Joyce didn't know if Emma had originally scheduled her appointments and then not changed them after arranging to meet with the Watcher, or if she'd changed them to keep her busy before the meeting. Either way, she didn't have much free time for fretting and fidgeting. Instead, she had an appointment with one of Emma's lawyers to make a new will, one that took her divorce and relocation into consideration. Hank no longer received custody of the girls, or of any of her possessions, or any money that she might accumulate. There had also been an evaluation with Emma's personal trainer, who had promised to develop an exercise program, one that would be compatible with her impending martial arts lessons. While Emma had also murmured something about gun lessons, so far nothing had been scheduled to Joyce's knowledge. As much as she'd like to have nothing to do with guns, there might be some sense in using a gun against super-strong monsters.
This didn't even take into account the need to find a new dress for Irene's showing. After five hours and dozens of little boutiques, Emma had talked her into this lovely blue number, a dress that Emma hadn't let her see the price tag for, or the receipt. After all, the dress fit wonderfully, and Emma had more money than she could spend, why should Joyce worry about such things? And what good was all that money if Emma couldn't buy her girlfriend a present or two on occasion? Logic could be dangerous in Emma's hands, or lips, as the case may be.
"So, what time is the Watcher supposed to be here, and are we sure that having him in your home is wise?" Joyce asked Emma as she put together some sandwiches.
"Six, and I'm fairly certain that he can't cause any more problems meeting here than if we meet anywhere else," Emma replied.
Joyce sighed, wondering why Emma's answer didn't do more to reassure her. Oh yes, it was because the man could still cause plenty of problems here. "And him meeting the girls is a good idea?"
"The perverted stalker was certain that Slayers should be alone, with nobody to care about them, nobody but their Watcher to protect them, and certainly no family. It's best to make certain that this one knows right away that Buffy has a family and will remain part of a family. And if he can't cope with or behave around a family, then he has to go," Emma insisted.
She suspected that Emma would help the man leave or even something more final if needed. Joyce decided to dwell on concerns about this upcoming meeting, rather than letting her mind wander along the various awful avenues of a Slayer – a teenage girl – with only one person, some significantly older man who had been trained in observation, perhaps even voyeuristic observation. Perhaps even only the Watcher knowing who the Slayer was, where she was, her only contact with the rest of the world other than violence… No, best worry about sandwiches to snack on, if the girls had made any progress on their homework, if they would remember to behave at dinner.
"And the reason why we aren't having him meet Jem and Ash?" Joyce prompted.
"Neither of them know the extent of my abilities, and I'd rather they not learn that I can alter the man's memories if necessary. And on the remote chance that he's both awful and resistant to my telepathic tampering – which is unlikely, but possible – then we have two capable individuals working for us that he can't identify," Emma gave Joyce a little smile, and flipped a lock of hair out of her face, "It will be all right. One way or another."
Joyce smiled back, feeling much less confident. "I hope you're right, Emma."
"Of course I'm right."
Phillip Mooreland stepped out of the taxicab with a murmur of thanks for the ride, handing over a little more than the required fare. Wrapped in plain brown paper, he carried a copy of one of the Watcher's basic texts on demons under his arm. Good manners suggested that a guest brought his hostess a gift, and as he well knew that Emma Frost could afford to buy herself any ordinary object or service she might desire, only exotic things would be of benefit. A small sample of the knowledge that he had available seemed like the best offering at this time. He wouldn't be able to repeat his words to the cab driver if asked, but there were times when years of training and practice of 'appropriate manners' could cover many things. Nervousness, anger, fear, pain… awe.
The home of Emma Frost was a beautiful, sprawling mansion covered in pale stone, with rising Corinthian columns at the front of the large porch. The grounds were manicured, with an assortment of neatly trimmed shrubberies, many of them sporting white blossoms. A gentle breeze carried the scents of damp grass, roses, and juniper. Everything spoke of elegance, money, power and the habit of being listened to when speaking to someone.
It told him to be very cautious in his actions and words. This property spoke of old money, old power. Old money also meant a degree of ruthlessness, of shrewd observations and practice at reading and manipulating people. The woman who owned and commanded all of this had become a guardian, formal and legal or not, of the Slayer. As an American, she wouldn't have the ingrained habits and traditions that he was most familiar with using. And there would be no subtle respect for the Council – if anything, Claybourne would have put him and the whole Council at a serious disadvantage.
This would be a very important meeting, and not one that would by any stretch of the imagination be considered 'easy'. He couldn't ruin this chance, because Emma Frost not only didn't give the impression of being forgiving and generous with second chances, her reputation backed up that impression. He'd done a bit of research on her after that lunch meeting, not wanting to be as uninformed during his second meeting as he had been at their first.
Her reputation was every bit as ruthless as the most skilled master vampire, though a good deal less violent. In fact, nobody could prove that Emma Frost had ever done anything technically illegal. Not that it lessened the misery of those who had crossed her – she had the money, connections and ruthlessness to leave them penniless, unemployed, and their reputations in tatters. A fate much worse than mere death for many people.
He wasn't the least bit surprised that the door was opened by a servant, a fairly unremarkable looking fellow. Perhaps mid-thirties, brown eyes, dark brown hair, signs of moderate exercise… he wouldn't be surprised if the man had some measure of combat training in case of unfriendly visitors. Drawing on manners to cover his uncertainty, he offered, "My name is Phillip Mooreland, Ms. Frost requested my presence tonight at six."
With a small frown, the man gestured for him to enter the building, "I was told to expect company this evening."
Phillip was led through the house, the interior as elegant and expensive as the outside. The servant brought him to a sitting room, decorated in pale wood paneling and furniture, with white and pale green fabrics. He knew that he'd feel worried about staining things if he spent much time in this room, a worry that might leave him off balance and awkward… which could well be the whole idea.
"Please wait here," the servant, who still hadn't introduced himself, murmured before leaving the room.
Phillip didn't quite feel confident enough to sit on any of the furniture, so he drifted around the room, looking at a variety of decorative objects. Some of them, like the silver edged oval mirror, were merely a part of the décor, while the delicate pale wooden carving of nested wooden balls was at least far more intricate. It could have been something collected on a journey, or a gift, or simply a more expensive and delicate bit of decorating. Knowing when and how it had been acquired might have told him something useful about Ms. Frost.
"I do hope that you haven't been waiting very long," the cultured tones of Ms. Frost, while carrying an American accent, would not have been out of place in an old British manor. Her words and tone were polite, but made it clear that this was her territory, where she made the rules. He was a guest, permitted only so long as he did not make a nuisance of himself.
Phillip turned to look at her, unsurprised at the fact that she was clad entirely in white. The blouse looked to be made of white lace, and a part of him very much wanted to take a closer look to see what she might or might not be wearing beneath it. She had a white skirt that went to her knees, something that would have looked quite conservative if not for the off center slit that ran to her upper left thigh, and strappy white heels. Her appearance was the beautiful ice woman who wasn't quite touchable but was oh so tempting. Her reputation made it clear that Emma Frost always wore white, and nobody bent her to their will.
With a smile and half bow, Phillip held out the book and murmured, "I haven't been waiting long at all, Ms. Frost."
Accepting the book with a small smile, she spoke again, "Come this way. Joyce persuaded me that there are more comfortable rooms for our chat."
Following her from the room, Phillip had two main thoughts. The first was that it would be a pleasure to follow a woman like this anywhere, even to certain doom – the view would almost be worth it. The second was to wonder about Joyce, and exactly what influence she held over Emma Frost.
End part 36.
Joyce smiled when Emma sauntered into the room, Phillip Mooreland in his grey suit looking very David Bowie-like as he followed her. She had no doubts that Emma had another admirer, at least for the short term. "Hello, Mr. Mooreland. Emma told me how your talk the other afternoon went, and I must say that you sound a good deal more reasonable than that other person."
He murmured, "I have heard more than a few rumors of Claybourne possessing several lackluster traits, and a few personal failings. He was several years ahead of me through the Watcher training, and did clash several times with a cousin of mine concerning a variety of petty issues that I tended to dismiss. Mostly because they were of an age where one's tastes in music and beer are of greater importance than other issues. As Claybourne was never a close acquaintance, I was not in a position to either be certain of the truth of these rumors or to have any significant form of influence over his behavior. Nonetheless, I do apologize, on behalf of the Council, for any dismay or concern that he may have caused you and your family."
Phillip Mooreland paused for a few moments with a thoughtful expression before asking, "You are Joyce Summers, mother of the current Slayer?"
"I am Joyce Summers, mother of Buffy Summers, who has recently had people calling her a Slayer and telling her she needs to go fight monsters. I still want more information on what makes anyone think that Buffy is this Slayer, why my daughter, and just what has been done by your Council to help her," Joyce frowned, reminding herself not to rant at him just yet. "I also have a younger daughter, Dawn."
"I do apologize if I have given offense. My understanding is that the Head of the Council announced that the current Slayer, identified to field Watchers as Buffy Summers, was moving to a town in California – the name was something like Sunnyvale. The very limited information provided about Buffy Summers did not mention her having a younger sister," he paused, a look of mild embarrassment briefly appearing before fading back to a polite blankness. "I fear that it only mentioned the names of her parents, and did not include pictures, while there was a photograph of Buffy. I suspect that it was based on an organized annual school photograph."
"Why would the Head of the Council be claiming that we would be going there?" Joyce looked at him. The name didn't sound familiar to her at all. Then again, she hadn't even looked for other places in California to move, she'd just called Emma. Maybe if she hadn't called Emma, then she would have started looking for other places to live, probably places less expensive than Los Angeles. But that still didn't explain why, of all the places in California, she would have gone to somewhere called Sunnyvale, or whatever the name might actually be.
Phillip Mooreland opened his mouth, but paused without actually speaking. He then closed his mouth and was silent for a few moments before admitting, "I simply assumed that he had been given some sort of information leading to that conclusion. Field Watchers are supposed to give regular updates about demon movements, organized vampire activities, and the major activities of an active Slayer. Historical precedent suggests that the most likely information source would be the previous Watcher informing the Council of an intent to move to this other town, probably either declared by you as the custodial parent or from a Slayer intending to separate from her family."
"Buffy told me that the Watcher she had in Los Angeles was killed," Emma's voice was calm. "This makes it far less likely that he would be reporting such claims to anyone. Unless your Council regularly receives updates from deceased members?"
"I don't think that I've even heard the name of the town before. I certainly wasn't planning on moving there," Joyce shook her head. "Perhaps that's a question for later. Could you please explain to me why several members of your Council believe my daughter to be this Chosen Slayer?"
"From your phrasing, I shall take the question to mean that you aren't entirely convinced, and want more information, rather than interpreting it as a suggestion that the Council are all crazed stalkers." Phillip Mooreland paused, before admitting, "It does sound rather implausible at first, that a young woman can have that much sitting on her shoulders."
"That's one way to describe it." Joyce murmured, before adding in a normal voice "Do sit down, I have the feeling that this might be a long explanation."
"The Council has existed in its present form for close to six hundred years, but there are records that indicate it was based on an older organization, or perhaps several older systems. The ones most often mentioned in the records are described as a secretive order within the Roman Catholic Church, intended to protect humanity from demons, often supporting a chosen and blessed warrior, always a young woman. There are also records of a semi-religious sect that operated during the Roman Empire, one that held Mars and Diana as their patron deities. That group was also described as helping and supporting a warrior woman, empowered by the gods. Some of the foreign texts that we've found and translated mention similar groups among pre-British conquest India, and in ancient Greece there were both stories of Amazons and tales of women blessed by Artemis, there are mentions of warrior women of incredible strength among ancient Mesopotamian cultures. Wherever the stories are from, they all speak of powerful women warriors fighting against the demons of their culture, against unspeakable dangers. While I haven't been able to make such studies myself, I strongly suspect that there would be similar stories from the Far East. The point of all of this is to make it clear that the idea of a Slayer, someone chosen and empowered, is not a new thing, not something that the Council I belong to created," he explained.
"From what you've just said, it sounds like a very old idea. One that was probably handled differently in each place," Joyce admitted. What he said might explain some of the ancient art that she'd seen in museums and textbooks. Murals and mosaics of small figures with weapons, of women and monsters where the women weren't cowering in fear or being rescued by an armored man appropriate to the time.
"As much as I would be delighted to learn of more, everything I've seen suggests that there is only one Slayer at a time, only one in the whole world. When one Slayer dies, another is Chosen, is given the power. Before you ask, I am not aware of what chooses this one instead of that one, though there is speculation that a new Slayer will always be in a place where there is need of a defender against monsters."
Joyce caught Emma's small nod, and the words slipped into her mind – He's telling the truth about not knowing how or why one girl is chosen instead of another. That doesn't mean that someone else might know, but he's been honest to the best of his knowledge thus far.
"Which means that you don't know why Buffy would be the Slayer instead of someone else. But how do you identify who the Slayer is, especially if you don't know who or where in advance?" Joyce asked.
Starting to make a gesture, Phillip Mooreland seemed to remember the brown-wrapped shape in his hands. Turning towards Emma, he held the package towards her, "A gift for my hostess. While I do admit that it isn't pleasant reading, this is a copy of one of the basic compendiums of demons. It contains descriptions with artists' renderings, an explanation of their habitat and normal behavior, and the important parts – warnings of any special powers or poisons, and the details of how they may be killed. Unfortunately, there are many more demons and dangers than those covered in this book, but it should begin to give you an understanding of some of the less widely known dangers of this world."
"I'm sure that it will be appreciated. One of our biggest objections to this mess is that Claybourne expected to simply be able to run everything, as he would be and remain the only one who knew what was going on," Emma accepted the package.
"The strategy seems fairly direct…" with a shake of his head, Phillip added, "But it would cause problems in the longer term. Especially if he didn't build some sort of trust or good-will."
"You almost sound as if you approve of such a strategy, in the short term." Emma's words held the emotionless chill that Joyce recognized as Emma discussing unpleasant associates at work.
"Ms. Frost, with your experience in matters corporate and educational, I am certain that you have encountered strategies that, while effective, were not pleasant. You must also have encountered people who were willing to sacrifice the longer term benefits for short term results." Phillip Mooreland paused long enough for Emma to nod. "Too often, with a Slayer, there is no longer term. Some have only served as a Slayer for a few months. After the demise of a Slayer, her field Watcher is generally recalled to the Council Headquarters, with a notice sent out to all areas that the Slayer has fallen. Said Watcher may or may not return to fieldwork after a thorough debriefing. Which means that the longer term wouldn't matter to some Watchers. Many feel that the short term is sufficient, because in the longer term, there will always be a Slayer. Somewhere."
"I have encountered such ruthless individuals before," Emma's voice was still cold. "Do you share such strategies?"
With a sigh, he explained, "Ladies, I am a firm believer that experience in any sort of position is generally a benefit. Someone who has held a position for a year will be more aware of the best methods than someone who just started. A person with experience in fighting and tracking will be more capable than someone who is only now starting to apply those lessons to real life situations. Barring disaster, I believe that it would be best, once a Slayer is identified and located, to keep her alive and well, suitably equipped and informed. That experience would permit her to identify potential problems before they become large problems. While you have some different ideas that you have suggested to accomplish this, you aren't suggesting that she not be suitably prepared for her calling."
"You still haven't explained why you and the rest of your Council believe that Buffy is the Slayer," Joyce prompted.
"There are field Watchers scattered across many nations, in most major cities and some smaller ones. One aspect of our duties includes watching for signs suggesting that a girl has a stronger potential to become a Slayer – I can explain those signs later, if you wish. If circumstances permit, a field Watcher is encouraged to arrange such girls to have some sort of training in martial arts, weapons skills, even languages. Part of a field Watcher's responsibilities includes being alert for any of those girls with high potential to begin to show increased physical abilities, strange dreams, changes in behavior. Other signs are changes in the way that supernatural creatures react to her. Most aren't in a suitable position to identify changes in sleeping patterns, though that is a sign to look for. If such signs are noted, then," he paused, taking a slow breath before speaking again. "Then the field Watcher is supposed to compare the onset of the changes with the time of the last Slayer's death. If they match…"
"What about mutants? Are you certain that a physically gifted mutant might not create a false positive for these signs?" Emma's voice was still calm, but not quite as cold.
"What I've explained are the established traditions. I doubt that there has been any effort to revise them to take into account mutants, which seem to be a relatively new phenomenon. Most likely, while the increases in physical ability might match and there could easily be changes in behavior and sleep patterns, since my understanding is that mutant abilities sometimes manifest in the early teenage years, a genetic mutation becoming active shouldn't change the way the supernatural reacts to someone," he offered.
"Well that bites," Buffy's voice came from the doorway. "Mutants generally have a longer life than active Slayers."
End part 37.
Joyce sighed, "Buffy. You weren't supposed to be here just yet. But you might as well come in and sit down – Dawn as well. This is Philip Mooreland, who is a Watcher."
"Do I really need one? The last was a creepy stalker guy," Buffy frowned as she walked into the room.
"I can hire trainers and buy weapons and armor. What he can offer is knowledge of demons and other unwelcome surprises that your patrols might uncover. That is why we're speaking to him," Emma countered.
"Miss Summers… all the Summers ladies and Ms. Frost, I do hope to avoid becoming a… creepy stalker guy, you said?" Phillip Mooreland spoke, his eyes moving from Buffy to Joyce to Dawn and finally resting on Emma.
"But here you are," Buffy sighed, dropping into a chair.
Joyce watched as Dawn also slipped into the room, taking a seat in one of the other chairs. Dawn's position in the room permitted a good view of everyone, but kept her out of the way. Noting the fact that Dawn sat in the chair with good posture and at least the appearance of dignity – a sharp contrast to Buffy's casual slouched flop – she couldn't quite decide if she was proud of Dawn growing to become such a well mannered young lady or dismayed by Buffy's casual indifference. Unless Buffy's posture was not so much indifference as misdirection… best try to learn that later.
"Miss Summers, do you mind terribly if I call you Buffy? It might cut down on the confusion," Phillip Mooreland began.
"Go ahead," Buffy agreed with a half smile.
"Very well. Buffy, you are the Slayer, something that you have been aware of for several months. This will not change if you lack a Watcher. The only thing that lacking a Watcher will change is the amount of information and training available to help determine what has been encountered, what those encounters mean, and what should be done about them. There are also several types of demons that possess venom and other less obvious attacks than brute strength, claws, sharp teeth and spines. A Slayer is much safer if someone is available to assist with such injuries, and in identifying which of several similar looking species a demon might be, especially when not all species may be killed in the same manner. I have been invited here to see if I would be an acceptable Watcher, as unlike the normal situation, you have these two ladies," he gestured towards Joyce and Emma, "who are determined that you will be as safe and well prepared as possible, with only the best people assisting you. You could consider this my job interview, one where it is to be decided if I have the right personality and attitude to fit with the team that Ms. Frost is assembling."
Buffy sighed, "I still think I'd live longer as a mutant."
"I do not consider myself an expert on mutants, but you do seem rather depressed about your future as a Slayer," he leaned back in his chair. "Should I ask what you've been told about previous Slayers?"
"They were Called, the fought, they died. What more do I need to know?" Buffy raked her fingers through her hair, before adding, "I might as well not bother making plans for the rest of my life, because it's going to be short and ugly."
"Buffy," Joyce shook her head, hoping that her daughter was only trying to provoke Mr. Mooreland instead of bordering on depression.
"The Slayer that was Called in 1573 served for twelve years before her demise, and that was due to illness, not demons or vampires. The Slayer Called in 1792 fought for eight years, and according to the records, she died as a complication of childbirth. While the records do suggest that her Watcher as well as the rest of the Council were not pleased, she clearly did not permit her Calling to remove all chance of having a life. While the rest of your life will not be the same as whatever you may have envisioned when you were twelve, or fourteen, that doesn't mean that your life is over. Medicine has improved greatly, and while you might be a bit young to consider having children, there are also safer ways to go about such things in this time." It was obvious that Phillip Mooreland did not approve of Buffy's dismayed and uninterested tone.
"What safer ways do you have in mind?" Emma sounded curious.
"Records and oral tradition indicate that demons and vampires are able to sense a Slayer, and that most react violently. Pregnant women are not in their best condition for a physical fight. Modern medicine being what it is, I would suggest that if Buffy wishes to have children, it might be best to use a surrogate mother. Of course, such matters could wait a while, as she is only… fifteen? Nearing sixteen?" he glanced towards Buffy and then to Joyce.
"Almost sixteen," Buffy insisted, looking a bit less unhappy. "Twelve years? Do you know of any others who come close to ten or so years?"
"We believe that the Watchers Council is partly based on, or at least continuing the tradition of an old Roman order. I have only seen a few bits of information about that Roman order, but there was a record of a warrior, called 'the Daughter of Mars, Favored of Diana' who had been irritating a local governor for over a decade. I strongly suspect organizations similar to the Watchers Council existed or may still exist in India, the Far East, and perhaps parts of Africa and South America. I have no reason to believe that with proper support and caution, you couldn't easily see a decade or more. While it wouldn't be easy, your future will be much longer if you remain certain that you have a future."
"Because giving up means that you've already lost," Buffy murmured.
"Exactly," he smiled at her.
Joyce smiled at Emma, feeling much better about bringing Phillip Mooreland into their group now.
"So, where do you keep your goblins?" Dawn grinned.
With a heavy sigh and a hand over his face, "I am not Jareth the Goblin King. I am not David Bowie. I do not have a musical career."
Dawn and Buffy both giggled. Joyce found herself smiling as well, and glanced over to see Emma's own smile. Clearly, they weren't the only ones to notice the resemblance.
End part 38.