A/N: This is an update! *collective gasp* Sorry this took so long, sorry,
sorry. *holds up hands* There were some complications in getting this
chapter done, involving split parents and different computers and the
storing and transfer of this document. Please. um. spare me torture?
*nervous smile*.
Many thanks to Angel of Music for prodding me along when I was lazy. Many thanks also to Phoenix_sol, who gave me a hard enough time about the aforementioned complications for me to be brave and retrieve the document.
And finally, thank you all for the reviews, every single one means a lot. *hugs* ^.~
"So let's run it through one more time: Two of us, and the number is not negotiable, go to the Yeerk Pool at precisely 5 p.m. to coincide with Visser Three's feeding time - "
"Oh maaaaan, why are we doing this again? I don't know about you guys, but I don't have a death wish," Marco whined.
Because we are fighting the Yeerks, and this is the most strategic plan we can come up with, Diwwalt couldn't resist saying.
Strategic, right. Oh by the way, I was only joking.
This isn't a humourous matter, human.
"As I was saying, two of us go in, and the rest of us stay outside in the Dome Ship, which will be hovering above the complex, ready to attack if we are needed. The little gadget Diwwalt and Ax constructed should be able to pick up thought speech signals from within the complex. Whoever goes in will try to rescue Alloran, then when they come out we'll work out what to do next, using Alloran's knowledge of the Yeerks."
"I still don't see why we can't just go in and cause some damage," Rachel complained. "I mean come on, we've got the almighty Andalite Dome Ship, and we don't go kick some Yeerk butt?"
Our orders are to patrol Earth, not to massacre Yeerks, Diwwalt said curtly. Even though he, too, wondered why they couldn't just go in and cause some damage. And if they didn't want violence, why did they want to rescue Alloran, of all the things to do?
And yes, he had a problem with that. He also had a problem with the Jake child putting let's run it through one more time in front of his explanation as if he was sacrificing his supreme breath for Diwwalt, the late-comer who lost his temper for no reason.
"Alright. Are there any questions?" Jake asked, though his tone clearly indicated that he didn't want any.
Yes, Diwwalt said despite his instincts telling him that the smartest thing to do right then was to just follow his 'orders'. I would like to know why we're rescuing Alloran when it spells unnecessary danger?
Diwwalt noticed Elfangor begin to answer but Jake cut in first, loud and confident. "Information. Also, do you want your people to be constantly reminded of the one Andalite who failed to be free? Do you want to allow the Yeerks to keep the one Andalite they've captured?" In truth, Jake did not have an answer to Diwwalt's question. But he had agreed to Elfangor's somewhat insistent request, and that was that.
No, Diwwalt replied. He didn't believe that that was Jake's motives. There was something the group wasn't telling him and he didn't like it.
And he definitely didn't like rescuing Alloran. It was just his luck to get stuck with such a mission when he had personal problems to worry about.
"Okay, who's going to go in?"
I will, aristh Aximili volunteered quickly. I failed to kill him.
This should be interesting. I will go as well, Diwwalt said.
I'll go, Prince Elfangor. Diwwalt wondered why Elfangor wanted to place himself in unnecessary danger in an unknown Yeerk complex, instead of letting the humans sacrifice themselves in an area that they knew better than the Andalites.
"Two, nonnegotiable. Alright, let's see," Jake frowned and considered. "Ax has to go, and Elfangor can go so that Ax can have his first proper mission with his brother." He glanced at Aximili and Aximili smiled at him gratefully. Diwwalt noticed that Jake didn't address Elfangor by his rank. That arrogant little human.
No! I am the commander of the Andalites present, therefore I must go. He wasn't exactly the commander of Aximili, and if you took it a certain way it was rather insulting. The stupid aristh didn't even seem to get it. He must go, he must, because he had a problem with Alloran being free. He pitied the unfortunate existence, but he had no obligation, and certainly no wish, to free Alloran. As if that criminal hasn't caused enough problems already. No one knew what he did though, Diwwalt thought, so he'd better be careful with what he said.
"Did you hear me say two?"
I volunteered before Prince Elfangor, Diwwalt replied, humiliated by the lameness he had been forced to resort to. And I also believe that Andalite warriors would be more suitable to the task than an aristh.
Jake sighed, exasperated. It was much easier before the Andalites came merrily along. "This aristh does fine. And I'll be blunt - no, I do not trust you with no Animorph to watch over you."
I'll follow your orders, Jake. It had come to this.
"Vote. Raise your hand if you want Ax in." All the Animorphs, Elfangor and Aximili raised their hands.
"Raise your hand if you want Elfangor in." The same people.
Aristh Aximili, Diwwalt growled to Ax in private thought-speech. I order you to say you don't wish to go anymore. If you disobey, I will erase you from census, and you will never be permitted to the Homeworld again. Even if you do physically return to the Homeworld, you will not be recognised by the Central Census Count, and therefore, cannot hold membership as an Andalite. He was bluffing, he doubted the Andalite High Command would ever let a semi-staff like Diwwalt make a decision such as this one, especially when it concerned the brother of Prince Elfangor.
"Alright then, it's settled. Ax and Elfangor will - "
... Prince Jake? I don't wish to go anymore. the aristh obviously didn't give a crap about what Diwwalt thought of his title for the human. Diwwalt scowled.
"Are you sure?"
Yes, Prince Jake.
"Okay, then Elfangor and Diwwalt will go." Jake didn't ask any questions, but threw Diwwalt a look of suspicion.
* * *
Diwwalt walked awkwardly down the stairs. Jake had insisted that they enter as human controllers. Diwwalt supposed that that was what they had to do. On top of feeling insulted, he felt uneasy in this body. Basically, it was half blind and if something attacked him he had nothing to defend himself. In fact, it was a wonder that the Animorphs are still alive.
Now they could hear the screams from below and the stench of death and torture. Typical of Yeerks, the Andalites thought.
They have arrived at the bottom of the stairs and Diwwalt couldn't help but groan at the scene. Dozens of Taxxons were feeding on live controllers. They bit and tore at the flesh that was still writhing, whimpering and crying. Blood of various species - blue, green, red, orange - were being spilled and squirted carelessly. It appeared that the Visser wasn't happy.
I cannot tolerate this level of incompetence! If any Yeerk, any Yeerk at all, dares to carry out my orders incorrectly they will meet their fate! Do I make myself clear!? Their host bodies will be fed to Taxxons just as this scene that you are witnessing. If you are worthless you will be tortured by Kandrona starvation for weeks until you die. If I believe you have some use, you will be tortured by Kandrona starvation for as long as your body can take, then abandoned until I have use for you. Do I make myself clear! To make his point, the Visser whipped his tail about, executing several unfortunate controllers who were foolish enough to be near him.
Diwwalt would kill Yeerks without hesitation, but the sight of such brutality sickened him. He had known about this, but nothing anyone told him could ever have prepared him for being here in person. He took a deep breath and hoped he did not appear as shaky as he felt. Elfangor stepped forward.
"Hey, how's your new host?" Elfangor said to him almost casually, Diwwalt scowled. How could he be so relaxed when corpses are being thrown about and the tormented screams of innocent hosts lashed the air?
"Fine." Efangor nodded, attempting to pass time until the group outside was ready and Jake spoke to them.
Jake and them, do you think they know what they're doing? I say we go ahead without them.
Elfangor smiled, Since the whole group already agreed on this, let's just stick to the plan. It's only been six minutes and fourteen seconds.
Diwwalt wanted to get this over with. He believed that all Jake could do was jeopardize the plan. Excess adrenaline was pumping through his veins and he wanted to get this over with.
Hey, we're ready. You guys just keep an eye on him, get Alloran out, keep conversation to the minimum. Elfangor, you do the talking. Diwwalt, it's best if you just help drag Alloran out. And both of you, pay attention to what Alloran says, if he says anything, because anything could be important.
Elfangor looked to Diwwalt to reply. So he was still recognized as the commander and boss for this mission, he felt involuntarily flattered. Instead of commenting of Jake's rude orders, he found himself say Yes, Jake. Are. is. is it usually this sick here, Visser Three killing fellow Yeerks for no reason and Taxxon controllers chewing on comrades not yet dead?
Marco laughed not uncruelly, and that was the Animorphs' reply and comment to Diwwalt's question.
Visser Three had disappeared from the scene, most likely to his private portable pool. Elfangor lead the way and strolled to the feeding queue. They had plenty of people in front of them to give them enough time.
Alloran will most likely be near the portable pool, correct? Elfangor suggested.
I suppose.
.you okay?
Yes, Diwwalt snapped. I just don't understand the necessity in doing this task. I would gladly sacrifice my life for more worthwhile causes. To his surprise, Elfangor shrugged mutely and looked away, hurt.
Diwwalt pondered how he was going to bring up the problem of getting to Alloran, when he saw four Hork-Bajir carry Alloran into the main area of the complex. One Hork-Bajir on each side of Alloran, one holding his tail, and one walking behind them. Visser Three certainly didn't take any risks with the empire's most superior host. Alloran didn't seem to be resisting.
"The Great Visser Three has ordered his host to be witness to the activities on this complex while the Great One himself is not present. All Yeerks are to be warned that any and all misconducts will not slip past the Great One's knowledge and will be severely, nevertheless appropriately, punished." The Hork-Bajir announced in clear Galard. Diwwalt and Elfangor looked at each other, amazed by the Hork-Bajir's ability to deliver his message clearly and fluently. But then again, the Visser would hardly accept anything other than the most capable for his own servants.
Alloran-Semitur-Corass, Diwwalt spoke privately and evenly, although the name brought connotations of massacre, bloodshed, crime, and that day in his childhood.
Alloran did not respond in any way.
Alloran, we are sent by the Andalite High Command, and our mission is to free you. Cooperate with us to escape this place.
What are you doing here? Alloran yelped in private thought-speech.
Diwwalt bit back his sarcastic response and replied patiently To free you.
Don't you know surveillance equipment are placed everywhere? Don't you know alarms undetectable to the common body are being raised everywhere, and that Yeerks here are too afraid to report to Esplin? You better just go. If you get far enough away by the time Esplin returns to me you won't be easily found and captured. Diwwalt was insulted. Insulted by Alloran's unwillingness to cooperate. Insulted by Alloran's stupidity. Insulted by Alloran' tone when he, a representative of the Andalite high Command, was offering to help him. Insulted that Alloran had called the filthy Yeerk by its name. Insulted that no, he did not know that alarms were being raised.
Ignorant fool, we're trying to help you. It certainly cannot be my responsibility to relieve you of this much deserved place you've earned yourself in Yeerk custody. However, I willingly do so for the freedom of the galaxy and for Andalite pride. He hadn't meant for this to come out so harsh, but it did, and he felt Elfangor cringe.
Alloran, on the other hand, was unaffected. This was ridiculous! Instead of fighting off Yeerks and helping Alloran escape, this warrior was stuck trying to reason with Alloran to cooperate so that he could help him. Damn, it was times like this when it was tempting to just turn his back and leave, Alloran can endure Yeerk treatment as far as Diwwalt was concerned. But he was a responsible warrior, and however undeserving his current leader was, he followed his orders.
Do you want to be free or not!?
Alloran, it's me, Elfangor. I'm alive -
Shut up! Alloran cut in shrilly, now extending his private thought speech to include Elfangor. Don't tell me, don't tell me anything you don't want Esplin to know!
If you came out with us, the Yeerk wouldn't know, would it? Diwwalt was really beginning to despise this particularly difficult Andalite. His patience was leaving him.
Controllers rarely escape. Just go!
This is a direct order. Just do -
I don't care! Leave! You don't know what you're doing. Just go, go, go! I don't want you to save me, just get out of here! Aarrghhh are you stupid?!
Diwwalt and Elfangor were second in line in the feeding queue.
Run! Alloran was urging them. You won't have the chance once you reach first in line. Once they realize no Yeerk is coming out they'll be on to you.
We've been caught, Jake's voice suddenly said grimly. Ax, Rachel and I might be able to hold them off for a few more minutes. You guys better come out quickly. They're really suspicious. Marco, Tobias and Cassie need to morph.
Elfangor felt the edge of panic. He needed to get Alloran out of there, he can't leave him here.
Alloran, please just come with us! Elfangor urged privately to Alloran. I feel responsible for you. I'm not leaving until you come with us. he had no idea how that was to work, he had no idea how much of what he said he meant.
A/N: Cliffhanger! Hahaha, don't you just love those? I really need to work out an ending for this thing soon, then I can have a vague direction. I know some things I'd like to include, but not how to go about including them. ^_____^;;
Next chapter there will be something that many of you have asked for in varying degrees of desperation. Hopefully I'll get it up within. *thinks* five days? A week?
Phoenix_sol - Ellimist? Oh, he's a close friend of mine, didn't you know? Mislead Diwwalt is funny, so I don't know when I'll clear M/A up. I'm hoping to put the misunderstanding to some more use before I clear it up once and for all.
flying - Heh heh, Elfangor will find out more about Tobias' childhood later (whenever that might be).
Jinako-chan - Who know, maybe he won't ditch the military (Ooh the suspense!). As for Diwwalt's angst, well. somehow that's how I see the average stereotypical Andalite warrior who is relatively high in rank as far as warriors go. *is so hopeless at explaining*
Nova Mist - *is trying to write faster* I will do better than have Loren be seen from afar *wink* And to answer you question, no I do not know how long this fic will be, and I have no plan at all *sweatdrop*.
All suggestions/comments/criticism/rant/praise/pointless review/flames/death threats are welcome!!
Many thanks to Angel of Music for prodding me along when I was lazy. Many thanks also to Phoenix_sol, who gave me a hard enough time about the aforementioned complications for me to be brave and retrieve the document.
And finally, thank you all for the reviews, every single one means a lot. *hugs* ^.~
"So let's run it through one more time: Two of us, and the number is not negotiable, go to the Yeerk Pool at precisely 5 p.m. to coincide with Visser Three's feeding time - "
"Oh maaaaan, why are we doing this again? I don't know about you guys, but I don't have a death wish," Marco whined.
Because we are fighting the Yeerks, and this is the most strategic plan we can come up with, Diwwalt couldn't resist saying.
Strategic, right. Oh by the way, I was only joking.
This isn't a humourous matter, human.
"As I was saying, two of us go in, and the rest of us stay outside in the Dome Ship, which will be hovering above the complex, ready to attack if we are needed. The little gadget Diwwalt and Ax constructed should be able to pick up thought speech signals from within the complex. Whoever goes in will try to rescue Alloran, then when they come out we'll work out what to do next, using Alloran's knowledge of the Yeerks."
"I still don't see why we can't just go in and cause some damage," Rachel complained. "I mean come on, we've got the almighty Andalite Dome Ship, and we don't go kick some Yeerk butt?"
Our orders are to patrol Earth, not to massacre Yeerks, Diwwalt said curtly. Even though he, too, wondered why they couldn't just go in and cause some damage. And if they didn't want violence, why did they want to rescue Alloran, of all the things to do?
And yes, he had a problem with that. He also had a problem with the Jake child putting let's run it through one more time in front of his explanation as if he was sacrificing his supreme breath for Diwwalt, the late-comer who lost his temper for no reason.
"Alright. Are there any questions?" Jake asked, though his tone clearly indicated that he didn't want any.
Yes, Diwwalt said despite his instincts telling him that the smartest thing to do right then was to just follow his 'orders'. I would like to know why we're rescuing Alloran when it spells unnecessary danger?
Diwwalt noticed Elfangor begin to answer but Jake cut in first, loud and confident. "Information. Also, do you want your people to be constantly reminded of the one Andalite who failed to be free? Do you want to allow the Yeerks to keep the one Andalite they've captured?" In truth, Jake did not have an answer to Diwwalt's question. But he had agreed to Elfangor's somewhat insistent request, and that was that.
No, Diwwalt replied. He didn't believe that that was Jake's motives. There was something the group wasn't telling him and he didn't like it.
And he definitely didn't like rescuing Alloran. It was just his luck to get stuck with such a mission when he had personal problems to worry about.
"Okay, who's going to go in?"
I will, aristh Aximili volunteered quickly. I failed to kill him.
This should be interesting. I will go as well, Diwwalt said.
I'll go, Prince Elfangor. Diwwalt wondered why Elfangor wanted to place himself in unnecessary danger in an unknown Yeerk complex, instead of letting the humans sacrifice themselves in an area that they knew better than the Andalites.
"Two, nonnegotiable. Alright, let's see," Jake frowned and considered. "Ax has to go, and Elfangor can go so that Ax can have his first proper mission with his brother." He glanced at Aximili and Aximili smiled at him gratefully. Diwwalt noticed that Jake didn't address Elfangor by his rank. That arrogant little human.
No! I am the commander of the Andalites present, therefore I must go. He wasn't exactly the commander of Aximili, and if you took it a certain way it was rather insulting. The stupid aristh didn't even seem to get it. He must go, he must, because he had a problem with Alloran being free. He pitied the unfortunate existence, but he had no obligation, and certainly no wish, to free Alloran. As if that criminal hasn't caused enough problems already. No one knew what he did though, Diwwalt thought, so he'd better be careful with what he said.
"Did you hear me say two?"
I volunteered before Prince Elfangor, Diwwalt replied, humiliated by the lameness he had been forced to resort to. And I also believe that Andalite warriors would be more suitable to the task than an aristh.
Jake sighed, exasperated. It was much easier before the Andalites came merrily along. "This aristh does fine. And I'll be blunt - no, I do not trust you with no Animorph to watch over you."
I'll follow your orders, Jake. It had come to this.
"Vote. Raise your hand if you want Ax in." All the Animorphs, Elfangor and Aximili raised their hands.
"Raise your hand if you want Elfangor in." The same people.
Aristh Aximili, Diwwalt growled to Ax in private thought-speech. I order you to say you don't wish to go anymore. If you disobey, I will erase you from census, and you will never be permitted to the Homeworld again. Even if you do physically return to the Homeworld, you will not be recognised by the Central Census Count, and therefore, cannot hold membership as an Andalite. He was bluffing, he doubted the Andalite High Command would ever let a semi-staff like Diwwalt make a decision such as this one, especially when it concerned the brother of Prince Elfangor.
"Alright then, it's settled. Ax and Elfangor will - "
... Prince Jake? I don't wish to go anymore. the aristh obviously didn't give a crap about what Diwwalt thought of his title for the human. Diwwalt scowled.
"Are you sure?"
Yes, Prince Jake.
"Okay, then Elfangor and Diwwalt will go." Jake didn't ask any questions, but threw Diwwalt a look of suspicion.
* * *
Diwwalt walked awkwardly down the stairs. Jake had insisted that they enter as human controllers. Diwwalt supposed that that was what they had to do. On top of feeling insulted, he felt uneasy in this body. Basically, it was half blind and if something attacked him he had nothing to defend himself. In fact, it was a wonder that the Animorphs are still alive.
Now they could hear the screams from below and the stench of death and torture. Typical of Yeerks, the Andalites thought.
They have arrived at the bottom of the stairs and Diwwalt couldn't help but groan at the scene. Dozens of Taxxons were feeding on live controllers. They bit and tore at the flesh that was still writhing, whimpering and crying. Blood of various species - blue, green, red, orange - were being spilled and squirted carelessly. It appeared that the Visser wasn't happy.
I cannot tolerate this level of incompetence! If any Yeerk, any Yeerk at all, dares to carry out my orders incorrectly they will meet their fate! Do I make myself clear!? Their host bodies will be fed to Taxxons just as this scene that you are witnessing. If you are worthless you will be tortured by Kandrona starvation for weeks until you die. If I believe you have some use, you will be tortured by Kandrona starvation for as long as your body can take, then abandoned until I have use for you. Do I make myself clear! To make his point, the Visser whipped his tail about, executing several unfortunate controllers who were foolish enough to be near him.
Diwwalt would kill Yeerks without hesitation, but the sight of such brutality sickened him. He had known about this, but nothing anyone told him could ever have prepared him for being here in person. He took a deep breath and hoped he did not appear as shaky as he felt. Elfangor stepped forward.
"Hey, how's your new host?" Elfangor said to him almost casually, Diwwalt scowled. How could he be so relaxed when corpses are being thrown about and the tormented screams of innocent hosts lashed the air?
"Fine." Efangor nodded, attempting to pass time until the group outside was ready and Jake spoke to them.
Jake and them, do you think they know what they're doing? I say we go ahead without them.
Elfangor smiled, Since the whole group already agreed on this, let's just stick to the plan. It's only been six minutes and fourteen seconds.
Diwwalt wanted to get this over with. He believed that all Jake could do was jeopardize the plan. Excess adrenaline was pumping through his veins and he wanted to get this over with.
Hey, we're ready. You guys just keep an eye on him, get Alloran out, keep conversation to the minimum. Elfangor, you do the talking. Diwwalt, it's best if you just help drag Alloran out. And both of you, pay attention to what Alloran says, if he says anything, because anything could be important.
Elfangor looked to Diwwalt to reply. So he was still recognized as the commander and boss for this mission, he felt involuntarily flattered. Instead of commenting of Jake's rude orders, he found himself say Yes, Jake. Are. is. is it usually this sick here, Visser Three killing fellow Yeerks for no reason and Taxxon controllers chewing on comrades not yet dead?
Marco laughed not uncruelly, and that was the Animorphs' reply and comment to Diwwalt's question.
Visser Three had disappeared from the scene, most likely to his private portable pool. Elfangor lead the way and strolled to the feeding queue. They had plenty of people in front of them to give them enough time.
Alloran will most likely be near the portable pool, correct? Elfangor suggested.
I suppose.
.you okay?
Yes, Diwwalt snapped. I just don't understand the necessity in doing this task. I would gladly sacrifice my life for more worthwhile causes. To his surprise, Elfangor shrugged mutely and looked away, hurt.
Diwwalt pondered how he was going to bring up the problem of getting to Alloran, when he saw four Hork-Bajir carry Alloran into the main area of the complex. One Hork-Bajir on each side of Alloran, one holding his tail, and one walking behind them. Visser Three certainly didn't take any risks with the empire's most superior host. Alloran didn't seem to be resisting.
"The Great Visser Three has ordered his host to be witness to the activities on this complex while the Great One himself is not present. All Yeerks are to be warned that any and all misconducts will not slip past the Great One's knowledge and will be severely, nevertheless appropriately, punished." The Hork-Bajir announced in clear Galard. Diwwalt and Elfangor looked at each other, amazed by the Hork-Bajir's ability to deliver his message clearly and fluently. But then again, the Visser would hardly accept anything other than the most capable for his own servants.
Alloran-Semitur-Corass, Diwwalt spoke privately and evenly, although the name brought connotations of massacre, bloodshed, crime, and that day in his childhood.
Alloran did not respond in any way.
Alloran, we are sent by the Andalite High Command, and our mission is to free you. Cooperate with us to escape this place.
What are you doing here? Alloran yelped in private thought-speech.
Diwwalt bit back his sarcastic response and replied patiently To free you.
Don't you know surveillance equipment are placed everywhere? Don't you know alarms undetectable to the common body are being raised everywhere, and that Yeerks here are too afraid to report to Esplin? You better just go. If you get far enough away by the time Esplin returns to me you won't be easily found and captured. Diwwalt was insulted. Insulted by Alloran's unwillingness to cooperate. Insulted by Alloran's stupidity. Insulted by Alloran' tone when he, a representative of the Andalite high Command, was offering to help him. Insulted that Alloran had called the filthy Yeerk by its name. Insulted that no, he did not know that alarms were being raised.
Ignorant fool, we're trying to help you. It certainly cannot be my responsibility to relieve you of this much deserved place you've earned yourself in Yeerk custody. However, I willingly do so for the freedom of the galaxy and for Andalite pride. He hadn't meant for this to come out so harsh, but it did, and he felt Elfangor cringe.
Alloran, on the other hand, was unaffected. This was ridiculous! Instead of fighting off Yeerks and helping Alloran escape, this warrior was stuck trying to reason with Alloran to cooperate so that he could help him. Damn, it was times like this when it was tempting to just turn his back and leave, Alloran can endure Yeerk treatment as far as Diwwalt was concerned. But he was a responsible warrior, and however undeserving his current leader was, he followed his orders.
Do you want to be free or not!?
Alloran, it's me, Elfangor. I'm alive -
Shut up! Alloran cut in shrilly, now extending his private thought speech to include Elfangor. Don't tell me, don't tell me anything you don't want Esplin to know!
If you came out with us, the Yeerk wouldn't know, would it? Diwwalt was really beginning to despise this particularly difficult Andalite. His patience was leaving him.
Controllers rarely escape. Just go!
This is a direct order. Just do -
I don't care! Leave! You don't know what you're doing. Just go, go, go! I don't want you to save me, just get out of here! Aarrghhh are you stupid?!
Diwwalt and Elfangor were second in line in the feeding queue.
Run! Alloran was urging them. You won't have the chance once you reach first in line. Once they realize no Yeerk is coming out they'll be on to you.
We've been caught, Jake's voice suddenly said grimly. Ax, Rachel and I might be able to hold them off for a few more minutes. You guys better come out quickly. They're really suspicious. Marco, Tobias and Cassie need to morph.
Elfangor felt the edge of panic. He needed to get Alloran out of there, he can't leave him here.
Alloran, please just come with us! Elfangor urged privately to Alloran. I feel responsible for you. I'm not leaving until you come with us. he had no idea how that was to work, he had no idea how much of what he said he meant.
A/N: Cliffhanger! Hahaha, don't you just love those? I really need to work out an ending for this thing soon, then I can have a vague direction. I know some things I'd like to include, but not how to go about including them. ^_____^;;
Next chapter there will be something that many of you have asked for in varying degrees of desperation. Hopefully I'll get it up within. *thinks* five days? A week?
Phoenix_sol - Ellimist? Oh, he's a close friend of mine, didn't you know? Mislead Diwwalt is funny, so I don't know when I'll clear M/A up. I'm hoping to put the misunderstanding to some more use before I clear it up once and for all.
flying - Heh heh, Elfangor will find out more about Tobias' childhood later (whenever that might be).
Jinako-chan - Who know, maybe he won't ditch the military (Ooh the suspense!). As for Diwwalt's angst, well. somehow that's how I see the average stereotypical Andalite warrior who is relatively high in rank as far as warriors go. *is so hopeless at explaining*
Nova Mist - *is trying to write faster* I will do better than have Loren be seen from afar *wink* And to answer you question, no I do not know how long this fic will be, and I have no plan at all *sweatdrop*.
All suggestions/comments/criticism/rant/praise/pointless review/flames/death threats are welcome!!