Joyce turned to Angel and went about preparing for the task at hand. She retrieved the first aid kit from under the sink and filled a large bowl full of warm water. She got a few towels from the basement and called Dawn to come downstairs.
“What’s up?” Dawn asked.
She asked as she came down the stairs but stopped at the entrance of the kitchen when she saw the sight of her sister’s boyfriend lying on the island.
“I need you to call Mr. Giles. Tell him that Angel’s been hurt and that his presence is needed here immediately.” Joyce ordered.
Dawn found the cordless phone and left the kitchen to call Giles. Meanwhile, Joyce had taken one of the small hand towels and dunked it in the warm bowl of water. She set about cleaning the cuts and scraps on his face. Every once in a while he groaned in pain and shifted away from her but he didn’t regain consciousness. She put ice in a bag and laid it over the left side of his face. He jerked violently the moment the ice touched his skin. Once she was done with his face she moved to his chest. Dawn came in as she was trying to wrestle him out of his jacket. Dawn came forward and took off his jacket while Joyce held him up in a sitting position. They then removed his shirt to reveal the many wounds that adored his back and chest. They gently laid him back down and wiped him down with a wet towel. His chest was bruised over his ribs and when Joyce went to see how bad they were he almost fell off the island. He kicked and flailed his arms. Buffy entered through the back door with a paper bag of clothes in one hand and a plastic bag with pints of blood in the other. She set the bags on the table and came over to the island.
“Has he woken up?” Buffy asked.
“No, just responded to me trying to help him.” Joyce answered.
“Giles said he’d be here as soon as possible.” Dawn reported.
“That’s good. Do you think we could get the clothes I brought on him?” Buffy asked.
“After I finish with his chest.” Joyce told her.
“He hasn’t caused you too much trouble has he?” Buffy asked.
“Not at all. I’m sure he’s only responding to the pain.” Joyce reassured her.
Buffy went around to the other side of the island and gently laid her hand on his ribs. He flinched involuntarily, and tried to move away, but Buffy held on to him firmly, but gently and the same time so as not to hurt him any further. He stopped moving and Joyce was able to bandage his ribs. As they were finishing Giles walked through the door.
“I came as fast as I could. What happened?” Giles asked.
“We don’t know. He hasn’t really been conscious enough to tell us anything.” Buffy replied.
“I see. Do you need any help?” Giles asked concerned.
“I think we should move him into the living room where he would be more comfortable. Lying on the island can’t be anyone’s idea of comfortable.” Buffy suggested.
“Agreed.” Giles said.
Giles came and took Joyce’s place at Angel’s right side and lifted him into a sitting position. Buffy did the same on her side. They slipped Angel’s feet off the counter and lifted him slowly to his feet. They then dragged into the living room where they deposited him on the couch. Dawn came in with the bag of clothes and a few blankets from the closet. She handed the bag of clothes to Buffy and laid the blankets on the arm of the couch. She then stepped out of the way. Giles and Buffy then proceeded to take the rest of the Angel’s clothes off and put him in his new, clean clothes. Buffy took his shoes and socks off, and then she stood. She grabbed Angel by his shoulders and brought him to his feet, then Giles removed his pants. He then replaced them with the sweats Buffy had brought. Buffy sat Angel back down on the couch and carefully put the sweatshirt on him. She laid him down on his back and then covered him with the blankets that were lying on the arm of the couch. Dawn had gone to get an extra pillow and gave it to Buffy who placed it under his head and kissed him gently on the forehead before she looked up and glanced at Giles.
“We need to figure out what did this to him Giles.” Buffy said.
“Yes, of course. It would be helpful if we had a description of whatever attacked him however.” Giles agreed.
“I know, but I can’t get him to wake up.” Buffy said.
“Perhaps I should try.” Giles suggested.
He moved to stand next to the couch. He started at Angel.
“He seems to be breathing.” Giles reported.
“But Angel doesn’t breath.” Dawn said.
“Correct, so he has to be conscious.” Giles answered matter of factly.
He knelt down.
“Angel.” Giles said.
No response.
“Angel, open your eyes. It’s imperative that you do this so we can help you.” He said more sternly.
Angel groaned and his eyes fluttered and opened to mere slits.
“Angel?” Giles questioned.
Angel groaned again but his eyes remained open, and focused on Giles.
“Angel do you know who attacked you?” Giles asked.
Angel shook his head with some difficulty.
“Can you tell me what they looked like? Any distinguishing features?” Giles inquired.
Angel swallowed roughly.
“Tall, scales, long claws.” Angel replied.
Angel’s eyes slid shut.
“Angel, try to stay awake.” Giles ordered.
Giles placed his hands on the sides of Angel’s face.
“Is there anything else you remember?” Giles asked.
Angel shook his head and went still.
“Well I guess that’s all we’re going to get for now. I will begin my research immediately. I think it’s best for you Buffy if you get some sleep. I want you to be rested if you have to go up against these things. Actually I believe it would be best if you spent the night at Willow’s. I’ll remain here and help watch over Angel.” Giles said.
“But what if he wakes up?” Buffy asked worriedly.
“If he does we’ll call you, but you need to be rested and I doubt you’ll get much sleep if you stay here.” Giles reassured her.
“Okay, but you will call the second he starts to wake up.” Buffy said.
“Of course.” Giles agreed.
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