Disclaimer: I do not own Alvin and The Chipmunks, nor do I make any money whatsoever from writing and posting this fanfiction.

Chapter 9 – Training: Combat Lessons

Aaron's eyes widened at his new apparent insanity. But then he just started laughing. With Shade's help he would destroy Lord Shadow, even if it took him a thousand years. He would do as he had promised his brothers. He would,

Live...

It had been a week since Simon had heard about Aaron's past. Though deep inside he knew Aaron had kept many things to himself, he couldn't help but pity him. It was obvious that Aaron had lived a hard life and had suffered much. Aaron had even outright refused to tell Simon anything about what he did after the day his brothers died. Only muttering about having hunted him for many years.

Today Aaron had told him he would be learning how to fight with a weapon and with just his fists. But after telling him Aaron had vanished somewhere. So Simon had spent the morning meditating like he had done for many hours the entire week. He was slowly increasing the power his crystal and he himself could hold. He had also gotten better at accessing his power all three ways.

Climbing to his feet Simon looked around for Aaron. He'd told him he would be back in a few hours, but it had already been four. Suddenly Simon felt a massive 'pressure' and crumpled to his knees. Groaning, he struggled back to his feet and found himself facing a tall figure. The figure was dressed in pure black armour with a big helmet with two horns coming out of it.

The power Simon felt all around him was crushing him. He wasn't sure that he would even be able to stand if he had been in his chipmunk form. Thankfully he had taken to staying in his human form to increase the amount of Lunarium his body could withstand at a time. Aaron had thought it was a wonderful idea. Before Simon could even question why the stranger was there he found himself jumping backwards to avoid a massive black sword.

Landing on his feet, Simon struggled to stay standing. Tapping into his core Simon pushed power through himself and let out a sigh of relief as the pressure faded away. Starting to summon power to do something, Simon found himself spinning out of the way as the sword slashed past him. He gasped as he dodged a few more slashes and Simon found himself having to push more power into his body. Whoever this warrior was, he was really fast.

Simon's eyes widened as he reached the limit of power he could have flowing through him without drawing energy from his crystal into himself. Frowning, he twisted and slammed his fist into the warrior's chest only to cry out as the bones in his hand shattered. Wincing in pain, Simon couldn't react as the warrior slammed the handle of his sword into his chest. He was immediately sent flying through the air and he struggled to catch himself on something but failed. After a few seconds he slammed into a tree at the edge of the clearing.

Groaning, Simon started to climb back to his feet only to be faced with the tip of the warrior's black sword between his eyes. He shut his eyes and waited for death to come. After a couple seconds of feeling nothing he slowly opened his eyes again only to snap them open wide as he was faced with a grinning Aaron standing with his sword in the ground in front of him.

"This is why I want to teach you how to fight. You were unable to do anything because I never let you form your power into anything, but if you had a weapon…" Aaron said with a grin.

Simon just nodded dumbly.

"I'm going to teach you two simple things, how to stand, and how to hold a sword. Everything else you will develop on your own," Aaron added.

Aaron then began to instruct Simon on how to properly stand. Simon crouched down slightly and Aaron frowned. It was going to be a long few days...

Meanwhile

Alvin paced back and forth in the bedroom as he attempted to ignore the itching and anxiety flowing through him. He was happy that Simon was learning how to protect himself, but really why couldn't he have gone with them? He felt like he was being ripped apart everyday that he was away from Simon. It was just his luck that after they admitted their feelings they would be pulled apart by something.

Sighing, Alvin flopped down on Simon's bed and breathed in deeply. Since Simon's scent covered the bed he was able to hold back everything by just lying on Simon's bed, and breathing his scent in. Breathing in and out deeply, Alvin failed to notice as the door opened and Theodore walked in. Theodore took one look at Alvin and frowned. Alvin was getting worse day by day and Theodore knew Alvin wouldn't be able to last without Simon much longer.

Knowing it was pointless to try and say anything, Theodore turned and walked out of the room. Alvin looked up in shock as he heard the door close shut with a small bang. Looking back and forth Alvin found his eyes widening. Someone had been in the room! They had likely seen him on Simon's bed!

What was he going to do now?

Theodore climbed up onto the counter in the kitchen. Sitting down and letting his legs hand over the edge he wondered what he should do. It was painfully obvious that Simon and Alvin loved each other and that it was killing Alvin to be apart from Simon. Though he didn't know what Simon was feeling he assumed it would be about the same.

Theodore frowned as he heard the front door open and then slam shut. A quick sniff and Theodore knew Alvin had left the house. Theodore climbed to his feet and made his was towards the bedroom. Walking into the room he walked over to the dresser and pulled the top drawer of his stuff open. Riffling through his hoodies and stuff, Theodore wrapped his hand around a small package and pulled it out.

Looking at the small brown cloth bag in his hand Theodore found himself not knowing what to do. He knew that the item in this bag could help both Simon and Alvin immensely. He knew they would ask questions when he showed it to them. But he knew it would help. The only question in his mind was…

Would it be worth it?

Alvin pulled himself up the final branch and let out a sigh of relief as he sat down on it. He had decided to go to the park and, since he couldn't really use any of the toys in the play area, he had climbed a tree. Even though he was glad to no longer live in a tree, Alvin couldn't help but feel at home in them. Looking down into the park Alvin watched the other children play. What he wouldn't give to be human. He was so limited by being a chipmunk.

But then again, he wouldn't give up the life he had now for anything. If he was human, he wouldn't be able to be with Simon. Not that they had spent any time together after revealing their feelings for each other. Now though, Alvin found himself worrying about something else. Someone had obviously seen him resting on Simon's bed and breathing in his scent deeply. If Dave had seen him everything would be okay… Dave would just assume he missed Simon. But if Theodore had seen him… Theodore would know instantly what him needing Simon's scent meant.

Sighing, Alvin rubbed his head and frowned. His head had started thumping painfully the second he entered the park, but he couldn't figure out what was causing it. To make matters worse, if he stopped paying attention to what he was doing, he found himself halfway down the tree. It was almost as if his body was trying to move of its own accord. Letting out another deep breath Alvin found himself looking towards the edge of the park.

His mouth dropped open in shock at what he was seeing. A large creature sat at the edge of the clearing. It was hard to make out but Alvin was sure that the creature was a bear. But bear's didn't have long black claws and blackish-yellow eyes, did they?

The creature slowly started to walk towards the children in the playground. Black liquid spilled from it's body as it slowly made its way forward. The parents noticed it immediately and started screaming as they pulled their children from the toys. The creature snarled and started running forward, more black liquid flying from it's body as it did so. One child was too slow and found itself in front of the charging creature. Alvin's eyes widened in horror as the creature jumped forward, its black claws in front of it. Alvin wasn't sure what to do until a loud scream filled his ears.

"TTTIIIMMMMMMYYY!"

Alvin immediately made up his mind. Flinging himself from the tree, he rolled as he crashed into the ground. Coming out of the roll he sprung to his feet and threw himself into the child's side. The child, who was at least twice Alvin's size, fell over from the momentum behind Alvin's lunge. Alvin didn't even scream as a large cut ripped open on his back and blood began to pour from it. Turning around he put himself between the creature and the little boy.

The creature looked down at him and it's eyes glowed in rage. It snarled and began to charge forward. Alvin turned his head and screamed at the little boy to run. The child's eyes widened but he nodded and ran towards his mother. The creature didn't even notice the boy, its eyes locked solely onto Alvin as it charged forward. Alvin shut his eyes and waited for the pain. He didn't have to wait long.

Long black claws cut effortlessly through his skin and he winced but kept his mouth shut. Standing still Alvin refused to move as the creature's claws tore into him again and again. Red blood flew through the air but still Alvin refused to move. As long as the creature's attention was on him everyone else could get away. A long claw slid straight through Alvin's chest and his eyes snapped open as he finally let out a howl of pain.

Alvin looked into the eyes of the creature and embraced the death that he knew was coming...

Aaron frowned to himself. Simon was doing horribly. Where he had learned the crystal manipulation with incredible ease, he just couldn't seem to hold the wooden sword right, stand correctly, move correctly or anything. Aaron had never had such an untalented student in the ways of combat. Aaron was just about to tell Simon to give it a break for the day when he sensed something. It was on the edge of his senses… almost unnoticeable.

Simon collapsed to the ground as his energy left him and he returned to his chipmunk form. Aaron, deciding what he sensed was nothing, was about to dismiss it when Simon's eyes suddenly went wide.

"Alvin..." whispered Simon.

Simon's eyes glowed blue and he disappeared in a swirl of blue energy...

*******************

Alvin watched silently as the creature's huge teeth descended towards him. Just as they were about to sink into him though, a massive orb of blue energy slammed into the creature's side. Alvin looked to his right and found his eyes wide in surprise. Standing in the middle of the clearing with a massive blue aura surrounding him and his eyes glowing brightly,

Was Simon.

"No one harms Alvin. Not while I breathe," Simon snarled as his aura flared brightly.

Alvin didn't know it, but Simon had fully tapped into his crystal all the way to what Aaron called Level 10. The creature growled and climbed to it's feet before charging towards Simon. Alvin watched in horror as the creature approached his brother. Just as he was about to move though, Simon lifted up his hand, palm facing down Simon looked to be waiting for someone to kiss his hand or something. But then ten long thick spears of blue energy appeared in the air around Simon.

Alvin could do nothing but watch in shock as the ten spears flew one at a time towards the creature. As one spear ripped through the creature's body another flew forward even as another formed around Simon. By the time Simon put his hand down at least a hundred spears had ripped through the creature turning it into a pile of black blood. Alvin watched as Simon breathed deeply and the aura around him and the glow in his eyes disappeared.

The next second Alvin had Simon in his arms being hugged tightly. Alvin winced as pain flared from his wound and blood dripped to the ground. But after a few seconds Alvin wrapped his hands around his brother and hugged tightly back. They had no time to relax though as Simon's eyes suddenly went wide and his senses flared. Breaking apart they both looked around and swore loudly. They were completely surrounded, Tainted. At least twelve of them.

Simon tapped into his crystal again and went straight back to Level 10. He knew that he would stand no chance otherwise with his control and skills as weak as they were. Then Simon's eyes suddenly widened and he let out a scream of pain. Alvin could do nothing but watch as the aura around Simon disappeared and he fell to the ground unconscious. Alvin, not knowing what to do, did the only thing he could think of. Bending down he held his hand above the crystal around his brother's neck. He knew from the explanation Aaron had given that this crystal had the energy to fight these... things.

Taking a deep breath Alvin braced himself for whatever would happen and wrapped his hand around the crystal. His eyes widened as a massive power filled him. A bright blue aura exploded outwards around him and he struggled to hold in a scream from the pain coursing through him. Blood dripped to the ground and Alvin knew he would not be able to stand. Not that he could without letting go of the crystal anyways. Pushing the pain and thoughts of his brother aside, Alvin took a deep breath and looked up at the Tainted around him.

It was time to fight, or die...

Aaron frowned as he walked down the park path. He could sense both the Tainted and Simon's crystal. The only problem with what he was sensing was that he knew Simon had just fallen unconscious. So if Simon was unconscious, how in the world was his crystal pumping out so much energy? Whatever the case was he knew Simon needed help. Tapping into his own crystal Aaron drew his sword and allowed Shade to take control. His eyes turned black as he grinned evilly and disappeared...

Alvin held back another scream as he forced another wave of energy out. The two Tainted who had charged forward were thrown backwards. Breathing heavily, Alvin spared a glance at his unconscious brother before pushing out another painful wave of energy. The charging Tainted were thrown backwards again and Alvin found his grip on the crystal slowly loosening. Snarling, the Tainted charged forward again. Alvin winced and threw out another wave of energy. Once again, all the Tainted who had charged were thrown backwards.

Alvin found his world darkening and could do nothing as his grip on the crystal went loose. Blood flowing from his wounds, Alvin had no choice but to close his eyes as the darkness claimed him. The Tainted snarled and slowly walked forward, their limited intelligence wondering if this was a trap. When nothing happened, a single Tainted snarled victoriously and jumped forward.

A flash of black, silver, and then red, and a large pile of ash was left on the ground.

Shade laughed wickedly and let his power flare, causing all the Tainted to start to flee. He cackled and disappeared in a blur of speed and seconds later a Tainted burst into flames as a sword extended out of it's chest. Spinning around, Shade disappeared again before reappearing in front of another Tainted. A quick flick of his wrist and another Tainted turned to ash. The Tainted, realizing they stood no chance running away or fighting, charged forward in a large group. Maybe they could use their number against him. Shade laughed again and blocked and dodged every single attack that was thrown towards him.

After about a minute, only two Tainted remained. Shade raised his hand and flicked it forward. Hundreds of thick black spears appeared and shot forward towards each Tainted. In just about two minutes, the entire battle was over. Shade turned around and sheathed his sword. Looking down at the unconscious Alvin and Simon he found himself frowning. He had been just a few steps away when he saw what Alvin was doing. He was somehow using the Lunarium contained in Simon's crystal.

This boy… he seems to be able to channel Lunarium from any source Aaron.

We do not know that yet Shade. Perhaps we will test him.

Indeed.

Aaron regained control.

"It seems there will now be two," said Aaron before lifting the boys into his arms and disappearing in a blur of black energy.

*******************

Aaron dropped Alvin and Simon to the ground and frowned. Alvin was so mysterious… the ability to take Lunarium from things not his was incredible. No one should be able to use the Lunarium of another person. Yet Alvin did it effortlessly, and without any training to boot. Reaching into his pocket Aaron pulled out a small stone.

Closing his hand around the small red crystal he sighed. It was glowing again which meant only one thing. It was time. Alvin was obviously the reason it was glowing. Already Alvin was being hunted and he hadn't even touched his true crystal yet. Plus if Alvin had so much power using an unbalanced crystal, he couldn't imagine how much he would have for one attuned to him. After so many years of holding it though, was Aaron really ready to give away the last thing he had of his brother, Natherion?

He couldn't do what he normally did. Each crystal could be used by multiple owners and the last thirteen that had been chosen to wield Natherion's old crystal, well, he had just let them be taken by the Tainted. But he knew he would be unable to do that to Alvin. He remembered it like it was yesterday, the day he had killed his brother Natherion.

Again...

Flashback

Shade spun around slashing out with his sword. The Tainted he was fighting stepped back but didn't manage to get out of reach. Shade's sword sliced off it's head and it burst into flames before turning to ash. Spinning around, Shade continued to destroy Tainted after Tainted, not even feeling the strain of constant battle.

Shade had been fighting Tainted for three days straight so far. It was the longest he had ever been in control of their body. It had taken a long time for him and Aaron to learn how to share the body and they were still having problems with it a hundred and three years after Shade had awakened. Panting, Shade slashed through the head of the final Tainted. Sheathing his sword Shade unleashed his senses as he searched for the crystal he had felt three days ago.

Pushing open the door to a shack, he had no time to react as a massive orb of blackish-red energy slammed into him. Wincing as he slammed into a tree Shade growled and unleashed his aura. His eyes started glowing as he charged forward, his sword flying from it's sheath. As Shade passed through the door though, he was greeted by the tip of a massive blackish-red katana between his eyes.

"So you have finally arrived, brother," said the figure stepping out of the shadows.

Shade's eyes widened and he felt Aaron slam into control as he was pushed aside. Standing in front of him was his brother, Natherion, in a human form. Aaron lowered his sword and let his power fade away, tears slowly filling his eyes.

"Natherion. How are… I thought that…" stuttered Aaron, unable to form a sentence.

"That I was dead? Well, I'm not. The glorious Lord Shadow resurrected me and helped me find my own crystal!" exclaimed Natherion, holding a small red crystal up for Aaron to see.

"WHAT! NO! Lord Shadow is evil! He turned you into a Tainted!" shouted Aaron.

"LIES! IT IS YOUR CURSED CRYSTAL THAT CHANGED ME! TODAY I GET MY REVENGE!" howled Natherion charging forward, his flaming katana flowing behind him.

Aaron jumped backwards and allowed Shade to take control. Shade blocked strike after strike and dodged again and again. Though he couldn't care less about Natherion, he knew Aaron would never allow him to be harmed. So they battled, Shade trying to dodge as well as he could while not fighting back. After a few seconds it became apparent just how weak Natherion was in comparison to Shade.

Though Shade had yet to even hit Natherion, it was obvious Natherion was about to pass out. Shade had only one explanation - Natherion had no understanding of his crystal. Though he didn't really understand the crystal either, he obviously knew more than Natherion. They battled for a few more minutes before Natherion's eyes suddenly widened and he stopped, his sword vanishing.

Natherion let out a scream of pain and wrapped his hands around his head.

"Ugh, my head. Aaron, what in the world is going on?" questioned Natherion, his voice and manner completely different.

"Natherion?" questioned Shade confused.

"Hurry! He resurrected me and gave me a crystal. It's tainted me and I cannot hold myself back long!" exclaimed Natherion.

"Natherion, what are you…?" questioned Shade, not wanting to believe what he thought was happening.

"KILL ME!" shouted Natherion

Shade closed his eyes. He knew that for as long as he allowed Natherion to live, he would have another soldier under his control. A soldier with the power of Lunarium. He would not allow his brother to live like that. Aaron tried to hold back his body but Shade was having none of that. He stabbed the blade forward.

Blood flew through the air...

End Flashback

Aaron clenched the crystal in his hand even tighter. Natherion had thanked him as the life left his body, giving him his crystal to protect until he found someone worthy of it. That memory was one of his worst, it plagued his nights and tormented his heart. It was also one of the reason's out of many that he sometimes refused Shade control, only allowing it when he was fighting.

Aaron looked over to the unconscious Simon and Alvin and sighed. He had no choice. Alvin needed the crystal so he could protect himself as well. Turning to go meditate, Aaron's eyes widened as the crystal suddenly glowed brightly and flew out of his hand. Spinning around, Aaron could do nothing as the crystal smacked into the hand of the half awake Alvin.

Alvin looked down at the crystal in sleepy confusion.

Red light filled the sky...