A THE YEERK POOL BENEATH THE SCHOOL
(It has already been done) the Emperor snarled at Visser Three, as they inspected the black uniformed Hork-Bajir troops marching out from personal transports that had docked in the Yeerk Pool, (The trap is set. Soon the Andalite bandits will attack, we will destroy them and that will be the end of our problem. The invasion of Earth can then continue as planned).
(Where are we going to convince them to assault?) the Visser asked.
(That can wait for now. I shall crush them with one hundred of my elite Hork-Bajir. How many Andalites are there?)
(Six to our knowledge, My Lord).
A sneer sounded from the mind of the Emperor, (Is that all? The invasion force you were entrusted with is being slowed by six Andalites? And do not bother me again with your excuses of how dangerous they are with their morphing capabilities. No one knows the extent of the power morphing gives than I).
JAKE'S POV
"She said it just happened", Cassie told me as she cleaned out a racoon's cage, "She's doesn't know why she did. It sounds like she was confused to me".
"Or lonely", I said, lounging on a bale of straw. We were back in the barn, her and I. It was a few hours after the meeting and we had arranged to meet up again alone to discuss the problems we were having with Marco, Rachel and Tobias.
"Yeah, maybe that too", Cassie shut the door of the cage, "They do like each other. I don't think they like being apart like this. It's going to crush Tobias if he hears about this".
"He already knows", I told her, "He saw them. And he confronted Marco about it. Guess he's too hurt to talk to Rachel yet".
Cassie shook her head in disbelief, "I guess he was cut up, right?"
"Yup".
She sat down and seemed to consider, "I don't know what to think. I feel sorry for Marco. He's caught up in the middle of all this. I don't think he likes Rachel, if he did he might have made it more...obvious".
I nodded and tried not to smirk, remembering the countless occasions with Marco trying to impress girls in a very direct manner and failing miserably. In fact, the more I thought about, the sorrier I began to feel for him. Me and Cassie had each other. Tobias and Rachel had each other. Marco had no one and never had had anyone.
But I would never tell him I felt sorry for him. He hates pity.
I sighed, "So, where do we go from here?"
"I think the best thing we can do is to leave Rachel and Tobias to talk it over. They don't like this at all. If they can work it out, Marco will leave it".
She was right, as usual. God, she's brilliant. There were so many things I want to tell her that I never do. Sometimes when I think it's the right moment I get so close but I can never go ahead with it.
One day I'll do it. But now wasn't the time. We had other things to worry about.
RACHEL'S POV
I watched as the car pulled away. My mum, Jordan and Susan were going to the cinema to see a Disney movie. I never wanted to go the cinema again in my life.
I groaned in frustration and sat down on the bed. Suddenly, there was a fluttering at the window. Tobias.
"Just a moment", I said and went to the window and opened it. I was glad to see him. I needed to talk to him. To tell him.
He flew in and perched on the windowsill. And stared at me. He didn't say a word. He just stared. It made me feel very uncomfortable under his laser eyes. I squirmed a little.
"Tobias, are you okay?" I asked.
(I think you have something to tell me), he did not avert his gaze.
"What are you talking about?" but even as I said it I realized what he meant. Marco? Had Marco told him? That little...no wait, he was under no obligation not to. In fact, he had every right to.
"How did you find out?" I whispered.
(I saw you. I was coming to talk to you and there you were. With him. Marco.)
He sounded cold, angry. Very out of character for Tobias. But he had a right to be mad. I mean, jeez, what had I done? I felt like such a creep. Me and Tobias had never done anything a normal couple would. Well, how could we? He's a red-tailed hawk. We'd never been out or held hands or hugged or kissed. But we had been there for each other, and I knew he liked me. Because I sure liked him. I liked him so much it hurt sometimes. But it was hard not being able to talk to him as a human. Sometimes, I just wanted to touch him. But I couldn't.
"Tobias...I'm...I'm sorry. But it's not what you think".
(Isn't it? Tell me what it is then? Because to me it looks like you went for a date with Marco and then kissed him.)
I looked away, "Tobias, you know I like you".
(Then you've got a funny way of showing it) he snorted (Making out with...with MARCO?)
"Marco's not evil", I snapped, growing angry.
(No, but he's a jerk to me sometimes. He's arrogant and self-centred).
I couldn't believe I was hearing this. Marco was always poking fun at everyone, and Tobias was no exception, but I didn't think he really meant it. Did he? Suddenly, I wasn't so sure.
So while I fumbled for an answer Tobias just flew off. I stared after him, then rushed to the window and shouted after him in despair.
"Tobias! Come back!"
He didn't answer, he just flew on.
MARCO'S POV
Another day passed before Erek the Chee informed us that the free Hork- Bajir tribe had made another raid and escaped with seventeen extra prisoners. It was crazy. They were rapidly approaching one hundred in rank.
But now the Yeerks were mad. Seriously mad. Erek had told us that they were mobilizing another assault to try and find the free Hork-Bajir. The Emperor himself was organizing it and attending it.
This was our big chance. We could kill the Emperor and end the war for good.
But somehow I didn't feel confident. Erek said he hadn't actually seen the Emperor but the Yeerks seemed to regard him with utter terror. Even Visser Three. And that wasn't encouraging.
But still, we had to try. If we didn't then we would never be able to forgive ourselves.
So the time had come. We assembled in Cassie's barn. Well, we were still waiting for Rachel, Tobias and Ax. I entered the barn, feeling slightly less awkward than the last meeting. I smiled at Jake, mumbled 'hi' and sat down.
Cassie sighed, "Marco, I know what happened".
My eyebrows shot up and I glared at Jake. He shook his head. Ah, of course. Rachel. She'd talked to Rachel.
"And?" I said.
"Well, we're trying to sort it out. But it's not easy. Rachel's very upset".
"She's upset?" I muttered.
"Yeah, very. She didn't mean for it to happen. You know she likes Tobias".
That prompted a small thought, "Hey, has anyone actually talked to Tobias?"
There was a silence.
"Damnit", Jake groaned eventually.
"He's probably more hurt than anyone", Cassie agreed.
"So what do we do?" Jake wondered.
"I have an idea to start with", I interrupted Cassie before she could answer, "Why don't we just leave fixing up our screwed love lives until after we've finished trying to destroy the galaxy's most evil being?"
"Yeah, we've got to stay focused", Jake said, "But it won't be good for us if you guys won't co-operate with each other".
"I'll co-operate, I'm not a little sulky kid", I protested, "I don't want to screw everything up this..."
Tobias flew into the barn and perched on the rafters above. I instantly fell silent. Cassie raised an eyebrow at me.
"See?" she pointed out.
(See what?) Tobias grumbled.
"Oh for God's sake", Jake snapped, "You guys have got to sort this out. Now. We all know what's happened. So just learn to deal with it!"
Jake doesn't get angry very often. But he looked very fed up all of a sudden. But Tobias too arched his wings and glared furiously down at us.
(It's not easy, Jake. How would you feel if this creep made a move on Cassie?)
"Hey!" Cassie and I both protested.
(Shut up, Marco), he faced Jake, (Well?)
"Creep? What the hell did I do, Bird-boy? It wasn't my idea!"
"I take it from all this shouting that the meeting is underway", Rachel entered the barn and stood looking at us.
"You could say that", Jake murmured in exasperation.
"I'm sure Yeerks were involved somewhere at first", Cassie said.
"Something to do with eliminating the Emperor of Ultimate Evil, but we've trailed off a little", I agreed.
I saw Rachel turned to glare at me and I could almost feel Tobias' eyes lock onto me too.
(You know something, Marco), Tobias began (This is not...)
The sound of galloping hooves interrupted him. We all turned to see Ax rushing towards us. He seemed in more of a hurry than usual.
(Prince Jake!) he cried as he neared us, (We have no time! They're marching through the forest now! Heading in the right direction towards the Hork- Bajir!)
Jake grimaced, "Alright, everyone morph. Bird morph, we're in a hurry. You too Ax", he looked at me, Rachel and Tobias, "And don't let your personal lives screw this up right now".
We started to morph, the familiar yet somehow unpredictable changes taking place. Shrinking. Arm bones extending. Feathers sprouting over the body. The face hardening to form a beak.
A few minutes later we were flying out from Cassie's barn and heading towards the forest. A bald eagle, a red-tailed hawk, two peregrine falcons and two ospreys. We were slightly conspicuous as a group but at the moment no one really cared.
We shot over the canopy and heard a tramping sound. Below were maybe thirty Taxxons, squirming and oozing their way through the forest and sniffing the floor. Behind marched about twenty Hork-Bajir Controllers.
We all stared for a moment, (I wonder which is him?) Cassie said.
(Got to be one of the Hork-Bajir), Jake circled above me, making me slightly more edgy than I already was, (No way would he pick a Taxxon. He's too important).
But at the same time he didn't sound convinced. We didn't know what to expect but it wasn't a Hork-Bajir.
(He'll have more troops hidden somewhere) Tobias considered.
(Agreed), said Ax (They'll have kept track of how many Hork-Bajir are missing and have more Contollers stationed nearby).
(That's a risk we'll have to take. Land somewhere out of sight and demorph), Jake ordered in a grim voice.
We circled around until we found a secluded glade far from the crashing of Hork-Bajir and screeching of Taxxon trackers and began to demorph.
(Battle morphs everyone, go to whatever you think you can do the most damage with. We've got a lot of fighting to do), Jake told us as he melded from falcon to human.
The gorilla had always been my traditional battle morph and I was familiar with it. And we needed that kind of strength. There were a lot of Hork- Bair. We were out numbered.
I watched as I saw Rachel transform into a huge African elephant. Not a pretty sight. Jake grow into a tiger. Cassie's dark complexion into a wolf's grey, sad face. Ax merely went back to his original form, and that was plenty dangerous. Tobias, well he went something none of us knew he had acquired. His feathers melded into the black fur of a panther. Muscles like liquid steel formed under the silky body.
(When did you acquire that?) Cassie asked.
(Not long ago), he answered, (Don't worry, I can control it. I've practiced).
(Well, now we're all ready, let's move out) Jake bounded after the swathe of destruction the Yeerks had caused.
But nobody was excited or revved up. Not even Rachel. We just rushed after them, desperate to catch up.
(If we can catch them unawares, we can bring down a lot of them before they react), Ax advised.
Suddenly, there they were. Ahead of us. Hork-Bajir led by Taxxons. Jake sailed through the air, claws extended and teeth bared, and leaped at the last Controller.
And passed right through it.
He crashed to the floor and looked up in surprise.
(A hologram!) Ax exclaimed in alarm.
Suddenly the air was alive with laughter. Harsh, gloating laughter. The curious "Kee-raw" of Hork-Bajir.. And suddenly the hologram of marching troops disappeared.
Between the trees stepped one hundred black-uniformed Hork-Bajir, each with a Dracon beam aimed at us. We were surrounded. They laughed and snorted, talking to each other in perfect English which was surprising.
Visser Three too skittered out on his hooves and looked at us mockingly. But he remained silent. And then we saw why. Striding forwards was the Yeerk Emperor.
His black robes emphasized his massive frame, and his bitter crown only increased his massive height. What species he was none of us, could tell, not even Ax judging by his shocked gasp. There was no question he was the Emperor.
A dark presence seemed to radiate out of him. It was like a stain on your soul. Pure, unrelenting malice. And then he laughed in a rumbling tone of satisfaction.
(Well, Visser, it seems like I've succeeded in a day where you have failed In three of these Earth years).
(Yes, My Lord) the Visser bowed. It was shocking to see him humbled, the proud, arrogant creature who had hunted us relentlessly.
(A stroke of luck, perhaps, in your Hork-Bajir friends raiding at the right time), the Lord continued ,(Then again, perhaps not. Maybe similar to the Asrith Andalite's decision to try and contact home?)
The Hork-Bajir, the Visser and the Emperor all laughed. We just stared. Was it possible? Could he have influenced Ax's behaviour? Then again, who knew what this guy was capable of?
(You Yeerk fitlh!) Ax suddenly exploded in rage.
(Now is not the time for Andalites to talk), the Emperor sneered, (To die, maybe. But not talk).
(We will fight you to death, filth!) Ax practically screeched, shivering in revulsion.
(Ax, shut up!) Jake ordered, (Don't talk to them!) But Ax was beyond listening, (Murderer of worlds! Plague of the galaxy!) he yelled.
Visser Three cocked his head, (Here is something I have observed before, My Lord. The Asrith is the only one who speaks. Ever. Most interesting. And confusing).
(For you, maybe), the Lord said with an arrogant snort, (I find it rather obvious. Five of these "Andalite bandits" aren't Andalites at all. They're humans).
I think for a moment everybody's hearts stopped, Hork-Bajir and Visser Three included. We all just stood motionless. He had worked it out. For three years we had kept this secret from the Yeerks. Then he just went ahead and figured it out. That was it. Even if we escaped this encounter we were doomed. Then, another burst of roaring laughter.
(You see, Visser? It is clear they are humans. If they were Andalites they would have responded. They are humans).
(Humans), the Visser looked crushed, humiliated. He sank to his knees.
(We're not humans) Rachel said weakly, although she sounded stronger than I felt.
(With every move you make you only convince me further. They were given the power to morph perhaps by this Andalite. Or Elfangor maybe? He could well have broken the law of Seerow's Kindness. Who knows what that fool may have done, the only other Andalite who has ever been on this sorry world?)
Then although no face was visible, he seemed to grin. At least, a smug and amused aura came off him.
(But Earth does have its merits. It's population of billions shall soon be ours. But you will not be amongst those if you do not surrender. You will die now).
The Hork-Bajir grinned and readied their weapons.
The Emperor was changing. A new shape seemed to be melting out of the darkness. He was growing bigger.
(Hey, he's morphing!) Cassie said to us in private thought-speak.
(I've noticed) I muttered.
(I see you are surprised at my capabilities. I have learned to replicate the Andalite technology for myself. It was difficult, but I succeeded. Not so primitive after all, are we, Andalite?) he turned to gloat at Ax , (But Earth has one more merit. I have searched the galaxy for the most impressive predator. The perfect balance of speed, power, intelligence and strength. And no Anterean Bogg morph or any other I have seen can match it).
He was clearly enjoying his speech, showing off his intelligence and cunning. And it was worrying. Another enemy with the ability to morph?
(I took advantage of a recent rip in time, a Sario Rip), he claimed loudly, (And allowed myself to acquire DNA from the most perfect specimen of a predator the galaxy has ever known. I believe you instigated the Sario Rip yourself, or were involved, is that not so? So perhaps you are familiar with the animal in question).
(Oh God), Tobias moaned.
From the black formed something I had never thought I'd see again. Five meters tall, fourteen meters long, seven tonnes. A powerful, barrel-shaped body just rippling with muscles, dark green dappled with lighter stripes on the back. Huge powerful legs built for running in great strides.
Two short but strong arms protruded from the chest, with two clawed fingers. The feet were monstrous talons, a perversion of Tobias'. And at the end of a thick neck was a massive six foot heavy head, with two gleaming yellow eyes.
The jaws opened, revealing huge eighteen centimetre long fangs and a red maw. The creature roared, a scream from another time. Visser Three and the Hork-Bajir backed away in terror.
(Oh yes), the Lord declared, (Now THIS is power).
Tyrannosaurus Rex. King of the Tyrant Lizards. Driven by a mind of pure evil.
Supported by one hundred Hork-Bajir with dracon beams and one of the galaxy's most deadly Controllers.
Against us. We were going to die.
(I give you one last choice, humans and Andalite) the Lord boomed from the Tyrannosaurus, (Surrender. Surrender and be infested. What is it to be?)
The Tyrannosaur alone could probably kill us all. They would crush us instantly.
Jake took one step forward, then turned to look at us.
(Free or dead!) he cried. And charged.
(Free or dead!) we roared. And rushed after him.
Straight at the Hork-Bajir and the Tyrannosaurus Rex.
(It has already been done) the Emperor snarled at Visser Three, as they inspected the black uniformed Hork-Bajir troops marching out from personal transports that had docked in the Yeerk Pool, (The trap is set. Soon the Andalite bandits will attack, we will destroy them and that will be the end of our problem. The invasion of Earth can then continue as planned).
(Where are we going to convince them to assault?) the Visser asked.
(That can wait for now. I shall crush them with one hundred of my elite Hork-Bajir. How many Andalites are there?)
(Six to our knowledge, My Lord).
A sneer sounded from the mind of the Emperor, (Is that all? The invasion force you were entrusted with is being slowed by six Andalites? And do not bother me again with your excuses of how dangerous they are with their morphing capabilities. No one knows the extent of the power morphing gives than I).
JAKE'S POV
"She said it just happened", Cassie told me as she cleaned out a racoon's cage, "She's doesn't know why she did. It sounds like she was confused to me".
"Or lonely", I said, lounging on a bale of straw. We were back in the barn, her and I. It was a few hours after the meeting and we had arranged to meet up again alone to discuss the problems we were having with Marco, Rachel and Tobias.
"Yeah, maybe that too", Cassie shut the door of the cage, "They do like each other. I don't think they like being apart like this. It's going to crush Tobias if he hears about this".
"He already knows", I told her, "He saw them. And he confronted Marco about it. Guess he's too hurt to talk to Rachel yet".
Cassie shook her head in disbelief, "I guess he was cut up, right?"
"Yup".
She sat down and seemed to consider, "I don't know what to think. I feel sorry for Marco. He's caught up in the middle of all this. I don't think he likes Rachel, if he did he might have made it more...obvious".
I nodded and tried not to smirk, remembering the countless occasions with Marco trying to impress girls in a very direct manner and failing miserably. In fact, the more I thought about, the sorrier I began to feel for him. Me and Cassie had each other. Tobias and Rachel had each other. Marco had no one and never had had anyone.
But I would never tell him I felt sorry for him. He hates pity.
I sighed, "So, where do we go from here?"
"I think the best thing we can do is to leave Rachel and Tobias to talk it over. They don't like this at all. If they can work it out, Marco will leave it".
She was right, as usual. God, she's brilliant. There were so many things I want to tell her that I never do. Sometimes when I think it's the right moment I get so close but I can never go ahead with it.
One day I'll do it. But now wasn't the time. We had other things to worry about.
RACHEL'S POV
I watched as the car pulled away. My mum, Jordan and Susan were going to the cinema to see a Disney movie. I never wanted to go the cinema again in my life.
I groaned in frustration and sat down on the bed. Suddenly, there was a fluttering at the window. Tobias.
"Just a moment", I said and went to the window and opened it. I was glad to see him. I needed to talk to him. To tell him.
He flew in and perched on the windowsill. And stared at me. He didn't say a word. He just stared. It made me feel very uncomfortable under his laser eyes. I squirmed a little.
"Tobias, are you okay?" I asked.
(I think you have something to tell me), he did not avert his gaze.
"What are you talking about?" but even as I said it I realized what he meant. Marco? Had Marco told him? That little...no wait, he was under no obligation not to. In fact, he had every right to.
"How did you find out?" I whispered.
(I saw you. I was coming to talk to you and there you were. With him. Marco.)
He sounded cold, angry. Very out of character for Tobias. But he had a right to be mad. I mean, jeez, what had I done? I felt like such a creep. Me and Tobias had never done anything a normal couple would. Well, how could we? He's a red-tailed hawk. We'd never been out or held hands or hugged or kissed. But we had been there for each other, and I knew he liked me. Because I sure liked him. I liked him so much it hurt sometimes. But it was hard not being able to talk to him as a human. Sometimes, I just wanted to touch him. But I couldn't.
"Tobias...I'm...I'm sorry. But it's not what you think".
(Isn't it? Tell me what it is then? Because to me it looks like you went for a date with Marco and then kissed him.)
I looked away, "Tobias, you know I like you".
(Then you've got a funny way of showing it) he snorted (Making out with...with MARCO?)
"Marco's not evil", I snapped, growing angry.
(No, but he's a jerk to me sometimes. He's arrogant and self-centred).
I couldn't believe I was hearing this. Marco was always poking fun at everyone, and Tobias was no exception, but I didn't think he really meant it. Did he? Suddenly, I wasn't so sure.
So while I fumbled for an answer Tobias just flew off. I stared after him, then rushed to the window and shouted after him in despair.
"Tobias! Come back!"
He didn't answer, he just flew on.
MARCO'S POV
Another day passed before Erek the Chee informed us that the free Hork- Bajir tribe had made another raid and escaped with seventeen extra prisoners. It was crazy. They were rapidly approaching one hundred in rank.
But now the Yeerks were mad. Seriously mad. Erek had told us that they were mobilizing another assault to try and find the free Hork-Bajir. The Emperor himself was organizing it and attending it.
This was our big chance. We could kill the Emperor and end the war for good.
But somehow I didn't feel confident. Erek said he hadn't actually seen the Emperor but the Yeerks seemed to regard him with utter terror. Even Visser Three. And that wasn't encouraging.
But still, we had to try. If we didn't then we would never be able to forgive ourselves.
So the time had come. We assembled in Cassie's barn. Well, we were still waiting for Rachel, Tobias and Ax. I entered the barn, feeling slightly less awkward than the last meeting. I smiled at Jake, mumbled 'hi' and sat down.
Cassie sighed, "Marco, I know what happened".
My eyebrows shot up and I glared at Jake. He shook his head. Ah, of course. Rachel. She'd talked to Rachel.
"And?" I said.
"Well, we're trying to sort it out. But it's not easy. Rachel's very upset".
"She's upset?" I muttered.
"Yeah, very. She didn't mean for it to happen. You know she likes Tobias".
That prompted a small thought, "Hey, has anyone actually talked to Tobias?"
There was a silence.
"Damnit", Jake groaned eventually.
"He's probably more hurt than anyone", Cassie agreed.
"So what do we do?" Jake wondered.
"I have an idea to start with", I interrupted Cassie before she could answer, "Why don't we just leave fixing up our screwed love lives until after we've finished trying to destroy the galaxy's most evil being?"
"Yeah, we've got to stay focused", Jake said, "But it won't be good for us if you guys won't co-operate with each other".
"I'll co-operate, I'm not a little sulky kid", I protested, "I don't want to screw everything up this..."
Tobias flew into the barn and perched on the rafters above. I instantly fell silent. Cassie raised an eyebrow at me.
"See?" she pointed out.
(See what?) Tobias grumbled.
"Oh for God's sake", Jake snapped, "You guys have got to sort this out. Now. We all know what's happened. So just learn to deal with it!"
Jake doesn't get angry very often. But he looked very fed up all of a sudden. But Tobias too arched his wings and glared furiously down at us.
(It's not easy, Jake. How would you feel if this creep made a move on Cassie?)
"Hey!" Cassie and I both protested.
(Shut up, Marco), he faced Jake, (Well?)
"Creep? What the hell did I do, Bird-boy? It wasn't my idea!"
"I take it from all this shouting that the meeting is underway", Rachel entered the barn and stood looking at us.
"You could say that", Jake murmured in exasperation.
"I'm sure Yeerks were involved somewhere at first", Cassie said.
"Something to do with eliminating the Emperor of Ultimate Evil, but we've trailed off a little", I agreed.
I saw Rachel turned to glare at me and I could almost feel Tobias' eyes lock onto me too.
(You know something, Marco), Tobias began (This is not...)
The sound of galloping hooves interrupted him. We all turned to see Ax rushing towards us. He seemed in more of a hurry than usual.
(Prince Jake!) he cried as he neared us, (We have no time! They're marching through the forest now! Heading in the right direction towards the Hork- Bajir!)
Jake grimaced, "Alright, everyone morph. Bird morph, we're in a hurry. You too Ax", he looked at me, Rachel and Tobias, "And don't let your personal lives screw this up right now".
We started to morph, the familiar yet somehow unpredictable changes taking place. Shrinking. Arm bones extending. Feathers sprouting over the body. The face hardening to form a beak.
A few minutes later we were flying out from Cassie's barn and heading towards the forest. A bald eagle, a red-tailed hawk, two peregrine falcons and two ospreys. We were slightly conspicuous as a group but at the moment no one really cared.
We shot over the canopy and heard a tramping sound. Below were maybe thirty Taxxons, squirming and oozing their way through the forest and sniffing the floor. Behind marched about twenty Hork-Bajir Controllers.
We all stared for a moment, (I wonder which is him?) Cassie said.
(Got to be one of the Hork-Bajir), Jake circled above me, making me slightly more edgy than I already was, (No way would he pick a Taxxon. He's too important).
But at the same time he didn't sound convinced. We didn't know what to expect but it wasn't a Hork-Bajir.
(He'll have more troops hidden somewhere) Tobias considered.
(Agreed), said Ax (They'll have kept track of how many Hork-Bajir are missing and have more Contollers stationed nearby).
(That's a risk we'll have to take. Land somewhere out of sight and demorph), Jake ordered in a grim voice.
We circled around until we found a secluded glade far from the crashing of Hork-Bajir and screeching of Taxxon trackers and began to demorph.
(Battle morphs everyone, go to whatever you think you can do the most damage with. We've got a lot of fighting to do), Jake told us as he melded from falcon to human.
The gorilla had always been my traditional battle morph and I was familiar with it. And we needed that kind of strength. There were a lot of Hork- Bair. We were out numbered.
I watched as I saw Rachel transform into a huge African elephant. Not a pretty sight. Jake grow into a tiger. Cassie's dark complexion into a wolf's grey, sad face. Ax merely went back to his original form, and that was plenty dangerous. Tobias, well he went something none of us knew he had acquired. His feathers melded into the black fur of a panther. Muscles like liquid steel formed under the silky body.
(When did you acquire that?) Cassie asked.
(Not long ago), he answered, (Don't worry, I can control it. I've practiced).
(Well, now we're all ready, let's move out) Jake bounded after the swathe of destruction the Yeerks had caused.
But nobody was excited or revved up. Not even Rachel. We just rushed after them, desperate to catch up.
(If we can catch them unawares, we can bring down a lot of them before they react), Ax advised.
Suddenly, there they were. Ahead of us. Hork-Bajir led by Taxxons. Jake sailed through the air, claws extended and teeth bared, and leaped at the last Controller.
And passed right through it.
He crashed to the floor and looked up in surprise.
(A hologram!) Ax exclaimed in alarm.
Suddenly the air was alive with laughter. Harsh, gloating laughter. The curious "Kee-raw" of Hork-Bajir.. And suddenly the hologram of marching troops disappeared.
Between the trees stepped one hundred black-uniformed Hork-Bajir, each with a Dracon beam aimed at us. We were surrounded. They laughed and snorted, talking to each other in perfect English which was surprising.
Visser Three too skittered out on his hooves and looked at us mockingly. But he remained silent. And then we saw why. Striding forwards was the Yeerk Emperor.
His black robes emphasized his massive frame, and his bitter crown only increased his massive height. What species he was none of us, could tell, not even Ax judging by his shocked gasp. There was no question he was the Emperor.
A dark presence seemed to radiate out of him. It was like a stain on your soul. Pure, unrelenting malice. And then he laughed in a rumbling tone of satisfaction.
(Well, Visser, it seems like I've succeeded in a day where you have failed In three of these Earth years).
(Yes, My Lord) the Visser bowed. It was shocking to see him humbled, the proud, arrogant creature who had hunted us relentlessly.
(A stroke of luck, perhaps, in your Hork-Bajir friends raiding at the right time), the Lord continued ,(Then again, perhaps not. Maybe similar to the Asrith Andalite's decision to try and contact home?)
The Hork-Bajir, the Visser and the Emperor all laughed. We just stared. Was it possible? Could he have influenced Ax's behaviour? Then again, who knew what this guy was capable of?
(You Yeerk fitlh!) Ax suddenly exploded in rage.
(Now is not the time for Andalites to talk), the Emperor sneered, (To die, maybe. But not talk).
(We will fight you to death, filth!) Ax practically screeched, shivering in revulsion.
(Ax, shut up!) Jake ordered, (Don't talk to them!) But Ax was beyond listening, (Murderer of worlds! Plague of the galaxy!) he yelled.
Visser Three cocked his head, (Here is something I have observed before, My Lord. The Asrith is the only one who speaks. Ever. Most interesting. And confusing).
(For you, maybe), the Lord said with an arrogant snort, (I find it rather obvious. Five of these "Andalite bandits" aren't Andalites at all. They're humans).
I think for a moment everybody's hearts stopped, Hork-Bajir and Visser Three included. We all just stood motionless. He had worked it out. For three years we had kept this secret from the Yeerks. Then he just went ahead and figured it out. That was it. Even if we escaped this encounter we were doomed. Then, another burst of roaring laughter.
(You see, Visser? It is clear they are humans. If they were Andalites they would have responded. They are humans).
(Humans), the Visser looked crushed, humiliated. He sank to his knees.
(We're not humans) Rachel said weakly, although she sounded stronger than I felt.
(With every move you make you only convince me further. They were given the power to morph perhaps by this Andalite. Or Elfangor maybe? He could well have broken the law of Seerow's Kindness. Who knows what that fool may have done, the only other Andalite who has ever been on this sorry world?)
Then although no face was visible, he seemed to grin. At least, a smug and amused aura came off him.
(But Earth does have its merits. It's population of billions shall soon be ours. But you will not be amongst those if you do not surrender. You will die now).
The Hork-Bajir grinned and readied their weapons.
The Emperor was changing. A new shape seemed to be melting out of the darkness. He was growing bigger.
(Hey, he's morphing!) Cassie said to us in private thought-speak.
(I've noticed) I muttered.
(I see you are surprised at my capabilities. I have learned to replicate the Andalite technology for myself. It was difficult, but I succeeded. Not so primitive after all, are we, Andalite?) he turned to gloat at Ax , (But Earth has one more merit. I have searched the galaxy for the most impressive predator. The perfect balance of speed, power, intelligence and strength. And no Anterean Bogg morph or any other I have seen can match it).
He was clearly enjoying his speech, showing off his intelligence and cunning. And it was worrying. Another enemy with the ability to morph?
(I took advantage of a recent rip in time, a Sario Rip), he claimed loudly, (And allowed myself to acquire DNA from the most perfect specimen of a predator the galaxy has ever known. I believe you instigated the Sario Rip yourself, or were involved, is that not so? So perhaps you are familiar with the animal in question).
(Oh God), Tobias moaned.
From the black formed something I had never thought I'd see again. Five meters tall, fourteen meters long, seven tonnes. A powerful, barrel-shaped body just rippling with muscles, dark green dappled with lighter stripes on the back. Huge powerful legs built for running in great strides.
Two short but strong arms protruded from the chest, with two clawed fingers. The feet were monstrous talons, a perversion of Tobias'. And at the end of a thick neck was a massive six foot heavy head, with two gleaming yellow eyes.
The jaws opened, revealing huge eighteen centimetre long fangs and a red maw. The creature roared, a scream from another time. Visser Three and the Hork-Bajir backed away in terror.
(Oh yes), the Lord declared, (Now THIS is power).
Tyrannosaurus Rex. King of the Tyrant Lizards. Driven by a mind of pure evil.
Supported by one hundred Hork-Bajir with dracon beams and one of the galaxy's most deadly Controllers.
Against us. We were going to die.
(I give you one last choice, humans and Andalite) the Lord boomed from the Tyrannosaurus, (Surrender. Surrender and be infested. What is it to be?)
The Tyrannosaur alone could probably kill us all. They would crush us instantly.
Jake took one step forward, then turned to look at us.
(Free or dead!) he cried. And charged.
(Free or dead!) we roared. And rushed after him.
Straight at the Hork-Bajir and the Tyrannosaurus Rex.