Animorphs 2.0

The Ability To Lead

A/N: Sorry about the long break. I've been very busy for a while and the person who was helping me edit was busy too. I will try to post more often now. I just want to say this story means a lot to me, and even criticism would help me, so comment if you have anything to say. Enjoy.

Tobias

A few days after meeting Ax, I came to my father with something on my mind. This was something I'd been thinking about for a while and needed to let him know.

"Dad, I need to tell you something." I came to him after training one day.

"What is it?" he asked.

"It's about me leading the Animorphs." I said slowly. I had to say I liked the name Marco had come up with. It had a certain ring to it.

My father pursed his lips as he put equipment away. "What is this about, Tobias?"

"Dad, I don't think I should be the one in charge." I stated, uncomfortably. I didn't want my father thinking I was weak or incapable.

"What makes you say that?"

I twisted my hands together as I continued. "I find myself constantly questioning myself and my decisions. I'm not sure I make the right ones and I don't want to get anyone hurt. Dad, we've almost some battles because of me. I don't think I am fit to lead."

My father stopped what he was doing and looked at me. "Are you sure? I wouldn't have given this position to you if I didn't think you can handle it."

I nodded my head, sure of myself. "I can't do this, Dad. I might be competent, but that's not enough. The others need to put their confidence in someone they put their complete trust in. that's not me. Dad, Jake is the better choice. I've seen him fight; he knows how to lead. I will step down for him."

My dad smiled and put his hands on my shoulders. "I am very proud of you, Tobias."

I was surprised. "You're not disappointed?"

He laughed. "Tobias, I chose you for this position because I thought you deserved it. I knew you would lead well enough and I would let you continue to do so, if you so wished. You might have thought I would think you were weak for turning leadership down, but that only shows your strength, Son. You are incredibly strong in being able to admit the areas in which you are less able. I expected nothing less from you. As for your suggestion, I have felt it too. Jake would have been my choice as well, had you not wanted command." Elfangor picked up the equipment he had gathered. "I'll talk to Jake, Tobias. Don't worry."

I smiled as he walked away. I was uplifted by his words, and felt a deep sense of pride. I knew I had made the right choice. I would look forward to serving under Jake's leadership.

What really excited me was the chance to fight alongside Ax. I had never fought with an Andalite before. This was our chance to show him what we were made of.

That chance arrived a few days later when Elfangor acquired some Intel on what the Yeerks were planning at this hospital. We were to infiltrate and sabotage the operation. At the start of the mission, I felt Aximili's slight disdain for us and more, for Jake leading us when he was more experienced. However, being an Andalite, he tried to show as much respect for us as he was able.

At one point in the mission, we were hiding in one of the hospital rooms, waiting for the coast to be clear before we could reach the top level of the building. We had to get there silently, any noise before that would make it almost impossible. However, the door opened, and instead of Marco, in gorilla morph, waiting by the door ready to grab anyone who opened it, Aximili stepped out on instinct and cut down the Hork-Bajir standing there. He had reacted without thinking, but that had cost us. There were more people in the room beyond and it didn't take them long to notice Ax. Our cover blown, we had little time to escape, let alone finish the mission. It was Jake who saved us. Rachel blocked the door with her enormous bear form, while Jake ordered Marco to pound on the floor, creating a hole to give us access to the level below. We jumped through and made our way to the other side of the building. With no other choice, we took the elevator to the top floor. We would have to face whatever was on the other side. It was a good thing we were prepared, because a virtual army came out to greet us to moment the elevator doors opened.