Animorphs: Galactic War
16: The end of the war
The Tailstrike
Jake and the other Animorphs entered Galuit's quarters just as Breeyar and Tyranous were talking.
You are certain of this? Breeyar was asking.
"Absolutely positive," Tyranous replied. "They aren't going to roll over for you."
"What's the problem?" Jake asked.
Galuit filled them in. Although the Emperor is dead it seems we were overoptimistic about the war ending. The surrender we were expecting from them has not been forthcoming.
"You were foolish to expect one," Tyranous snorted. "You should know our ways by now. We didn't surrender to the Yeerks and I would have been surprised if we had started now."
Alloran activated a holo-map. The Chelraks have abandoned all their outlying territories, conquered or colonised, and have fallen back to their new homeworld. Their entire starfleet, led by their flagship mega destroyer Armageddon, surrounds it.
"So they're just sitting there waiting for us?" Rachel was incredulous. "That sounds dumb to me."
"Not entirely," Ralgha said. "They know they can't win now; not with the Predators and Andalites against them. But they can spoil the victory celebrations somewhat."
Jake saw what he meant. "To finish the war we have to attack and invade them. And with them not surrendering…"
Yes, Prince Jake. They will fight us to the last man, Alloran said grimly.
"We're still going to win though, right?" Justin asked in concern.
There's no doubt that we'll triumph, Breeyar reassured him. But the Chelraks will almost certainly inflict heavy casualties on us. If they use neutronium weapons on us as they did the Yeerks then it will be a nightmare.
Unfortunately, I don't see a way to avoid that, Galuit added. The Chelraks are too fanatical.
"He's right," Tom groaned. "These guys make Arab terrorists look lame!"
"Then why don't we try and talk with them?" Cassie broke in.
Everyone stared at Cassie in surprise. "What good would that do?" Ryan snorted. "They're not going to stop fighting until the Andalites are dead or they are!"
"We don't know that for sure," Cassie said calmly. "With Slaar gone it might be different over there now. If there's any chance of avoiding this slaughter, shouldn't we take it?"
Breeyar looked at Cassie for a moment. Then he turned to Tyranous. What do you think? Who would in command now that Slaar is dead?
"The most likely successor would be Commander Izlyr with Slaar out of the picture. As to whether he'll listen I have no idea. He's one of the old guard and he was very loyal to Slaar until recently. A lot will depend on what you offer him. Despite your victory there are a few…outstanding grievances between our races. If you want peace, those will need to be resolved if you take my meaning."
All the Andalites looked a little uncomfortable as he said that. Eventually Breeyar spoke again. I think we understand. I'll have to contact the homeworld to arrange a few things but I think we should have something to offer them. Can you contact the Chelrak commanders and arrange a meeting?
"I could," Tyranous said. "But what should I tell them?"
Tell them we'll meet with them anywhere and anytime they like. Make it clear we are not asking for surrender but we just want to talk.
Tyranous nodded. "I can do that. But I can't promise that they will listen."
I'll keep you informed, Galuit. I hope this will go well but if it doesn't…
We'll be ready, War-Prince, Galuit said solemnly as Breeyar left for his shuttle.
"Do you really think they'll go along with this, War-Prince? Ax asked.
I hope so, Aximili. If not, we are in for a bloody and protracted final battle. We will just have to wait and see.
Chelrak flagship Armageddon: Chelrak homeworld orbit
"Are you certain this is genuine?" Izlyr asked. He had assembled all of his new Inner Circle aboard the Armageddon as soon as the Andalite message had arrived.
"As far as we can tell, Emperor," the intelligence officer replied. "They've not laid down any conditions after all and they've said they'll meet us anywhere and anytime we want. The only thing I can't work out is why they've made this offer when they're so obviously winning."
"You're not thinking of going, are you?" another Chelrak commander asked.
"Of course I'm going!" Izlyr snapped. "If I don't we'll never find out what is behind this, will we? Besides, the message said we will meet at a place designated by me and that I could bring our whole fleet if I wanted to!"
"If it is a peace deal they are offering, what will you do, Emperor?"
Izlyr knew he had to handle this carefully. The Inner Circle were still bitter about losing the Iron Fist and being forced back to the homeworld. One wrong move now and he knew that his tenure as the new Emperor would be very short-lived.
"If you're concerned that I will accept peace at any price or simply surrender then you needn't worry. We are still Chelraks. We still have our pride and our honour and they will not take them away from us! Anyway if they have a serious peace offer it would be foolish not to follow it up. If all else fails we can still make our stand here."
The other commanders seemed satisfied with that. As they left to return to their ships Izlyr called Sorinek to the bridge. Following Izlyr's ascension he was now a commander and the new leader of the Imperial Elite Guard.
"We'll accept their offer of a meeting. We'll hold it here on this ship."
"Should I order the fleet to accompany us, Emperor?"
"No. Most of the fleet should stay here on the off chance that it is a trap. We'll just take 2 ships: yours and mine."
Sorinek activated his communicator. "Prepare the Vengeance for Zero-Space. We'll be heading for…?"
Izlyr considered. "The Abraxis system. It's an unpopulated world in neutral territory and perfect for this purpose." He turned to the intelligence officer. "Send a message to the Andalites. We'll meet them there in 10 hours. Like us, they are to send 2 ships only. Make sure that is understood."
"At once, Emperor."
The Tailstrike
"They've agreed to talk?" Tom couldn't believe it. Nor could the rest of the Animorphs.
We're meeting them at the Abraxis system in a few hours, Galuit explained. Only 2 ships from each side are allowed to go. War-Prince Breeyar has chosen this ship to accompany his to the meeting.
"Will we have to go to the meeting too?" Cassie asked.
No, I would think not. Your presence there would probably not be a good idea, given that you are responsible for many of the Chelraks' defeats. You'll be staying here on combat alert, just in case the Chelraks betray us and launch a surprise attack. War-Prince Alloran will be in command while I attend the meeting.
"How are you going to persuade them to give up this war?" Jake asked. "What can we offer them that'll make them do that?"
I have my suspicions. Fortunately I am not in charge of the negotiations so I will not have to persuade them. I just hope War-Prince Breeyar knows what he is doing…
Jake's quarters
"Man! I feel like a fifth wheel this time!" Justin muttered. "Isn't there anything we can do?"
"Not really," Jake said. "This isn't officially our war and Galuit's right when he said we shouldn't be at the meeting. If we showed up there the Chelraks would be too tempted to kill us!"
"I don't see how they can make peace though," Tom said, remembering Slaar's uncompromising language at their first meeting. "There's too much hate for the Andalites in the Chelraks. How come Breeyar and the others are pushing for it all of a sudden?"
"I don't know," Jake admitted. "We'll just have to wait and find out."
Chelrak flagship Armageddon: Abraxis system
"Do you really think this can be done?" Ralgha asked as the shuttle ramp descended.
"That remains to be seen," Tyranous said. "It's a big risk but it should be worth it."
Both of them had been chosen to accompany Galuit and Breeyar to the talks though neither were sure why. Both thought their presence would be just as disruptive as that of the Animorphs but they had still agreed to go along.
As soon as their shuttle had docked they were led up to the meeting room where Izlyr and Sorinek were waiting for them. Izlyr raised his eyebrows when he saw Tyranous (or would have if he'd had any!) but recovered quickly.
"Well, as you can see, we are all here as you requested. What is it that you wished to discuss? If you were looking for a surrender, you have wasted your time."
No, we aren't looking for surrender. We made that clear in our message, Breeyar said calmly. We simply want to find a way of ending this war without us all being completely annihilated.
"And how do you propose to do that?" Izlyr scoffed. "You may have forgotten, but for some odd reason my people don't really trust Andalites now."
Tyranous quickly realised why he had been asked to attend and broke in. "No, Izlyr, they haven't forgotten. Ralgha and I have reminded them of that fact several times. It's partly what caused them to offer this deal in the first place."
Izlyr stared at Tyranous coldly. "Is there any good reason why the word of a traitor should mean anything to me?"
Tyranous smiled in reply. "Yes, because you know the reason why I did it. You acted for much the same reason when you abandoned our ex-Emperor on the Iron Fist. We are both fighting for our race, it's only our methods that differ."
Izlyr wasn't really convinced but Tyranous's words had the ring of truth. Izlyr had come to realise that Slaar had been unfit to lead. "Go on."
Breeyar then spoke. We can offer you an alternative to your renegade existence. We'll help you colonise a new homeworld; a better one than the lava pit you have at the moment. We'll also persuade all the other races you've attacked to make peace with you as well despite all the damage you caused them. In return, you destroy all the plans and models of your weapons of mass destruction. There must be no more Shockwave Pulsars or Iron Fists. How does that sound?
"Tempting. But there is one point you still have not addressed," Izlyr said neutrally.
And that would be?
"My people's desire for justice. You are right, we hurt innocent races in our war against you. We can try and undo the damage from that in time. But none of this will mean anything to my people as they have suffered as well. Unless I can give them some form of justice for what they have suffered, I have a feeling I will not last long as ruler and any treaty we sign here will be meaningless."
On the contrary, we anticipated that as well. We left the best for last, Galuit replied.
Izlyr's eyes became dinner plates as he heard the Andalites' final proposal. "You would do that for us? Why?"
It is as much for our benefit as for yours. Breeyar said calmly. Our people need to understand what has happened out here. Our military are the only ones who know the truth of things. This must change if there is to be lasting peace.
Sorinek turned to Izlyr eagerly. "Should I contact the homeworld and give them the news?"
"Not yet." Izlyr turned to Breeyar again. "I'll agree to all this if you take me to your homeworld. I want to see if you can deliver what you say you can deliver. I also want it recorded for the benefit of my people back home. If you can do that, I'll sign the peace treaty there and then. Agreed?"
Done, Breeyar said immediately. He turned to Galuit. Tell the ships to stand down and to set course for the homeworld.
The Tailstrike
Code Green. Set course for the homeworld immediately.
Alloran sighed in relief as the transmission came in.
"What does that mean?" Jake asked.
It means they've reached an agreement and we must go to the homeworld to follow it through, Alloran replied. All of us are required there.
As Jake tried to figure out what exactly he meant Alloran turned to another warrior. Have a shuttle prepared. We will be leaving for the surface the moment we arrive.
Soon afterward the Tailstrike and the Invincible powered up their engines and jumped to Zero-Space. The Armageddon and the Vengeance followed shortly after.
Andalite homeworld
"What is this all about, Jake?" Rachel asked. They had all been herded into a shuttle and sent down to the Andalite homeworld the minute they'd arrived.
"Don't ask me. All I know is they've reached an agreement. I don't know anything beyond that."
"There's something more than a peace treaty going on here," Estro said. He had been forced onto the shuttle too. "Our presence isn't needed to sign a treaty. I get the impression something big is about to happen."
Whatever it is, it should be worth it if it can achieve lasting peace, Ax said.
Finally! We've arrived. Alloran dropped the ramp. They are expecting us inside.
Everyone got out of the shuttle to find they had landed on top of a building in a massive city. Weird buildings and Dome style parks stretched out in all directions. However, the Animorphs had no time to appreciate the scenery as they were urged into an elevator that took them inside the building.
"Where are we going? What is going on?" Marco had had enough of being left in the dark.
You are about to find out, Alloran replied as the elevator doors opened into an imposing chamber. 12 high ranking Andalites stood on a podium at the far end. The Animorphs quickly noticed Galuit and Breeyar among them and realised they had to be the Andalite High Command. Other Andalites stood in spectator galleries all around the room on the floor above them.
"Hell of a reception committee!" Ryan said.
"I don't think this is for our benefit somehow," Cassie said, pointing to the other side of the room.
Everyone looked round to see armed Chelraks entering a gallery there followed by Tyranous, Ralgha, Izlyr and Sorinek. 2 Chelrak technicians brought up the rear carrying what looked like a holo-projector.
"Set it up there," Izlyr ordered.
Seeing them all enter, Breeyar smiled in satisfaction. Now that everyone is here, we can begin. Are all preparations complete?
Yes, War-Prince. All is ready, another Andalite prince replied.
Breeyar then looked at Izlyr and his technicians.
"It's ready," Izlyr said. "Proceed."
Bring them in, Breeyar ordered.
Everyone watched in shock as the members of the Andalite Electorate, or rather the former Andalite Electorate, were brought in under armed guard. Ax saw Lirem among them and his eyes widened as he realised what Breeyar must have agreed to. He wasn't wrong.
I call upon the prosecutor to open the proceedings, Breeyar said as neutrally as he could.
Another prince came forward as Breeyar finished. By order of the Andalite High Command this is an impartial inquiry into the actions of the Electorate, who are all charged with conduct unbecoming of the Andalite race!
I don't believe it! Ax gasped.
I do! Alloran snarled. It has been a long time coming!
Jake began to realise that Alloran was right. Although the Electorate had been seemingly popular to most Andalites and strong on the surface, the reality was quite different. During his time amongst the Andalite military Jake had heard nothing but scorn for the Electorate. 'Arrogant fools' had been one of the kindest names given to them. The Electorate had only remained strong by keeping the civilians in the dark and the military on a tight leash with Andalite law. Now that the military had broken that leash and leaked news back to the civilians, the Electorate's position had become much more tenuous.
How did all this come about in the first place, War-Prince? Ax asked.
Do you remember what Galuit did when the war started? Alloran asked in reply.
Of course! Slaar's first transmission! Ax said.
That's right. Instead of sending it to the Electorate through proper procedure Galuit sent it direct to Planetary Communications. Even we didn't anticipate what it would be unleashing!
"What happened?" Rachel broke in.
There were riots all over the planet. The fact they were being forced into another war right after defeating the Yeerks was bad enough but as it was due to the Electorate making the same mistake as they had with the Hork-Bajir and so many others…
"We get the idea," Tom said. "But how did it get to this?"
Stripped of popular support and with the military in space fighting the war, the Electorate couldn't stop the riots. They sent a distress signal to our fleet. Breeyar came back with a legion of troops but instead of merely putting down the riots he also declared martial law and removed the Electorate from office!
"How'd he get away with that?" Justin asked.
It was perfectly legal. The Electorate couldn't contest this. We were at war and they'd lost control of the people: something that had never happened before. Order had to be restored if we were to keep fighting. We'd made provision for such a crisis in our constitution but no one thought it would ever be used.
And now they're on trial, Tobias said. Isn't the military pressing its luck with this?
I suspect we had no choice, Alloran said. No doubt the Chelraks insisted on this as part of the peace deal. It has to be a full and proper trial too. Do you see that holo-projector over there? No doubt that's recording all this for the benefit of the Chelrak people later. It's also being broadcast planetwide as we speak. I suspect once this is over the Electorate will have few friends, if any at all.
"Let's watch and find out," Jake suggested.
The prosecutor had already been through several witnesses, mostly princes and warriors who had served in the various battles with the Chelraks. He then turned to the High Command. I have an unusual request.
What is it? Breeyar asked.
If he has no objections, I would like Emperor Izlyr to testify.
Izlyr was taken aback but he quickly recovered. "No, I have no objections."
Izlyr was quickly sworn in.
As we are all aware, the prosecutor began. Your race and ours have been at war for some considerable time. This took most by surprise, considering we were once allies. What some may not be aware of is that there was a reason for this. Would you tell us in your own words why you declared war on us?
"With pleasure," Izlyr said nastily. "A few years ago my people, like so many others, were threatened by the Yeerk menace. It is true, we considered you our allies then as you came to our aid. Then, out of fear and weakness, you shamefully abandoned us!"
Did you ever discover the reason for this?
"No. All our questions were met with…I believe the expression is 'stonewalling'. To their credit many of the Andalites stationed on our world seemed reluctant to leave, but they still left anyway."
What occurred then?
"Needless to say, a free undefended target was too much for the Yeerks to resist. They attacked us. However thanks to the help of my predecessor, Emperor Slaar, and a few neutronium weapons, we destroyed their invasion force and escaped our homeworld. But the cost…" Izlyr looked down at his metal left arm as he said this.
It was a painful experience then?
"You have no idea!" Izlyr snapped. "Have you ever wondered what it's like, watching your arms and legs rot off slowly from radiation poisoning? To hear your family and friends screaming in agony all the time, knowing you can do nothing for them?" He recovered his composure. "Despite all of that, we survived. We soon realised that this would not have happened if the Yeerks had not invaded us and you had not abandoned us!"
So you swore revenge.
"Yes. Once our new starfleet was ready we attacked and destroyed the Yeerks first. Then we went after you and as you already know, we almost succeeded!"
All the Andalites looked a little uncomfortable as he said that.
What was the main reason that your plans were…?
"Ruined?" Izlyr finished for him. "The main reasons for our defeat are sitting up there in that gallery at the present moment!" He pointed up at Jake and the Animorphs. "A few human hatchlings with morphing capability!"
In your considered opinion, would you have triumphed if these humans had not been involved?
"Undoubtedly!" Izlyr replied instantly.
Why do you say that?
Izlyr ran through all the battles where the Animorphs had played a pivotal role, finally finishing with the Iron Fist. "If it were not for them, there would be nothing left of this planet but a few scattered rocks in space. If you had fought alone as you had before you would have lost!"
Thank you, Emperor. No further questions.
Izlyr stood down with a frigid look at the Animorphs. He then shot a look of pure hate at Lirem and the rest of the Electorate and then retook his seat.
"Looks like I was right," Estro said. "This wasn't just about a peace treaty or a simple trial! It's even bigger than I thought!"
"What are you talking about?" Jake was confused. So was everybody else.
"Don't you see it? They're not just discrediting the Electorate with this but most of the old laws and customs as well! How do you think the 'Seerow's Kindness' law is going to look after today?"
Like a joke! Alloran said. And this time it won't be just the military that knows it!
"That's not all. They're setting you up as the heroes of all this," Estro added. "Which, in reality, you are. Izlyr was right. I'd bet my life that without you, the Andalites would have lost this war."
"Oh man! How did we get into this?!" Jake groaned.
Cassie turned to Alloran. "Can we go outside? I think we need our own space about now. If they need us we can always come back."
Alloran agreed quickly. Alright.
A nearby park
In the end, Jake and the others weren't called back to the courtroom during the trial. Estro came later and gave them the result.
"Guilty?" Jake had asked.
Estro nodded.
"No surprise. I mean what defence could they have offered given a trial like that?" Ryan snorted.
"What did they get?" Rachel asked.
"Extradition," Estro replied.
"Extradition?" Cassie's eyes widened. "You mean…?"
"Yes. To the Chelrak homeworld. Breeyar's exact words were 'It is not to us you must answer, it is to them!'"
"Bet that made Izlyr's day!" Justin couldn't believe it.
"Yes. He actually thanked Breeyar and he had the Electorate taken up to the Armageddon immediately. He said he wanted to conduct the trial 'as efficiently as possible' back home."
"I don't think I want to know what that means," Jake said darkly.
Everyone nodded in agreement.
"Oh yes, I almost forgot. Galuit wants to see you all back at the courtroom. Don't ask me what about, I've no idea."
The Animorphs hurried back quickly.
Ah, Prince Jake. Now that we've cleared all that up we can…
"Why?" Cassie asked fiercely. "You condemned them to death by sending them there! Why did you do that?"
Why ask questions to which you already know the answer? Galuit retorted sharply. What alternative was there? The Chelraks wouldn't have agreed to peace unless some form of restitution was offered. The only other way was for both sides to be decimated in a final battle for their homeworld. I know it is hard to stomach with what the Chelraks have done but we had to start making peace and rebuilding relations sometime. Besides, even if we had beaten them, what would we have had? A beaten, resentful people looking not for peace, but the first chance to strike us down. No, this was the only way to ensure the end of this war.
Jake nodded. "I can understand that. But what did you need us here for?"
Our other aim in this was to drag our people, kicking and screaming if needed, into the light of day. The problem we had wasn't limited to the Electorate. More often than not, our people kept siding with the Electorate because they didn't know any better or they were just as arrogant and complacent. To my shame, I used to be just like them. Well, after today that should change. They will no longer feel so safe or invincible knowing that you were the only thing that prevented the Chelraks from destroying them all. I believe Izlyr was right: without your help and that of the Predators we would have been defeated.
"What happens now?" Rachel asked.
The war is officially over. Izlyr has signed a peace treaty with us and has agreed to call off the campaign of genocide. It will take time to rebuild relations but we have made the first step.
"That's good but what do we do?" Ryan wondered. "I mean we're out of a job now!"
Possibly. It is really up to you as to what you do now. By the way Prince Aximili, your family wishes to see you as soon as possible.
Prince?! Ax looked as if he might fall down at any minute.
Yes. Edullon handed command of the squadron over to you before he died. We've found no one else to replace him so we decided to make it permanent!
I…see, Ax was lost for words.
Mind if I come with you, Ax? Tobias asked. We've got to do this sooner or later, haven't we?
Everyone knew what he meant. "We'll see you back on the ship later," Jake said.
The Tailstrike: Jake's quarters
"What are we going to do now, Jake?" Tom asked. "I mean it's great the war's over, but somehow the idea of going home just doesn't feel as good as I thought it would."
Jake nodded in agreement. He'd focused all of his attention on fighting and hadn't thought about this. Go back home to what? School? A normal life? The idea sounded more ridiculous the more he thought about it, especially with everyone back home knowing about him now.
"I know what you mean," he eventually replied. "But what alternative is there?"
I can tell you of one, Alloran said as he entered.
"What is it?" Tom asked eagerly.
There have been a lot of changes in recent days. Despite trying to keep a low profile, War-Prince Breeyar didn't escape the eye of our people, Alloran chuckled. He's been elected as the leader of the new Electorate! He didn't really want the job but since he was voted in overwhelmingly he accepted. As a result Galuit has also been promoted. He has Breeyar's post of supreme War-Prince and the Invincible is his ship now and that also means that this one is now mine.
"That's great but what does that have to do with us?" Justin asked.
With Edullon's death, the position of prince has fallen vacant. Aximili has command of the fighter squadron, but he has made it clear to me that he is uncomfortable with the idea of being a full Prince as yet. He doesn't feel ready yet. Therefore I have to look for another replacement!
Jake felt a surge of alarm as he realised who Alloran had in mind for the job. "You've got to be kidding! Me, a full Prince? A human having command of a load of Andalites?! They'd never accept that!"
You underestimate yourself, Alloran said calmly. You are heroes to our people now. The new Electorate has already approved the choice; all that is needed is your agreement. Anyway, you are not going to abandon all your friends here are you?
"What do you mean by that?" Tom asked.
We'll move to the Dome and find out.
Everyone else was awaiting them in the Dome.
"So Jake, have you said yes?" Rachel asked.
Jake got the feeling he was being railroaded. "Why are you so eager?"
"Because I want you to stick around," Rachel said seriously. "I'm not going back home."
"Why?"
Rachel put an arm around Tobias who was in human form. "Mostly because he isn't!"
Jake then realised. "Tobias are you…?"
"Yes Jake, they fixed me. I'm human again," Tobias grinned. "And I'm staying here. I've got family here which is more than I've got back at home."
Marco then broke in. "Ax said he didn't want to lose me as his co-flyer."
Jake looked at Cassie. "They offered me a job in the medical bay," she sighed.
"I don't think we really want to go back, Jake," Ryan added. "At least I know I don't. There's no way I can go back to normality after all this! Not that anyone would let us if we tried!"
Jake knew what he meant. "Are you sure your people are ok with this?"
I am sure. After what you have done, you could probably get the rank of War-Prince if you wanted it!
Jake groaned. "I have a feeling I'll regret this later but ok, I'll take it."
Good.
"So he finally accepted did he?" Ralgha, Tyranous, Estro, Malarnex and Darnexva entered the dome.
Yes, he did.
"Good. I was hoping he'd take it before we left," Ralgha said.
"You're going home?" Cassie asked.
"Yes. Izlyr gave us all amnesty. He said the Chelrak race should start whole again. Although he won't admit it, I think he understands what we did. I think he was beginning to have his own doubts about Slaar."
We will soon be going home too, Malarnex said. You should visit us now and again and we'll hunt together again. Peace may well get too boring for you and you don't want to let your skills slip!
"I'm staying here," Estro said. "I've got nowhere else to go and they're not holding my past against me. I just hope you won't need my talents again anytime soon."
"I wouldn't lay any bets on that. So you won again. How nauseating!"
Most of the Animorphs knew the voice instantly. The Drode had appeared in the Dome behind them.
Rachel scowled. "I'm amazed you'd show your face again. Oh, and by the way, tell Crayak he can shove his offer right up his ass!"
"What offer was that?" Cassie asked.
"I'll tell you later," Rachel said.
"My, my aren't we touchy today!" The Drode cackled.
Get the hint, Drode! No one asked you here, no one wants you here so why don't you go and hide in a gutter somewhere? Malarnex sneered. The Predators were not fond of Crayak or his lackey either.
"I take no orders from you!"
No? I thought you were good at it after all the years spent grovelling at your master's feet like a good whelp!
The Drode seethed in anger at that but did nothing.
"You can work that mouth of yours all you want, Drode, but you still lost again," Jake added. "Why don't you tell Crayak to pick another target? He might have more luck then. Mind you, with all the losers he keeps picking he probably wouldn't!"
"You will choke on those words, 'Prince' Jake!" The Drode snapped. "You think you've won everything? You think there'll be peace now? Well think again! There are other things waiting that are just as powerful as the Chelraks. Some are even stronger. I wonder what you'll do when you run into them? Hopefully you'll end up like that brat Hannah did. That gave Crayak some satisfaction at least!"
"That tears it!" Ryan started to morph.
"Don't bother, I'm leaving!" The Drode started to fade away. "You may have won today but don't savour your victory. In the grand scheme this was nothing! Crayak will have his moment still! GWA HA HA HA!"
"Only when hell freezes over!" Jake snarled as he left. "Bastard!"
"He's just one more good reason to stay," Marco said.
"Someday I'll bury him and that dirtbag he calls a master!" Jake added fiercely.
"We all will, Jake. We all will," Tom said.
The same thought ran through all of their minds as they got up to leave. Whatever comes, we'll be ready for it!
THE END (of this fic. I'll try and write a sequel sooner or later if anyone wants it!)