The days following Jesse's death were somber. The Scooby Gang was visibly shaken, but their resolve had hardened. Buffy, in particular, seemed more determined than ever to protect Sunnydale from the supernatural threats lurking in the shadows. Cyrus continued to observe, carefully maintaining his role as a helpful but mysterious outsider.

One afternoon, as Cyrus was leaving the library, he ran into Xander and Willow. They looked tired, the strain of recent events evident on their faces.

"Hey, Cyrus," Xander greeted him, forcing a smile. "You got a minute?"

"Sure," Cyrus replied, sensing that this wasn't a casual encounter.

Willow glanced around nervously. "We need to talk. Somewhere private."

Cyrus nodded and led them to a quiet corner of the courtyard, away from prying eyes and ears. "What's up?"

Xander leaned against the wall, his expression serious. "We've been talking, and we think you know more than you're letting on."

Cyrus's heart skipped a beat, but he kept his face neutral. "What makes you say that?"

Willow stepped forward, her eyes filled with determination. "You show up right when things start getting weird, and you seem to know exactly what to do. It's... suspicious."

Cyrus sighed, knowing he had to tread carefully. "Look, I get it. But I'm just a guy who wants to help. I've had some experience with... weird stuff before."

Xander crossed his arms, not entirely convinced. "Like what?"

"Let's just say I've seen things that most people wouldn't believe," Cyrus said, meeting their gaze steadily. "I can't explain everything, but I promise you, I'm on your side."

This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

Willow's expression softened slightly. "We just need to know we can trust you."

"You can," Cyrus said earnestly. "I'm here to help, and I'll do whatever I can to keep you guys safe."

Xander and Willow exchanged a look before nodding. "Alright," Xander said. "But we're watching you."

"Fair enough," Cyrus replied, relieved that the conversation hadn't gone worse.

That evening, as Cyrus patrolled the dark streets of Sunnydale, he reflected on the encounter. The Scooby Gang was growing wary of him, and he knew he had to be even more careful. His knowledge of the future was a double-edged sword, and he couldn't afford to slip up.

As he turned a corner, he heard the sounds of a struggle. Cyrus quickened his pace and found himself facing a small group of vampires cornering a young girl. Without hesitation, he sprang into action, taking out the nearest vampire with a swift stake to the heart.

The girl screamed and ran, leaving Cyrus to deal with the remaining vampires. He fought with a mix of desperation and skill, knowing he couldn't let any of them escape. As the last vampire turned to dust, Cyrus felt a surge of satisfaction. He was making a difference, even if it was in the shadows.

The next day, Cyrus found himself back in the library, poring over ancient texts with Giles. The librarian had grown more comfortable with Cyrus's presence, often seeking his input on various supernatural matters.

"I must say, Cyrus, your knowledge of obscure demonology is quite impressive," Giles remarked, adjusting his glasses.

Cyrus smiled. "I've always had a knack for research. Plus, this stuff is fascinating."

Giles nodded, a hint of pride in his eyes. "Indeed. It's rare to find someone so young with such a keen interest in the occult."

Their conversation was interrupted by Buffy, who burst into the library with a sense of urgency. "Giles, we've got a problem."

"What is it?" Giles asked, immediately on alert.

"There's a new player in town," Buffy said, glancing at Cyrus. "Some kind of demon. We need all the help we can get."

Giles nodded, turning to Cyrus. "It seems your expertise will be put to the test once again."

Cyrus stood, his expression determined. "Just point me in the right direction."

As they prepared for the impending battle, Cyrus couldn't shake the feeling that he was walking a fine line. The Scooby Gang was beginning to accept him, but trust was still a fragile thing. He had to continue proving himself, one step at a time.

That night, as they faced the new threat together, Cyrus felt a renewed sense of purpose. He was here for a reason, and he wouldn't let them down. The future was uncertain, but for now, he would focus on the present, standing by their side against the darkness.