1 CHAPTER 2

My name is Jake, the leader of the Animorphs. Up until now I made hard decisions that took the lives of people I cared for as well as destroying the threat from my home, Earth. After winning the war over the Yeerk Empire I simple caved in on myself. I simple questioned myself about the things I'd done. And seriously I had made only myself a grave.

Marco and Cassie helped me back on my feet. No matter how many things happened they would be there to boost my confidence.

Now however the group was in fact breaking up.

There was an even bigger threat to Earth, the Kelbrid. However my biggest fear was that Ax was no more. The fact that he was gone tore an even bigger hole in my heart. I doubt that I could ever live without ever seeing Ax.

Ax, after becoming a prince was an Animorph and always would be. He had helped us countless of times in many battles with the Yeerks knowing that one day he would have to avenge his brother's death.

After the first clash of the ship a large amount of energy destroyed the Blade ship. Whatever it was I wasn't too happy to find out.

"Menderash, are the sensors working, by any chance. I want to get a reading on that blast and find out where it came from." I know I sounded harsh but I was getting a bad feeling about all this. Suppose its another Blade Ship! Or maybe Andalite ships come to our rescue.

"Status Report shows a life-form several meters from our position and closing in."

"Give me a view of this life form." Whatever it was.

* * *

I coasted toward the ship obviously giving myself away which is what I had intended to do. I waved to the ship hoping that they would see me. The ship seemed to stay where it was. In fact there was a hatch opening now and they seemed to be inviting me in.

I entered the ship to find weapons drawn and facing me.

"You can drop you weapons or do I have to show you my fighting skills . . ." I laughed after I said that making them seem very uncomfortable.

"Who are you?" The young Jake looked at me. I could tell he was having trouble controlling his features. Was it because of my appearance, or was it because of what I had just said. Well in any case I might as well lay the lines here and now.

" My name is Shana and I am here to ally myself with your group. This sector of the universe is much too dangerous for neither low-level humans nor Andalites nor any race that came from your direction.

I am from a race that I am the soul survivor of. I come in peace and wish to find a place that I may call home because I have no home nor do I know where it is if my father had not destroyed that as well. My father . . ."

No I can't let myself cry in front of a bunch of strangers. But still the tears came. I know that it was dangerous to cry but they would have to deal with that. My tears were for my family for being so harsh on me, for my father who always believed that he could rule the universe.

"Why are crying?" the Andalite in human form asked.

"I cry because I have no more family nor a planet to call home. I have traveled space with no food nor the comfort of a friend to say it would be all-right." Those words hung in the air deafening and choking.

They seemed to be relieved except for Jake. I saw the hawk fly toward me. I put my arm out while the hawk rested on my arm.

We're two of a kind because we both have no family left.

By the way my name is Tobias and I don't mind being your friend.

"Thanks, Tobias. I really appreciate it."

I had finally been excepted and now it was time to show them something. It was time for my little surprise.