A/N: OK, I'm sorry if this chapter has a few grammatical errors or whatever, but I decided to override my beta and just post this. She was supposed to send the chapter back to me yesterday, but I really want to get this story moving for all my readers. If she fixes a lot of things, I'll re-post the chapter, but the general plot or main events won't change. :D I hope you all enjoy this chapter and the next (because I want to post the chapters now when I have the time. As I said, I don't think my beta will find much. I proof read these chapters before sending them off. :D ) Enjoy!

Chapter 10

Rachel

Something was off with Tobias. I could feel it the moment he snapped at me. It didn't hurt me that he snapped at me, he does it a lot when we're flying. He's the pro and I'm not. I know he didn't mean what he said, but I couldn't help but feel hurt. His words stung and echoed in my mind: even if they're the same species.

While in the barn, Tobias had remained silent as we discussed our plans for infiltrating the Yeerk pool and I wondered briefly if he even heard the plans we discussed. When we took off, he followed us silently, not bothering to snap out flight corrections as he usually does. Only then did I think of what was bothering him so much.

((Tobias?)) I asked him, hoping he wouldn't ignore me.

((Hu?))He asked after a moment's hesitation. I would have smiled if I had lips. He would never ignore me no matter how irritated he was.

((Are you ok?)) I asked. There was a long pause of silence. I was beginning to think he wasn't going to answer when he finally spoke.

((Honestly?)) He stated before continuing, ((No, but you gotta do what you gotta do.))

((Anything you want to talk about?)) I asked him, feeling worried about him all over again.

((No, I'll be fine.)) He said and I believed him. We flew in silence to the abandoned building across from the 7-11. From there, we demorphed while Tobias and Ax morphed to human.

Earlier that day, Erek and the Chee stashed us some clothes here so we could look semi-normal once we got into the pool area. We each gathered a pair of jeans and a t-shirt and put them on over our morphing suits. We left the building and crossed the street to the entrance. The Chee had helped us figure out the right time to go when the guards are on shift change. We descended the steps, careful of the steepness and unequal widths that came from still being under construction. We entered the pool area with no problem and scattered on Jakes nod to us. Marco and I split off to the left, Tobias and Cassie went to the right and Jake and Ax went straight ahead. As I left the group, my eyes caught Tobias's. Our expressions were the same. Be careful, They read.

"So, Xena…"

"Ssshhh!" I snapped. Marco promptly shut up and we made our way unnoticed around the pool and past the screaming hosts in cages, yelling for us to save them.

It took me everything in my power not to show the disgust on my face. I had to remain passive. Any sign of emotion, and the Yeerks would know I was not of their ranks. Marco beside me was having more trouble than I was. His hands were clenched into tight fists and his eyes showed his fury.

"Marco!" I snapped at him, hoping he'd realize and correct his mistake. We got to our dark corner and took our pre-determined positions.

I spotted Jake and Ax making their way through a crowd of controllers as they went in search of their hiding place. I could not spot Tobias or Cassie. I sighed and looked at Marco.

"See any good movies lately?" I asked, striking up small talk, and scanning around for Jake's signal.

"Was that a come on?" Marco asked, getting this pleased grin on his face. I looked at him, feeling disgusted.

"How can you think of that…" I shook my head and gave up. I can never understand Marco's mind. But I can try to knock him down a few pegs if I'm in the right mood.

"So, what's Jake's signal?" Marco asked me. I shrugged. I was not all that clear myself. Jake told us to get into position and when we saw his signal, morph and cause chaos.

Then I saw a flash of blue gallop past me. I did a double take and saw an Andalite run past me, followed by a few dozen Hork Bajir warriors. Marco and I looked at each other.

"Let's do it!" I said and began to change.