Okay, new chapter. Thank you all very much for all the reviews and comments and patience as I try to complete these chapters and three exams at once. Actually, it wasn't as hard as I thought. I digress, enjoy!
Angel's resolve was quickly waning. It had been for seven days. Seven days since Cordelia broached the topic, seven days since he had run into yet another wall, seven days. She had stopped talking to him, slowly and angrily typing memos as a form or contact between the two since he refused to take the only option left to the two of them. His contacts in L.A, especially without Doyle, were limited. His search for a healer or witch were met with outright failures on his part. Of course, Cordy had quickly mentioned a possible option, but Angel could not bring himself to call Sunnydale for help. Knowing what he knew and no one else was hard enough, if Buffy was there, though? He doubted his ability to maintain a straight face with that much pain.
Her arguments were valid. They were no longer in contact with the Powers That Be, They had no more contacts in L.A, They had no clients for money. He couldn't help but think of the one, most compelling argument she refused to make. She missed Doyle. He missed Doyle. Without him, the relationship between him and Cordy buckled after only a day or two. He hated thinking of this as his last chance, but as he stared at the piece of paper that held the name of his last possible option in the city he knew that if this didn't work, he wouuld need to make the call.
He gathered his coat in his arms and moved to the doors. He paused for a brief moment in front of Cordy's desk and considered saying something, anything to comfort her. Despite her brave front, she had told him herself just a few weeks prior to the...incident that she found herself liking the man a lot more after he saved her from a vampire. She could only conceal so much before letting a little out. He thought better of saying something, though. He knew she would never accept his words. Plus, by the sound of her angry tapping on her keyboard, he would be privy to a memo by the time he returned.
Almost all of the time nowadays his guilt over what he's done far outweighed any advantaged being a vampire had, but occasionally there were aspects Angel could appreciate. For example, the heightened senses certainly helped when he detected for the third time that night a mildly familiar scent following him. As inconspicous as possible he entered the nearest alleyway and waited for the approaching footsteps. The person stopped short, pushing his crossbow into the alley before his person, Angel reacted quickly, knocking the weapon down. The man grappled towards him, attempting a punch. Angel caught it easily and took him violently to the ground. Intending to question the man he did not make another move. A sliver of light hit his would-be assailant's face, revealing a slightly terrified Wesley Wyndam-Pryce.
Angel loosened his grip on him, thinking better of attacking a watcher- former or current. Slow to rise off of him, Wesley took that oppurtunity to pick up his crossbow.
"What are you doing Wesley?" Angel asked slightly annoyed.
"Clearly apprehending you Angelus," He said threateningly, altough with a hint of fear in his tone.
"I'm not Angelus."
" Yes, well I think I can contend that,"
"To a person who would pretty well know whether or not they were evil?"
"I saw you cohorting with a demon I have been tracking for some time now."
Angel thought back to all the demons he had talked to for the past week. They were hardly savory characters, but all local. He didn't think Wesley was stupid enough to have trouble tracking any of the local demons. He continued to contemplate, crossbow to his chest.
"Look, If I were evil, don't you think I would have attacked you by now?"
"Clearly you've had your fill with Ms. Chase! I saw here enter your inhabitance hours ago this morning and have yet to she her return." Wes spat back.
"Cordelia works for me!" Angel replied, now frustrated enough to finally knock the crossbow from Wesley once more. Prepared, Wesley then quickly procured a cross from his jacket which- like the rest of his ridiculous outfit- was leather, Angel observed.
"And the nasty empath demon I saw leaaving your offices this afternoon?" he asked unsure now of his entire theory. Finally, Angel recalled the demon he was speaking of.
"The guy who came in this afternoon was a client I rejected. He wanted me to act as a bodygaurd against some...Bounty hunter" realization struck the two. Wesley finally believed he was not as evil as he may have originally thought. Angel began to think of the world he lived in where Wesley could be thought of as a ruthless bounty hunter.
Without much persuasion, Angel decided to join Wesley in his exploits to find his demon rather than meet his contact at the bar. Fear of another rejection and hope that maybe Wesley's watcher training would be enough to help Doyle inspired him to help instead. Maybe having another person in the offices would help the rift between him and Cordy. The search did not take long. Wesley had figured out just a few hours earlier the connection to this demon, Wolfram and Hart, and an auction occuring that night. After infiltrating said auction, the two worked quickly and disposed of the demons running the operation and prevent the law offices from getting any of their bidded items.
"I'm not sure I have enough experience to do what you're asking, but I do know of some people who may be able to help," Wesley said as they walked into Angel Investigations. As they made it inside Cordelia rose, aware of the new person to arrive.
"Wesley, wow. This is a surprise." She made to hug him, but thinking of both the akward kiss they shared and his leather pants, refrained.
"Yes, well. Angel spoke of the trouble you two were having finding proper medical attention for this- Half demon is it?"
"It's Doyle," she responded quickly.
"Yes, Doyle. I thought I could be of assistance. I'll make some calls." He moved to the phones as Angel saw a smile play on Cordelia's lips for the first time in a very long week.
Not long after he started to make the calls did Wesley find success. He entered the room practically giddy at his success. Angel looked up from his office and joined Wesley and Cordelia in the mainroom.
"Well that didn't take very long at all." Wesley said happily.
"You found someone who can help?" Angel asked, trying to make sure that this was the successful part of his plan. Wesley was known for not exactly trusting the supernatural and for that reason Angel suspected he may haave been willing to cart Doyle of to some experimental project the council had.
"I'm surprised you didn't. Giles quickly agreed that he and Willow would both make the trip-"
"You called Sunnydale?" He asked, trying not to sound like he was ready to kill Wesley.
"Of course, Giles is much more experienced than I am with magic considering his- less than reputable past. We all know Willow is progressing nicley. I'm sure they are our best shot." He reasoned. Despite herself, Angel could she Cordelia supressing a mad laughter and wide grin at the irony.
"Yes, well, they'll be here by morning. For now I think I should go. I'll be here too though. In case I can be of any assistance helping your friend." Wes said to break the mounting silence before leaving for the night.
-------------------------------------------------------
That morning Angel spent every minute making sure his office looked reputable. He had no idea why. There was no word that she was coming, and besides, she had seen the place before, but still, he couldn't help but remake the coffee Cordelia insisted on making and neatening messy stacks of books. It was around ten that morning that the two arrived alone. Angel couldn't help but feel slightly disapointed that only Willow and Giles made the trip. The feeling quickly wavered however, when he thought of how this may help Doyle. Pleasantries were shared in a very dignified and straightforward way before they delved into the situation at hand.
"So this gentleman is in a coma?" Giles reiterated as he cleaned his glasses.
"Why isn't he, um, in a hospital," Willow asked meekly, unsure, particularly when she saw Cordelia wince at the question.
"He's half-demon. We can't be sure that he won't change into demon form. We don't know how much control he has over it. I've seen a sneeze set him off." Angel explained, to the relief of Cordelia, who looked as though she may cry, finally. Her hidden emotions were finally beginning to get to her.
"Is there a spell that can take him out of it?" Willow asked Giles.
"Well, not strictly. We can certainly repair some of the damage. It was a supernatural phenomena that put him in his condition, yes?" He said, directing his question to Angel, who simply nodded his head.
"Can we see the chap?" He asked, not wasting anytime. Cordelia took the group including herself, Giles, Wesley, Willow, and Angel to Doyle's room. They had set it up downstairs in Angel's place.
Just then, for the first time since he had lapsed into the coma, Doyle stirred. They all turned to him in anticipation of recovery, but instead found him writhing in pain. His eyes opened slightly, but were rolled in the back of his head. He didn't appear to be breathing and his hands balled into fists.
"What's happening?!" Cordelia asked Angel frantically, trying to soothe him back into at least taking oxygen.
"I think he's having a vision." He explained.
"Now? Don't the PTB have something better to do?" she exclaimed
"He has visions? This probably isn't helping his condition. His brain could already be damaged and the effects of visions on any living being is drastic. We need to transfer them" Giles explained as Doyle subsided into his comatose state once more.
"Plus, you know, they're probably not helpful to anyone if he can't tell you guys what he sees," Willoe observed.
"Well, I think I can transfer them. I'll need some supplies. Willow, if you could run down to this shop, I believe it should still be open since my last trip to this area, they should have them all." Giles started, handing her a list of supplies and the address of the place in question,"
"I'll fo with you," Angel offered, thinking of her protection. He was one to know how unsavory the streets were after hours.
"We'll also need a host." Giles said, before they could leave.
"What do you mean?" Angel asked.
"Visions are only ever transferred through living hosts. Unless you do not want to act on the visions- which I do not suggest considering their a direct conduit to you from the Powers- we need someone living to accept them."
At that moment, three voices spoke up:
"I'll do it." Angel, Cordelia, and Wesley all replied.
I thought I'd end this one on a little cliffhanger that's interactive. I have several paths I can go as far as who gets the visions for now. Each one has a story idea in my head. Ultimately, it's up to you guys who gets em. Cordelia? Wesley? Angel? Willow? Giles? A random person not even mentioned yet? Let me know. The next chapter may start to be written as soon as tomorrow, so get them in quick! (Not really rushing you guys, I can wait).