"We could look into it, after we go to the zoo?"

"I'd like that!"

Grin!

Lunch wraps up soon after.

And Nausicaa's off to classes!

After school, she's somewhat torn between leaving with Kaylee - she did promise to help keep an eye on her - and going by the library to pick up a copy of the textbook. Friends, or studying...

She catches her hesitating.  "Did you forget something?"

"I need to get my copy of the textbook. Which means library. Buuuuut I kind of don't want to."

" - I mean, if you're still worried about me, I'll be okay.  It's still daylight.  Or I could come with you?"

"Up to you? Don't want to delay you from anything, but I'd like the company."

"It's no trouble, I stay after a lot anyway.  I'm in a lot of clubs.  Do you know where the library is?"

"Still, thanks."

"And nope! I figured it's not that big a school though, and it's probably on the map..."

"Prrrobably.  I could just show you though.  It's this way."

"Thanks!" And she'll follow Kaylee.

The next Slayer is supposed to come to Sunnydale.  Come to Sunnydale, around the time she's called - it won't be someone who's lived here her whole life.  This is around the time when the prophecies, at least the ones the Council has access to, start becoming truly strange, but that much seems clear.

And lo, there's a new student.

Still, coincidences like this have ever happened before.  It wouldn't do to reveal all the secrets just yet.

There's a knock, and the door creaks open.  "Mister Giles?  We need to pick up a textbook."

"Ah, yes, come in, Kaylee."

Blink.

"And you must be Nausicaa."  That was easy.

"Yeah! Nausicaa Uzun. Guess you don't get too many new students here? Principle told me I could get my textbooks from you..."

"Yes, right this way."  He leads her into the stacks, such as they are in a high school library.

"So, how are you finding Sunnydale, Miss Uzun?"

"People are friendly unless they're di- uh, jerks? Apparently gangs here are kind of weird?"

"One does hear strange rumors," he agrees.  "I find it best to stay indoors after sunset whenever possible.  I hope you've been safe?"

"Punched a mugger last night? So, safe enough."

"We may have somewhat different definitions - ah, a mugger, you say?"

"Yeah. Got lost taking a walk, ran into some guy attacking Kaylee, punched him until he ran off."

"Good lord.  Is she all right?"

"Uh. I think so?"

"I would just hate to think that something happened to her.  Bright girl, you know, studious, popular... I hope you were able to identify this person to the police?"  By his prominent canines and deformed brow ridge, perhaps, if the fates would like to make this very easy for him...