THIRD PERSON POV
Sunnydale was pretty much dead. Sports practices and extra-curricular activities were done for the day. In the library Buffy, Willow and Xander sat around the centre table. Camila learnt against the rail above watching Giles pace.
"So Giles is sure that the vampire who stole his book is connected to the one you slayed last night? Or is it 'slew'?" Willow ponders and Giles emerges from the stacks with a yellowed periodical.
"Both are correct. And yes, i'm sure." he replies, setting the magazine down in front of them. Camila wanders down the stairs, dragging her fingertips across the wooden railing. "du Lac was both a theologian and i mathematician. This article describes an invention of his, which he called the du Lac cross." Giles explains and Camila folds her arms across her chest as she stands behind Xander.
"Why go to all the trouble of inventing something then give a weak name like that? I'd have done with 'Cross-o-matic' or 'The Amazing Mr Cross!'" Xander exclaims before receiving a look from everyone. Giles then indicates to a yellowing photo of the stolen crucifix.
"The cross was more than a symbol. It was also used to understand certain mystical texts - to decipher hidden meanings and so forth." Giles explains and Camila nods, eyeing the photo.
"You're saying these vampires went to all that trouble for you basic decoder ring?" Buffy asks and Giles regards her for a moment with a blank expression.
"Actually, i guess i am." he replies and Willow pursues the article.
"According to this, du Lac destroyed every one of the crosses - except the one buried with him." Willow mutters, reading along the article.
"Why destroy his own work?" Buffy asks and Camila shrugs.
"I suppose he feared what might happen if the cross fell into the wrong hands." she replies and Giles nods at her.
"A fear we'll soon get to experience for ourselves, up close and personal." Xander says in response.
"Unless we preempt their plans." Giles argues and Camila raises her brow at him.
"How?" Willow quizzes.
"By learning what was in the book before they do." Giles utters, regarding the group with grim purpose. "Which means we can expect to be here late tonight."
"Goody! Research party!" Willow exclaims and Xander shakes his head at her.
"Will, you need a life in the worst way." he jokes and she frowns at him. Camila's expression was blank as she stared down at the photograph.
"Speaking of...i have to bail. I promise i'll be back bright and early, perky and ready to slay." Buffy interrupts, getting up from her chair quickly.
"This is a matter of some urgency, Buffy." Giles looks at her perplexed.
"I know. But you have to admit, i lack in the book area. You guys are the brains. I'd just be around for moral support-" Buffy begins and Xander cuts off her.
"That's not true, Buffy. You totally contribute. You go for snacks." Xander nods. Buffy glances at Willow and then Camila who both know what is going on.
"She should go. You know, gather her strength?" Willow suggests and Camila nods.
"Perhaps you're right. There may be fierce battles ahead." Giles agrees and Buffy sighs.
"And hey, anything happens - i'll protect you." Camila smiles, urging Buffy to go.
"But - Ho Ho's are a vital part of my cognitive process." Xander whines and Buffy shakes her head, collecting her coat and heading for the door.
YOU ARE READING
touchable - Buffy the Vampire Slayer S2 (on hold)
FanficCamila had been Buffy's best friend for as long as she could remember, and that wasn't about to change anytime soon. After the death of her parents, Camila found a note, anonymously written to her:- "Fulfill the prophecy, Be something greater, Go ma...
