In the first book, Jake is the only character with preexisting ties to each of the other Animorphs. Rachel is Jake's cousin. There was a mutual attraction between Jake and Cassie which later deepened into a relationship. In the second-to-last book, Jake proposes to Cassie, but she declines. She consents to marrying him "after all of this is over". Ultimately, however, the two have grown too far apart for a relationship to work. Marco is Jake's best friend. Tobias was rescued by Jake from bullies sometime before the series began and had a mild case of hero-worship towards him. While Ax didn't appear until the 4th volume, The Message, Ax quickly accepts Jake as his 'Prince' ('Prince' being a rank in the Andalite military hierarchy) and is deeply loyal to him. Jake's status as Ax's Prince led