Inell's Fanfiction Archive

September 1998

Willow sat on the sofa in her new apartment. Her parents had provided her with enough money to rent a small, but cosy two bedroom flat not too far from the school. She had been in England for almost two weeks. It had been a busy time. She had had to register for classes, find a place to live, furnish her new home, plus she had made several new friends.

She had heard from Giles the day before. He had sent her a lengthy email. Now that she was gone, he had been forced to learn how to use the infernal machine. He was learning quickly. He told her that Buffy was back. He had learned that Spike had joined forces with her so that he could save Dru and she could stop Acathla. Willow wasn't surprised that he had helped Buffy to save Dru. You'd have to be blind not to see the love and devotion he gave Drusilla. Willow had often found herself envying the female vampire. She would never confess it, but Spike had played a lead in her fantasies since she had first seen him. There was something about him that got to her. Shaking her head of thoughts of the vampire, she remembered something Giles had said. He told her that Buffy had sent her love but that she was glad that Willow was gone. She didn't want Willow to be in danger, and figured England was far enough way to keep her safe.

(She must think evil only exists in Sunnydale. As if I couldn't look out for myself anyway. Wouldn't she be so shocked to learn that I actually killed a vampire the other day. I was lucky, but he still went poof. It was rather exciting. I didn't realize how much I would miss our research sessions and adventures. Things seem so tame now.)

The ringing of the phone intruded on her thoughts.

"Hello?" She said quietly. Who would be calling her?

"Yes. Is this Miss Willow Roseberg?"

"Uh huh."

"Willow, I am Thackery Margon. I am with the Watcher's council."

Willow almost dropped the phone. "The council?" she squeaked.

She could the smile in his voice. "Yes. I hope you don't mind my calling. I read in Mr Giles' report that you had accepted a position at Oxford and were now in England. Congratulations by the way."

"Thanks." What did he want?

"Well, yes. As I was saying, I read that the other day and decided to find you. This must stay between us, but the council would like to know if you could assist us while you are here."

"Assist you? How?"

"Research. Rupert is always bragging about you in his reports. We could use the help. Would you be willing?"

"Yes. Of course. Thank you."

"Good. I will send a car to fetch you. Our main research facility is here, so you may understand why we need you."

"Wow. I can't tell Giles?"

"Please don't." he waited a moment. "You see, we do not feel that the slayer should have civilians assisting her. But, in this case, she had done wonderfully. We acknowledge that, but for appearances sake, we can not condone it. If he discovered we went to the trouble of finding you, he'd know that we are as you might say, full of it?"

Willow had to laugh. "Ok. I won't tell. I don't like keeping it a secret, but I will. I am so glad that I can help do something again. I was just sitting here wishing I had a prophecy to look up or a demon to research. I will look for your driver in about an hour?"

"Strange girl. Yes, about an hour. Thank you Willow."

Willow hung up. She was going to be research girl again. She was happy to be getting out of her apartment. She couldn't wait to see the Council's library. Her mind salivated at the thought of all those books. She knew that this would be a learning experience that she may never have again. She just hoped that she would be able to tel Giles soon. She felt bad having to keep it a secret.