Animorphs 2.0

Rachel

Rachel

Tobias' father is an alien! Boy, that was a shock. I hadn't ever expected that. He's definitely wonderful enough for it though, not to mention strong. Elfangor (can you believe that's his name) asked if I wanted to speak with him alone. I told him yes! There were so many things I wanted to ask him. However, the minute we were alone, he started talking first.

"Rachel." He began. "I know what you are feeling right now. I know by the look on your face, in your eye. It's a look I have seen many times in arisths, Andalite cadets. We are a warrior race, many of us feel the pull of battle, but I do not think humans are so like that."

I was surprised at his words. Was he saying it was bad that I was excited? "Are you saying I shouldn't feel excited to fight, sir? That I shouldn't be proud to fight for my world?"

He smiled wanly at me. "Of course not, Rachel. Being enthusiastic is fine. Also, Elfangor will do just fine." he leaned in closer to her. "Rachel, I see a fierceness in you. You wish to fight the battles, to win the war, but not for the victory itself. You crave the fight, the rush, the blood, the fight to the death. I know because I have seen cadets like you, so ready, so strong and yet the war becomes their whole life, unable to cope without it." I sat back in my seat. "I don't want this to happen to you Rachel. You are an incredible asset to us, you will take risks others won't, you will fight to the death for someone else, sacrifice yourself for your friends, but I don't want that to become the only option. You can have a life outside this war, while still fighting in it." My face fell as I heard what he was saying. The part of me that made me so useful in this war was also my greatest weakness. I felt somehow that he was saying I was unfit as he praised me. That he saw failure in me as much as he saw success. And for reasons I couldn't explain, this hurt me. "Rachel, look at me." he said. I lifted my head to look him in the eyes. Eyes full of compassion, eyes that I could tell had seen so much. "I do not wish to hurt you. I want to help you as best I can. I will train you and help you become the greatest fighter you can be." I sat a bit straighter at that. "However," he said, leaning in close, "if I find you to be 'enjoying the fight too much,' if I find you slipping, I will take you off missions." I gasped. This was not supposed to happen, how could he think of doing that to me? Before I could think of speaking, though, he continued. "I do this because I care about you, Rachel. Just as my son does." I blushed a little. "I want to keep you in peak condition. Not only physically, but mentally too. If I find you slipping, I will remind you of why you are fighting. Instead of going on missions, you will go hiking in the wilderness, or spend a day at the mall. You will have a life outside the war for a few days, and realize what it is you're fighting for. Not for you, or the fight, but for the Human race, planet Earth. Do you understand what I'm saying?" I thought about it. I understood what he said. I saw his wisdom in this and thanked him before leaving.

"I am excited to start, Elfangor."

"Good for you." I smiled as I left.

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