Re-Evolution: Episode 1: The Shadow Over New Salem

Callisto had dropped Lance and Todd off together, a block or two from where they each lived. Strange cars in the driveway wouldn't be welcome--probably at either of their places.

As they walked, Todd had a goofy grin on his face. Lance walked beside him, his hands jammed in his pockets as he whistled a little tune. 

"That sure went well, didn't it? I mean, we got one over on Bitchy Becky and her lackies...caused some damage. Ditched the cops."

"Yeah, man that was sick, yo! that was like some vigilante justice and that shit," Todd agreed excitedly.

"Sure fuckin was. We're practically heroes." He looked up at the sky "Morgan didn't have a half bad plan, neither. Sure, it went kinda tits up at the end, but..."

"I mean, who woulda seen the cops comin' yo?" Todd shook his head. "Man! Morgan's the whole fuckin' package, huh? brains *and* beauty." 

Lance glanced at Todd out of the corner of his eye and saw him as he smiled dreamily. 

"Oh hell no, man. I know that face. "

Todd flushed, his freckles standing out a brighter shade. 

"Man, nah, what face, yo?"

"That big dumb smile you get when you've got a big dumb crush." Lance snorted. "The one that makes you look like a dweeb."

Todd stuck his tongue out at him-- about 8 inches of it. "Yeah, well, maybe I *do* got a crush! I mean, she's worth it, yo. Did you *see* her? You got eyes, right?"

Lance dodged backwards to avoid any possibility of being touched by Todd's tongue. 

"I got eyes alright. And my eyes are tellin' me she's way out of your league, man."

Todd rubbed the back of his neck, and looked at the sky, still smiling. 

"Yeah, I mean, I ain't *that* dumb, she's a 10 and I'm like, a negetive 32 or somethin. But like-- I touched her butt in the hallway and she didn't even hit me!"

Lance raised his eyebrows. "I mean , If I were her I woulda hit ya."

"Yeah no shit, that's why I don't go grabbin your butt, bro," he snorted. "I mean, like, for other reasons too, but that one's on the list yo! --and-and anyway I like, caught her when she fell off the fence we were taggin, and she waited *ages* to tell me to put her down. Well, felt like ages, anyway, ya know?"

"Uh huh." Lance stuck his hands in his vest pockets again. "I dunno man, I wouldn't get your hopes up."

He pulled out a pack of cigarettes and tapped one out, offering Todd the pack.  

"Even if she was, by some fucking wild ass stretch of the imagination, remotely into you. Like, if pigs started flying and Satan himself appeared and said he was gonna be living on the straight and narrow, you'd still have to deal with her psychopath of a brother breaking your twiggy legs in two when he finds out.'

Todd took a cigarette out of the pack, looking pensive. Lance put it away and flicked his lighter, lighting his cigarette before he handed the lighter to his buddy

"I mean, when ya right, ya right, but like..... it might be worth it."

"Might be.. who knows. Maybe she's into stringy dorks, you lucky guy." He smirked "go for it, but don't say I didn't warn you."

Todd lit up and grinned broadly. "Oh you warned me, yo, no doubt about that. But yolo and that shit, right? This Toad's gonna put the moves on the hot vampire."

"Yeah, you really go and rock her world, buddy." Lance snickered. He punched his shoulder as he took a drag. "maybe she'll kiss you and you'll turn into a prince."

"Hey ya never know," Todd grinned."I've seen chicks on twitter horny for Killer Croc from Batman and shit. I can't strike out every time, yo."

"Let it never be said that you aren't one persistent little bastard, Toad." Lance shook his head.

"That's me, yo! Be a pal for me and collect my teeth when Morgan or her 1000 pound gorilla knocks me out."

"You got it." Lance snorted. "You want 'em in a necklace or a bracelet?"

000

Principal Darkholme's office was cast in low light, the shades drawn and casting ominous shadows upon the desk of Principal Darkholme. 

There was a soft knock on the door. "Ma'am?"

The principal was sitting, straight backed and poised in her chair, her hands folded before her as she narrowed her eyes towards the door. "Come in."

A very small woman with short black hair, and a slightly dusky complexion walked into the office with an arm full of file folders. 

"I have the files you wanted me to pull, ma'am."

"Ah, yes. Thank you Maryanne." She tapped her claw-like fingernail on her desk , instructing her to place it down. "Your work is very much appreciated."

"Happy to help, Ms. Darkholme," she nodded, bobbing her head low and setting down the stack of folders. "Though, I'm not *sure* all these kids are cheerleading material."

Ms. Darkholme spread the files out on the table. Five students stood before her, represented by the printed backgrounds and records of grades, achievements and disciplinary action. The top file bore the name 'Todd Tolansky' on the edge of it, and the one below it, Morgan Connelly. Lance Alvers and Mukuro Isono were also visible.

A sharp smile crossed the principal's face…

"Don't judge a book by it's cover, Maryanne. I'm certain each and every one of these children have hidden potential. Potential we can certainly use in the coming season."

"I'll bow to your wisdom on that, ma'am," the secretary said, smiling back. "Is there anything else I can take care of for you?"

Principal Darkholme shook her head once, pushing her glasses up so that the glare shielded her eyes. 

"No. That should be all for today. Tomorrow is a new day, Maryanne." She tented her fingers, smiling thinly. "And we have *much* work to do."