* AUTHORS NOTE *

Thought-speak will be written like [this] because FF does not like angle brackets.

Thanks for reading!

*

MARCO

The weeks fly by in a blur of missions, homework, and trying to act like life is normal. I've been spending time with Rachel whenever we can, and I can't explain how much those moments mean to me. Even after that night in her room, she still seems distracted, her laughter muted and her smiles too quick, like she's just going through the motions.

It's frustrating. Like I can feel the wall she's built, and no matter how many times I knock, she doesn't let me in. I hate that. It's not the Rachel I know.

I know I have to do something. I've watched her fight her battles, but I realize we need to fight for each other too. So I come up with an idea. It's risky. It's daring. It's something nobody would expect—because, let's face it, I'm not exactly known for my plans that don't involve saving the world or blowing stuff up. But this one? This one is a masterpiece.

It's Saturday morning, way too early, when I call Cassie. I pitch her my plan, and to my relief, she seems surprised but excited. She's on board to help make it happen.

We call everyone to Cassie's barn for an emergency meeting. Cassie is there, smiling with a glimmer of excitement as she sits on a hay bale next to Jake, who's looking like he just came from a zombie apocalypse. Honestly, I'm not sure if he's stressed about school, the Yeerks, or if he's just secretly plotting how to get out of this "emergency." Ax is standing in the corner, just being… Ax. All quiet and serious and slightly alien in a way that makes you wonder if he's really observing us or just making a list of things to bring back to his planet. Tobias, true to form, is perched in the rafters like he's an extra in a Shakespeare play, looking down at us with that intense gaze.

Finally, I notice Rachel walking in a bit late, her expression unreadable. I take a moment to appreciate the way she moves. Her grace. That quiet strength.

Yeah, totally not obvious, Marco.

"Alright, we're all here," Jake says, crossing his arms and leaning back. "What's this important meeting for?"

I take a deep breath, the weight of what I'm about to propose settling on my shoulders. "Look, we all know the missions have been brutal lately. And with exams coming up, everyone is stressed. This mission isn't about saving humanity from the Yeerks; it's about saving the Animorphs from ourselves ."

A moment of confusion washes over the room, and doubt creeps in. Maybe I overestimated how genius this plan was going to be. I mean, it is a little ridiculous. But who cares? We need something fun, and I'm the guy who can deliver it.

Cassie jumps in, sensing my hesitation. "Marco is right. Things have been really tough lately. We need to feel like regular teens for a day."

"Yes!" I say, my voice gaining strength. "So today, we're going on a road trip to the beach!"

I scan the room, excitement barely contained. I'm practically vibrating with energy. Besides Cassie, though, no one seems enthused. I glance over at Rachel. She's got that look again—the one where it's like her mind is somewhere far, far away. It's a look that says please don't ask me to discuss this right now .

"Uh, guys, maybe another day. I really should be catching up on sleep or studying," Jake says, glancing around for validation. Yeah, because the guy who's spent more time fighting aliens than studying calculus is suddenly worried about his GPA. Rude.

I shoot him a glare, irritation rising. "No, we're going to the beach, and you're all going to like it! Cassie and I already packed up her mom's minivan. We've got snacks, drinks, music, a change of clothes for our non-human friend… you don't get a say in this."

Cassie nods in agreement. "It'll be fun! Just one day to relax and recharge."

Tobias tilts his head, his intense gaze locked on me. [But why take the van when we could fly there faster? You know, skip the traffic?]

I roll my eyes, trying and failing to hide my frustration. "Because, Tobias, this isn't just about speed. It's about the experience. We deserve to do something fun and normal for once. Just picture it: all of us, crammed into a minivan, laughing and forgetting everything else for a day. Can't you see it? Pure. Bliss."

Ax leans in, his eyes wide with curiosity. [You mentioned snacks. Will they contain salt and grease? Or perhaps chocolate? Tobias recently introduced me to something called a 'Milky Way.' It was delicious, though it bears no resemblance to the actual Milky Way, which is far too large to fit in a candy bar.]

I'm almost at my breaking point when Cassie jumps in, sensing my frustration. "We've got all sorts of snacks! Chips, sandwiches, pop, and we can even stop for candy bars. Whatever you want!" She smiles, her calming presence easing the tension in the room.

I start to tune out as Ax begins asking Cassie some detailed questions about the menu. I catch Rachel's eyes, and my heart skips a beat. She's looking at me with an intensity that leaves me feeling both exposed and exhilarated. Her arms are still folded, but there's a hint of a smile tugging at her lips. I hold her gaze, warmth creeping into my cheeks. Since when did her looking at me make me feel like this?

Finally, she breaks the tension with a playful grin. "Well, maybe we could all use a vacation day. But if anyone suggests road trip games, I'm jumping out the window."

Laughter ripples through the barn, and for a moment, the tension dissipates. I catch Rachel's gaze again, and there's a flicker of something—maybe hope, or just a brief moment of relief—that makes me feel like this crazy plan might actually work. Tomorrow isn't promised, and I know better than anyone that this war takes more than it gives. But just for today, I want us to have this. To feel normal, even if it's just a drive to the beach in Cassie's minivan.

"Alright, team," I say, feeling a rare rush of determination. "Grab your swimsuits, and leave your excuses at the door. This isn't a negotiation. We're leaving in twenty, whether you like it or not!"