How to starve a Yeerk
We're being followed, Aralgo informed the other crewmembers as the Phantom sped away from the SwiftHoof. Actually, they had travelled some distance from the Yeerk-controlled ship, which now was crippled. Not destroyed, not ruined, but it had a decent-sized hole in its side where the smaller cruiser had made its exit. The hole was easily sealed, since the docking station was built to be easily sealed, but of course it affected mobility, speed – and Z-space travel.
That didn't stop them from sending emissaries, Aralgo noted as he focused on the screens. Andalite fighters. A dozen.
Certainly, Olana huffed from the floor by Estrid's hooves. She had obviously woken up.
Be quiet, Estrid said, moving her tail-blade down to be held at Olana's throat while the infested aristh got back up to her hooves.
Well, what did you expect? the Yeerk said, challenging. Of course they'll –
Be quiet!
Maximum burn, Larynia snapped.
Already working on that, Aralgo answered.
Shouldn't we flee into Z-space? Estrid wondered.
No, Larynia said. They would only follow, and since velocity, speed, in Z-space is constant – everything in Z-space is constant – we wouldn't be able to outrun them.
We could, however, jump in and out to cause some confusion, Aralgo suggested. For we cannot outrun them here either; those fighters have better acceleration and better speed than we do.
We cannot outrun them, but we can outlast them, Carali countered. We can keep maximum burn for longer periods. But it will only help us if we are able to keep them at a distance long enough.
Maybe someone should man the weapons station, just in case, Larynia said.
I'll do that! Minalea offered eagerly, practically bouncing over to the station and grabbing the controls.
Maybe someone who doesn't treat it like a new toy… Carali muttered.
Larynia swiped at his head with the flat of her blade.
Hey! Carali cried, flinching back to avoid it. What did you do that for?
That's my friend you're talking about, Larynia reminded him pleasantly. Be nice.
You better do as she says, Aralgo snickered at Carali. That one makes 'be nice' sound like 'or else'.
Aralgo! Estrid barked in an adult's commanding tone.
Yes, scientist?
How about turning your attention back to steering this ship?
Aralgo grimaced. Of course, scientist. He did as he was asked. One Z-space jump, coming right up.
We have to come out of Z-space close to the fighters, Larynia instructed lowly, forehead lined in thought. And as soon as we do, Minalea, I want you to fire at one of them, and then, Aralgo, we jump back into Z-space. Do you think you'll manage that?
Nobody objected. At least not Minalea or Aralgo.
Vanothil's manoeuvre, Carali muttered as the ship was surrounded by the endless nothing of Z-space. But that's supposed to be used against groups of larger ships…
The cruiser came out of Z-space very close to the fighters, but now behind them. Minalea stood, waiting, for once concentrated on her task with her fingers resting lightly on the controls to the Phantom's twin dracon cannons. As soon as she had located the nearest fighter she aimed and fired.
Aralgo instantly sent the ship back into Z-space.
Did she hit anything? Estrid wondered. I didn't see.
Probably not – although it was a good shot, Carali said, glancing at Minalea with something similar to pride. Fighters are brilliant at evasive movements. It's what they're built for. That's why Vanothil's manoeuvre is only used against larger ships. He glared at Larynia. Anyone who doesn't know that is barely worthy of being called an aristh. It's a gigantic blunder, and if they'd been expecting it they could easily have blasted us out of existence.
They didn't expect it, that's the point, Larynia murmured, ignoring his glare. It'll just make them underestimate us later on. For example… now. Aralgo? Minalea? Do you know of Temrir's Feint?
Aralgo and Minalea exchanged a glance. Carali was suddenly smiling, realising what Larynia was thinking. Not a bad idea, he admitted. Not a bad idea at all.
Certainly, Larynia purred smugly. Temrir's Feint was very similar to Vanothil's Manoeuvre, with the exception of an extra Z-space twist and the twin shot instead of a simple one. The fighters would believe they were repeating Vanothil's, which would turn Temrir's into even more of a perfect trap than it already was.
Yes, a very good idea, Olana agreed and she was also smiling. I'd very much like to see you bunch of inexperienced, useless arisths pull it off…
Shut up, five voices said in unison.
Seriously, continued the Yeerk, ignoring them. If Minalea can make that twin shot, and Aralgo can make the ship perform that set of turns, and they can even do it in harmony, then I might as well be magically cured of any need of Kandrona.
What part of 'shut up' did you not comprehend? Carali growled, spinning around to face the Controller.
What part of 'inexperienced, useless arisths' do you need explained? Because it's true, proven correct when you actually believe I'm going to take orders from you. You Andalite irfach!
Carali's face twisted with anger, he moved forwards, tail flying down towards Olana's face and stopping millimetres from her forehead. He moved it downwards, slowly, until it pressed against her throat. The pressure made Olana take a step back, her eyes growing wide.
Careful, Larynia warned privately. No cutting throats – or you'll find your own cut.
I'm sick of your comments, Yeerk, Carali said simply. He drew his blade away, swept it back towards Olana's head and struck her temple with just enough force to knock her unconscious again.
Larynia sent Carali a killing stare. He returned it defiantly.
One more insult and I fear throats would have been cut, he explained.
At least you are wise enough to realise the need for a plural on that.
Carali decided to change the topic before it turned into too much of a debate. We should try Temrir's Feint. Are you two up for it?
The question was aimed at both Aralgo and Minalea, but it was Minalea's gaze Carali caught and held. Her eyes flickered in concern, knowing that it was not a simple task, but her opinion joined Aralgo's in declaring that they should at least try.
Jake, Tobias, Rachel and KEdi'ir headed back to the two Kelbird. Jake had sent Santorelli and Jeanne, under Marco's lead, to see if they could find any traces of Menderash. Jake needed Rachel to translate for the Kelbrid – but Tom had gone with Jeanne.
That had taken time to arrange. Jeanne had asked if she could "borrow" the kii-raja (which had caused Marco to grimace) and Jake – who thought it a good idea – had told Rachel to let her.
Rachel had, at first, blankly refused. She did not want to be separated from her constant companion, and had clutched tightly at one of his back-spikes, which only made the beast uncertain – and caused him to growl fiercely at everything that moved within two hundred paces. Rachel had tried to make him quiet down, but he had – for once – not listened.
Once Rachel had been convinced, there was the matter of the kii-raja himself. It had taken Rachel many valuable minutes to make Tom understand that he was supposed to go with Jeanne. He was extremely unhappy about it, and while he took the few steps from Rachel and to Jeanne he kept turning his head, hoping to be called back – only to be met by a stern repetition of Rachel's order.
When the borrowing was finally accomplished Jake had been about ready to rip his hair out in frustration and tell them to forget it, never mind, bad idea; there wasn't time.
It was a most miserably kii-raja that had followed Jeanne when the trio finally left. She was still human, thinking that was for the best if she had Tom – and she needed her hands. For in the end she had been forced to grab Tom by the neck and try to pull him along. That, and Rachel having the brilliant idea of telling the kii-raja to guard Jeanne, made the beast comply and follow the 'wrong' human.
While Tom was miserable, Rachel was in a horrid mood. Tobias was again Andalite, and she had a hand on his shoulder for guidance, striding along with quick, angry movements. Jake was in tiger morph ahead of them, flanked by an eager KEdi'ir.
When they arrived at camp, there was no sign of either packs or Kelbrid, and the rain had washed away eventual tracks. Tobias and Jake would have believed it deserted – but KEdi'ir and Rachel knew better.
KEdi'ir's eyes and ears at once turned upwards, and only a moment after that Sira'aki dropped down from a tree – almost startling Tobias and Jake – and landed nimbly on her feet. First, she turned to Rachel and slapped a hand against the opposite shoulder. Then she greeted KEdi'ir, visibly relieved and with enough motherliness to make the child look embarrassed.
By then JaLa'an had appeared as well. He was frowning as he spoke; "Ru'un i'i kii-raja?"
Rachel replied in the same language. JaLa'an shook his head, disapproving, and spoke again.
What did he say? Jake asked.
"He asked where Tom was. I told him Jeanne had borrowed him."
He didn't like that?
"Jake. He thinks exactly what I think; one does not 'borrow' kii-rajas. It is… unnatural."
Why not? Tobias questioned. He was finding the break from Tom's golden glare relaxing. Why are you so against it? You don't mind sending him away otherwise.
"Because this time I've told him to go with someone else, and that's a whole different story. Kii-raja's aren't pack animals, you see. They're pair animals. In the wild, they lived in pairs. One greater, one lesser – one dominant and one submissive. The greater ones did not go around 'lending' submissive kii-rajas. If they had, the lesser would have been terribly confused. As poor Tom will be."
Then why did you allow it, Rachel? Jake wondered, hoping his cousin could let some steam out before she decided to explode in someone's face. Probably his.
"Because 'someone' told me to," Rachel spat, glaring lividly in Jake's general direction with her blindly staring eyes.
Jake swished his tail and turned to avoid that glare – and was for once glad Rachel was blind so she couldn't see it. He was also glad when she spun away.
Tobias was smiling, he noted suddenly, seeing the glint of amusement – and pride – in Tobias's eyes.
Easy for you to find it funny, Jake muttered.
He was not expecting an answer – Tobias rarely, if ever, addressed him – but for some reason he got one anyway; Yes, Tobias said, lowly, but not unkindly. Yes, it is. After a moment he added; She hasn't changed much, has she?
She hasn't, Jake agreed, watching his cousin stalk over to JaLa'an, who had brought a pack out of a tree. Now that Tom couldn't, Tobias was probably guiding her, Jake realised, feeling grateful towards him for that. He had not thought about Rachel's loss of guidance when he'd ordered the kii-raja off with Jeanne. He'd been preoccupied with the dilemma of the missing former Andalite.
When Jake's attention returned to the outside world, he saw that JaLa'an was inspecting the wound across Rachel's collarbone.
Oh, right. Rachel had been wounded earlier – he'd forgotten that too, and now he cursed himself for it. The wound had not been severe, but still; he couldn't allow himself be careless – he had to remember that Rachel couldn't morph like the rest of them. He felt a sharp jolt in his heart as he remembered what it had been like to lose his cousin the first time, reminding him that he did not want to do that again.
Then again, he had been too involved in his plan, his cursed plan, and his blind ambition to stop the Yeerks – stop his brother Tom – to mourn much for Rachel or Tom those first few months. That had come later. That had come together with the doubts and self-loathing he suffered once it was all over. But still not… still, he had never grieved properly. Never allowed himself to.
Tobias, though, had grieved.
You must have missed her, Jake murmured, the tactless words out before he could stop them.
Tobias's face – and stalks – spun towards the tiger, eyes flashing in anger, and Jake understood; how dare he, of all people, speak to Tobias about that?
Jake understood less when the anger dimmed down. Tobias turned back to watching Rachel, who was talking to JaLa'an while the Kelbrid washed her wound with something that – from the strain on her face – probably stung badly.
It was like having my heart torn out, Tobias told the Animorphs leader.
Jake nodded. I understand. I… I think I understand. To avoid another burst of anger from Tobias, he quickly added; I lost my brother, and my cousin. Not the same, I know, but I… can imagine what it would be like to lose the love of one's life.
Tobias was silent, but he gave the tiger a glance that made Jake turn away. There was a question in that glance, a question that had haunted Jake for all too long, and though the reply was the same as the question he had never been able to resolve it, not for himself or for her.
Yes, her.
For the question which had made Jake turn away was simply "Cassie?".
Tobias nodded knowingly to himself. He listened to Rachel as she talked to the Kelbrid, and watched her grimace as she moved the arm that had gone slightly stiff from the wound. He watched her and sent a silent prayer to whatever god would deign to listen; that he never, ever, had to be separated from her again.
He demorphed and remorphed, as Jake did, while the Kelbrid retrieved the remaining packs from up in the trees and carelessly dropped them to the ground, letting them land with loud thumps.
Rachel called for him to help her, to be her eyes – although she naturally didn't use those exact words. She never asked for help. She'd only asked for help that final time on the Blade ship, just before… no. He shut the thought out, and instead focused on showing her, by thought-pictures, what was around them.
With Tobias helping her, Rachel tied two packs – Marco's and Jake's own – to Jake's tiger back. She used the straps to form a sort of harness. Jake felt the tiger grow wary – alarmed – at the unfamiliar weight, and he agreed; it was most uncomfortable.
But he found no reason to complain, as Sira'aki and JaLa'an also carried two each, leaving Rachel and KEdi'ir to their own and Tobias to bear Menderash's (as he was a bird, he hadn't brought any pack of his own).
They set out to find a new site for their camp.
Despite the best efforts of the arisths and Estrid, the Yeerk-Controlled Andalite fighters were still shadowing them – although after their successful attempt at Temrir's Feint, which had taken down three fighters and forced two to return to the SwiftHoof, they kept at a distance. Several hours had passed, and nothing seemed to be happening – except that the Phantom, its life support still overtaxing the energy supplies, was slowly but surely running out of energy.
They know they are unable to meet us face-on and win, not only the seven of them, Carali had muttered as explanation, possibly more to himself than to anyone else, for he was staring down at a console showing their pursuers and frowning. So they wear us out – they can't keep up maximum burn for long, but they don't need to, they just need to keep us on screen. They wait until we are too weak to resist. Then… they will attack.
Larynia rolled her stalks. Now you figure it out.
Hush, Larynia, Carali snapped, but in an offhand way that suggested he didn't really care – he spoke mostly out of habit.
Minalea had come to stand next to Carali, resting one hand on his arm to get his attention. He blinked in surprise first, but then turned both main eyes towards her.
When they do attack, she said softly, will they blow the entire Phantom up or simply try to board us to capture us?
I do not know, Carali replied in a low voice.
If they decide to board us, at least we shall have a chance at killing them, Larynia said.
Estrid, who stood further away, guarding Olana, nodded. Correct. But also, they will have a chance at killing us.
This is a meaningless discussion, Aralgo muttered from his place at the controls. Should we change course?
What difference would it make? Larynia wondered. We're lost. We'd still be lost. And they'd follow.
Carali had narrowed his main eyes and turned them towards Olana. She should know where we are.
Olana glared defiantly back at him. And for what obscure reason do you think I'll be of any help to you?
Bring her to the consoles, Estrid, Larynia said in a voice so hard it could have made a diamond shiver.
Estrid led the Controller to the consoles.
Tell us which way leads home, Carali ordered.
Not a chance, Olana retorted, smiling smugly with her stalks. She made a show of ignoring the screen in front of her – until Larynia grabbed the back of her neck, and made her look down at it.
Suddenly the infested aristh grew pale. Her stalks jerked back and forth, before; I… I would advice you to… change course, she said in an uncertain voice, hesitating but still speaking all too quickly.
And this from the same slug that claimed it would never do anything to help us, commented Carali mildly.
Yeerks, Larynia declared, letting go of Olana's neck. No self-respect.
Estrid was watching the Controller intently. She's lying.
Of course she's lying, Larynia snarled. I say we keep going straight ahead.
I agree, Minalea said.
You do not understand… continued the Controller, voice slightly shrill, something desperate in the corners of her eyes; something nervous in the way her stalks quivered. There are Kelbrid ahead. Many Kelbrid. It is dangerous… Kelbird do not like Andalites.
We keep going straight ahead, Carali said.
Naturally, Aralgo agreed. If she's so set on changing course…
No! Olana cried, but then calmed her voice and continued, softer; No. No, no no. You do not understand. You must not continue straight ahead. It would be the end of us all! If you value your lives, I beg you to change course!
The arisths and Estrid exchanged a set of glances. Minalea grinned broadly.
Then it is decided, Aralgo concluded finally.
Yes. Straight ahead, Estrid decided, and they all murmured agreement.
Olana let out a thought-speech whimper.
An a'arill half-bird (half, because it could not fly in the true sense of the word) landed on the floor of the corridor, its four paws soundless against the cold metal. It crouched low as the tall, bladed creatures came closer, moving swiftly into a shadow, where its dark-speckled hide blended perfectly into its surroundings. A thin lid was closed over its black, white-pupilled eyes to keep them from glinting but still allow it to see.
(For anyone who has never seen an a'arill, it looks like a mix between a cat and a bat, about the size of the cat, with mentioned speckled hide but without a tail.)
The Hork-Bajir passed it, unaware of its presence, discussing among themselves the taste of different types of Dina'amm bark.
The a'arill listened with half an ear, staying still, waiting. When their heavy footsteps turned into a side corridor and began to fade, it rose on its four, stubby legs and half-ran, half-flew in its own very unique gait towards a specific door, its ears turning this way and that to be able to detect anyone who might be around before that anyone detected it.
Just a meter or so from the door it gathered its short legs back legs and slightly longer from legs below it, and leapt into the air, its wing-like front legs spread as it soared towards the access pad on the door.
It landed with its back claws hooked on the edge of the pad and front paws holding its body away from the wall. A tense moment passed as it again glanced around with its beady black-white eyes. It judged the situation to be more or less safe.
A hand developed from one of the front paws and was pressed against the access pad. Its very agile vocal cords formed the speech and intonation and words that made up the access code.
The door opened without question.
The a'arill leapt down to stand in the opening, ready to turn and run if what met it did not please it.
Two weary but alert eyes glared back at it, glinting dangerously.
"Can you stand?" asked the a'arill as it grew and twisted.
Who…
"Quiet. Can you stand?" it repeated, as it again grew hands and its wings developed into arms. Its voice was also changing, taking on a distinctly feminine tone.
The human in the cell peered at her. In the doorway she could stand, for no security camera could detect her there. And once again, the various morphs from the destroyed Kelbrid Home World were serving her well. Using her own access code to open the door was risky, but she had no choice. She brought a hand to her mouth to signal for silence.
You, the man in the cell said finally, and the dangerous glint in his eyes disappeared, although the alertness remained. Then; Yes, of course I can stand. He began pulling himself to his feet, to prove it, his face twisted into a mask of agony, but he did not allow himself to let out a single sound.
The a'arill began reappearing as the young woman – Melissa – in the doorway morphed again. I can't let anyone catch me in my own shape, she explained. This form is excellent for sneaking, fleeing and investigating. I'll lead you out, but you have to walk for yourself. Can you do that?
A determined nod. Certainly.
Melissa was not convinced. But Menderash surprised her by being true to his word, and keeping on his feet. Although if it was his legs or his stubborn pride that kept him up, she would never know.
They are turning. Bewilderment was in Aralgo's voice. The fighters are giving up!
Larynia, Carali and Minalea were asleep, so Estrid and Olana were the only ones besides Aralgo on the bridge. Olana was unconscious, her Yeerk having made a sudden, desperate attempt to take command of the ship, which had caused Carali to knock her out. For once, Minalea and Larynia had not objected. So only Estrid could react to Aralgo's words.
Giving up? Estrid said doubtfully. Whyever would they… She walked over to the consoles and stared down at them, frowning. Remarkable.
It is probably some sort of trick, Aralgo speculated. It has to be. Why would they just… give up? We are almost out of energy, and in another day or so we would have been practically defenceless, and they simply let us go?
Remarkable, Estrid repeated to herself.
Not only remarkable, but pure idiocy! ranted Aralgo.
No need to complain when your adversary is dumb, a familiar voice came from behind them, and Larynia wandered across the bridge on silent hooves, her tail swishing back and forth in an easily recognized practice pattern behind her. Aralgo, your stalks.
Yes?
They are not circling. Trainer Sarjil would be very angry with you.
Aralgo's stalks began circling again. He grinned with his main eyes. Have you become official instructor of the Phantom, aristh Larynia?
No-one else is fit for the task, Larynia said, nonchalantly finishing the practice pattern. Now. What have the Yeerks done which upset you so?
I'm not upset, Aralgo muttered. In fact, I'm about ready to hold a feast, to celebrate. But that would overtax life support.
They stopped chasing us, Estrid clarified. They simply… turned back.
Why? Larynia wondered, peering down at the consoles.
Well, that cut right to the core issue, Aralgo commented cheerfully. Right past the unnecessary official phrases, the gibberish, the speculations, and right down to the main, the most important, the –
He stopped thought-speaking as he suddenly had to duck a tail-blade swiping at his head. Then he backed a step away again, still grinning. Why, Larynia! Don't be so aggressive. I'm –
Whatever it is, you better stop now if you value your life, Larynia told him. I'm trying to think. So be quiet, Aralgo.
Not a chance, Aralgo laughed. He spun around on a back hoof and leapt to the side. Not right now! The Yeerks have stopped chasing us! We never have to face the SwiftHoof Andalites again! There are no Kelbird around, and… he paused, eyes glittering …and we might even have a chance to survive long enough to head for home. I never thought I'd be able to hope that again.
Estrid shook her head, slowly. But you were right. The question is not that they let us flee, but why. What caused them to turn? What is it about this part of space that they do not like?
Aralgo blinked, shifting his weight to another set of hooves. Well, scientist, now that you put it that way, I honestly consider following the Yeerks.
Larynia shifted her weight to another set of hooves. That would be a very bad idea.
Estrid nodded. Now someone wake Carali and Minalea. We need to decide what to do. Something about this part of space caused the Yeerks to give up chasing us. We need to decide whether ourselves we want to be around to find out what. Maybe Olana's Yeerk was right to try to warn us –
Yep, and maybe Dome ships are smaller than fighters, Aralgo interrupted pleasantly.
Aralgo! Estrid snapped.
Yes?
Do you mind?!
That depends. Concerning what?
Estrid stared at his innocent expression, was met by an equally innocent smile, and rolled her stalks in exasperation. Never mind.
If you say so, Aralgo agreed happily.
A most intriguing conversation, but let's get back to the point, Larynia intervened before Estrid could reply. I'll just wake Carali and Minalea. One moment.
She proceeded in sending a yell loud enough to wake the dead towards the sleeping quarters. Not long after, Carali and Minalea joined the others on the bridge. Minalea tripped Carali with her tail-blade, true to character, and kept giggling about it all through Aralgo's summary of their situation. Carali, in his turn, kept glaring at her.
They held a vote about what to do, and the result was unanimous for continuing ahead. The reason might have had something to do with the Phantom's life support still being overtaxed and they needed to find another planet within less than a day, and straight ahead was a very promising solar system.
When that was decided, Olana – who still had been unconscious – stirred, and her eyes fluttered open. Every main eye focused on her, and Carali quickly leapt forwards to lay his blade against her throat.
That won't be necessary, Minalea objected, shoving his tail away with her own. Look. She pointed down on the floor, at a pile of grey dust and what could have been the dried skin of a slug.
A dead Yeerk. A starved Yeerk.
But it hasn't been three days! Aralgo exclaimed.
Carali and Minalea helped Olana back to her hooves. She was watching her childhood friend like one might have watched a porcelain vase about to fall down a set of stairs. Larynia's expression was about the same.
Olana was very pale, as if she was ill, and seemed both unsteady and unfocused.
Though when she spoke, her voice was clearer than expected – albeit slightly thin; He starved… she confirmed. He starved… because… But there she hesitated and suddenly drew a deep breath, staring out into space, her gaze lost in some world only she could see. Then she whimpered and sagged towards the floor.
Minalea and Carali caught her with some difficulty, and held her up, with some help from both Estrid and Larynia. Aralgo turned his attention back to the consoles and to piloting the ship, not considering himself to be of much use at the moment.
Olana kept wailing he was in my head… in my head…, and sobbing violently. There was not much to do but wait until she was finished, hug her, hold her hands and try to comfort her by phrases such as yes, but he's gone… and hush, you're safe now… – phrases she didn't even seem to hear.
Eventually the sobbing subsided, the wailing died down and Olana lapsed into an exhausted silence, her half-closed eyes empty of any expression.
Could someone take over here? Aralgo said, hating himself but feeling that the silence needed to be broken. I need sleep.
Larynia did so, and Aralgo disappeared down to his quarters.
Minalea? Would you take the watch after Larynia? Estrid asked. And Carali after that? I think I should lead Olana to her room… and I should probably keep an eye on her. Maybe give her something calming.
Of course, Minalea agreed. Will you wake me when it is my turn, Larynia?
And me, Carali said, sending Minalea a suspicious look. Her, alone on the bridge for an entire shift? This place would be filled with tripwires. I better keep an eye on her – especially if I am supposed to be on watch directly after. I am sick of banging my knees on the floor.
Minalea's stalks grinned wickedly at him. She reached up to touch his cheek. There, there. You'll get used to it.
Carali grimaced, but then smiled back at her, before he left the bridge. Minalea helped Estrid lead Olana down towards the sleeping quarters, leaving Larynia alone on the bridge.
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Author's Note;
Yep, another chapter up. I know there's very little about the Anis themselves at the moment, but there's a reason for that. *stubborn expression* I need those Andalites in the story. And since they're "behind schedule", I need to fit in a lot about them at the moment. (And I would advice to read those parts as well, for those of you who don't… the two "storylines" will be woven together later on.)
And I tried to send that picture of the kii-raja to everyone who asked for it, but I got a few "your junk mail was not appreciated", and I'm not sure if it arrived. Tell me if you asked for it but it didn't show up.
Moreover, I noticed that there is a total of (only) four stories in the Animorphs category with +100 000 words. This is one of them – the second longest. Before it is done, it'll probably be the longest *goes back to frenzied typing for a few minutes*. (TM Chrons missed by… what was it? 509 words? I suppose I'll finish correcting and editing that some day, and then I'll add those words. Haha. I might even start writing on the sequel. Then again, the chance of that happening is as small as the chance that I might decide I want a pink, fluffy Taxxon with removable teeth for Christmas and actually get one.)
There was something I was supposed to mention, but I forgot what it was. Hm.