Chapter 1: Dangerous Glances

As she walked through the hall of the school, heading directly to her locker, her black cape waved slightly and her long black hair bounced with every move she made. She was holding her books tight up to her chest; her head was hanging down, as if she wanted to proof the floor for every step. Todd was always fascinated about her look and how she moved as if she would fly mildly upon the ground. She didn't notice that he was staring at her, as usual, because she rarely looked up from the floor.

Todd sighed. He wasn't sure if he should talk to her and if, what to say. He liked her poems, but he couldn't tell her, because if he would, he had to explain her that he has stolen her notebook once to take a look at it. So he decided to say nothing at all and keep staring at her during their common lessons in literature and maths. He already thought about to ask her if she would wanted his help in maths, but mind that it could be a bad start to begin a conversation about her deficits.

"What are you staring at, Toad?" Pietro asked.

"Huh? Oh, nothin, nothin! Todd replied vacantly.

Lance glanced at him. "You're sure? I thought you are falling for this strange gothic chick."

He said with a big grin.

"Who? Me? Are ya kiddin?" he grossed his arms and glared at the floor.

Pietro and Lance started giggling and Fred got a big grin on his face.

"Oh, little Toad fell in love." Fred mocked.

Now all three mutants started laughing and Todd walked off very angry. He hoped that Samantha hadn't heard them and went to class.

While lunch break Todd sat very silent next to the others and tried to avoid to take a look at Samantha. She was sitting on a table in a hidden corner of the cafeteria and reading a book. Her light blue eyes scampered.

"You are already staring at her?" Lance smirked.

Todd hadn't really notice that his view went on Samantha again. He blushed and looked down ashamed, not knowing what to say. The three others giggled again.

Now Rogue and Risty were sitting next to Samantha and Rogue started glaring at the brotherhood boys as they started laughing.

Todd just wanted to hide somewhere. He was sure that this time she had heard something.

Samantha was hiding behind her book while she was whispering to Risty.

Suddenly Pietro jumped up and walked over to the girls.

"Hey you cuties! Do you mind if I sit down next to you?" He asked while he sat down, not waiting till he would get an answer.

"Well, we do mind. So if ya could show off and annoy someone else." Rogue replied in a nerved tone.

Todd sank deep into his chair and hid his face in his hands. He didn't want to see what Pietro was up to. His face was now as red as a tomato. He thought about to ran out of the cafeteria and hide somewhere until next month.

Pietro didn't thought about to leave the girls table. He set a hand on Samantha's book and forced it down to look directly into her face

"I asked myself if we could go out for dinner. How about tomorrow?" Pietro smiled charmingly.

"Why don't ya just leave, Maximoff!" Rogue said angry.

"Are you jealous?" He ask in her direction.

Rogue gave him a disgusted glare and crossed her arms. "You just dream 'bout that!" She announced.

"C'mon Pietro. Drop it." Risty interrupted their little discussion.

Pietro didn't consider Rogue anymore and pointed his view back at Samantha, which was quiet all the time. She was already pretending to read, but her eyes stood still. Pietro noticed a red medallion on her neck and stared at it.

"Beautiful brooch you have there. Can I take a look?" and he reached out for the medallion.

"No, you can't!" she wanted to scream out loud, but she could just manage a whisper. Shocked, she held her hand up to protect the red stone.

"Oh, c'mon. Don't be so shy." He said and grabbed for her medallion with his high speed.

A fizzing was heard and suddenly the look of Samantha totally changed. Her skin turned black; instead of the cape were black wings. Everyone jumped up shocked.

Todd was stand up to go as he noticed the tumult behind him and turned around. His eyes widened.

Samantha was now cowering in the corner, holding her hands, which each had 4 claws, tight to her body. Her wings reached out protective in front of her. Her long tail fluttered.

Some girls started screaming and draw back in fear.

"Ups, hehe, sorry!" was the only thing Pietro said with a stupid embarrassed grin and sped away, leaving the medallion on the table.

Lots of students screamed something about monster and demon and ran out. Scott and Jean tried to make their way to the three paralyzed girls. Samantha tried to fight back her tears. Some voices shouted "Kill the demon." And "Burn her down".

Todd wasn't sure what to do know. Kurt, Fred and Lance stole their selves away. They didn't wanted to get into some troubles. In the cafeteria was only chaos.

Todd wanted to jump over to her and bring her out of this mess, but Risty was faster. She broke out of her rigor, took Samantha's claw hand and started to run to the emergency exit next to them. It wasn't locked, so they could escape. Rogue was right behind them, followed by Scott and Jean. Todd saw his chances to start some kind of relationship with Samantha sink deeper and deeper.