Disclaimer: I don't own Animorphs. If I did, I would also write The Marco Chronicles, depicting every time he's ever said "Are you insane?"

Authors Note: If Michael seemed out of character in the last chapter, that is a result of the recent changes coming into his life. Not because he's turning evil. Also, some bad language is in this chapter.

Reviews:

Lilmaniac- thanks for the review. With any luck, I'll be making the story include a few plot twists during this and other chapters.

Traycon3- thanks for reviewing. Actually, although I'm glad you gave me feedback, several times in the book series, it is mentioned that Tom was a member, and stumbled into a meeting of the full members and soon became one himself. It is also mentioned several other times. Thanks again.

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They took me to Cassie's barn, battered and bruised. Quickly, I demorphed, hoping that I wouldn't pass out. After pausing for a second to catch my breath, I explained to the others what happened and why.

"You are so lucky we got there in time!" said Rachel. "You would've died! Then what?"

"Do you think I wanted to almost get infested! Fine! I've had it with you Rachel. Ever since I joined you guys you've only supplied me with hate and indifference. I'm leaving." I exclaimed as I walked away from them all.

"But….." she began, except that Cassie stopped her.

"Don't. This has been hard on him. Give him some time. He'll forgive you on his own."

I ran home and opened the door, almost slamming it behind me. I ignored my dad as he sat down at the table waiting for me. "What's wrong? Don't you want something to eat?" I didn't respond.

What's wrong with me? Is this happening because of the trouble I've caused and the problems I didn't prevent from happening? No, I'm just shaken up is all. I'll get over this in the morning. I hope.

The solace I expected the morning to supply never came. I felt even worse when I met George at school.

He greeted me as usual, although now I wasn't sure if it was him or the parasite in his head. I tried not to give myself away for the rest of the day. It made me feel uneasy that so many people I knew may be completely different than I once thought.

I felt betrayed. Like someone I held dear had been lying about themselves since the moment we met. Finally, I spoke my mind.

"George, I think you should quit the sharing."

"I can't. If I do now then I'll never become a full member."

"Come on, why do you care? There are lots of better things you can do with your time. Why go to the sharing?"

"Look, if you can't except that I have finally found something meaningful in my life to go to, then I don't think we can be friends anymore." And then he left.

Damn it. I won't let them manipulate those around me. I've got to do something drastic. Something outside Jakes jurisdiction.

Then it dawned on me. If I taint the yeerk pool, then all the yeerks feeding in it would die. That would be a major blow indeed, but I need help in this one, and Jake would probably tell me not to do it.

How could I stop the yeerk operation before they infest my friends? Tell them maybe? No, that would never work. I guess I have to wait and see.

After school, I went to the mall. After spotting Rachel drag Cassie into a department store, I walked in after them. Rachel was showing Cassie some half off sale while Cassie was busy looking at a pair of hiking boots. Girls, huh?

"Hey guys." I greeted. "How's the shopping today?"

"Fine, except- Cassie! Those are MENS boots! Do you have any fashion sense at all!" Cassie gave me a fleeting look.

"Talk to Jake lately? He was watching something for me, and I need to know how it's coming along." I announced in the code we're forced to use.

"Oh, that……right. Jake said he had to stop by the Gap the other day. I'm sorry." So that meant George was a Controller. There was only one thing I could do to save him now.

"What about the other one?" I asked, praying I'd get a different answer.

"Same." She replied. "I know how it is but there's nothing you could have done about it." George and Meghan now. I felt like my heart had been torn apart. My best friend and my crush were the enemy. Fuck.

"I have to clear my head." And with that, I left the mall and went into Tobias' territory. When I saw he wasn't there I leaned against a tree and started to cry. I don't know how long I sat there before it started to rain, but I never got up.

I couldn't face what I knew I had to do.

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When Tobias finally flew into view, I wiped the tears from my eyes and sat up. He already saw me crying, but it was an insecurity that worked its way into my everyday life. God, when did life become so fucking complicated? Pardon my French.

((What's wrong?))

"You know damn well what's wrong. George and Meghan are Controllers."

((I'm sorry. Look, if it's any consolation, you're not the only one who's suffered from this war. I lost my father and Jake lost his brother.))

"It's not like that at all. I have to hang around George now, and he won't leave me alone. The yeerk has to keep up appearances and the real George wouldn't just abandon me. I need to have a Controller as my best friend, and a Controller as my love interest. To know that they're slaves now and there is nothing you can do about it is a horrible feeling. How can I help them now if I can't even reach them?"

((We'll win this war, and when we do they'll all be free.))

"But how long will that take? By the time the war is over, they won't be the same people anymore." I said. I started to cry again.

((Look, go home and get some sleep. The mission is tomorrow.))

That night, I layed in bed, staring into space. I will save them. One way or another, I will save them.

I cried myself to sleep that night.

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Thanks to all who reviewed and read, and don't forget this time either. Also, I know there

are a lot of people who are reading this and not reviewing. Please, as a courtesy, review

this story so I know what I am doing right/wrong. Thanks.

Ciao.