Tobias's Perch

[KitsuneMarie]

Cassie gave a relieved smile as well; her shoulders sagged, and it took quite a bit of willpower to avoid taking Jake's hand. "Just to warn you, Mom, most of the food spoiled; we may need to order out," she told her with a sheepish smile.

Marco grinned--his stomach had been rumbling for a while now after all the morphing, activity, and stress--but his happy expression almost immediately faltered. He gave Ax a sidelong glance and sighed. There's no way he'll be able to keep himself calm during a meal. We've nearly been busted already; I should get him out of here. Even if it means missing a free dinner. "Ax," he said, his shoulders sagging as well, but not from relief like Cassie, "we've got homework to do, man. I'd love to stay, but I think we should have that studying session we were talking about."

[Blaise Zebrataur]

Tobias relaxes and opens his eyes as he was back in his meadow as he knew now he got his power back.*Are you happy?*The Ellimist asks as Tobias stayed there on the his branch,a small smile appeared in his head.*Just remember,two hours.*The Ellimist says,reminding Tobias of the two hours in morph rule.

Tobias nods as he knew this was his last chance,he could remain as a hawk and morph to help his friends,or morph a human,wait the two hours and be trapped out of the war forever.<Thanks.>he says in a small mumble.

[Darth Revan]

((Haha. Quick thinking.))

Ax samiled widely at the prospect of more food. This time it would warmed, and designed specially to enhance the tasting experience. When Marco brought up homework and having to study, Ax became confused, "Marco, we don't have to do studying. I am not in your class. Why would I be required to help you study?"

((Damn aliens, can't take a hint. ))

Rachel, who was the only one who kept a few outfits in Cassie's closet, was fully dressed in her "hang out" clothes. She gave a sigh of relief when she realized their secret was still safe. She then started to worry about Tobias. This was another time he'd be excluded because of his being trapped. She started tearing up and hid herself behind Jake.

Shawn smiled at Cassie's parents' invitation. When Cassie mentioned take out, he was even more excited. It had been forever since he had a proper dinner. Neither he nor is dad were big on cooking. They had been eating out of the microwave for the last year. He didn't want to be rude and suggest something expensive, so he just stayed quiet and hoped loudly inside his head, Please let it be chinese. Please let it be chinese. Please let it be chinese.

((I'll wait a bit to post the parents. Let Marco respond to Ax.))

[KitsuneMarie]

Marco growled at Ax, wishing he could use thought-speech while out of morph. "No, remember?" he gritted. "You offered to help me with my physics homework. You were there, Jake--you remember, right?" Marco rounded on his friend, his eyes wide, hoping he'd catch on.

Cassie looked over at the small commotion Marco was making and sighed, her smile dissipating. She wanted Ax to be included, but Marco was right: he would make a horrible scene at the dinner table.

[Blaise Zebrataur]

Tobias smiled weakly in his head some more as he was now a full member of Animorphs again.He wanted to go back to Cassie's house and show them what had happened,but he wanted to do it for Rachel first,when they were alone,he owned her that after she spilled her heart in Cassie's room.

[Darth Revan]

Ax looked further cofused, "I said no such-"

Jake cut Ax off by saying, "Ax, I think this is Marco's way of asking for your help. You should help him, he needs as much as he can get."

"Yes Prince Jake." Ax was saddened by the lost opportunity for food. He then asked Marco, "Can we get 'take out' too? It sounds delicious."

Jake winced at Ax's calling him "Prince" and laughed nervously.

Cassie's mother frowned slightly, "Aw, I'm sorry to hear you won't be able to join us."

Cassie's father gave a small sigh, "I'm not, that means it'll cost le-oof" His wife had just elbowed his stomach, cutting him off. He smiled guiltily and rubbed the spot she hit him. "I mean, 'yeah, too bad.' heh." He turned to his wife and asked, "So should I call Pizza King?" He flashed a weak smile, he knew where his wife was going with this, but he had hoped she wouldn't.

Cassie's mother shook her head at her husband's request, "C'mon honey, the animals were loose in the house, and I can't see a spot of fecal matter in the carpet, that  means they worked really hard. They deserve something better than that."

Cassie's father's head fell forward, "C'mon honey, we can't-"

"We can and we will. With the price we would've had to pay professional cleaners, you should consider this a bargain." Cassie's mother spoke firmly and with authority. Her husbamd gave in and reluctantly and silently agreed.
She turned back to the kids and said, "Then it's decided, we'll call The Flying Dragon."

Shawn continued his silent chant until he heard the magic words, "The. Flying. Dragon." He heard each word like Cassie's mom was calling out the lottery numbers and he had the winning ticket. He threw his hands in the air and shouted, "YES!!" He then uncharacteristicall y jumped up and hugged her tightly. "You guys are awesome. Thankyouthankyoutha nkyou."

Cassie's mother jumped herself and accepted the hug. As her heart settled she pat Shawn's back, "You're welcome." She laughed and gave Cassie an incredulous look.

[Blaise Zebrataur]

Tobias began to wonder some stuff now that he got his powers back.<..I..could go back to school.>that thought instantly went out the window.<No way..bird-boy isn't going to learn anymore junk like math.>he gently flapped his wings abit as he settles on the branch.

(Someone can post/reply now.)

[KitsuneMarie]

((sorry, forgot it was my turn))

"Sure, sure," Marco sighed to Ax, leading him out of the house. "Thanks for the offer anyway," he called to Cassie's parents, then added quietly to Ax once they were outside, "We can get some and eat it at your scoop, if you want."

"Maybe they aren't feeding him too well," Cassie winked to her mother with a laugh, glad Marco had taken care of the Ax situation and that her parents seemed to believe their story.

[Darth Revan]

((I'll wait for Mythica to post a reaction before posting further inside the house.))

Ax didn't fight Marco's guidance out of the house. He tried to keep up with the speed Marco was pushing him. As they crossed the house's threshold, he heard Shawn's reaction to something Cassie's mom said. He became curios and asked, "What is 'The Flying Dragon'? I thought dragons were fictional beasts, how do they propose to eat one that is flying?"

[Midnight_Huntress]

Raksha smiled and then laughed at Shawn's reacton. "I have heard their food is really good, but we didn't have them where I used to live." she smiled. She shook her head playfully at Shawn.

[Darth Revan]

((What timing.   I thought of a way to save Jake's parents so that it'll fit in the story!))

Shawn regained control of himself and released Cassie's mom from his grip. He stayed smiling, "Sorry, it's been so long since I've had chinese food. Ever since the seperation, my dad and I have just worried about making sure we cover rent and entertainment. We haven't gone out for a long time. Mostly just hotdogs and salads." He patted his stomach while saying his last sentence.

Cassie's mother looked shocked and surprised, "Poor boy, how have you survived this long?"

Shawn shrugged and replied, "Hey, I get all the food groups, that's what matters."

Cassie's mom was about to say something further, but her husband cut her off, "Well, you look healthy enough. As long as you get the necessary nutrients. So tonight'll be a special night for you then. I'm glad we could be a part of it. Now," he turned to the rest of the group and looked over their clothing, "How about you kids go home, get dressed, let your parents where you'l be, and meet us back here at say, six o'clock?"

Cassie's mom smiled and nodded, "Oh, and if any of your parents want to come along, tell them they're welcome as well."

Cassie's father gave a nervous laugh, "Yes, just let them know that they'd have to pay for their portions. We can only afford to cover your dinners."

Jake's eyes lit up like a Christmas tree. That's how I can stop Tom from getting my parents tonight! he blurted out, a little too loudly, "That'd be perfect! *ahem* My parents will definitely be there." He gave Cassie's hand a hard squeeze and then excused himself from the living room. He ran out of the back yard ran into the barn. From there he morphed into his peregrine falcon and flew off towards his house.

Rachel followed Jake saying, "Ou-our bikes are in the back. I'll be sure to extend your invitation, Thanks!" She then ran into the barn and morphed to her Eagle and flew off towards her house.

Shawn followed suit thanking Cassie's parents as he left. He waited inside the barn hoping Raksha wasn't far behind him.

[Midnight_Huntress]

"See you in a bit." she smiled nodding her head and headed out after Shawn. Once she was in the barn, she morphed to her tiger and gave a stretch. <What time is it now? If I can I want to stop by a decent store before hand, I have nothing to really change into for Dinner. Jeans and T-shirts is all I have in my bag.> she told him, looking up at him, her tiger eyes glinting.

[Blaise Zebrataur]

Tobias closes his eyes softly and relaxed,letting the day go by as he would visit Rachel around when she should be in bed.<Rachel.>he says slowly and happly as he cared for her very much.

[KitsuneMarie]

((Are we skipping ahead to the evening, or is Tobias just thinking about the evening?))

[Darth Revan]

Shawn watched as Raksha morphed into her majestic tiger. He shook his head in awe and disbelief. He replied to her question, "Well, It's just after six o'clock now. If my dad doesn't want to go, we could fly to whatever store you like and be back at Cassie's in no time. If my dad does decide to come, he could drive us, and we'd show up a little late. Emphasis on 'little' though." He morphed into his Cooper's hawk and flew up to the rear window in the rafters. <Shall we?> He kicked off the sill and flew towards his house. Again, he stayed in Raksha's view and gave directions as they moved through the forest.

Cassie's mom looked at her daughter, standing in the living room with nothing on except her leotard and gave a confused and quizzical look as she asked, "Cassie, do you mind telling me why you were all cleaning in your underwear for? I don't doubt you were cleaning, I can clearly see that, but in your underwear?"

Cassie's father rolled his eyes and said, "I'm going to check on the barn, see if anything was stolen." He then exited the livingroom.

((I'll let Marie say where Marco took Ax.))