Wesley goes to Buffy for help when they lose Angel's soul, at the exact same time that the Scoobies kick her out.

Faith tells Buffy about her time in Angelus' mind and what she learned there. Buffy goes to confront her 'soul mate'.

How much pain can a soul take before it shatters into a million pieces, leaving only the sharp, jagged edges behind?

What if Buffy accepted the power offered by the Shadowmen? Would it change the future, for better or worse?

Unable to handle the loss of heaven, and the people who anchored her to Earth, Buffy seeks out the only other person who can help her deal with the pain of this hell she is now living - Angel. What she sees shatters the little bit of hope she has left.

Buffy's mother calls a Dr, after confronting her daughter before she tries to go stop Angelus. A Dr. Maggie Walsh convinces Joyce that she can help Buffy. Unknown to either Summers woman, the Council's backing Maggie's research. Giles, the Scoobies and Kendra help set Buffy up, rather than letting the Council send a death squad after their friend and Slayer. This is Buffy's personal journey, showing just how far a Slayer can bend before she breaks.

Buffy came back from heaven remembering everything, but no one remembers Dawn. She goes to see Angel and based on their meeting decides not to return to Sunnydale.  (Very long & dark story, so be prepared.)