000B&FvS000

Night had just fallen and Buffy was walking from her house to the main building for their little 'get to know you' get together with Faith and her 'team'. It was then she felt the familiar tingle of a vampire nearby.

"Hello luv," came a familiar voice from the woods behind her.

Buffy froze, then quickly spun around while pulling a stake from her jeans pocket.

The bleached blonde vampire in a trench coat stepped out form behind the treeline and came into view. "Well you gonna stand there all day? I could use a hello kiss. Though if you don't mind I'd rather you put away that pointy bit of wood first."

Buffy's mouth opened and closed a few times with no words coming out. Finally she managed to get out, "Spike?"

"In the flesh sweets. Don't worry there is a real good explanation for thi-"

Buffy threw her stake and it sailed through the air like a bullet imbedding itself in Spike's shoulder.

Spike stumbled back in surprise and pain. "Bloody hell Buffy! What in God's name was that for?" he howled.

Buffy just stood there, with her mouth hanging open. "Oh my God. Spike?!"

Spike pulled the stake out of his shoulder with a wet squelching sound. "You already said that the first time. You've gone and ruined my coat. What's with the violence all of a sudden? I figured you'd be mad at me but I didn't picture you trying to dust me."

"I-I wasn't trying to dust you. I thought you might have been the First," Buffy said, still looking at Spike with incredulity and amazement.

"Well you could have just asked," said Spike grouchily taking a few steps towards Buffy. The Slayer matched his steps by walking backwards and away from the bleached vampire.

"How do I know that's even you? It's a hell of a lot more likely that you're some sort of shape changing demon," said Buffy. When she started to get angry after saying that Spike started to get a little alarmed.

"Whoa whoa there Buffy!" he said holding up his hands as he slowly approached her, "Look, I'm sorry I never let you know I was alive. My spirit or ghost or some such was trapped in that little bit of shiny we used on the Hellmouth. I'm still not entirely clear how I got brought back. But I swear I'm still me love, still one hundred percent Spike."

Buffy pulled a knife from somewhere and Spike wisely stopped advancing towards her.

"If that really is you, what are you doing here now Spike?" said Buffy, much more hostile now.

"I'm here with Faith. We hooked up a couple of years back and been together ever since," said Spike.

Buffy's jaw dropped open and her disbelief turned to anger, "You hooked up with Faith?!" she yelled at him.

"What-? Oh bugger, that really came out wrong didn't it? I mean we've just been working together. No bumping uglies or anything on the side. Promise."

Buffy just crossed her arms and shot him an angry look that clearly said she didn't believe him.

Spike threw his head back in exasperation, "Come on luv, you've got it all wrong. Faith might go through lovers like cheap tissue paper but she has a some standards. For one she won't shag anything without a pulse."

"I'm supposed to believe that? From the one who told you she wanted to 'pop you like warm champaigne'?" asked Buffy.

"Crap, I never should have told you that story. Look that's just Faith, she'll flirt and hit on a tree stump if there's nothing else around. Besides, there's only one Slayer that I ever fell in love with."

That seemed to cool Buffy off a bit, bringing a small smile to her lips.

"Is that really you Spike?" she asked.

"It's me luv. Same as I've always been, least as far as I can tell."

Buffy hesitated, gaze dropping to her feet. "How long?" she asked.

"How long what?"

"How long have you been back?"

"I spend some time as a ghost stuck in Wolfram and Heart's building starting about nineteen days after Sunnydale."

Buffy looked at him incredulously, "You've been back for over three years and you never bothered to let me know you're alive? Not a phone call? Post card? Anything?"

Spike shifted uncomfortably. "It's not right but I had my reasons. I didn't really want you knowing when I was just a ghost. After I got my body back I found out you were dating some vampire bloke named The Immortal, I didn't want to try and get in the middle of that. Besides all that I liked you thinking of me as having died a heroic death. Kind of hard to top that in your eyes."

"Those are all bullshit excuses Spike. And I never dated The Immortal or whatever, I don't even know who that is."

"Yeah I know. About The Immortal I mean, Faith filled me in that it was a decoy of yours in Italy. And well is it so hard to believe that I'd be a little nervous about jumping right back into your life?"

Buffy tilted her head curiously. "Why would you be?"

Spike shrugged. "Don't know luv," he said, though his tone said more 'I don't want to talk about it' rather than 'I don't know'.

Buffy decided to let it go for now. She was mad as hell at him for hiding for three years, but happy enough to see him alive to stop her from beating answers out of him and just beating him in general. At least for the time being.

"So what now?" asks Buffy. A part of her wants to run and hug Spike. A part of her is conflicted. She knows she still has feelings for him. But what does this mean? Is he going to want them to be together, is that why he came back? Is that something she would want?

"Now luv, I think we have a little get together to get to. You can get Willow to do a spell or some such if you like, put to rest any lingering doubt if I'm me or what not."

Buffy nods, glad for the opportunity to dodge any of those complicated questions for now. They start walking slowly side by side towards the main building with a cautious distance between them.

"So why are you here?" she asks.

"Well, me and Faithy have a good thing going. Our little group is quite good at what we do. Didn't want to split the team up. Plus I have been hiding from you for too long, it was time to change that."

Buffy felt a bit of sadness and resentment that apparently Spike wouldn't be fighting at her side anymore. Yes they would be fighting for the same side but it seemed like Spike would be doing his own thing with Faith and the rest of their group. Suddenly Buffy felt left out, like Spike and Faith had gone off to form their own little clique and didn't invite her to play.

"Well, if it really is you Spike," she said, still going to wait for a spell to give the final word, "then I'm glad you're back," she said, offering him a small smile even though she was still unhappy with him.

Spike grinned back, "Thanks luv. It's good to be back."

000B&FvS000

Despite the awkwardness and slight unease everyone had been feeling about having Faith back along with three new strangers, Xander and the rest of the gang had loosened up and were having a good time. It was the first time they had gotten together to just try to relax and have a good time since the potentials had all lost their powers. They had all shown up at the main building early and had been keeping each other entertained.

Andrew and Dawn were slaving away good naturedly in the large kitchen while Xander, Giles, Kennedy and Willow were sitting around the large comfortable dining room table they had set up just next to the kitchen. They had been just sitting around for the last half hour, sipping alcohol and telling stories. It had felt like an eternity since Xander had felt such much comradeship and good feelings in their little group.

"Hey guys. How's it going? Glad to see you guys didn't forget how to loosen up since I've been gone," come Faith's voice from the door. All their heads snapped to her in attention. They hadn't noticed her come in.

"Sup Faith," said Kennedy with a smile. Xander and Kennedy moved to stand up, presumably to go greet Faith with a hug or a handshake. They both stopped when they noticed what was perched on her shoulder.

"Ugh, Faith," Xander said cautiously, "is that a cat on your shoulder or are you just happy to see us?"

Xander could have sworn the cat's head turned to him and gave him an appraising, disdainful look. The one eyed scooby blinked. Did that really just happen or was he imagining things?

Faith walked over to the table looking every bit amused by everyone's reaction. Everyone but Giles was looking at Faith with puzzled and questioning looks.

"It's good to see you again Faith," said Willow trying to sound chipper and upbeat, "who uh, who's your friend there?"

As soon as Faith come to stand next to the table the cat jumped down off her shoulder and sat down. The cat was averaged sized and completely black except for a tiny patch of white fur on it's chest. It's tail seemed just a little too long and the cat wrapped it casually around it's front. It sat with it's front legs perfectly straight and even, looking sort of regal and aristocratic like one of those statues of Egyptian cats.

"Everyone, this is Cass. A valuable member of my team," Faith said, seemingly unable to control the wide playful grin on her face.

Xander watched as the little cat seemed to look at them one by one taking a moment to examine each of their faces. When it's gaze settle on him he couldn't help but shiver a little under it's gaze.

"Ermm, yeah," said Xander skeptically, "so your cat. Does it talk?" he asked.

"I am not an 'it', you dull witted monkey," the cat said to him with it's too intelligent fixing squarely on his "you had better show a little respect."

Everyone's jaws dropped open at hearing the cat open it's mouth and speak. It's voice was deep and unmistakably male. He sounded like James Earl Jones if he had taken up smoking.

"Oh my God. It's a demon cat," said Kennedy with equal parts caution and curiosity.

"I've never met a talking cat before. Is he magical?" said Willow, sounding more excited and intrigued than cautious.

Giles just looked intently at the cat sitting regally on the table and taking his time examining each of them. "Yes, fascinating..." he muttered.

Xander however took an instant dislike to the little furball. He felt a little miffed that he – it – has just insulted him and no one had jumped to his defense. Xander was so not a dull witted monkey.

"So what does he do? Like, cough up hairballs on vampires or something?" said Xander just a little condescending.

Cass's long tail twitched in what Xander was pretty sure was a gesture of annoyance. Xander didn't know how but the cat gave him the distinct impression it was looking down it's nose at him when it turned to face him again. This made Xander even more irritated. How dare that little creep look at him all disdainful and superior-like?

"Reconnaissance, espionage, research, a bit of magic and the occasional act of sabotage. I also have a broad base of knowledge of the supernatural. What do you bring to the table, crippled human boy?"

"Hey! I'm not crippled!" said Xander, his hand subconsciously going to his eyepatch.

"Oh my Goddess! You can do magic?" said Willow, eyes suddenly bright and twinkling with excitement.

Cass looked at her, seemingly surprised by her positive reception, "Why yes. I can't do major magics, but I can do small useful things. Tracking spells, obfuscating charms, that type of thing."

"Obfu what?" asked Kennedy.

"Obfuscating charms. It's basically where you can put a spell on something to make an object or area harder to see," explained Willow.

"So you are Willow Rosenberg?" said Cass, now looking at her curiously and intently, "You've become rather famous, or infamous, in the supernatural community. Many creatures want to kill you, especially after the many Slayer debacle." Though the words were kind of menacing, Cass made it sound like a grudging compliment.

Xander didn't take it as such. "No supernatural creep is going to be hurting Willow," said Xander hotly directing his displeasure at Cass. The cat looked at him sideways and then ignored him, twitching his tail in what Xander interpreted as a dismissive gesture. That cat's attitude was really starting to get on Xander's nerves.

"Oh relax Xander. I think Cass was just trying to say something nice, in his own way," said Willow reasonably, still looking at the cat with unabashed interest and glee.

"So Faith, what sort of creature is... Cass here? Is he a demon of some sort?" asked Giles cautiously directing his question at the Boston Slayer.

"Not really. Well, sort of. Cass explains it better than I do," said Faith.

Cass let out a long suffering sigh, like this was something he had to explain much too often, "I'm not a demon. You have human experts on the supernatural here correct? You lot usually classify me as a monster," said Cass in a voice that was both patient and condescending.

Giles's face clearly showed recognition as things started clicking into place. Everyone else looked confused.

"What, what is a monster? Aren't all demons monsters?" asked Kennedy.

"Yes well, perhaps there should be a better term, referring to them as 'monsters' is rather archaic. Essentially the demons we fight are all supernatural creatures invading from other dimensions. What were traditionally known as 'monsters' in the old days were supernatural creatures native to this dimension. There are relatively few of them, but they do exist," explained Giles.

"Are they evil? I mean most demons are evil. Does that mean most monsters are evil too?" asked Xander just a little too eagerly.

"No, no, 'monsters' or perhaps 'native supernaturals' would be a better term, are never evil as such. They can often be vicious or aggressive but since they are part of this world they are part of the natural order. They would never have any inclination or motivation to create genocide or destroy the world. They tend to be more like sharks or tigers. There is no doubt they can be dangerous but they are generally no more evil than any other natural predator in our world."

"Yeah. Cass can be a vicious little creep, but he doesn't have an evil bone in his body," said Faith teasingly, looking sideways at Cass.

"I hunt and I protect my pride, I don't see where good and evil factor into this," said Cass a little crossly.

"You protect your pride?" asked Giles curiously. It seemed people were quickly starting to get used to the idea of having a conversation with a talking cat. They all had a high tolerance for weird after so many years.

"Yes, pride. Family group. Like lions, you understand?" said Cass a little annoyed, like it should be the most self-evident thing in the world. Giles blinked like that. It was a surreal experience being chastised by what looked like a household pet.

"This is so cool. What kind of 'monster' is he?" asked Kennedy, directing her question at Faith.

"He's a Shadowcat. That's why he's so good at what he does," said Faith with a hint of pride in her voice.

"A Shadowcat? Yes I've read about those. But..." said Giles, looking at Cass with a puzzled look on his face, "but he's so small."

Cass's hackles went up and he hissed angrily at Giles, making everyone jump in surprise.

"He's been cursed," explained Faith quickly, "it's a real touchy subject for him so we don't talk about it. But that's why the little shrimp is pint sized."

Cass turned and hissed at unhappily at Faith too, though it was with a lot less intensity than when he'd hissed at Giles.

"I could still kill you all in your sleep," grumbled Cass unhappily.

This might have alarmed everyone if they hadn't seen Faith roll her eyes behind Cass. She gave them all a little smile as if to say not to take what Cass had just said too seriously.

"So um, what is a Shadowcat?" asked Willow.

"I bet he can walk through walls, can't he?" said Xander, drawing from his vast knowledge of comic book lore. Only Faith and Kennedy got the little joke and looked at him with looks that were both reproachful and amused.

"What? Kitty Pryde, Shadowcat? It's too good not to comment on," he insisted.

Everyone decided to ignore him and Faith spoke up, "I'm sure Giles can probably explain it better but Cass here, and I guess all Shadowcats, can jump into shadows and move through 'em. Something about all darkness being connected in an alternate dimension or something. He can basically disappear into any shadow dark enough, walk wherever he wants to and reappear from some other shadow."

"Oooh! That's why he said he's good and espionage and sabotage and all that stuff. He can travel through this 'shadow dimension' and sneak in and out of pretty much anywhere! That is so cool," said Willow excitedly. The way Willow kept looking at Cass made Xander think the redhead wanted to take him home and keep him.

"So he can walk through walls," Xander insisted.

"No Xander. He walks through shadows. He can't walk through a wall in a bright room. Weren't you listening?" said Kennedy.

"That is really amazing," continued to gush Willow as she thought about the implications, "your kind must have really powerful magic to be able to walk in and out of another dimension all willy nilly like that. It should really be impossible. You're like totally amazing Cass."

Cass seemed to be both embarrassed and preened a little at Willow's praise. "That's not all," the cat said, obviously liking Willow's attention, "if I'm away from the sun I can create a temporary dark space that allows me to slip into shadows. Plus I can store non magical items in the shadow space and retrieve them whenever I want. It's much more convenient than the clumsy furniture and shelving you primitive bipedal types like to use."

"Don't mind him," said Faith, pulling out a chair and sitting down next to where Cass was sitting on the table, "when he gets a little flustered he starts calling everyone names. It's kind of endearing once you get used to it."

000B&FvS000

From a distance the female figure observed her companions through a window. They were among potentially hostile entities; threats to her own. Despite assurances and pleasantries the female found that certain things remained the same even after millions of years. Power. Using others to dominate and accomplish your goals. Then killing those you thought too powerful or dangerous once their use was spent.

The ancient being understood few things about these humans, so complex even though they had only the lifespan of mayflies. But the ancient being was learning. There was one thing among the many she felt she had come to understand completely. Loyalty. She had even come to embrace the concept.

Loyalty was a pact to protect each other, fight for each other always no matter the odds or circumstances. It was in an ideal case eternal, unbroken and immutable. The female knew in some ways it could be seen as folly as she may be called upon to risk certain destruction for her loyalty. But others would do the same for her. One of the humans had already proven herself capable and willing to risk certain death to preserve the ancient being. That was the one known as Faith Lehane, a human more powerful than the rest by virtue of bonding to a lower demon. Well, lower in relation to the ancient one. But then all others were lower than that.

The half-breed and the native demon were included in her circle of 'loyalty' because it suited her. They were entertaining pets if nothing else, for differing reasons. The female understood her role. First and foremost to protect the ones who she stayed and fought with.

Before they had come to this place she had tasted the emotions rolling off the one she privately thought of as just 'Faith'. All of the emotions had tasted foul to her palate. Apprehension. Old pain. Anger. Resignation. Even fear. It reeked. It was disgusting. It troubled her to taste those emotions rolling off Faith for reasons she did not fully understand. That state of affairs simply would not do.

Loyalty demanded she protect Faith Lehane from those emotions. The easiest way to do that was simple; destroy everything and everyone responsible. The ancient one would protect Faith just as Faith had once protected her.

Still, the female was not foolish; she knew Faith would be displeased if she eliminated the ones who caused her pain. Especially this 'Buffy' insect she had heard spoken of so often before. Openly attacking these parasites who wanted to borrow their powers was not an option. Human interactions were hopelessly complicated, but the ancient one was learning.

The Old One would simply bide her time. Observe. Calculate. Reflect. Monitor the situation for changes in the condition of her comrades. Those who wished to use the power of her people would soon show their true colors. Then her foolish companions would complain less when she squashed all the insignificant insects who presumed to use them for their own ends. The female understood the game. This was all about who controlled the power.

The ancient one pondered the idiocy and contradiction of the weak human mind. How they protect those who hurt them as often as they choose to kill them. The Old One thought she was beginning to understand, but even with the help of the memories of her shell the logic of it all, if there was any, still eluded her.

There was one thing she understood however. Loyalty. She would watch and she would wait and when the time is right she would deal with those who hurt them.

Even diminished her power was simply unmatched by anyone here. Fighting and killing had been a way of life for her for millions of years. She would protect. She would kill. She was without equal.

She was Illyria, God-King of the Primordium who once ruled this entire plane with unmatched power and an iron fist. Faith and to a lesser extent her two other companions were the only things she had ever cared about. Woe to those who had wronged them and thought they would escape unscathed.

000B&FvS000

A/N:

Next time on the outsiders: The scoobs meet Illyria. Cass insults everyone. Plus the two teams start having friction already.

Please support starving artists everywhere and

ReViEw!

They walked together in silence for about a minute before she felt the urge to ask about something goofy that Spike had said.

"Would Faith really hit on a tree stump? I should tell your boss lady what you say about her" she said, teasing the vampire.

"Actually, that particular event did happen once," replied Spike smoothly.

Buffy raised her eyebrows at that. "Stop pulling my leg Spike. No way Faith would do something like that," she said thought maybe not sounding one hundred percent sure of herself.

"It's true. Granted she was drunk and hallucinating because of some demon's poison but she still did it. You should have seen the racy conversation she was having with that piece of wood and the way she kept batting her eyelashes and throwing out her tits. I would have absolutely killed to have a camera that night, I tell you that much."

For the first time in what seemed like a long time, Buffy had a full genuine laugh.