While unknowingly participating in a spell with the wish-granting demon Anyanka in order for her to get her powers back, Willow accidentally brings forth the vampire Willow from Cordelia's alternate universe. The vampire Willow sets her sights on turning Sunnydale into the vampire-ruled world she knows but when she learns of her counterpart, she decides to make Willow send her back. After trying to seduce Willow and freaking her out a bit, the vampire Willow is captured. The real Willow, dressed in her doppelganger's outfit, attempts to stop the ensuing slaughter at the Bronze and is almosthuged by the vampire Willow before Buffy saves her. Giles and Anya successfully send the vampire back to her world but she arrives at the exact same moment she left, right before she is staked by Oz.
Buffy Summer's journey as the Vampire Slayer begins when she moves to Sunnydale, a small Californian town that, unbeknownst to most residents, sits atop a Hellmouth - a portal to supernatural forces. She is discovered by Rupert Giles, the school librarian and her Watcher, whose role is to guide and train her as the Slayer. Alongside Giles, Buffy forms an eclectic group of friends, her "Scooby Gang", including Willow Rosenberg, a shy but highly intelligent witch; Xander Harris, Buffy's best friend and comic relief; and Cordelia Chase, a popular girl who becomes a reluctant ally.
Buffy's relationships with those around her, particularly romantic entanglements, are a major focus of the series. Her most notable love interests are Angel, a vampire with a soul, and Spike, who, despite being a villain, develops a complex and evolving bond with Buffy. The complexities of her relationships, particularly her love life, highlight the emotional weight of Buffy's duties as the Slayer and her desire for connection, love, and a sense of normalcy.