Review responses:

Anonymous- Cat: Yep, I finally managed to get onto my login page, after a bit of help from my friend who is a lot better with computers than me! Thanks for the suggestions for Karen's name. As for what's gonna happen with Aftran and Leyan, there's a bit more about that in this chapter.

Korean Pearl: Thank you! Glad you liked it. I wondered how many people would know that was Tom.

Triskit: Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it, and I intend to keep on writing for a long time yet!

Myitt: Yay! A new reviewer! I like things from Yeerks POV too. I always thought KAA should have written this as another one of her chronicles, but she never did. KAA is EVIL! Coughs Anyway, thanks 4 the review!

Achilles' Woman: Thank you again! I am not anywhere near a great writer, unless you define that with "Person who runs the spell and grammar check." Glad u liked it anyway.

Mersang: Thank u so much! I think I will use your suggestion. Karen Richards does sound...right, somehow. I tried my last name and anyone's I could think of, but none of them sounded right! Anyway, thanks again!

LOKid: I always loved Aftran too! Thanks for reviewing.

LilManiac: Thanks for your review! Your Pen- name's right if u think that it's well written. Anyone who thinks that must be a maniac! (lol). Anyway, thanks again I'll keep reading your great story!

I think that's everyone who reviewed. Thanks to everyone anyway! It was great to see some new reviewers, as well as more reviews from everyone who's being following it since it started! Anyway, on with the story...........

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It had been two days since the battle. Two boring yet frightening days of standing about listening to the Visser blame everyone and everything,apart from himself,for the Andalites' escape. When we did get some free time, I had to spend most of it trying to avoid Leyan, which wasn't exactly easy to do. We finally had some free time again today.

(At least it's your feeding day tommorow,) Jaolin said to try and cheer me up.

(I know. In exactly 13 hours, 20 minuites and) I consulted the ships clock(17 seconds, I will be outta here. Now 13 hours, 20 minuites and 19 seconds.)

Jaolin laughed. (One thing that hasn't gone wrong today..)

(What?)

(You haven't yet seen Ley..)

Leyan chose that moment to walk around the corner.

(..an) Jaolin finished.

(Did you have to say that, you...)

(You what?)

(I know a suitable, cutting and clever insult exists. However, it has yet to appear in my mind.)

"Hey, Aftran," Leyan called

"Hey," I murmured looking down, and wondering how I was gonna get out of this.

"Are you feeding tomorrow?"

"Yes."

"Great, so am I. We'll have a chance to talk. I haven't seen much of you in the last couple of days."

"Why does it matter?" I asked

"We..we haven't been able to get to know each other very well. And, I'm supposed to be showing you what to do, teaching you to fight and stuff." He paused. "You believe what my friend said, don't you?" Leyan was staring resolutely at the ground.

"Is it true?"

"Yes," he whispered.

"I...I'm sorry, I can't. I have two boyfriends already..." My voice trailed off at the look on his face. I had expected pain. But I also saw anger. Leyan turned and walked away without another word.

The next day, I swam out of Jaolin's ear to almost bump into Innis and Illim. I turned, swimming away from them.

(Aftran?) Illim called. They both swam after me.

I turned on them. (Leave me alone!)

I could feel the pain that came from them.

(What happened, honey? Why don't you want to be with us?)

I felt so much hurt and guilt that I began to shake with distress. I was crying, without eyes. They both hurried towards me, pressing close on either side of me, the Yeerk equivalent of a hug.

(I'm so sorry,) I sobbed. I then told them everything about the last three days, including what Leyan and I had said to each other, and the anger in his eyes.

(Hey, there's nothing to be sorry for.) Innis said.

(I know it must be distressing for you, but it's not your fault. And it should be better when you go back,) added Illim.

(We love you, honey. Nothing will ever change that.)

(I love you, too.)

(I'm sure it'll get better when you go back,)said Innis.

(Can we change the subject now? I don't want to spend all this time talking about it.)

('kay. Did you know Estril has a crush on Milan?)

(You shouldn't have told me that! Poor Estril. Then again, it would be useful, next time he starts annoying me.)

Later, we found Estril, Milan and Tassan, although I was saving my knowledge about Estril's crush for a better time to tease him about it. It was hilarious 'watching' Estril (on sonar of course,) following Milan around.

I was dreading going back, but eventually the message came.

(Good luck, baby,) Innis whispered.

(We'll be waiting for you in three day's time,) Illim promised.

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What did you think? I hope that chapter was long enough, as Korean Pearl has pointed out that my chapters are a bit on the short side. I have tried to make this longer!

Now REVIEW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Please?