Part 21?

Xander was internally reviewing current events. He was sitting at the same table as The Champion against The First, Duncan, who was perhaps the only person who could actually defeat The First. He had met Duncan, who was now one of his teachers, by Methos, his other, and main teacher.

That in and of itself was quite a coincidence, yet even with the knowledge of who Duncan was, they knew next to nothing on how to defeat The First. Given time, and a lot of research, that could have been resolved. However, it was more than likely that The First would not give them the necessary time to mount any sort of defense, let alone any type of offense.

Their remedy to that small problem was currently sitting next to him and staring at him intently. The fact that both of his Immortal teachers knew her was another coincidence that he wasn't willing to let go of just yet. An even more troubling thought was that they had already contacted her to help out with 'another matter,' that being him. Although that was a thought for another time.

She had said earlier that she had been researching on how to defeat Arahman, who apparently was also known as The First, or should that be the other way around? 'So the one person that can defeat The First is sitting in the same room as the person who may know how to accomplish this gargantuan task.' Things were going to come to a head, and it was going to happen soon. Not only that, but he knew it would be The First who would be the first to strike.

Things needed to be planned out, and it needed to be done now. But there was something that was still bothering him. Well, bothering him more than Cassandra staring at him so intently it felt as though he soul was being scrutinized.

"What?" The question seemed to pull her out of her trance. She began to shake her head, as though she had to clear the cobwebs out and refocus.

"I'm sorry. It's just…never mind. It can be discussed later."

Normally, a statement like that would never have been the end of the discussion. But they had more important things to consider. He just sighed while shaking his head before he got the ball rolling.

"Later?" She simply nodded, and he responded in kind. "Fine." He glanced at Duncan before turning his attention back to the immortal seer. "I'm hoping that between you and Duncan we can defeat The First."

His hopes were dashed as she began to answer in the negative. "I'm afraid that's not the case." She looked around the table at the alarmed expressions being directed towards her. "I'm sorry, but in such a short time I was not able to locate either of the two artifacts capable of destroying Arahman, I mean, The First." Both Duncan and Methos looked quite crestfallen but Xander looked almost hopeful. She continued, trying to lift Duncan's mood, and to a smaller degree Methos' mood as well. After what she had seen of him in her visions, she had to give him some leeway. No matter how torn it made her.

"While we can't destroy The First, we can hold it off. We may be able to keep it from doing anyone any harm for a few centuries. But I am not powerful enough of a Witch to give us more than a few hundred years."

Of the three Immortals listening, the two elder Immortals found themselves much more lighthearted. A few hundred years would hopefully be more than enough time to find and gather the necessary tools to take care of The First permanently. Xander, on the other hand had a shit eating grin plastered on his face.

'Time to test a theory here.' Xander cleared his throat which gained everyone's attention.

"What, by chance, would those artifacts be?" Giles and the New Watchers Council had tons of artifacts, and if he was correct, they'd have what they needed to put a plan into motion.

"Well, there are only two objects, imbued with the proper power, that would be capable of destroying The First when combined with Duncan." Seeing them all nod along, while Methos and Xander shot Duncan an odd look, Cassandra continued. "One such object was said to be given to the Champion that was to face Arahman's, or The First's, armies. She is also known as 'The Chosen One.' A weapon was placed in her protection that would be passed from generation to generation. If the weapon's full power is used, in conjunction with Duncan, it will be enough to destroy The First." Adam and Duncan's eyes were almost bulging as grins similar to Xander's were overtaking their faces. The fact that Xander no longer had his grin on his own face wiped the other grins off theirs.

Xander spoke in almost a growl. "That Bitch!" Everyone looked at Xander with wide eyes and worried expressions. Noticing the looks he was getting, he relented, "We were duped into using the 'Slayer Scythe,' as we called it." Cassandra's eyes became laced with worry.

"We were facing down an army of Turok 'Han. Buffy," He looked over at Cassandra, "She was one of two Slayers at the time, came up with the notion that in order to win we needed to form an army of Slayers. We used the Scythe and a very powerful Witch to turn every potential slayer into an active one." Cassandra became quite a bit paler, this was a lot for her to take in. "The fact that she had this epiphany after having a battle of wits with The First should really have clued us in." He finished up by slamming his hand onto the table while letting out a curse of frustration.

Trying to diffuse the current mood, Cassandra went on trying to relay information on the other artifact.

"Well, the only other artifact, that I know of, will be quite a bit harder to find. And even harder to take possession of." Sensing the curious expressions she was receiving, she went on. "It's an amulet that is supposedly in the possession of some extremely powerful demons. It's an amulet that was…" She was suddenly cut off by a loud cry of disbelief.

"SHIT!" All of their heads snapped towards Xander. He just stood up and started pacing while mumbling incoherently to himself.

Methos was the first to speak up. "Are you kidding me? Let me guess you've had, and used, the only two objects that may be able to rid us of The First?" Xander never answered he just continually mumbled to himself.

The other three Immortals just shook their head in disbelief. The occasional, 'Stupid fuckin' Dead Boy' could be heard coming from Xander's general direction. Finally, Cassandra let out a sigh.

"Well, I suppose for now all we can do is hold The First at bay for as long as it takes to come up with some other way." The two other Immortals still seated at the table simply nodded in agreement. "Perhaps in another few thousand years, Duncan, I will be powerful enough that you and I can take out The First permanently."

The sound of Xander's mumbling fell silent as did his footsteps. All three of the Immortals brought their attention to the youngest Immortal among them to see his 'shit eating grin' back in place.

His grin became a genuine smile. The others couldn't help but to see the light shining in his eyes and smile back.

"So…is lack of power the only real thing holding us back?"

"Yes…I believe it is."

Xander's smile grew even more.

'You see, I knew there was no such thing as a coincidence.'