Title: The Outcasts
Author: FerretGirl
Pairing/Characters: Wesley/Spike, Faith, Willow.
Rating: PG13 to NC-17
Disclaimer: They boys and girls are not mine, I'm just playing with them.
Summary: A second chance, a new beginning?.
Spoilers: AtS S1 to 4, BtvS S3 and S5/6 I guess. At the beginning S4 of AtS and S7 of BtvS, Joss and I go our separate ways
again.

A big thanks for my beta's miniera, and eloise_bright for their help and encouragement.



The Outcasts



Blinking against the bright sunlight, she woke up. She was lying on the grass. What had happened? She remembered an odd feeling, a flash of white light and then nothing. Waking up here, wherever here was.

Pushing herself up, Willow looked around carefully. She noticed three others lying on the grass. One she recognized immediately. Spike. She gasped and looked at him with wide eyes. Spike was laying in the direct sunlight. And he hadn't turn to dust.

Jumping up she ran over to the vampire. "Spike! Wake up!" she said urgently, shaking him.

Groaning Spike rolled on his back. "Red?" he muttered. He blinked up at her and then noticed the bright sunlight. Without thinking he jumped up and scooted into the shadow of a nearby tree. "Buggering hell!" he yelled, checking himself for burn-marks. He looked at Willow in awe.

"You were laying there for some time I guess," she shrugged. "And you didn't explode or anything." She watched as Spike carefully held out a hand in the direct sunlight and nothing happened.

Spike smiled slightly and stepped further into the sunlight. Amazing! He could walk into the sunlight; feel its warmth, without exploding to dust. He glanced up at the sun, squinting. A sun that looked...odd. It was orange red, instead of the orange yellow he remembered. "That normal?" he asked Willow.

Willow shielded her eyes and squinted up at the sun too. Before she could say anything however a voice interrupted her, a familiar voice.

"What's up with the sun? What the fuck is going on?"

Spike and Willow looked in the direction of the voice. Faith, no doubt about it. She looked older maybe, but it was still Faith. Complete with her trade mark scowl.

"Faith? What are you doing here?" Willow asked.

"How am I suppose to know that, Wills. One minute I was comfy cozy in my cell, then a bright light and her I am," Faith said, moving to stand up. She wiped her hands on her orange prison outfit.

"I still don't know what the bloody hell is going on," Spike said, glancing around. This was more then highly suspicious.

"I felt magic, before I woke up here," Willow volunteered.

"Yeah, well I didn't know it was magic, but I felt something," Faith agreed, while Spike nodded his assent.

"Bloody hell, must you people be so loud? I'm trying to die in peace here." The muttered complained alerted the trio to the fourth form still laying on the grass.

Faith stepped over to the man, a slight smile on her face. Her expression turned into a worried one when she took in his appearance. "Wes? You okay?" she asked, tentatively touching his shoulder.

"Faith?" Wesley groaned. "No I'm not alright, be a good Slayer and put me out of my misery please."

"A Watcher?" Spike asked, looking down at the rumpled form.

"Wesley?" Willow on her turn asked. She had known the man as a prissy, pompous, stuck up, overly fastidious man. Nothing at all like the miserable form laying on the grass now. "What happened to him?"

"Long story," Faith muttered. "Come on Wes, wakey wakey. There's a mystery for you to solve and stuff."

"Sod off," Wesley groaned, but he turned to his back. He quickly closed his eyes as they were attacked by the far too bright sunlight. "Oh lord, I need a drink."

"No you don't," Faith sighed. She grabbed him under his shoulders and dragged him up, slapping him lightly on the cheek. "Come on Wes, get your shit together."

Sighing Wesley let himself be dragged up. He squinted at his surroundings. "Willow?" he looked at the young woman surprised. "I'm afraid I don't know who you are," he told Spike.

"I'm sure you do know," Spike smirked. "William the Bloody, but you may call me Spike."

Wesley blinked at the man...vampire. Of course, Angel's wayward grandchild. Always Angel, coming to haunt him. Then he noticed something else. He blinked. "You are aware, Spike, that you're standing in direct sunlight and have not turned to dust?"

"Yeah, great innit?" Spike said, turning his face toward the sun.

"Holy shit, I hadn't even noticed that. Wicked cool," Faith said, smiling at the vampire's obvious glee over the fact that he could stand in the sun.

"Well that is all fine and dandy," Wesley said, pushing a hand through his hair. "But that still doesn't tell us what is going on here, or where here is for that matter." He glanced at the sun again. "Anyone else noticed that the sun doesn't look quite right?"

"Yeah," Willow nodded. Finally someone who was going to ask the right questions and find out what was going on here.

"Now that you mention it again," Faith said, looking at the sun. Her hand shielding her eyes.

"Thought it looked different then I remembered," Spike agreed.

"It's also closer to the planet then it should be," Wesley said thoughtfully. He moved to pull off his glasses for their customary polish round, only to find they weren't there. Right, he hadn't worn any glasses for some time now. They were in his pocket, since his hands had been too shaky this morning to put in his contact lenses.

"This planet?" Spike wanted to know. "How's that?"

"Well Spike, obviously we're not on the same planet or dimension anymore," Wesley said matter of factly.

"That's the feeling I get too," Willow said. "So...now what?"

"I suppose we should carefully look around for any form of life, and get some answers to our questions," Wesley said.

"I'll climb in that tree and look around," Faith said, running toward said tree enthusiastically. Spike was right on her heels, not to be outdone. And certainly not by a Slayer.

Willow trotted after them, watching as the vampire and Slayer raced each other to the top of the tree.

Wesley on the other hand peered down the hill. He noticed a small sandy road at the bottom of the hill. Looking over his shoulder he shook his head at the tree climbing. Bloody children, the lot of them. He pushed his hands in his pockets and made his way down the hill toward the road.

Once he was there he noticed another thing. Signs. In a language that looked suspiciously like English. One sign pointed to the right, reading 'Barnting 10 K', the other pointed to the left, reading 'Vilnarsy 5 K'. Leaning against the post the signs were attached to, Wesley waited for the others to catch up.

"Next time you notice something, you can share it with the rest of the class, you wanker," Spike told Wesley. The vampire didn't look too pleased. Probably lost the tree-climbing contest with the Slayer.

Faith on the other hand, just scowled at the Watcher.

"Now what would be the fun in that Spike?" Wesley asked, slightly amused. But only slightly. His head was still aching from the hangover and he didn't like the fact that he had no clue what was going on here.

"Ooh, look! Signs," Willow's excited voice interrupted the upcoming bicker party. "How handy!"

"Right," Wesley agreed, pushing himself from the pole the signs were attached to. "We've two choices it seems. I *suggest* we go to this Vilnarsy as it seems closer by." He emphasized the word suggest, not wanting to seem he were giving them some order. He was sick of doing that, and it didn't feel right.

"How much is 5K?" Faith wanted to know.

"I've no idea Faith. I had better things to do then figure out the bloody stupid American metrics system." Wesley muttered, turning to walk into the direction the sign pointed at. "I just hope their 5K is the same as our European one."

Faith grabbed her heart in mock pain. "No! Wesley Wyndam-Pryce just admitted he didn't know something? I don't believe it."

Wesley sighed and rubbed his eyes. "Contrary to popular belief Faith, I'm not perfect," he said stiffly and moved to walk down the dusty road.

"Damn," Faith said and jogged after the Watcher. "Come on Wes, wait up."

Willow and Spike looked at the retreating backs of the couple, before looking at each other. "This should be fun," Willow said.

Spike just quirked his eyebrow and smirked, still enjoying the warm feeling of the sun on his exposed skin.

They sped up a little to catch up with the other two. Making their way toward Vilnarsy, hoping this was a village, hoping to find a sign of life, hoping to find some answers.

~*~*~*~


Wesley's head was aching, his muscles were sore, it was far too hot and he was too stubborn to take of his coat like the others had done. Even though he knew he should. What he really wanted, was to sit or lay down for a few moments and rest. But no way in hell was he going to show any signs of weakness. If the rest didn't have a problem then neither did he. Or well, Willow. Since Spike and Faith and their special powers didn't really count.

Faith had pulled down the top of her bright orange prison outfit, to reveal the tank top underneath. She tied the sleeves of the ugly prison thing around her waist and enjoyed the feel of the sun on her skin. It had been a long time since she could enjoy the sun freely, without anyone watching her or interrupting her time in the sun.

She cast a worried glance at Wesley. He was far too pale for her liking, sweat dripping down his face. The idiot hadn't even taken off his jacket. To her expert eye, he looked like he was going to collapse at any minute. She cast a worried glance over her shoulder toward Willow.

Willow too had noticed the ex-Watcher's difficulties. She'd smelled the alcohol on his breath and heard Faith's muttered remarks about far too many nights spend in bars. Add the hot sun to the hangover, and yes, even this normal walk would be like torture. But obviously the man was too proud for his own good. She spotted a few trees up ahead. That seemed as good a resting place as any.

"Can we sit down for a few moments over there?" she asked, giving a tiny smile to Faith as the Slayer gave her a grateful look.

Spike shrugged and trotted toward the trees. "Sure, no problem," he said, pulling out a packet of cigarettes. He offered one to Faith, who took it with a raised eyebrow. Spike sharing a cig? This was new.

Wesley said nothing. He pulled of he jacket, tossed it on the ground and almost collapsed on it. He closed his eyes, put his hands behind his head and tried to control his breathing. Thank god for Willow. Who, he was sure, didn't need a rest at all.

They all sat in silence for a few moments. Faith and Spike smoking their cigarettes. Then Faith's curiosity got the better of her.

"So..." She started. "You all know what I've been doing the last few years.You know, kill, torture, prison and all that. I know his story," she said, jerking her thumb over her shoulder at Wesley. "But what have you two been doing, cuz I'm getting this weird vibe from the both of you."

Both Spike and Willow tensed, trying to not to look at each other or Faith. Then Willow let out a shaky breath.

"I guess we need to be honest with each other. I mean, we only got each other to depend on here and we need to know what's the what if we want to work together good," she said. She plucked down a flower from the grass and twirled it in her fingers.

"Okay then," she said. She took a deep breath and started her story. "A few month ago, Tara died," she said. "Tara was my girlfriend," she explained quickly to Wesley and Faith. Spike looked shocked.

"I'm sorry," he said softly, "she was a great girl." And she had been. Spike actually felt something he recognized as grief for the los of this girl.

"Anyway," Willow continued. "I lost it then. Got my mojo up and tried to destroy the world. Fought my friends, even killed the boy who shot Tara," she whispered, hanging her head. "Giles took me to England to this coven, but it didn't really work out. So here I am. Killer witch." She sniffled, letting out a sobbing laugh at the double meaning of 'killer witch'.

Both Spike and Faith looked at her with sympathy. They knew how she felt, they had both been in the same place. Or actually they were in this place.

"I'm sorry for your loss, Willow," Faith said, touching the other girls shoulder lightly.

"Cordelia told me about Tara," Wesley said, suddenly thoughtful. "I'm very sorry I've never had the chance to meet her."

"Thanks," Willow said, giving them a shaky smile. "Well that's my story," she finished. She turned to look at Spike. "Where did you run off to this summer, Spike. I'm getting this weird feeling from you. You did something funny."

Spike sighed. Right then, better get this over with. Not that he liked sharing anything. But the girls were right. They needed each other to depend on, best be honest from the start.

"Did something awful, felt sorry, went to Africa and got myself a soul," he told them shortly. He looked up and was met with three identical incredulous stares.

"You got a soul?" Willow asked.

"Voluntarily?" Wesley wanted to know.

"Yeah, well. I didn't know the sodding demon was going to give that as my reward. But I don't regret it," Spike told them, holding his head high.

Willow and Faith smiled at him. Wesley gave him an intense look. Spike remembered that the man worked with Angel, having figured that much out by questioning Willow about it while they were under way. He was starting to feel uncomfortable under the man's stare.

"Good for you," Wesley finally said. "Just don't go and brood. Or attack me with pillows," he muttered.

Faith slapped him on the shoulder. "Wes, he's not Angel."

"Dear God I hope not," Wesley said, laying down on his jacket again.

"I thought you worked with Angel?" Willow asked confused. "That remark didn't sound very Angel friendly."

Wesley sighed. Oh Lord, he hadn't the energy to tell the entire story again. His throat was starting to hurt too. He was thirsty, he had a headache, his muscles were sore, and he really didn't want to tell the story again. "Faith, why don't you tell them what happened. I haven't the energy."

"But it's your story," Faith complained. She noticed the tired look Wesley gave her and the way he touched his throat.

"The poof give you that scar?" Spike asked.

"In a way," Wesley muttered.

"All right, lets keep this short. No interruptions till I'm done," Faith said. She took a deep breath and started to rattle off the story. "Okay, Angel and Darla had a son. Wes here discovered a prophecy that Angel was going to kill his son. So, to save Angel and Connor, that's his son, Wes took Connor away. Only to be tricked by a minion of Holtz. Holtz is an old enemy of Angel and Darla. This bitch, Justine, slit Wes' throat and took Connor. Holtz then took Connor from her and jumped with the kid in a hell dimension. Angel and friends blamed Wes. Angel even tried to kill him in the hospital with a pillow. And that's that," Faith finished, looking over at Spike and Willow. "Questions? Comments?"

"Angelus has a son? With Darla?" was all Spike managed to say. This would take some time to digest. "And he tried to kill you? But it wasn't your fault from what I hear."

"Angel chose to see it differently," Wesley managed. The entire story brought back bad memories. Memories he'd rather forget. Feelings he'd rather forget.

"They never asked you for your side of the story? Not even Cordy?" Willow asked.

"Nope," Faith answered for Wesley.

"Well that sucks!" Willow said.

Wesley had to smile at the fierce tone in her voice. He had always liked the redhead witch. She had turned into a strong, capable woman, who clearly wielded a lot of magical power. And that scared a lot of people.

And then there was Faith. She had grown up too. Strong physically, but now also mentally, capable to handle her Slayer status, if only she were allowed to.

Spike was different too. He hadn't known Spike personally, but Willow seemed to like and oddly trust him. And he'd heard that the vampire had been helping the so-called Scoobies even before he got a soul. A soul he sought voluntarily. That had to be a first, very admirable.

And then there was him. Failed ex-watcher, failed ex-boss, failed period. But somehow Wesley had a feeling the others were thinking the same about themselves.

"And we know your story," Spike said, pointing to Faith. "You tortured him or Giles?" he asked. Remembering she had tortured her Watcher, but unsure which one it had been.

"Him," Faith said, looking down. Regret laced her voice. She brushed her hands over the grass absentmindedly.

"We've been over this Faith," Wesley said. His voice sounded tired, rough, as if he'd been using it too much. Which no doubt he had, since he hadn't used his voice much after Justine had cut his throat.

"Yeah, I know," Faith answered.

"Hey wow," Willow suddenly said. "Did you notice? We're all like...you know...outcasts. Sorta...in a way," she looked at each of them thoughtfully.

"Huh, I guess so," Faith agreed.

"Interesting," Wesley said, his mind already mulling over that fact.

"I'm thinking we better get a move on again," Spike said, looking up at the sky. "From the looks of the sun, there's not much time left till nightfall. And I for one don't want to find out what's lurking around here in the dark just yet."

Willow and Faith got up quickly and walked toward the road again. Talking quietly to each other. Spike reached out a hand toward Wesley.

Glancing at the hand, Wesley shrugged and took it. Letting Spike pull him up. He retrieved his jacket, but didn't pull it on this time. Following Spike, he too, made his way toward the road, toward the village.

Some questions had been answered now. But it had opened a whole new can of questions, which would prove much less easy to answer. Why where they here? Who had brought them here? Why them? Wesley's mind chewed over these questions as he followed his companions down the dusty road.

2004 by FerretGirl