Chapter 26<\/b><\/p>\n
\u201cYou call yourself a man of God, yet you side with a demon. What would your brother Knights say?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThey would say that I was a fool for not seeing your true purpose in seeking the Grail. Where are the Grail and the Seal?\u201d<\/p>\n
Randall laughed.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou are fool. The Grail offered you peace. In that peace you would have found your heart, it would\u2019ve been made whole. Instead, you rejected the gift and as a consequence you will be damned. Damned to live out your eternal life suffering. Your revenge will not bring you peace.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, my cause is just. When I\u2019ve finished I will be rewarded, I will be reunited with my Becca.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo. You will be even further away.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cVengeance is mine says the Lord. Your sword has killed in the name of God.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIn His righteous name, not for my own vengeance or gain. Those who kill under His mantle for their own evil purposes are damned as you will be. But your redemption is still possible, if you turn away from the path you have chosen. Angel will find his seer; allow him to find her alive. She is an innocent. The Righteous do not wage war on the innocent.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGod allows for the death of innocents constantly. Haven\u2019t you kept up with the news over the last several centuries.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGod\u2019s ways are mysterious, yours are obvious. And your arrogance will be your damnation.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhatever. If I’m truly damned than I’ll be damned satisfied that Angelus is suffering. The girl will die and I’ll be happy. But if for some reason Angel finds her alive, then I\u2019ll do it again. I will have my revenge.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou are lost and you will not leave this room.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI’m immortal.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou should have listened to Angel, there is always a loophole, God is the only real immortal.\u201d With resignation, Joseph raised his sword. \u201cYou will not interfere with the Warrior\u2019s path any longer. His mission is that of the Light. And he has enough problems.\u201d Randall\u2019s head tumbled from his shoulders. \u201cMay God have mercy on your soul.\u201d Joseph sheathed his sword.<\/p>\n
A dim glow led Joseph to a cabinet by the bed. With great reverence he pulled out a simple goblet and a small round stone disc. The Knight did not glance at the headless body of Randall Montgomery as he left the room.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
Angel circled the expanse of the lawn. Wesley, Gunn and Fred hurried quietly behind him, unsure of the vampire\u2019s actions. They had been searching the house when all of a sudden Angel took off for the outside.<\/p>\n
Angel tried to capture the sense of Cordelia. He had heard her in the house; the presence had been weak, too weak. But he had sensed it and it drew him outside. But then it was gone. A shift in the wind brought him hope. Her scent floated in the air. He ran ahead, falling to the ground besides freshly disturbed earth. \u201cCordy.\u201d The sound of his cry vibrated through the silence of the night.<\/p>\n
\u201cWesley.\u201d Fred grabbed at her friend\u2019s hand as she saw Angel kneel beside the mound of dirt.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo.\u201d Wesley pulled away from Fred\u2019s grip and ran towards Angel. He fell to his knees helping the vampire dig at the earth.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel?\u201d Wesley asked quietly. So far, Angel had always been able to reassure him that Cordelia was still alive. He needed for Angel to do it once more.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2026I can\u2019t tell anymore. She has to be.\u201d Angel didn\u2019t look up, his hands a blur as they dug.<\/p>\n
Gunn and Fred hurried up, their hands joining the others. Dirt flew, as the hole got bigger.<\/p>\n
Angel\u2019s hands stilled. \u201cWood.\u201d His fist smashed into the ground, his fingers pulling at the broken shards. \u201cCordy.\u201d His hands brushed up against flesh. \u201cWesley, Gunn.\u201d<\/p>\n
The two men grabbed at the wooden planks that showed through the dirt.<\/p>\n
\u201cCordy.\u201d Tears flowed freely down Fred\u2019s cheeks. Cordelia\u2019s hand was clearly visible, her fingers broken and bloody. Broken straps were dangling from her arms.<\/p>\n
Angel pushed the others aside as more of Cordelia\u2019s body became uncovered. He reached down, pulling up her body drawing it close to his chest.<\/p>\n
Wesley fell back, sitting on the ground. \u201cAngel?\u201d Fred and Gunn joined him. Fred\u2019s face damp with tears.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe ambulance is on its way.\u201d Gunn whispered, putting the cell phone back in his pocket.<\/p>\n
Angel didn\u2019t hear. His head was pressed against Cordelia\u2019s chest. Nothing, he heard nothing. Angel placed her on the ground, his fingers clearing the debris from her mouth. He took in a deep breath, forcing air down Cordelia\u2019s throat, his hands pressing against her chest. He repeated the procedure over again, pleading for some response.<\/p>\n
Joseph stood unnoticed watching intently. God did work in mysterious ways. Things that seemed to have no meaning did have a purpose- God\u2019s purpose. Was it God\u2019s plan to have the seer die or was it God\u2019s plan to bring the Grail to the Warrior of the Light.<\/p>\n
That was the difficulty with faith. Sometimes one just didn\u2019t know. But Joseph had faith. And he didn\u2019t believe that God allowed Randall to corrupt the Grail just to have the seer die, that course would surely weaken the Warrior. And that really wouldn\u2019t make any sense.<\/p>\n
It made much more sense, if God desired Angel and his seer to be strengthened by the power of the Grail. Sure in his faith, Joseph tossed the stone disc on the ground.<\/p>\n
The ground glowed, a ring of energy surrounded Angel and Cordelia. In a flash they disappeared along with Joseph.<\/p>\n
\u201cOkay, what just happened and whose going to explain it to 911?\u201d Gunn blinked.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have no idea.\u201d Wesley got up and ran to the house. Angel and Cordelia
\nwere gone. Joseph had to have the answers.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis I don\u2019t even want to try to explain.\u201d Gunn looked down at Randall\u2019s headless corpse.<\/p>\n
\u201cLet\u2019s go.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGo where?\u201d Fred said.<\/p>\n
\u201cBack to the hotel. I need more information about the Grail and the Knights Templar.\u201d<\/p>\n
Chapter 27<\/b><\/p>\n
\u201cWarrior.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel glanced up dazed. He saw Joseph standing before a large ornate alter. A grandiose gold Crucifix hung over the alter. The artisan had captured the suffering of the Christ figure hanging from the cross. Angel\u2019s demon recoiled from the sight, Angel fought the urge to hide his eyes and run.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhere have you taken us?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cTo the Grail\u2019s sanctuary. If you have faith, then your seer will be able to accept its power.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel pulled Cordelia\u2019s body into his. His faith. He had none, not to this place. \u201cI do not believe in your god.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou did once or your demon would not fear his symbols. It\u2019s that faith which repels your demon.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGreat. I\u2019ll tell Wesley, he was right. Save her.\u201d Angel demanded.<\/p>\n
Joseph shook his head. \u201cYou misunderstand me, Warrior. I\u2019m not asking you to pledge allegiance to a God you have forsaken, but to the faith you have acquired with the return of your soul to the demon.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI fight for the Powers.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou fight for the Light. I have faith in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.\u201d The Knight bowed his head and crossed himself. \u201cBut I am not so regimented that I can not see that His Divinity and goodness transcends the symbols in this blessed room. You have been chosen as a warrior. Do you believe in what you fight for, does she?\u201d He pointed to Cordelia\u2019s body in Angel\u2019s arms.<\/p>\n
Angel smiled softly. \u201cCordy has shown more courage and suffered every imaginable horror for the Powers. She believes enough for the both of us.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat is not sufficient. You must have your own faith. You ask too much of her. She cannot fight the evil of the world and save your soul. That you must do on your own. May be I was wrong. Maybe God\u2019s purpose was not to save your seer, but to test your resolve to your soul. Will you turn from the path if she dies? Is that the test?\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel pulled Cordelia in tighter. She couldn\u2019t die. Without her, he couldn\u2019t go on. He didn\u2019t have the strength or the will. Cordelia\u2019s firm knowing voice filtered through his tortured thoughts.<\/p>\n
\u2018If you were a loser, if you were a sick obsessed vampire then you\u2019d go to a snod demon or whatever and get your heart cut out, but you\u2019re not, you\u2019re a living breathing\u2026well, living anyway, good guy who\u2019s still fighting and trying to help people; that\u2019s not betraying her that\u2019s honoring her\u2019.<\/i> Cordelia had told him that after they thought Buffy had died.<\/p>\n
Cordy hadn\u2019t allowed him to feel guilty for being able to move on. She had truly believed that he was honoring Buffy\u2019s memory by continuing the fight, that he was good.<\/p>\n
But Buffy wasn\u2019t Cordelia. It was Cordelia\u2019s faith in him that would make it impossible for Angel to go on without her. Angel hugged the limp body closer his lips and face rubbing against her hair, with a gentle kiss on her forehead he got up. Angel would have to face her death one day. She was mortal; odds were she would die before him, even if she lived to be old and gray.<\/p>\n
And this decision would have to be made then. Angel smiled at the still body. He couldn\u2019t betray her. And if he gave up, that\u2019s what she would say, no yell that he was doing. He owed her too much; he loved her too much. Angel\u2019s wouldn\u2019t destroy Cordelia\u2019s faith in him.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat do I need to do?\u201d<\/p>\n
Joseph contemplated the vampire. He wasn\u2019t sure about Angel\u2019s faith, but he was sure about Angel\u2019s determination. Maybe it would be enough.<\/p>\n
\u201cTake the Grail.\u201d Joseph held out the chalice.<\/p>\n
\u201cTouch it?\u201d Angel had visions of bursting into flames as soon as he held the holy icon.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhere\u2019s your faith, Warrior? If you have faith, if you are righteous, then the demon can\u2019t stop your mission.\u201d Joseph repeated the words that he said as the barrier blocked Angel\u2019s entry into the house.<\/p>\n
Angel grabbed the cup. He waited a moment. No smoke, no flames. \u201cNow what?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cFill the Grail.\u201d Joseph pointed to the water in an ornate container by the altar.<\/p>\n
\u201cHoly water?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOf course.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel shrugged and dipped the cup. Wesley was going to spend the next few years buried in his books figuring this out.<\/p>\n
\u201cNow give it to your seer.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel knelt bringing the chalice to Cordelia\u2019s lips. \u201cCome on baby. Drink.\u201d Cordelia remained still. \u201cIt\u2019s not working.\u201d Angel made a move to throw the goblet against the wall.<\/p>\n
Joseph placed a strong hand on the vampire\u2019s shoulder. \u201cPatience, Angel. Again.\u201d Angel poured more of the water into her mouth.<\/p>\n
Cordelia coughed. Joseph grabbed the goblet before Angel dropped it to the ground. The vampire clutched tightly at Cordelia.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel, are you planning on using the Grail again after you\u2019ve squeezed her to death.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel blinked and loosened his hold.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel, let her be for a moment.\u201d<\/p>\n
The vampire looked at the Knight as if he had grown two heads. \u201cAngel.\u201d Joseph held out the Grail. \u201cNow, you drink.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWould benefit from its Power. The Grail has many. Life and immortality, obviously.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel jumped on his words. \u201cImmortality. Is Cordy immortal?\u201d<\/p>\n
Joseph shrugged. \u201cRandall wanted the Grail\u2019s gift of immortality, he got it. You wanted the gift of life, did you also want her to be immortal?\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel stared at the young woman on the floor. He could sense her heartbeat getting stronger. \u201cI want her with me, always.\u201d<\/p>\n
Joseph shrugged again. \u201cThen God only knows. I wouldn\u2019t suggest killing her to see, but I imagine she will stay with you as long as she wants. After all, one must consider her hopes and dreams whatever they may be. I don\u2019t know. I don\u2019t think you know either, but God does and so does the Grail. Now drink.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat?\u201d Angel was still thinking about what Cordelia would want. What did she want? He didn\u2019t know, except attention, she wanted attention. He would scour every magazine, every book and discover what that meant.<\/p>\n
Joseph laughed. It had been so long since he had company. And the vampire had been interesting in his complexity, but now he was just amusing. When Angel wasn\u2019t being so intense and closed, he was as transparent as a youth in his first blush.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy don\u2019t you just ask her what she wants? I think that still works.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel glowered at the Knight. \u201cWhy do I have to drink?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou don\u2019t, I just thought that while you\u2019re here and the Grail so obliging that you might want to use its power to bind your soul. It can\u2019t bring you the redemption you seek, but I just thought that\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt can bind my soul?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt heals. Your soul needs healing. Why not?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re different.\u201d<\/p>\n
Joseph cocked his head. \u201cNo. Sorry if I was a bit stuffy before. Being the Guardian of the Grail is very serious business. But actually, before I was called I was quite the fun person.\u201d Joseph shrugged. \u201cI do believe, but your friend was right after seven centuries, it does get a little boring.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThen why?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI told you I believe.\u201d Joseph handed the Grail to the vampire.<\/p>\n
Angel took the goblet and drank.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel?\u201d Angel shoved the chalice back at the Knight and knelt beside Cordelia.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel, where are we? What happened?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re all right, everything is fine.\u201d He hugged the young woman as she struggled to sit up.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel? I was buried. I was dying. What happened?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI found you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cRandall?\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel looked at Joseph. Joseph shook his head, his finger drawing across his throat.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo longer a danger.\u201d Angel was surprised that his demon wasn\u2019t more enraged that he had been denied Randall\u2019s blood.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh. Well, good. Um.\u201d Cordelia pushed herself further up. \u201cUm, Angel why are we in an Indiana Jones movie.\u201d Looking around to the altar and the Knight Templar. \u201cAnd why don\u2019t I hurt? I should hurt, but I feel great, really great. Are you sure I\u2019m not dead?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou aren\u2019t dead. Would I let you die?\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia scrunched up her face. \u201cYou aren\u2019t perfect you know, just really wonderful.\u201d She hugged him tightly. \u201cThough, a little slow. He buried me, the bastard. I\u2019m not dating anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo. You\u2019re not.\u201d Angel pulled her to her feet.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo, who\u2019s the Knight Templar?\u201d Angel raised his brows.<\/p>\n
\u201cI do read. Why does everyone think I\u2019m an airhead, I\u2019m not blonde.\u201d Cordelia scowled.<\/p>\n
\u201cLady, I\u2019m Joseph the last of the Knights, the Guardian of the Grail. I am honored to meet you, your courage and beauty overwhelm this humble servant.\u201d Joseph kissed the palm of her hand.<\/p>\n
Cordelia beamed at the Knight\u2019s gallantry. Angel growled.<\/p>\n
\u201cShh, Angel. Let me enjoy this. I know I look horrible, but it\u2019s nice to hear.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou are beautiful. The most beautiful thing I\u2019ve ever seen.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHmmph, not bad, but please Angel, I\u2019ve been buried alive without a shower for\u2026how long?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cLady, your Warrior was concerned.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBroody and frantic, more like it.\u201d Cordelia turned her smile to Angel grabbing his hand. \u201cThe Holy Grail, uh. Nothing surprises me anymore. We\u2019re not in LA are we?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, Lady. Lothian, Scotland or rather a dimension of it.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe can get back, right? Angel can\u2019t be real comfortable here.\u201d Cordelia looked at all the religious relics.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m fine.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSure, until that big bowl of what has to be holy water tips over. We\u2019re not taking the chance. Do your stuff.\u201d She demanded, looking at Joseph. \u201cI imagine there is stuff that needs to be done.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, it is time. I imagine your friends are worried about your disappearance. And the \u2018stuff\u2019 is minimal.\u201d Joseph held the stone disc in his hand. \u201cThis allows for the entry and exit to the sanctuary. There are three in existence. Somehow, Randall discovered one; mistakenly I thought it was given to him by God.<\/p>\n
But in retrospect, Gawain probably just misplaced his. He was always losing things. That\u2019s why it took so long for me to follow Randall. Joseph of Arimatha didn\u2019t give me one. He didn\u2019t want me leaving. If you happen to come across the other two could you send them my way? Let the next visitor enter the hard way.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou won\u2019t leave?\u201d Angel asked.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs you, I know my duty, Warrior.\u201d Joseph nodded his head slightly. \u201cLady,\u201d The knight bowed deeply, and then threw the disc.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
\u201cWesley, Gunn.\u201d Fred shouted as Angel and Cordelia appeared before her.<\/p>\n
Both men came running into the lobby, they stopped short as they saw Fred jumping from both Angel and Cordelia hugging them as she stopped a moment before each.<\/p>\n
Wesley and Gunn shook off their amazement and ran towards the others. Quickly every member of the AI team was embraced in a large group hug.<\/p>\n