Disclaimer in chapter one.

**********

Sunnydale, CA.





Rupert Giles hung up the phone and turned to the assembled "Scoobies." "That was a colleague from England. I – it appears there were some mystical artifacts bound for the States from England. She believes someone will go after one of these ar – artifacts. The Blade of Morgal, a sword with the ability to drain the soul of whomever it touches, transforming it into pure power that is contained in the sword."



Buffy Summers nodded. "So this Sword of Morgan . . ."



"Blade of Morgal," Giles corrected.



"It kills whoever it touches," she continued, not missing a beat, "and makes the sword into the ultimate weapon. So whoever wants to be the next big bad will go for this blade?"



"Well ye – yes. Unfortunately, the ship is bound for Miami. In fact it should have already arrived."



"Oh great," Xander Harris said. "A sword that steals your soul and it's on the other side of the country."



Giles removed his glasses and began wiping them. "Well, yes, that is the case.  Which is why I plan to leave tomorrow for Miami. We cannot afford to let this blade fall into the wrong hands." He slid his glasses back on and studied the group.

"I could see where that could be bad," Willow Rosenberg agreed.



"So G-man gets to go to Miami for vacation," Xander teased, with a goofy grin.



"Xander, this is not a vacation. It – it is serious business," the ex-watcher snapped and frowned at the young man.



Xander's grin faded. "I know this is serious," he said quietly.



"I'm sorry for being so harsh, but I feel understandably uneasy about this situation. And a part of me is loath to leave Sunnydale, however briefly, with this threat looming. And Spike himself is barely stable. He could easily become a threat."



"I could go," Xander offered. "I have a couple weeks off before our next project. It might be safer for you to be here as Buff's back-up."



"Xander," Giles sighed. "I appreciate your offer, but I don't know if I'm entirely comfortable with your going."



"Giles, I've fought by Buffy's side for seven years now. I know I'm no slayer, but I've learned how to fight. And I've also learned how to piece some of the bigger picture together. I can handle it."

"He's right," Willow said. "And I could afford to miss a couple days of classes to go with him. To help him put together the rest of the picture when he needs it."



Buffy sat up in her chair. "They do have a point. You and I can handle things around here for a few days while they retrieve the sword. And if we need help Spike can help, as much as I can't believe I saying that."  The slayer looked almost ill at the prospect of what she admitted.



Giles pinched the bridge of his nose. "I suppose there's no arguing with any of you on this point."



The three friends shook their heads and smiled as one. "Good lord," Giles muttered.



"How are we going to take our weapons on the plane?" Willow questioned suddenly.



"I believe I know someone who can help," Giles smiled for the first time that evening.


*******



TBC . . .
What happens when Xander & Willow arrive in Miami? What weird discoveries will the CSIs make in their murder case?