DH: I am very glad that you think the description was good , and that Melissa's character is realistic. Ans personally , I don't blame anyone who got lost on the morphing part but it was NOT my doing! I checked and double checked and even emailed fanfiction.net. I don't know why that happened.

Neri: ^^ Thanx for another good review.

Chapter 13 -

The next day would probably have been a day that wouldn't have been out of the ordinary - if you were a Mendelite.

For me , I don't know what I'd call it. Is a day you spend practicing being a cat normal? ( Now that I had this power I was morphing all the time for practice. I always had my morphing suite on.) I also practiced keeping track of time.

I loved my cat morph. I loved being able to leap many times my height , and see in the dark. I liked being graceful and nimble. You know you're a clever creature when you're a cat. Another reason I'd been practicing: to control the cat arrogance. I couldn't lose my sense of reasoning in morph.

We visited the gardens that day. Cassie said that her Mom had heard of a shipment of new animals, so naturally we had to check it out. I couldn't have just one morph if I was going to be part of the team. The clever cat could out smart maybe , but never fight a Hork-Bajir.

It was particularly windy that day. I walked in through the double doors of the animal exhibit with my hair plastered to my face.

You see , first you have to pass through the theme park. It's a cool place. My family and my cousins went there once. I was really little then , though. I had passed through it wth a sad feeling of nostalgia.

The newest animal in the exhibit was a Giant Panda. My new battle morph supposedly. Don't get me wrong , I like them , but my reaction -

"THIS?!" I exclaimed dubiously , my hands pressed against the glance. I attracted a few glances from people.

" Melissa!" Lavender snapped in a whisper. " Keep your voice down! You want someone , or better yet some human controller , to realize our visit isn't all that innocent?"

I practically plastered myself against the glass in disbelief , as I stared at the black and white bear.

" This TEDDY BEAR is my BATTLE morph?" I whispered.

" He's beautiful." Madison said defensively.

" That's not the point." I squeeked , thinking of the Hork-Bajir blue bands. " Can they even fight?"

" Of course they can fight." said Sabrina , motioning towards the plaque in front of the cage.

It said allot about defense. Like climbing trees to get away from a predator. Speed left a bit to be desired. A cat was faster. But I breathed again when it mentioned the claws and teeth.

" Marco's gorilla is one of the most gentle creatures on the planet." M.C. said. " But I still don't want to pick a fight with one."

" The Panda is no different." Matt said in a grim sort of way. " I heard from Cassie that a Giant Panda in a breeding Center in Southern China attacked a worker and ripped her thigh and bit one leg. It didn't kill her , but she was put in the hospital. She surprised it when she took a tumble down the slope."

" So then they are like most animals." Sabrina said. " They only become aggressive when they feel threatened or their territory is invaded."

Well I hoped so. Anyway , the next find was more encouraging. A Golden Eagle. Beautiful bird. A 6-8 foot wingspan.

People were lined up to see it. Those who weren't afraid of its beak were cautiously petting it. One of the garden's people had it perched on their arm. He was wearing some kind of arm guard so that the talons wouldn't pierce him.

I think I will always respect this morph. When I moved my hand to touch him , his golden eyes locked on mine. Intelligent eyes. Eyes that said he could stop me if he wanted to , but was allowing me to reach out to him. A wise look.

I know it's silly. It's bird. But it was as though we understood each other.

"Tobias felt the same way about his hawk morph." M.C. told me later.

" How do I get the Panda?"I asked. " They'll never let me pet him."

Matt grinned. " We infiltrate. After hours. Tonight."

" Um - guys? That's illegal." I pointed out. " If we are caught -"

" That's to save your planet , there's no second choice." Lavender said bluntly.

" We've had to do it before." Madison added. " Don't worry."

" You'll put your new morph to use." Lavender said with a smile.

I could explain what it was like to fly , but I would explain in vain. I doubt that there are any words in any language to describe the incredible joy , or the total freedom. So , I won't even waste my time trying. It's nothing like you've dreamed. It's better.

( THIS IS SO GREAT!) I cried for the millionth time.(thought speak)

I had not stopped babbling until we had arrived. The Mendelites kept their own forms since the night was cloudy , and there was full moon to see by.

We landed on the roof , right above the Panda's habitat.

I demorphed. I didn't want to , but I did.

" It opens from the top." Sabrina said.

Matt pulled out a strange looking tool , and undid the lock.

The Mendelites had to help lower me in.

" With any luck it'll be sleeping." I said.

I wasn't feeling so doubtful about the Panda's strength , now that I had to face it. It's depressing when I think of how weak my human self is.

But I was right. It was sleeping. It was laying on what looked like a mound of straw. A bamboo stick was still wrapped in its paws. It put me at ease , seeing how cute it was.

" Ok." Sabrina whispered. " Approach it , aquire it , and get out. If you run into to trouble , we'll help."

I nodded.

I walked through , trying not to crunch bamboo sticks under my feet as I went.

I stood before the breathing mound. Its feet twitched. I froze.

It continued to sleep. I looked over my shoulder at my friends. They gave me an encouraging look.

I bent over and touched its side. It's breathing went thin. I had it.

It snorted. I noticed one eye was half open. It was still in that drowsy , limp , state , but I panicked. I practically jumped backwards , over a one of plants growing in there.

It rolled to its feet looking confused. Then it saw me. And it decided to take a swing. Great.

It's long claws just missed me.

Before I knew it , the others had grabbed me and I was back over the roof.

I was soaked with sweat. " That was close."

" You did good." Sabrina said.

" Yeah , well when you guys decide to move - thanks." I said. " Can we go home now?"

Everyone laughed.

"Oh , I doubt you'll be going anywhere." said a voice in the darkness.

And then all the lights came on in the theme park.

Human controllers to the back , to the right and to left and to the front. All had dracon beams leveled at us.

The speaker had been female. She looked no younger than nineteen. She had straight black hair , and dark , oriental looking eyes.

" What naughty children." she mocked. " Surely you know its illegal to be wondering around after curfew in a business area at night?"

She laughed.

" How did you know we were here?" M.C. asked quietly.

" Easy!" she sneered. " A new shipment of animals? And you with a new little rebel to train?"

She gestured with her head at me.

" What a more perfect time for you to show up."

" Shut up!" Lavender snapped angrily.

The controller narrowed her eyes. Became serious. " Come quietly and you'll live. Visser three would be sure to keep alive such wonderful host bodies. There are no Mendelite controllers."

Madison's face turned red at the very mention of 'Mendelites' and 'host bodies' together in one sentence.

" If you think you can threaten us into surrendering to you filth , who won't even put down those weapons and fight like real -"

"Madison." Sabrina said calmly. " Don't even waste your time. If we communicate , we'll communicate with blows."

The controller sneered. " A pity. But the Visser will just have to be satisfied with your lifeless bodies. Have it your way! Paint the ground with your blood! Fire on them!"

And then the world exploded.

Authors Note: I am quite sorry for the wait. But between my crappy word program and fanifiction.net itself , and other mess , it has been difficult to work on this story. I hope that everything came out as it should. If not, notify me , and I will do what is in my power to fix it.