The following day dawned bright and clear, but Cyrus Knight's mind was anything but. He navigated the crowded halls of Sunnydale High with practiced ease, though every familiar face and casual greeting was a reminder of the weight he carried. He slipped into his first class, English, taking a seat near the back. His eyes scanned the room, noting Willow's earnest concentration, Xander's relaxed demeanor, and Buffy's casual alertness.

The teacher, Ms. Fallon, introduced Cyrus to the class. "We have a new student today. Cyrus Knight, would you like to tell us a bit about yourself?"

Cyrus stood up, feeling the eyes of the room on him. "Uh, hi. I'm Cyrus. I just moved here from out of state." He gave a small smile and sat down quickly, eager to blend back into the background.

Buffy's eyes followed him, and he could feel her scrutiny. She was always sharp, always on edge. Cyrus knew he had to be careful around her; she could sense danger even when it was hidden.

After class, he headed to the library, a sanctuary for someone like him. Giles was there, surrounded by stacks of books. Cyrus knew this was his chance to start building trust.

"Hi, I'm Cyrus. The new student," he introduced himself, extending a hand.

Giles shook it, his expression polite but curious. "Rupert Giles, the librarian. If you need any help, feel free to ask."

"Actually," Cyrus began, his mind racing for a plausible reason to be here, "I've always been interested in history and mythology. Do you have any good books on that?"

Giles's eyes lit up with interest. "Indeed we do. This way." He led Cyrus to a corner of the library filled with ancient tomes and dusty volumes.

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As Giles talked about the various books, Cyrus listened intently, making a mental note of where key information was stored. This was his first step: gaining Giles's trust and access to the wealth of knowledge that could help him stay ahead of the impending dangers.

That evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Cyrus found himself at The Bronze, the local hangout. He nursed a soda, watching as Buffy, Willow, and Xander arrived. They laughed and chatted, the weight of their responsibilities momentarily lifted.

Buffy's eyes met his across the room, and she nudged Willow, pointing him out. They made their way over, curiosity etched on their faces.

"Hey, Cyrus, right?" Buffy said, her tone friendly but probing.

"Yeah, Buffy, right?" Cyrus replied, playing it cool.

"So, what brings you to Sunnydale?" Willow asked, her genuine curiosity a stark contrast to Buffy's guarded demeanor.

"Just needed a fresh start," Cyrus said, giving a half-truth. "Heard this place was... interesting."

"You have no idea," Xander said with a laugh, but his eyes held a hint of seriousness.

Buffy studied him, her Slayer instincts on high alert. "Well, welcome to Sunnydale. Just remember, it's not always as peaceful as it seems."

"I'll keep that in mind," Cyrus said, offering a smile.

Over the next few days, Cyrus carefully navigated his new life. He attended classes, participated in discussions, and subtly ingratiated himself with his peers. He made sure to stay on the fringes of the Scooby Gang's activities, watching, waiting, and occasionally stepping in just enough to help without drawing attention.

One afternoon, he witnessed Buffy fighting a vampire in an alley behind the school. He stayed hidden, knowing he couldn't reveal his skills yet. As Buffy struggled, he discreetly knocked over a stack of crates, causing a distraction that allowed her to gain the upper hand and dust the vampire.

Later, Buffy mentioned the mysterious interference to her friends. "Someone was there. I don't know who, but they helped."

"Maybe you have a guardian angel," Xander joked, but Buffy's eyes remained serious.

Cyrus watched from a distance, knowing he had to be careful. Each small act of assistance had to be calculated, precise. He couldn't afford to change too much too quickly. The path ahead was fraught with danger, but he was determined to walk it, for their sake and for his own.

The shadows deepened around Sunnydale, and Cyrus Knight walked among them, a silent protector with a secret burden.