Chapter 1
My name is Tashe-Kelane-Fahleen.
One of the most promising scientists In the Andalite military. And only one of two on Earth right now. The second would be Aximili-Essgarrouth-Isthill.
We live on Earth, in a forest that does quite a good job of hiding us from prying eyes, and even worse, prying controllers.
The truth is, we lost a dome ship in orbit above this planet. There were only five survivors. Aximili, and more recently, me, Princess Jekkal-Corlen-Fahlo, Casten-Tellon-Harelin, and my shorm, Raeolin-Ashul-Tallien. Casten has already died from the Esscate virus, But that has been our only setback. A new Andalite was saved even more recently. War-prince Alloran-Semitur-Corrass, or better known as the former host body of Visser Three.
Yes. The foul, half-Andalite abomination was reduced to a Semite-controller by Cassandra. She stole back Alloran, trapping the creature. Unfortunately, she did not bring his morphing powers with her.
Lately, I have been living with the "Animorphs" or humans that recieived the morphing power from Elfangor. They have helped us with many of our missions.
It was near sunset, but you couldn't see the sun with all the clouds and rain. It was storming with full fury, creating deep furrows in the land, our hoofprints filling with water before the hoof left. I carried Tobias under a sheilding to protect his hawk body from the harsh weather. Hawks as a rule do not like water. And espeicially not this type of weather.
We were coming back from Haven, soaked, tired, and splattered with mud from the leg down. We were heading in the direction of a cave Tobias once saw. He figured if we got there, we wouldn't be in too much danger.
SCRACK! A line of lightning split the tree into so many splinters. We pushed on, afraid the next one might hit us.
SCHRAC-KA BOOM! Twin bolts hit each other right in front of us. I think it was from the intense heat we fell unconsious, but I don't know.
All I do know is that when I woke up, There was snow covering me. It had gotten quite cold. Tobias was shivering under my arm.
And I was staring into a face all too familiar, but completely different. It was shaped like an Andalite, But the fur was colored on blotches of brown and white. It was very shaggy. He helped me up, which allowed me to see the rest. The tail and forelegs were covered in lots of fur, and the same went for the forearms. It led me and the others to a huge cave, as protection against the snow.
Tobias, what is going on?
Welcome to the Ice age.
Chapter 2
I hope you are safe. We found it devastating to see such frozen bodies. The stranger said, as the fire burned. His name was Arelli, as I learned.
The cave led thorugh an intricate network of Boketos, as their speicies was called. They basically had to feed on other animals, since there was very little grass around at this time.
I decided to step out once the storm died down, huddling myself in one of the blankets. I could see the faint reflection of sun strike the snow as I peered between two trees.
The weather was warm and inviting. Sandy shores showed hoofprints, aglitter with crushed shells from the tide. Amazing birds flew across the land.
What is that place?
That is Sakit home zone. Very dangerous. You would not want to go there.
The Sakit are a war speicies. They prey on our network, using every trick they have. You say you want to go home? They may help you, but more likely they think you're new type of Boketo. In a softer tone he added, But do me a favor if you find out.
What?
My daughter, Jenna-li, is trapped there. Bring her back. He fell to his knees, and cradled my hand.
I led the others thourgh the warptunnel to the home zone. It was more comforting than the bleak, cold world.
Or so I thought.
Thwap!
Thwap!
I fell to the ground, one of the spears striking my hooves. A plattoon of yellow soldiers stampeded through the sand, stopping at us.
They were like us, again, But their bodies were more of large horses, Their humanoid parts huge and muscular. They had four fingers on each hand. The blades shimmered like obsidian. The fur was even, but where stalk eyes would usually be, grew black, twirled horns that were pushed back.
Then I passed out.
Chapter 3
I awoke in a stone room, where my tail was shackled to the wall, and my hands kept behind my back. I scanned around. Aximili, Raeolin, Alloran. Where were Tobias and Princess Jekkal?
The floor was barely lined in hay. A wretched odor of former prisoners reeked thorough the dirty room. The only clean part was the three holes in the ground where something burned. It left an unexplainable smell. It was plesant, but at the same time, gut wrenching. Two pylons housed candles, the wax dripping onto glass bowls to be used again. A heavy oak door stood as the only way in or out.
It opened. The same type of creature I met on the shore, but decorated with a necklace, containing a green jewel with an eerie glow. He appeared in better health than the others, with a clean coat, polished horns, and jet-black hooves, barely covered in dust.
So, this is the 'new type'? What creature is blue? Some ocean fish? He crowed in amusement.
I lashed out, or at least as much as I could with the chains. Where are my friends, you beast!? Tell me, or I'll have your head so fast you won't even notice!
Boy, you are in no position to make threats to me. You shouldn't even care, anyway, because you'll never see them again. With a fluid movement, He grabbed one of the candle bowls, the one almost out, and flung the hot wax at me. I tried not to scream, but it hurt the same. He tended to the fire holes, adding a new stick to each one, then left the room.
I fell to my knees, starving, in pain, and tired. A familiar fluttering of wings came into view as a bird dove inside.
Tobias! Aximili cried.
Yeah. And you guys are in trouble. You already know how the cell is, right? Well, it's designed for a drainage ditch. When it rains, all the water goes to here. And it also gives for easy watch of the cell, so forget breaking out. He pointed to one of the fire holes. Those incense sticks he threw in? Anti-morph gas. Disables it for two hours.
How would they know about morphing?
The way I'm thinkin', Boketos are natural morphers. I saw different skin patterns of the other prisioners. There are tiger patterns, leopard patterns, wolf patterns, and lion patterns. I guess they can change into these animals.
Where's Princess Jekkal? I asked, trembling. I know, it's embarassing to be a warrior and have such fear. But I couldn't help it. We've... grown close during our stay on Earth.
She's safe, with the other girls. I saw her talking to Jenna-li last time I looked.
Other girls?
Yeah. They take the ladies and put them in a harem. Similar rooms, but they have to perform in the royal court. That guy you were talking to? The Grand Tarka. He only came over because you guys weren't anything they knew about.
Chapter 4
Jekkal
l laid my lower body on its side, consdering there was no point in standing. Ever since my run-in with Visser Three, I've been exercizing a lot more, and that makes me limber.
I was in the holding chambers. The gas holes were smouldering, adding color to the room. I had been dressed in billowing clothing, probably because of my coarse fur. Tena-ku, The one who helped me thorugh, had rich, soft fur in a tiger pattern. She did not need any clothing.
The chains were as cold as bare stone, but they were only for nighttime,as I'd been told. The floor was covered in hay, and most of the circular cell was covered with fabric on the walls, as silky and billowed as Tena-ku's fur.
In one section, surrounded by a shallow wall, A giant lizard slept. Sepia, as she'd been called, had fangs like a Semite. Her brown and darker brown scales seemed out of place wthin the walls. But despite her looks, she was actually quite gentle, at times nuzzling at a leg just for some comfort. But in the court, she seemed fierce and protective of the Grand Tarka. As though she was afraid of him, since also in her eyes, she seemed reproachful.
I tried to see if I could get off the wrist shackle, in case it may become useful. but they made sure that wouldn't happen.
The moonlight cut through the darkness, leaving a glistening on the inner walls of the chamber. I saw as Tobias glid into the room to roost. He wasn't into talking much, but he was tired from keeping eye on the Sakit. I decided to head for sleep then, as well.
I suppose that would be fair treatment for the upstart. I perked back up, wondering of what he was talking about. I couldn't hear what his partner was saying next. Thought-speak works two different ways: one reaches only to a list of people, the other is public.
You forget, I'd like to see the prisioner suffer a bit. Not just have it be done with. Perhaps, a little torture? (pause) Oh. That way will certainly do. Bring the lady to me. I felt my hearts stop for a moment in recoil. What had we done? Did he know about Tobias? I heard the flutter as he left, almost reading my thoughts.
The door opened as the sentry moved into the room. Everyone was quaking in horror at what they'd heard. He moved over to me, and eased his tail blade to my neck, in case I tried anything. I could hear the click as the shackle fell. He eased me out, back into the court, which was no longer busy with people. The candles gave an eerie glow to the room. The sentry left, and the Grand Tarka entered. I cocked my tail, in case of any trouble.
Don't worry, dear. I'm not going to hurt you. I just need a little help. There's a certain prisoner who's taken quite a shine to you. But... I have plans for his disposal. And you're a part of it. I'll even strike a deal. You play along, let me 'example' him, and I'll let you go free.
And just 'who' would this prisoner be? If I could get out, I might be able to free the others. After all, it can't be too difficult. But I felt guilty, using a life for my freedom.
Don't worry yourself in such a trivial matter. I've got a small place for tonight's stay before you go. he directed me to a small fenced part of the tropical forest, with a gas hole in the center, and an open roof. You can stay here.
Chapter 5
Tashe
I awoke the next morning, with two Sakit dragging me out to a platform. They held me tight, even though I was too tired to struggle. I saw the Tarka come out with a giant lizard.
The area was lined with Sakit around the edges, except where two cells lay. One was huge. The other looked like it could hold only one person.
The platform rose from the ground, cut out of the hard rock. I could see a few stakes in the ground, as if to hold someone or something to it. It was tilted at an angle, its channels stained with blood.
What do you think of the place so far, ruffian? He barked at me. Almost at the same time a new voice cried.
Let me go!
I focused my stalk eyes first, then snapped my whole head into the scene. Princess Jekkal was being dragged to the platform! She was struggling against the guards, but to no avail. They had her chained to the rock, like some sort of sacrifice. Then it occured to me: that was exactly what they were going to do!
What is the meaning of this?I snapped. I was straining against my captors, overflowing with the urge to take his head off.
The deal is off, you... Princess Jekkal cried at him, cursing. Deal?
Simple. You see your lady, here. If you don't follow my demands, you can also see what's going to happen.
What are they?
A simple race. If you win, I let you, your comrades and your mistress leave. If you don't... He let it hang. One of the guards clapped some type of a collar on my neck.
Those gates are the start and end of the race. That collar will be activated at the enterance gate. From there, you have ten minutes to reach the end, so it's disabled, or it explodes. Even if you do beat the collar, you'll still have to beat me, or you'll be the one on the block. He then tied a piece of cloth around his eyes. I'll blindfold myself, just to make it interesting. Mark....Set....Go!
I bounded off the course, trying to get ahead. But I slipped up, on occasion, in the swamps, while he seemed to know exactly where he was going. Something is very wrong here, I thought.
I picked out a bird with a razor-sharp beak and hurled it at him, in hope it could at least slow him down a bit. But it only cut through the necklace. He stopped and looked around, seeming confused.
The stone! I cried, that's how he knew where to go! I picked it up, and raced ahead. I only had five minutes left to run.
The stone said it would take seven.
I ran for every ounce of energy I could, Until I could see the gates. I heard the beeping of the collar as the final seconds drew.
Ten....Nine... Eight....
I was twenty yards away.
Seven.... SIx...Five....
Ten yards!
Four... Three... two...
I made one final jump.
One....
CLICK! The collar fell off. I was down to my knees at the line. The Grand Tarka crossed the gates, panting. Seize him!
I moved nimbly out of the way, trying to undo her chains. I had them all off, and was heading for the others. We managed to get the chains off when Tobias flew by.
Catch! I tossed the gemstone to him, grabbing it in his talons. He carried it off into the forest, and I guess he made a trade of some sort, because he carried back a pouch, dropping it at the large cell.
KA-POOF!
The powder seemed to melt away the wall, giving way to the escaping harem inside. At first, I didn't understand why. One of them, the one with the golden fur and brown mane, or "lion pattern" as Tobias called it, was holding a tan box.
The Sakit were charging in on us, driving us thorugh the dense jungle, and out into the ocean. It was bad enough when we were going through the ocean. Worse for Tobias, since a hawk in water can't do much. But he did morph to dolphin, something we couldn't do. We made it back to the island, since we figured they'd have thought we drowned.
They're coming! This way!Tobias cried, back in the air. What could we do? We couldn't morph! Then it occured to me: We could! It's been two hours.
Morph! Now! Jekkal cried. I went to wolf. Raeolin went to Semite, Alloran couldn't do anything, Aximili went to rattlesnake, Tobias went to Hork-bajir, and Princess Jekkal decided not to morph, but the ones the harem did were amazing.
I could see why Tobias said they were natural morphers. The harem was changing into a half dozen predatory shapes, as told by their skin patterns.
The Sakit charged in! Claws, fangs, tails, and blades whipped around like a madman's dream. We got some good hits, but tail blades were tail blades. After a good two minutes, everyone had been hit at least ten times.
Retreat!
We ran for the tunnel yard — where all the tunnels lead to other destinations. Each of the six harem girls pressed their hand on the tan box, then put it in a satchel. Here. Your friend said you have warriors on the other side. Take this as a token of our thanks. They will know how to use it.
I grabbed it as we went back to the North American zone. There was a blizzard happening as we got back.
Keep running. Maybe we can get home. Tobias suggested, although I have no clue of how he knew about time travel. We said our goodbyes to Jenna-li and Arelli. Then we turned left from the cave, and kept running. I don't remember how long. I wasn't paying attention. The coldness of the air, the blinding snow that fell, stinging my eyes. I was beginning to weaken from the fact I hadn't eaten in two days.
SCKRACKA-BOOM!
I ran and ran through the rain, To stop at the cave's muddy floor. I began to wonder: Had I hallucinated? It seemed almost impossible. Then I glanced back around the cave. Jekkal was still wearing the silky clothing. I carried a small pouch with the tan box inside.
No. It happened. And I tried to remember the tiger girl's last words:They will know how to use it.
Chapter 6
I met with the Animorphs in the forest, Telling them about our tale. I pointed out the part about the tan box, and that Tiger girl said they would know.
"Maybe It's like the morphing cube, but different." Jake suggested.
She told me before. It what they use to get morphs. I guess she expects you to pick one out from the box. Princess Jekkal noted.
"Sounds good." Marco replied. They each chose different ones from the box, until one was left. Alloran took that one, regaining some morphing power, but not enough for Andalite standards.
"Well?" Rachel asked."Let's do it!" It was bizzare. I mean, At one point or another, we've all done and seen the changes from human to Andalite. But now it wasn't Andalite. It wasn't exactly an Earth animal, either. That just made it seem even weirder. I'll explain on Cassie, since she's the estreen.
The first change I saw was the skin. The luxurious fur sprouted out on her, since she had chosen the tiger pattern. Her fingers split from four to six. The forelegs grew from her chest. The twin stalk eyes sprouted up. And at he last possible moment- shloop! -came the tail. The others were just finishing up their morphs.
Alloran's was the most startling change- because it was so similar. All he did was shrink down a bit and change fur.
Wow! This is so cool!Rachel exclaimed. I wasn't surprised. Andalite, or even remotely Andalite senses are usually better than humans. And I'm sure they've never done anything like it.
Now try the other one.Aximiil said.
Other what?
You acquired a "double morph" creature. Use it. They went to the second form. Alloran ended up with the dog, Cassie-the tiger, Jake-the leopard, Marco- the black panther, Rachel- the jaguar, and Tobias- the wolf.
Cool. Marco exclaimed.
Quite. "Double morphs" are the only exception to the two hour rule. However, few are as useful, or availiable. Jekkal explained.
What do you mean, "the exception"? Jake demanded.
Prince Jake, You remember when Cassie was trapped and she reset the clock? Same thing. For some reason, Aximili still refers to Jake as his prince, even while Princess Jekkal is here. I don't understand why, but I haven't complained.
They quickly morphed back, and even they fell over, despite their usual balance on two legs. "Okay, now I know how Ax feels about that morph of his." Marco joked around.