CHAPTER ONE
At first glance Sunnydale High's Library is a quiet, peaceful place to enjoy the vast array of occult books it offers the student body. It is at that point the word occult takes center stage. Over the past few years this library had become more than merely walls and stacks to it's Librarian. It had more recently become the site of tragedy and heartache. These feelings were fresh in Giles' mind as he was phoning a friend in the vain hope of resolving his current crisis.
'Well, thank you for your help'. Giles put the phone down and the turned to see Xander; Cordelia and Willow enter the library.
'No word yet then' Xander enquired.
It had been a week since they had last seen Buffy, a week since they had battled Angel, but since the world had not got sucked into hell, and from what they saw at the mansion, Acathla was dormant. He had hoped for the best, but could think of nothing but Buffy, and her safe return.
'Well she hasn't been emitted to any of the hospitals from a good news stand point. However there are no reports of a girl fitting Buffy's description anywhere.' Giles replied.
'How's her Mom taking it' willow interjected.
'Ah yes the part where I calmly sit down and explain why her daughter disappeared, or the part where I explain everything that has been going on the past two years.'
'Well you don't have to explain everything that's been going on.'
Giles frowned. 'Thank you Xander.'
' I mean something's that have happened, some personal things, you might want to leave out '.
'So you haven't told her yet.' Willow, much to Giles relief interrupted.
'No I was hoping that I wouldn't 'Giles sighed 'I was hoping that she would have shown up before now, but since it appears that she is gone for … shall we say a short while. I will talk to her.'
'How do you not know that this ullafla demon'
'Acathla.' Giles corrected Cordelia.
'Right, Acathla. How do you know Buffy wasn't sucked in to hell or something.' Cordelia looked around to see Xander and Willow frowning at her. Well, she thought to herself, if they want to live in denial she would have to drag them into reality. She continued. 'I think you might have to wake up to the fact that she's dead. Well probably, and any way I'm going on holiday next week and all this worry is bad for the skin'
Giles wished he could look horrified but having spent some time now in Miss Chase's company he had realized that this callousness was pretty standard fare for her. He looked over to willow and Xander and realized he had better say something. 'Look. No new slayer has been called so we must assume that Buffy is still alive. Now if there is nothing else, I have work to do. I will also speak to Buffy's Mother this evening.'
With this he began to walk towards his office, but as he was walking he heard Xander call after him. 'So, do you want us to do the once round tonight. You know look for Vamps.'
Giles walked swiftly over to them. 'I don't want any of you putting yourselves in danger until Buffy returns. I don't want any of you out hunting for Vampires. Now return to your classes'. With that he turned and walked into his office shutting the door behind him.
The three of them were half way to their next class when Xander piped up with. 'So, you gals up for a bit of seek and stake tonight'.
