Disclaimer: I don't own X-Men Evolution. I wish I did. Then I'd have all the episodes I could want.
Author's Notes: Ah, thanks for all the reviews, everyone. You're all to generous. Sorry that this chapter took so long to get up and posted - I've been working ALOT lately, so by the time I get home, I just want to collapse into a pile of sludge and go "garooooog."
And I apologize if Scott comes off as sounding a little out-of-character in this. I'm trying to explore the various dimensions of the character, along with the inevitable attitude changes that come with events as such in the show, while still trying to retain his core qualities. Again, I apologize if it comes off as a little out-of-character.
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Teetering
Chapter Three
I kissed the cold metal, and wished I had Kitty's abilities.
The projectile screeched overhead, and smashed into the far wall behind me.
But through the proverbial fog of war, I barely heard it.
In one fluid motion, my left hand shot forward to my temple, tapping the button on the side. A beam of red light shot forward and smashed into the mechanical drone hovering toward me.
The force from the optic blast pushed it backwards a few feet before roughly slicing it into two pieces, and the expensive-looking piece of machinery fell to the ground, nothing more than rubble.
For the briefest of moments, I wondered where the Professor got the money for...well, everything in the mansion, and who exactly made all the training equipment my teammates and I regularly trashed.
But only for the briefest of moments.
I had long since gotten used to the fact that, no matter how much damage was done, it was all typically better when it came time for the next session, so I paid it little mind.
Besides, I was too busy watching Todd Tolansky, the fly-eating, wallet-stealing, swamp-reeking Toad, damn near flying through the air, ricocheting off the walls, projectiles screaming after him. If it weren't for his grim expression, lack of hygiene, and yellow-green skin, I would have said it looked almost beautiful, in a twisted, poetic way.
Of course, I don't really know what color his skin is. I'm just basing it off of what others tell me. And my own vague memories of seeing frogs when I was younger.
Caught in their own crossfire, the training drones quickly decimated each other.
That was his typical tactic when it came to this particular type of training session. Not that I blamed him. If my only powers were hopping around, smelling bad, spitting God-only-knows-what, and being a general nuisance, I suppose that's what I'd do.
A loud buzzer sounded, marking the end of the session, although from the noise it made, I could have sworn I was at a hockey game.
I didn't mind that it was over - in fact, I embraced it. I was too distracted to be in the Danger Room. I knew it, understood it, yet ignored it. I didn't stop because...well, when your physical health is on the line, you tend to not worry about the little things that plague you in your day to day life. Except my problems can't really be 'little', can they?
It was a Saturday afternoon, so it wasn't a mandatory session. Meaning it was only Logan, Todd, and I. It was usually always just Logan and I, sometimes one or two others would join in, but ever since the Brotherhood showed up, Todd found his way into the mix.
"Alright, you two are done. Go on before I decide you should help clean up this mess you made." Logan's voice holds a touch of amusement in it, plainly obvious through the loudspeaker. For whatever reason, he decided to sit out this one. It's almost like he's taken the frog boy under his wing; not surprising from the amount of time they spend in the Danger Room.
In fact, I think Todd thrives on the training. Since he, Fred, and Lance were expelled from school, they spent all their time at the Institute. I think the Professor tutors them, but I doubt since he's been so busy lately.
Which means they have little to nothing to do.
Fred eats the cupboards bare, Lance broods or tries to cause mischief, and Todd...
There's a fire in his eyes when he's training. I can tell. It's like a raging inferno deep inside him, pumping him full of energy. He takes on a grim expression, and practically radiates a sort of aura about him, one that makes you stop and stare. And when we end a training session, he looks so...well, as Rogue so eloquently put it, empty. The light is gone, and he walks with a slouch. His eyes change, and it's almost as if he's looking far away for something, almost expecting to see something coming over the horizon.
Or maybe someone.
I finished picking myself up off the floor, brushing non-existent dust off the front of my uniform, watching Toad. He wiped at his forehead with the back of his hand, and let out a long breath of air, before making his slow trudge into the staging room. Gone was his traditional hop; it having been replaced with a sagging plod, like he were Atlas, doomed to carry the world on his back for all eternity. Well...maybe it wasn't that bad, but the analogy isn't too far off the target.
I fought the urge to ask what was wrong. It was plainly obvious that something was on his mind, but I tend to try and let someone speak what's on their mind. Which is why I never pressed him on it.
Yeah, I know. I'm a hypocrite. But then again, as shallow as it sounds, and as much as it sounds so not like the me that I project to others, most other people aren't as beautiful as Rogue.
And maybe that just makes me such a male...I inquire on how Rogue is because she's beautiful, and because I care for her so deeply. I can't exactly say the same applies for Todd.
I considered asking him then what was the matter, but I was pretty sure he wouldn't tell me. I had only tried asking once, and failed. I've heard others ask...and meet with a result similar to my own.
And well...call me nosy, but I wanted, and still want, to know what his problem was. That, or some weird sense of responsibility drove me to want to know.
I guess being the leader of the X-Men means I should know these things.
That, or I'm just nosy.
It varies, I'd say, based on how I'm feeling at the time.
Heh. I almost sound like a woman with mood swings when I put it like that.
Of course, Jean would kill me if she heard me say that.
Rogue, too.
And Kitty. And Amara, Tabitha, and Ororo.
Speaking of which...
I never did ask Toad. I decided to try an alternate method.
Lance wouldn't tell me. I'm positive that he wouldn't. He would just look at me and say "It's none of your damn business, Sumners."
To which I would retort with something equally lame, and it would just escalate until one of us did something we'd end up regretting.
So Alvers was out of the question.
Fred, on the other hand, was definitely not out of the aforementioned question.
I left the Danger Room and showered up, and headed down to the kitchen.
Surprisingly, he was not there.
I did however, find a very frayed and harried Ororo. She looked tired and worse for wear. I'm not sure if it was because of the recently increased food bill, or because she was still distressed over Evan.
...It was probably both.
Ororo pointed out a window. "I sent that...child outside. He must have a second stomach, for I have seen him out-eat Kurt..." She shook her head wistfully, as if that were an impossible task. I would have agreed, but I had seen Fred in the school cafeteria.
Sure enough, I found him seated on one of the benches that were scattered across the mansion grounds, with a bag of potato chips in hand, looking out at the view.
"What are you doing out here?" I asked needlessly, knowing full well what he was doing outside.
"She kicked me out," he replied around a mouthful of mashed grease and artificial flavorings, not bothering to turn around and look at me.
I didn't have to be a rocket scientist to know who 'she' was.
"Is it time for dinner yet?" This time he did turn around to look at me, a brightness in his eyes. It was a little unnerving.
I shook my head. "Not yet. Sorry. Should be done soon." I stepped over to the bench and sat down on the small piece not taken up by my...housemate. Fred eyed me warily all the while.
"Mind if I ask you a question?"
"Uh. I guess not. Why?"
"It's about Toa..er, Todd." I figured I should use his real name, especially around those who knew him best. I wasn't sure if there was some sort of hidden issue with it. Besides, it was common courtesy. I'm sure the other members of the Brotherhood called Fred 'Blob' or some other cruel weight-oriented name.
Except Pietro. But he was so full of himself that his opinion didn't matter.
"What about him?"
"He's been acting...different lately." I had to be careful with the words I used if I wanted a real answer. "Not like his usual self. He won't tell anyone what's going on, and I know that you know. So...what's his deal?"
Fred drew back as if he were offended, and sneered a little. "What's it to you?"
I held up my hands in a defensive manner. "Hey, I'm just curious, that's all. And if there's something I can do to help him out, then I'll do it."
Fred studied me for a moment, hostility draining from his face, as he looked to be debating with himself silently. I'll admit - it was an odd sight. Most people take him for stupid when they first see him. I know I did. But Fred Dukes isn't stupid. Oh, he may not have the greatest marks in school, but he's far from stupid. He's...cautious. Careful. Calculating. Deliberate. I think it's something he's disciplined himself to rather well - for someone of his amazing power, he has to be careful in his actions, else he could seriously hurt someone. And even if, for the longest time, we were on separate lines, I don't think he'd intentionally hurt anyone.
"Uh...I don't uh...think I should say anything..." he said at last.
"C'mon," I began. "I'm just trying to help him. He's your friend, and I know you want to help him out. You've just...you've got to help me help him." Boy, can I ever sound like a psychiatrist sometimes...
"I...I don't know..." Fred stammered.
I shrugged. "Oh well. It didn't hurt to try, right?" I clapped him on the shoulder and stood up, turning back towards the Institute. "Dinner should be ready soon," I told him, and began making my way back.
"Wait."
I nearly tripped at that. I honestly didn't expect an answer. Like I told him, it didn't hurt to try.
I faced Fred again and involuntarily raised a brow in response. "What is it?"
He stood up, but stared at the ground, dry-washing his hands. He licked his lips before he spoke, speaking in low tones.
"It's...it's because of a girl, alright?"
To say that I was taken a bit aback would have been an understatement.
"Huh?"
"It's because of a girl."
Todd, the smelly Toad, was broody and gloomy...because of a girl..? It was almost too strange to believe.
And then it started to piece itself together slowly in my mind. He had a thing for this girl, but she obviously didn't share the sentiment, therefore crushing his spirit.
Fred nodded when I said that out loud. "Yeah...you're about right..."
"Heh. Well, whaddya know? Todd...and a girl..." I snapped out of my daze for a moment and looked back up at Fred. "Thank you," I told him sincerely. "I'm sure that was a little hard for you to say, not wanting to betray your friend's trust. It stays between us, okay?"
Again, Fred nodded.
I waved and bid my goodbyes again, resuming my trek back inside. And while my physical form was in the town of Bayville, in the state of New York, my mind was in outer space.
A girl...
He's the way he is...because of a girl...
Which, of course, surfaced new questions. Who was she, was she important enough to turn a normally spry teenager into an angsty mess, why exactly did she reject him, and a whole myriad of others.
Yeah...I sound way too much like a psychiatrist sometimes.
But still, all because of a girl...
I guess the Toad and I are more alike then we ever knew...?
-----------
Yeah, so it wasn't nearly as good as the first two chapters, and for that, I apologize. But still, I hope you all continue to enjoy and read (and hopefully review) this story.
Author's Notes: Ah, thanks for all the reviews, everyone. You're all to generous. Sorry that this chapter took so long to get up and posted - I've been working ALOT lately, so by the time I get home, I just want to collapse into a pile of sludge and go "garooooog."
And I apologize if Scott comes off as sounding a little out-of-character in this. I'm trying to explore the various dimensions of the character, along with the inevitable attitude changes that come with events as such in the show, while still trying to retain his core qualities. Again, I apologize if it comes off as a little out-of-character.
-----------------------------
Teetering
Chapter Three
I kissed the cold metal, and wished I had Kitty's abilities.
The projectile screeched overhead, and smashed into the far wall behind me.
But through the proverbial fog of war, I barely heard it.
In one fluid motion, my left hand shot forward to my temple, tapping the button on the side. A beam of red light shot forward and smashed into the mechanical drone hovering toward me.
The force from the optic blast pushed it backwards a few feet before roughly slicing it into two pieces, and the expensive-looking piece of machinery fell to the ground, nothing more than rubble.
For the briefest of moments, I wondered where the Professor got the money for...well, everything in the mansion, and who exactly made all the training equipment my teammates and I regularly trashed.
But only for the briefest of moments.
I had long since gotten used to the fact that, no matter how much damage was done, it was all typically better when it came time for the next session, so I paid it little mind.
Besides, I was too busy watching Todd Tolansky, the fly-eating, wallet-stealing, swamp-reeking Toad, damn near flying through the air, ricocheting off the walls, projectiles screaming after him. If it weren't for his grim expression, lack of hygiene, and yellow-green skin, I would have said it looked almost beautiful, in a twisted, poetic way.
Of course, I don't really know what color his skin is. I'm just basing it off of what others tell me. And my own vague memories of seeing frogs when I was younger.
Caught in their own crossfire, the training drones quickly decimated each other.
That was his typical tactic when it came to this particular type of training session. Not that I blamed him. If my only powers were hopping around, smelling bad, spitting God-only-knows-what, and being a general nuisance, I suppose that's what I'd do.
A loud buzzer sounded, marking the end of the session, although from the noise it made, I could have sworn I was at a hockey game.
I didn't mind that it was over - in fact, I embraced it. I was too distracted to be in the Danger Room. I knew it, understood it, yet ignored it. I didn't stop because...well, when your physical health is on the line, you tend to not worry about the little things that plague you in your day to day life. Except my problems can't really be 'little', can they?
It was a Saturday afternoon, so it wasn't a mandatory session. Meaning it was only Logan, Todd, and I. It was usually always just Logan and I, sometimes one or two others would join in, but ever since the Brotherhood showed up, Todd found his way into the mix.
"Alright, you two are done. Go on before I decide you should help clean up this mess you made." Logan's voice holds a touch of amusement in it, plainly obvious through the loudspeaker. For whatever reason, he decided to sit out this one. It's almost like he's taken the frog boy under his wing; not surprising from the amount of time they spend in the Danger Room.
In fact, I think Todd thrives on the training. Since he, Fred, and Lance were expelled from school, they spent all their time at the Institute. I think the Professor tutors them, but I doubt since he's been so busy lately.
Which means they have little to nothing to do.
Fred eats the cupboards bare, Lance broods or tries to cause mischief, and Todd...
There's a fire in his eyes when he's training. I can tell. It's like a raging inferno deep inside him, pumping him full of energy. He takes on a grim expression, and practically radiates a sort of aura about him, one that makes you stop and stare. And when we end a training session, he looks so...well, as Rogue so eloquently put it, empty. The light is gone, and he walks with a slouch. His eyes change, and it's almost as if he's looking far away for something, almost expecting to see something coming over the horizon.
Or maybe someone.
I finished picking myself up off the floor, brushing non-existent dust off the front of my uniform, watching Toad. He wiped at his forehead with the back of his hand, and let out a long breath of air, before making his slow trudge into the staging room. Gone was his traditional hop; it having been replaced with a sagging plod, like he were Atlas, doomed to carry the world on his back for all eternity. Well...maybe it wasn't that bad, but the analogy isn't too far off the target.
I fought the urge to ask what was wrong. It was plainly obvious that something was on his mind, but I tend to try and let someone speak what's on their mind. Which is why I never pressed him on it.
Yeah, I know. I'm a hypocrite. But then again, as shallow as it sounds, and as much as it sounds so not like the me that I project to others, most other people aren't as beautiful as Rogue.
And maybe that just makes me such a male...I inquire on how Rogue is because she's beautiful, and because I care for her so deeply. I can't exactly say the same applies for Todd.
I considered asking him then what was the matter, but I was pretty sure he wouldn't tell me. I had only tried asking once, and failed. I've heard others ask...and meet with a result similar to my own.
And well...call me nosy, but I wanted, and still want, to know what his problem was. That, or some weird sense of responsibility drove me to want to know.
I guess being the leader of the X-Men means I should know these things.
That, or I'm just nosy.
It varies, I'd say, based on how I'm feeling at the time.
Heh. I almost sound like a woman with mood swings when I put it like that.
Of course, Jean would kill me if she heard me say that.
Rogue, too.
And Kitty. And Amara, Tabitha, and Ororo.
Speaking of which...
I never did ask Toad. I decided to try an alternate method.
Lance wouldn't tell me. I'm positive that he wouldn't. He would just look at me and say "It's none of your damn business, Sumners."
To which I would retort with something equally lame, and it would just escalate until one of us did something we'd end up regretting.
So Alvers was out of the question.
Fred, on the other hand, was definitely not out of the aforementioned question.
I left the Danger Room and showered up, and headed down to the kitchen.
Surprisingly, he was not there.
I did however, find a very frayed and harried Ororo. She looked tired and worse for wear. I'm not sure if it was because of the recently increased food bill, or because she was still distressed over Evan.
...It was probably both.
Ororo pointed out a window. "I sent that...child outside. He must have a second stomach, for I have seen him out-eat Kurt..." She shook her head wistfully, as if that were an impossible task. I would have agreed, but I had seen Fred in the school cafeteria.
Sure enough, I found him seated on one of the benches that were scattered across the mansion grounds, with a bag of potato chips in hand, looking out at the view.
"What are you doing out here?" I asked needlessly, knowing full well what he was doing outside.
"She kicked me out," he replied around a mouthful of mashed grease and artificial flavorings, not bothering to turn around and look at me.
I didn't have to be a rocket scientist to know who 'she' was.
"Is it time for dinner yet?" This time he did turn around to look at me, a brightness in his eyes. It was a little unnerving.
I shook my head. "Not yet. Sorry. Should be done soon." I stepped over to the bench and sat down on the small piece not taken up by my...housemate. Fred eyed me warily all the while.
"Mind if I ask you a question?"
"Uh. I guess not. Why?"
"It's about Toa..er, Todd." I figured I should use his real name, especially around those who knew him best. I wasn't sure if there was some sort of hidden issue with it. Besides, it was common courtesy. I'm sure the other members of the Brotherhood called Fred 'Blob' or some other cruel weight-oriented name.
Except Pietro. But he was so full of himself that his opinion didn't matter.
"What about him?"
"He's been acting...different lately." I had to be careful with the words I used if I wanted a real answer. "Not like his usual self. He won't tell anyone what's going on, and I know that you know. So...what's his deal?"
Fred drew back as if he were offended, and sneered a little. "What's it to you?"
I held up my hands in a defensive manner. "Hey, I'm just curious, that's all. And if there's something I can do to help him out, then I'll do it."
Fred studied me for a moment, hostility draining from his face, as he looked to be debating with himself silently. I'll admit - it was an odd sight. Most people take him for stupid when they first see him. I know I did. But Fred Dukes isn't stupid. Oh, he may not have the greatest marks in school, but he's far from stupid. He's...cautious. Careful. Calculating. Deliberate. I think it's something he's disciplined himself to rather well - for someone of his amazing power, he has to be careful in his actions, else he could seriously hurt someone. And even if, for the longest time, we were on separate lines, I don't think he'd intentionally hurt anyone.
"Uh...I don't uh...think I should say anything..." he said at last.
"C'mon," I began. "I'm just trying to help him. He's your friend, and I know you want to help him out. You've just...you've got to help me help him." Boy, can I ever sound like a psychiatrist sometimes...
"I...I don't know..." Fred stammered.
I shrugged. "Oh well. It didn't hurt to try, right?" I clapped him on the shoulder and stood up, turning back towards the Institute. "Dinner should be ready soon," I told him, and began making my way back.
"Wait."
I nearly tripped at that. I honestly didn't expect an answer. Like I told him, it didn't hurt to try.
I faced Fred again and involuntarily raised a brow in response. "What is it?"
He stood up, but stared at the ground, dry-washing his hands. He licked his lips before he spoke, speaking in low tones.
"It's...it's because of a girl, alright?"
To say that I was taken a bit aback would have been an understatement.
"Huh?"
"It's because of a girl."
Todd, the smelly Toad, was broody and gloomy...because of a girl..? It was almost too strange to believe.
And then it started to piece itself together slowly in my mind. He had a thing for this girl, but she obviously didn't share the sentiment, therefore crushing his spirit.
Fred nodded when I said that out loud. "Yeah...you're about right..."
"Heh. Well, whaddya know? Todd...and a girl..." I snapped out of my daze for a moment and looked back up at Fred. "Thank you," I told him sincerely. "I'm sure that was a little hard for you to say, not wanting to betray your friend's trust. It stays between us, okay?"
Again, Fred nodded.
I waved and bid my goodbyes again, resuming my trek back inside. And while my physical form was in the town of Bayville, in the state of New York, my mind was in outer space.
A girl...
He's the way he is...because of a girl...
Which, of course, surfaced new questions. Who was she, was she important enough to turn a normally spry teenager into an angsty mess, why exactly did she reject him, and a whole myriad of others.
Yeah...I sound way too much like a psychiatrist sometimes.
But still, all because of a girl...
I guess the Toad and I are more alike then we ever knew...?
-----------
Yeah, so it wasn't nearly as good as the first two chapters, and for that, I apologize. But still, I hope you all continue to enjoy and read (and hopefully review) this story.