A/N: The section in italics in this chapter is a scenario imagined by Elfangor, in case you can't tell. Um… this chapter does not provide the explanation as to why Elfie's alive. I didn't realise writing his 'screw-up' would take so long (in words), and the bit with Saedrith in the beginning just came out of nowhere… so, forgive me! ^^;;
*runs and hides*
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I have been asked to accompany you until Diwwalt-Esmteir-Arrili arrives. This… session is in no way intended to imply your inferiority in tail fighting or any type of one-on-one battle, the aristh babbled. Elfangor smiled politely.
Uh… when I said that, I was in no way suggesting that you had an inferiority in tail fighting at all. The aristh had been staring at the floor while focusing both stalk eyes on Elfangor. Now he remembered his first lesson and turned his stalk eyes in various directions – a warrior could not afford to ever, ever focus on limited areas. Not that there were any dangers present, but he blushed, certain that Elfangor had noticed his amateurism. He glanced at Elfangor, returned is stare to the ground, and fidgeted.
And noticed another loophole in his words: I mean, of course you have some inferiorities in tail fighting. As the saying goes – tail fighting is an art of learning and constantly improvising. There is never a point of absolute perfection, it's about knowing yourself and what works for you... he trailed off, blushed deeper, and shrank into himself.
Meanwhile, Elfangor was in agony with empathised embarrassment. The knowledge that he used to be like this himself was not helpful. As he was pondering his understanding slash kind slash wise slash original response, a shout saved his awkwardness. Diwwalt had entered, precisely on time.
Saedrith-Esmteir-Arrili! What the yaolin are you doing here?! I told you to stay home. How do I get it in that naive head of yours that snooping around the Dome Ship and getting in the way of officers does not make you any more glorious? I'll deal with you when I get home. Now leave. The aristh left quickly.
Arisths, eh? I swear, my wife spoils him. They are trained too late, I tell you. If every boy starts training at the age of two they'll grasp the idea of discipline quicker and the insolence level will decrease dramatically.
Elfangor smiled, and decided against telling Diwwalk about the reason Saedrith had supplied for being on the Dome Ship.
Ah, I apologise for neglecting common courtesy. I am Diwwalt-Esmteir-Arrili. As you probably already know, I have received numerous awards for various areas of combact. Honored to advice you on the detailed strategies of tail fighting with Visser Three.
You are very skilled, I'm sure. I will be glad to take advice.
Ah, shall be begin then? We'll first just try some basics to warm up.
Sure.
Alright, say you were to go one-on-one with Visser Three. We have done extensive research on all aspects of this mission and it is believed that your tail is two centimetres longer than his, or shall I say, Alloran's. You must use this to your advantage. Psychologists have made predictions on the moves Visser Three is most likely to use, given the most probable state of Alloran's emotions and the Yeerk's emotions in various scenarios. Alright, now I will take the role of Visser Three and you will attack me. Just use the basic moves for now, give me a rough idea of your ca – …style.
Elfangor raised his tail and prepared himself.
I like your stance.
Thank you.
Elfangor watched Diwwalt's face and focused on Diwwalt's back from the corner of his eyes as he charged forward. As predicted, Diwwalt did not expect the move and stumbled at their impact. He quickly regained his balance and striked. Elfangor blocked his tail effortlessly. Diwwalt raised his tail over his head and –
Hahaha! Filthy humans, I will destroy you ALL! You shall all cower beneath my gaze and beg for death! Visser Three crows in glee.
"Aaahh ruuuuun!".
"No, I think he's morphing! We have to fight!"
"What the FUCK?! Oh yeah… the morphing business that alien told us."
"So. Umm… we'll fight you! Everyone, I don't care how scary that guy is, the alien made his point clear, and he wants us to fight. Alright, let's, um, morph."
And the children morph, all too slowly. Tobias is the fastest.
But the tiger instinct has him! He's running around biting everything, even his friends.
HAHAHA HUMAN FILTH! LOOK AT YOUR FRENZY! This is so amusing!
And now the Hork Bajir are after them. They rip their skin open and toss chunks of their flesh in a horrible dance. Parts hit the floor and walls with dull thuds and slide, trailing gruesome crimson. The Taxxons swarm to their meal. One of the kid's half-morphed body is ripped open by a Taxxon and it screeches as it digs into his guts, spilling intestines everywhere. The detached head had a contorted face, and it's cheated voice rang out shrilly "We never had a chance! It's not fair it's NOT FAIR!"
Oh! Elfangor found himself in a tangle on the floor.His hooves and tail was beneath his body, a sharp pain made his head spin. He gazed up to see Diwwalt grinning triumphantly, holding out a hand to assist. Elfangor took the hand and rose.
And found that he had mysteriously broken the bone of his tail. The last quarter or so hung limp from the rest of the tail. It stuck out to the side and where it had broke it began to swell.
Diwwalt turned away. Then changed his mind and decided to look at Elfangor straight on and pretend not to notice the humiliating place the bone had decided to break. Elfangor looked straight at Diwwalt and pretended not to notice that Diwwalt had noticed, and attempted to keep his grace while cursing the the stupid bone for not breaking anywhere else, such as the neck, for example.
And so they stood watching each other for three and a sixth minutes, before Diwwalt decided to be brave: Well, that was wonderful! Uh… sorry, I didn't mean it like that. Not the inj – uh whatever. I… you did well, he winced at the advisor-like sound of the last three words.
Thank you. Pause. Shall I morph?
Yes, yes of course.
And so Elfangor morphed, with ever so much grace, and demorphed to heal his injury.
It… what happened? I just kind of spaced out I think…
Well a warrior should never let… it happens to everybody, I understand, it's just one of those times. However, it is my opinion that if one could not perform the basic moves, merely due to a bad day or tiredness… with all due respect, Prince, it is my opinion that one is not fit to enter battle.
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A/N: Aww… don't you just love our Elfie. I'm sorry I didn't explain why Elfie's alive in this chapter! I will soon, promise! Please don't hurt me… Don't get your hopes up though, my 'reason' for Elfie being alive is very lame. *nod* Unless I think up of some other reason very quickly.
In response to the lovely reviewers:
Nova Mist – Tobias will definitely be here, with the Animorphs. I know Loren will be present at least in Elfangor's thoughts, but I'm not sure if she'll actually personally appear. Cruelty to Elfangor is my job, after all.
Phoenix-sol – *teary* I wuv you, add me! And, I had two embarrassing moments here, do I get extra credit? *looks around* What! The thing about no pressure… I swear you're paying me back for the review I wrote to you pressuring you. *glare*
Jinako chan – *feels even more guilty about not explaining Elfangor's aliveness in this chapter* Just… be patient please?
Green Eyed Girl - I possess talent? Aw thank you! *sniffle*