"Are you alright? What do we do- I don't know first aid, does anyone know first aid?"

Her hands hover above a patch of singed fur and melted flesh.

<There is nothing you can do. The wound is fatal.>

He sounds almost apologetic.

<I will die, shortly. I am here to warn you.>

Stiles stays cozy and safe in his hiding spot. He can hear just fine from there.

"Warn us? About what?"

<I am not the only one. There are others coming, called Yeerks. They are parasites, who enter the bodies of their hosts and control them. Many of them are already here.>

"What do you mean, control?"

"I don't like the sound of parasites."

<This is a Yeerk outside of its host.>

They see a- disgusting, vile, hateful- image of a greenish-gray slug in their minds.

<Human-Controllers look the same as any other human does, from the outside. I wish I could say more, but there is not much time. The Yeerks are pursuing me now, and will arrive soon. I want to prepare you. Inside my ship, there is something which might help. You, go inside, and bring the small, blue box back to us.>

Just as the image of the Yeerk came with a sense of disgust, it is obvious to all of them that the alien means for Allen to bring him the blue box.

"What are we supposed to do? We're just a couple of teenagers!"

Box inside the ship, sure. He's always wanted to see inside an alien spacecraft.

The ship seems to be fairly small. Allan finds something resembling controls, several objects of unknown use, and a holographic projection of two aliens with two smaller aliens. A family photo, it would seem.

More importantly, perhaps, he finds a small blue cube.

<This cube is a weapon. With this, you stand a chance against the Yeerks. This will grant you the power to morph.>

"And what does that mean?"

<The power to morph is the power to acquire the DNA pattern of any creature and become that creature. Hurry, we must do this quickly, before they arrive. Gather round, and bring me the box.>

Allison hasn't left the alien's side. She seems very attentive.

"How is turning into animals going to stop us from getting mind-controlled?"

<This is all I have to offer,> he apologizes. <Touch the box. Remember never to stay in morph for longer than two of your hours, or you will be trapped forever.>

Anna touches the box.

...fine, he’ll come get the magic powers.

As they all touch the box, so too does the Andalite. They feel a slight tingling sensation spread through them.

<You may acquire any DNA pattern through touch. Remember the two hour limit. Remain disciplined, keeping a check on your emotions. Run, before my pursuers arrive.>

“Any DNA pattern? Including yours?”

<Only Allison may acquire me.>

Allison, who hasn’t moved from her spot by the alien, and has stopped speaking, nods. She places a hand on the alien’s flank.

<Any animal you acquire will...become...docile...>

The alien trails off.