Animorphs: The Visitor

The second book in the Animorphs series, The Visitor is narrated by Rachel. Soon after their first battle, they decide that they need to learn more about the Yeerks. They know that Mr. Chapman, their assistant principal, is a high-ranking Controller. Rachel used to be friends with his daughter Melissa, and tries to reestablish their friendship in order to get close to her father. Unfortunately, Melissa rebuffs Rachel's overtures, and Rachel fears that she is a Controller. Since their first plan didn't pan out, they decide that Rachel will acquire Melissa's pet cat and get into the house by morphing it.

After the real cat is captured and Rachel enters the house in disguise, she follows Mr. Chapman down to the basement. There, she discovers that he communicates directly with Visser Three via hologram. Visser Three notices her and orders Chapman to kill her, fearing she may be an Andalite. Chapman reasons with Visser Three and Rachel manages to keep acting like a normal cat, which allows her to escape safely. Rachel also learns that Melissa is not a Controller, but withdrew from Rachel because she fears the changes she has noticed in her parents (who are both Controllers).

Eager to learn more, Rachel doesn't tell the Animorphs about her encounter with Visser Three. Instead, she states that she needs to go back into Chapman's house to learn more. A few nights later she does this, and Jake goes with her as a flea on her back. Once again Visser Three spots her, and because of her interest he becomes positive that she is an Andalite bandit. He orders Chapman to take Rachel to him, as well as Melissa so that she can be infested. At this order Chapman's host fights back and tries to kill himself, desperate to save Melissa. After the Yeerk regains control, he catches Rachel but decides not to take Melissa with him, as her continued freedom will keep his host cooperative. Rachel and Jake are taken to the abandoned construction site, and Chapman speaks to Visser Three. Chapman's Yeerk allows his host to speak, and the man reminded Visser Three that he became a Controller willingly on the condition that Melissa remain free. He also states that if Melissa is taken, he will fight as hard as he can against his Yeerk. Since Chapman is in a position of importance, this could lead to disastrous consequences for some of the Yeerks' plans. Just as Visser Three allows Melissa to keep her freedom, the Animorphs show up to rescue Rachel and Jake. They manage to escape, but only just. The next day Rachel writes Melissa an anonymous note to tell her that her parents still love her.