Toxicity in a Small Town
By Chyna Rose
Disclaimer: I don't own X-Men Evolution. Anastasia was borrowed from Gargoyles, and being what she is, will be returned unharmed.
A/N: Don't ask. It's just safer that way. As a warning, this fic has a high probability of containing slash. Mainly Todd/Kurt and/or Pietro/some guy. And if you're looking for the X-Men among the main cast, look elsewhere. Aside from Kurt, I'm not sure any of them will even show up, let alone have a staring role. That is saved for Todd and my Morgan; who will not be falling for each other.
@---@
Chapter One
Todd had mixed feelings about biology. On one hand, it was a pretty cool subject, and the teacher kept her students awake. But he shared this class with the one person he really couldn't stand.
Not that Kurt was any happier about the arrangement. Freshman biology was not his idea of a good time- even without his rival's presence. But it was the price he paid for transferring in from Germany. And having already taken chemistry while he was there.
"Today, we will begin our short unit on reptiles and amphibians. Reptiles and amphibians are among some of the oldest species on the planet, and many have evolved very interesting adaptations that you do not find in birds and mammals." The teacher began to lecture. Todd tried his best to look disinterested while still absorbing everything the teacher said. He did, after all, have an image to retain; even if the subject was as fascinating as this one. Kurt, on the other hand, was trying not to fall asleep. It wasn't that he found the subject boring, but rather that he had stayed up late the night before immersed in a book.
"Because of their size and delicate skin, amphibians often fall prey to birds, mammals, reptiles, and even other amphibians. In fact a number of species are known to be cannibalistic. To counteract this, many have developed toxins to dissuade predators."
Both Todd and Kurt looked up sharply at the mention of this. Todd forgot all about trying to look cool and aloof as his mind began to explore the subject of How This May Effect Me. Kurt's tiredness evaporated as he began to wonder how much like his nickname Todd was. They found the lecture about the venoms secreted by both the poison dart frog and the cane toad absolutely fascinating. So much so, were they captivated by the special biology and survival techniques of the amphibian world, that they were mildly surprised when the bell rang.
"Okay class, tomorrow we'll begin our discussion on reptiles. Until then, read pages ninety six through one oh two and answer questions one through twelve on page one eighteen. And remember, Friday we're expecting a visit from a local herpetologist."
@---@
"Got the cage?"
"Where do you want it?"
"Put it next to the tree frog."
Morgan placed the glass box containing the large toad where she had been instructed to. The terrarium's occupant looked back at her dully. She looked at the other containers and sighed. Funny how some of the living beings she trusted more than anything lacked the ability to even blink.
"Morgan, I know it's hard. But it was for the best. I understand what you are going through."
"Do you?" Morgan asked as she wheeled around to face the woman she had begun to think of as mother. "Do you really?"
"Morgan…"
"He was staring right at me. I froze like a deer in headlights while everybody else ducked for cover, and he ignored me."
The woman sighed and returned to the task of unpacking. She knew from experience that it was nearly impossible to talk to Morgan at this point. She could only hope that this time, things would turn out for the better.