Day One

Night - The Bronze

Zoey, Oz, Buffy, Eric, Brooke, Wyatt, Brady, Alice, Carmen and Willow were sitting at the bar, drinking sodas and eating snacks.

Wyatt was drinking alcohol, pretty laid back about it. "Hmm. Bloody hell. Not nearly as old as I like my alcohol."

Brooke smirked in amusement. "And how do you like your alcohol, Wyatt? Aged to perfection?"

"Don't mock, Brooke," Wyatt told her.

Brooke shook her head teasingly. "Wouldn't dream of it."

Carmen seemed preoccupied, idly playing with a cookie.

Cordelia and Xander walked in behind them, taking a place at the end of he bar.

"I think we should get a limo," Cordelia told them.

"Limo?" Eric repeated, lost.

"Yeah," Brady answered. "Why not?"

"A big, expensive limo?" Xander asked.

"That sounds like fun," Zoey told them. "And it's our last homecoming dance, so maybe we should make a big deal of it."

"You wanna talk fun?" Xander asked. "Public bus. You meet the funnest people." Cordelia looked at them with a disbelieving look. "Back me up here, Oz."

"Well, if it's a dollar issue, we could all take my van," Oz told them.

"Van?" Cordelia repeated. "The homecoming queen doesn't go to the dance in a van. Use your head."

Zoey and Carmen rolled their eyes.

Alice looked at Cordelia. "Well, technically, you haven't been elected yet." Cordelia gave her a look. "Although you certainly and without a doubt will be." Alice looked at the others. "So, a limo?"

Buffy smiled. "A private limo. It--it is pretty..." She took Eric by the hand. "Cuddlesome." Eric smiled. "And if we all split the cost..."

Carmen came out of her reverie. "Um... maybe. You know, if I go at all."

"Why wouldn't you go?" Eric asked. "You already have your tickets. I mean, unless you don't have a da..." He noticed Scott approaching. "Day or two to think about it. We should all think about it."

Eric hoped he didn't mess up anything for Carmen with Scott standing right there. Buffy gave Eric a smile.

Cordelia was confused. "What's going on here? Did Scott not ask Carmen to the homecoming dance yet?"

"Thanks, Cordelia," Carmen told her sarcastically, embarrassed by her sister. "Humiliation's really good for my color."

Scott was unsure. "Oh, um... well, no. I just... I assumed that you would think it was corny or something, but I--I'm in. I mean, you know, if you are, if you want to."

Carmen was also unsure. "Uh, sure. I do. You know, if you want to."

"Well, I do if you want to," Scott told her.

Zoey, Buffy, Brooke, Alice and Cordelia exchanged an unsure look and smile.

"The judges will accept that as a 'yes'," Brady told them.

Scott looked at Carmen. "I can go get you another drink."

Carmen nodded. Scott walked away.

"Are you sure, Carmen?" Zoey asked. "I mean, you told me and Mom that... with Angel being back, and you helping Bianca with him, trying to get him back to... you know, him..."

"I'm not sure of anything right now," Carmen answered. "But I don't want to keep my life on pause to figure things out either."

"That's good for you," Buffy told her. "Besides, after everything, it's not like you can actually get back together with your soulmate."

Carmen looked down.

"So how are we all going in one limo?" Alice asked.

"We're not," Zoey answered. "I can talk to my father, and I know that he'll give me enough money to pay for two, so that we can all go, with Hope and Faith if they want to too."

"You really want to ask your father to pay for all that, Zoey?" Wyatt asked.

"Yeah, I thought you and Layla didn't talk to him much," Brooke told her.

"We don't," Zoey answered. "But my father has been wanting me to ride safely in limos to school since I was ten, because he doesn't trust the streets of Sunnydale, but I told him no. I would be fine on my own."

"Did you and Layla even tell your dad that you're both gypsies, after you found out, I mean?" Eric asked.

"Yeah, and that's the last time we talked to him," Zoey answered. "Long story. But don't worry. I'll take care of everything. And I don't want to hear a peep of you guys wanting to help because I wanna do this for you guys."

They all smiled.

Cordelia clinked her glass with Zoey's. "You're a good woman of our time, Zoey Francis, and if you repeat to anyone else that I said that, I will deny it."

They all laughed and drank.

∞

Angel's Mansion

There was a fire going in the fireplace. Angel walked past it, and the camera followed him. He was shivering from the cold. He stopped and paced back. He turned to go back again, but was startled by some rustling in he atrium. Slowly, he walked to he doorway, quickly whipping the drapes aside.

Bianca was revealed behind the drapes, holding a small paper bag. "I--it's just me. I went to get some food. Or, well, drink, for us." She took her quart-sized clear plastic container of blood out of the bag, handing the bag to Angel. "Here." Angel took the bag, opening it as he walked back into the room. Bianca walked in, but giving Angel space. Angel pulled his quart-sized clear plastic container of blood out of the bag, lifting it to his nose to sniff. "How are you feeling?"

Angel jerked his head away slightly from the tub of blood, lowering it to take off the lid. "It hurts... less."

Bianca nodded, relieved by that, but not sure what else to say. "Good." She turned around, taking a few steps away, before facing him again. "Carmen told Zoey and Layla that... you're back."

Angel seemed to remember what he did to Zoey and Layla in book 2, feeling incredibly guilty. "Zoey. Layla."

"Yeah," Bianca whispered, taking a deep breath, speaking a bit louder. "And they told the others. Um, Buffy, Brooke, Brady. Alice, Giles. Eric, Willow. Xander, Cordelia and Oz even. I think they told Hope and Faith, but I'm not sure."

"Hope?" Angel repeated in confusion. "Faith?"

Bianca realized that he hadn't met them. "Oh, um, the new Slayer and Guardian, activated after Dru and I killed Sofia and Kendra." Angel nodded in understanding. "They all understand that you're better. And that we're gonna keep helping you get better."

Angel turned to face her, confused. "And you. You're... better?"

"My mind, you mean?" Bianca asked. Angel nodded. "Um, a little, yeah. Eric and Willow have been helping me. Magically. While Buffy, Brooke, Brady, Alice, Wyatt and Carmen were out of town, and Zoey, Layla, Giles and the others were busy. Things are different now."

"Your soul," Angel stated. "Your mind."

"Yes," Bianca answered. "I wanted to help you... like they helped me. Like you did, even when we were... evil."

Angel nodded, looking down. "You did help me, Bianca."

Bianca managed a small smile, looking relieved but still worried. "Good. I hope that now... that you're back, and we're both better... that things can start to be really better."

∞

Day Two

Morning - Sunnydale High School - Outside

Carmen and Scott were talking.

Scott was suddenly breaking up with her. "I don't think we should see each other anymore."

Carmen was surprised. "You don't? When did this happen? Where was I?"

"It's just..." Scott trailed off. "Before we were going out, you--you seemed so... full of life, like a force of nature. Now you just seem distracted all the time, and..."

Carmen looked a little guilty for being distracted. "Yeah, I know, it's... I'm getting better. Honest. In fact, from here on, you are gonna see a drastic distraction reduction." Scott didn't react at all to her attempt at a joke. "Drastic distraction reduction. Try saying that ten times fast."

"I'm really sorry," Scott told her, walking away.

Carmen just watched him go, not looking sad or even shocked, but like she didn't care about the breakup at all, but kind of mad at how rude he was about it, so soon before the dance.

∞

Van

Outside the school, there was a van with darkly tinted windows in the parking lot. A man, Frederick Gruenstahler, was inside, looking through the binoculars to spy on Buffy, Brooke and Alice in the library, training with Zoey, Brady, Eric, Wyatt, Giles and Layla for fighting and magic alike.

Behind Frederick, another man, Hans Gruenstahler, stepped around him, also looking out the window. Frederick raised the binoculars back to his eyes. Hans attached a digital video feed to it. Behind them, the binocular's view of Buffy, Brooke and Alice appeared on three small screens, each screen focused on each of the three girls individually. Hans reached over to a modern set up below the monitors. It was attached to a cellphone, which he opened, and he pressed a button to establish a connection. The speed dial sent the tones out in a split second.

∞

Dark Office

The tones and screeches of the connection protocol quickly established a link.

The camera panned up and back until an old man in a wheelchair rolled up to the desk by the keyboard of the computer connected to the modem. He hit a few keys, looking up at the monitor. "Is that them?"

Trick stepped into view. "In the nubile flesh, my friend." The camera showed a view of Buffy, Brooke and Alice on the monitors as they continued to train with Zoey, Brady, Eric, Wyatt, Giles and Layla in the library. "Those are the targets."

∞ Slayers and Guardians ∞

Sunnydale City Hall - Hallway

Deputy Mayor Allen Finch was waiting nervously outside of Mayor Richard Wilkins' office.

"The mayor will see you now," the secretary told him.

Allen took a deep breath to compose himself, heading for the mayor's door.

∞

Richard's Office

Allen opened the door, stepping in, holding a folder in his hand. He glanced at Richard's desk, but didn't see him there. He turned his head, seeing Richard coming out of his private washroom. Richard's hands came into the camera's view as he vigorously dried them off.

Allen closed the door behind him. "I'm sorry to bother you, sir."

Richard walked to his desk. "I'm not bothered, Allen."

Allen stepped toward the desk. "Well, I--I'm not sure how serious this is, but, uh..." He opened the folder. "They were spotted in town three days ago." He laid the open folder on the desk. "I've just been informed. Frederick and Hans Gruenstahler, uh..." Richard picked up a copy of the Interpol warrant. "Wanted in Germany for capital murder, terrorism, uh..." Richard sniffed the paper. "The bombing of Flight 1402... Uh, I should have brought it to your attention sooner, but I'd--I'd wanted to confirm..."

Richard took another sniff. "Would you show me your hands, please?"

Allen raised his eyebrows in confusion. "Sir?"

"Your hands," Richard insisted, putting the warrant back down, pushing the file aside, indicating that Allen should put his hands on the desk. Allen held out his hands, slowly leaning over, placing them flat on the desk. Richard leaned closer to inspect them. Allen nervously watched Allen, who drew a breath after looking them over. "I think they could be clear. I had hoped they would be."

"Of course, sir," Allen agreed, looking like he was about to have a nervous breakdown. "I--I mean, I--I washed them, but..."

Richard leaned back in his chair. "After every mean and under your fingernails? Dirt gets trapped there, and germs, and mayonnaise. My dear mother said, 'cleanliness is next to godliness', and I believed her. She never caught a cold." He laughed, pointing at the warrant. "I'd like these two to be put under surveillance." Allen straightened back up. "And I'd like to know if... any other colorful characters have come to town."

Allen nodded, smiling weakly. "I'll take care of it."

Richard nodded knowingly. "You have all my faith."

Allen took a step back from the desk, walking out, just a bit creeped out.

∞

Sunnydale High School - Lounge

Yearbook pictures were being taken. Cordelia gave the camera a glowing smile, and her picture was taken. Xander was up next, and he gave the camera a goofy, heavily dimpled smile as the flash went off. Willow hopped up on the stool, giving the camera a big grin, but when the photographer didn't immediately snap her picture, her expression became a bit concerned, and such would be her picture in the yearbook. Oz just stared blankly into the camera with a thin smile on his face.

After their pictures were taken, Xander and Willow were walking together.

"You have to help me pick an outfit," Willow told him.

Xander nodded. "No problem. I got the tux going on. I'm gonna look hot if it even remotely fits." They reached Cordelia, who was looking at the other girls that were running for homecoming queen. "Whatcha doing?"

Cordelia turned to face him. "Checking out the I-laughingly-use-the-phrase competition." She looked over at a girl named Holly, playing with her hair and talking to a couple of boys. Oz walked up to them. "Holly Charleston. Nice girl, brain dead, doesn't have a prayer." Cordelia shifted her gaze to a girl named Michelle, who was handing out campaign flyers. "Michelle Blake. Open to all mankind, especially those with a letterman's jacket and a car." She looked at Xander, concerned, crossing her arms. "She could give me a run."

"Where are Zoey, Buffy, Brooke, Brady, Alice, Eric and Carmen?" Oz asked. "They're gonna miss the yearbook pictures."

"They're in the library with Giles, Layla, Wyatt, Hope and Faith, getting all sweaty," Xander answered.

"They're training," Cordelia corrected.

Xander gave her a look. "I stand by my phrase."

"Zoey said she would be here soon, since Devon said that she could sing a couple duets with the band," Oz explained. "We have to practice."

"Well, then, with daughter-of-famous-rockstar Zoey Francis singing, at least your band won't totally suck at homecoming," Cordelia told him. "No offense."

Oz shook his head. "None taken."

"Eric said he would be here, too," Willow told them. "But I don't think Buffy, Brooke, Brady, Alice and Carmen were here the day they announced the pictures. They were gone with Wyatt. And I don't know if Zoey and Eric remembered, given how busy they've been and how much pressure they've been putting themselves under all summer. Maybe they forgot."

"Somebody should tell them," Oz told them.

"Oh, I'll tell them now," Cordelia told them. "I have to go to the nurse's office for an ice pack anyway."

Xander put his hand on Cordelia's arm. "Did you hurt yourself?"

Cordelia smiled, nudging Xander. "No, silly. It shrinks the pores."

Cordelia walked away, as Oz gave Xander a look as if to say 'duh'.

∞

Library

As Zoey, Buffy, Faith, Brady, Eric and Giles were training with fighting, Zoey and Eric were also training with magic with Wyatt, Carmen and Layla, and Alice, Brooke and Hope were training with Guardian energy, having just finished.

Carmen used her telekinesis to break a dummy apart with ease, causing the others to look at her, impressed.

Faith smirked. "Oh, man. Guys should break up with you more often."

"Gee, thank you," Carmen told her sarcastically.

Hope smiled. "No, seriously, Carmen. You really got some quality rage going. Really gives you an edge. Isn't Zoey supposed to be Edge Girl?"

Zoey smirked.

"Eric, you've gotten a lot better magically," Wyatt told him. "Way more advanced than Willow, but don't worry. Siblings are not always balanced with magic ability. Hell, I got magic, and Spike didn't. And Carmen got magic while Cordelia didn't. You and Willow both got magic, and you've been training with it a lot harder than Willow has, so..."

"So stronger," Eric finished. "Thanks, Wyatt."

"Zoey and Layla have gotten quite better with gypsy magic, and Zoey and Eric both with fighting," Giles pointed out.

"Very much so," Alice agreed. "We've seen what Zoey and Eric can do a lot recently, Layla, but I'm surprised that you've gotten so much better too."

Layla couldn't help a small smile. "Really?"

"Really," Buffy answered. "I mean, and it's surprising mostly because you're mostly working at the hospital rather than patrolling, but..."

"Layla's still a beast with magic," Hope finished.

"Damn right she is," Faith agreed. "I'd kill to have a badass mom like you, Layla."

Layla was amused, a bit curious. "Thanks. I think."

The others chuckled.

Zoey checked the time. "Oh, I should get going. I've got to practice with Oz and Devon's band. They wrote a few duets, and since I've sung with them before..."

Brooke smiled. "You're gonna be performing at homecoming, aren't you?" Zoey smiled, nodding. "That's awesome."

Zoey smiled. "I thought so too. But it's only a few songs, like two or three. But I'm super excited though."

The others smiled with her.

"I'm surprised Devon lets you sing with the band," Brady admitted.

"It's because Devon wants clout," Carmen explained. "Having the daughter of rockstar Todd Francis dating the drummer of the band and singing with them? Devon thinks Zoey can help kickstart their career."

Layla put an arm around Zoey. "Oh, Zoey, I'm proud of you, no matter what the reason is that they let you sing with him."

"You don't mind, since I'm technically doing what Dad does?" Zoey asked.

"No," Layla answered. "Because I know you love music, but you love doing what we do a lot more. Helping people. And I'm glad that you still have a connection with something else that you also love."

Zoey nodded.

"It is a good thing to have something else to focus on, something to relieve you of duties that don't necessarily lay on you at all," Giles agreed.

Brady looked at Zoey. "Yeah, Miss Workaholic." He pointed at Eric. "And Mr. Workaholic."

Zoey and Eric both replied instantly, "Shut up, Brady."

Brady and Wyatt smirked, while Buffy, Brooke, Alice, Carmen, Hope and Faith laughed, and Layla and Giles couldn't help but smile at them.

Hope looked at Carmen. "And screw Scott, okay? You move on, and you party heavily, and you'll be fine. I mean, you're still going to that dance, right?"

Carmen opened a juice bottle. "Maybe."

Carmen took a drink.

Zoey looked at Hope and Faith. "Oh, that reminds me. I got tickets for you two too, in case you want to come."

Faith smirked. "Great. Zoey, Buffy, Brooke and Alice are going with Oz, Eric, Wyatt and Brady, and Carmen's solo now, Xander's got Cordelia... Giles and Layla are a thing, so... Carmen, Hope, Willow and I can find a couple studs, use 'em and discard 'em. That's always fun."

Hope shrugged. "Yeah, I'm in. Not the stud-using part though. Since you know, not guy friendly. But, hey, find me a nice looking girl to hang with and I'll be fine."

Carmen and Wyatt exchanged a knowing look, nodding awkwardly. "Right."

Wyatt cleared his throat. "Dates aside for the dance... it should be fun that night."

Alice smiled. "Yeah, it should be."

∞

Hallway

Cordelia looked into the library through the round door windows, seeing the group talking after training, pushing the door open, about to go in, when she noticed two boys walking by. She slipped back into the hall, rushing to catch up with them. "Uh, Bobby! Mashad!" She smiled, giggling, making eyes at them to try to get their votes for homecoming queen. "You don't phone, you don't write... where's the love?"

∞

Day Three

Morning - Sunnydale High School - Quad

A teacher came down the stairs, while looking over some reports.

Brooke noticed her, running up to her. "Mrs. Moran?" Moran looked up. "Hi. I'm so glad that I ran into you." They walked together slowly. "Um, I had this little incident last year of getting kicked out of school, with my brother and sister Brady and Buffy, and friends Alice and Carmen. And we're back now, though. We've done all of our makeup tests. But we still need one written recommendation each from teachers. I think the word that Principal Snyder used was 'glowing'." Brooke smiled awkwardly. "Uh, to put in our files so we can prove that we belong here."

"And, um, you are..." Moran trailed off.

Brooke was surprised. "Brooke. B--Brooke Summers." Moran tried to remember. "Third row. I sat by the window. Uh, your class, Contemporary American Heroes from Amelia Earhart to Maya Angelou. The class that changed my life?"

"Were you absent a lot?" Moran asked. "Um..."

Brooke looked very disappointed. "Brooke?"

∞

Cafeteria

The teen Scoobies were sitting at a table. Brooke stared off into space while the others ate.

Cordelia walked into view, holding out a flyer, touching a student on the arm. "Hi. I hope you'll consider me for homecoming queen."

Cordelia walked away.

"I can't believe it," Brooke told them. "My favorite teacher, and she didn't even remember who I was. I'm like a non-person." She looked at Oz. "Am I invisible?" She waved her hand in front of him. "Can you see me?"

"Big as life," Oz told her.

"At Hemery, Brooke was Prom Princess, and I was Fiesta Queen, we were both on the cheerleading squad," Buffy told them. "Brady was the king of everything. And the yearbook was, like, a story of us. Brady had to repeat his senior year because of what happened last year, and now it's Brooke's and my senior year, and we're all going to be one crappy picture on one-eighth of a crappy page."

Xander looked up from his plate. "Um, no, actually, you're not." He looked at Buffy, Brooke, Brady and Alice. "None of you are."

"What do you mean?" Brady asked.

"Well, you, uh, missed the picture taking," Willow answered.

"When?" Alice asked. "Why?"

"I got mine when I went to practice with Oz and the band," Zoey explained. "I wouldn't have even remembered if it wasn't for Oz telling me before practice."

"Willow reminded me yesterday after training," Eric explained. "She said that Cordelia was going to tell you guys."

"Cordelia did tell me, just before they took the picture stuff down," Carmen admitted. "She almost made me miss it too. I'm sorry, guys."

They looked toward Cordelia, who was still campaigning. Buffy stood up to go confront Cordelia.

Cordelia handed a flyer to a student. "Thanks for your support." She turned to see who was behind her, smiling. "Buffy, you look so cute in that outfit."

"I'm not voting for you," Buffy told her.

"Then make it snappy," Cordelia told her curtly.

Buffy crossed her arms. "How come you didn't tell me, Zoey, Eric, Brooke, Brady and Alice they were doing the yearbook pictures? Oz and Willow had to remind Zoey and Eric, barely in time for them to get their pictures taken, and you almost made Carmen miss hers too."

"I forgot," Cordelia answered. "What's the big?"

Buffy sighed. "It's just... you could've thought about somebody else for 30 seconds, that's all."

"Hey, I am under a lot of pressure here," Cordelia defended herself.

Buffy nodded sarcastically. "Oh, yeah, campaigning. Rough gig."

"What would you know about it?" Cordelia asked. "Just because you and Brooke were guacamole queens and Brady was king when you were three doesn't mean you understand how this works."

"Obviously, it involves handing out entirely lame flyers," Buffy replied.

"No," Cordelia answered. "It involves being part of this school and having actual friends. Even though Zoey and Carmen have long since linked themselves to loserville, they still have so many other friends in the school besides Eric, Xander and Willow. They were technically still popular for a very long time. Everyone loves them. I used to be worried that they would be more popular than me. But at least we still try to have actual friends outside the world of freaks. You should try it." Buffy glared at Cordelia, offended. "Now, if it was about monsters, blood and innards, then you'd be a shoo-in. I'd like to see you try to win the crown."

"You would?" Buffy asked. Cordelia walked around Buffy to leave. "Then you will."

Cordelia turned to face her. "What does that mean?"

Buffy turned to face her. "I'm gonna show you how it's done. I'm gonna run for homecoming queen, and I'm going to win."

"This is starting to be sad," Cordelia told her.

Buffy smirked thinly, sarcastically. "Sorry, Cordy, but you have no idea who you're messing with."

"What, the Slayer?" Cordelia asked.

"I'm not talking about the Slayer," Buffy answered. "I'm talking about Buffy. You've awakened the Prom Queen within. And that crown is going to be mine."

∞

Trick's House

Trick was having a meeting with competitors for his new hunting game. "Competition. Competition is a beautiful thing. It makes us strive. It... makes us accomplish. Occasionally, it makes us kill. We all have the desire to win." He walked through the room. "Whether we're human..." He gestured to a hunter that would be called Jungle Bob, Frederick, Hans, and the old man in the wheelchair, who would be known as the Boss. "Vampire..." He noticed to Lyle Gorch from 2.12, and his wife Candy. He stopped by a yellow skinned creature with a spiny ridge along the top of his head. "And whatever the hell you are, my brother. You got them spiny looking head things. I ain't never seen that before."

"I am Kulak, of the Miquot Clan," Kulak introduced.

"Isn't that nice?" Trick asked, continuing to walk. "Point is, you're all here for the same reason."

"Well, it sure ain't no philosophy class, now, is it?" Lyle asked.

Candy smiled at him.

Trick stopped pacing, facing him. "Mr. Gorch, my account statement says that your deposit has not yet been made."

Lyle put his arm around Candy. "Well, me and Candy... we blowing our whole honeymoon stash on this little game here."

Lyle emptied a bag of cash onto the table.

Trick was unimpressed. "They're dirty."

Lyle smiled. "They're nonconsecutive."

Trick gave the money another look, this time impressed. "The games will begin in a few days' time. The first three targets, Buffy, Brooke and Alice, you've all seen. The other two, Hope and Faith, are... a little more elusive. But they will all be together and ready for the killing, and that is a money back guarantee."

"What about the gypsies?" Lyle asked. "The hunters and witches? I've faced most of them before. They fight together, it's how they're strongest. One of the gypsies killed my brother."

"The gypsies, Zoey and Layla Francis, the hunters, Brady Summers and Eric Rosenberg, and the witches, Wyatt Pratt and Carmen Chase, if they get in the way, you can kill them too," Trick answered. "Hell, extra points and extra cash if you do." Lyle smiled, clearly wanting revenge on Zoey for killing Tector in 2.12. "Should be lucky that it's unlikely the vampire with Guardian powers, Bianca Fordham, to get involved. Ladies, gentlemen, spiny-headed looking creatures, welcome to Slayer/Guardian Fest '98!"

∞∞

Sunnydale High School - Library

(Song:) How - Lisa Loeb

Brooke and Wyatt were alone in the library.

Brooke was trying to reach for a book on a high shelf, but it was in one of the top shelves, jumping slightly to get it.

Wyatt was watching her in amusement, trying not to smile, but failed, teasing her. "Need any help?"

Brooke noticed the teasing in his tone, stopping, turning around to give him a sarcastic look. "No."

"You sure?" Wyatt asked.

"Yes," Brooke answered.

"I could just use magic," Wyatt pointed out.

"And I could just use Guardian power," Brooke replied. "But I wanna try to get it for myself."

Wyatt nodded in amusement. "Okay."

Brooke went back to try and get the book.

Wyatt held out his hand, causing a pocket portal to appear next to the book that Brooke was trying to get. The book fell into the pocket portal before the portal closed. Another pocket portal opened up in front of Wyatt, and the book flew out. Wyatt caught the book in one hand with ease, before the pocket portal in front of him closed. Brooke turned to give Wyatt a look. Wyatt just smiled innocently.

Brooke sighed, amused. "Great. My century-old English warlock boyfriend has a sense of humor."

Wyatt smirked. "Should I admit that I love that you refer to me as your boyfriend?"

Brooke smiled, walking closer. "I like that you admitted that. And I'll admit that I like calling you my boyfriend, too."

They chuckled, sitting together at the table. Brooke looked down pensively.

Wyatt placed the book on the table in front of her. "What's wrong?"

"Just this whole teacher letter recommendation thing," Brooke answered. "I asked my favorite teacher to write me a letter, and she didn't even remember who I was. And thanks to Cordelia not telling me, Zoey, Buffy, Brooke, Brady, Alice, Eric and Carmen about school pictures yesterday, Zoey, Eric and Carmen almost never got them taken, and wouldn't have if it wasn't for Oz and Willow and the late Cordy reminding them, but now Buffy, Brooke, Brady, Alice and I won't even be in the yearbook."

Wyatt took a breath. "Wow."

"Yeah," Brooke agreed.

"I'm sorry, Brooke," Wyatt told her.

Brooke sighed, shrugging. "Nah, it's okay. I mean, it's not, but I'm not getting bent all out of shape over this. Buffy is though. She wants to run against Cordelia for homecoming queen to teach her a lesson."

Wyatt rolled his eyes sarcastically, clearly not getting the point of dance queens like this, but also trying to make Brooke smile. "Oh, the horror."

Brooke smiled at his reaction and his attempt to make her feel better. "I know, it sounds stupid. But Buffy and I were queens of so many events and dances back in LA. Brady was the football legend. King of many dances even though he didn't campaign for anything like Buffy and I did. Buffy was worse than me though. She was worse than Cordelia."

"You talk about that time like you miss it," Wyatt stated, curious.

"I don't miss the campaigning or the competition," Brooke admitted. "Things would get way too serious and competitive way too fast and it could ruin friendships. I didn't think it was worth it so I stopped. Buffy had to give it up though, because of our destiny calling. I just miss... how normal things used to be. Don't get me wrong, Wyatt. I love our friends, and I like helping fight the good fight and save people."

"But..." Wyatt trailed off.

"But I just miss the times when things weren't so dangerous," Brooke answered. "Especially now when the dangerous parts of the job is beginning to be more fun than being a prom queen ever was."

Wyatt looked at her curiously. "You're worried because you're starting to like the dangerous parts?"

"Yeah," Brooke answered. "Is that a bad thing?"

Wyatt chuckled, shaking his head. "I'm the wrong person to ask that, Brooke. I've thrived on the dangerous parts of fighting the good fight for 120 something years now."

Brooke raised her eyebrows, amused. "Wow."

"Yeah," Wyatt agreed. "It's not a crime to love your job, Brooke. All parts of it."

Brooke considered this. "It can be... if you like it too much."

Wyatt nodded in agreement. "But that's not something you have to worry about. And it's okay that you like the dangerous sides of your destiny, more than you liked being a 'prom queen'. I love either side of you, Summers."

Brooke smiled. "I love all sides of you, Pratt. The caring, the sweet, the daring, and the extremely sarcastic and badass, dangerous-thriving sides. All of you."

Wyatt and Brooke smiled, leaning closer to kiss slowly and passionately.

∞

Giles Apartment - Outside

In the courtyard outside, Alice was sitting on the low brick ledge, playing a few notes on her guitar.

Brady walked down the steps toward the apartment, seeing Alice play and hearing her hum softly, smiling a bit, walking closer. "You're good. Glad I got to see you play again."

Alice looked up, smiling a bit. "Yeah. Well, I have more time to play lately. I never did before, but with so much help now, with the slaying, with the training... I have more time to be just... me. I wouldn't be able to if it wasn't for you, Buffy, Brooke, Zoey, Eric, Wyatt, Carmen, Bianca, Hope and Faith. Sometimes Layla whenever she's not working at the hospital, too."

"Yeah," Brady agreed. "A lot of help now. And good thing too. Guessing that's why Buffy thinks she has enough time to campaign for homecoming queen against Cordelia."

"Yep," Alice agreed.

"You've never seen Buffy like this, Alice," Brady told her. "Buffy and Brooke were into all of this before we found out about all this, their destinies. Buffy was into it more than Brooke was though. They both could be dangerous rivals though. I was voted for king at a lot of events and dances even though I never actually wanted to be."

Alice chuckled, looking down. "I can see why people would want you to be king though. You're pretty kingly, Brady."

Brady smiled. "Thanks. What about you?"

"What about me?" Alice asked.

"Before your job, before your destiny called, what were you like?" Brady asked. "What did you do?"

Alice looked down, tilting her head. "I was basically the same." Brady tilted his head. "I'm serious. My mother was... she was part of the Watcher Council. She liked to be more of a hunter, though, since the Council didn't get involved in fights or saving people. My mother didn't like to be the type to sit on their 'bleeding, lazy asses' as she used to put it." Alice and Brady chuckled a bit. "My father loved her for it. She would do her job, and try her best to do the job to fight the good fight. I guess that's a reason why he likes Layla, because she's the same way, but he liked Layla before we even found out that Zoey and Layla were gypsies and that they could fight the good fight." Brady nodded in agreement. "And of course, you know my father didn't like sitting back and letting others fight for him either, but... one night, my mother was out there fighting, and she was turned."

Brady nodded sadly in sympathy. "Yeah, you told us. She was turned into a vampire. That's why your nightmare was turning into a vampire."

"Yes," Alice agreed. "She came for me, and my father. It was before I turned into a Guardian, and... we had to put her down, before she could turn us, or kill us."

"Alice, I'm so sorry," Brady told her.

Alice took a deep breath, holding her locket, a gift from her mother, with the ruby that glowed whenever she used her power. "It was a long time ago. But the pain didn't go away."

"I know," Brady agreed, taking Alice's hand in his own.

Alice took a deep breath, trying not to be sad. "I guess being able to defeat my mother, before even turning into what I am now... I guess that's why I was even able to be a Potential..."

"To become a Guardian," Brady finished.

"Yes," Alice agreed. "I was so young when it happened, my mother. And soon after that, I got my powers, called by my destiny. And the Watcher Council gave me strict training so that I would be the Guardian that would train the next one, which would be Brooke. Before Buffy, Brooke and I died and activated Sofia and Kendra, before Bianca and Drusilla killed them and activated Hope and Faith."

"Yeah," Brady whispered.

Alice sighed, nodding. "So I didn't have a normal upbringing, not like you lot did. Besides Wyatt, I mean. I was always training and trying to be better and make the world better. I never got to go to dances back in England, or do anything a normal kid or teenager would be able to do. Hell, the first dance I ever went to, it was to the spring dance after Buffy, Brooke and I died, and you, Eric and Wyatt had to bring us back. And at least we went with you, Zoey, Eric, Wyatt, Carmen, Xander, Willow, Layla, Dad, Cordelia and Angel."

Brady processed all of this, nodding to himself, turning to look at Alice. "Well, homecoming night, we will get to go to the dance together. And I will show you a little bit of a normal life for a teen so you don't have to miss out on it completely. All right?"

Alice was touched, and relieved he was so understanding and wanting to help her live a little, nodding. "All right."

"I mean, it's not like you can't have fun," Brady told her. "I know you. You can be a severe fun badass. I mean, even Giles was when he was our age."

Alice smirked, nodding, laughing a bit, which was Brady's goal. "Oh, yeah. One thing I hope for is that I don't get that out of control with fun, but I do want to have a lot."

Brady smiled. "You got it." Alice looked at Brady for a moment, leaning closer to kiss him. After a moment, they pulled away. "What was that for?"

Alice just smiled. "I love you."

Brady smiled. "I love you too."

Alice and Brady continued to kiss passionately.

∞

Rosenberg House - Willow's Room

Willow was trying on an outfit, stepping out from behind her changing screen, wearing a crimson button up blouse over a white satin slip dress. "What do you think of this?"

Xander was halfway dressed in a tux, glancing over at her as he tucked his white long-sleeve dress shirt into his tuxedo pants, his bow tie hanging around his collar, still untied. He shrugged, smiling. "Nice."

Willow unbuttoned her blouse. "It's my first big dance, you know?" She picked up another outfit. "I just want it to be..."

Willow went back behind the changing screen.

Xander stepped over to the dressing mirror to tie his bow tie. "Special. That's why I spared no expense on the tux."

"The tux?" Willow repeated. "I thought you, uh, borrowed it from your cousin Rigby."

Xander was struggling with his tie. "Expense to my pride, Will. They're our only relations with money, and they shun us... as they should."

Willow stepped out from behind the screen again, this time wearing a black top embroidered with several randomly placed small sunflowers and a smiling sun over a full length black skirt with a floral print. "What do you think about this?"

Xander looked, nodding. "Nice." Seeing Xander struggle with his tie, Willow walked closer, raising her hands along the way to reach for the tie. Xander let go, so that Willow could start to tie it. Willow looked up at him, giving him a little smile. "What?"

Willow smiled. "I was just... remember the 8th grade cotillion? You had that clip on?"

"Hey, I was pretty styling with a clip on," Xander defended.

"And now here we are, and it's homecoming," Willow told him.

"Yeah, we should face it, Will," Xander told her. "You and I are gonna be in neighboring rest homes while I come over so you can adjust my, um..." Willow raised her eyebrows at him. "My, uh... well, I can't think of anything that's not really gross."

Willow was finished with the tie, smiling at him, patting the tie, going back behind the screen to try on another outfit as Xander pulled on his vest. "So you and Cordelia... how serious are you?"

Xander pulled on his tuxedo jacket. "Oh, a gentleman never talks about his conquests."

"Oh, yeah?" Willow asked, stepping out from behind the screen. "Well, since when did you become a..." They were both struck dumb when they saw each other. Willow was wearing an elegant black, sleeveless, full length dress. Xander was looking dapper in his tuxedo. They didn't say anything for a long moment. Willow finally broke the silence to finish her sentence. "Gentleman?" She smiled, giggling, looking down at her dress, then back at Xander, shrugging. "Uh, I know. Nice."

Xander stepped closer. "I was gonna go with gorgeous."

Willow smiled. "Really?" She stepped toward him. "You, too. I--in a guy way." Xander smiled, drawing a breath. "Cordelia is very lucky." Willow suddenly looked very worried. "I don't know if I can dance in this. I don't know if I can dance."

Xander waved her over. "Come on. Piece of cake." He stepped up to Willow, offering his hands to dance. "Here." They took a few seconds to get positioned for a traditional slow waltz, starting to dance. "Well, that seems to, um..."

Xander looked down at their feet as they swayed back and forth for a little while.

Willow looked up at him, but tried not to look like she was. "Yeah. This shouldn't be a... problem."

"No," Xander agreed. They slowly inched closer to each other. "No problem." Xander slowly leaned his head down to her, and Willow responded by angling hers up to him. They were soon very close, and kissed gently. The kiss went on for several seconds before they realized what they were doing, quickly jumping apart. "That didn't just happen!"

Willow gestured nervously. "No! I mean, it did, but it didn't."

"Because I respect you, and Cordelia, and I would never..." Xander trailed off.

Willow frowned. "I would never either. I--it must be the clothes. It--it's a fluke."

"It's a clothes fluke," Xander agreed. "That's what it is. And there'll be no more fluking."

Willow shook her head. "Not ever."

They stepped closer again, as if about to kiss, but jumped apart again.

"We gotta get out of these clothes," Xander told her.

"Right now," Willow agreed.

They quickly realized the implication of what they just said, and got all flustered and gestured wildly.

"Oh, I didn't mean..." Xander trailed off.

Willow shook her head. "I didn't... me either!"

Willow ran back behind her screen. Xander hastened the other way.

(Song Ends)

∞

Day Four

Morning - Sunnydale High School - Library

Buffy called for a meeting in the library with Zoey, Brooke, Brady, Alice, Eric, Carmen, Xander, Willow and Oz since they were the student-attending Scoobies. Zoey, Oz and Brooke were sitting on the counter. Carmen, Brady, Alice and Eric were sitting at the table. Xander and Willow were sitting on the stairs.

Buffy had the large whiteboard arrayed with pictures of Cordelia, Michelle and Holly. Next to each picture was a thermometer filled in red up to their perceived levels of popularity. Below each picture was a list of strengths and weaknesses for each girl. "A campaign is like a war. It's won or lost in the trenches." Buffy walked past the board, pointing at each picture with a pointer stick as she went on. "Holly, Michelle, and our real competition, Cordelia, all have big head starts." She set the pointer down. "Speaking of big heads, if I had a watermelon as big as Cordelia's, I'd be rich."

Buffy smiled at her friends.

Carmen gave Buffy a look.

Brady and Brooke were unsurprised by this side of their sister, rolling their eyes.

Xander and Willow were fidgeting nervously, looking as though they were desperate to get out of there.

Eric raised his eyebrows.

Zoey and Alice looked bored.

Oz, as usual, was completely stoic.

None of them reacted to Buffy's joke at all because it wasn't funny.

Buffy's smile faded. "Waits for laughs..." She gave up waiting for a response, taking a few steps along the board. "Okay, you're right. Making fun of the competition only makes me seem petty. Now, this is just like any other popularity contest. I've done this before. The only difference being this time, I'm not actually popular. Although, I'm not exactly unpopular. A lot of people came to the welcome home party for me, Brooke, Brady, Alice, Wyatt and Carmen."

"But they were killed by zombies," Brady told her.

Brooke pointed at Brady. "Good point."

Zoey raised her eyebrows. "Mm-hmm."

Buffy stepped up to her friends. "Okay, here's the plan. Willow, I need you to make a database. See who's for us, who's on the fence and where our real crisis areas are. Eric, Oz, Zoey, you take the fringes. Musicians, those not normally inclined to vote. Brady, Brooke and I'll be working on flyers. Carmen, I know you don't want to work against Cordelia, and that's fine. Xander, Eric, what..."

Carmen noticed Cordelia coming into the library. Cordelia looked over them, wondering what was going on, crossing her arms over her chest.

"Uh, Cordelia..." Carmen trailed off. She looked from Buffy to Cordelia. "Okay, look. I know this is a little awkward for you two, but I don't see any reason why we all can't get along during this campaign time." Cordelia shrugged, nodding. Buffy looked down. "I mean, we're all friends, and--and we are all riding together in the limos Zoey is getting."

"Yeah, great," Cordelia told her. "Willow, how's that database coming?"

Willow looked down in shame, sighing. "Uh, it... just about done."

"Xander?" Cordelia asked.

Xander looked at her quickly. "I got your new flyers."

Xander smiled thinly.

"Zoey, did you talk with the musicians, and Carmen, did you talk with the other fringes?" Cordelia asked.

"Uh, yeah," Zoey answered. "Carmen and I got to talk to a lot our old friends and we'll keep talking to them."

"Yeah," Carmen agreed.

"Let's get cracking," Cordelia told them. "Since I know Brooke, Brady, Alice and Eric won't go against Buffy."

"I'm not getting involved at all," Alice told them.

Buffy gave Zoey, Carmen, Xander and Willow a betrayed look.

Xander and Willow stood from the stairs. Zoey slipped off the counter, while Carmen slipped off the table.

Xander looked at Buffy. "She's my girlfriend."

"And my sister," Carmen agreed.

"Cordelia asked me and Carmen for help long before you even wanted to run," Zoey explained. "Sorry, Buffy."

Oz stood, gesturing to his girlfriend. "As Zoey goes, so goes my nation."

Xander, Zoey, Oz and Carmen walked toward Cordelia.

Willow gestured and shrugged a lot when she looked at Buffy on her way to join Xander, Cordelia, Carmen, Zoey and Oz. "It's just that... she needs it so much more than you do."

"Buffy, you've still got me, Brady and Brooke," Eric told her. "And Zoey, Oz, Carmen, Xander and Willow shouldn't be blamed for helping Cordelia since she asked them for help first, and Alice shouldn't be blamed for staying the hell out of this one."

"I'm not making enemies out of the Slayer I'm guarding or the self-proclaimed queen," Alice told them. "Sorry."

Cordelia was standing proudly erect, with Willow and Xander on one side of her, and Carmen, Zoey and Oz on the other, arms crossed over her chest, turning her head to look at her sister. "You were right before, Carmen. I think we're getting along great. Don't you?"

Cordelia turned, walking out of the library. Willow, Xander, Carmen and Zoey gave Buffy a quick apologetic glance, following Cordelia out. Oz followed as well.

Brooke and Brady sighed. "Great."

Buffy opened her bottle of apple juice, drinking. Alice looked at Eric, nodding to Buffy.

Eric nodded, walking over to Buffy. "Seems like a lot of fuss for... one little title."

"Well, you know, it's no fun if you don't try your best," Buffy told him.

"As long as fun is still in the mix," Eric told her.

Buffy smiled. "Sure. It's like anyone takes it that seriously."

The bottle in Buffy's hand suddenly shattered under the pressure of her grip. Eric gave Buffy a concerned look. Buffy gave him an innocent smile.

Eric sat on the table, sighing, pulling Buffy closer by the hands so they could talk alone. "Talk to Eric."

Buffy smiled a bit. "Have I ever told you that it's really weird but amusing when you talk about yourself like that?"

"Yeah," Eric answered. "Seriously, Buffy. Why do you care so much about homecoming queen? I'm just curious and trying to understand where your head's at."

"Because it's what I used to do, before this destiny, being a Chosen One thing," Buffy answered. "Now being the Slayer is all I do. This is what my life is now. I just think... homecoming queen... I could pick up a yearbook someday and say, I was there. I went to high school. I had friends, a boyfriend I love, a soulmate even, and for one moment, I got to live in the world. And there'd be proof. Proof that I was chosen for something other than this." Eric gave her an understanding, sympathetic look. "Besides... I look cute in a tiara."

Eric let out a little laugh. "I don't doubt it. All right, I get it. I'm on board. I just don't want the fighting to ruin our friendships on your senior year." Buffy nodded in understanding. "And no matter what happens, you are chosen for something other than being the Slayer. Guess fate kinda chose us for each other, but either way, I choose you. And whatever happens with the crown... you'll be queen to me either way."

Buffy smiled, very touched and happy with the words. "Thanks, Eric."

Eric pulled Buffy closer by the hands, as they looked at each other intensely with smiles. "And what you said before... I love you too."

Buffy and Eric smiled, kissing slowly and passionately.

∞

Quad

(Song:) Fire Escape - Fastball

The homecoming queen campaigning was well under way. The camera moved around, taking in various scenes of the girls trying to get votes.

Buffy was talking to a small group of students while handing out fliers, looking over her shoulder at Cordelia. The camera panned over to Cordelia glancing at Buffy. When she noticed Buffy looking at her, she shifted her attention to her own group of people, several of whom already had her flyer.

∞

Trick's House

Jungle Bob was checking his rifle, walking past Frederick and Hans who were wrestling with each other. Lyla and Candy were kissing on a couch.

∞

Sunnydale High School - Outside

The camera panned across a bulletin board on which Holly, Michelle and Cordelia each had a flyer posted. Buffy walked up to the board, posting her much larger flyer right on top of Cordelia's, walking away.

Zoey and Carmen were seen talking to their old friends from back when they were popular, all smiling as Zoey and Carmen were backing Cordelia's votes, even though Zoey still had a frenemy relationship with Cordelia. Most of the people that Zoey and Carmen were talking to were relieved to be talking to them again, and all were smiling as they were getting caught up on things.

Brooke, Brady and Eric were seen helping Buffy out.

∞

Trick's House

The boss was checking maps and coordinates on his computer. Behind him, Frederick and Hans were still training.

Jungle Bob was testing a bear trap, sticking a mannequin leg into it, and the jaws instantly snapped shut, shattering the leg.

Kulak raised his arms, snapping them down so his forearms were extended out from him horizontally at his waist. Both of his forearms split open from elbow to wrist, and a long, serrated, green throwing weapon popped out of each arm and into his hands. He roared, quickly heaving them both at a wall, where they both hit within inches of each other.

∞

Sunnydale High School - Outside

Carmen walked downstairs with a bounce in her step, fake dropping a stack of fliers. Scott saw them fall, quickly kneeling down to pick them up.

"Sorry," Carmen told him.

Scott handed the papers back to her. "Here." They both stood. "I heard you and Zoey were doing this. Helping your sister with homecoming queen."

"Uh, yeah," Carmen agreed. "It's just something to pass the time. It's silly, really."

Scott shook his head. "I don't think so. I think it's cool how you and your friend are helping your sister. For what it's worth, I'd rather see you win the crown."

Carmen managed a small smile. "Thank you. But please, vote for Cordelia."

Scott nodded, walking away. Carmen smiled to herself, pulling out a book with a list of names, checking off Scott's name, closing the book, noticing another boy coming, tossing her flyers on the ground again, making it look like it was an accident. The boy bent down to pick them up.

∞

Hallway

Zoey was wearing a Sunnydale High team jacket, talking to a group of athletes, also wearing team jackets. They were all smiling as they were talking.

Carmen was seen with more people, as they were all smiling. Even though Zoey and Carmen were helping Cordelia, the students seemed more interested in Zoey and Carmen, proving that Cordelia had been right to be worried that Zoey and Carmen could easily be more likeable and popular than her, that everyone loved Zoey and Carmen.

Brooke, Eric and Brady continued to help Buffy.

∞

Quad

Holly was about to offer a brownie to a boy when Buffy walked up to the boy and gave him a huge chocolate cupcake, giving him a radiant smile, walking off, smiling smugly to herself. After giving away two more chocolate cupcakes, Buffy walked over to a column to post a flyer. Cordelia came up to the two students Buffy just gave cupcakes, smiling brightly as she handed them each a basket full of sweets and chocolates, holding open a bag for them to dump their cupcakes into. Buffy watched as Cordelia stepped over to a trash can and drop the bag into it. Cordelia gave Buffy a smug look, smiling as she walked off.

(Song Ends)

∞

Gym

Zoey and Oz were practicing their duet for the dance, sitting together and smiling, laughing.

"You sure that you have enough money for private limos?" Oz asked.

"I managed to talk my dad into it," Zoey answered. "I used the 'But I never get to see you anymore, therefore I don't ask you for anything even though you're a billionaire' card."

Oz smirked. "You're good."

Zoey smiled. She let her smile fade. "But I've been talking with Brooke, Brady, Alice, Eric, Wyatt, Carmen, Xander and Willow. We all think that the fight with Buffy and Cordelia is getting way out of hand. So one of the limos will be taking Buffy and Cordelia only to the dance, so that hopefully they will make up on the way." Oz nodded in understanding. "And then another will pick up Alice, Brooke, Hope and Faith first. Brady has another makeup test to do at school, so he'll already be here for the dance, which is why he won't be riding in the limo, and neither will Wyatt since he'll be in the library with Mom and Giles, but then another limo will be picking up you, me, Eric, Willow and Xander so we can meet them here."

Oz nodded. "I got you. Seems like you're trying to figure out everything for everyone for the dance."

Zoey shrugged. "Well, I try. I wanna help everyone. I asked Bianca if she wanted to come to the dance since I thought she could have some fun, but..." She looked down, nervous. "She's gonna be with Angel, trying to help him."

Oz looked at her in concern. "How are you? And Layla? With Angel being back? And Bianca and Carmen helping him?"

"I'm glad that Carmen told us the truth about Angel being back," Zoey answered. "And we get why Bianca didn't, given the her mind is not all there thing, and she was so afraid of how we would react." Oz nodded. "Bianca was a different person when she didn't have a soul. She's a different person now. So I know that Angel and Angelus are two different people too. I don't blame Bianca for what she did when she was evil, so I can't blame Angel for what Angelus did. Especially since he's my best friend's soulmate. Mom and I gave Angel and Bianca their souls back because it's what our family line would have wanted us to do. It's what Aunt Jenny died for. And I didn't want to put Carmen through the pain that she went through this summer. And Brady wanted to save Bianca because they used to be in love, and he still cared about her, even though he's in love with Alice now and Brady and Alice are soulmates and all. I get why Bianca did what she did, and I know I can't blame Angel for what Angelus did. But..."

"But it's still hard, after everything he did to you and Layla," Oz finished.

"Yeah," Zoey answered. "But Eric, Willow and I gave Bianca a chance after Mom and I gave her her soul back. Eric and Willow have been helping cure her mind, slowly, even though it's not a real cure. And Buffy, Brooke, Brady, Alice, Wyatt, Carmen, Mom and Giles all gave her a chance, and so did you. Xander never did, but whatever." Oz smirked. "So now... we just got to give Angel a chance. After Bianca helps cure him like Eric and Willow are doing for her."

"At least Bianca helping cure Angel will be a lot easier since his brain isn't melted like hers," Oz pointed out.

"That's very true," Zoey agreed. "Before Angel lost his soul... he helped save me and Mom, a couple of times. The others too. So as long as Carmen and Angel don't... do that again... maybe things can stay safe. And we don't have to worry about Angelus anymore. I'm not saying that I'll be besties with him... but I need to give him a chance like I gave Bianca a chance. Even if it's just for Carmen."

Oz nodded. "You're too wise even with the wild side."

Zoey smirked. "Damn right. I miss being super wild child and carefree."

"I like the wise side, too," Oz told her.

Zoey and Oz smiled, kissing sweetly, slowly and passionately.

∞

Outside - Van

Frederick was looking at Zoey and Oz through binoculars, while Hans had a parabolic listening device trained on them, having recorded some of their conversation, playing back what Zoey said about the limos.

Zoey: (on device) "So one of the limos will be taking Buffy and Cordelia only to the dance, so that hopefully they will make up on the way. And then another will pick up Alice, Brooke, Hope and Faith."

∞

Hallway

Jonathon took a big bite out of a chocolate cupcake as he walked slowly along. The camera pulled back from him to show Buffy walking with him.

Buffy had her arm around Jonathon's shoulders. "You know, Jonathon, I've always felt a special bond between you and me."

Jonathon spoke with his mouth full. "Cordelia gave me six bucks." They stopped walking. "That buys a whole lotta cupcakes."

∞

Another Hallway

Cordelia was talking to another group of students. "Are you kidding?" She held up her hand with her fingers spread in the characteristic 'V' form of the Vulcan greeting. "I've been doing the Vulcan death grip since I was four."

Cordelia smiled at a guy, poking him in the forehead a few times with her spread fingers, blissfully unaware that she didn't know the first thing about the Vulcan nerve pinch, not even its proper name.

Buffy walked up behind her with her arms crossed. "So you really are giving out money, huh?"

Cordelia turned to face her. "Is that any more tacky than your faux 'I'm shy but deep' campaign posters?"

"Yes," Buffy answered.

"This whole trying to be like me really isn't funny anymore," Cordelia told her.

"I was never trying to be like you, and when was it funny?" Buffy asked.

"I don't see why your pathetic need to recapture your glory days gives you the right to splinter my vote," Cordelia told her.

Buffy could not believe what she was hearing. "How can you think it's okay to talk to people like this? Do you have parents?"

"Yeah," Cordelia answered. "Two of them, unlike some people."

Buffy was completely flabbergasted. "Your brain isn't even connected to your mouth, is it?"

Brooke, Brady and Eric walked up behind Buffy. Zoey and Carmen walked up behind Cordelia.

"Why don't you do us both a favor and stay out of my way?" Cordelia asked, starting to walk past Buffy, putting her hand on Buffy's shoulder to push her out of the way.

Buffy grabbed her hand, pulling it off of her. "Don't ever do that again."

Cordelia jerked her hand away. "You're sick, you know that?"

Carmen took Cordelia by the arms to pull her sister away. "Cordelia, stop."

"Buffy, come on," Brooke told her.

Eric guided Buffy back. "Okay, let's not say something we'll, uh, regret later."

Cordelia looked at Buffy. "You crazy freak!"

"Vapid whore!" Buffy replied.

"Like that," Brady told them.

"What did you call me?" Cordelia demanded incredulously.

Zoey scoffed, exasperated and fed up. "This is just..."

Carmen and Zoey led Cordelia away, while Brooke, Brady and Eric led Buffy away. The hallway full of students had seen the fight and would be gossiping about it to the whole school, leading to no one wanting Buffy and Cordelia to win homecoming queen after the very public fight during school.

∞

Rosenberg House - Willow's Room

Willow was pacing behind Xander. "The worst thing that's ever happened. Ever!"

Willow sat on her bed, crossing her arms and legs, looking down sadly.

Xander sat down next to Willow, putting his arm around her. "I know. I know. It's just... when I look at you, it's like I'm seeing you for the first time."

"I'm talking about Buffy and Cordelia," Willow told him.

Xander yanked back his arm. "Me, too."

Willow sighed. "What are we gonna do? I mean, we have to do something. This is all our fight."

"How do you get from 'chick fight' to 'our fault'?" Xander asked.

Willow was flustered. "Because we felt so guilty about the fluke, we overcompensated helping Cordelia, and we spun the whole group dynamic out of orbit, and we're just a big meteor shower heading for Earth."

"Okay, calm down," Xander told her. "Zoey and Carmen were helping Cordelia too, so why do you blame us?"

"Because of course Carmen helped Cordelia, they're sisters," Willow answered. "And Zoey and Cordelia... I mean, they act like they hate each other, but they don't. They bicker all the time like sisters and you can tell that they actually really care about each other, they just... fight like family. It's obvious that they care about each other a lot whenever Zoey and Carmen need to save Cordelia, or if Cordy needs both of them."

Xander nodded in agreement. "I guess that's why Zoey wanted to buy an extra limo to get Buffy and Cordelia to stop fighting too. Zo's already got it all figured out. And if her plan doesn't work, then we just need to put our heads together and think of something else. Okay, one of us here is pretty darn smart, and I am..." Willow looked at him expectantly. "Just in hell. I--I mean, I--I thought being a senior at last, and--and having a girlfriend at last would--would be a good thing. Now, why wouldn't that be a good thing?" Xander noticed Willow's gaze was fixed on his mouth. "What?"

Willow smiled. "Sometimes when you're falling to pieces, your mouth..." She reached up with her hand. "It just does the sweetest thing." Xander reached up with his hand, taking hers in it, lowering their hands to his knee, putting his other hand over hers. "What are we gonna do?"

"We just follow through with Zoey's plan to get Buffy and Cordelia communicating," Xander answered.

"I'm talking about us," Willow told him.

They looked at each other in silence.

∞

Night - Street

Buffy was wearing a bright red spaghetti strap evening gown with matching shoes and purse, walking up to the limo waiting in the street. The driver, his face not shown, held open the door for her, and Buffy got in, so he closed the door.

Buffy looked next to her, finding Cordelia sitting there wearing a green satin dress with a corsage on her wrist. "What's going on here? Where's Brooke and Brady?" Cordelia handed her the card she found in the limo when she was picked up. Buffy opened it to read. "Dear Cordelia and Buffy, we won't be riding to the dance with you. We want you to work out your problems because our friendships are more important than who wins homecoming. From Zoey. Work it out." She folded the card closed, setting it down. "Well..." She looked around, noticing the corsage waiting for her in a small box between them. "Zoey bought us corsages?"

"I took the orchid," Cordelia told her.

Buffy rolled her eyes. "Okay."

The driver got in, starting the car. The camera was in a close up shot of his ear, and he put an earpiece into it as the camera pulled out to reveal that the driver was Frederick. He put the car in drive, riding off.

∞

Another Limo

Alice, Brooke and Hope were in the limo. 

Brooke's homecoming gown was a vision of ethereal grace, perfectly reflecting her role as a Guardian and her innate connection to protective magic. The dress was a soft, shimmering ivory that seemed to glow with inner light, reminiscent of pure energy. The bodice was intricately embroidered with pale gold thread, forming delicate patterns that, to the trained eye, were actually intricate protection sigils woven seamlessly into the design. The gown's silhouette was flowing and romantic, with layers of diaphanous chiffon that moved like mist around her as she walked. The skirt was adorned with tiny crystals that caught the light, twinkling like stars against the ivory fabric. The skirt fell in gentle cascades, allowing for easy movement should the need arise. The sleeves were long and fitted, ending in delicate points over her hands, embroidered with silver thread in flowery designs.

Alice's homecoming gown was a masterpiece of elegance and hidden strength, perfectly encapsulating her dual nature as both a Guardian and a teenage girl. The dress was a deep, rich burgundy that seemed to shift and shimmer with every movement, reminiscent of the subtle glow in her eyes when she accessed her Guardian powers. The bodice was intricately designed with a high neckline and long sleeves, adorned with intricate beadwork in shades of gold and deep red, and delicate lace patterns that revealed themselves to be protective sigils and ancient magical symbols woven seamlessly into the fabric. The gown's silhouette was sleek and graceful, hugging her figure before flaring out slightly at the waist into a flowing skirt that moved like liquid silk.

Hope's homecoming dress was a stunning testament to her dual nature as both a Guardian and a young woman embracing a rare moment of normalcy. The gown was crafted from a rich, deep crimson silk that seemed to shimmer with an inner fire, reminiscent of the passion and intensity she brought to her calling. The bodice was intricately designed with a sweetheart neckline, adorned with thousands of tiny black crystals arranged in swirling patterns that, to the trained eye, resembled ancient protective sigils. The dress's silhouette was sleek and form-fitting, hugging Hope's athletic frame before flaring out slightly at the knees, allowing for ease of movement - a practical consideration she couldn't help but make. The skirt featured a daring slit up the left side, revealing a glimpse of toned leg and the holster strapped to her thigh - a hidden precaution.

"What happened to Faith?" Alice asked. "Hope?"

"Oh, she was hooking up with a guy before the dance and she told me to go ahead with you guys and that she'll meet us there," Hope explained. "Faith's kinda all over the place, if you haven't noticed."

"Yeah, we've noticed," Brooke answered. She found the box of corsages. "Did Zoey get us corsages?"

"Nice of her," Alice remarked. "Nice of Zoey to do all of this for everyone in the first place. Even trying to get Buffy and Cordelia to stop fighting."

"True," Hope agreed. "Zoey's lucky to have such a rich father, but she doesn't ask him for anything?"

"Unless it involves giving her friends the best night of their lives, apparently," Brooke answered.

The driver in the front seat was shown to be Hans. He pulled over as the three girls put on their corsages.

"Who are we picking up now?" Hope asked. "Definitely not Buffy and Cordelia since Zoey's plan. But Brady, Eric, Wyatt, Carmen, Xander, Willow, Giles, Layla or Oz?"

"Brady and Wyatt would already be at the school where the dance is, with Giles and Layla," Brooke explained. "But we're not picking up Eric, Carmen, Xander, Willow or Oz, since Zoey said that this limo was just for you, me, Alice and Faith, but since she's not here, just us, Hope."

They heard the driver's door slam and Hans's footsteps running off, along with another car door and another person running off. Alice, Brooke and Hope exchanged a confused look, getting out.

∞

Outside - Middle of the Woods

Two limos were parked side by side. Alice, Brooke and Hope got out of one of the limos, while Buffy and Cordelia got out of the other. The girls looked around, surprised to find themselves in the middle of the woods.

"What is this?" Cordelia asked. She called out loudly. "Okay, Zoey, we've had enough of your stupid little games." She looked at the other girls. "I swear, this is just like the little Francis pranks Zoey used to play on me and Carmen when we were younger."

"I don't think it's a prank," Buffy told them. "Least of all from Zoey."

Alice noticed a VCR and a monitor waiting for them on a rock. "What's massively wrong with this picture?"

They walked up to it. A sign on the VCR said "Press Play", which Alice did. Trick appeared on the TV screen.

Trick: (on TV) "Hello, ladies. Welcome to Slayer/Guardian Fest '98. What is a Slayer/Guardian Fest, you ask? Well, as in most of life, there's the hunters and the hunted. Can you guess where you five fall? From the beginning of this tape, you have exactly 30 seconds... no, that's 17 now, to run for your lives. If Gypsy Zoey and Layla, Hunters Brady and Eric, and Witch Wyatt and Carmen get involved, they too will be hunted and killed for profit and to win extra points and cash within the game. Hope... Faith... Brooke... Alice... Buffy... have a nice death."

The picture faded to black, and the words Slayer/Guardian Fest appeared in red and white.

Cordelia looked around, calling out. "Hello! How stupid are you people?" She pointed at Buffy. "She's a Slayer." She pointed at Alice, Brooke and Hope. "They're the Guardians." She put a hand to her own chest. "I'm a homecoming queen."

They heard a distant gunshot, and an instant later, the monitor exploded. Cordelia gasped in fright, and the girls began to run.

∞∞

Sunnydale High School - Gym

(Song:) She Knows - Dingoes Ate My Baby (Four Star Mary), rewritten as a duet called You Know

Everyone else was at the homecoming dance.

Zoey was singing up on the stage with the band, smiling, doing the duet with Oz, wearing a beautiful gown for the dance.

Zoey's homecoming gown was a masterpiece of subtle enchantment and ethereal beauty. The dress was crafted from layers of diaphanous silk chiffon in deep, rich shades of midnight blue and violet, creating an ombré effect that seemed to shift and shimmer with every movement, mimicking the mysterious depths of twilight. The bodice was intricately designed with a sweetheart neckline, adorned with thousands of tiny crystals and beads, arranged in swirling patterns that resembled constellations and magical sigils. These delicate embellishments caught the light, creating a mesmerizing sparkle that drew the eye without being ostentatious. The gown's silhouette was flowing and romantic, with a fitted bodice that hugged Zoey's curves before cascading into a full skirt that moved like water around her. The skirt was layered with layered with sheer, diaphanous material in varying shades of purple and blue with tiny crystals adorning each layer, creating an effect of depth and mystery.

Oz was playing and singing first. "She flies from a blinding light / And spirals to my heart." Zoey smiled at him. "I try to find my mind to go / I don't know where to start."

The camera closed in on Xander and Willow standing about three feet apart. Willow had her hands folded in front of her, looking sad as she watched the band play. Xander was idly nibbling on a finger sandwich while looking down at the floor, seemingly deep in thought.

Oz and Zoey sang together. "Won't ever / Can't ever find my sanity / Won't ever / Can't ever till I hear you calling for me. You know that / You know that / I can't that side of me / I can't help it / Can't help it / Just a little more / Just until I know what I'm feeling / Just a little more to find my sanity."

Brady, Eric and Wyatt were standing together in their tuxes, looking concerned that their girlfriends weren't there yet.

Faith and Carmen walked up to Brady, Eric and Wyatt.

Carmen's homecoming dress was a midnight blue gown that seemed to shimmer with an otherworldly quality, reminiscent of the night sky. The bodice was adorned with beading and intricately embroidered with silver thread forming delicate patterns that resembled protective sigils and ancient symbols. The silhouette was sleek and modern with a high slight that would allow for easy movement.

Faith was wearing a short black dress.

"What are you guys so down about?" Faith asked.

"Oh, we're not down," Brady answered. "We're grooving on Oz and Zoey's song. And just wondering why Buffy, Brooke, Alice, Hope and Cordelia aren't here yet."

Carmen frowned, nodding. "Yeah, I don't think Zoey had arranged a long trip for Buffy and Cordelia, even though they're supposed to communicate so they can stop fighting. And Alice, Brooke and Hope were supposed to be here already."

"I was hooking up with a guy before the dance, told Hope to go to the limo without me and that I would get a ride here," Faith explained. "Don't know why she's not here. Or Buffy, Cordelia, Alice and Brooke. If the drivers couldn't follow simple directions, Zoey should get her money back, though she is killing it on stage right now. Damn."

The others chuckled.

Eric frowned. "I don't know. Cordelia would never miss tonight. This whole thing is important to Buffy too. And Alice, Brooke and Hope all wanted a night off tonight, right?"

"Yeah," Wyatt answered. "Why would it take too long for Buffy, Cordelia, Alice, Brooke and Hope to get here?"

No one had an answer.

Zoey started to sing the second verse. "I'm lost in a thousand nights / But sunshine's at my feet / I'd walk through a through a thousand fires / And next to me, you'd be."

Carmen smiled at Zoey, proud of her, waving. Zoey smiled back, waving.

Faith glanced around, seeing Scott behind them dancing with a girl, looking at Carmen, indicating behind them. "Sleazebag!"

Carmen followed her gaze, frowning at seeing Scott with another girl so quickly, but also not very hurt at the same time. Faith huffed, walking off, leaving Brady, Eric, Wyatt and Carmen alone.

Oz and Zoey sang together. "Won't ever / Can't ever find my sanity / Won't ever / Can't ever till I hear you calling for me. You know that / You know that / I can't that side of me / I can't help it / Can't help it / Just a little more / Just until I know what I'm feeling / Just a little more to find my sanity."

Giles and Layla walked through the crowd as chaperones for the dance.

Layla's dress for the homecoming dance was a vision of elegance, perfectly suited to her role as both a chaperone and a guardian of mystical wisdom. The gown was crafted from layers of flowing silk in deep, rich shades of burgundy and gold velvet, creating a sumptuous palette reminiscent of autumn leaves and harvest moons. The bodice was intricately embroidered with golden thread, forming delicate patterns that, to the discerning eye, were actually protective sigils and ancient gypsy symbols woven seamlessly into the design. The dress featured a modest V-neckline adorned with a cascade of tiny amber and garnet beads that caught the light and seemed to glow with an inner fire. The long, billowing sleeves were made of sheer chiffon in a warm honey hue, embroidered with swirling patterns of flowers and vines.

Giles was in a tux. 

They joined Brady, Eric, Wyatt and Carmen.

"We have to find Alice, Buffy, Brooke and Hope," Giles told them. "And get Zoey down here. Something terrible's happened."

Layla gave him a look. "Rupert."

Giles smiled. "Just kidding. Thought I'd give you a scare." He saw Brady's sandwich. "Are those finger sandwiches?"

Giles went off to find the buffet table to get a few sandwiches of his own.

Layla watched Zoey on stage, smiling to see her daughter having fun.

Zoey saw Layla, smiling, waving. Layla waved and smiled back.

Layla went to go join Giles as they watched Zoey and Oz perform, listening to Zoey sing.

"Zoey's very good," Giles complimented. "Something she has in common with Alice."

"And you, I'm guessing," Layla replied. Giles looked a bit embarrassed. Layla smiled. "Knew I could make you blush. It's fairly easy for me to make you blush."

"Very funny," Giles told her sarcastically.

They smiled.

"Don't be embarrassed," Layla told him. "I used to sing with Todd from time to time."

"Were you good?" Giles asked, intrigued.

Layla smiled. "I'd like to think so."

"Alice's mother, Emery, she used to sing too," Giles explained. "Not professionally or like this even..." He gestured to Zoey and Oz performing to prove his point. "But Emery's love for music caused Alice to love it as well, even if only to herself." Layla nodded in understanding, swaying her head a little as she watched Zoey on stage, smiling. Giles realized she wanted to dance, putting his food down, offering Layla a hand. "Layla." Layla looked at him. "Would you like to dance?"

Layla smiled, taking his hand. "I thought you'd never ask."

They started to dance, smiling, sharing a sweet kiss.

Zoey saw Giles and Layla dancing, smiling at them being happy together.

(Song Pauses)

∞

Woods

Buffy, Brooke, Alice, Hope and Cordelia jogged through the woods at a brisk pace, scanning the forest around them.

"I have an idea," Cordelia told them. "We talk to these people, we explain that I'm not Faith, and they let me go."

They slowed to a walk, as Buffy, Brooke, Alice and Hope looked around them.

Brooke saw that Buffy was about to step into a bear trap. "Look out!"

With her fast Slayer reflexes, Buffy instantly lifted her foot back up, and the trap snapped shut empty.

"Get back!" Alice told them.

Knowing that someone was near, Brooke, Alice and Hope instantly raised their arms up, using their Guardian powers and red energy to form shields around them, Buffy and Cordelia.

Jungle Bob was firing his gun, but due to the Guardian shield, he couldn't hit the girls. Hope waved her arm, using red energy to wrap around Jungle Bob, throwing him against a tree, making him fall into another bear trap. He yelled in pain when it snapped shut on his leg. The girls ran closer.

Hope picked up the rifle, aiming it at Jungle Bob. "That's gotta smart." Jungle Bob tried to pry open the trap. "Now, we can let you out of that, or I can put a bullet in your head. How many are there in this little game, and what are they packing?"

Jungle Bob just stared at Hope, refusing to speak. Hope pumped a fresh round into the gun's chamber.

Jungle Bob gave in. "There's me, two Germans with AR-15s and grenade launcher... yellow-skinned demon with long knives. Vampire couple from Texas named Gorch."

Buffy, Brooke and Alice exchanged a look because they recognized the name.

"That everybody?" Buffy asked.

"Everybody who's out here," Jungle Bob answered. "Germans are wired. Their boss is tracking them on computer. Now get me out of this!"

"Could I just ask you an eensy favor?" Cordelia asked. "Could you just tell your friends that I'm not a Sl--"

Kulak's serrated weapons slice into the tree in front of Cordelia, causing her to scream and jump back.

∞

Sunnydale High School - Gym

(Song Resumes)

The homecoming dance continued.

Faith moved around a table, and the camera followed her over to Scott, where he was dancing slow and close with his dance, touching the couple, pulling them apart. "Scott? There are you, honey! Hey, good news." She did a lot of gesturing. "The doctor says that the itching and the swelling and the burning should clear up." She put her hands on his chest. "But we gotta keep using the ointment." Scott's date was not sure what to make of that. Faith turned to her, touching her on the shoulder. "Hi."

Faith turned back to Scott, grabbing him by the lapels, giving him a little pull, letting go of him, walking away.

Scott turned back to his date, thoroughly embarrassed. "Uh..."

Carmen had seen the whole thing, looking amused, as Faith came to stand next to her. "You didn't have to do that for me, you know."

Faith shrugged. "Guy deserved it."

Carmen smiled. "Thank you."

Faith looked sheepish, but smiled smugly.

Zoey and Oz reached the bridge. "You know that side / You're calling back for me / I've lost my mind / I'd never believed / You know that side / You're calling back for me / I've lost my mind / Till you're calling for me / You know that side of me / Can't help it / Can't help that side of me / Just a little more / Just until I know what I'm feeling / Just a little more to find my sanity." At the last word, Oz sang calmly, but Zoey sang it in that high, dramatic note that surprised the crowd and got a positive reaction, cheering and applause. Giles, Layla, Eric, Brady and Carmen all smiled brightly, proud of Zoey, as Eric, Brady and Carmen cheered for Zoey. Xander and Willow would have smiled and cheered as well, but they were too torn up with guilt over their kiss and feelings for each other. Wyatt was very impressed, smirking. Faith did a little cheer for Zoey as well. Zoey smiled as she and Oz finished the song. "I can't help it / I can't help it."

(Song Ends)

Giles turned to Layla. "I-I-I think I'll retreat to the library until the coronation. I wanna be here when--when Buffy... well, uh, however the thing turns out for her."

Layla smiled. "I'll go with you."

Zoey walked off the stage, joining them. "Yeah, you two can go now. I'm done with the songs. I was only supposed to do a couple. Now I'll just be dancing with my friends. Or, well, Brady, Eric, Carmen and Faith, since Buffy, Cordelia, Alice, Brooke and Hope aren't here yet, Wyatt's not a big dancer, and Xander and Willow look too depressed to dance."

Layla smiled. "All right. Zoey, you did so well. I'm so happy that you had fun doing another thing you love."

Zoey and Layla smiled, embracing.

"Thanks, Mom," Zoey told her. "You and Giles looked happy dancing, so I'm happy for you two too."

Giles and Layla smiled, a bit sheepish.

Giles chuckled. "And--and that was a very fine thing you did, Zoey, putting Buffy and Cordelia together. Maybe Alice, Brooke and Hope are trying to help them stop fighting."

"You did one fine thing, Zoey," Layla agreed. Zoey smiled. "And the girls have been gone for a while. Buffy and Cordelia must really be getting into it if Alice, Brooke and Hope are trying to keep them from fighting for this long."

∞

Cabin in the Woods

Buffy kicked the door in, leading the way inside. Brooke, Alice, Hope and Cordelia followed.

Hope held Jungle Bob's rifle in one hand as she pushed the doors shut with the other, tossing the rifle to Buffy. "Here."

Buffy caught it. "Thanks, Hope."

Brooke, Alice and Hope walked to all sides of the cabin, stationed at three main points of the house, waving their arms, using red Guardian energy to create barricades in front of every entrance/exit of the cabin to protect the girls from attacks.

"The barricades won't hold forever, but we should be safe in here for a while," Brooke told them.

Hope sighed. "Cordelia, you need to find a weapon."

Cordelia was breathing heavily with fright. "Safe? I'm not safe. I'm gonna die!"

Hope shrugged. "Yeah, you are, if you just stand there."

Cordelia was sobbing. "I'm never gonna be crowned homecoming queen. I'm never gonna graduate from high school. I'm never gonna know if it's real between me and Xander, since Carmen said that we weren't soulmates. Maybe it's just... some temporary insanity that made me think... I loved him. And now I'm never gonna get the chance to tell him."

The other girls walked closer.

"Yes, you are," Alice told her. "We are gonna get out of here, and we are gonna head back to the library, where my father and the rest of the weapons live. We might need Zoey, Brady, Eric, Wyatt, Carmen and Layla for backup. They're all at the dance."

"Alice, you heard them," Brooke told her. "They'll kill Zoey, Brady, Eric, Wyatt, Carmen and Layla for extra points and cash. If we get them or Giles involved--"

"Yeah, it's because they know we're stronger together," Buffy pointed out. "Brooke, Alice's right. We need Giles, Zoey, Brady, Eric, Wyatt, Carmen and Layla." She looked at Cordelia. "Then we're gonna take out the rest of these guys just in time for you to congratulate me on my sweeping victory as homecoming queen."

"I know what you're up to," Cordelia told her. "You think if you get me mad enough, I won't be so scared. And, hey! It's working. Where's a damn weapon?"

Cordelia looked around, seeing an end table with drawers, walking over to it, starting to search for anything that she could use.

Alice looked at Cordelia curiously. "You really love Xander?"

Cordelia didn't know the answer.

Hope shrugged. "Well, he seems to grow on you, like... a Chia Pet."

"Nice, Hope," Brooke told her sarcastically, amused.

Hope smirked, shrugging. She sighed. "All right, Alice and Buffy were right, Brooke. We need to get to the library, Zoey, Brady, Eric, Wyatt, Carmen, Layla and Giles."

Cordelia found a spatula, taking it over to the other girls.

"That's it?" Buffy asked.

"Just this and a telephone," Cordelia answered.

"A telephone," Alice repeated. "And you didn't think that'd be helpful?"

Cordelia frowned. "No, this is better for..." She swung it a few times, realizing it wouldn't be of much use. "Oh."

Brooke nodded sarcastically. "Yeah."

Hope smirked. "Duh."

∞

Trick's House

The Gruenstahlers's boss was using his computer to track the happenings in the woods. "You're about to see why Daniel Boone and that idiot demon are creatures of the past... and why I am the future. I'm picking up a signal." He zeroes in on a grid on his computer map. "They've got a phone!"

∞

Cabin

Alice was on the phone. "If you get this message, Dad, get Zoey, Brady, Eric, Wyatt, Carmen and Layla, and get out here..." The phone clicked and died. "Hello?"

"What happened?" Brooke asked.

"It went dead," Alice answered.

The girls sighed worriedly.

∞

Woods

Jungle Bob was still in the trap, trying to pry it open.

Kulak walked up behind him, watching him struggle to pry open the bear trap. "Want me to cut that leg off?"

"No, thanks," Jungle Bob answered.

Kulak gave him a disgusted grunt, walking off after the girls.

Further way, Frederick and Hans were all decked out all in black, having their AR-15s raised and ready, listening to their boss on their headsets and scanning the area as they went.

Boss: (on headset) "Continue proceeding south 90 meters to vector three."

∞

Sunnydale High School - Library

Giles and Layla walked in, noticing that there was a message on the machine. As Giles poured them some tea, Layla pushed the playback button to play Alice's message.

Alice: (on voicemail) "Dad, Wyatt, Layla, anyone. It's me, Buffy, Brooke, Hope and Cordelia. We're in a cabin in Miller's Woods, and we're in big trouble."

Giles and Layla looked at each other worriedly, but before they could react, Lyle appeared behind Layla, hitting her over the head to knock her out, and Candy knocked out Giles, causing them both to fall unconscious.

Candy smiled. "We got Layla and her man. You sure Zoey Francis will be here soon?"

"Oh, yeah," Lyle answered. "Already have a girl delivering a message to lure her here. She's gonna pay for what she did to Tector. Layla Francis here will make sure Zoey will."

∞

Gym

During the dance, Zoey stood in the crowd, looking around.

A girl walked up to Zoey. "There's someone by the name of Layla Francis who left a message for Zoey Francis. Is that you?"

"Yeah, I'm Zoey Francis," Zoey answered. "Layla's my mother. What did she want?"

"Layla wants you to meet her in the library," the girl answered.

"Did she say why?" Zoey asked.

The girl shook her head. "No, just that it was urgent and that she needed your help."

Zoey nodded. "Okay, thanks."

Zoey walked away.

∞

Cabin

Cordelia sat down on a cat. "Why is it every time I go somewhere with one of you weirdos, or more than one, it always ends with violence and terror?"

Buffy looked outside. "Welcome to our lives."

"I don't wanna be in your lives," Cordelia told them. "I wanna be in my life."

Hope gave her a look. "Well, there's the door. Please feel free to walk out at any time and live your life."

Brooke turned her head. "Do you hear..."

Suddenly Kulak came crashing through a window, and the barricades that Brooke, Alice and Hope had put up a while go came down. Kulak immediately grabbed Buffy, throwing her down onto an old mattress and pillow on the floor, making her drop the rifle. Buffy rolled out of the way as he swung at her with his green serrated blades, and they just sliced into the pillow.

Kulak swung his blades at Hope repeatedly. Hope used bursts of red Guardian energy to block five times, waving her arms to create Guardian energy out of the air, shooting it into Kulak's chest to send him tumbling to the ground, making him shatter a table behind him.

Kulak flipped up to his feet, trying to stab Brooke with the blades. Brooke held her hands out aimed at both the blades, using Guardian energy to catch the blades, making Kulak stop from trying to stab her, kneeing Kulak in the stomach, punching him hard in the face, spinning to kick him in the stomach, sending him flying into the wall, making him fall.

Cordelia slammed Kulak on the back with her spatula from behind as Kulak started to get up.

"Cor, the gun!" Hope told her.

Kulak got to his knees, taking a wide swing at Alice. Alice used Guardian energy to block the move, shooting red energy into Kulak's chest, throwing him down so hard he was sent flipping backward.

Buffy was impressed. "Oh!"

Cordelia found the rifle on the floor, picking it up. Kulak stood up, trying another swing at Buffy this time, but Buffy grabbed the end of the rug he was standing on, yanking it out from under him, making him fall backward and hit the floor on his back. Cordelia raised the gun, waving it around looking for a target. Kulak got back to his feet, and Cordelia shot, but missed, hitting a bottle on the shelf instead.

Hope winced at Cordelia's bad aim. "Cordelia, the spatula."

∞

Outside

The German brothers snuck up to the cabin.

Boss: (in ear devices) "Prepare to launch."

∞

Inside

Kulak took a lunging swing at Buffy. Buffy avoided it, grabbing the hanging lamp above her, using it to support herself to deliver a solid mid air roundhouse kick to Kulak's face, making him fall.

Kulak jumped up behind Hope, trying to restrain her from behind. Hope used red energy to send through her own body into the chest of Kulak to make him let go, turning to face him, to send a burst of red energy into his chest to make him fall back, making him fly backward into a desk against the wall and making him fall to the floor.

Brooke waved her arms to create a powerful burst of red energy, throwing it into Kulak to throw him against the wall, having him pinned.

∞

Outside

Frederick loaded a grenade into his launcher, closing he chamber.

From Trick's house, the boss gave the brothers coordinates over their radio feeds. "Target's in range, ready your weapons. Y-axis 53 degrees west by 80 degrees south."

∞

Inside

Kulak finally broke free from being trapped against the wall, trying to attack Alice. Alice raised her arms to use red energy to block Kulak's swing. His blade nearly stabbed through Alice's shield, but didn't. Alice twisted her hands around to make the red energy wrap around Kulak, twisting her hands away from each other to make the red energy twist Kulak in the air and make him fall to the ground with a loud crash.

In Trick's house, the boss gave the brothers orders. "Launch!"

The brothers launched the grenade, which shot through a window shutter and fell to the floor in front of Alice and Kulak. They looked at each other and backed away from each other.

"Run!" Alice told them.

Hope grabbed Cordelia, as the two of them, Alice, Brooke and Buffy ran toward a window, all five of them jumping out and crashing through the glass. Kulak ran for another window, trying to jump out. Hope turned back to see Kulak try to escape, but she used Guardian energy to grab him and throw him to the ground inside the cabin, next to the grenade, trapping him. Kulan took a quick, terrified breath.

As the grenade went off and the bomb exploded, Alice, Brooke and Hope stood tall, arms raised, using a massive amount of red energy to shield themselves, Buffy and Cordelia from the explosion, containing the flames, but it took all their power to do so, making them strain to be able to protect them, as the explosion tried to burst the shield. At a loss for options and using the rest of their strength, Alice, Brooke and Hope threw their arms up, throwing the explosion into the air so the five girls could not be hurt. They girls watched the explosion flame out in the sky, and Alice, Brooke and Hope fell to their knees, exhausted and spent after having to use that much power to shield the girls from the explosion and throw it into the sky.

Worried and concerned for them, Buffy and Cordelia helped Brooke, Alice and Hope up to their feet. They all looked at each other, breathing heavily.

"We gotta get back to the library," Brooke told them tiredly.

The girls started to run through the woods, with Buffy and Cordelia helping to support Brooke, Alice and Hope until they could get their strength back. The German brothers began to track the girls.

∞

Sunnydale High School - Library

Lyle and Candy had the book cage open, having found the weapons stash. A couple of battle axes and a mace were on the table. Candy loaded a bolt into the crossbow, turning around to point it at Lyle.

Lyle nudged the weapon away. "These things go through you faster than Grandpa Pete's chili."

"I want to do Zoey," Candy told him. "My wedding present for what happened to your poor brother."

Lyle nodded. "Tector."

"When's she coming?" Candy asked impatiently.

Lyle looked down at the unconscious Giles and Layla. "Well, Layla's her mother. The Watcher is the mother's boyfriend. Zoey'll show." They heard footsteps in the hall. Lyle smirked. "Speak of the gypsy."

Lyle and Candy hid themselves away.

Zoey walked into the library. "Mom? Mom?" She turned around slowly, looking around the library. "Yoo-hoo." She turned around again, looking toward the book cage, seeing Layla and Giles unconscious on the floor, running closer in worry. "Mom! Giles!"

Candy appeared behind Zoey to restrain her from behind, pulling her away from Layla and Giles.

Lyle stepped in front of them, aiming the crossbow at Zoey to keep her from fighting. "Make sure she can't take that necklace off or she'll get her powers. Hey, there, darling. I see that you got my message."

"Your message?" Zoey repeated, thinking back to the girl who told her to come to the library. "Damn it."

Lyle smiled smugly. "You remember me, don't you?"

Zoey nodded with a 'duh' expression. "Uh, Gorch brother, your brother tried to kill me, I threw him into the pink pool of bad eggs. Literally. Killed him. Duh, dumbass. How can I forget that?"

Lyle looked at her angrily, snarling, keeping the crossbow trained on Zoey. Zoey sighed impatiently, knowing that she needed time to get out of this one.

∞∞

Trick's House

The boss was tracking Buffy, Brooke, Alice, Hope and Cordelia. "They're heading west, back into town."

"They got away?" Trick asked.

"Temporarily," the boss answered.

"Well, give it up for the Slayers and Guardians," Trick told him. "They got character. So do the gypsies, witches and hunters, which is why they're extra in the game if you manage to kill them too." There was a knock at the door. "I'll take care of it." Trick went to answer the door. The boss kept tracking the girls. At the door, Trick opened it. Two officers were outside. "Evening, gentlemen. How may I help you?" Without a word, the two officers grabbed Trick, dragging him out of the house. "Excuse me! Anybody got a warrant here?"

∞

Sunnydale High School - Library

Candy had pushed Zoey into a chair, while Lyle had the crossbow trained on her. Zoey waited until they were distracted, grabbing Lyle by the arm, snapping it down onto her leg as she rose it up, making him drop the crossbow before he could shoot her. Candy roared, grabbing Zoey by the arm, swinging Zoey around, letting her go, but Zoey maintained her balance and didn't fall. Candy spun around, kicking Zoey in the face, making her fall, grabbing Zoey by the back of the neck, pushing her into the bookcase, bringing her head down onto the shelves, breaking several of them, making Zoey fall to the floor.

Lyle smiled at that.

Zoey did a sweep kick, knocking Candy's legs out from underneath her, making her fall.

Layla was starting to wake up, seeing her daughter cornered by Lyle and Candy, worried. "Zoey!"

Lyle and Candy were distracted by Layla, long enough for Zoey to pull off her gypsy necklace, glowing with purple gypsy power that she used to throw Lyle and Candy to the floor.

Giles was starting to wake up, sitting up, holding his head in pain, seeing what was going on.

Lyle tried to strike Zoey. Zoey caught him, flipping him over her head to the ground, cartwheeling over to him to kick him in the head, landing up on her feet, shooting a blast of purple gypsy magic at him to send him flying to the floor.

Layla stood, taking off her necklace, making both her necklace and hands glow with purple gypsy power, shooting the power toward Candy, using it to throw her to the ground, pulling her closer by the magic, using a burst of gypsy power to disintegrate her.

Lyle's face took on a look of terror. "Candy!" Candy burst into ashes before his eyes. "Oh, Candy..." Lyle turned toward Layla. "I should have killed you in your sleep!"

"Yeah, you should've," Layla agreed. She smirked slyly. "But you didn't. Both you bastards were trying to kill my daughter. You think you can get away with that?"

Lyle stalked toward Zoey and Layla in anger. "I'll kill you both now. You hear me?"

Giles slowly stood, having trouble with balance.

"We hear you, you redneck moron," Zoey told him. "You got a dress that goes with that hat?"

Lyle was furious. "I'm gonna--"

"Rip out my innards, play with my eyeballs, boil my brain and eat it for brunch?" Zoey asked. "Listen up, needle-brain. Buffy, Brooke, Brady, Alice, Eric, Wyatt, Carmen, my mother and I have taken out many upon many vamps. Bianca, Hope and Faith too. I've taken out your brother, and my mother took out your girlfriend."

"Wife!" Lyle corrected furiously at a shout.

Layla rolled her eyes, not caring. "Whatever."

Zoey smirked. "The point is, we haven't even broken a sweat. You got me pissed the hell off."

Layla walked closer to stand right in front of Lyle threateningly. "You've seen my daughter fight. You've fought her. You've seen her kill your brother. You tried to kill me and my boyfriend, and you ruined Zoey's perfect homecoming night. You tried to kill my daughter. What do you think I'm gonna do to you?"

Lyle was taken aback by this, considering his next move, looking from Layla to Zoey. Zoey put her hands on her hips, waiting. Layla raised her eyebrows at him impatiently. Giles watched curiously, impressed and proud.

Lyle thought better of taking Zoey and Layla both on, giving them a quick nod. "Later."

Lyle turned toward the door.

Layla picked up the crossbow from the floor. "Nope." She turned toward Lyle, aiming quickly, shooting Lyle in the heart through his back. "Now."

Lyle crumbled into dust.

Zoey smiled, super proud and impressed of her mother. "Awesome, Mom."

Giles smiled a bit. "Great job, both of you."

Layla put the crossbow down, going to check on Giles. "Rupert?"

Giles chuckled a bit. "I'm all right."

Layla sighed in relief, as they embraced. She turned to her daughter. "Zoey..."

Zoey and Layla embraced.

∞

Later

Giles was dealing with the mess left by the Gorches. Zoey and Layla were sitting down.

Buffy, Brooke, Brady, Alice, Eric, Wyatt, Carmen, Hope and Cordelia were in the library now.

Carmen sat with Cordelia, rubbing her arm after the night she had. "That should teach them to mistake you for a Slayer."

Carmen and Cordelia embraced.

"Yeah, I kinda feel partly responsible," Zoey admitted. "It was my idea to make the switch in the limos, and I did pay for them, with my dad's money."

"Oh, you mean you pulled a me?" Cordelia asked, exchanging a look with Carmen since no one knew that the Chases were losing their money any day now.

Zoey shrugged. "Sorry, guys."

"Aw, it's okay, Zoey," Buffy told her. "You were just trying to stop me and Cordelia from fighting, and the others brought Brooke, Alice and Hope in, so it gave us a chance to spend some quality death time."

Eric, Wyatt and Brady sat with Buffy, Brooke and Alice.

"You sure that you guys are okay?" Eric asked.

"We'll be fine," Alice answered.

"Are there anymore out there?" Brady asked.

"Yeah," Hope answered. "I don't know if they'll come after us again though since everyone else is wiped out. I mean, how stupid can you be?"

"Apparently, very," Layla answered.

Zoey smiled. "You should've seen the way Mom killed Lyle and his wife, and the way we just tore him down."

The others smiled in amusement.

"Sad to have missed that," Brady admitted. "Badass Layla."

Alice looked at Zoey, Layla and Giles. "I'm just glad you three are okay, too."

"Well, we're all glad you're all okay," Wyatt told them.

"Indeed," Giles agreed.

Brooke looked at the corsage on her wrist. "And we got these free corsages."

Buffy, Alice, Hope and Cordelia also looked at their corsages.

Zoey frowned in confusion. "What? I never got you guys corsages."

"What?" Cordelia asked.

"Jungle Bob said that the Germans were hooked into a computer system," Buffy explained.

Hope found a small transmitter inside her corsage. "And they're hooked into us."

They all looked up when they heard a door slam out in the halls.

∞

Hallway

Frederick and Hans made their way in, scanning around with their laser sighted rifles.

∞

Library

Cordelia quickly pulled her corsage off. "Oh, God, get rid of these things!"

Buffy, Brooke, Alice and Hope quickly pulled theirs off as well.

Wyatt took the corsages. "I need some wet toilet paper."

Confused, Eric nodded sarcastically. "Yeah, that'll help."

"Wyatt?" Carmen asked. "What are you gonna do?"

Wyatt smirked, walking away.

∞

Hallway

Frederick and Hans pulled on their night vision goggles, continuing to scan and advance into the dark halls.

From Trick's house, the boss gave them orders. "Transmitting coordinates now. They're 50 feet away. I have all of them in rage. Axis six degrees by 43."

∞

Classroom

Wyatt was in the classroom, holding the corsages, keeping low.

Frederick walked into the classroom, tracking, scanning around.

Boss: "I have the targets together, 20 feet north and stationary. Final position is locked. Fire when ready. All targets 7 degrees by 35." Wyatt rose up from behind a low bookcase, throwing a wad of wet toilet paper with two of the transmitters, and it hit Frederick on the back. He used his power to open up a pocket portal, throwing a wad of wet toilet paper with the three other transmitters through the pocket portal. In the hallway, the exit of the pocket portal opened up and threw out the wad with three transmitters at Hans, making it stick to him. "Adjust! Hans, right ten degrees! Frederick, left 20!" The brothers followed the orders, not realizing that they were aiming at each other through the wall. "Fire!" Hans and Frederick shot each other through the wall, because they thought they were shooting the girls. They kept shooting at each other through the wall until they hit each other and died. In Trick's house, the targets on the boss's screen disappeared, and he assumed that the girls were dead. "I won!"

The boss chuckled, snapping his fingers in triumph.

Back in the classroom, Wyatt looked at the destroyed wall, tilting his head, chuckling, smirking, walking out.

∞

City Hall - Richard's Office

A police officer escorted Trick into the office, shoving him to the center of the room.

Standing in front of his desk, Richard looked up, smiling, offering his hand in greeting. "Hello, nice to meet you."

Trick ignored the hand. "Yeah, hi. It's a pleasure. Where am I?"

Richard withdrew his hand. "In my office. I'm Richard Wilkins. I'm the Mayor of Sunnydale. And you're Mr. Trick." He indicated a chair. "Please, sit down." Richard walked around to the other side of his desk. Trick took a seat. "That's an exciting suit."

Trick adjusted his jacket. "Well, clothes make the man."

"Well, as I understand it, you're not a man, exactly," Richard told him. Trick nodded. "Mr. Trick, I've been the mayor for quite some time. I like things to run smoothly. This is a very important year for me."

"Election year?" Trick asked.

Richard chuckled. "Something like that."

"If this is the part where you tell me that I don't fit in here in your quiet little neighborhood, you can just skip it," Trick told him. "'Cause, see, that all got old long before I became a vampire. Do you know what I'm saying?"

"Do you have children?" Richard asked. Trick frowned. "Children are the heart of the community." Richard walked around his desk toward Trick. "They need to be looked after. Controlled." He sat on his desk. "The more rebellious elements need to be dealt with. The children are our future. We need them. I need them."

Trick knew that he was talking about the heroes. "If these rebellious elements mean who I think it does, then that problem may be taken care of this very night."

Richard smiled. "So I've heard. That's a very enterprising idea you have, Slayer/Guardian Fest." He laughed. "I love that name, by the way. And the way you didn't just include Buffy, Brooke, Alice, Hope and Faith, but the other heroes that have been causing trouble in my city. The gypsies, hunters and witches. Zoey, Brady, Eric, Wyatt, Carmen and Layla have been causing just as much trouble. And that vampire with Guardian powers, Bianca. And you were willing to deal with them all in one game. You see, that's the kind of initiative I need on my team."

"What if I don't wanna be a part of the team?" Trick asked.

"Oh, no, that won't be an issue," Richard told him, reaching onto his desk for a thin plastic box, opening the lid. "See, you and I are gonna get along very well." He offered the box to Trick. "Moist towelette?"

∞

Sunnydale High School - Gym

It was time to announce the homecoming queen.

The band's drummer gave a brief drum roll to get everyone's attention.

Devon stepped up to the mic. "Hey, guys, the moment we've all been waiting for."

Oz, Xander, Willow and Faith were standing together.

Willow was very concerned. "They're gonna announce the queen. Where are they? What's keeping them?"

Zoey, Buffy, Brooke, Brady, Alice, Eric, Wyatt, Carmen, Hope and Cordelia walked through the crowd toward Oz, Xander, Willow and Faith in the crowd.

Oz noticed the bad shape Buffy, Brooke, Alice, Cordelia and Hope were in, being very muddy and disheveled. "I'm gonna go with mud wrestling."

"Oh, God," Xander told them. "What did you guys do to each other?"

Faith looked at Zoey, Brady, Eric, Wyatt and Carmen. "And why did you guys leave?"

"Long story," Brady told them.

"Buffy, Brooke, Alice, Hope and Cordelia got hunted, Zoey, Layla and Giles got lured into a trap," Eric answered. "They and Wyatt all killed assassins."

"Apparently not that long," Wyatt told them.

Oz, Xander, Willow and Faith looked at them in disbelief.

"Tell you one thing," Hope told them. "We're all a lot stronger together."

"Hell yeah we are," Carmen agreed.

Oz looked at Zoey, wrapping an arm around her waist. "What kind of trap?"

"The kind of trap that Mom and I fought and Mom killed the vamps who set the trap," Zoey answered. "Tell you another thing. You don't wanna mess with my mother."

"Nope," Alice agreed.

Another drum roll got their attention.

"In this envelope, I hold the name of this year's homecoming queen," Devon told them.

People called from the crowd. Before opening the envelope, he made another announcement about the after party.

Cordelia looked at Buffy. "After all that we've been through tonight, this whole who gets to be queen campaign seems pretty..."

"Damn important," Buffy finished.

"Oh, yeah," Cordelia agreed.

"And the winner is..." Devon trailed off, opening the envelope to check the name. "Hey, I believe we have a first for Sunnydale High. We have a tie." Buffy and Cordelia exchanged a look and smile. "Write in ballot winners, Zoey Francis and Carmen Chase!"

Buffy and Cordelia's smiles faded, and Zoey and Carmen stared in shock. The other Scoobies looked at them in amusement.

"Why did Zoey and Carmen win?" Faith asked. "Not that I mind."

"Maybe because the school saw Buffy and Cordelia have a melt down at school in public and they actually like Zoey and Carmen, while Buffy's a loner and Cordelia's a bitch," Brady answered. "Might have something to do with it."

Zoey and Carmen were stunned, exchanging a look, not knowing what to do.

"What are you waiting for?" Hope asked. "Get up there."

Zoey and Carmen looked at Buffy and Cordelia, not sure how they felt. Even though disappointed, they put on thin smiles.

"If I didn't win, I'm just glad you two did, even if it's write in ballots," Cordelia told them. "Who does that anymore though?"

Zoey and Carmen exchanged a look, walking up to the stage, as everyone applauded. Even though everyone was cheering and applauding, Zoey and Carmen could not believe it.

On the stage, Devon held up the homecoming tiara, waving it first over Zoey's head, then Carmen's. The crowd continued to cheer and applaud.

Carmen stepped up to the mic. "I'm just so shocked. Aren't you, Zo?"

"Oh, yeah," Zoey answered. Everyone laughed. Buffy and Cordelia were still extremely disappointed that they didn't win, but Cordelia was somewhat happy for her frenemy and sister, and Buffy was happy for her friends. Brooke, Brady, Alice, Eric, Wyatt, Xander, Willow, Hope and Faith were also cheering and clapping with the rest of the crowd. "I can't believe it. I mean, that you would pick us... out of every girl in the whole school."

"Thank you guys, I guess," Carmen told them. "Glad we could still have your support and friendship even after no longer being popular."

Someone said, "We love you!", causing everyone to laugh.

Carmen smirked. "We love you too."

Zoey and Carmen fully accepted and processed that they were write in ballot homecoming queen winners, looking at each other, taking each other by the hand, raising them up, smiling.