything we saw."

"Exactly," Brooke agreed. "I know you saw a lot of messed up things over there, Hope."

Hope nodded in agreement. "Yeah, Faith died before she could become a Slayer, I was a juice box for the Master. And the only one that took care of me is the same one that fed off me, too. And I ended up killing us both. Messed up things is kind of an understatement, Brooke."

"That's why you should come," Buffy urged. "Everyone's invited, and we really want you both there. It's a chance to celebrate the holidays together, to find some joy amidst all the chaos."

"What do you think, Faith?" Hope asked, crossing her arms, turning to face her sister. "You up for some holiday cheer?"

Faith shrugged, a smirk playing on her lips. "Why not? It's better than watching this TV trying to spit out static. Plus, I heard Layla can cook up a storm. Might not be too bad."

Hope nudged Faith playfully. "You just want to eat your weight in cookies and whatever they serve. You care about the food more than the company."

Faith winked at her sister in return. "Can you blame me? Good food is like a solid weapon against emotional baggage."

Hope smiled, turning to Buffy and Brooke, nodding. "But yeah, I guess it'd be nice to see everyone together, especially after everything that went down. I don't know about you, but I could use some holiday cheer instead of sitting around sulking in this dump."

Faith chuckled softly despite herself.

Brooke and Buffy smiled softly in relief.

"Great," Buffy told them. "We'll see you guys there."

Faith nodded. "At least we got invited to a Christmas party this time. Should be a blast."

"A party at the Francis Mansion usually is," Brooke said teasingly. She looked around, noticing the Christmas lights that Hope and Faith had strung up around the room. "I like the lights."

Hope shrugged. "Yeah. Well, tis the season. Whatever that means."

The four girls smiled slightly.

∞

Night - Giles Apartment - Kitchen

That night, Alice and Brady were in the kitchen of the Giles apartment as Brady was guiding Alice through baking Christmas cookies to take to Layla's holiday gathering.

Alice stood at the kitchen island, flour dusting her cheeks as she carefully measured out sugar, the sweet scent filling the air. Brady leaned against the counter, arms crossed and a playful grin on his face as he watched her concentration.

"Are you sure you know what you're doing?" Brady teased, raising an eyebrow. "I mean, I've seen you take down vamps with ease, but this cookie business looks a little more... delicate."

Alice shot him an affronted look, her hands on her hips. "I can make cookies, thank you very much! Just because I'm a Guardian doesn't mean I can't handle a simple recipe."

Brady chuckled, stepping closer to inspect her work. "Alright then, Miss Guardian Baker. What's next?"

Alice pointed to a bowl filled with sprinkles. "We need to decorate them after they bake. That's the fun part!"

"And maybe we could create some unique designs," Brady suggested with a mischievous glint in his eye.

Alice carefully rolled out the dough, a wide smile on her face. Brady leaned against the counter, watching her with an amused expression as she sprinkled flour over the surface like it was fairy dust.

"Do I get to eat some cookies when they're done?" Brady asked, leaning in closer with a playful grin.

"Only if you help," Alice shot back, winking at him. "This isn't just a spectator sport. We're a team!"

Brady chuckled, stepping forward to take the rolling pin from her hands. "All right, team leader. Let me show you how it's done."

Alice raised an eyebrow but handed over the pin willingly. "Just don't make a mess, or I'll have to add cleaning duty to your team responsibilities."

Brady rolled his eyes playfully but couldn't hide his smile. As he shaped the dough, Alice busied herself by preparing cookie cutters in various festive shapes - stars, trees, and candy canes.

Brady meticulously rolled out the dough, his brow furrowed in concentration but a hint of laughter in his voice. "You know, I didn't think baking would be this intense. I feel like I'm training for a battle against sugar."

Alice laughed, her heart lightening as she watched him. "Welcome to the world of baking. It takes skill, strategy, and a dash of cre-ativity."

"Speaking of strategy," Brady said as he cut out the first batch of cookies with a star-shaped cutter. "What's the plan for the gathering? Besides not burning down your father's kitchen?"

Alice tilted her head thoughtfully. "I was thinking we could set up a cookie decorating station for everyone at Zoey and Layla's. It'll be fun and interactive. Plus, it gives Bianca a chance to join in without the pressure of having to be... well, 'herself' right away."

Brady couldn't contain his smile at how thoughtful Alice was despite everything that happened. "That's perfect."

"Zoey and Layla are getting the perfect Christmas tree right now," Alice explained. "So it's the least my father and I can do is help set up everything else."

"Very true," Brady agreed. "And you guys have the rest of us for that, too. Luckily, for now, let's just worry about finishing these up and making everyone feel comfortable for the party."

As they moved to put the cookies in the oven, Alice turned to Brady with a slight smile. "Absolutely. And until then, I just want to enjoy tonight with you."

Brady stepped closer with a mirroring smile. "We can definitely do that."

As Brady reached up to brush Alice's hair back, while his hands were still dusty with flour, the two of them were lost in each other's gazes as they leaned closer, drawn together.

Brady and Alice leaned closer, their faces inches apart as the warmth of the kitchen enveloped them. The sweet aroma of cookie dough mingled with the soft glow of overhead lights, creating an intimate atmosphere that felt like a world apart from everything else.

"Isn't it funny how something as simple as baking can feel so... right?" Alice murmured, her voice low and contemplative.

Brady smiled softly. "Yeah, it is. Just us, in a kitchen, making cookies. It feels normal. Not like anything we've faced."

Alice watched him for a moment, admiration shining in her eyes. "You always know how to make the best of every situation. I love that about you."

As Brady leaned in, their lips brushed softly, but just as the kiss deepened, the timer on the oven went off. They both jumped back, startled by the sudden interruption, laughter bubbling between them as Brady hurried to the oven.

"Cookies await!" Brady declared, pulling open the oven door with exaggerated flair.

Alice turned to grab the oven mitts to pull out a tray of perfectly baked cookies. The warm, sweet aroma enveloped them, filling the kitchen with a comforting scent.

Brady watched her, his heart swelling with affection, teasing her. "You see? Even baking requires teamwork. I'll give you a solid A for effort."

Alice grinned, setting the tray down on the counter and admiring their handiwork. "Now for the fun part."

Alice reached for a container filled with colorful icings and sprinkles. Brady leaned over her shoulder, watching intently as she began to decorate a cookie shaped like a Christmas tree with bright green icing.

As Brady kept watching from over Alice's shoulder, he wrapped his arm around her and grabbed another icing tube to begin decorating as well with his arms encased around her.

Alice smiled from within his embrace as they continued decorating their creations. Brady turned to kiss her on the cheek.

They both enjoyed each other's presence as they continued creating their cookies, completely content.

∞

Park

As Brooke and Wyatt trailed through the streets of Sunnydale for patrolling, Brooke was lost in thought as the memories of the Wishverse played in her head once again.

Wyatt looked at Brooke in concern. "Brooke, we don't have to do this tonight. If you're distracted, I can take you home until you're more focused on the hunt."

Brooke shook her head, forcing a smile as she glanced up at Wyatt. "No, I want to be out here with you. I need this. Just... everything in those visions. It feels heavy."

Wyatt nodded, understanding her turmoil. "I get it. Those visions were disturbing. But remember, they're not our reality. We've changed things for the better here."

Brooke sighed, the chill of the night air biting at her skin as they walked side by side. "I know, but sometimes I can't help but feel like there's a darkness lurking just beneath the surface. Like it's waiting for the right moment to strike."

Wyatt stopped, gently turning her to face him. "Listen to me, Brooke. We faced those shadows together before, and we emerged stronger each time. You're not alone in this fight - none of us are."

Brooke met his gaze, his confidence bolstering her own resolve. "You're right. I just wish we could make a promise that nothing like what happened in the other universe can ever happen here."

Wyatt nodded in understanding, taking Brooke by her hand, pulling her closer. "Honestly, with us side by side, I don't think it can. And with Layla's gathering, I think it's a good thing to distract all of us."

"It's not just a distraction," Brooke pointed out. "It's a way to move on. And that's what we really need right now."

Wyatt led Brooke along. "Exactly."

Brooke looked at Wyatt, suddenly in the mood to tease romantically. "You know, our days are filled with hunting and slaying and rinse and repeat. And of course, there's always the parties and stuff with the gang. But I wish for once that we could go on a date that has nothing to do with everyone else and nothing to do with patrolling. One that isn't ruined, by the way."

Wyatt raised an eyebrow, a smirk creeping onto his lips. "A date, huh? Just the two of us? No vampires, no demon hordes, no friends in distress?"

"Exactly," Brooke replied, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Just us, doing something normal. Something fun."

Wyatt chuckled, glancing around the empty streets of Sunnydale. "Normal is a bit of a stretch for us, love. But I think I can manage it."

Brooke grinned wider, her heart racing at the prospect. "How about a picnic? We could grab some sandwiches from that little café down the street and head to the park. Under the stars."

"With a blanket?" Wyatt added teasingly. "Maybe a bottle of that fancy wine you always talk about?"

"Now you're talking!" Brooke laughed, feeling lighter already. "It would be nice to pretend for just one night that we're not part of this... supernatural chaos."

Wyatt's smile was genuine as he chuckled. "Well, like it or not, we're part of the supernatural chaos because we are supernatural chaos."

"That's true," Brooke laughed lightly. "But after the picnic, we could go to a movie or a dinner. Somewhere that doesn't involve vampires or dark magic."

Wyatt nodded thoughtfully as they continued down the street. "Alright then, how about we make that happen? A real date. I mean, I'll even try not to use my warlock tricks to impress you. Though, I can't promise I won't charm the waiter for better service."

Brooke laughed softly, letting go of some of the weight on her heart. "Deal!" She paused, her brow furrowing playfully. "But don't you dare use your magic to magically prepare our picnic or anything. I want this to be a completely normal date, even if it's with an immortal warlock."

Wyatt feigned shock, putting a hand on his chest. "You wound me, Brooke! But fine, I'll abide by your wishes. Just for tonight, I'll keep my magic to myself."

Brooke smiled brightly at him, feeling the warmth of their connection blossoming under the stars. They strolled hand in hand, the tension from earlier slowly dissipating into the cool night air.

∞

Another Street

Buffy was patrolling with Eric by her side.

"Do you think the others will show up?" Eric asked. His eyes scanned the dark corners of each alley they passed, ever vigilant.

Buffy shrugged, her brow furrowing as she considered their friends' varying states of mind. "I hope so. Especially after everything that's happened lately. They need this."

Eric nodded thoughtfully, casting a sidelong glance at her. "And you? You okay?"

Buffy met his gaze, appreciating the concern of her boyfriend. "I am. More than I was last week, anyway. Just as long as everybody makes it to Christmas safely, I think that's all any of us care."

Buffy quickly realized her mistake as she and Eric both corrected at the same time, "Chanukah."

After a brief chuckle, they both paused for a moment.

Eric didn't have the memories from the Wishverse like Zoey, Layla, Brooke, Alice, Bianca and Hope did. But he knew enough about it to know that his dark counterpart - Warlock Eric - had been responsible for the murders of Wyatt, Carmen, Buffy, Brooke and Brady. And he couldn't fathom being the source of Buffy's pain and harming her siblings - his friends.

Buffy and Eric were each other's soulmates through and through, and even though he knew that that world was nothing like this one, and Warlock Eric was nothing like him, he couldn't help but feel horrible for what the other version of him had done.

Buffy noticed Eric's distraction. "Eric?"

Eric shook his head, pulling himself from the dark thoughts that threatened to consume him. "Sorry, just... thinking about everything. You know how it is."

Buffy turned to him, her expression softening with understanding. "Yeah, I get it. But we're not there anymore. And you're not him." She reached out, giving his hand a reassuring squeeze.

Eric wasn't surprised that Buffy knew exactly where his thoughts dissolved to. She knew him too well.

Eric smiled faintly, grateful for her presence. "I guess I just want to make sure that nothing we saw comes true here. Not ever. I just... I can't shake the feeling that I could have turned out like that. That I could have hurt you, hurt them, if things had gone differently."

Buffy stepped closer, her expression softening. "But they didn't. You're not him, Eric. You're brave, loyal, and you fight for those you love. That's what makes you who you are."

Eric swallowed hard, drawing in a deep breath to steady himself. "It just feels so fragile sometimes. One wrong turn, and everything changes."

Buffy nodded, her brow furrowing with understanding. "True. But we have each other. We're stronger together than we are apart. We'll fight whatever comes our way. Together."

Eric's lips quirked into a small smile at her reassurance. "You're right. And right now, we just have to focus on this holiday party and celebrate together. Move on."

"Exactly," Buffy smiled, leaning closer to kiss Eric sweetly.

Eric deepened the kiss, pouring all his emotions into the moment, wrapping his arms around her waist as the world around them faded away. The warmth of Buffy's presence filled him with hope, a beacon in the darkness that had once threatened to consume him.

When Eric and Buffy finally pulled apart, their foreheads resting against each other, Buffy's eyes sparkled with unyielding determination. The moment stretched between them, echoing with shared understanding and unspoken promises.

Eric brushed a stray hair from Buffy's face, tucking it behind her ear. "I'm used to giving the reassuring talks."

"I know," Buffy replied with a smile. "I figured that I could do it this time. But just think about it We've faced so many monsters, both real and metaphorical. We can handle anything that comes our way."

Eric nodded, feeling a renewed sense of purpose flood through him. "And if it tries to take us down?"

Buffy smirked. "Then we'll just punch it harder."

With that, they shared a laugh, the tension easing between them.

"Ready to face whatever's out there?" Buffy asked.

"Always," Eric replied, a renewed determination in his voice. He took her hand and together they stepped deeper into the shadows of Sunnydale.

The moonlight spilled over the quiet streets of Sunnydale, illuminating their path while casting long shadows from the trees lining the sidewalk.

As they continued patrolling, their playful banter resumed. Eric pointed out various places where vampires might lurk - an abandoned warehouse here or a dark alley there - his analytical mind always assessing potential threats.

Buffy was always impressed by Eric's intellect and how it added to his hunter persona, and now his witch side.

The streets were eerily quiet, typical of their nightly patrols. As they moved cautiously along the paths lined with trees that seemed to twist and curl in natural ways, Eric felt a familiar prickling at the back of his neck - a witch's intuition that danger lurked nearby.

Suddenly, a couple of vampires emerged from the darkness, eyes gleaming with malice and fangs bared.

Buffy and Eric instinctively fell into a defensive stance, muscles coiling like springs as the vampires approached, their predatory grins gleaming under the moonlight.

"Looks like our evening just got a lot more interesting," Eric said, his voice low and steady, adrenaline coursing through him. He could feel the familiar rush of excitement that came with hunting, knowing that they were about to engage in yet another battle for their lives.

Buffy smirked, a fire igniting in her eyes. "Let's show them what they're up against."

Without hesitation, Buffy lunged forward, her fists striking out with precision as she barreled toward the nearest vampire. The creature barely had time to react before she delivered a powerful roundhouse kick that sent it sprawling backward. While it was momentarily stunned, she followed up with a powerful stake thrust that pierced through its heart. The vampire disintegrated into dust before hitting the ground, leaving only a swirling cloud behind.

Eric followed closely behind, facing the remaining vampire. He dodged the vampire's swing, using the momentum to counter with an elbow to its jaw, sending the vampire stumbling back.

Eric drew on his magic as he conjured a burst of energy at the remaining vampire. With a flick of his wrist, he sent a wave of yellow glowing magic swirling toward it, the energy crashing into the vampire and knocking it off its feet. It landed hard on the ground, momentarily dazed.

Buffy sprinted to Eric's side, her eyes gleaming with excitement as she watched him harness his powers. "Nice job! I didn't know you had that up your sleeve."

Eric grinned, brushing off the praise with a dismissive wave. "Just trying to keep up with you."

The vampire, regaining its composure, snarled as it pulled itself up from the ground, fury evident in its eyes.

Buffy and Eric exchanged a determined glance before stepping forward together, ready to finish the fight.

"Let's show him what he's really up against," Buffy said confidently, her voice steady and fierce.

With synchronized precision, they launched at the vampire. Buffy threw a series of rapid punches while Eric conjured a spell to bind the creature's movements. The vampire barely had time to react before the energy struck, causing it to freeze in place as the magic clamped down around it like a vice. The creature snarled, baring its fangs as it struggled against Eric's spell, but he held firm, channeling his will into binding the vampire.

Buffy rounded another approaching vampire, her instincts honed and her concentration unwavering. With a swift maneuver, she flipped over the creature, landing gracefully behind it. Without hesitation, she drove her stake into its back, reducing it to ash before it even knew what hit it.

Eric didn't let up on his hold on his vampire; he pressed forward with determination. "Hold still! This won't hurt... much."

Eric focused his energy, feeling the warmth of magic coursing through him. With a final burst of strength, he released the binding spell just as the vampire broke free from his grasp, sending the creature sprawling backward to the ground.

Eric picked up a long, metallic beam from the ground to use it to strike the vampire just as he was getting up.

As Eric grasped the metallic beam, preparing to strike the vampire while channeling magic, an unexpected surge of energy coursed through his body. The cool surface of the metal seemed to vibrate beneath his fingers, resonating with an energy he had never felt before. Suddenly, a tingling sensation spread from his fingertips up his arm, racing across his chest and enveloping his entire body in a matter of seconds.

Eric gasped as he felt his skin begin to change, transforming from soft flesh into something harder, smoother. The metamorphosis swept over him like a wave, leaving behind a shimmering, metallic surface wherever it touched. His arms, legs and torso took on a silvery sheen, reflecting the moonlight with an otherworldly gleam.

Buffy watched in astonishment as Eric's entire form shifted before her eyes. His hair hardened into fine strands of wire, his eyes became polished orbs of chrome.

Eric's transformation was unlike anything Buffy had ever witnessed. The metallic sheen enveloped him, giving him an air of futuristic strength and resilience. He felt a surge of power coursing through him, far beyond what he had ever experienced as a witch or a human.

Buffy stared wide-eyes. "Eric! What's happening? Are you okay?"

Eric's voice echoed oddly, slightly distorted by the changes happening to him. "I... I don't know!"

Eric flexed his newly transformed arms, marveling at the weight and strength coursing through him. The metallic sheen glimmered under the moonlight, making him look like a living statue of polished steel.

"Whatever this is, it feels powerful," Eric said, his voice steadying.

The shimmering surface of his skin pulsed with energy, almost alive in its own right. A surge of confidence washed over him, igniting something deep within.

The vampire, still reeling from the earlier blows but now sensing Eric's power shift, lunged forward again with a snarl, its fangs ready to strike. But as his fangs struck Eric's metallic armor, the teeth shattered on impact, making the vampire scream in agony as he began to bleed. He attempted to attack.

But Eric was ready this time. With a flick of his wrist - now imbued with newfound strength and speed with fluid grace that rivaled Buffy's - Eric swung his metallic arm through the air and struck the vampire head on.

The blow landed with a resounding crack, sending the vampire hurtling backward into the alley wall with a sickening thud. The impact left a dent in the brick wall, most of them shattered, and the creature crumpled to the ground, dazed and disoriented.

Buffy's eyes widened as she watched Eric effortlessly dismantle their adversary. "Wow! Where did that come from?" she exclaimed, a mix of awe and excitement coloring her voice.

Eric flexed his fingers, feeling the raw power coursing through him. "I have no idea," he admitted, his voice still echoing with that strange metallic resonance. "But it feels incredible!"

"Let's finish this," Buffy said, her own adrenaline surging as she joined Eric's side.

Without hesitation, they both advanced on the fallen vampire, which was now struggling to rise again. Eric crouched down, aiming to strike one more time. The vampire looked up in terror, realizing it was facing not just another Slayer or a witch, but a powerful one that just discovered a power that could grant him limited time with abilities that rivaled Buffy's own, only this time, with impenetrable armor.

With a powerful swing, Eric brought down his metallic arm, striking the vampire squarely in the head with so much strength his head went rolling off of his body and down the alley. The impact sent shockwaves of energy radiating through the alley, causing dust and debris to scatter as the creature let out one final, echoing shriek before his severed head and his body disintegrated into ash.

Buffy watched in awe, pride swelling in her chest as she regarded Eric's newfound strength.

"That was incredible!" Buffy exclaimed, unable to hide her excitement. "You took that vampire down like it was nothing!"

Eric stood tall, still marveling at the transformation he had undergone. The metallic sheen of his skin caught the moonlight, reflecting it like a beacon of power.

"I didn't even know I could do that!" Eric replied, exhilaration coursing through him.

Buffy stepped closer, her eyes sparkling with admiration. "Whatever this is, I think you just became an even bigger asset to our team."

Eric chuckled lightly, feeling the weight of the night lifting as he began to shift back to his flesh form.

Once Eric returned to human form, he was absolutely exhausted from using this new power. He nearly collapsed from the fatigue that suddenly tore through him.

Buffy instantly stepped forward to catch Eric before he could collapse, her arms wrapping tightly around him as he swayed on his feet. "Whoa, easy there! You okay?"

Eric took a deep breath, trying to regain his composure. "Yeah, just... that took a lot out of me." He leaned against her for support, still reeling from the unexpected surge of power and the subsequent fatigue that followed.

Buffy looked into his eyes, concern mingled with admiration. "You were amazing back there. I mean, I've seen some impressive things in my time, but this? This was next level."

"Thanks," Eric murmured, feeling a warm blush creep up his cheeks despite the exhaustion. "But I didn't even know what was happening until it was all over. It felt like something was just... released inside me."

"That's probably exactly what happened," Buffy said, stepping back and looking him over with curiosity. "Maybe whatever magic you tapped into lately finally released whatever you and Willow have in your family that drew you to witchcraft in the first place."

"Maybe," Eric agreed. "But why would it happen now after all this time, after all the spells I've been doing?"

"I don't know," Buffy admitted. "Maybe we can ask Wyatt tomorrow. He's the warlock expert."

Eric chuckled tiredly, trying to blink away the fatigue that threatened to overwhelm him. "Yeah."

Buffy looked at Eric with a mixture of amusement and concern. "You okay?"

Eric took a very deep breath. "I think I overdid it a bit. That was intense."

Buffy smiled, concern still etched in her features. "Intense is one word for it. You just took down that vamp like it was a walk in the park, and then you transformed into some kind of metal superhero with strength that may even surpass mine. I'm impressed - maybe even a little jealous."

Eric chuckled weakly, catching his breath as he straightened up. "Thanks. But don't feel too jealous. I feel a lot weaker now."

Buffy took Eric's arm, putting it around her as she locked her arm around his waist. "The power takes a lot out of you, I get that. But you're more powerful than you realize. That transformation was amazing. Imagine all of the things you can do with it."

Eric smiled. "I'm imagining."

Buffy glanced around, ensuring there were no more lurking dangers as she started to guide Eric down the street, holding him steady as he tried to regain his footing.

"Let's just get you back home for the night," Buffy murmured. "You did enough superheroing or one night."

As Buffy guided Eric through the quiet streets of Sunnydale, the adrenaline from their recent encounter began to ebb away, leaving behind a lingering sense of fatigue and exhilaration. The stars twinkled overhead, casting a serene glow over the landscape that felt oddly comforting after the chaos of their patrol.

"Do you think we should tell the others about... what happened?" Eric asked, his voice still tinged with exhaustion. "About my transformation and everything?"

Buffy pondered for a moment, glancing at him. "I think we should. But maybe we should save it for the gathering? Let everyone decompress from everything first before throwing something else into the mix."

Eric nodded, appreciating Buffy's thoughtful approach. "That makes sense. It might be a lot to take in right now."

They both hoped that Eric's newfound ability would bring a sense of hope and protection to their circle as they faced their personal battles.

"Do you think everyone will be okay at Layla's gathering?" Eric asked.

Buffy glanced sideways at him, her brow furrowing slightly. "I hope so. They all need this. But I know how fragile they all are right now. Zoey is still dealing with what she did in that other world, and Bianca..."

Eric nodded, understanding her hesitation. "Bianca's memories are still haunting her too. But maybe being together during the holidays will remind them of who they really are. Just like you did for me tonight."

Buffy smiled softly, encouraged by his optimism. "Exactly."

∞

Francis Mansion - Living Room

In the living room of the Francis mansion, Zoey, Layla, Alice and Giles were setting up the Christmas tree that Zoey and Layla had found in the tree lot earlier in the night.

The lights twinkled brightly as Zoey and Layla carefully adorned the tree with colorful ornaments, each one carefully placed to catch the light just right. Alice stood on a stool, reaching for the higher branches with a shiny star that sparkled like a beacon.

"Careful up there!" Layla called out, glancing over her shoulder with a teasing smile. "We wouldn't want you to become our very own Christmas decoration."

"Don't worry," Alice replied, her voice slightly muffled as she balanced precariously. "I've got this!"

With a triumphant flourish, Alice positioned the star at the top of the tree and stepped back, beaming with pride.

"There! Now it's official," Zoey said, clapping her hands together. "It's perfect. All ready for the gathering coming up."

The three girls stepped back to admire their handiwork. The tree sparkled with a mix of colorful lights and ornaments that gleamed like jewels in the soft glow of the room.

"It looks splendid," Giles complimented. "You three really outdid yourselves."

Alice felt a surge of happiness at her father's words.

Layla smiled, wrapping her arms around Zoey and Alice's shoulders. "I couldn't have done it without our wonderful daughters. This tree is perfect for the celebration we have planned."

"It feels like home," Zoey murmured. "I can't wait for the others to see it."

"They'll love it," Alice assured.

Carmen walked into the room from upstairs. "We've got everything from upstairs, and I..." She noticed the intimate familial moment before her. "I'm totally walking in on a family moment, aren't I?"

The others smiled.

"Luckily, you are family, Carmen," Layla told her. "Always have been."

Carmen smiled, walking closer.

When there was a knock on the door, Zoey walked closer, opening it, surprised to see Angel standing there.

For a long moment, neither of them said anything.

Zoey hesitated, memories of Wishverse and everything she did to Jenny clashing with what she knew Angel did to her aunt. She had long been trying to give Angel another chance as everyone knew, after she and Layla had given him and Bianca their souls, and as Zoey admitted to Carmen before, after her memories from the other life, she hated herself far more than she could hate Angel, which was only more confusing and conflicting.

"Angel," Zoey said quietly.

Layla, Giles and Alice looked over in surprise, walking closer.

However, Carmen was not surprised, seeming to know exactly why Angel was here, approaching.

"Um... I'm sorry to bother you," Angel admitted, unsure of where to begin.

Those words seemed to snap Zoey out of her reverie, as she couldn't help but laughing ironically at all of this.

"Sorry to bother us?" Zoey repeated, her voice tinged with an underlying tension despite her normal humor, the laughter fading into a nervous smile. "You've got the wrong door. We're the same people inviting you to a Christmas party within the next couple of days. A few months ago, it would've been a bother. Not now. Not after everything that's happened."

Carmen managed a small smile at Zoey's inherent humor despite the darkness clouding her thoughts.

Angel shifted slightly, his eyes searching for understanding, not from them, but trying to understand them himself. "I didn't want to intrude. I just wanted to check in on you. I know how hard things have been."

Layla stepped forward, tentative but open. "Thank you, Angel. We were just decorating for the gathering." Despite a brief hesitation, Layla offered a genuine invitation. "You can come in, if you want."

Carmen and Angel shared a small smile at the gesture. Carmen nodded encouragingly.

Angel nodded in agreement, slowly stepping in as he took in the sight of the decorations around them. "Carmen invited me and Bianca like you asked her to. It was a... surprise."

Zoey closed the front door behind him.

Giles adjusted his glasses, looking between them with curiosity. "We were hoping that the celebration could be beneficial for everyone involved."

Zoey felt a mix of emotions swirling inside her chest as she looked into Angel's eyes, memories of their past battles clashing with the hope of reconciliation, even if only for Carmen's sake.

"I appreciate that," Angel replied, glancing at Layla before meeting Zoey's gaze again. "I want to support Bianca - and you."

Alice smiled softly. "That means a lot, Angel. Thank you."

"Is Bianca okay?" Carmen asked.

"She's home," Angel answered. "She's not opening up much, but..."

Angel held out a small vial of potion Carmen had prepared for Bianca earlier. It glimmered softly in the light, a promise of healing amidst the chaos of their lives.

"I came to deliver something," Angel admitted.

Layla raised an eyebrow, a hint of recognition flickering in her eyes. "Carmen, is that what you made for Bianca?"

"Yeah," Carmen replied, nodding. "I thought it might help ease her pain and help separate her memories from the Wishverse memories."

"And Carmen and I thought that maybe... this could help Zoey too," Angel admitted. "To separate the memories of her other life."

Zoey, Alice, Layla and Giles shared a surprised look at the thoughtful gesture, looking from Carmen to Angel.

Carmen gave them a small smile, gently rubbing Zoey's arm. "Only if you want to try it."

Zoey hesitated before stepping closer, hand outstretched toward the potion. "Thank you." Her voice was soft, almost fragile as she took it from him, memories of their shared past clashing within her.

Angel nodded gently. "Bianca and I have to fight with our memories and the consequences of what we've done in the past because of our souls. That's part of the curse. But I wouldn't wish that agony on anyone else."

Zoey tilted her head. "Even on the gypsy that cursed you again."

"You saved me," Angel corrected, looking between Zoey and Layla. "Both of you saved us when you restored our souls." He looked at Zoey. "You shouldn't have to face the memories of this other world, because it wasn't you. You don't deserve to suffer like we do."

Zoey felt a warmth blossom in her chest at Angel's words, the weight of her guilt momentarily lifting.

Carmen couldn't help but smile at Angel truly making an attempt to bond with Zoey, while Zoey was giving him a chance to. As she thought, this was going better than she imagined.

"It's just hard to separate who I was from who I am now," Zoey admitted, her voice trembling slightly.

Angel nodded with a somber expression. "I know that all too well."

Layla stepped closer to Zoey, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "You are not defined by your past mistakes, my love. You've fought too hard to reclaim yourself."

Giles nodded in agreement, his gaze earnest. "Exactly. We all have our struggles, and it's important that we find a way to support each other through it."

Alice chimed in, her voice steady. "That's why this gathering is so important. To remind everyone that they're not alone."

Zoey felt a rush of emotion at their words, the weight of her guilt momentarily lifting as she held the potion in her hands. "I just... I want to be better. I want to move on from what I did. Even if... it wasn't me that did it."

"You will," Angel assured her, sincerity radiating from his gaze. "Forgiveness doesn't come easy, especially for ourselves. But with time and support, it is possible. You're surrounded by people who care about you."

Zoey inhaled deeply, letting their words sink in as she looked around at the decorations. The warmth of the room contrasted sharply with the ice that had formed around her heart since she'd faced those memories. "It means a lot to me that you're all willing to help."

"That's what family is for," Alice added softly, stepping forward to join Zoey's side, linking her arm with Zoey's.

On Zoey's other side, Carmen stood by her, rubbing her arm while looking at Angel with relief and gratitude for his attempt to make things right, and following through with talking to Zoey like she asked. "This can work. All of us together, I mean. It's better if we're not separated."

Zoey and Angel both managed a small smile in return, nodding in response to Carmen's words.

Giles walked closer. "What do you want to do, Zoey?"

Zoey looked at the potion in her hand, the glimmering liquid symbolizing a glimmer of hope in her dark world.

"I'll try it," Zoey said softly, determination flickering within her.

"That's the spirit," Layla encouraged softly. "It might make the next couple of days easier."

Zoey nodded in agreement, looking at Angel knowingly. "But that's not the only reason why you're here."

"No," Angel admitted softly. "I wanted to help you, but I also... Bianca needs help." He looked between Zoey, Layla, Alice and Giles. "I know that I have no right to ask for help from any of you, so..."

"If there's anything you or Bianca need, you can ask, Angel," Layla told him.

Angel nodded, distracted. "We already know Bianca's issues, but I've been seeing... I've - I've had dreams lately about the past. It - it's like I'm living it again. It's - it's so vivid." Carmen looked at Angel in concern as he continued. "Not quite as much as Bianca's dreams about the Wishverse or about Ford."

Alice looked up in concern and surprise. "Ford? You mean her brother?"

Carmen raised her eyebrows. "The one that manipulated her into starting all of this in the first place?"

"Yeah," Angel answered. "She didn't want me to know, but I heard her saying his real name, Billy, when she was sleeping last night. And I think that her episode last night when she took off alone was because she saw him, even when she was awake."

"What makes you say that?" Layla asked.

Angel bit his lip, concerned. "Because I've been seeing things when I'm awake, too. Like a past victim of mine. And..."

Carmen walked closer. "Is that what happened the other night?"

"Yes," Angel answered. "I didn't know what was happening at the time. I just thought it was... I don't know what I thought it was. But I thought it was going to go away, but then it didn't, and..."

Carmen moved closer to Angel with such worry, glancing back at Zoey, Layla, Alice and Giles as the four of them shared a look.

As Zoey drank the potion to help with the separation of her own memories that tormented her, she leaned to the side to place the vial on the table nearby.

Behind her, Angel saw an apparition of Jenny, who was looking at Angel sadly.

Angel looked at the vision of Jenny in shock and fear.

Even with their necklaces on that restrained their gypsy powers, Zoey and Layla felt a chilling rush of darkness upon the appearance of the apparition. It felt like pure death, and they had no idea what caused this sensation that stole their breath away, as they saw no cause of it, as the illusion of Jenny remained invisible to Zoey, Layla, Alice, Carmen and Giles.

Jenny turned to Layla and Zoey. She stroked her hand against Layla's hair, yet Layla didn't see the apparition in the appearance of her sister, but she could feel darkness creeping in on her.

Layla moved away from the touch, yet she couldn't feel it physically. It was like a darkness crawling from within that she couldn't explain.

Zoey looked nearly dizzy from the dark feeling that could consume her completely.

Angel's eyes widened in fear.

Alice, Giles and Carmen looked at the three of them in concern.

"What is it?" Alice asked.

Angel looked between the others in disbelief. "Don't you see her?"

"See who?" Carmen murmured.

"I feel..." Layla trailed off. "I can't..."

Jenny walked around Layla and toward Zoey, looking at her niece somberly. She gently cupped Zoey's cheek.

Zoey felt the chill of pure darkness, nothingness, creep through her at the touch, yet like Layla, she didn't feel anything physically. She moved her head away from Jenny's touch as she began to pant with short, rapid breaths.

"What is happening?" Zoey gasped.

Giles stepped closer with concern and worry in his gaze. "What are you talking about?"

"Do you see anything?" Alice asked. "What do you feel?"

As Zoey and Layla nearly collapsed from the overwhelming sense of evil, Carmen, Alice and Giles guided them to sit down.

Angel nearly walked closer to them in concern, but when Jenny stood in his path, he started to back away with panic and fear himself. He quickly backed away toward the door.

"Angel!" Carmen called after him, her voice filled with concern as she rushed toward the door.

Zoey, Alice, Layla and Giles followed closely behind, confusion etched on their faces.

Outside, Angel stumbled onto the front porch, the chill of the night air biting at his skin. He could still see Jenny's apparition hovering just inside the threshold, a reminder of the pain he caused Zoey and Layla the year before, the guilt that he couldn't outrun. He felt suffocated by the weight of his regrets.

"Angel, wait!" Zoey shouted, her footsteps echoing behind him as he took off into the night.

Angel turned back momentarily, desperation spilling through his voice. "I can't do this! I can't keep seeing them! I thought I was past this!"

"What is wrong?" Alice's voice cut through the darkness as she rushed to catch up with him, concern etched across her features as she looked between Angel, Zoey and Layla.

"Something was here..." Layla trailed off. "It was..."

Angel shook his head vigorously, trying to clear the images from his mind. "It was her. Jenny."

Zoey and Layla's faces paled slightly as they processed his words.

"What do you mean, Jenny?" Layla asked, her voice cracking over her sister's name.

"She was right there, touching both of you," Angel answered. "That's what you felt. You didn't see anything?"

"No," Zoey answered. "And we can normally see ghosts. But that... that can't be Aunt Jenny. It was so dark and twisted. It was... pure evil."

Carmen, Alice and Giles shared a look in concern.

"Whatever you and Bianca are seeing, I don't think it has anything to do with ghosts, Angel," Alice admitted. "Your victims, Ford... they're not what they seem to be."

"Then what is it?" Angel asked with a trembling voice.

"I don't know," Giles admitted. "But we'll look into it until we do."

Zoey and Layla had tears in their eyes as they thought of some apparition appearing to Angel as Jenny, paired with the pure darkness they felt from the invisible presence.

Zoey shook her head tearfully. "It's not Aunt Jenny. It can't be."

Layla took Zoey by the hand. "She would never feel that way."

Carmen, Giles and Alice stood by Zoey and Layla's side comfortingly with concern as the five of them shared a look with Angel, who watched Zoey and Layla with a tormented worry.

"What's happening?" Zoey's voice broke slightly as she struggled to process what she just sensed.

"We'll figure it out," Carmen assured, touching Zoey's arm as her gaze trailed to Angel, comforting both of them as much as she possibly could. "I promise. Whoever is messing with you guys and Bianca... we'll stop it."

Alice nodded fiercely in determination. "We always do."

∞

Flashback 2 - Four Years Ago

Los Angeles, California

Day - Fordham House - Holiday Party

Bianca was sleeping fitfully in her bed, when she was overcome with a nightmare. A memory of her life from back before her mother was killed by the same sickness that she had come down with, when she was horribly abused by her father.

In the memory, the Fordham family was throwing a holiday party in their home. It was the final Christmas that Bianca and Ford had with their mother before she died, and all she wanted to do was celebrate with their closest friends. The affair was very formal.

The camera moved through the house while the guests conversed.

However, Bianca was cornered by her father underneath the stairs, looking at him nervously. "Dad, please, we have to get back to the party. We can't do this."

As Bianca tried to brush past him, her father stepped in her way, crowding her against the wall out of sight of the rest of the party. "Bianca. Bianca, there's no hurry."

Bianca was terrified of what her father could want to do with her now. "Mom needs me--"

"Your mother has Billy taking care of her," her father retorted, reaching up to stroke Bianca's cheek. "Stay with me."

Bianca cringed back. "Dad, please. Brady's here, and he doesn't know anything about this."

Her father grabbed Bianca violently. "I told you I didn't want you seeing that boy anymore. If you tell him anything about this--"

Bianca whimpered. "I haven't. He doesn't know anything. I don't want him to. I don't want to ruin Mom's party either. Please, all she wants is one last party to go perfectly before she passes."

"Then you must keep quiet," her father replied.

Bianca winced in pain as his grip tightened on her. "You're hurting me."

Her father merely smirked in return. "Ah! Cry out. Call for help." He shook Bianca violently. "Make a scene. If you do, your regular punishments will look like nothing compared to what I'll do to you. I'll take all of your medications for the pain and pour them down the drain. You'll have to deal with what your mother deals with but without any way to save you from the headaches and the tumors."

Bianca trembled in anguish just at the thought of this punishment for her defiance against her father. "Please don't."

"You won't make a sound, will you?" her father asked.

Bianca shook her head, whimpering as tears started to fall down her cheeks. "No."

Her father shook his head mockingly. "No, no. We'll be so quiet. No matter what."

Bianca looked down, defeated, having no choice but to give in, crying.

However, before any harm could come to Bianca, Ford walked downstairs, noticing what his father was trying to coerce Bianca into against her will - again.

Ford stepped into the dimly lit space under the stairs, his expression a mix of anger and concern. "Dad! Get away from her!"

Bianca's heart raced as she glanced at her brother, hope flaring within her. "Billy..."

Their father straightened up as he turned to face Ford, a mask of feigned innocence sliding onto his face. "Just having a little chat with your sister, that's all."

Ford narrowed his eyes, stepping closer to them. "It looks more like harassment to me. You need to back off."

"You don't understand," their father snapped, the warmth in his voice vanishing as he turned menacing. "You have no idea how much she needs discipline."

Bianca flinched but felt a surge of courage as she saw Ford standing up for her. "She doesn't need your twisted version of discipline! Leave her alone!"

Their father's expression shifted to one of anger, his grip on Bianca tightening as he shot a glare at Ford. "This doesn't concern you, boy! Stay out of it."

"It does concern me!" Ford shot back, stepping closer with defiance. "You told me that you were done with this."

Bianca's eyes turned to Ford with realization and hurt. "You knew..."

Ford's face fell as he realized he had slipped up, and their father saw the chance to turn this in his favor.

Their father smirked darkly. "That's right, Bianca. Your big brother Billy isn't the savior you think he is. He knew exactly what I did to you before. He just didn't want to admit it. You let me get away with it before, son. You can do it again. Now just turn around and walk away."

But Ford's resolve solidified. He stepped forward, placing himself firmly between Bianca and their father, a protective shield. "I'm not going to let you hurt her anymore. This ends tonight."

Bianca felt a rush of hope wash over her as she watched Ford stand up to their father, a part of her heart yearning for the brother she had once known - the one who had looked out for her before dark forces twisted their lives.

Their father's face transformed, the mask of calm shattering into rage, revealing the monster underneath. "You think you can protect her? You're just a boy playing hero in a world where monsters roam free!" He turned his ire toward Bianca, his grip tightening painfully on her shoulder. "And what are you? Just a pathetic little girl dependent on your brother's delusions of grandeur!"

Ford took another step forward, fists clenched at his sides. "I won't let you control us anymore! You've done enough damage."

The tension in the air crackled like electricity.

The apparition of Ford who had been haunting Bianca in present time appeared, walking closer to Bianca from behind. "And yet I caused just as damage as our father did. I manipulate you with your medicine and used you as a pawn just like he did. Because that's all you've ever been, Bianca."

Bianca's breath hitched as she turned back toward the memory of her brother and her father, only to see they had disappeared, leaving her only with the apparition before her.

Bianca's heart raced as she stared at the apparition of Ford, her mind swirling with confusion and dread. The echo of his voice sent shivers down her spine, twisting the knife of guilt deeper into her soul.

"No," Bianca breathed, shaking her head violently. "You don't get to do this to me again."

The apparition of Ford smirked, its eyes glinting with malice. "But you still carry the weight of your past, don't you? You think a little potion will save you from your sins? You were always weak, Bianca. Just like before."

"You're not real!" Bianca shouted, her voice cracking as she tried to deny the specter before her.

With every word she spoke, the memories flooded back - every moment spent under her father's control and abuse, every manipulation woven by Ford's hands.

Ford leaned closer with a small smirk. "You see, it's always been about control, hasn't it? Just like Dad. You were never meant to be free."

"No!" Bianca cried out, shaking her head violently. "I'm not your pawn anymore!"

But the figure of Ford simply laughed, a hollow sound that echoed in the corners of her mind. "You think you can escape this? It's part of you. Your power is tainted by our bloodline, just as I was tainted by the choices I made."

The darkness seemed to swirl around her, wrapping tighter and tighter like a noose. Memories flashed before her eyes – visions of betrayal, manipulation, and pain. The weight of her past felt heavier than ever, threatening to pull her under.

Bianca turned away from the vision of her brother, desperate to escape the onslaught. When she looked up, she was shocked to see three familiar faces within the party crowd: Hope, Alice and Brooke.

The three other Guardians had been witnesses to Bianca's struggle against her father and the illusion of her brother taunting her. The connection of Guardian powers and blood flowing through Bianca's veins had somehow pulled Hope, Brooke and Alice into the dream, all of them horrified to see what Bianca had suffered through both when she was human at the hands of her father, and now as they saw Ford taunting her relentlessly.

As Bianca looked at the three girls, a flicker of recognition sparked in her memories. They were the embodiment of strength and support, the Guardians who had fought alongside her through countless battles. Each one of them had overcome their own demons, and now they stood before her as reminders that she wasn't alone.

Despite the horror and heartbreak on each of the girls' faces as they saw a piece of what Bianca endured, there was determination and unwavering support on each of their expressions.

Bianca's heart raced as the presence of her friends rekindled a spark of hope, pushing back against the shadows that threatened to consume her.

The apparition of Ford, noticing the appearance of the Guardians in Bianca's dream and their show of support, instantly used its power to end the connection between the four girls, severing the combined dreamscape. This caused Bianca, Hope, Brooke and Alice to each gasp awake in their own beds, each shocked and gasping.

∞∞

Hope and Faith's Motel Room

Hope gasped awake, her heart pounding as the vivid images from Bianca's nightmare lingered in her mind. She sat up in bed, her body trembling as she tried to process what she had just witnessed. The pain and anguish she had seen in Bianca's eyes felt like a physical weight on her chest, making it difficult to breathe.

As she struggled to calm her racing thoughts, Hope couldn't shake the haunting visions of Bianca's past. The abuse at the hands of her father, the manipulation from her brother Ford - it was all too much to bear. Hope's eyes stung with unshed tears as she recalled the fear and helplessness in young Bianca's expression, the way she had cowered under her father's threatening presence.

"God, Bianca," Hope whispered into the darkness of her motel room, her voice thick with emotion. "How did you survive all that?"

The motel room around her felt claustrophobic, the cheap wallpaper and stained carpet a stark contrast to the opulent party setting she had just witnessed in Bianca's dream.

The image of Bianca cornered by her abusive father was seared into Hope's memory. The fear in Bianca's eyes, the trembling of her voice as she pleaded with her father to stop - it was all too vivid, too real. Hope's stomach churned with a mixture of rage and sorrow. How could anyone do that to their own child?

And then there was Ford, Bianca's brother. Hope had heard snippets about him from the others, but seeing him in action - first as a protector, then following in their father's footsteps of controlling Bianca and using her sickness and medications to essentially own her... it was heartbreaking and horrifying, and Hope felt the realization strike her like a physical blow.

Hope's mind raced as she tried to process everything she had witnessed in Bianca's nightmare. The connection she had felt to Bianca in that moment was unlike anything she had experienced before - raw, intense, and deeply intimate. It was as if she had been granted a window into the very core of Bianca's being, seeing the pain and trauma that had shaped her.

As Hope sat in the darkness of her motel room, she found herself overwhelmed by a surge of protective instincts. The Bianca she had seen in that dream was so different from the confident, sometimes sarcastic vampire she knew in real life. This Bianca had been vulnerable, scared, and desperate for someone to save her. Hope's heart ached at the realization that no one had been there to truly protect Bianca when she needed it most.

As she stared into the darkness of the motel room, Hope found herself replaying every encounter she'd had with Bianca since arriving to Sunnydale. The initial distrust and wariness she had felt towards the vampire with a soul now seemed trivial in comparison to the depths of Bianca's suffering - in the past and the present.

Hope's heart ached with empathy, recognizing the immense the strength it must have taken for Bianca to overcome such a traumatic past.

The memories of the Wishverse flickered through Hope's mind, a stark contrast to the memories Hope had of Bianca in the real world.

They had been drawn to each other in a darker way than they were drawn to each other in the real world, but Hope found that somehow, they were always drawn to each other. And the only reason why the other universe was darker was because of the vengeance demon magic that brought it to life.

Even so, Hope remembered how Wishverse Bianca - even when she was soulless and feeding from her to become stronger - always took care of her. And even in the ending battle, she hadn't been trying to hurt her, but win her over.

Hope could remember how the other version of herself craved Bianca's touch, her bite, the need for her to feed from her. Her heart raced wit a mix of determination and dread as she struggled to separate her memories. She knew that Bianca wasn't the monster that she was before, and she wasn't the monster that the Wishverse Bianca was in the other world. She couldn't deny the connection between them in either world, no matter the circumstances.

And now, she couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to Bianca's story than anyone had relieved, but now she understood the stakes were higher than her previous judgments had led her to believe.

Hope swung her legs over the side of the bed, sitting for a moment in the quiet of the room as she processed everything. She felt an overwhelming urge to confront Bianca, to dig deeper into her past and help her navigate the pain that gnawed at her soul. It wasn't enough to simply accept that Bianca was trying to be better and make amends; Hope needed to support her in healing from what lingered beneath the surface.

But how? The question echoed in her mind as she stood and paced the small space. They needed to talk - really talk - and not just about battles and monsters, but about their vulnerabilities and fears. Hope grabbed her jacket, slipping it on as she steeled herself for what lay ahead.

In the other bed, Faith stirred awake, her instincts sharpening as she sensed Hope's restless energy. She propped herself up on one elbow, brow furrowed. "What's up?"

Hope paused mid-stride, torn between the urgency of her feelings and the weight of her sister's drowsiness. "I... I need to go check on Bianca."

Faith squinted at her, still groggy but perceptive. "You okay? It's the middle of the night."

"I'm fine," Hope replied, though her voice didn't quite convince her sister. "It's just... after everything we saw in that nightmare, I can't shake this feeling that Bianca needs me. Or maybe I need her."

"Nightmares again?" Faith sat up fully now, rubbing her eyes. "You know it's not always best to run to a vampire when you're feeling dark yourself, right? Especially after whatever the hell you just saw. Not sure that you need to go seeing Bianca for any reason anyway. She doesn't need you, and you sure as hell don't need her."

Hope stopped pacing and faced her sister, frustrated. "Faith, I know you still have issues with Bianca or whatever, but don't know half of what she's been through. Nobody does."

"And you do?" Faith asked skeptically.

"I'm figuring it out," Hope replied.

Faith raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms. "You think you're some kind of therapist now? You're not trained for this, Hope. And I'm not exactly ready to play nice with a vampire who clearly has the hots for my sister."

Hope took a deep breath, feeling the frustration bubbling beneath the surface. "It's not about playing nice, Faith. It's about understanding. Bianca's been through hell - more than any of us can imagine. If I can help her even a little, then I have to try. I don't want her to fall back into darkness again."

"And what if you end up falling in with her?" Faith retorted, shaking her head. "You're already playing with fire. You know how seductive that darkness can be."

"Yeah, and you do too, more than anyone else," Hope replied. "So I thought that if anyone would understand why I need to do this, it'd be you, on some level. I won't let the darkness consume me. I know what I'm doing. I just... I need to talk to her. To really understand."

Faith raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms. "Hope, this isn't just about what she's been through; it's about what she can do now. You think getting close to her is a good idea?"

Hope took a deep breath, feeling the heaviness of her sister's skepticism weigh on her. "It's not just about what Bianca can do, Faith. It's about who she is trying to become. I saw things in that dream - things that made me understand just how much pain she carries. We might be a Slayer and Guardian, but we can't just write her off because she has a dark past."

"You're really willing to walk into the lion's den just because you feel sorry for her?" Faith shot back, her voice tinged with concern. "She's still a vampire - and a powerful one at that."

Hope clenched her fists, frustration bubbling under the surface. "I'm not walking in unarmed! I have my Guardian powers, and it's not about feeling sorry for her."

"Then what is it about?" Faith asked.

Hope took a deep breath, her resolve hardening. "It's about connection, Faith. Having empathy. It's about understanding that even the darkest souls can fight for redemption. Bianca deserves a chance to be truly seen - just like we do."

Faith opened her mouth to respond but paused, sensing the intensity radiating from her sister. Hope's eyes burned with determination, and Faith could see how deeply this meant to her. "You really believe that, don't you?"

"I do," Hope replied softly. "I've felt it since I got here. There's more to Bianca than the vampire she's been made out to be. She has potential for good - if only we give her the chance."

"You're putting a lot of faith in someone who doesn't always seem trustworthy," Faith said slowly, uncertainty creeping into her voice.

"I know she's made mistakes," Hope continued, unfazed. "But we all have. I'm not saying I'll fix her - this isn't some fairy tale where I just swoop in and save her."

"Then what are you saying?" Faith asked impatiently.

"I'm saying that I can be there for her," Hope insisted, her voice steady. "I can help guide her toward the light instead of letting the darkness win. The Scoobies see the good in her, and I do too. You tried to kill her and she did everything in her power not to hurt you, remember? I can't just give up on that."

Faith studied her sister's face, both annoyed but understanding, concerned. "And what if you end up hurt?"

"Then I'll deal with it," Hope replied, determination shining in her eyes. "But I have to try."

With a resigned sigh, Faith relented a bit. "Alright, but promise me you'll be careful, okay? Bianca may have her soul back, but she's still dangerous."

Hope nodded, appreciating the concern. "I promise. But I can't stand by while she battles her demons alone."

With a final squeeze of Faith's hand, Hope turned and opened the door, stepping out into the cool night air. The shadows felt alive around her as she made her way toward Angel's mansion, where she knew Bianca stayed, and Hope couldn't shake the feeling of urgency pulling her along.

∞

Angel's Mansion - Living Room

As she approached the grand entrance of Angel's mansion, Hope paused to take a deep breath, steeling herself for whatever awaited inside. She could feel the weight of the past pressing down on both her and Bianca - memories tangled in both their minds like a labyrinth. However, while Hope was able to separate fact from fiction - their reality from the Wishverse - Bianca didn't have that luxury. Nor the luxury of escaping the onslaught of the ghostly apparition haunting her and using her brother's face to torment her.

Hope raised her hand to knock on the door, her heart pounding in her chest. She hesitated for a brief moment, wondering if she was truly ready to confront Bianca and the shadows that haunted her. But before she could second-guess herself, the door swung open, revealing Angel standing there with a concerned expression.

"Hope," Angel said softly, stepping aside to let her in. "I wasn't expecting you."

"I know it's late," Hope replied, taking a step inside the dimly lit foyer. "But I need to talk to Bianca."

Angel's brows furrowed slightly. "Are you sure? She's been having a rough time since... well, since everything. You might not find her in the best state of mind."

"I need to do this," Hope insisted, her resolve unwavering. "She needs someone who understands. I know you do, but... I saw something in our dreams tonight, and... our memories from the Wishverse. I need to help her."

Angel nodded slowly, sensing the determination in Hope's voice. "Alright. Just... be gentle with her."

Hope nodded in agreement. "I will be."

Angel pointed down the hallway. "At the end of the hall."

As Hope stepped down the hallway, the air was heavy with a sense of history and unresolved tension. She hesitated for a moment, her heart pounding in her chest before she reached Bianca's bedroom door, calling out softly. "Bianca?"

Silence settled over the area like a thick fog. Hope walked closer, her senses heightened as she searched for any sign of the vampire in her room. The shadows danced along the walls, flickering in the light of the few candles that illuminated the room. Hope felt a growing sense of urgency; she needed to reach Bianca before darkness consumed her again.

"Bianca?" Hope tried again, this time louder.

From behind the door, Hope heard a faint sound- a muffled sob. Hope's heart sank as she hurried toward the noise, her footsteps echoing against the marble floors.

∞

Bianca's Room

Once Hope opened the door to Bianca's room and stepped inside carefully, she was met with a sight that made her heart ache. Bianca was curled up on her bed, a tangle of dark hair falling over her face, tears glistening on her cheeks. The elegant room, with its rich furnishings and soft lighting, felt stifling in contrast to Bianca's raw vulnerability. The normally confident vampire looked fragile, her dark hair falling in disheveled waves around her face.

Hope's chest tightened as she took in the tear-streaked cheeks and the haunted look in Bianca's eyes. She stepped further into the room, closing the door behind her softly.

"Bianca," Hope whispered, moving closer. "I'm here."

Bianca looked up slowly, surprise flickering in her gaze before it faded into something deeper - shame, fear and sorrow.

"Hope," Bianca managed to say, her voice barely a whisper, thick with emotion as she wiped her tears.

Hope crossed the room and sank down on the bed beside Bianca, instinctively reaching out to place a comforting hand on her back. "I know it's late, but I... I needed to talk to you. I wanted to make sure you were okay."

Bianca let out a hollow laugh as she sat up slowly, wrapping her arms around herself. "You think I'm okay? After everything? After what I saw in my dreams? You saw it, didn't you? I saw you in my dream. You saw it, too."

Hope swallowed hard, knowing all too well the weight of memories pressing down harshly on both of them. "I did. I know."

Bianca looked down in shame, her lip trembling. "Brady didn't even know. About what my father did to me. I was so ashamed. He made me think that if Brady knew, he would never touch me. Never want to be with me the way I wanted to be with him. That it was my fault I was tainted and dirty because of him..."

Hope's heart ached at Bianca's confession. She could feel the years of pain and struggle emanating from her, each word dripping with the weight of shame and fear. "Bianca, what happened to you was not your fault. You were a child, and what your father did... that was abuse. You didn't deserve any of that."

Bianca shook her head vehemently, the tears spilling down her cheeks again as she looked into hope's eys, a mixture of despair and longing swirling within her. "I should have told someone. I should have fought back harder. Instead, I let him control me. I was so scared, and then... then Billy knew. He just stood there and let it happen. He thought defending me one time would make up for all the times he let it happen to me. And then I let him manipulate me, too." Her voice cracked with emotion. "I was so desperate to please them, to keep my family together, even when they were tearing me apart." The bitterness tinged with despair seeped into Bianca's words as she struggled to reconcile her past.

"You were a kid trying to protect yourself in a terrifying situation," Hope said softly, brushing a strand of air from Bianca's face. "You did what you had to do to survive. You did what you had to do to get through it. But you're not that girl anymore."

Bianca's gaze fell to the floor, where shadows seemed to dance mockingly. "Every time I close my eyes, I see what they did to me. I see what I did to Brady, Alice, Brooke and Wyatt... Zoey, Layla and Carmen... to everyone. And I see what I did to you." Her voice cracked as the memories of the Wishverse threatened to overwhelm her.

Hope shook her head instantly. "That wasn't you, and that wasn't me. Okay, that was some alternate reality, and we know that now. You've never done anything to hurt me, Bianca."

"But I remember it," Bianca murmured.

Hope's heart raced as she watched Bianca's anguish, a deep-seated pain that echoed within her own soul. She knew how heavy the burdens of the past could be, how they could claw their way to the surface and suffocate the hope for a brighter future - or a future at all.

"You can't let those memories define you," Hope urged gently, keeping her voice steady as she leaned closer, searching Bianca's eyes for any sign of hope. "You're not responsible for the choices that version of you made. You're fighting for redemption now, and that matters. You have a chance to change, to be better. You've already made the decision of who you want to be now - who you are becoming."

Bianca glanced at Hope, uncertainty flickering in her eyes like ac candle threatened by the wind. "But what if I slip back? What if I hurt someone again? What if I hurt you? You have no idea how easily I can lose control."

Hope took a deep breath, feeling the weight of Bianca's fears. "You're stronger than you think. You have a soul now, and you've chosen to fight for good. That says something about who you are. You've already helped me more than I can say, just by being there when it mattered. And I may not know everything you've gone through, but I do know pain. I've felt darkness creep into my own life too. But I've also learned that it's okay to lean on others when the weight becomes too heavy. You don't have to do this alone, Bianca. We can face this together."

Bianca's eyes shimmered with a mix of sorrow and longing as she listened to Hope's words. The warmth of the Guardian's presence wrapped around her like a comforting blanket, soothing the raw edges of her heart. But doubt still lingered, gnawing at her insides.

"But what if I hurt you?" Bianca whispered, her voice trembling. "Like I did over there? After everything... after how I've treated everyone..."

Hope shook her head firmly. "You've changed. You're trying to be better, and that counts for something. I see the good in you, even when you can't see it yourself. You're not just a monster, Bianca; you're someone deserving of love, even after everything you did and everything you've been through. Because you're fighting to make things right. You just have to keep on fighting."

Bianca looked at Hope for a long moment, swallowing. "Why do you care? You're a Guardian, I'm a vampire. You should want me dead."

Hope tilted her head slightly, biting her lip. "I don't. There was so much wrong about us in the other world. But one thing you were right about was this." She reached out and placed her hand over Bianca's heart, signifying the connection they both felt ever since Hope arrived to Sunnydale.

Bianca's breath caught in her throat as she felt the warmth of Hope's hand resting over her heart. The gesture was simple yet profound, igniting something within her that she had long thought extinguished.

"You have a heart," Hope said softly, her eyes locked onto Bianca's. "And it tells me you're alive and fighting for something greater than yourself. You have emotions; you feel pain and love just like anyone else."

For a moment, Bianca was struck speechless. The overwhelming tide of emotions coursing through her threatened to pull her under once again. "But what if I fail? What if the darkness takes over again? I can't bear to hurt you or anyone else. Something is messing with my mind, and I can't stop it."

Hope moved closer, her voice steady and unwavering. "Then we'll face that darkness together. You don't have to do it alone anymore. And whatever is messing with you and Angel, we'll stop that together, too."

Tears brimmed in Bianca's eyes as she considered Hope's words, the genuine concern reflected in the Guardian's gaze stirring something deep inside her - a flicker of hope that had been buried under layers of regret and self-loathing for far too long.

"You really mean that?" Bianca asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "After everything I've done?"

"Yes," Hope affirmed, gripping Bianca's hand gently. "You deserve a chance to heal, just like everyone else. You've fought through so much already."

Bianca's heart raced as she felt the warmth of Hope's hand against hers, grounding her in the moment. "But what if I slip? What if I hurt you by accident?" The desperation in her voice was palpable.

Hope shook her head, squeezing Bianca's hand tighter. "Then we deal with it together. I won't give up on you, and I don't want you to give up on yourself either. We all have our struggles - we all have darkness inside us. But it doesn't have to win."

"You really believe I can become someone worthy?" Bianca whispered, her voice trembling as the weight of vulnerability settled over her.

"I do," Hope affirmed, her fingers gently squeezing Bianca's hand. "You've already started to become that person. Every choice you make now is a step forward, even when it feels impossible."

Bianca inhaled sharply, allowing the warmth of Hope's presence to envelop her - a stark contrast to the shadows that haunted her. "But I'm scared."

"Fear is natural," Hope replied softly. "But it doesn't have to define your path. Use it to fuel your strength instead. You survived unimaginable horrors; now it's time to reclaim your life and your power."

A flicker of something - determination, perhaps? - sparked in Bianca's eyes as she absorbed Hope's words. The promise of a future unshackled by the chains of her past began to take root.

With a deep breath, Bianca nodded slowly, despite the fear and uncertainty still weighing her down. Hope's words were a fuel to her determination, and she couldn't let whatever was playing with her mind win again.

"What do we do?" Bianca whispered.

Hope took a deep breath. "The sun's almost up, so you and Angel have to stay here. But I'll meet up with the Scoobies. We'll do everything we can to figure out what's going on with you two and figure out how to help you. I promise."

As Hope spoke, a sense of purpose ignited within her. Bianca's haunted eyes were a mirror to her own struggles; they had both faced darkness in different forms.

"I'll meet with the others," Hope said, determination lacing her voice. "We'll work together to find out what's messing with you and Angel. But today, I want you to focus on resting and believing that you can fight this."

Bianca nodded slowly, hope mingling with the fear that still clung to her like a shadow.

"I'll try," Bianca replied, her voice trembling slightly but carrying an undercurrent of resolve. "If I can lean on you... maybe it won't be so hard to confront my past."

"You're not alone anymore," Hope assured her, rising from the bed and giving Bianca's hand a final squeeze before heading toward the door. "Just remember, it's okay to ask for help. We'll face whatever comes next together."

Hope turned to leave, but Bianca's voice stopped her. "Hope, wait."

Hope paused and turned back, concern washing over her. "What is it?"

Bianca hesitated, her fingers intertwining nervously in her lap as she struggled with the weight of her emotions. "If I slip again... if I ever lose control... promise me you'll protect yourself first. Like you did in the Wishverse in the end, but this time, I want you to live, even if I don't."

Realizing that Bianca was asking Hope to kill her if it came down to protecting herself, Hope felt a wave of conflicted emotions - heartache, anger and relief. The thought of killing Bianca even to protect herself would feel like a betrayal to everything Hope was fighting for, not just for herself but for Bianca as well, and she was devastated with the thought of taking Bianca out after their connection had forged.

The anger wasn't directed at Bianca, but at the force of darkness that was making her doubt herself and fear that she would lose control and hurt someone - the same force of darkness that was tormenting her broken mind with visions of what her father and brother had done to her in an attempt to drive her out of her already shattered psyche. And yet, there was relief, because Bianca showed that cared more about everyone else, and she would rather die than hurt anyone else again, which only solidified how much she had changed.

Bianca couldn't live with herself if she hurt the Scoobies again, including Hope, and they both knew it.

Hope stepped closer again, locking eyes with Bianca, determination etched in her gaze. "I promise I'll protect myself - but I also promise to help you fight against this darkness. I'm not going to kill you, Bianca. What happened in the other world - it's not going to come to that. We're going to make sure of it. We're both going to make it out of this alive."

Bianca's breath hitched as she absorbed Hope's unwavering resolve. The warmth emanating from the Guardian suffused her with a fragile hope - a flicker of light against the encroaching shadows of despair.

"Thank you," Bianca whispered, a tear trailing down her cheek as she allowed herself to feel vulnerable for the first time in years.

Hope smiled softly, brushing the tear away. "Just hang on a little while longer, okay? We're going to fix this."

Bianca nodded shakily, watching as Hope slowly turned and left her room in determination to find a way to end this before it could get any worse.

∞

Living Room

As she stepped into the hallway, Hope felt the weight of her promise settle around her like armor. She was going to protect Bianca, and in doing so, she would also reclaim a piece of herself that had been lost amidst the chaos of their battles.

The night air was cool against her skin as she moved through the mansion, her resolve solidifying with each step. Hope's heart raced but not with fear; it was a surge of purpose that propelled her forward. She navigated through the dimly lit corridors until she found Angel in the living room, seated on the couch with his head resting in his hands.

"Angel," Hope said softly, catching his attention.

Angel looked up, concern etched across his features. "How is she?"

"She's hurting," Hope replied, her voice steady despite the weight of what she had to say next. "But I think she can get through this, especially if we all support her."

Angel nodded slowly, a flicker of hope igniting in his eyes. "I want to help her too. I just... whatever this thing is, messing with us... she's been seeing Ford, but I've been seeing past victims of mine, including Layla's sister Jenny. Zoey's aunt. And I don't know how I can be much help to Bianca right now with this thing in my head."

Hope nodded in understanding. "I know. Whatever is going on with you two, we'll figure it out before it gets any more out of hand. I promise."

Angel released a shaky sigh of relief, a rare vulnerability evident in every fiber of his being. "Thank you, Hope."

Hope hated seeing both Bianca and Angel like this. Especially when in the Wishverse, Hope had memories of her, Wyatt and Angel being good friends while they were captured by the Master. She couldn't stand the thought of some darkness now trying to tear apart not only Bianca, but Angel as well.

"Angel, I know we barely know each other in this world," Hope admitted. "But over there, it was... different. We were friends. I was close with you and Wyatt, and I... I'm not going to let some evil badness try and take you and Bianca both out. I can't."

Angel nodded in understanding yet relief. "I understand. I don't know what you girls saw over in the Wishverse, but I know that it's changed everything for a lot of people."

"It did," Hope agreed. "I feel like I have more to lose now. And I hate losing. That's how you know I'm not going to lose this time."

Angel managed a small smile in return, knowing this was Hope's way of saying that she wasn't going to let this evil win against Bianca and Angel. That they weren't going to lose.

The weight of the past and the uncertainty of the future loomed behind her, but she also felt a flicker of hope igniting within her. She had true friends with the Scoobies, and possibly able to rebuild one with Angel in this world that could mirror the one she had with him in the Wishverse.

And with Bianca... Hope couldn't shake the feeling that they were on the precipice of something new - something both terrifying and exhilarating.

Hope made her way out of the mansion, her heart racing with every step. She had a mission now, and it filled her with purpose. She needed to gather the team, discuss what she, Brooke and Alice witnessed in Bianca's dreams, and come up with a plan to help Bianca and Angel confront whatever dark force was threatening to pull them back into despair.

∞

Day Four - Christmas Eve

Morning - Angel's Mansion - Atrium

Unable to sleep, Angel walked out of a hall into the atrium, pulling on a T-shirt.

Standing at the opposite end of the room by the doorway to the atrium was Jenny.

"Trouble sleeping?" Jenny asked with false sympathy.

Angel froze at the sight of her. "You're not here."

Jenny slowly came closer. "I'm always here."

Angel backed away. "Leave me alone."

Angel sat down on the cold marble on one side of the great fireplace.

"I can't," Jenny replied. "You won't let me."

"What do you want?" Angel asked.

Jenny shrugged. "I wanna die in bed surrounded by fat grandchildren, but guess that's off the menu. I guess so is me being able to spend Christmas with my sister Layla. And my niece Zoey. How they were able to forgive you and even think about helping you after everything you did to them, to me, I'll never know."

Angel couldn't face her. "I'm sorry."

"You're sorry?" Jenny repeated. "For me? Don't bother. I'm dead. I'm over it." She crouched down next to Angel. "If you wanna feel sorry for someone, you should feel sorry for yourself. Oh, but I guess you've already got that covered."

Angel's voice trembled. "I am sorry... for what I've done. What else can I say to you?"

Jenny put her hand to Angel's temple, stroking it. With her next sentence, she transformed to the likeness of Daniel, their voices mingling. "I don't wanna make you feel bad."

Daniel shook his head. "I just want to show you who you are. You... and Bianca."

Angel glared at Daniel. "You leave her alone."

Daniel chuckled darkly. "So protective. Yet you're a killer. And you've made Bianca into your own image, when you were both soulless. Look at what you've done to her, Angel. You think you can save her from the darkness that clings to your own soul?"

Angel's heart pounded in his chest as Daniel's words pierced through him like a spear. He clenched his fists, fighting against the rising tide of anger and guilt that threatened to consume him. "I didn't want any of this! I never wanted to hurt anyone!"

"But you did," Jenny's voice cut through, now laced with bitterness. "You used her, just like Ford did. Just like her father did. You used her obsession with Brady and Alice to get what you wanted to torment the rest of their friends, including Zoey and Layla. You're just as guilty of manipulating her into submission."

Angel looked down in guilt, knowing that Angelus truly was guilty of that, which only caused Angel pain as he struggled to overcome the past.

"I'm trying to help her," Angel spoke. "I care about her."

Daniel's expression shifted slightly, seeming to soften for just a moment. "Do you? Or are you just trying to ease your own guilt of what you've molded her to be?"

Angel's heart raced, the weight of Daniel's words crashing down on him like a tidal wave.

"I want to help her," Angel insisted, his voice low and filled with desperation. "I've seen what she's been through, what Ford did to her, and I--"

"You're not the hero in her story, Angel," Jenny interrupted, her tone sharp and unyielding. "You can't be the savior while still dragging Bianca through your own hell. Look at what you are: a vampire cursed to feel remorse as the shadows of your past consume you. You think that by saying sorry, you can absolve yourself of the sins you've committed - against me, against her?"

"You think I like feeling this way?" Angel shot back, his voice rising with frustration. "Every time I close my eyes, I see the faces of those I've hurt - of you. I can't escape what I've done, and neither can Bianca. But I want to help her. I want her to have a chance at healing."

Jenny's face softened as she looked at him, but then it twisted into a painful frown. "You think your guilt absolves you? You think by trying to save Bianca you're somehow redeeming yourself? That's not how it works, Angel. Not in this world or any other."

∞

Sunnydale High School - Library

Zoey, Buffy, Brady, Eric, Wyatt, Carmen, Layla and Giles had met up with Hope, Brooke and Alice to discuss what happened the night before when the three Guardians had shared Bianca's dream and saw the abuse she endured.

"You had a dream about Bianca?" Eric asked.

"We were in Bianca's dream," Brooke corrected.

Giles took off his glasses. "I'm not sure that's..."

"Giles, there was stuff in this dream that we couldn't possibly know about," Hope told him. "And I went to talk to Bianca after, and she knew that we were in her dream and that we saw everything that her father did to her. It was her past. She was dreaming it, and somehow we got sucked in."

Alice nodded. "It has to be because of the Guardian powers and blood connecting the four of us. It doesn't matter what caused it to happen, because there's something tormenting Bianca and tormenting Angel, and..."

Carmen, Zoey, Layla, Alice and Giles shared a look.

Eric looked at them in concern. "What? What's that look for?"

"Angel came by last night," Zoey explained. "He gave me one of the potions Carmen made for Bianca, hoping that it could help me separate my memories from the Wishverse memories."

The others looked at Zoey in surprise.

"But when he was over, he said that he was seeing the ghosts of his victims," Layla explained. "Including Jenny last night."

"And you didn't see anything?" Buffy asked.

"No," Carmen answered. "But Zoey and Layla felt something there. Something dark and evil, and..."

"It felt suffocating," Zoey finished. "And it's sure as hell not my Aunt Jenny."

"And I don't think whatever is messing with Bianca is truly her brother," Layla went on.

Brady was incredibly worried about Bianca, pressing a hand to his head. "And while Angel's seeing ghosts of victims' past, Bianca's being tormented by the father that abused her and the brother that started all of this mess."

"Yeah," Hope answered. "She's barely hanging on, guys. She asked me last night if she ever lost control... to kill her. I think whatever this is..."

"Is trying to make her lose control," Wyatt finished, sighing heavily.

"Is there a way for us to find out what this thing is?" Eric asked.

"Uh, possibly," Giles answered. "We've been looking all night." He put his glasses back on.

"Well, let us look too," Carmen told him. "We have to help them before it's too late."

Xander suddenly made his presence known as he walked closer from the entrance of the library. "Where do we start?" Everyone looked at Xander in surprise. Xander sighed, abashed. "Look, I'm aware I haven't been the mostest best friend to you guys when it comes to the whole Bianca and Angel thing, and, um, I don't know. Maybe I finally got the Chanukah spirit."

Eric smiled slightly.

Brady, Zoey, Layla and Carmen looked at Xander in relief. Despite the constant fights they had with Xander before this regarding Bianca and Angel, this clearly meant so much to them.

Xander nodded in return.

Wyatt looked between them. "Well, we start, not surprisingly, with research."

"Let's do it," Brooke agreed. "Which books can help with this, though?"

Alice walked toward a small bookcase, gathering the books they would need. "The Black Chronicles. The diary of Lucious Temple, an acolyte of the darkest of spirits. You can skip the passages on his garden unless you're keen on growing heartier beets."

As Giles and Alice sorted through more books that could relate to anything that could help, they handed each book to each member of the gang present. They all spread out across the library to sit down and begin researching.

Buffy looked at Xander. "Are you sure this is how you wanna spend your Christmas vacation?"

Xander nodded. "Yeah, this is actually the most exciting thing I've got planned other than Layla's gathering. Who else can claim that pathetic a social life?"

"Whatever the case, thank you," Brady told him. "Bianca and Angel really need us right now."

"And we know that you are far from their fan," Carmen agreed. "This means so much, Xander."

Xander smiled slightly, nodding.

Willow walked in, smiling. "Hey, guys. What are we doing?"

Layla took a deep breath. "Researching a way to help Bianca and Angel. You want to grab a book, Willow?"

"Yeah, of course," Willow answered.

As the group settled into their research, the atmosphere in the library shifted from one of chaos to determined focus. Books were spread open, pages turned with urgency, and whispered conversations filled the air as they sought answers to the dark puzzle plaguing Bianca and Angel.

Hope huddled with Brooke and Alice at one of the tables, pouring over a thick tome filled with arcane symbols and incantations.

"Alright, what do these fragments mean?" Hope asked, tracing her finger along an illustration of a twisted tree, its branches resembling ghostly figures reaching out in pain.

Brooke squinted at the text. "It mentions something about spirits tethered to the past - lingering regrets that can manifest as nightmares or visions. If Angel and Bianca are both seeing their respective traumas, it could be linked."

Alice flipped through another volume. "Then we need to find a way to sever those ties. Otherwise, they might spiral deeper into despair."

As they continued to spend hours researching, they compared notes on the whiteboard. Xander had brought in pizza.

Meanwhile, Zoey, Carmen, Buffy and Willow shared another table.

Zoey rifled through a particularly ancient tome, his brow furrowing as she tried to decipher the old script. "Okay, I think this one talks about curses and binding spells. Maybe we can find something here that connects to what Angel and Bianca are dealing with."

Buffy leaned over Zoey's shoulder, her eyes scanning the pages. "If there's a way to break whatever this is, we need to find it fast."

Carmen was flipping through another book filled with intricate symbols and illustrations. "I found something! This mentions a dark entity that feeds on guilt and trauma. It can manifest through ancient familial ties."

Wyatt shook his head. "That sounds similar to Bianca, but it doesn't explain about Angel. None of the spirits haunting him are tied to him through familial or otherwise, except the fact that they're his victims."

"And it doesn't explain the darkness Zoey and Layla felt," Brooke added.

"That's true," Brady agreed. "The only familial ties involved are Bianca's brother and father. That doesn't explain about the rest."

Eric frowned slightly as he looked up. "What if instead of a bunch of different spirits, it's all the same thing tormenting both of them?"

Layla pointed to Eric. "That makes sense. The pattern with both Bianca and Angel remain the same, just through different visions and people. And even if Zoey and I didn't see any spirits last night near Angel, the wave of darkness we felt... it was unlike anything we've ever experienced before."

Giles was thinking, turning to get another book. "If it's truly all one entity steeped in profound darkness, we might be able to find something in here."

"Hopefully," Xander replied. "We've spent hours studying and found nothing."

"Be patient," Willow replied. "We've got this."

∞

Angel's Mansion - Bianca's Room

Meanwhile, Bianca was also being tormented by the apparitions, who took the form of one of her recent victims, a businessman from last year.

Bianca was clammy, shivering, and panting in horror.

The businessman paced past Bianca on her bed. "The thing I remember most was thinking how artful it was. In the dark, they looked just like they were sleeping. It wasn't until I bent down and kissed them good night that I felt how cold they were. You grabbed me, and I thought, who would go to so much trouble to arrange them like that?"

Bianca looked up at him.

The businessman crouched and transformed into Sofia, the Guardian that Bianca had killed the year before.

"But you see, dat's what makes you different dan other beasts," Sofia told her, her accent heavily pronounced. "Dey kill to feed, but you took more kinds of pleasure in it than any creature that walks or crawls, because of your insanity. A childish glee as if you're playing the most innocent of games."

"Oh, God!" Bianca jumped to her feet and tried to flee from her room.

Sofia smirked mockingly. "Yeah, cry out. Make a scene."

Yet before Bianca could flee from the room, another figure appeared before her - a vision of her dead mother who died from the same disease that continued to wreak havoc on Bianca's immortal mind.

Bianca froze, her heart racing as she faced the apparition of her mother, a ghostly figure framed in the dim light of the room. The ethereal glow illuminated her mother's familiar face, but it was marred by sorrow and disappointment.

"Why, Bianca?" her mother whispered, the pain and accusation in her voice cutting through the air like a knife. "Why did you let them do this to you? Why did you let him hurt you?"

The sight of her mother sent a surge of memories flooding back - an avalanche of guilt and regret that threatened to drown Bianca where she stood. She opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out; all she could do was tremble.

"You could have stopped them," her mother continued, stepping closer, the pain in her expression deepening. "You let fear bind you. You let them twist your mind until you became something unrecognizable. Your father, your brother..."

"Mom, I tried..." Bianca's voice cracked as tears streamed down her cheeks. "I tried to fight back. And Billy..."

"Billy wanted you to live," her mother murmured, stepping closer. "So you didn't die like I did. But you let your father corrupt you long before you were ever a monster. To let him touch you like that? To let your brother die after all he did for you and then not avenge his death? You're worthless, weak, and a terrible disappointment to me. You deserved everything that happened to you, and so much more."

Bianca couldn't take much more, holding her hands to her ears as she struggled to keep from breaking down. "Stop it! Stop..."

Her mother transformed into Ford.

Ford put his hands on Bianca's, gently taking them away from her ears. "I don't want to hurt you, Bianca, but you have to understand. Cruelty's the only thing you ever had a true talent for. It's the only reason why you're still alive."

Bianca was shaking her head in despair and pain. "That's not true."

"Shh," Ford shushed her, leading Bianca back to her bed. "Rest." He gently got Bianca to lie down. "Rest." He walked around Bianca. "You mistake it for a curse, Bianca, but it's not. It's your destiny." He sat down by Bianca's head as if to cradle it, stroking her hair. "I'll show you. I'll show you."

∞

Everyone was still studying in the library, yet some of them had fallen asleep in the process.

Hope had fallen asleep in the stacks with several books around her, as if pulled into another dream with Bianca when she had been coaxed to sleep by the darkness haunting her. She rolled from her side onto her back.

Meanwhile, in her room, Bianca rolled over onto her back also.

In a flash of bright light, they were both sharing a dream, where they were in Bianca's room. Within the dream, Hope took Bianca's hand. They touched fingertips briefly before intertwining their fingers and clasping hands.

In another flash of the dream, Hope was facing Bianca, straddling her lap with her legs circling around her waist. They were kissing passionately, holding each other as closely as possible, caressing each other tenderly. Hope pulled at Bianca's shirt, and she helped her pull it up and off, baring her chest.

Then, it was Bianca's turn to slip the top off of Hope. They held each other tightly as they kissed longer and more intensely. As they began to make gentle and passionate love, they changed positions as Bianca rolled on top of Hope. They caressed each other for a several moments as Bianca began to kiss her way down Hope's body. Yet, after a moment, she rose back up to kiss Hope on the lips and placed a kiss on where her neck joined her shoulder.

Bianca slid her hands up and along Hope's outstretched arms, reaching and clasping her hands as they continued to make love.

Suddenly, over Bianca's shoulder, Hope saw the eyeless priest from Bianca's previous dream, sightlessly observing them from where he was standing at the door.

There were several sudden flashes of light. Bianca removed her hands from their tender clasp and then, as a thunderclap was heard, grabbed Hope's wrists hard, forcibly pinning her down to the bed. She rose over Hope and transformed into her vampire guise, biting her savagely on the neck.

The sudden nightmarish turn to the loving dream startled both Hope and Bianca awake in their separate places.

Bianca woke up in her bed, sitting bolt upright, gasping for breath.

Ford was still next to her, glaring at Bianca. "You want her? Take her. Take what you want. Pour all that frustration and all that guilt into her, and you'll be free."

Bianca was shaking her head insistently. "No. I won't hurt her."

"You can't live for eternity with all that pain," Ford insisted. "This is what you are. Take her! And then you'll be ready to kill her."

∞∞

Sunnydale High School - Library

Hope walked out of the library stacks, down the stairs, hurriedly walking toward the others.

"Here, Hope," Alice told her. "We think we might have found what's terrorizing Bianca and Angel. Take a look." She went to the table with a pile of very old and worn sheets of paper. "These letters contain references to an ancient power known as The First."

"First what?" Zoey asked.

"Evil," Giles answered. "Absolute evil, older than man, than demons. According to these letters, it's essentially a spirit of pure darkness, yet not a spirit at all, which explains why Zoey and Layla couldn't see it, but they could sense it."

Wyatt nodded. "And its patterns varies, but it can only appear as the dead, or anyone who has died. This creature manipulates all forces of darkness to do its bidding, using dreams and other means to brainwash others into doing its dirty work because as an apparition, it can't do it itself."

Carmen looked up. "Ford. Angel's victims. This thing is playing on their past traumas and their guilt to control them."

"It sure looks like it," Brooke answered. "But Angel's more sound of mind than Bianca is. It looks like this thing is targeting her more because of her broken psyche, thinking it'll be easier to control her like she was controlled before by her father and Ford."

"Second that," Hope agreed. She noticed one of the letters had a sketch of the eyeless priest, picking it up. "These guys. I - I saw them in my dream. I - I fell asleep up there."

"You had another dream?" Buffy asked. "With Bianca?" Hope nodded. "What happened?"

Hope looked between the others. "Oh, we don't need to get sidetracked."

Brady pointed to the sketches. "Who are these guys?"

Layla sorted through the letters. "They're known as the Bringers or Harbingers. They're high priests of The First. They, uh, they can conjure spirit manifestations and set them on people, influence them, haunt them."

"These are the guys working the mojo on Angel and Bianca," Willow stated.

"We gotta stop them," Eric pointed out.

"You can't fight The First, Eric," Giles told him. "It's not a physical being. Even magic won't work against it."

"Well, we can fight these priest guys," Brady replied.

"If we can find them," Xander agreed.

They all shared a look.

∞

Willy's Bar

Willy was wiping down a few bottles and putting them away when he saw Brooke and Wyatt walk into the bar.

Willy spoke loudly so everyone heard. "Hey! It's Guardian Brooke Summers and warlock Wyatt Pratt. What brings a Guardian and a warlock down here?"

Several vampires at the bar got up and quietly left.

Brooke and Wyatt walked up to the bar.

Brooke tilted her head. "Hey, Willy, how you been?"

Willy poured a drink for a customer. "Keeping out of trouble, as God is my witness." He walked over to Brooke and Wyatt. "So, what can I do for you two? Couple of drinks?"

"Yeah," Wyatt replied sarcastically, exchanging a look with Brooke. "We just need a double shot of information."

"Three priests," Brooke told him. "They call themselves the Bringers, Harbingers. They have a 'no eyes' kinda look."

Willy shook his head. "Doesn't ring a bell."

"They wouldn't have come to town recently," Wyatt explained. "They'd be holed up somewhere summoning the spirit of The First."

Willy looked around the bar carefully, then leaned in toward them. "Well... I heard a few things, you know, from the underground."

"The underground?" Brooke repeated.

"Yeah, you know," Willy said. "From things that live under the ground. Apparently there's been a lot of migration out of Sunnydale from the lower inhabitants. Something's scaring them off, and these are things that aren't easily scared. Could be your priest guys are underground."

"Underground where?" Wyatt asked.

"I do not know," Willy admitted regretfully.

Wyatt and Brooke shared a look, knowing that Willy told them everything he knew.

"Okay," Brooke said. "Thank you."

Wyatt gave Willy a salute. "See you around."

They turned to leave.

"Hey, kids," Willy said. "Merry Christmas."

Wyatt and Brooke merely nodded and walked out of the bar.

∞

Outside

Brooke and Wyatt stepped into the heat of the day, starting down the block.

"Man, is it hot," Brooke complained. "It was so nice and cool in there."

"Yeah, a nice cool waste of time," Wyatt replied.

They stopped walking.

Brooke tried to look at the bright side. "We know underground. That's a start."

Wyatt nodded. "Sure, in a town with fourteen million square miles of sewer."

"Plus a lot of natural cave formations and a gateway to Hell," Brooke added. "Yeah, this does resemble square one. What do we do?"

Wyatt led Brooke along. "I think right now the best plan is to deck the halls with boughs of holly. Look, we'll catch the bad guys... sooner or later."

∞

Night - Francis Mansion - Living Room

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm golden glow across the Francis mansion, Layla buzzed with excitement. She had spent weeks transforming their home into a festive wonderland, and now, with everyone arriving, it felt like the culmination of that effort had finally come to fruition.

The scent of pine filled the air from the grand Christmas tree in the center of the living room, adorned with shimmering ornaments and twinkling lights. Layla had strung garlands of holly and ivy throughout the house, and each room was filled with soft music that wrapped around them like a comforting blanket.

"Wow, Layla! This place looks incredible!" Brady exclaimed, her eyes wide with delight.

Layla beamed at the kids. "Thanks! I wanted it to feel special for everyone. After everything we've been through, we deserve a little joy."

Zoey smiled, walking toward her mother. "We all needed this, Mom. Thank you."

"I certainly agree," Giles agreed, walking closer with Alice. "Alice's first real Christmas aside, all of you deserve a night like this."

Alice smiled at Giles. "Thank you, Dad. And Layla, you've done wonderfully."

Layla took Zoey and Alice by the hands, looking at Carmen as well. "I couldn't have done this without you three."

Layla, Zoey, Alice and Giles smiled at each other, and Carmen couldn't help but smile at the family that they were making together.

"I'm just glad I got to stay here for the holidays and help you guys," Carmen admitted.

"You know you're always welcome here, Carmen," Layla told her.

Just then, Brady walked closer with the cookies he and Alice had baked. "We made the cookies."

Buffy and Brooke walked in with Eric, Wyatt and Joyce, gifts and treats in arms.

Joyce smiled at Layla and Giles as she joined the other two adults. "Layla, thank you for inviting us."

"Mom was very excited to come," Buffy explained. "It looks amazing."

Brooke smiled. "At least we get to feel a little magic tonight. Like we can actually forget everything for just a few hours."

Wyatt nudged Brooke with his shoulder. "Just like I told you we could."

"Everything looks great," Eric complimented.

Willow and Xander followed them in.

Willow looked around, her eyes sparkling with delight. "Wow, Layla, this is really festive! The decorations are absolutely beautiful." She stepped forward, admiring the tree and the way the lights twinkled like stars.

Xander nodded in agreement, feigning seriousness as he picked up a decorative ornament. "I have to say, you've outdone yourself. This could easily replace my sad house Christmas tree."

"Or at least make it look slightly less sad," Willow quipped, playfully nudging Xander.

Eric chuckled as he took a look around. "Yeah, it's like holiday cheer threw up in here. I'm all for it."

"Just wait until you see the gingerbread house in the kitchen," Zoey said with a wink.

"Gingerbread?" Xander echoed, grinning. "Count me in."

Joyce smiled as she noticed a fire burning in the fireplace. "You've even got a fire going."

"Yeah, nothing like a roaring fire to keep away the blistering heat of Sunnydale," Wyatt quipped.

Everyone smiled slightly.

"Oh, come on," Layla said. "It's lovely. Maybe I should turn the air conditioning on."

"I've already done so," Giles assured.

"Air conditioning and a fire for festive cheer," Brooke noted.

Alice chuckled. "Welcome to the Hellmouth Holiday cheer."

As laughter filled the room, Hope and Faith entered behind them, hair slightly tousled.

"Hi!" Buffy greeted.

While Faith looked kind of hesitant to be there, Hope's face was lit up. "You're all here. I thought we were going to be late."

"Not late," Xander answered.

Zoey grinned at Hope and Faith. "Just in time for the festivities to begin."

"Haven't missed anything yet," Eric agreed.

Layla walked toward Hope and Faith, giving them both a sincere smile. "I'm glad you came."

Hope and Faith smiled in return.

Faith handed Layla a champagne bottle. "Uh, here. Hope said that we should get something in thanks for inviting us."

"Thank you," Layla replied. "Oh, that is so thoughtful."

Faith smiled, embarrassed. "They're crappy."

"We don't have much money to spare for gifts or stuff," Hope admitted.

"Don't worry about it," Alice told them. "All that matters is you're here."

Meanwhile, Angel and Bianca arrived quietly, stepping through the door as if holding their breath. There was a palpable tension surrounding them, but Layla's warmth seemed to ease the strain just enough for them to blend in, followed by the others when they all noticed them walk in. Everyone was concerned yet so relieved to see them.

Carmen moved to Angel's side as she glanced between him and Bianca. "Hey, you two made it! How are you feeling?"

It was clear that Angel and Bianca were both exhausted with The First toying with both of their minds so relentlessly, but they were trying to make an effort to be here with the others. After they had all been so welcoming and were trying their best in order to help them, all they wanted was to have one night where they didn't have worry about the demons they were facing.

Bianca's eyes glistened with unshed tears as the warmth of Brady's words washed over her, a gentle reminder that she wasn't alone. "Thanks, Brady. For being here. I appreciate that."

Bianca inhaled deeply, feeling the warmth of everyone's presence surrounding her like a protective cocoon. It was a feeling she had longed for but had thought she would never experience again after everything she had done.

Brady nodded, his expression earnest. "We're all here for each other, Bianca. This is your family now."

As if on cue, Zoey stepped closer, wrapping her arms around Bianca in a tight embrace. "And family means we support each other through thick and thin."

Carmen smiled as she wrapped her arms around both Zoey and Bianca. "Absolutely. We all just want both of you to get better. You're not alone in his fight anymore."

Bianca's heart swelled with gratitude as she returned Zoey and Carmen's embrace, the warmth of their connection slowly melting away the icy dread that had gripped her for so long.

The others all smiled softly.

Brooke walked closer. "Just focus on tonight. We're here to celebrate together, to find some joy despite everything." She gestured toward the festive decorations that adorned the room, the joyful holiday spirit palpable in the air.

"Yeah," Alice added with a soft smile. "Tonight is about us being together, sharing laughter and memories." She glanced at Bianca, her heart aching for what the vampire was enduring but hopeful that this gathering might offer some solace.

Bianca and Alice met each other's gazes, a long understanding that surpassed everything that had transpired between them the previous year.

Bianca looked around the room, taking in the familiar faces of her friends who had become her family. She looked to Angel, who was almost as overwhelmed by all of this as she was.

Angel rested a protective hand on Bianca's back. "It's okay."

"We're pretty sure we know what you're going up against if you want to know," Wyatt told them.

Bianca shook her head quickly. "I just want to forget about it tonight."

"So do I," Angel agreed. "We can worry about the details later when we have something more to go on."

"That's fair enough," Faith remarked. "I'd want to party away my pain away, too."

As the group gathered together, Buffy stepped forward, breaking through the heaviness that clung to the atmosphere. "Alright everyone, let's lighten the mood a bit. Who's ready for some holiday fun?"

Giles gestured around. "Yes, yes. We have food, drinks, and an assortment of games lined up."

"Games!" Xander perked up.

Willow smiled, a spark of enthusiasm igniting within her. "I love games. That's one way to liven things up around here."

Bianca managed a faint smile as the room's energy shifted from somber to lively. The laughter and chatter filled her heart with a flicker of warmth that had been so elusive in recent weeks.

"What's first?" Hope asked, looking around for the nearest game.

Joyce smiled. "How about holiday charades? We can split into teams."

Layla chuckled, gesturing to the living room. "Everyone can sit down and split into teams."

As everyone went to do so, Hope and Bianca both hung back.

Hope turned to Bianca in concern. "Are you okay?"

Bianca couldn't truly meet Hope's gaze after the nightmare that The First had forced upon her - having a moment of true, pure happiness with Hope only to feed on her... kill her.

Bianca looked around apprehensively, clearing her throat. "Hope, we probably... shouldn't be alone right now."

Hope stepped closer. "I just wanted to make sure you were okay after that last dream."

Bianca shook her head, taking a step back from Hope, creating some distance, if only to keep Hope safe. "You shouldn't be asking me that."

"Just tell me how I can help," Hope told her softly.

Just then, The First appeared to Bianca, standing behind Hope, in the form of Ford once again.

"She wants you to touch her," Ford/The First said enticingly. "What are you waiting for?"

In the other room, Zoey and Layla could sense the presence of The First, but when they looked toward Bianca and Hope, they couldn't see the entity.

Bianca closed her eyes, shaking her head, struggling to force The First out of her mind. "Stop. Billy..."

Hope looked at Bianca worriedly when she realized she was facing the illusion of Ford in that moment. "Bianca, it's not your brother."

Feeling the control of The First clawing into her mind, Bianca was breathing heavily, struggling hard with herself for maintaining control.

As Hope took a step closer to Bianca, the vampire took a step back, trembling from both resistance and desire. She craved Hope in every way possible. In a way that she knew Hope reciprocated, but she could not allow herself to lose control.

"You just have to control it, okay?" Hope murmured softly.

Ford/The First leaned closer to Hope, taunting Bianca as the entity further seduced the vampire to take the Guardian. "She wants you to taste her. Just like she did in the other world. Think of the peace. You'll never have to see us again."

Bianca's heart raced as she stared into Ford's cold, piercing eyes. They held a darkness that seemed to devour the very light in her room.

"You don't get to control me anymore," Bianca hissed, her voice trembling but filled with resolve. "I'm not like I was before."

Ford's expression twisted into a mockery of a smile. "You think you can just will away your past? You think that by denying it, it will go away?" He leaned closer, his voice lowering to a whisper. "You're still that same scared little girl who let her father hurt her. And now, you're here again - caught between two worlds, unsure how to escape."

"No!" Bianca shouted defiantly, shaking her head as if to physically reject the memories clawing their way back into her mind. "I won't let you win!"

Everyone could hear Bianca begin to unravel as she struggled against The First's influence over her mind. Bianca grew closer and closer to losing control - not of her bloodlust, but of her Guardian power, as her mental and emotional instability caused her hands and her eyes to glow with red energy that was ready to burst at the seams, just like her mind.

Hope's heart raced as she witnessed the struggle playing out in Bianca's eyes. The glow of red energy flickering around the vampire threatened to consume her, and for a brief moment, the room felt charged with tension, as if reality itself held its breath. Everyone looked on in worry, but none of them dared to speak, as if they were worried that they would break what little control Bianca had over herself.

"Bianca!" Hope called out, stepping forward with determination. "You are stronger than this! You have us. You have me!"

The apparition of Ford sneered, twisting the knife deeper. "Her? She's just another distraction, another illusion of safety. You craves what she offers, and she craves what you do - the connection, the love - but underneath it all, she knows you're a monster. And so do you. So take her!"

As the glow intensified around her, Bianca screamed, clenching her fists at her sides as tears streamed down her cheeks. "No!"

The energy pulsed around Bianca, glowing brilliantly and deadly as it burst out of her in a radiant ring of scarlet as if like an explosion of power. It threw everyone to the ground, sending a shockwave through the room that rattled the very foundations of the mansion. Shards of furniture rattled and decorations trembled, blowing everything to the floor. The mansion shuddered with the intensity of Bianca's struggle.

Hope hit the ground hard, gasping for breath as she pushed herself back up to her knees, eyes wide with alarm. "Bianca!"

Hope, Zoey, Carmen, Brady, Alice, Angel, Wyatt, Buffy and Eric struggled to rise to their feet, desperate to find a way to help Bianca control this, even as they were paralyzed in place from the cyclone of swirling scarlet energy surrounding Bianca and threatening to throw everyone to the ground again. Layla and Faith followed suit, both in shock from what they were seeing. They could not get any closer to Bianca in her state.

Meanwhile, Xander, Willow, Giles and Joyce were staring in wide-eyed horror and concern.

The ghostly figure of Ford sneered at the chaos swirling around them as a result of Bianca's instability, his form flickering and growing more monstrous in the face of her inner turmoil. "See? You can't escape who you are! Embrace it!"

Bianca's entire body trembled, caught in a war between her desire for connection and the darkness that threatened to consume her. She felt the weight of Ford's taunts pressing down on her.

"Bianca!" Brady shouted, his voice laced with both fear and determination. "Listen to me! You are not a monster!"

"You are not defined by your past!" Wyatt told her. "Fight it!"

The energy surrounding Bianca flickered unpredictably, almost as if it were responding to their words. The glow pulsed erratically around her, and she fell to her knees, gripping her head as though trying to physically pull apart the conflicting forces inside her.

"Get out of my head!" Bianca cried out, every word laced with pain. Her body trembled, wrestling against the memories that threatened to consume her - each moment of torment and guilt she had endured clawing at her sanity.

The apparition of Ford laughed cruelly, stepping closer as the darkness seemed to seep from him, wrapping around Bianca like a vice. "You think you can resist? You were always destined to succumb to this darkness. You can't escape who you are!"

"No!" Bianca screamed, feeling the shadows closing in around her. "I am not you! I am not my father! I am not my brother! I refuse to let you control me!"

In that moment, the voices of her friends echoed in her mind - words of encouragement, reminders of their shared struggles and triumphs. She could feel them standing with her, their warmth pushing back against the cold tendrils of despair.

"Bianca!" Hope shouted from the ground, struggling to stand against the surge of power rolling through the room.

Layla rose to her feet. "You are so much more than your past! Remember who you are now - the bonds you've forged, the love you've found!"

Angel struggled against the power keeping them separated from Bianca, desperate to find a way to help her despite his own weakened mind state. "Bianca, please. You are more than what they made you."

"No!" Ford/The First hissed, his form twisting and warping as if reality itself recoiled from him. "You think they can protect you? They will only fear you and reject you and hurt you and use you. Just like everyone else. That's all you'll ever be to anyone. A puppet on strings."

The crimson glow surrounding Bianca began to morph into a more violent display that could not only hurt her, but everyone around her, and take the building down around her.

"We've gotta get her out of here," Brooke said worriedly.

While the others couldn't reach Bianca through the strong cyclone of her powers, Buffy realized that Eric possibly could after they discovered his power of elemental mimicry the previous night. "Eric!"

As the chaos swirled around them, Eric felt a surge of adrenaline as he locked eyes with Buffy. "What do you need me to do?"

"Help Bianca!" Buffy shouted over the cacophony of energy crackling in the air. "You have to channel your powers to reach her!"

Eric knew she was right. While the others couldn't move past the barrier of energy that kept them separated, which blew through the room like a violent cyclone, Eric's power might be enough to grant him enough invulnerability so he couldn't be harmed by the Guardian energy or blown back in its wake so he could reach Bianca and help her fight.

Eric's heart pounded in his chest. The sight of Bianca writhing in pain and the shadows swirling around her made him feel small and powerless. But as he looked at her face, streaked with tears and desperation, something inside him ignited.

Closing his eyes, Eric focused on the metallic energy that had coursed through him during the previous night - the surge of strength and resilience that had awakened within him. He could feel it still lingering at the edges of his being, just waiting for him to harness it again.

Once he touched a metallic tray nearby him, Eric could transform his entire body once again with that single touch. The metallic sheen that had enveloped him in their previous battle flickered on his skin, shimmering with a newfound intensity. He focused on the storm of energy surrounding Bianca, feeling its chaotic pulse resonate within him, and yet as his body transformed, it couldn't move him as he began walking against the cyclone of power.

Everyone else watched in awe - while Zoey, Brooke, Alice, Layla, Hope and Bianca's eyes widened in complete disbelief when they saw Eric's elemental mimicry power, which they had witnessed Warlock Eric from the Wishverse harness. It was both a source of comfort and confusion.

Ford/The First smirked. "See? Maybe things aren't so different from the Wishverse after all."

"Bianca!" Eric called out, his voice strong and steady despite the turmoil. "You're not alone! Fight back against it! Remember who you are!"

Bianca's eyes darted toward Eric's voice, and for a moment, the bright crimson glow flickered, revealing a glimmer of recognition amidst her turmoil. She gritted her teeth against The First's oppressive presence, struggling against the shadows that threatened to consume her whole.

As Eric, in full metallic form, continued to walk through the cyclone of energy toward Bianca, everyone else had to keep their balance by holding onto something or duck for cover.

Bianca knew that if she didn't leave or get control of her powers back, she could very well kill everyone, releasing a sound that was torn between a sob and a scream.

Eric could see the conflict raging within Bianca, the sheer force of her inner chaos threatening to explode. With every step he took, he felt the metallic energy coursing through him, pushing back against the dark tendrils of The First.

"Bianca, listen to me!" Eric urged, his voice cutting through the chaos as he drew closer. "You have the strength to fight this! You control your destiny, not them!"

The crimson energy surrounding Bianca flickered again, pulsing violently in response to Eric's words, shimmering with uncertainty as she fought against the darkness that held her captive. Memories of her friends' unwavering support flooded her mind, mingling with the ghostly taunts of the First Evil.

"You are not alone!" Eric's metallic form glinted in the flickering light, reflecting a sense of hope that pushed against the shadows. "You've faced darkness before and come out stronger. Fight back!"

Bianca clenched her fists, feeling the power within her pulse violently as she wrestled with The First's influence. The vision of Ford morphed into a grotesque mockery of her own self-doubt, whispering accusations and manipulating her fears.

"You're weak, Bianca," it taunted, its voice dripping with malice. "You'll kill them all, and you'll only have yourself to blame."

Once Eric reached Bianca, his grip on her arm made her gasp, both more overwhelmed and comforted as Eric led her away from the house and everyone inside before she could cause more damage, relieved with the thought that she wouldn't hurt anyone if Eric got her away fast enough, but also feeling torn away from everyone once again.

"I told you," Ford/The First mocked. "They'll kick you out into the cold and leave you all over again. Unless you kill them first."

Bianca's heart raced, caught between the pulsing crimson energy and the comfort of Eric's touch. She could feel the darkness clawing at her mind, an insatiable hunger urging her to embrace it, to become what The First wanted her to be. But Eric's grip was firm and reassuring, anchoring her in the present.

"Listen to me," Eric said, his voice steady despite the chaos swirling around them. "You are stronger than this. You've fought hard to overcome your past. This is just a monster trying to make you doubt yourself again."

Bianca shook her head violently, tears welling in her eyes as she struggled against the illusions that threatened to drown her. "I don't want to hurt anyone! I can't... I can't let this happen!"

With that, Bianca shoved away from Eric and ran out of the mansion. She could barely move with the cyclone around her, but she knew that she didn't have to run with this power.

She could fly, ensuring she would be nowhere around anyone to hurt them.

Bianca channeled all of her energy into propelling her from the ground and into the sky, shooting into the night stars.

Eric watched her go in disbelief and concern.

Once the power of Bianca was removed and the others could move with ease, Hope, Zoey, Brooke, Brady, Alice, Wyatt, Carmen and Angel instantly ran outside to stand beside Eric, watching Bianca disappear across the sky in a stream of brilliant red light. Layla, Giles, Willow, Xander and Faith followed them instantly.

As Eric returned to flesh form, exhausting himself once again from using this power, he nearly collapsed to the ground. Buffy and Willow immediately caught Eric before he could hit rock bottom.

Willow looked at her younger brother with such concern and worry. "Uh, Eric, you want to tell me when you got a new power?"

"Quite the badass power, by the way," Xander pointed out.

"Wicked cool," Faith agreed.

"Last night," Buffy answered. "We were gonna tell you guys later, but..."

"We thought it would be a good holiday surprise," Eric admitted. "Well, surprise."

Zoey, Brooke, Alice, Layla and Hope were still reeling.

"The other version of you, in the Wishverse, he had that power," Zoey admitted.

Eric looked at them with alarm.

Wyatt instantly settled a hand on Eric's shoulder. "That doesn't mean anything. As you proved, you can use that power for good like you just did."

"Eric in the other world did use that power for good before he was brainwashed," Alice explained. "You have nothing to worry about, Eric."

Everyone sighed in relief, especially Eric.

"One thing we do need to worry about is Bianca," Brooke pointed out. "Where the hell would she go?"

"Somewhere far away from us or anyone else to keep that storm of energy from hurting anyone," Brady answered. "Until she gets control, anyway."

"I don't really get what's going on here," Faith admitted.

"We'll explain later," Carmen told her. "Everything. I promise. Right now, we have to figure out how to help Bianca before she really loses it."

"We have to do something," Layla agreed. "Soon. Now."

"I'm still not sure what," Giles admitted.

"Find me these priest guys," Hope told him desperately. "Find me something I can pummel."

Giles looked at Hope in concern. "Hope, let's not lose our heads."

"Giles, she's slipping," Angel told him. "We all saw that. I think we're losing her."

"What happens if she does become a danger?" Xander asked. "We all saw what just happened. She almost killed us all."

"That wasn't her fault," Willow argued.

"I know that," Xander replied. "But what happens if The First does get Bianca under its control?"

Faith looked between the others. "We might have to kill her. Can you guys do that?"

Hope's heart sank at the prospect, but she refused to let fear win. "We can't think that way. Bianca is fighting this, and we have to believe she can win."

"But what if she can't?" Faith pressed, her voice low and serious. "We've seen what happens when darkness takes over. We can't let it take over Bianca - or Angel."

"We won't give up on her," Zoey insisted, her voice steady despite the uncertainty swirling around them. "Bianca has fought too hard to become who she is now. We just need to help her find her way back."

"If we label her as a danger, that's exactly what The First wants," Alice told them.

"Exactly," Angel said, visibly shaken but resolute. "We have to track her down before The First gets an even tighter grip on her. If we can reach her, maybe we can remind her of who she is."

Carmen nodded vigorously. "We need to find her. We can't let her be alone with those thoughts."

"I'm less worried about what The First is going to do, and more worried about Bianca is going to do," Brady admitted.

"To others?" Willow asked.

Brady shook his head sadly. "To herself."

The weight of Brady's words sunk in.

"Hope said that Bianca already tried to make her promise to kill her if it came to that," Brooke pointed out. "If Bianca thinks she's a threat, after this..."

"We won't need to kill her," Wyatt finished worriedly. "She'll do it herself."

A collective fear rushed through the group as they realized how little time they had to save Bianca from herself.

"We should split up," Layla suggested urgently. "Some of us can search the area while others stay here to look for any clues in those books, try and find the Bringers and stop them from summoning The First."

"Good idea," Willow agreed.

Giles looked between the group as he decided quickly. "Zoey, Brooke, Wyatt and Layla might be able to help track down these Bringers after they help me with the research. The rest of you can search for Bianca."

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Zoey glanced at Eric, who seemed to be recovering from his earlier exertion. "Eric, you think you're up for heading into town? There might be places she could go that are familiar."

"Yeah, I can do that," Eric replied, determination fueling his voice despite his exhaustion. "I'll search around the park and spots where we used to hang out. It's places where Willow and I used to meet up with her to use the spell to heal her mind."

Buffy's hold tightened on Eric's arm as he struggled to regain his footing. "Alright, but I'm coming with you. Let me help you until you're back on your feet."

"I'll check my mansion, but I doubt she went back home," Angel admitted.

"I'll go with you," Carmen told him. "We'll keep looking. We need to be there in case she shows up."

Angel nodded in agreement.

Alice looked at Brady. "We can check the vampire club that Bianca and Ford turned in. It might be a long shot, but that's where she died as a human, and where Ford died as a human."

"It's worth looking into," Brady agreed. "So is the cemetery where they both rose."

"And I'm going with," Hope added quickly. "Anything to find her."

Brady and Alice looked at Hope, nodding.

Willow pointed to Xander and Faith. "The factory where they all used to stay."

Xander and Faith nodded in agreement.

"Let's hit it up," Xander agreed.

"Guys, hurry," Brooke told them worriedly.

"We don't have much time," Wyatt concurred.

"And for the love of God, all of you be careful," Layla told them in concern.

Buffy and Eric headed their direction, while Brady, Alice and Hope headed in theirs. Carmen and Angel darted off to head back to the mansion, while Xander, Willow and Faith went to check the factory.

Meanwhile, Zoey, Brooke, Wyatt and Layla stayed with Giles to help him with the research to find the Bringers so they could stop the torment The First was causing once and for all.

∞

Cemetery

Bianca arrived to the cemetery where she and Ford both rose as vampires - and where Ford had been killed by Brady.

The cyclone of red Guardian energy was still swirling around her violently, and Bianca was struggling to control it and put an end to it. It was beginning to cause her pain.

Bianca fell to her knees before Ford's grave as the red swirled around her. "I won't do it."

Ford/The First stalked closer tauntingly. "You have to do it. What else are you good for?"

With a scream, Bianca hurled a blast of red Guardian energy at The First, only to find that it went right through the apparition, causing no harm at all. "Get away from me!"

Ford/The First appeared behind Bianca, kneeling next to her. "Couldn't you just... feel her? Couldn't you almost smell her skin? You never were a fighter, Bianca. Don't start trying now. Sooner or later, you will drink her."

Bianca shook her head. "I'll never hurt her."

"You were born to hurt her," Ford/The First retorted scornfully. "Have you learned nothing?"

Bianca turned to glare at Ford/The First. "You don't control me!"

The crimson energy around her flickered violently, and for a moment, it felt like the world had stopped. The dark specter of Ford faltered, sensing the shift in Bianca's resolve.

"You think you can escape?" Ford/The First sneered, his voice echoing around them like thunder. "You're nothing without me. You'll always be my puppet, for as long as you are alive--"

Bianca stared at Ford/The First with a fierce glare in her eyes. "Then I'll die."

The First paused to consider. "You don't have the strength to kill yourself."

"I don't need strength," Bianca replied. "I just need the sun to rise." She looked at the headstone before her left for her brother, reading it aloud. "Billy Fordham. Loving brother. What a joke."

Even as the red energy continued to swirl around her, Bianca rose to her feet, and with a yell, she released a deadly amount of power to shatter her brother's gravestone.

The gravestone exploded into a shower of stone and dust, the remnants scattering across the cemetery grounds like a dark cloud. The shockwave reverberated through the cemetery, rattling the nearby gravestones and unsettling the night.

Bianca stood amidst the chaos, feeling a rush of power surge through her as the remnants of her brother's memory scattered to the wind. In that moment, she understood something profound: she was not bound by his legacy or the darkness that had tainted their shared past. The shadows of guilt and sorrow that had loomed over her began to lift just slightly, revealing a flicker of light within her - a determination to reclaim herself, even if it meant taking her life and making sure that The First could not use her as a puppet to hurt anyone else. Her heart raced, not from regret but from a newfound clarity that surged within her.

"You think that will free you?" Ford/The First's voice cut through the air, low and dangerous. "You've just destroyed a part of your past. It won't change what you are."

Bianca's gaze hardened as she faced the apparition, fists clenched at her sides. "I am not what you made me! I will not let you manipulate me any longer! I will die before I let that happen."

The air crackled with energy as the crimson glow pulsed around her, flickering like a candle in the wind. It was chaotic, yes, but within that chaos lay her strength - a strength forged through pain and rebirth.

As Bianca turned to approach the hill just beyond the cemetery, Ford/The First watched her in disbelief. "You're not supposed to die. This isn't the plan." The essence watched Bianca walk up the hill with the swirling energy around her, tilting his head, shrugging. "But it'll do."

∞∞

Francis Mansion - Living Room

In the chaos of what remained of the Christmas gathering in the Francis mansion, Zoey, Brooke, Wyatt, Layla and Giles were researching books while the others were all out searching for Bianca, hoping they could find a lead on the Bringers and stop them from channeling The First.

Even if most of the decorations were in disarray from Bianca's chaotic power, the house itself remained steady.

Brooke read aloud from a book. "'A child shall be born of man and goat and have two heads, and The First shall speak only in riddles...'" She shot Giles a look. "No wonder you like this stuff." She closed the book. "It's like reading The Sun."

Giles found something in his book. "Yes, ah."

Wyatt looked up at him. "Bringers?"

"Um, yes," Giles answered. "But, uh, more--more posturing, I'm afraid." He read from the passage. "'For they are the Harbingers of death. Nothing shall grow above or below them. No seed shall flower, neither in man nor...'" He gestured that it went on and on. "They're rebels and they'll never ever be any good. Nothing specific about their haunts."

Layla reached for the book. "Let me see that." Giles handed it over. Layla read from the book. "'The Harbingers of death. Nothing shall grow above or below...'"

Zoey gazed off as she heard those words, remembering the dead trees from the Christmas tree lot she had Layla had gotten their family tree. She looked toward the tree, and for a brief moment, she was overcome with a visual of the Bringers in her head - a gypsy prophetic vision paired with the same immense darkness she felt whenever The First was near.

It was as if her power was telling her that her realization was correct about where Zoey thought the Bringers were, as she could see the glimpses of the eyeless priests growing stronger in her mind.

Zoey turned to Brooke, Wyatt, Layla and Giles. "I know where they are."

The four of them looked at Zoey in surprise.

"Are you sure?" Wyatt asked.

"Let's just say this gypsy precognition vision power is getting heavily specific," Zoey explained. "Let's go."

Brooke, Wyatt, Layla and Zoey quickly stood, walking toward the exit of the house.

Giles stood, watching them in concern. "Do be careful."

∞

Christmas Tree Lot

As Zoey, Layla, Brooke and Wyatt arrived to the tree lot, Brooke sent a blast of red Guardian energy into the gate surrounding the lot, making it burst open with a bang. The four of them marched straight into the lot.

Zoey led the way toward the dead trees at the back of the lot. As they looked around, they realized that there were six dead trees, having died arranged in a circle, while all of the trees around them were fine.

"This seems like the place," Layla remarked.

Brooke looked at Wyatt, tilting her head. "You wanna use your little earthbending power and make a gateway for us down below?"

Wyatt nodded, determination set in his expression. "Yeah, but I'll need everyone to stand back."

Layla, Zoey and Brooke stepped back a few paces.

As Layla and Zoey removed their gypsy necklaces, allowing their powers to fully unleash, their eyes and hands glowed purple. Mother and daughter were both overwhelmed by the immense darkness they sensed down below, but determined to see this through.

Wyatt crouched down, placing his hands on the ground. He closed his eyes and concentrated, feeling the vibrations of the earth beneath him. The dormant spirits of the trees whispered secrets of ages past, and he could sense the unnatural darkness that lay just beneath the surface.

With a deep breath, Wyatt drew on his powers and pushed down into the earth. The ground trembled slightly as roots began to crack apart and shift, creating a narrow fissure that opened up before them like a gaping maw.

"There!" Wyatt called, opening his eyes as he gestured toward the dark void. "There's something down there."

As they peered into the opening, Layla felt a chill run down her spine. "I can feel the energy here. It's so dark..."

Zoey shuddered slightly. "They're here. I can feel it this time."

Wyatt and Brooke looked at Zoey and Layla in concern, but all of them were determined to see this through.

Layla took a deep breath, steeling herself for what lay ahead. "Whatever happens, we stick together. No one gets left behind."

Brooke nodded, glancing around at the darkened forest that surrounded them. "Let's go."

∞

Underground Chamber

With Wyatt leading the way, they descended into the underground chamber, their senses heightened as they slipped into the depths of darkness. The atmosphere was thick with tension; even the air seemed suffocating.

There were groups of candles burning within the chamber, scattered about.

Zoey, Layla, Brooke and Wyatt cautiously looked around and started to make their way deeper into the cave.

Hearing chanting coming from nearby, Wyatt led the way in that direction. "This way."

They didn't have to go far before they found the table with the Bringers sitting around it, chanting as they conjured the entity of The First Evil.

Brooke tilted her head, smirking sarcastically. "Alright, ten more minutes of chanting and then you guys have to go to bed."

As the four Bringers got up, Zoey, Brooke and Wyatt immediately jumped into the fray to fight with Layla trailing behind.

Zoey picked up an ax from the corner of the cave, swinging the handle of it into Bringer 1's stomach, kicking him to the stomach. She swung it into Bringer 2, who doubled over, following up with another swing to his head, making him fall to the ground.

Brooke conjured a wave of red Guardian energy, using it to grab Bringer 3, hurling him against the stone wall with enough strength and power to shatter the stone and make him collapse to the ground. She held her hands toward the Bringer as she enveloped him with her scarlet aura, making the priest glow all around and from within, incinerating him from the inside out, letting the demonic priest fall to the ground dead.

Zoey raised her hands, which glowed with purple gypsy energy spheres. She placed the spheres together to merge the two small orbs into a bigger one held in both hands, throwing it at Bringer 1, causing the purple glowing power to burn like wild fire. As he thrashed around, Zoey swung her ax through his neck and decapitated him.

Layla held out her hand, which glowed with a purple gypsy aura, using her power to envelope Bringer 2 with purple aura as well, levitating them up in the air, before letting them fall down to the ground. Layla shot a blast of purple gypsy power out at the Bringer, who barely managed to dodge in time, but the blast hit the wall behind the Bringer and caused a miniature explosion of purple sparks, throwing the Bringer to the ground.

Zoey tossed the ax in her hand to Layla. "Mom!"

Layla caught the ax, swinging it down viciously through the head of Bringer 2, killing him instantly.

As Bringer 4 tried to escape through the back of the cave, Wyatt conjured his power of lightning, sending a bolt of electric energy arcing toward the fleeing figure. The lightning strike filled the air as the bolt struck true, sending Bringer 4 crashing into the stone wall with a sickening thud, causing him to convulse. He crumbled to the ground, lifeless.

The chamber fell silent, the echoes of their struggle fading into the shadows as they took a moment to catch their breath. The group exchanged glances, adrenaline still coursing through their veins.

The remnants of their battle lay scattered across the chamber; smoldering candle wax mixed with dust and debris from the chaos they had just created.

"Is that all of them?" Brooke asked, her voice straining against the adrenaline still coursing through her veins. She glanced around cautiously, half-expecting more Bringers to leap from the shadows.

"We'll find out soon enough," Wyatt replied, his brow furrowed in concentration as he scanned their surroundings. "The alter here. This is where they're conjuring The First."

"So destroying it should send it away, right?" Zoey asked hopefully.

Wyatt tilted his head. "I'm not quite sure it's that simple--"

However, Zoey was already moving to take the ax from Layla, using it to destroy the arrangement of artifacts on the altar.

Zoey and Layla were both overwhelmed with a rush of darkness as they felt the appearance of The First.

This time, The First appeared to them as Jenny. "Hmm. I'm impressed."

Zoey and Layla spun around to face the entity.

Layla's heart stuttered in her chest at the image of her sister.

Zoey's breath caught in her throat at the illusion of her aunt.

The memories of finding Jenny dead after Angel killed her clashed with the memories of Vampire Zoey torturing Jenny in the alternate reality, creating a mixture of agony that Zoey and Layla couldn't escape from, which The First was all too willing to exploit by appearing to them as Jenny.

"Why do you fight it?" Jenny's form asked, her voice hauntingly familiar yet laced with a sinister edge. "You've seen what happens when darkness takes hold. You know the truth: it's in your blood."

Layla clenched her fists, forcing herself to remain steady. "You're not my sister. So you might as well drop her face."

Zoey stepped forward, wielding the ax with determination. "We're not afraid of you! We know what you really are."

The apparition of Jenny laughed, a chilling sound that echoed off the stone walls, as The First took pleasure in getting under Zoey and Layla's skin. "Such bravado for ones so weighted by pain and guilt. Do you think destroying me will erase your past? Is that why you kill? To silence the echo of your agony?"

"Stop!" Layla growled, her heart racing as she battled against the memories flooding back - her sister's laughter, her warmth, twisted now into these haunting echoes.

Jenny/The First smirked at Layla before turning its gaze to Zoey. "And look at you, struggling against your own memories. Loving your aunt in one world and murdering her in another."

Zoey swallowed hard, her grip tightening on the ax as she felt a shiver run down her spine as the words struck home. The grief and guilt she had buried deep began to stir, threatening to overwhelm her as she tried to shake off the creeping dread. "Shut up!"

"You think you can silence your own conscience?" Jenny/The First taunted, stepping closer, its presence suffocating. "You think you can outrun your past? What will happen when you close your eyes--"

Wyatt stepped forward with a glare in his eyes as he took a protective stance in front of Zoey, Layla and Brooke. "We're done with the mind games, if you hadn't noticed. You're not getting to Zoey and Layla, and you're not getting Bianca or Angel."

Jenny/The First raised an eyebrow. "Hmm. You think you can fight me? I'm not a demon, children. I am something that you can't even conceive. The First Evil. Beyond sin, beyond death. I am the thing the darkness fears. You'll never see me, but I am everywhere. Every being, every thought, every drop of hate."

Losing her patience, Brooke rolled her eyes in annoyance and impatience. "Alright, we get it. You're evil. Do we have to chat about it all day?"

Unimpressed, Jenny/The First continued on. "Bianca will be dead by sunrise. Your Christmas... will be her wake."

"No," Layla denied, worried.

"You have no idea what you're dealing with," Jenny/The First warned.

Zoey's voice was dripping with sarcasm and disdain. "Let me guess. Is it... evil?"

The apparition of Jenny shrunk and was replaced for an instant by an image of a huge horned and clawed beast coming at Zoey, Layla, Wyatt and Brooke, roaring and with eyes glowing red. "Dead by sunrise!"

Zoey, Layla, Wyatt and Brooke stared in shock as they watched The First's true form disappear.

∞

Cemetery

Meanwhile, all across town, Buffy, Eric, Carmen, Angel, Willow, Xander, Faith, Brady, Alice and Hope had been searching for Bianca before she did something to herself she could never take back in an attempt to protect everyone else from herself and The First.

Brady, Alice and Hope ran through the cemetery where Bianca had destroyed Ford's headstone, calling out. "Bianca!"

Alice noticed Ford's shattered headstone. "Guys."

The three of them ran closer instantly, looking at the pieces of the headstone.

Brady picked up a piece of it, reading Ford's name. "It's Ford's. Bianca was here."

"She'd go up where she could make sure her power wouldn't hurt anyone else," Alice pointed out. "Where she could burn without anyone seeing her or the energy."

Hope turned to the hills behind the cemetery. "Like up there?"

"Exactly like that," Brady answered.

The three of them began climbing as quickly as they could, determined to get to Bianca in time to stop her from committing suicide by sunlight.

Bianca was standing at the top of the hill as the cyclone of red Guardian energy continued to swirl around her in a chaotic dance of scarlet. She looked out over the seemingly peaceful town as she waited for the sun to rise.

While Brady and Alice knew that Hope and Bianca had a connection that they could use to get through to Bianca that had been building all this time, they also knew that Bianca needed all the support she needed, even if from a distance.

Hope took the lead as she charged up the hill to reach Bianca first. "Bianca..."

Bianca glanced back at Hope, noticing Brady and Alice further back giving them space but ready to step in if they had to.

Bianca looked away, not surprised that they found her. "I bet half the kids down there are already awake. Lying in their beds... sneaking downstairs... waiting for day."

"Bianca, please," Hope told her. "I need for you to get inside. Th-there's only a few minutes left."

"I know," Bianca said softly, a weird sense of peace sweeping over her despite the despair that clung to her. "I can smell the sunrise long before it comes."

"I don't have time to explain this," Hope told her, anxious and hurried. "You just have to trust me. That thing that was haunting you..."

"It showed me," Bianca murmured.

"Showed you what?" Hope asked in confusion.

"What I am," Bianca answered.

"Were," Hope corrected insistently.

"And what I could become again if I lose control like I did tonight," Bianca retorted. "And I can't do that, Hope. I can't become a killer. I almost killed all of you, and I can't stop this. I've tried to, but the power... I can't. It's too hard."

Hope stepped closer still, desperately trying to save her life. "Alice, Brooke and I can help you control the power, but please, Bianca. You have to get inside."

"I almost killed all three of you tonight, and everyone else," Bianca told her. "Only Eric could help me, and I had to leave just to save all of you. It'll happen again."

Hope's heart raced as she stepped closer to Bianca, reaching out with a trembling hand. "You're not a monster anymore, Bianca! You're fighting for something greater now. You can control this. You've fought to escape your past, and you are so much more than they made you."

Bianca's gaze flickered to Hope, her defenses wavering as tears pooled in her eyes. "What if I can't control it? What if all it takes is one moment of weakness? I don't want to hurt anyone else."

"You won't," Hope insisted, her voice steady amid the chaos swirling around them. "You have us. You have me. Don't you see? That darkness can only have power over you if you let it."

Brady and Alice watched from a distance, the desperation etched on their faces as they silently urged Bianca to believe in herself.

"You didn't hurt anyone tonight, Bianca," Brady called out, his voice rising above the wind. "You fought it. Everyone is okay. You stood up against The First. That means you have the strength to fight this darkness."

Bianca shook her head, tears spilling. "But what if I can't next time? What if I hurt you or someone else? The First is right; I was born from darkness. I won't let it win, even if it means..." Her voice trailed off, and she took a shuddering breath.

"Even if it means what?" Hope pressed, her voice soft but firm.

"Even if it means ending my own life," Bianca confessed, her eyes shimmering with fear and determination. "It's better than becoming that monster again. It's the only choice I've ever made for myself. It's the only way to keep me from being a puppet again."

Hope reached out to grasp Bianca's shoulders, grounding her to the moment, despite the vortex of Guardian energy swirling around them and the way that it threatened to push Hope back violently. Hope's own power kept her firmly in place as she levitated in place before Bianca.

"Bianca, listen to me," Hope said urgently, her grip tightening on Bianca's shoulders. "If you think death is the only way out, then you're already letting the darkness win. You have a choice - you can choose to live, to fight - and you don't have to do it alone."

Bianca's eyes flickered with uncertainty as she felt the warmth of Hope's hands against her skin. It was a lifeline amidst the chaos, and for a moment, the swirling crimson energy around her began to wane.

"You have fought so hard to break free from your past," Alice continued, her voice steady and fierce. "You are not defined by what others have done to you. You are a survivor. You're here right now, standing on this hill because you chose hope over despair. And you have to keep choosing hope or all of it - all of it - was for nothing."

Bianca's gaze flickered between Alice and Hope as Alice repeated the phrase 'choose hope'. It was all Bianca longed to do even in the midst of everything she felt devastating her.

Tears streamed down Bianca's face as she fought against The First's whispers clawing at her mind. "But it hurts! I'm scared of what I can do to all of you. You're all better off if I'm gone."

"That's not true," Brady insisted fiercely. "You've fought everything that was done to you, and you've risen above it. You're here because you want to make things right, not end them. After everything that you've done to make amends to the rest of us, the way you've built friendships... do you really think that any of us would be better with you gone? Do you think Angel would be better if you were gone? Or Brooke or Buffy or Carmen or Zoey or Eric or Willow? They all care so much about you, Bianca. And so do I."

"And so do I," Hope declared fiercely.

Bianca's breath hitched as she processed their words, the pull of despair and hope fighting for dominance within her. "What if I can't do it? What if I'm not strong enough to resist it? What if I lose control again?"

Alice shook her head. "You are. Look at what you've already accomplished. You faced The First. You didn't let it control you when it tried to manipulate your worst fears. You were willing to take yourself off the board instead of letting it use you as another puppet. This is just another battle; we all have them. And we'll fight it together."

"You are strong enough to resist," Hope told her with emotion cracking her voice. "And if you lose control, I'll be right there with you every step of the way."

As Hope's sincerity washed over Bianca like a warm tide, the swirling energy around them began to pulse gently in response to their emotions. Hope, Brady and Alice's words and presence provided a soothing and comforting counterbalance to the chaos that had threatened to consume Bianca.

Bianca's hands trembled as she fought against the pull of despair, the darkness still whispering insidiously in her mind. But with every word of encouragement, she felt the cyclone around her begin to subside, if only slightly.

It was enough for Brady and Alice to begin walking closer, so that Alice and Hope could help use their powers to help control Bianca's.

As Bianca's breath steadied, the chaotic energy around her started to wane as hope flickered in her heart. She looked into Hope's eyes, seeing not just the Guardian who had fought alongside her, but also a loved one who genuinely believed in her strength.

As Alice and Hope levitated on either side of Bianca, their hands glowed red with Guardian energy as they pierced through Bianca's mental barriers. Gently using their hypnosis powers, they were finally able to soothe Bianca's mind and hurricane of emotions so she could regain control of her own powers.

"Whatever darkness tries to pull you back, we'll face it as one," Alice assured.

The warmth of the Guardian connection resonated deep within Bianca, pushing back against the remnants of The First that still lingered in her mind, dispelling it. It was like a thread of light weaving through the shadows, reminding her of everything she had fought for: friendship, love and the chance at redemption.

Finally, once Alice and Hope finished soothing Bianca's mind and heart, the cyclone of swirling energy around her finally dissipated, leaving Bianca depleted and exhausted as she collapsed to her knees. Even then, she felt the warmth of their support envelop her, creating a barrier shielding her from what she endured.

Hope and Alice knelt beside Bianca, their hands still glowing faintly with residual energy as the last vestiges of the chaotic power faded away. Hope brushed a hand through Bianca's hair, her touch gentle and grounding.

"You did it," Hope whispered, tears of relief glistening in her eyes. "You fought it back."

Bianca was trembling. "I..."

Hope reached out to cup Bianca's face in her hands, looking her deep in the eyes. "You're here. You made it through."

Bianca's breath came in shaky gasps as she looked up at them, the remnants of despair still lingering but now overshadowed by a flicker of hope. "I thought... I thought I'd lost control for good."

"You didn't," Alice said softly, squeezing Bianca's shoulder. "You chose to fight. And that's what makes you strong."

Brady stood close by, watching with a mixture of pride and concern as Bianca struggled to regain her composure. As Brady and Alice moved closer, they formed a protective circle around Bianca, each sharing in the moment of triumph over despair.

"We knew you could do it," Brady said softly, his voice steady with conviction. "You just needed to remember who you are."

Bianca let out a shuddering breath, tears spilling down her cheeks as realization dawned on her. The shadows that had haunted her were still there, but they seemed less suffocating now.

"I fought... I fought so hard against them," Bianca whispered, voice trembling with the weight of her emotions.

"You didn't just fight," Alice replied gently. "You chose life, and that's what makes you stronger than any darkness."

Brady moved closer to help the girls up to their feet. "Speaking of, we need to get you inside before the--"

A wave of panic washed over Bianca as she realized that any second, the sun was going to rise and could kill her. "The sun rises."

However, as Alice, Hope and Brady began to help Bianca to her feet, they noticed flurries starting to float to the ground around them. The four of them looked up at the flurries coming down, lightly at first before gradually becoming heavier and turning into genuine snowfall. The camera pulled up above them and showed the four of them standing there with the snowflakes swirling around them in the gentle morning breeze, and the ground around them starting to become white.

Bianca looked around in amazement. The previously sweltering heat of Sunnydale had suddenly gotten snowfall just in time to save Bianca from burning in the sun.

Brady, Alice and Hope exchanged an awed look as they walked to the edge of the hill, looking out at the town as the roofs on the houses below also started to become covered in white. They turned to Bianca, and the four of them looked at each other, shocked by this miracle.

Hope couldn't contain her smile of relief as she instantly returned to Bianca's side, wrapping an arm around her to steady the exhausted girl. "If this doesn't prove to you that you belong in this world, I don't know what will."

As the snow continued to fall around them, each flake shimmering like a tiny jewel against the brightening sky, Bianca allowed a breath of relief to escape her lips. The chill in the air was invigorating, washing away the heat of despair that had threatened to consume her moments before.

"I... I can't believe this," Bianca murmured, her voice barely above a whisper as she looked at the blanket of white beginning to cover the ground. "It's beautiful."

"Just like you," Hope said softly, her eyes filled with warmth and compassion. "And just like all of us together."

Bianca felt something shift within her - an ember of hope rising from the ashes of despair that had lingered for far too long. It was as if the snowfall had marked a new beginning, a chance to rewrite her story.

With renewed determination, Bianca turned her gaze back to Hope, Brady and Alice, gratitude shining in her eyes. "Thank you for not giving up on me."

Hope, Brady and Alice returned with a small smile.

"Come on," Brady urged softly. "Let's get back to Zoey and Layla's mansion. Maybe we can finish our Christmas celebration after all."

Alice nodded, brushing snow from her arms while glancing at Bianca. "You'll be safe. We all will. Let's go."

With renewed determination, they helped Bianca down the hill, their spirits lifted by the miracle of snow that seemed to blanket their world in hope.

∞

Sunnydale Streets

In a street down below, Buffy and Eric were walking down the street to return to the mansion when they noticed the snow. They both smiled in awe and disbelief, looking at each other with such hope.

Returning from the factory, Willow, Xander and Faith were making their way back to the Francis mansion as well. Faith let a few flakes fall on her open hands and face. Willow pulled her wrap tightly around her against the sudden cold, but with a smile that lit up her face. Xander was unable to resist a grin of his own.

Returning from their mission that severed The First's connection and exorcised it from the minds of Bianca and Angel for good, Zoey, Layla, Brooke and Wyatt walked through the snow with utter awe. Zoey and Layla wrapped their arms around each other as the two gypsies took comfort in each other. Brooke took Wyatt's hand as they smiled at each other, the couple more than happy as they made their way back to the gathering.

Back in Zoey and Layla's mansion, Giles looked outside as he saw the snow fall, watching in shock.

And finally, Carmen and Angel walked out of Angel's mansion and watched as snow fell and hid the sun away for the entire day, allowing not only Bianca to rejoin the rest of the family for Christmas celebration, but also Angel without fear of the sun.

As Angel and Carmen walked together through the streets of Sunnydale, they were hand in hand.

Carmen only wanted to know for sure, now that with The First no longer terrorizing Angel, that he was okay, though after the banishing, Angel seemed to feel peace as he walked alongside Carmen during the day without a ray of sun in the sky.

Carmen intertwined her fingers with Angel's again, looking at her soulmate with concern. "Are you okay now?"

Angel paused, his gaze drifting to the swirling snowflakes that danced in the air around them, each one a tiny miracle sparkling against the overcast sky.

"I think... I finally can be," Angel replied softly, his voice laden with a mix of relief and uncertainty. The burdens he had carried for so long felt lighter; the darkness that had clawed at his mind was finally starting to retreat.

"You've faced so much, Angel," Carmen said, her voice steady yet filled with warmth. "You fought against The First and overcame it – just like Bianca. You're not alone in this anymore."

Angel nodded slowly, grateful for her unwavering support. "I know. And that makes all the difference." He turned to her, sincerity etched across his features. "Thank you for standing by me when everything felt like it was collapsing."

Carmen smiled, her heart swelling with affection for him. "We're family now. We face everything together."

Angel turned to Carmen, smiling slightly despite his furrowed brows. "I'm not going to lie, Carmen. For a little while, I thought that The First was right about me. After everything I've done to you, to Zoey and Layla, to the rest of your friends, to everybody else in my past... there's no apology in the world that encompasses all the reasons why I deserved everything The First threw at me the last couple of days. All the reasons why I deserved spending all that time in hell. I don't know truly how Bianca was able to bring me back, or what my purpose is, but what I do know is that she and I both need each other to make it through this. And we wouldn't have been able to survive without you and the others. I don't deserve that kind of loyalty from your loved ones. And I don't deserve you."

Carmen's heart ached at Angel's words, the weight of his past hanging heavily in the air between them. She stepped closer, searching his eyes for the flicker of hope she had seen before. "You do deserve it, Angel. You've fought hard to become who you are now, and every step you take away from the darkness is a victory in itself."

"But what if I stumble again?" Angel asked, a rare vulnerability cracking through his stoic exterior. "What if I let the darkness seep back in?"

Carmen reached up, placing a gentle hand on his cheek, her thumb brushing away an errant snowflake that had settled there. "You won't be alone. You have me, Zoey, Layla, Bianca, everyone. We're not just friends; we're family. And family supports each other through their worst moments. We all have darkness in our pasts, but that doesn't define who we are now. What matters is how we choose to move forward and fight whatever we face together. Just like Bianca chose to fight her darkness. Just like you did before, each and every time. It's not about never making mistakes. It's about learning and growing from them."

Angel paused, absorbing her words as the swirling snow continued to dance around them, creating a soft buffer against the harshness of the world around them. A sense of calm washed over him, and for the first time in a long time, he felt hope igniting within, as he realized that Carmen truly believed they could overcome it all.

And he was beginning to believe that they would, too. Today, Angel and Bianca facing and defeating The First was proof of that.

Carmen was so mature for her age, and she provided Angel with a sense of hope and relief that helped carry him for the last couple of days.

Carmen took Angel by the hands, stroking the back of his hands. "And you know what? We can both be sorry for a lot of things. One thing I'm sorry about is pretending like we could just be friends and act like nothing happened before. It's too much to pretend like there's nothing between us anymore, and I'm done pretending. And whatever you blame yourself for, you don't have to keep doing it when it comes to me. Because I'm not sorry that I met you. I'm not sorry that knowing you has made me question everything or that you're the one that made me feel most alive, and when you were gone, it felt like I was dead inside. Angelus may have been a monster and a horrible person, but you are not him anymore. And every single day, you make the choice to be good and to make amends. And now this? This is my choice, and I know it's the only one I can make. Not because of some soulmate principle, or this mark..."

Carmen held up her wrist which showcased her soulmate tattoo with the heart intertwined with the infinity sign. Angel's eyes fell to the soulmate tattoo that signified the first time they ever kissed and every moment they shared since. His hand instinctively reached out to take her by the wrist as his thumb traced the mark.

Carmen looked up at Angel, her eyes shining with emotion. "I'm not sorry that I'm in love with you." Angel's eyes locked with Carmen's as his fingers curved furthermore over her wrist with the tattoo, pulling her closer to him. "I love you, Angel."

As they stood there, snowflakes swirling around them like confetti in a celebration of resilience and life, Angel closed the distance between him and Carmen, gently capturing her lips with his. The kiss was soft at first, a tentative exploration of the connection they had built amidst the chaos. But it quickly deepened, fueled by the emotions that had been building over the past weeks - the fear, the longing, the hope for a brighter future.

Carmen melted into the kiss, her heart racing in time with the fluttering snowflakes around them. It felt as though the world had come to a standstill; nothing else mattered but this moment, this bond they shared forged through trials and heartache. Every doubt and every fear floated away on the breeze, leaving them wrapped in warmth despite the chill of winter surrounding them.

When they finally pulled away, they were both breathless and smiling, slightly dazed by the intensity of their kiss.

Carmen searched Angel's eyes, seeing a flicker of hope she hadn't seen before. "See? You don't have to be afraid," she said softly. "We're stronger together."

"You make it easier to believe that," Angel replied, his voice low and earnest. "Carmen?"

"Yeah?" Carmen whispered.

"I love you too," Angel murmured.

Carmen's smile was as bright as day as she heard Angel say those words to her again as she melted into his embrace. Angel brought Carmen's wrist to his lips, placing a kiss on her soulmate mark, which only caused her to beam brighter in response.

Suddenly, from behind them, they heard a chorus of joyful laughter as Brady, Alice, Hope, and Bianca came into view at the top of the hill. Bianca was glowing with a soft luminosity that seemed to echo the serenity of the snowfall surrounding them.

Angel and Carmen both smiled with relief upon seeing Bianca safe and sound with Hope, Brady and Alice.

"There you are!" Carmen called out.

The four of them walked closer, as Hope's arm remained firmly around Bianca's waist despite the fact Bianca seemed to be walking more steadily on her own now.

Angel instantly moved closer to Bianca, needing to affirm she was okay.

"Bianca!" Angel exclaimed, rushing to her side. The worry etched into his features turned into a relieved smile as he took in the sight of her standing strong, despite the turmoil she had faced moments ago.

Bianca met his gaze, her heart swelling with gratitude.

"I'm okay, Angel," Bianca assured him softly, feeling the warmth of hope radiating from their reunion.

"Are you sure?" Angel pressed gently, his eyes searching hers for any sign of lingering darkness. "We were worried when we couldn't find you."

"Yes, Dad," Bianca replied. "I'm fine."

Carmen smiled as she moved closer, standing beside Angel, looking at him. "Told you. You basically adopted her."

Angel looked between Bianca and Carmen with an amused look, causing both of them to smile slightly in return.

Hope looked at them in amusement, smiling with a mix of relief and joy. "We found her just in time." She looked at Bianca with admiration. "You fought back against it." She looked at Angel. "Both of you."

"I couldn't have done it without you," Bianca replied, glancing from Hope to Brady and Alice with a thankful smile.

Brady and Alice moved closer with small smiles.

In that moment, the snow continued to fall softly around them, each flake a reminder of the new beginning they had all been granted.

Brady stepped forward, his eyes warm with understanding. "We saw you from up above. The snow..."

Alice smiled, glancing at the soft white blanket covering the ground. "It's beautiful. It feels like a miracle."

Bianca and Angel both agreed; they felt lighter somehow, as if the snowfall had washed away some of the darkness that had plagued them both.

Carmen squeezed Angel's hand before looking to Brady, Alice, Bianca and Hope. "Come on. Let's go back. I'm sure we all need some more holiday cheer. I bet everyone's waiting for us."

Together with small smiles, Brady, Alice, Bianca, Hope, Angel and Carmen walked through the snowy streets of Sunnydale until they reached the Francis Mansion, where, in fact, the rest of the Scoobies were waiting for them.

∞

Francis Mansion - Outside

Zoey, Buffy, Brooke, Eric, Wyatt, Xander, Willow, Layla, Giles and Faith were all waiting outside in the snow when Brady, Alice, Bianca, Hope, Angel and Carmen arrived.

Upon seeing Bianca and that she was okay, Zoey instantly made her way over to embrace her.

"Bianca!" Zoey gasped, rushing forward with a mix of relief and joy. She enveloped Bianca in a warm embrace, her heart swelling at the sight of her friend safe and sound.

Bianca returned the hug, feeling the weight of the world lift from her shoulders just a little more.

"I'm okay, Zoey, really," Bianca whispered, pulling back to meet Zoey's worried gaze. "I fought it."

They pulled away.

"Of course you did!" Willow exclaimed, stepping closer to take a good look at Bianca. "Just look at you! You're glowing!"

Bianca and Willow shared an embrace.

Buffy, Brooke, Eric and Wyatt stepped closer. Each one greeted Bianca with smiles and cheers that resonated with warmth and love.

Buffy and Brooke both embraced Bianca.

"We're so glad you're okay," Brooke told her.

"I'm glad I didn't hurt any of you," Bianca replied as they pulled away. She looked at Eric with a small smile. "A large part because of you, Eric. Thank you. That power of yours... really badass."

Eric smiled slightly in response as he and Bianca shared a hug. "At least I get to use it to help my friends instead of for fucked up shit like my evil doppelganger."

"Always a good thing," Wyatt agreed in amusement. He patted Angel and Bianca on the shoulders. "You both okay?"

"We're good," Angel answered. "Whatever you guys did to send The First away, it worked."

"And the snow started just in time to save Bianca's life," Hope added.

"Convenient timing," Faith remarked. "Nice."

Buffy grinned widely. "See? I told you, snow is magical! Look how alive everyone is!"

"And it's freezing!" Xander chuckled, pulling his jacket tighter around himself. "This is a weird change of pace."

Giles chuckled. "Quite. But a good one."

Layla smiled at the sight of younger ones, feeling a swell of happiness in knowing Bianca was back with them. Just like Layla wanted when she planned this celebration, she saw all of them surrounded by love and family. Despite the darkness that threatened to consume them all, they still found a way to reclaim their hope for a better future, as one by one, Zoey, Bianca and Angel were all healing from their turmoil, as were everyone else.

They faced down their darkness and emerged victorious.

Giles saw the expression of utter happiness on Layla's face, wrapping an arm around her waist. "What are you thinking about?"

Layla leaned into Giles's hold. "Look at us all together. It feels like we're finally free from some of that darkness."

Giles smiled softly, placing a kiss on Layla's head. "Quite right. You did something wonderful here, Layla. Bringing us all together like this."

Layla turned to Giles, her expression lighting up slightly. "I want to tell them."

Giles smiled, nodding. "No better time than the present, I suppose."

Layla took a deep breath, feeling the warmth of the moment envelop her. She turned to face everyone, gathering their attention as the laughter and chatter faded into a comforting silence. The snow continued to fall around them, shimmering like tiny diamonds in the soft light.

"Everyone," Layla began, her voice steady yet filled with excitement. "Before we dive into the festivities and celebrate this beautiful winter wonderland we've created together, there's something important Rupert and I want to share with all of you."

The group exchanged curious glances, their smiles widening in anticipation.

Buffy nudged Eric playfully, whispering. "This better not be about a new demon or some crazy prophecy."

Eric smiled. "Yeah, I think we've all had enough of that for a while."

Layla's heart raced as she glanced at Giles, who gave her an encouraging nod. "Rupert and I... we have news."

Zoey and Alice shared a look as the two friends gazed at their parents with curiosity.

Giles stepped beside Layla, a proud smile on his face. "Yes, it seems that amidst the chaos of the past few weeks and our recent trials, Layla and I have decided to embrace this beautiful family we've built together by taking a step forward."

"What are you talking about?" Brady asked.

"We're married," Layla said simply, her smile brightening.

Gasps followed by excited chatter broke out among the group.

Zoey and Alice instantly stepped forward, their eyes wide with disbelief and joy.

"You what?" Zoey exclaimed, running up to Layla. "Mom, that's amazing!"

Zoey quickly enveloped her mother in a tight embrace. Layla smiled, holding Zoey close.

Alice quickly approached Giles to embrace him. "Dad, why didn't you tell us sooner?"

Giles chuckled as he put a hand on the back of Alice's head, stroking his daughter's hair. "Well, we were under the influence of Ethan's band candy, and a lot has gone on since then. We wanted to give everyone time to breathe before we shared the news."

Carmen's eyes sparkled as she clapped her hands together. "Well, it's amazing news! We're so happy for you."

"This is so good!" Willow cheered.

"Absolutely," Brooke grinned. "This is perfect. Zoey and Alice are officially stepsisters!"

Everyone burst into laughter as Zoey and Alice grinned.

"That's for sure," Zoey agreed, reaching for Alice's hand. "We always have felt like sisters for a while. Now it's just official."

Alice smiled in return, squeezing Zoey's hand. "Just like it's meant to be."

Wyatt raised his glass. "Congratulations, all of you. To your family."

"To our family," Layla corrected.

Xander smirked. "Yeah, don't forget that Mama Gypsy Layla and Watcher Giles are the adoptive parents to all of us."

Layla gave Xander a look, shaking her head. "Again, don't call me that."

Laughter continued to ring out as they all raised their drinks in toast and began to drink and enjoy the rest of the celebration. Everyone was giving hugs and congratulations to Layla, Giles, Zoey and Alice and the family they created.

"I'm so happy for you guys," Bianca told them. "You deserve it."

Angel nodded in agreement. "If anyone does, it's you four."

Zoey, Layla, Giles and Alice all smiled in response.

Zoey looked at Giles with a playful strange look. "I'm gonna have to get used to you being my stepdad."

Faith snorted. "Yeah, little miss Zoey has a Watcher training her like a Slayer who's now her stepdaddy, just like Alice is the Guardian of you two. One way to go, Layla. Nice way to merge the fam."

Hope put her hand over Faith's mouth teasingly. "Ignore her."

"Yeah, ignore me," Faith said, pulling Hope's hand away with a grin. "But seriously, Zoey, Alice, get used to it. It's a wild ride."

Laughter filled the air once more as Hope playfully shoved Faith's hand away, both of them grinning at Zoey and Alice, who both grinned back. The warmth of their friendship was unmistakable now.

As everyone celebrated and exchanged stories of past struggles and future hopes, snow continued to fall gently from the sky, blanketing Sunnydale in an enchanting white layer. The atmosphere felt almost magical, as if nature itself was celebrating alongside them.

Layla's heart swelled at the sight of everyone gathering together, warmth radiating from shared stories and inside jokes. The air was crisp with winter magic, but their spirits burned brighter than any chill could dampen.

Suddenly, Eric launched a snowball at Brady, the impact splattering all over the side of his face.

Brady gasped at the cold, but he couldn't maintain the grin on his face.

Eric smirked, shouting. "Snowball fight!"

Brady immediately scooped up a snowball in return and launched it back at Eric. "You're on, Rosenberg!"

As the first snowball soared through the air, laughter erupted among their friends, and chaos ensued. Everyone scrambled for snow, young and old alike, diving into the newly fallen powder to gather their ammunition.

"Get him!" Zoey yelled, pointing at Eric with a grin as she rushed to scoop up a fistful of snow.

Brooke ducked behind Wyatt, grabbing a handful of snow and fashioning it into a ball. "Get ready!"

Brooke instantly launched her snowball toward the nearest target - her twin sister Buffy.

But Buffy sensed it coming and ducked out of the way, making the snowball hit Xander behind her instead.

Xander yelped in surprise. "Hey! This means war!"

"Bring it on!" Buffy laughed, forming another snowball.

Across the yard, Hope and Faith had taken cover behind a pile of snow, building a small fort as they launched snowballs toward the other Scoobies.

Brooke playfully splattered a snowball across Wyatt's back to bring her warlock boyfriend into the snowball war.

As she tried to run away, Wyatt caught Brooke in his arms and spun her around, making her laugh in glee. "You can't get away that easily, Brooke Summers."

Layla and Giles exchanged amused glances before joining in on the fun, quickly forming their own snowballs.

"Family bonding at its finest," Giles chuckled, loading a snowy projectile of his own.

"You'll pay for that one, Eric!" Brady shouted, ducking behind a tree for cover as he loaded another snowball.

"I'm not scared!" Eric shouted back defiantly, scooping up more snow.

The playful rivalry escalated quickly, with Brady and Alice teaming up against Buffy and Eric.

Carmen, Zoey and Willow took aim at Xander, who was busy trying to dodge the flurries flying his way with each yelp.

As Layla and Giles took aim, they managed to strike Zoey and Alice with their snowballs, making their daughters burst into laughter.

On the sidelines, Bianca and Angel watched with amusement, enjoying watching everyone as the snowball fight erupted into a full-blown winter wonderland of laughter and joy.

"Look at them," Bianca said, her heart warming at the sight. "It's like everything we've been through just melts away in moments like this."

Angel nodded, a hint of a smile creeping onto his face. "This is what they needed. This is what we all needed."

"Why don't we join in?" Bianca suggested, her eyes twinkling with mischief. The remnants of fear and darkness from earlier seemed to dissipate in the glow of the camaraderie around them.

Angel wasn't surprised, as he sensed this coming, raising an eyebrow in a rare show of playfulness. "I can't let you outdo me."

Before long, Bianca had grabbed a handful of snow and shaped it into a ball, dodging the sphere that Angel threw at her as she launched her own ball toward Eric, who was still laughing and shouting orders from behind his makeshift fort.

Eric barely managed to duck behind his fort in time to dodge Bianca's snowball, bursting into laughter. "Missed me!"

Hope smiled at the sight of even Bianca and Angel engaging in the snowball fight. "Oh, finally you two join in on the fun!"

Brady and Alice couldn't help but smile at the fact that Bianca was diving in as well.

Bianca felt warmth spreading through her chest, a sense of belonging washing over her. She had fought so hard against despair, and now she stood surrounded by friends and family who loved her unconditionally.

Brady and Alice engaged teasingly in a snowball fight with Bianca and Hope, which they both jokingly fought back against.

Angel's eyes softened as he watched the four of them, along with Zoey and Carmen exchange snowball strikes, enjoying watching them all engage in a moment of pure bliss and contentment.

The moment was like a soothing balm. The memories of darkness and torment faded into the background for the first time in weeks, replaced by the joyful chaos unfolding all around.

Zoey ducked behind a snowbank to shield herself from another incoming barrage, laughing as Carmen ducked down next to her. The two best friends noticed Angel mostly watching the joy surrounding him, both sharing a knowing, mischievous look as they both stood to hurl their snowballs toward Angel.

"Surprise!" Zoey shouted as both she and Carmen launched their snowballs straight at Angel, who barely had time to react.

The impact sent a burst of cold snow exploding against Angel, momentarily covering his face and jacket.

Angel couldn't help a light laugh, shaking his head to clear the snow off as he smiled at them, eyes sparkling with delight. "You'll pay for that."

Not one to back down, Zoey quickly ducked behind the snowbank again, laughing as Angel began to bear down on her, scooping up more snow.

Carmen joined her in laughter, but only for a moment before she turned and grabbed another handful of snow, ready to defend herself. "Just because you're super strong doesn't mean you can take us both on!"

"Watch me!" Angel replied, throwing another snowball toward them.

However, Carmen diverted Angel's snowball with her telekinesis power, sending it flying into Faith behind her fort.

"Hey!" Faith protested. "No cheating, Carmen!"

Meanwhile, Wyatt summoned some nearby branches to create makeshift shields for himself and Brooke as they retreated from the onslaught of snowballs raining down around them.

Brooke grinned, using the shield to deflect another snowball that Eric hurled their way. "Nice work! Now we've got some cover!"

Wyatt flashed her a triumphant smile. "Just wait until I really get going."

With a flick of his wrist, Wyatt sent a small flurry of snow spiraling into the air, catching multiple targets off guard as they dove for cover. Laughter rang out as everyone scrambled to dodge the incoming ice.

"Is that what you call a snowstorm?" Zoey teased, peeking over their barrier.

"Just getting started!" Wyatt declared, laughing as he shaped more snow into defensive barriers around them.

Meanwhile, Bianca and Angel had formed an alliance, joining forces against the others.

As Angel scooped up snow, he glanced at Bianca with a playful smirk. "Ready for round two?"

Bianca nodded, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Let's do this!"

They launched their combined snowballs toward the unsuspecting victims around them. Everyone burst into laughter.

As the snowball fight continued, Layla paused for a moment, her heart swelling with joy as she took in the scene before her. The crisp winter air was filled with laughter and shouts of delight, a stark contrast to the heavy atmosphere that had surrounded them all just hours before. The snow-covered lawn sparkled in the soft morning light, transforming their little corner of Sunnydale into a winter wonderland.

Layla watched as Zoey and Alice, now officially sisters, teamed up against Bianca and Hope, their faces flushed with excitement and eyes bright with happiness. The bond between them seemed stronger than ever, forged through shared trials and triumphs, their laughter ringing out, clear and bright, a sound that Layla had feared she might never hear again after all they had been through. Brady came up from behind Alice and lifted her up, spinning her around, making her laugh happily.

Nearby, Carmen and Angel were engaged in a playful battle with Eric, Buffy, Wyatt and Brooke. Carmen, Eric and Wyatt were always eager to use their powers within the battle to see who could win, but they were making it pretty even.

Layla's heart swelled with joy at the scene before her. The laughter echoed through the air was like music, a symphony of happiness that she had longed to hear for so long. The gathering she had planned, hoping to bring some light into their lives, had blossomed into something far more magical than she could have ever imagined.

Giles came up beside Layla, wrapping an arm around her shoulders as he watched the chaos unfold. Layla leaned her head on his shoulder.

"I believe this is what you envisioned when you planned this gathering," Giles said softly, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

Layla nodded, feeling the warmth of his affection and the joy radiating from the others. "It is. I just wanted them to feel some happiness after everything we've all faced. It's everything I hoped for and more."

"You've succeeded beyond measure," Giles replied, his voice filled with admiration. "This moment - it's a testament to their resilience and to the bonds they've forged. You've built something beautiful, Layla. A family that supports each other, even in the darkest times."

"What if we have another snowball fight next?" Layla suggested playfully, glancing at him with a mischievous sparkle in her eye.

Giles chuckled, shaking his head in mock disapproval. "As much as I appreciate the spirited endeavor, I think we should leave those antics for the younger generation."

Layla smiled softly in return. "You're probably right."

As Giles and Layla shared a tender kiss, the joyous sounds of laughter and playful shouts faded into the background. The world seemed to slow down around them, snowflakes gently falling in a mesmerizing dance. Their lips met softly, conveying all the love, hope, and promise of their newfound union.

Zoey and Alice, noticing the intimate moment between their parents, exchanged a warm glance. Without a word, they quietly made their way through the snow-covered lawn, their footsteps crunching softly beneath them. As they approached, Giles and Layla broke apart, their eyes shining with love and contentment.

Layla opened her arms wide, inviting her daughter and stepdaughter into their embrace. "Come here, you two."

Zoey and Alice didn't hesitate, rushing forward to join their parents. The four of them came together in a tight family hug, snow clinging to their hair and clothes.

After all of the darkness they faced, in this moment, it was everything they needed to heal and survive as a family. Together as one.