Chapter 13: Sharing the Intel

[A/N: People don't like name Alex because it's the same name Xander have so from now on mc will be Cyrus Knight]

The following morning, Cyrus headed to the library, his mind still buzzing from the previous night's poker game. He had gathered critical information, but he knew he had to share it with the Scooby Gang without revealing too much about the unconventional nature of his source.

As he entered the library, Buffy, Willow, Xander, and Giles were already gathered around the table, their faces reflecting a mix of curiosity and concern.

"Morning, Cyrus," Buffy greeted him, her eyes sharp. "How'd it go last night?"

Cyrus took a deep breath and joined them at the table. "I managed to get some valuable information. There's definitely a network of dark magic users in town, and they're planning something big."

Giles adjusted his glasses, leaning forward. "Did you learn anything specific about their plans?"

Cyrus nodded. "I overheard some conversations about a major ritual they're planning. It seems they're trying to tap into the Hellmouth's energy again, but on a much larger scale. They mentioned something about aligning with the next full moon."

Willow's eyes widened. "That's in just a few days!"

Buffy's expression hardened. "We need to stop them before they can complete the ritual. Did you get any details about where this is going to happen?"

Cyrus shook his head. "Not exactly, but I have a few leads. They mentioned several places around town that are significant to their plans. I think they're using multiple locations to draw power from the ley lines."

Giles stood and began pulling out maps and books. "We need to identify these locations and disrupt their plans. Willow, can you cross-reference the ley lines with places of mystical significance in Sunnydale?"

Willow nodded, already typing furiously on her laptop. "On it."

Xander looked at Cyrus, his tone serious. "You did good, man. But next time, let us know before you head into demon poker night. We need to stick together."

Cyrus smiled faintly. "I will. I just needed to make sure it was worth pursuing first."

Buffy placed a hand on Cyrus's shoulder. "We appreciate it, Cyrus. Really. But we're a team. We face these things together."

Cyrus felt a warm sense of belonging. "Thanks, Buffy. I won't go solo again."

As Willow continued her research, Giles and Xander started marking potential hotspots on the map. Buffy turned to Cyrus, her expression thoughtful. "We need to scout these locations and see if we can find any signs of the ritual. It's going to be dangerous, but we don't have a choice."

"I'm ready," Cyrus replied, his resolve firm.

The rest of the day was spent planning their reconnaissance missions. By evening, they had a solid plan in place. Buffy would lead one group, while Cyrus would lead the other, each team checking different locations around Sunnydale.

As night fell, Cyrus found himself back on the streets, this time with Willow and Xander by his side. They approached the first location—a secluded park known for its mystical energy. The air was thick with anticipation and the faint hum of magic.

"We need to be careful," Willow whispered. "If they're here, we don't want to alert them."

Cyrus nodded, his senses on high alert. They moved through the park, searching for any signs of the ritual. As they neared the center, Cyrus felt a familiar tingle—a sign of dark magic at work.

"There," he said softly, pointing to a faint glow emanating from behind a cluster of trees.

They approached cautiously, and what they saw confirmed their fears: a circle of runes etched into the ground, glowing with an eerie light. It was clear this was one of the sites for the ritual.

"We need to disrupt it," Xander said, his voice tense.

Willow nodded, already preparing a counter-spell. Cyrus stood guard, keeping his eyes and ears open for any signs of the dark magic users. As Willow chanted, the runes began to flicker and fade, their power waning.

Suddenly, a rustling noise alerted Cyrus. He turned to see a shadowy figure emerging from the trees, eyes glowing with malevolence.

"We've been discovered," Cyrus warned, readying himself for a fight.

As the figure advanced, Cyrus knew the battle was just beginning. They had to stop the ritual, no matter the cost.