Disclaimer: I do not own BTVS or Highlander. They belong to their creators and the companies that helped bring them to life. No profit will be made off this story.

By: Fire Wolfe

Lost Connections

Part 20 OH Shit!

They arrived at Janice's house and saw her and Dawn safely inside. Janice's mother thanked both Faith and Buffy and wanted to know if they would come in for a snack and movie night. As much as the idea held appeal Buffy knew they needed to see what was going on. Traverse as demon was going to be an issue.

Jacob pulled out his cell phone. He had thought it an expensive indulgence at first. Now however he was glad of it. He dialed the call to England and tried hard not to think how much it was going to cost.

Unlike many he on the council he was not frivolous with money. However he wanted to warn Devon about Travers because this had to be a recent thing or their wards would have gone off when he visited a month ago.

When his father answered he quickly filled him in. The elder frowned and took down the information. "I'll pass the word son." The call had been short as cell reception in Sunnydale was unfortunately limited. However Jacob felt a lot better for making the call.

He noted his sister seemed tense. It was clear this town was setting off her as deeply as it did him. He felt like his skin was crawling. Looking around he noted that no one walking about seemed to notice the feeling of evil.

This place was truly vile. He looked at his sister and could tell that the darkness was not just something he was sensing. He wondered once more how those like the slayer could stand it. He knew that this slayer more than most was grounded in good. While many on the council might berate Buffy Summers she had stayed on the hell mouth.

It amazed him really because technically she was not the slayer anymore. She had not been since she died at the hands of the Master. Yet she stayed and fought. She had sent her lover to hell.

Granted he had been a demon but still. He looked over at his sister and thought of his wife. He knew he would never be able to kill either if they had been turned. While it was true that Angel had been a vampire when they met she had not realized it.

That he found disturbing. He and the witches had discussed it in detail. Her slayer senses should have detected him either with or without a soul.

Yet somehow the slayer had been fooled. Jacqueline thought something had interfered and wanted the vampire with the slayer. That thought was deeply disturbing. Because only a higher power could mask a vampire like Angel. It made him wonder if something or someone had not been stacking the deck against her? Or maybe there was more to Buffy Summers then they knew. It was definitely something to think about.

Buffy and Faith left Janice's secure in the idea that Dawn and her friends would be safe enough. They needed answers and unfortunately that meant speaking with Adam and their grandfather in greater depth.

It was rather strange to Buffy not lost on Buffy that she was far more content to leave Dawn with Janice's family then with her and the gang right now.

Then again there were no guarantees that Adam or even these new people were of the good. She and Faith had agreed on that. If that did not mean they were both becoming jaded and cynical...ok maybe Faith was influencing her a bit.

But, better keep Dawn I have not been kidnapped this week yet ,safe than sorry.

Because right now the only family Buffy trusted was her mom the gang and her sister Faith. That at least she could agree with Adam on. It was past time she admitted it to herself and maybe even to Faith they were family.

Bound by destiny. Hell they were bound by blood too. Lord knows they had shed enough of it their own and the demon worlds. So they needed to accept and act it. She could deal with another little sister. The thought made her smile.

Faith saw it and said. "What's the smile for B?"

"I gota agree with Adam on one thing. I always did want another sister. I mean I love Dawn but really..."

Faith grinned and then slugged her. "She's just a kid and I'm a slayer who is hot and has super powers. Plus I get the hungry and hornies which as responsible big sisters we so cannot tell little D about."

"Exactly." Buffy said. "Sides, you and I can share cloths. Dawn is just to freaky tall."

They were both laughing when they approached the school. Their good moods would soon be soured as vampires jumped out and attacked.

"Gzzz...just one fucking night!" Faith said as she hit the closest vamp. He flew back and Buffy staked him with a grin. "Well we are doing the bonding thing."

"Oh kicky B." Faith said with a grin. Ok it was not so bad. I mean some of the guys with Duncan were hotties. I could so tie up that Nick."

"He's a cop." Buffy said "And taken."

"Yeah that sucked." Faith said with a grin. "What about the dude on the bike?"

"Cute, but youngish."

Faith laughed and said. "Not for us but for D."

"Oh, no we aren't setting her up."

They fought. "But Be he's cute and immortal, might be a good trait in a guy for her."

Buffy thought about it. "Ok Point."

Several more vamps attacked and were quickly dust. They seemed insulted that they were not the main focus of the situation.

Buffy grinned. "Connor he was cute. I saw you watching him."

"Yeah, well kind of...but he looked all wholesome..."

"OK, your reason for Richie cool but the same for Connor you know."

"I'll think on it." Faith said with a grin. "Maybe I could take him for a test ride."

Just then they heard Duncan drive up. They looked over which proved to be a mistake as several more vampires came out. "Well well slayer. Yum, I hear you all are tasty. It is almost a shame we have to kill you both. You would make lovely concubines."

Buffy turned "Ewww, man talk about low class. What are you all gangster vamps? Can't find a more original line?"

"Yeah, they gota be from 40's old suits much. Man you all are behind the times dudes." Faith quipped.

"No, we are simple business men. The suits well let's just say I like them. I am actually a lot older then the 50's. Well now on to do what we came here for. Well enough small talk. Boys if you will." The leader said. The two suits next to him pulled out several high-powered hand guns and fired. "We simply have a contract to finish."

He watched as his team fired onto the chosen two.

Duncan slammed on the breaks and everyone jumped out racing to help the slayers. Buffy dove pushing Faith out of the way. However the weapons unlike the vampires were state of the art.

The bullets ripped through her and Faith casing them both to fall. Faith Caught Buffy after the first shot. It had gone through her and into Faith but she rolled taking the next bullet. She was just as protective as her big sister.

Both slayers hit the ground gasping for breath. The vampires turned hearing the car and opened fire. The pistols tossed aside as they pulled out machine guns.

Nick pulled his pistol and fired at them. Instinct had the vampires ducking for cover and firing back. Howard ran forward as a bullet hit him in the chest. He went down cursing. "Damn it I liked this suit." He died instantly.

Connor and Duncan pulled swords. Richie raced forward pulling a wheeling distracting the vampires who fired on him. He spun out jumping off and the bike went flying into two of the vamps exploding as they had hit the gas tank.

He rolled and hurried to check on Faith and Buffy. Both were bleeding. Buffy rolled over and pulled Faith to her. "Don't die...it's the first rule Faith...you have to ..."Even as she said that she collapsed her own life ending even as her sisters did.

Travers watched from the bell tower and smiled. "Well that takes care of my slayer problem. Now the next potential is here in town you say Mr. Copper?"

"Yes sir. I am glad you decided Lehane was not viable. She was a cheeky bitch. That is one thing I have to agree with cousin Caleb on. Women now days are just to forward."

"Yes, slayers should know their places. I am sure the new girl will be far more biddable."

"Indeed one could hope sir." the two watchers sipped their tea as chaos erupted below.

At Janice's Dawn was helping get the snack ready. "Darn it this jar is too tight."

"Let me help. I'm a pro...Buffy is always putting lids on to tight."Dawn said.

She took the jar from her best friend and began to turn it. She went to turn it and at first there was resistance then it suddenly came flying off. Dawn froze as power flooded into her. "Oh shit!"

TBC…