Willow walked slowly with Giles by her side, she hadn't said a word since that incident with the Television, she found that it was best not to say anything. She wrapped her coat tight around her, as she still wasn't use to the bitter weather of the UK. She didn't know exactly where she was going but she knew whom she was going to see. Giles had wanted to take her straight away but she had refused until now. The coven that had imbued him with power were eager to meet with them, it appeared that they were just as worried of her slipping with Magic as much as Giles was.
From what Willow could see they were in the middle of no where. Giles had driven them out into the countryside for about thirty minutes but they had then proceeded to leave the car behind and go on by foot. Willow was worried; she didn't have any idea how these people were going to receive her. As the duo traversed the next hill Willow set her eyes upon a circle of shadows cast upon a stone surface. Giles raised his arm signalling for them both to stop. Willow stopped but didn't turn to look at him; the fine breeze swept her hair across her face and did even more to conceal her feelings. "Be careful in your speaking with the coven, they are unlike anyone you have come across before. They may look like us but don't be fooled by appearances, they hold unspeakable power."
Willow took a deep breath before the two continued. Moving towards the coven circle Willow noticed Giles slow down and move aside. She knew she had to continue, this was just something she would have to do alone. As she approached a gap appeared in the circle of bodies stood in silence, giving her time to pass through the gap the circle was then once again completed. Willow kept her eyes focused on the ground, but from time to time she glanced up. She did not see the sparkling of an eye or the wicked grin of a monstrous face; in fact she didn't see anything. All of the figures stood hooded, palms clasped together in front of them they stood like stone. "Do not fear us Child, we are here to help you." What appeared to be the head of the coven stepped forward, what was about to happen next Willow did not know.
Xander smoothed down the piece of wood set in front of him. Xander always enjoyed crafting things from wood it was one of the only times that he was truly in control. He paused for a second and looked up at the Magic Box. It looked completely different now, the second level was gone and the entire floor plan had been redesigned. It had been a tiring job but it had come as a request from Anya and at this time he was willing to do anything that got him back in her good graces. As Xander continued with his work his mind wandered to thoughts of Willow, saving her on Kingmans Bluff had been one of the toughest tasks that he had ever been through. He was thankful that he had broken through at the last moment and it was all owed to a crayon. Smiling he didn't notice Anya transport in behind him. "Oh my God Xander!"
Xander spun upon hearing Anya shriek behind him. "Jeez Anya, how many times have I told you not to do that?" She gave him one of her quick cheesy grins before walking around the Magic Box. "This looks amazing! Thank you Xander." For once Anya was being sincere, he knew that the Magic Box was one of the only things that was keeping her here and if it took up all of his time fixing it up then so be it. Anya continued to peruse the new shelves and then stopped. "I think we need magical proofing." Xander stared at her blankly unsure of what she meant. "Because the next time someone goes crazy I don't want the Magic Box being a prime target." She noticed Xander looking down and figured she'd hit a sore nerve. "And… And…" She quickly backtracked. "A bigger cash register! For lots of cash."
As the two occupants of the magic box laughed they didn't noticed a tall slender figure standing at the doorway. Standing tall her long black hair waved in the breeze, her eyes hinting with a lost light. Clothes tightly hugged around her body she wore a small low cut top that showed off ample cleavage, the lines of her face appearing young although filled with intense wisdom. Her entire body seemed seductive just in her stand. Moved in slowly, grabbing the attention of both Xander and Anya. Her walk was seductive and with her movements Xander seemed almost hypnotised. "How can I hold?" Anya turned to look at him disapprovingly. "I mean help, help. How can we help you." Xander turned away breaking his stare from the young woman.
"I'm sorry we're close, get out." Anya stated simply. Xander coughed as the usual sign to tell Anya that she did something wrong, though this time she didn't seem to care. "Come back next week."
"I'm sorry, it's just that the door was open." Anya glared but didn't say anything. "I'm new here, Sunnydale's quite the place. Like none other." Even though declined an invitation the young woman continued to move further into the shop. Xander was continually looking at her although he tried not to. Something was drawing his eyes upwards. "I love all of this magic stuff, hocus pocus." She was gentle spoken but firm and her words seemed laced with mocking. "Things have changed, I like it."
"I could so take you." The electric atmosphere was broken as Dawn and Buffy entered the Magic Box. Once again the two seemed to be playfully arguing. "I don't think so, I'm the slayer. Don't kid yourself." They two took in the new layout of the Magic Box quickly and then proceeded to go and sit by Xander. "There you go, throwing that Slayer thing in my face." Xander then turned from them. "So what's your name?" As he looked around for the woman she was no longer present. "Where'd she go." As Xander and Anya looked around frantically Buffy and Dawn sat confused. As the four stayed in silence the sound of the training room door creaked as it swung backwards.
