Wesley followed the Professor into an office, wondering exactly what was on the other man's mind. Was this some sort of… inquiry into his motivations? A prelude to a request to allow the continued discretion of the students? An unsubtle warning to back away? He would just have to wait and see.
"Please, have a seat." The Professor gestured at a chair, while he moved around behind his desk. "And in case nobody mentioned, I am Professor Charles Xavier."
Slowly, Wesley lowered himself into the chair. It was comfortable enough, the leafy tapestry patterned covering a creation in soothing golds and greens. "I must admit to some curiosity as to your motivation."
Chuckling slightly, Xavier nodded. "Yes, I suppose you would be. I must say, this was a rather unexpected occurrence… a demon. We really aren't prepared for demons. Perhaps you could explain a bit about how you knew what was responsible, and why you chose to act?"
Wesley nodded, trying to organize his thoughts. "I assume that Evan and Kurt are not the only mutants here, especially not having seen the doctor. I am also assuming that you and the rest of the people here would prefer that information to… hmm… remain discreet. The first that I learned of… well, of this was Kurt mentioning that something had happened to one of his teachers, and that she was not waking up. Or maybe that's not the place to start…"
"But how did you know that it was a demon?" The Professor sounded rather worried, and a bit puzzled.
Wesley sighed, shifting a bit in his chair. This might take a while. "For as long as there has been recorded history, there have been things other than humans. These other things have been recorded as demons, nymphs, the source of legends and myth. Most of them are very real, and some of them are very dangerous. For almost as long, there have been people who tried to learn how to protect humans from the dangers of some of these other things, by fighting, or by magic. There is a special… well, no, that really doesn't apply. Eventually, some of these groups of protectors and learned people formed organizations, and one of those became the Council of Watchers, which has a discreet base in London. Watchers are supposed to look for dangerous demonic or vampiric activities and take measures to lessen or remove the dangers."
"How do they know? How can you be certain these dangers aren't simply mutants?" Xavier still sounded worried, but also fascinated. "And how do you know these things?"
"Years of careful study and training. Centuries of observation and careful research have produced volumes of books listing demons, their habits and their weaknesses. What they do, how dangerous they are, how to kill them… And as these books were complied centuries ago, and mention populations, it does not seem likely that they refer to mutants. And, if I may be entirely honest, if there is something that rips off heads and permits it's carnivorous spawn to gestate in the body of the deceased, I really don't care where it came from or how it's genetics look, I want it dealt with before it comes after my head and liver." Wesley sighed.
"Surely you're exaggerating… trying to create unneeded fear." The Professor looked shocked.
"No. That's a Wukuirie demon. They eat humans and other large mammals, and they gestate their young in the bodies. Very nasty. There are other demons species that have similar nasty reproductive habits… The point is that they are not killed for being different, they are killed to prevent them from killing us. There are also demons that are perfectly harmless, or harmless unless provoked, much as humans are supposed to be. Records show that there were demons fighting in both World Wars, for example." Wesley sighed. "Part of a Watcher's training is to learn those lists, or at least a general idea. To know how to observe, and to not initiate hostilities with an unknown, just in case they are not dangerous unless someone else antagonizes them."
Shaking his head, Xavier murmured "But why haven't I heard about this before?"
"Ahh… Traditionally, these things were fairly open in the Middle Ages, and as societies moved towards science and away from accepting religious and traditional teaching, people who admitted to believing in magic and demons started to be… no longer quite accepted." Wesley paused, considering how to explain. "So, demons were no longer mentioned in public, and the Watchers became known as scholars, historians, curators of museums. There isn't a great deal of defending that can be done from a lunatic asylum, and those have historically been very bad places to be."
"People… they don't really want to know." Wesley sighed, wishing that there was a good, simple explanation. "So, they… explain things away. People killed by vampires… it becomes a wild animal attack, or a serial killer, which is actually a bit true, or… well, they often get listed as 'neck ruptures' accompanied by exsanguination. Many unexplained disappearances are people who have been turned into vampires, or killed, possibly eaten by demons. Unexpected gas leaks and water contamination are used to explain seeing things that don't fit with the logical view, displays of extreme strength are ascribed to drugs or theatrical displays. Or the person convinces theirself that they didn't really see that person just sprout fangs and rip Timmy's throat out, it was just a nightmare, or a very bad joke."
"Do you suppose that some people might believe these… demons to be mutants?" Charles Xavier sounded as if he was horrified and fascinated at the same time now, much like someone viewing a car accident.
"It was never an issue historically, but considering the rising numbers of genetic mutations… I suppose that it is possible. It's also possible that visible mutations, such as Kurt, or that doctor, might be mistaken for some type of demon by other Watchers. Most Watchers… well, before I came to Bayville, I was aware of the existence of mutants, but I'd never really thought about it. I didn't see how the chance that someone's genes might be different affected my life. Most Watchers probably think of it the same way. It doesn't affect us, there is no obvious connection, so why worry?" Wesley watched the Professor as he spoke.
"But…" It was almost as if Charles Xavier had no idea how to express his reaction to that idea.
"You forget, the watchers who mainly do research don't see much of the outside world. They might be able to discuss the genetic and biological factors and effects, but that doesn't mean they would expect to see a website from someone explaining why mutants are good or bad. They would simply accept that they are, and go back to researching something useful, like antidotes to Fialla poison. Or the effects of being shot with bullets on vampires. And for those in the field, as it were, who is to say that a person walking past with oddly colored hair isn't simply making a fashion statement? Unless they appear to be contemplating destruction or violence, many Watchers are content to just… observe." Wesley found himself smiling slightly. "That is why we're called Watchers, after all. We watch things, and take notes for the future."
Xavier almost visibly shook himself out of his thoughts. "But if that's the case, why did you help them?"
"First, the idea that many Watchers are not focused on the mutant issue doesn't mean that Watchers don't care about people. Some care very much. And…" He tried to find another way to explain, but… the way he saw it, he would either be assumed to have done it for Kurt, which could lead to unpleasant questions about his motivation, or he could confess, and the questioning would at least be concerning the right person – Ororo. "I wanted to help Ororo."
"I wasn't aware that you knew her." There was something in the Professor's question.
"I don't precisely. It would be more accurate to say that I know of her." Wesley felt like cringing, but managed to remain in an outward semblance of calm.
"oh." The Professor's stunned expression was quite a memorable sight. "In that case… I believe Ororo invited you to stay for dinner?"
end part 8.
Wesley was trying to figure out what that stunned 'oh' had meant. Was it surprise that he'd been willing to help someone that he only knew of? Somehow, Wesley doubted that. So, what else could it be? He was certain that it had something to do with the mention of Ororo…
"Go ahead, Scott, you can ask him. He doesn't look that dangerous." The redhaired teenager was grinning as she tried to push the young man with the red glasses towards Wesley.
"If he…. But… Jean!" His protests, like those of many young men faced by their girlfriends, were fragmentary and ineffective.
"What precisely are you supposed to ask me?" Wesley tried to contain his amusement.
"Ah, well… Evan said some things… about that thing you fought. The demon." It was obvious that Scott was very uncomfortable with the idea of demons. "He said it took Logan down, but that you… he said you took it down."
"I had two advantages that your…. That Mister Logan did not have. The first advantage is the fact that I had researched, and knew the weak points and vulnerabilities of the demon. Knowing what to do and what to avoid can be great helps." Wesley smiled just a little. "The second advantage… While I'm not certain quite what Evan said, the dispatching of the demon was the product of teamwork, not one person with some sharp things for the purpose of decapitation. And for future reference, if you're attacked by a demon, decapitation works as a means of death for something like eighty percent of the demon species."
"Eighty?" Jean looked a bit pale, and frowned. "But… what about the other twenty percent?"
"That is where the research comes in." He couldn't resist the smile.
"And here I thought dealing with Mystique and the Brotherhood was bad…" Jean shivered. "So… to completely change the subject… Ororo asked you to stay for diner?"
"Yes. I did gather the impression that there would be… most likely most if not all of the other people here watching me to make certain… well, perhaps you would care to explain what everyone will be wondering?" Wesley decided that if Jean felt it alright to ask slightly prying questions or try to put her boyfriend up to them, then he could ask a few of his own.
"Well…. That's sort of complicated." Jean looked as if she was trying not to mention much of anything.
"It's not going to work, Jean. He's got the right to be curious. Most people would have freaked out about Kurt, about the whole mutant thing. You didn't, and you helped us. Not what we've come to expect out of anyone, especially a human… umm… you are human, right?" Scott looked a bit uncertain, as if it had only just occurred to him that the casual statement could have sounded offensive.
Wesley looked at Scott, studying him carefully as he stood there, trying hard not to fidget. Someday, this young man might be a great leader, the sort that men… and women would follow into the very jaws of hell. Maybe Scott deserved a chance to grow into being that leader. "To the best of my knowledge, all of my ancestors have been human, and I don't know of any genetic abnormalities of any sort. So, by both definitions, yes, I am human."
"That's something at least." Jean's mutter was low, and she was twisting the drawstring of her pants over and around her fingers.
"I was taught that the purpose… I was something called a Watcher. The way it was explained to me, a Watcher is supposed to help protect humanity from hostile demons. In case you're curious, that definition, in varying languages, has been in place for thousands of years, so mutants are included in that humanity. So, how could I not help?" Wesley watched them, wondering what it had taken for them to be so astounded by someone trying to help.
"And I think he's got a crush on Auntie O." Evan's voice came from behind.
Closing his eyes, Wesley counted to ten, feeling himself blush. "Thank you for sharing that observation… Didn't the blue doctor say something about the Professor wanting to talk to you?"
"Yeah, I guess he did." Evan slouched a bit as he walked towards the Professor's office.
"I'd best just… go check on the roast." Jean darted out, trying frantically to restrain her mirth.
Scott just looked at him, his eyes unreadable due to those red glasses. "So… Ororo, huh? I can see it. Good luck."
Wesley sighed, and tried to find a suitable couch or chair to sit on. Maybe if he closed his eyes and was very quiet, he could escape any further embarrassment before dinner?
End part 9.
"Please, have a seat." The Professor gestured at a chair, while he moved around behind his desk. "And in case nobody mentioned, I am Professor Charles Xavier."
Slowly, Wesley lowered himself into the chair. It was comfortable enough, the leafy tapestry patterned covering a creation in soothing golds and greens. "I must admit to some curiosity as to your motivation."
Chuckling slightly, Xavier nodded. "Yes, I suppose you would be. I must say, this was a rather unexpected occurrence… a demon. We really aren't prepared for demons. Perhaps you could explain a bit about how you knew what was responsible, and why you chose to act?"
Wesley nodded, trying to organize his thoughts. "I assume that Evan and Kurt are not the only mutants here, especially not having seen the doctor. I am also assuming that you and the rest of the people here would prefer that information to… hmm… remain discreet. The first that I learned of… well, of this was Kurt mentioning that something had happened to one of his teachers, and that she was not waking up. Or maybe that's not the place to start…"
"But how did you know that it was a demon?" The Professor sounded rather worried, and a bit puzzled.
Wesley sighed, shifting a bit in his chair. This might take a while. "For as long as there has been recorded history, there have been things other than humans. These other things have been recorded as demons, nymphs, the source of legends and myth. Most of them are very real, and some of them are very dangerous. For almost as long, there have been people who tried to learn how to protect humans from the dangers of some of these other things, by fighting, or by magic. There is a special… well, no, that really doesn't apply. Eventually, some of these groups of protectors and learned people formed organizations, and one of those became the Council of Watchers, which has a discreet base in London. Watchers are supposed to look for dangerous demonic or vampiric activities and take measures to lessen or remove the dangers."
"How do they know? How can you be certain these dangers aren't simply mutants?" Xavier still sounded worried, but also fascinated. "And how do you know these things?"
"Years of careful study and training. Centuries of observation and careful research have produced volumes of books listing demons, their habits and their weaknesses. What they do, how dangerous they are, how to kill them… And as these books were complied centuries ago, and mention populations, it does not seem likely that they refer to mutants. And, if I may be entirely honest, if there is something that rips off heads and permits it's carnivorous spawn to gestate in the body of the deceased, I really don't care where it came from or how it's genetics look, I want it dealt with before it comes after my head and liver." Wesley sighed.
"Surely you're exaggerating… trying to create unneeded fear." The Professor looked shocked.
"No. That's a Wukuirie demon. They eat humans and other large mammals, and they gestate their young in the bodies. Very nasty. There are other demons species that have similar nasty reproductive habits… The point is that they are not killed for being different, they are killed to prevent them from killing us. There are also demons that are perfectly harmless, or harmless unless provoked, much as humans are supposed to be. Records show that there were demons fighting in both World Wars, for example." Wesley sighed. "Part of a Watcher's training is to learn those lists, or at least a general idea. To know how to observe, and to not initiate hostilities with an unknown, just in case they are not dangerous unless someone else antagonizes them."
Shaking his head, Xavier murmured "But why haven't I heard about this before?"
"Ahh… Traditionally, these things were fairly open in the Middle Ages, and as societies moved towards science and away from accepting religious and traditional teaching, people who admitted to believing in magic and demons started to be… no longer quite accepted." Wesley paused, considering how to explain. "So, demons were no longer mentioned in public, and the Watchers became known as scholars, historians, curators of museums. There isn't a great deal of defending that can be done from a lunatic asylum, and those have historically been very bad places to be."
"People… they don't really want to know." Wesley sighed, wishing that there was a good, simple explanation. "So, they… explain things away. People killed by vampires… it becomes a wild animal attack, or a serial killer, which is actually a bit true, or… well, they often get listed as 'neck ruptures' accompanied by exsanguination. Many unexplained disappearances are people who have been turned into vampires, or killed, possibly eaten by demons. Unexpected gas leaks and water contamination are used to explain seeing things that don't fit with the logical view, displays of extreme strength are ascribed to drugs or theatrical displays. Or the person convinces theirself that they didn't really see that person just sprout fangs and rip Timmy's throat out, it was just a nightmare, or a very bad joke."
"Do you suppose that some people might believe these… demons to be mutants?" Charles Xavier sounded as if he was horrified and fascinated at the same time now, much like someone viewing a car accident.
"It was never an issue historically, but considering the rising numbers of genetic mutations… I suppose that it is possible. It's also possible that visible mutations, such as Kurt, or that doctor, might be mistaken for some type of demon by other Watchers. Most Watchers… well, before I came to Bayville, I was aware of the existence of mutants, but I'd never really thought about it. I didn't see how the chance that someone's genes might be different affected my life. Most Watchers probably think of it the same way. It doesn't affect us, there is no obvious connection, so why worry?" Wesley watched the Professor as he spoke.
"But…" It was almost as if Charles Xavier had no idea how to express his reaction to that idea.
"You forget, the watchers who mainly do research don't see much of the outside world. They might be able to discuss the genetic and biological factors and effects, but that doesn't mean they would expect to see a website from someone explaining why mutants are good or bad. They would simply accept that they are, and go back to researching something useful, like antidotes to Fialla poison. Or the effects of being shot with bullets on vampires. And for those in the field, as it were, who is to say that a person walking past with oddly colored hair isn't simply making a fashion statement? Unless they appear to be contemplating destruction or violence, many Watchers are content to just… observe." Wesley found himself smiling slightly. "That is why we're called Watchers, after all. We watch things, and take notes for the future."
Xavier almost visibly shook himself out of his thoughts. "But if that's the case, why did you help them?"
"First, the idea that many Watchers are not focused on the mutant issue doesn't mean that Watchers don't care about people. Some care very much. And…" He tried to find another way to explain, but… the way he saw it, he would either be assumed to have done it for Kurt, which could lead to unpleasant questions about his motivation, or he could confess, and the questioning would at least be concerning the right person – Ororo. "I wanted to help Ororo."
"I wasn't aware that you knew her." There was something in the Professor's question.
"I don't precisely. It would be more accurate to say that I know of her." Wesley felt like cringing, but managed to remain in an outward semblance of calm.
"oh." The Professor's stunned expression was quite a memorable sight. "In that case… I believe Ororo invited you to stay for dinner?"
end part 8.
Wesley was trying to figure out what that stunned 'oh' had meant. Was it surprise that he'd been willing to help someone that he only knew of? Somehow, Wesley doubted that. So, what else could it be? He was certain that it had something to do with the mention of Ororo…
"Go ahead, Scott, you can ask him. He doesn't look that dangerous." The redhaired teenager was grinning as she tried to push the young man with the red glasses towards Wesley.
"If he…. But… Jean!" His protests, like those of many young men faced by their girlfriends, were fragmentary and ineffective.
"What precisely are you supposed to ask me?" Wesley tried to contain his amusement.
"Ah, well… Evan said some things… about that thing you fought. The demon." It was obvious that Scott was very uncomfortable with the idea of demons. "He said it took Logan down, but that you… he said you took it down."
"I had two advantages that your…. That Mister Logan did not have. The first advantage is the fact that I had researched, and knew the weak points and vulnerabilities of the demon. Knowing what to do and what to avoid can be great helps." Wesley smiled just a little. "The second advantage… While I'm not certain quite what Evan said, the dispatching of the demon was the product of teamwork, not one person with some sharp things for the purpose of decapitation. And for future reference, if you're attacked by a demon, decapitation works as a means of death for something like eighty percent of the demon species."
"Eighty?" Jean looked a bit pale, and frowned. "But… what about the other twenty percent?"
"That is where the research comes in." He couldn't resist the smile.
"And here I thought dealing with Mystique and the Brotherhood was bad…" Jean shivered. "So… to completely change the subject… Ororo asked you to stay for diner?"
"Yes. I did gather the impression that there would be… most likely most if not all of the other people here watching me to make certain… well, perhaps you would care to explain what everyone will be wondering?" Wesley decided that if Jean felt it alright to ask slightly prying questions or try to put her boyfriend up to them, then he could ask a few of his own.
"Well…. That's sort of complicated." Jean looked as if she was trying not to mention much of anything.
"It's not going to work, Jean. He's got the right to be curious. Most people would have freaked out about Kurt, about the whole mutant thing. You didn't, and you helped us. Not what we've come to expect out of anyone, especially a human… umm… you are human, right?" Scott looked a bit uncertain, as if it had only just occurred to him that the casual statement could have sounded offensive.
Wesley looked at Scott, studying him carefully as he stood there, trying hard not to fidget. Someday, this young man might be a great leader, the sort that men… and women would follow into the very jaws of hell. Maybe Scott deserved a chance to grow into being that leader. "To the best of my knowledge, all of my ancestors have been human, and I don't know of any genetic abnormalities of any sort. So, by both definitions, yes, I am human."
"That's something at least." Jean's mutter was low, and she was twisting the drawstring of her pants over and around her fingers.
"I was taught that the purpose… I was something called a Watcher. The way it was explained to me, a Watcher is supposed to help protect humanity from hostile demons. In case you're curious, that definition, in varying languages, has been in place for thousands of years, so mutants are included in that humanity. So, how could I not help?" Wesley watched them, wondering what it had taken for them to be so astounded by someone trying to help.
"And I think he's got a crush on Auntie O." Evan's voice came from behind.
Closing his eyes, Wesley counted to ten, feeling himself blush. "Thank you for sharing that observation… Didn't the blue doctor say something about the Professor wanting to talk to you?"
"Yeah, I guess he did." Evan slouched a bit as he walked towards the Professor's office.
"I'd best just… go check on the roast." Jean darted out, trying frantically to restrain her mirth.
Scott just looked at him, his eyes unreadable due to those red glasses. "So… Ororo, huh? I can see it. Good luck."
Wesley sighed, and tried to find a suitable couch or chair to sit on. Maybe if he closed his eyes and was very quiet, he could escape any further embarrassment before dinner?
End part 9.