Disclaimer: "Buffy the Vampire Slayer", "Angel" and all characters from the shows are the property of Joss Whedon, 20th Century Fox, and the UPN or WB Television Networks. The Cthulhu Mythos material is loosely based on the "Call of Cthulhu" role-playing game (copyright Chaosium Inc.) and the book "Encyclopedia Cthulhiana" by Daniel Harms. SAVE is based on the organization in the Chill Roleplaying game (copyright Mayfair Games Inc.) and the earlier version of the game (copyright Pacesetter, Ltd.). My main source for information on Arthurian legends was "The Arthurian Companion" by Phyllis Ann Karr. The character of Hector Gonzales is loosely based on a sample character in the Mayfair version of Chill. The character of Melissa Johnson is my own invention. Any similarities between the organization called the "Order of the Grail" and any organization of a similar name in anyone else's stories are purely coincidental (apart from constraints due to basic Arthurian Mythology).
Monday May 14, 2001, Night: New York City
Viviane sits in an underground room staring at a basin filled
with water. She speaks slowly, reciting events for the
onlookers. "I see battle in Sunnydale ... The Chosen One fights
Glorificus ... Glorificus is vanquished ... A portal opens ...
The Chosen One has fallen." She looks into space for several
seconds and continues "The Chosen One has fallen. She will
return." Viviane waves her hand over the water and falls back
into a trance. "Friends ... Sunstones ... Sword ... Assassins."
She breaks out of the trance and slumps exhausted in her chair,
then takes out a flask filled with red fluid and drinks. She
turns to the man standing behind her. "Gawaine, you should lead
a party to Sunnydale. All full members should have Sunstones.
Seek out the friends of the Chosen One." She pauses and
continues "The Lost Sword is also in Sunnydale. Be warned. The
Tarakans will be there as well."
Friday May 18, Night: Sunnydale
Giles, Willow, Tara, Xander, and Anya are meeting in the Magic
Shop after a patrol.
Willow reports "Things were mostly quiet. We ran into one
vampire. He's dust."
Giles replies "Good. We need to keep up the patrols. Especially
now that ... that." "That reminds me. I've been reviewing some
of the prophecies in the Celaeno Commentaries. The ones dealing
with the End Times. I found one that might be of interest:
'Spirit, heart, mind, and hand will stand together with the
deathless warriors against those from beyond.' This could refer
to us, although it isn't clear who the 'deathless warriors' are."
Willow looks at the passage, sees something just below. "What
about this one? 'The Thriceborn will lead the forces of light
in the Ultimate Battle.' Who is the Thriceborn?"
Giles replies "I don't know. Possibly Angel."
Willow asks hopefully "Couldn't the Thriceborn be Buffy?"
Giles shakes his head. "Willow. We've been over this. She's
gone. We can't bring her back."
Sunday May 20, Night: Los Angeles
Melissa Johnson is sitting in the lobby of Angel Investigations
talking to Cordelia. Melissa looks up as someone enters. She
says cautiously "Hello, Brastias. What brings you here?"
Brastias glances at Cordelia for a moment and then responds "I
thought you might want to know this. The Order of Taraka just
sent a large force against the headquarters of Wolfram and Hart.
I was there leading a delegation from the Order of the Grail to
discuss a 'suggestion' that Wolfram and Hart had received from
the Tarakans. With our aid, the attackers were ultimately
repulsed, although they did a great deal of damage."
Melissa thinks for a moment. "The Tarakans have been busy. Two
nights ago they launched a major attack against our headquarters.
I heard the Tarakans attacked the stronghold of your High King
the same night. Attempted knockout blows against two key enemies
and a major independent, all in a period of two days. Maybe
they'll be quiet for a while."
Brastias responds "Not for long. They've been rather
single-minded lately. And the attack on us might have done more
damage if Morningstar hadn't warned us. He's being rather
helpful, for a demon. One other thing, we think the Order of
Taraka sent a party to Sunnydale. We don't know why."
Melissa says "Thanks for the information."
Brastias replies "You're welcome." He turns and walks out.
Cordelia looks questioningly at Melissa.
Melissa says "I'll explain later. I have several calls to make,
starting with Giles. I'll go upstairs so I don't bother you."
Sunday May 20, Night: Sunnydale
Willow and Tara are patrolling a park. Three demonic creatures
appear ahead of them and attack. Willow gestures, sending the
three backwards. At the same time three creatures rush Willow
and Tara from each side. A swordsman charges the group to
Willow's right while a flash of light briefly halts the group to
her left and another flash of light hits a group of three behind
Willow. Both of these groups are charged by a swordsman as a
woman steps forward looking for more targets.
The three in front of Willow charge again but Willow sends a
stake toward one of them and knocks the other two down with
another gesture. Willow retrieves the stake as Tara looks around
quickly and sees the swordsmen behind and to each side clashing
with the last of each group of three attackers. The two
remaining demons in front get up but Willow sends the stake back
toward one of them and Tara knocks down the other with a gesture.
The swordsman to their right then charges the remaining demon in
front. Willow looks around quickly and sees that the fights to
both sides and behind are finished, as the swordsman kills the
last of the demons to the front.
The woman examines one of the bodies to Willow's right. She
finds a ring and holds it up. "The ring indicates the Order of
Taraka." She looks around. "Not all of them. The rest are
common thugs, both demons and vampires." She hands the ring to
Willow. "I am Dame Lynette. To your front is Sir Gawaine. Sir
Cador is to your left and behind you is Sir Bedivere. We are
from the Order of the Grail. We wish to meet with you and your
friends." She hands Willow a card. "You may pick any place in
Sunnydale and any time from one hour after sunset to three hours
before sunrise." Lynette turns and leaves and the three
swordsmen follow.
Later that night at the Magic Shop, Willow and Tara report the
events to Giles. Giles listens carefully and then examines the
card and ring closely. The card has Lynette's name, a
handwritten phone number and a symbol that looks like a dish with
a sword to the right. Giles thinks a moment and then gets one of
his books and starts looking through it. He looks up a few
minutes later and moves one hand over the card while saying a few
words. The symbol glows silver and seems to turn
three-dimensional for several seconds.
Giles says "The ring is definitely from the Order of Taraka. The
card bears one of the symbols of the Order of the Grail. The
Order of the Grail is a group of vampires organized along the
lines of King Arthur's court in the Arthurian legends. I'm
afraid I don't know that much about their present situation." He
pauses to think. "Melissa Johnson should know more. She's
currently visiting Los Angeles. In fact, she called me earlier
tonight to warn that the Order of Taraka might be in Sunnydale."
Giles walks over to the phone and calls. After a few minutes he
returns to Willow and Tara. "Melissa will be here tomorrow
morning, along with her partner Hector Gonzales. We can all meet
here just after lunchtime."
Monday May 21, Early Afternoon: Sunnydale
Melissa, Hector, and Giles are already in the Magic Shop when
Xander, Anya, Willow, and Tara walk in.
Willow says "Anya, Tara, this is Melissa and Hector."
Melissa and Hector shake hands with Anya and Tara. Then they
step back and Melissa says "I heard about Buffy. I'm so sorry."
Willow replies "Thanks. We've tried to keep her death quiet.
Sometimes it's hard to believe she's gone. We've been doing her
patrols. Trying to keep busy. It helps. Most of the time."
She pauses to collect herself. "We should get back to business.
Giles thought you might know about this Order of the Grail."
Melissa nods. "We've known about them for a while. They've
existed since at least the 13th Century and have a long-standing
feud with the Order of Taraka. Recently they've been looking for
allies. Apparently they see an imminent apocalypse." She pauses
briefly. "Gawaine is a Duke of the Order of the Grail, the
highest knightly rank below High King. Lynette is a Grand Master
Mage, the highest mage rank below High Mage. Aside from rank,
Gawaine, Bedivere, and Cador are three of the most formidable
knights of the Order and Lynette is one of the most powerful
mages. Whatever brings them to Sunnydale must be important."
She pauses again. "The Order has recently been preparing to make
an overture to ... to your group for a possible alliance.
They've hinted that this is based on some prophecy. We're not
entirely sure which one."
Xander asks "Can we trust them? They ARE vampires."
Willow replies "They saved our lives last night."
Melissa answers carefully "The Order can be trusted up to a
point. We're not entirely sure what that point is, but something
they've seen has scared them very badly, even though they'll
never admit it. We don't know their ultimate goals, but the
Order seems to want the Earth to continue existing more or less
as it has been. They currently have an informal truce with SAVE
and even cooperate with us on occasion. Their High King has even
commanded the entire Order not to prey on humans for the next two
years. They apparently have some substitute."
Tara asks "SAVE?"
Melissa replies "Societas Argenti Viae Eternitata. Founded by
Charles O'Boylan in 1844. We investigate and, when necessary,
deal with supernatural events."
Giles remarks "I understand the Shatterers have taken up
residence in your World headquarters."
Melissa replies "Yes. They've provided us with some new spells
and other useful information. Our guess is that N'tse-Kaambl
sees the same apocalypse as the Order of the Grail."
Giles nods, then looks around and says "I'll call Lynette and set
up a meeting. Tonight at the Magic Shop."
Willow remarks "We should also include Spike. He might have
heard something."
Monday May 21, Night: Sunnydale
At the Magic Shop, Melissa, Hector, Giles, Willow, Xander, Tara,
and Spike are waiting for the members of the Order of the Grail
to arrive. Lynette, Gawaine, Bedivere, and Cador enter.
After Giles introduces everyone, Lynette begins speaking. "I
have been scrying. There are signs of a magical buildup. We
believe the Tarakans are in town for some sort of ritual. We do
not yet know where their hideout is." She hesitates but
continues. "We are also looking for the Lost Sword. We have
information that it is somewhere in Sunnydale."
Melissa says in surprise "The Lost Sword? THE Sword? Caliburn?"
Lynette nods. "Caliburn. Legends say it will not be found until
the End Times."
Spike breaks in "I've heard about a new gang in town. I think
some of the Tarakans are with them. I know the general
location."
Giles remarks "Perhaps a scouting expedition would be in order."
Willow, Spike, Melissa, Gawaine, and Bedivere leave for the
suspected hideout. Cador remains to stand guard and the others
remain to do research.
Spike leads them to the building. Gawaine scouts ahead and then
signals the others. The party enters the building, Gawaine in
the lead. Suddenly he stops. The party is attacked by three
demons and seven vampires. Gawaine and Bedivere meet the attack,
swords drawn. Willow gestures and three attackers go flying
backwards. Melissa concentrates, and flashes of light distract
three other attackers. Spike charges the distracted group,
staking one of them. Willow sends a stake toward one of her
attackers, retrieves it and keeps repeating the process. Melissa
continues distracting her group of attackers while Spike finishes
them off. The attack ends quickly. Three demonic bodies are
scattered around the room and seven piles of dust indicate dead
vampires.
The party searches the building. Melissa finds a bird-like
symbol drawn on the floor of one of the rooms and calls Willow
over.
Willow looks at the symbol and asks "What is that? It looks like
a bird with arms."
Melissa examines the symbol carefully. "It's definitely magical.
It's a symbol of ... of the Fishers from Outside. I didn't think
any of them were still on Earth." She concentrates, one hand on
an amber pendant. The symbol flashes briefly and then vanishes.
Melissa concentrates again, then stops and looks around. "I
sensed something ... I think. Hector and I can check it out
tomorrow morning. Right now, we'd better get back to the Magic
Shop."
Tuesday May 22, Early Afternoon: Sunnydale
Melissa, Hector, Giles, Willow, Tara, Xander, and Anya are
meeting in the Magic Shop.
Melissa reports on the morning scouting expedition. "We
investigated a building a few blocks from the hideout. We saw
some sort of ritual circle (she shows them a drawing of the
symbol). It looked familiar. There are wards around the ritual
circle and perhaps on the building itself."
The group studies the symbol carefully and starts looking through
various books. Shortly afterwards, Hector says "I think I found
something. The symbol is used in a ritual to call Azathoth."
Melissa's eyes widen and she responds "Azathoth. The Lord of the
Outer Gods. That is NOT good news."
The group continues to research. A few hours later, Melissa
reports "I found a prophecy in the Book of the Abyss, 'The Dragon
King's Sword is locked away beneath the Gate to Hell. Lost until
the End Times, when his warrior shall wield it against the Demons
from Beyond. The way is now hidden but remember that the Key
opens more than one lock.' I believe the passage refers to
Caliburn."
Willow asks quietly "And the Key?"
Giles replies "Yes, that probably does refer to Dawn."
Melissa glances at Giles and continues "The sword was hidden long
ago. The disturbances caused by the portal may have made it
accessible."
Willow thinks for a moment. "Something strange happened when we
were at the tower, after the portal closed. It seemed like I
sensed something underground. I thought it was just my
imagination." She pauses and continues hesitantly "Dawn isn't
going to get hurt again, is she?" Willow pauses again and
continues fiercely "I WON'T let anyone hurt her."
Xander adds equally fiercely "Neither will I."
Melissa says hesitantly "I don't think she'll get hurt. But
we're going to NEED Caliburn and ..." She stops for a moment and
continues more quietly "You're right. I promise that I won't
cause her any permanent harm. I'll do my very best to make sure
that Dawn doesn't get hurt."
Giles responds "That's all that any of us can promise." He looks
around. "We should get back to work now."
Tuesday May 22, Night: Sunnydale
Melissa, Hector, Giles, Willow, Tara, Xander, Anya, Spike, and
Dawn are meeting with Lynette, Gawain, Cador and Bedivere in the
Magic Shop.
Melissa reports "We found a ritual circle with this symbol (shows
the symbol) at a building near the hideout we raided last night.
The symbol is used in a spell that calls Azathoth."
Lynette says "I know that ritual. It takes several days." She
thinks for a moment. "They're at least two days from finishing
or I'd have detected it more clearly. I doubt that we have much
more time than that. The ritual will be difficult for us to
interrupt. I think we need to find the Sword."
Melissa continues "We also found clues to Caliburn's location.
We think it is somewhere near the tower where Glory opened the
portal. Probably underground."
Lynette, Gawaine, Cador, Melissa, Xander, Willow, Spike, and Dawn
head for the tower. Melissa and Lynette lead the party beneath
the tower and begin to concentrate. Melissa examines the
concrete underneath the tower and asks Dawn to come over and
place her hand on a spot on the concrete. Melissa places one
hand over Dawn's and the other on her amber pendant. A
door-shaped outline glows and falls away to reveal a tunnel. The
party enters the tunnel and proceeds to a hidden room. Melissa
looks around and directs Dawn to a section of the floor. Dawn
again places one hand on the floor while Melissa places one hand
over Dawn's and the other on her pendant. A secret compartment
is revealed that contains a box. Gawaine and Cador lift the box
into the room. Melissa opens the lid, revealing a sword. She
reaches for the sword but it seems to give her a shock and she
jerks her hand back. Gawaine examines the sword and reaches for
it himself. The sword glows brightly for a few seconds when he
first holds it and then dims again.
The party looks around for a few more moments and then heads back
to the Magic Shop. As soon as they leave the tunnel, it closes
behind them, leaving no visible evidence that it had ever
existed.
Wednesday May 23, Night: Sunnydale
Gawaine, Bedivere, Cador, Lynette, Willow, Tara, Melissa, Hector,
Xander, and Spike head toward the building where the ritual is
taking place. Gawaine and Bedivere are in the lead, Xander and
Hector flanking them. Willow, Tara, Melissa, and Lynette are in
the center. Cador and Spike are rearguard.
Lynette calls a halt. "The building is warded."
Willow and Tara cast a spell to break through the ward. When
they are finished, Gawaine and Bedivere break down the door.
Inside, a blurred but vaguely bird-like creature stands near the
ritual symbol, holding a staff and chanting. Three demons and a
vampire are also chanting and several others are standing guard.
Gawaine and Bedivere lead the party into the room as the guards
attack. The bird-like Mage gestures. A bright flash explodes
near Gawaine and Bedivere but one of the Mage's own vampires
bursts into flame.
Gawaine and Bedivere engage four of the attackers. One of them
tries to slip past on Gawaine's right, but Xander stakes him.
Lynette gestures and a small explosion knocks down two attackers.
Cador charges in and finishes them off. Willow and Tara also
gesture and two other attackers go flying backwards. Willow
sends a stake toward one, and retrieves it as Spike charges the
remaining one. Melissa maneuvers for a clear shot at the
bird-like Mage, and sends an energy blast at him. The Mage
changes tone and brings his staff down on the ritual symbol just
before the blast hits him, hurling him backwards.
What look like bolts of electricity come from the symbol and the
demons and vampire standing next to it back up a step. An
amorphous black mass comes from the symbol. The mass is filled
with tentacles, several of which grab the three demons and one
vampire standing near the symbol. As the mass heads toward the
ceiling, several of the tentacles reach toward the party but
Gawaine holds up Caliburn. The sword flashes light and the
tentacles veer away. The amorphous mass exits through the
ceiling as the party watches.
After the creature leaves, the bird-like Mage gestures and bolts
of energy head toward the party. However, Caliburn seems to
attract and absorb most of the energy. The Mage gestures again
and Gawaine and Bedivere are knocked down. Melissa, Willow, and
Lynette counterattack, stunning the Mage. Gawaine and Bedivere
get up and charge the Mage and Gawaine stabs him with Caliburn.
There is an explosion and Gawaine is thrown backwards but the
Mage is gone.
The party returns to the Magic Shop, where Giles and Anya are
watching Dawn. Giles says "I assume the attack was successful."
Melissa replies "The Fisher from Outside is dead, along with his
remaining followers. The ritual misfired, but something powerful
WAS summoned and it escaped through the ceiling. It wasn't
Azathoth, but it's still out there. And the Fisher may have been
a vanguard."
Lynette says "But now we have the sword. We can use it in the
battles to come."
Gawaine adds "Cador will stay in Sunnydale and set up a
stronghold. Lynette, Bedivere, and I will leave once the
stronghold is set up. We must take Caliburn back to the High
King." Gawaine exits the shop, followed by Bedivere, Cador, and
Lynette.
After they leave, Willow asks "Remember that flash of light at
the beginning of the battle? One of the vampires burst into
flame."
Melissa replies "A spell, I think. Seemed to act like sunlight
in a small area."
Willow begins "But ...?"
Melissa nods. "Some members of the Order may have an immunity to
sunlight, probably other things as well. Very dangerous. And
we've just made them even more dangerous."