Buffy Summers was the last person Wesley expected to see when he opened the door. He had been wakened by the persistent knocking, thinking the person on the other side to be no more than someone selling something, looking for donations, or peddling religions. He certainly didn't think that his former charge would stand there, bruised, battered, bleeding, clutching three fingers on her left hand that were clearly broken and wearing an expression of both incredible emotional pain and determination that somehow had fused together so that they would not be separated no matter what the cost.

"Buffy," his voice was muffled as he ran a hand over his unkempt eyes, then mouth in an attempt to wake up a little bit more. He feared that in the absence of the AI team as well as a purpose in his own life that he may very well look just as bad, if not worse than Buffy minus the physical injuries. "Can I help you with something? I certainly didn't expect..."

"Can I come in Wes?" She spoke softly, obviously uncomfortable in his presence. Whether it was due to the fact that she had never really cared for his intrusion between her and Giles, her true watcher, or because of whatever Angel had told him about the Connor situation Wesley wasn't sure. Does she even know about Connor? He wondered inwardly.

"Of course, pardon my rudeness." He moved back and gestured for the slayer to enter. He watched her make her way to his living room before continuing. "You're hurt. Can I get you something? I have a first aid kit..."

"I don't have time. I need your help."

"Can I at least bandage your hand or put it in a splint?" He touched the injured hand gently. "It must be terribly painful...slayer healing abilities notwithstanding."

Buffy nodded and waited for Wesley to retrieve his first aid kit before she began to speak. She told him about the Brillcrall demon and how the murder of twelve children had brought her to LA. She told him about James Adamson, the killing of the Brillcrall and subsequent hiring of the Garlock demon. She told him of Adamson's plan to gain incredible power from a demon God of a hell dimension. All of this she told to Wesley in a calm, matter of fact manner. It wasn't until she got to the part of the story where Angel got sucked into Galendil's hell dimension that her voice faltered and her hands shook, even as Wesley bandaged them.

"He....he's gone....in that place."

"God Buffy I'm so sorry." Wesley told her sincerely. "I don't know what Angel told you about what has happened between us, but I want you to know that I don't harbour any ill feelings towards him. What can I do to help?"

"You can find a way to open a portal to Galendil's hell dimension so that I can go in there and bring him back." Buffy said firmly. "You can help me save him."

"Buffy...." Wesley began, but was cut off, by a very firm and angry slayer.

"Don't! Don't tell me that it's impossible, or that I will probably die trying or won't come back. I've heard it, I believe it, and I'm still going in there to save him! You're either willing to help me in this or you aren't. I'm doing it either way. What's your choice?"

"I never said I wouldn't help you Buffy." Wesley stated, hoping to calm her down slightly, "but there are some things you should consider first."

"Such as?" She prompted, growing increasingly impatient.

"Such as maybe you should wait until you've calmed down slightly before impulsively jumping into a hell dimension. You're very emotional right now and may not be thinking clearly. We don't know that going in there is the only way to get Angel back and we won't know that if you just jump into the pool without testing the water first."

"You're right," she agreed. "I don't know if there is another way to get him back. And I don't know if this will work or if I'm just signing my death warrant by doing it. What I do know is that every moment I wait, to 'test the water' is another moment that Angel spends in hell because of me. If I can't get him out then by God I will suffer it with him. It's the least I can do."

"I understand." Wesley said with a sigh. "I will help you open the portal but I want you to know and understand just how incredibly dangerous it is to do so. From what you've described of Galendil, it takes a lot to open a portal to his hell dimension. It drained Adamson of all his power when he did it. Your slayer strength combined with what little mystical abilities I possess will allow you to open up a portal to get there, but Buffy..."

"What you're telling me is that it's a one-way trip isn't it?" She guessed, swallowing with what he could tell was obvious fear. "At least on your end?"

He nodded.

"I can only help you get there, I can't get you back. It's just not possible."

"Then I will make it possible." She stated, clenching her teeth and fighting off the tears of fear and frustration that threatened to overwhelm her. "If you can't find a way to open another portal then I will make one on the other side. All I need is to get there."

"Let's get started then. I have to research the portal incantation and gather one or two herbs together. Why don't you return to the hotel and...." He hesitated, not wanting to frighten her further by suggesting she 'say her goodbyes'. "Why don't you return to the hotel and I will meet you there?"

"Fine." She agreed, averting his concerned gaze. As she turned to leave, her shoulders slumped slightly and her façade of strength and determination slipped, ever so slightly. Her voice dropped to a whisper as she spoke. "Thank you Wesley."