A/N Okay I think I'm going to have one more chapter after this. Thanks for all the reviews...and here's the conclusion of the battle...
Disclaimer: I don't own the Animorphs...but if I did I would make the TV show go on DVD so I could buy it and actually watch it, to see whether it sucked or not....
Previously on "Night after Nightmare" The gang tries to save the Seers (hence the chapter name) and are about to escape when they are stopped by Visser Three and his friends...what will happen? Read to find out....
For a moment, there was just silence. No one really said anything but everyone tensed up, ready to strike. Visser Three took a step forward with his stolen body. His tail wasn't raised up to fight, but was lazily dipping towards the ground. He showed no fear, only contempt towards the hidden Animorphs.
A trying situation. He sneered. You, want my Seers, and I cannot allow that. I am not sure if you are the Andalite bandits, or a group of Hork Bajir who have some how escaped my grasp. But mark my words, this is the end of the path no matter what you are.
He turned to a group of Hork Bajir and started conversing with them. The others were left waiting.
What course of action should we take Prince Jake? Ax asked.
I think I can take the three big ones. Rachel said boldly.
No one do anything. Jake replied. The way I see it, they won't try to feed us to the Taxxons because we could just slice them in half. Ax, how much time do we have left in our morphs?
Approximately fifty-four of your minutes. Ax replied.
Visser Three turned back and faced them. These Hork Bajir will escort you to your quarters until I figure out what to do with you. But believe me, it won't take long.
The Hork Bajir grabbed each of them roughly by the shoulders and started moving them down a hall.
Don't fight back. Jake advised, looking at Rachel who was about ready to chop her "escort's" head off. Just let them take us wherever they're going to take us, and we'll figure out a way to get out.
"What about the Seers, Harash sir?" One of the Controllers asked. Visser Three waved him away.
Take them with. It is time we begin the information retraction process. He replied.
More Hork Bajir Controllers came in and took hold of the Seers, following the line of the others holding the Animorphs. They walked through the door and began descending down a long corridor. They turned once and then stopped outside a room.
"You." One said roughly, pointing at Tobias and Rachel. "You look different. You will come with me."
Two other Controllers grabbed Rachel and Tobias by the shoulders and filed away with them.
You have 50 minutes left in morph. Ax called back to them.
Be careful. Jake advised. Don't do anything stupid. We'll find a way to meet up later.
The others watched until Rachel and Tobias disappeared from view. Then a Controller stepped out of the group and started to talk.
"The Seers will come with me." He said. "The rest of you, whatever you are, will go with him." He pointed to a menacing looking Hork Bajir with large scars over his head. The Hork Bajir signaled to his men, and the group split up. The Seers were thrown in one room and across the hall from them were the Animorphs minus two of their members.
Jake, what are we going to do? Asked Cassie worriedly, as soon as the guards had stepped out. They weren't worried about the mysterious Hork Bajir escaping because there were cameras everywhere. They have Rachel and Tobias, not to mention the Seers.
Yeah, not to mention us. Marco griped. What did the Visser mean by "information retraction process," anyways? It sounded very Bond-like.
I believe that's a fancy word for torture, Marco. Cassie snapped. I mean, that's what they're going to do to them, right Ax?
Yes Cassie that is correct. Ax replied. They must receive the information from them somehow.
Receive, escort. It feels like we're more at a Garden Party then in a prison. Said Marco.
I think the Visser's confused. He doesn't really know what to make of us. Cassie mused. We could be the Andalite Bandits, but we also could be a group of Hork Bajir that has been freed. If he didn't have that other option, I think he would have just killed us.
Well thank goodness for that other option. Jake said. Now let's figure out how to get out of here.
"HOOOOOOOAAAAAARRRRRR!!!" Rachel screamed.
Um Rachel? I don't think they're going to let us out if we're loud. Tobias said. They were both locked up in a tiny room definitely not made for two Hork Bajir. Probably not even made for one. They had been thrown in by the Controllers, and were now waiting, contemplating their fate.
It's not like I have anything else to do. She grumped.
We should probably figure out a way to get out. He said matter-o- factly.
No really? she replied. I think we could just hang out here awhile, ya know, see the sites, wait to be KILLED.
She was stopped be a shrill cry in the distance. It sounded like a scream crossed with a sob. It was heart wrenching.
The Seers. Tobias said softly. They must have started the torturing process.
Oh God. Said Rachel horrified. Tobias we have to get out of here! I mean, what if it wasn't a Seer. What if it was one of the others? What if we're next?
Okay, okay. Tobias said, trying to think. I don't think it could be one of the others because the Visser still doesn't know who we are. In any event, it might be us pretty soon cause he probably wants to find out. I can't see anything with these damn eyes but I think there are cameras in the room. He paused for a breath. Tobias didn't talk much and when he did he wasn't spitting out battle plans.
I say we go out there and kick their butts. Said Rachel.
You always say that. Tobias said. She whacked him with her tail.
Ow. He replied.
Anyways, if you're right about cameras, we can't morph or else they'll find out we're human.
Correction, they will find out you are human. He said. I can demorph and cause a distraction or something. First of all because I shouldn't be able to morph from one form to the next, second of all, well, we'll be loose. Can you take them do you think?
She scoffed. What do you take me as, Marco? Of course I can take them.
He smiled as best a Hork Bajir can smile. Okay, here's the plan. I'll demorph and call to one of the guards, saying we want to give ourselves up. Since we're "different" from the others, he might believe it and- He paused angrily. Ugh, Rachel there's no way this is going to work! And I'm not pitting you up against at least five Hork Bajir guards!
She sighed. I know it's risky but...
No, we have to think of another way. I know we can get the others out but I can't think of how to get down to their room.
How can we get them out? Rachel asked.
I'm pretty sure that all codes on these doors are the same. Right before we were thrown in here, I saw the guard punch in a four-digit number, 4837.
Look Tobias, we don't have much time left in this morph. And though being a Hork Bajir is cool and all, I don't really want to end up as one. So I think we should use your plan but you won't demorph and we'll fight together. Then we'll haul butt down to the others room as soon as we can and free them.
He nodded but still looked worried.
Don't worry. She assured him. We'll be fine. We're unbeatable.
He took this into consideration and then nodded.
Let's do this. She said.
He took a raspy breath in and then concentrated hard. GUARD! He threw his thought-speak out to only the guards by their room. There was no use attracting anyone else's attention. Rachel pounded on the door.
"What do you want prisoner?" Came the guard's muffled reply. "I see you are an andalite bandit though."
That is true, I am. Tobias replied carefully. But we are not what you think. My friend and I are willing to cooperate with you in all means necessary. We are willing to give up our friends in the other room.
There was silence for a second, as the guards seemed to be conversing with one another.
"I told you they were different then the others!" The guard cackled. "Alright prisoner, we may believe you, but we're not dumb enough to open this door."
Suit yourself. Tobias replied. But we're not telling you anything unless you open this door.
The guard considered this for a moment. "Fine," he said. "We'll open the door, but we have ten guards here who could chop you to bits in a second."
We don't plan to resist. Tobias said.
Like hell we don't. Rachel muttered.
They waited until the guard opened the door. And waited. And waited. Tobias looked at Rachel quizzically and she returned the look.
Did they fake us out? Tobias asked.
Why would they do that? Rachel wondered. They were about to open the door, weren't they?
Tobias didn't reply. He had his head leaned up against the door, listening. I can't hear anything. Tobias said. That might be because Hork Bajir's ears aren't very powerful, but I'm pretty sure the guards are gone.
We're still locked in though right?
Tobias pushed on the door. Yep. He replied.
Then all of the sudden there was a rustling noise outside. Rachel whipped her head over to Tobias'.
Did you hear that? She asked. He nodded, concentrating.
They waited and pretty soon they heard footsteps approaching their door. Tobias and Rachel both tensed, preparing for the worst. The electronic sound of buttons being pushed was heard and then their door slowly cracked open. Rachel took a brave step forward and opened the door. Hork Bajir bodies met her eyes. At least a dozen, sprawled out on the floor. But this didn't look like the work of their friends. If they had attacked these Hork Bajir their bodies would have been covered in wounds, gashed with teeth marks. But the Hork Bajir looked perfectly normal; except for the fact they were lying on the floor like limp rag dolls. All the sudden out of nowhere, a Hork Bajir stepped out from behind a corner! Rachel opened her mouth to roar when another Hork Bajir tackled her from behind and threw its arm over her mouth. Rachel struggled against the two Hork Bajir, jamming her elbow blade into one of their stomachs but unfortunately missed and hit air. Fortunately actually, when Tobias realized who these Hork Bajir were.
Rachel chill! He yelled. She stopped struggling. It's the Seers.
Oh. She said and relaxed. The Hork Bajir removed its arm from around her neck and Rachel straightened up.
Sorry about that um...thing. She said embarrassedly The Seer nodded.
"That's quite alright." She said. "We expected it."
What did you do to them. Tobias gestured to the fallen Hork Bajir.
"We injected them with a liquid that was meant to be injected into us. It renders the person injected unconscious for an hour, and then you are at mercy to anyone." The Seer they had met before, Har Kley, replied sadly. She looked over to the room they had been imprisoned in.
"Already one of us has been killed." She said. "We were lucky to get out."
How did you get out? Rachel asked softly.
"The same thing we did here." She replied. "Used their weapons against them. But enough questions, we must move on. A group of my peers are already on their way to free your friends."
Sure enough, Jake, Cassie, Marco and Ax were walking down the hall still in Hork Bajir morph.
Hey guys. Marco said breezily.
Um hi. Rachel said annoyed. Ax how long have we been in morph?
We, he said, gesturing to himself, Cassie, Jake and Marco. Have been in this morph for approximately 4 minutes. You two however, have been in morph for one hour and forty-five minutes.
Wait, how did you guys demorph? There are cameras everywhere. Rachel asked.
Not anymore. Marco said gleefully. Our Seer friends helped us out with that.
"We were able to shut down the system." Said a Seer. "Please morph and remorph if you would like. We're not sure why you must be so secretive but feel free to use that room."
Rachel and Tobias looked at each other and then went over to their small room.
Haha, it's like playing seven minutes in heaven. Rachel commented.
What's that? Tobias asked.
Um, never mind. Rachel replied. Just morph.
All of the sudden they heard a huge crash from outside.
Guys! Came Jake's urgent cry. Get out here now! We got trouble.
Rachel quickly finished morphing back in Hork Bajir. She looked at Tobias who was still demorphing to hawk.
Look I can't do too much damage out there unless I morph again, so you go ahead. He said. But be careful. He added quickly
She nodded and smiled a toothy Hork Bajir smile then barreled out the door.
(A/N I decided we had enough battle scene, so this is what happens after.)
She was crying, shaking by a tree. Her clothes were dirty and torn from running and morphing at the same time. She could not stop the tears that were running down her face. Her breath caught in her throat and she let out a sob. What had happened in there? They had barely escaped with their lives. Rachel didn't even know where the others were. As soon as they had gotten out of that building she ran as fast as she could, trying to get away. She never wanted to experience something like that again. As soon as she had left the room she knew that they were outnumbered. There were at least 30 Hork Bajir standing in front of them, behind them, all around them. Even with the dozen or so Seers it still wouldn't be enough to fight. But they did it anyways. They kept on fighting even when more Hork Bajir reinforcements came. They kept fighting when one of Rachel's blades had been sliced off. They kept fight when Har Kley stepped in front of a Hork Bajir attacking Rachel and...
"Oh God." Rachel cried. Her cry echoed through out the woods.
Usually a battle didn't affect Rachel so much. Sure, of course she had nightmares. They all did. But after a good battle she would usually just come home, shake off that unsettling feeling, and crunch some numbers. But that wouldn't happen this time. A creature had died tonight. A creature had died for Rachel. Rachel squeezed her eyes shut as she remembered the wrist blade that had slashed Har Kley's throat, when it had been meant for Rachel's. Rachel let out a strangled cough, and rubbed her arms. It was getting cold which meant she would have to morph soon and find the others. They would probably be worried sick. But for now she couldn't face the others. She felt like she had failed somehow. It wasn't just because they had known Har Kley and now she was dead. Rachel could slash through dozens of Hork Bajir Controllers and not feel a thing. They were nothing to her, just evil. But Har Kley had been a Seer. An intelligent being, and in more ways then one, just like a human. In this every man for himself war, a intelligent human-like creature had died for Rachel. Why hadn't Rachel or the others died for any of the fallen Seers? It didn't seem right.
A noise behind the tree she was leaning up against made her gasp. She jumped to her feet and spun around, ready to morph grizzly bear and tear whoever, or whatever, was behind that tree to shreds. She tensed as it stepped forward, until she saw who it was and sighed in relief, leaning against a tree, to tired to be mad. Marco.
"God Rachel, where have you been!" He said angrily. "You just took off after we got out of there and we've been looking for you for..." He trailed off as he saw her tear-streaked face and puffy eyes.
"I-I," he stuttered. "I'm sorry. Are you okay? I mean, are you hurt or something?"
Rachel groaned inwardly. She hated Marco seeing her this way. Any of the others she could handle. Cassie was her best friend so it's not like she had never seen Rachel cry. Jake was her cousin, and the same went for him. Tobias would either morph to human and try to comfort her or say something nice from his hawk body. Even Ax would be better then Marco in this situation. Ax would briskly offer his condolences but then would move along. Marco was just confused, he had no idea what to do.
"Look Marco I'm fine okay?" She said as she wiped her tears away and ran her fingers through her scalp.
"You don't look okay." He said.
"I'm fine!" She snapped. "We have to find the others."
"No listen." He replied. "I'm not an idiot okay? I know something's wrong. But I also know not to push it. Look, Tobias lead the Seers to the Hork Bajir valley, so just go get some rest ok. I'll find the others and tell them you're okay. You are okay now right?"
"I'm fine." She said again, this time in a barely audible whisper. "How many Seers did we save?"
"Seven." Marco said.
Rachel briefly closed her eyes. Seven. There was maybe twelve when they had begun the attack. Almost half of the Seers had died. "Okay then." Marco replied. "You sure you're okay?" Rachel nodded, without opening her eyes. "Well then I'm um gonna go...now..." He said awkwardly.
He morphed and flew away. Rachel did the same, trying to leave everything she felt behind her. But this, this terrible battle, would stay with her forever.
A/N Well there you go. Sorry I haven't updated forever but we just got our computer fixed and before it wouldn't let me log in and upload! Thanks for reading and please review