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A/N: OH MAH GAWD! I'm so sorry about the terrible delay for this chapter! I got the flu and then I had to catch up on all the things I missed when I had the flu as well as what was standard. On top of that, this chapter is the shortest so far! I'm terrible sorry about that. Never fear however, next chapter is where the action finally starts! Also, this chapter is mostly a flashback, so if that isn't your thing I'm really sorry! Please wait for the next chapter, it will be good, I promise!
Kali101: You have nothing to fear. The two main focuses of the flashbacks for the first few chapters will be Simon x Jeanette and Alvin x Brittany. Stick with me and you'll get a lot more shipping between them!
Guest: This is indeed an alternate retelling of Chipwrecked. Also, you brought up an interesting point: uniting the tribes. That may or may not be a point as the story goes on. MAY OR MAY NOT, I cannot stress that enough...it may.
On with the show! LEAVE REVIEWS!
Chapter 4
Ben bolted through the village at a breakneck speed. It wasn't because he was in a particular hurry, but he actually wanted the chipmunks of the village alerted to the fact that something was going on. The albino chipmunk darted inside of The Bastion and slammed its large doors behind him. The moment he was safely inside he grinned and rubbed his paws together.
"This couldn't have been gift-wrapped any better!" he said happily. "I can't lose!"
"Um…" Captain Jayden began. Ben turned his head to see that the captain of the guard had been standing close by. He was gawking at his acting chief, confused. "What was the meeting about?"
"Our salvation." Ben said. He put his paw to his chest proudly.
"Dare I ask for details?" Jayden replied.
"Not yet." Ben replied. "First thing's first, call a tribe meeting. Everyone must be there, no exceptions. Second, I need you to go into Simon's chamber."
"That chamber was sealed two generations ago." Jayden said, looking ominus. "What's inside was considered too dangerous to use…"
"Yeah, I've been in there twice actually." Ben replied, narrowing his eyes. "There isn't anything in there worth noting, just some journals and star charts and other nonsense...except for one thing. I left it on the table in there. Go in there and get it, and make sure everyone knows you went in there, got it?"
A few hours later, everyone in the village had gathered together. They were assembled at the village center, where festivals and such were held. During such events, a roaring fire would usually be lit. This was not the case for today. Everyone was milling about nervously. They had heard that Ben had ran through the village desperately and that the door to Simon's Chamber had been breached, something that was forbidden. Something big was happening and it was making them all very nervous. Finally, Ben emerged into the square. He instantly hopped on top of a stage they used for plays. He held up his hands, indicating that he wanted quiet. He didn't have to wait very long.
"Fellow members of the Simon Tribe!" he began very grandly. "I have most dire news!" That sent the entire crowd muttering nervously. "As many of you know, this morning I had a meeting with the Great Elder Alvin. His health is in decline, and he is not long for this world. He has informed me of his desire to pass on the title of chieftain before he passes! To that end, one week from today he will pass his duty as chief...to David of the Alvin Tribe."
The entire crowd erupted. Some began panicking, some began shouting, and some even began to flee from the square to gather their belongings. They found that there were now guards keeping them corralled. Ben held up his hands and shouted until he had the tribe's attention.
"EVERYONE! CALM DOWN!" Despite his bellowing, it took quite a while before everyone fell silent. "Now! I understand everyone's concerns! I was shocked as well when I heard the news. I even had the captain of guard enter Great Elder Simon's chamber to see if there was anything in there to help us. Unfortunately, we found nothing that could. So instead, we shall rely on our own abilities to defend ourselves. Now, I want you all to listen to me. No one is fleeing! No one is going to sit on the sidelines! We will all band together and fight as a village! My father made me the acting chief, and I intend to do my duty! Everyone will have assignments for the week shortly. I expect everyone to do their duty! We will stand together and if need be...die together."
There was an uncomfortable silence over the whole throng of people. All of the chipmunks were glancing nervously around at each nervously. Ben jumped off the platform and began walking back to The Bastion.
"That is all!" he shouted. Instantly, the entire mob went frantic again. They all began speaking to each other in a panic, completely terrified. Captain Jayden leaped through the crazed crowd and bounded after his chief. Once he caught up to him, Ben could see the shocked expression on his face.
"What was that!" Jayden cried.
"Careful planning." Ben said.
"You lied to them!' the captain replied. "On top of that, that was the worst speech I've ever heard! You didn't comfort them, tell them you had a plan, or anything! You said we could all die! The entire tribe is liable to have a panic attack!"
"I know." Ben said with a smile. They walked silently for several moments, Jayden gazing at his chief like he was a madman.
"Have you lost your mind?" the captain asked.
"Not at all." Ben said. He glanced behind him. He then grinned and turned back. "Act like we're deep in discussion."
"Huh?"
"In three...two...one…" Ben then threw up his hands and looked frustrated. "Because I said so Jayden! I know we might go down in a blaze of glory, but if that's the way it has to be…!" The sounds of rapid running could be heard behind them. Jayden and Ben turned to see the thorns in their sides, Emily, Oliver, and Lucas, bound up to them.
"You can't do this Ben!" Oliver shouted, looking terrified.
"You don't have what it takes to deal with this!" Lucas shouted in a high voice.
"You have to hand over the right of chieftain now!" Emily shrieked.
"Father left the duty to me, and I intend to do it!" Ben said, sounding uncharacteristically mad. "I will lead this tribe to a glorious victory or a glorious end!"
"You're insane!" Emily shrieked, sounding more like an angry bird. "You're going to get us all killed! We're not standing by and letting you do this!"
"Yes, you're are!" Ben shouted. "I have jobs for all of you, and you will do them!"
"The hell we will!" Oliver bellowed. "If we must die, then we will die beside the true chief of this tribe, our father!"
"You aren't going to hide in The Bastion while I fight down in the village!" Ben replied.
"We'll do whatever we please!" Emily screamed. "We're going to die because of you, you freak of nature! All because you didn't have enough sense to give up what didn't belong to you!"
All three of the siblings bolted past their half-brother, knocking him over. They dashed up the steps towards The Bastion. Ben sat on the ground and watched them scamper like frightened children. He had a special glare for his sister.
"Why don't you just tell me how you really feel?" he muttered. He then got to his feet. "Worthless, all of them. Well, at least everything is going according to plan." Ben crossed his arms and smiled smugly. Jayden once again looked at him as if he were a madman.
"This is part of the plan?" he asked, pointing towards the fortress.
"Oh dear Jayden," Ben began, smirking at him. "When will you learn to trust me?"
Jayden gave him an incredulous look. Ben only shook his head and rolled his eyes.
"Do you have the piece of paper I asked for?" the albino asked.
"Yes I do." Jayden replied. He reached into his armor and took out a piece of a paper that was actually a dry leaf. He handed it to Ben. Ben gazed it over and took a deep sigh.
"Oh Simon, you were one smart little rodent." he said.
"What is that contraption?" Jayden asked.
"Oh you'll see. They'll all see!"
Back at The Treetops, the Alvin Tribe was still winding down from their hunt. Despite the fact that they had gotten it down to a routine, it still wore them out. All of the members were either resting on the ground or in the treehouses. In one particular house, David had just awakened. He sat up and stretched, getting the soreness out of his body. Stabbing that boar through the head, while it gave him a great high, also hurt every muscle he had. He turned his green eyes to the person laying next to him. Georgia was still fast asleep. Her warpaint, which had smeared all over her thanks to him, was beginning to fade. She was a savage, ambitious warrior when she was awake, but she looked like an adorable, gentle girl when asleep.
David smirked in a sneaky way. He leaned down and began nibbling at Georgia's ear. At first, her ear twitched and she grimaced slightly. David gently bit it and pulled. She began to stir and fidget. He then stuck his nose inside of her ear and began blowing into it. She jumped and opened her eyes. Upon realizing what was happening, she reached up and smacked David across his forehead.
"Ow!' he exclaimed. "What was that for!"
"For waking me up, you jerk!" she retorted. "How would you like it if I woke you up in the middle of the night like that?"
"It's morning." David replied flatly. Georgia sat up and looked out the window.
"It is?" she asked. "Huh...I guess it is. Feels like I just fell asleep." She stretched and yawned. David was staring at her, grinning. She finally noticed and cocked her eyebrow at him. "What?"
"Your paint is smeared." he said. Georgia gazed down at her body and then back up at him.
"Can't imagine why." she said.
"I think it's a good look."
"Do you? You want the whole tribe to know your technique?"
There was a long pause as David seemed to think it over.
"Maybe." he finally said.
"Yeah, I'm sure lover-boy." she replied. "Get some more paint."
"Is that an order? So early in the morning?"
"I'll let you put it on."
David grinned and his eyes widened. He leapt out of the bed and ran over to a bowl he kept at the ready. It was covered with red paint. He quickly bounded back over to the bed.
"Turn over." he said firmly. Georgia rolled her eyes, but obeyed. She turned over, showing that her lower back and everything below was smudged and faded. David licked his lips and covered his hands in the paint. He then ran both of his hands down her back, slathering her in paint. His fingers also massaged the taught muscles in her body as he did so. Georgia bit her lip and inhaled sharply. After a few moments of enjoying it, she spoke again.
"What is our dear chief up to?" she asked.
"He had a meeting with the other chiefs early today." David said. She turned her head to look at him.
"A meeting of the chiefs?" she asked suspiciously. "That hasn't been done in years. What is that old man up to?"
"I wouldn't worry about it." David replied. "He's really old, he probably wanted to talk about something before he got senile."
"How long as he been gone?"
"I'm not sure, he set out before I woke up."
"Did he go alone?"
There was a pause. It was long enough to get Georgia's attention. She turned to look at him again. He was gazing out the window.
"David." she said. He jerked his head back to her. "Did he go alone?"
"No." he replied. "He took that black one with him."
"That native boy is like a plague." she said. "Just like...wait, how do you know that?" Her icy blue eyes met his green ones. "You said you weren't awake when he left." David then grinned from ear to ear.
"They just went by the window." he said. "They were heading up in the elevator. They got an eyeful."
Georgia then grinned in a similar way.
"I hope they did." she said. David bit his lip. His fingers massaged the muscles in her lower back, causing her to stiffen and whine. His hands then began drifting lower.
"If they go by again, let's give them a bigger show."
Richard growled as he sat Alvin back in his usual chair. He counted it fortunate that Alvin had such terrible sight. Had they walked by David's house a few moments later they would have caught them in compromising position, at least more than they already were. Alvin could clearly notice that Richard was bothered.
"You seem troubled Richard, what is it?" Alvin asked.
"Nothing." Richard spat. "Just...saw something I would rather not have."
"David and Georgia?" Alvin asked.
"Yeah...wait, they pretty far away, how did you see them?" the dark chipmunk asked.
"I'm almost blind, not almost deaf." the elder replied.
"Oh, right…"
"You always seem so bothered to see couples together, why is that?"
"What? N-No I'm not...I just...they flaunt it everywhere!"
"Yes, I am aware. The tribe is getting wilder and more public."
"It just...makes me uncomfortable."
Alvin cocked his eyebrow at his descendant.
"Which part?" the elder asked. Richard then fidgeted nervously.
"Oh it's...n-n-nothing in particular." the dark chipmunk stammered. "You were saying something about "wilder and more public?""
Alvin eyed his caretaker for a few moments before letting it go.
"Yes...the tribe is surprisingly young right now. Young lovers will do what they do. I have no room to judge, honestly."
"Oh?" Richard asked, raising his eyebrows. "How so?"
"I don't think my brothers would appreciate sharing our secrets, so you'll just have to use your imagination."
"You know one of these days, you're going to have to tell me all of those stories you're hiding."
"A lot of them would make you uncomfortable Richard. If you please, start getting lunch ready. This day has so far been very difficult."
Richard grunted and shook his head in defeat. He turned and walked into the kitchen. Alvin leaned back in his chair. Spending time on that fateful beach and hearing to sounds of two young lovers made his brain swim in old memories. Memories that were tainted by later ones…
Once upon a time, Alvin had gazed at the top of the waterfall at the pool and spied his brother Simon. Simon wasn't alone. His beloved Jeanette was up there with him. Simon related the what happened at the top of that waterfall to Alvin years later.
Simon had invited Jeanette on a walk. They had done nothing but grow closer on this island. Tonight, she was wearing a beautiful two piece outfit made of white flowers. It made her glitter in the moonlight and Simon's stomach turned into a knot. As they walked out to the edge of the waterfall she gazed down. The moonlight reflected against the pool below, like a thousand glittering lights.
"So pretty…" Jeanette said, her eyes wide. Simon gulped. The truth was, the older he got the more he couldn't stop thinking about Jeanette. She only got prettier as time went on. Now something was stirring within him. Some sort of desire not to just hold hands and giggle at each other's jokes. He wanted to closer to her...more than he thought possible.
"It's not the only thing that's pretty." Simon said. Jeanette stopped for a moment, her eyes wide. She smiled and gave Simon a shy look while blushing. Simon could feel that knot in his stomach twisting tighter. He took off his glasses and tossed them aside. Jeanette gave him a confused look. He then smiled nervously and held out his hand to her.
"Dance with me, my lady?" he asked, turning very red. Jeanette giggled softly. She took a deep breath and turned to him.
"Of course." she said. She took his head and he pulled her against him. Jeanette began singing the first song she ever sang in front of him. They danced around wildly, with him throwing her in the air, catching her and allowing her to swoon. They twirled around as if the whole world didn't matter.
Simon and Jeanette reached the finale note, as he caught her and pulled her close. Jeanette collapsed against him as they both panted in exhaustion. Jeanette giggled slightly, as she had a great time. Simon looked down at her laughing face. It was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. He leaned down to her ear and said the only thing he could think of.
"You're the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. I would treasure you always." he whispered. Jeanette flinched. She turned her head up to him. Her eyes were wide and sparkled in the moonlight. Simon couldn't resist it anymore. He slowly leaned down and brought his lips against hers. He could feel both of their hearts skip a beat. Jeanette melted into his arms and clung to his body. For what seemed like forever, their lips danced across each others. Both of them had difficulty pulling away. Finally Simon was the one to back out. Jeanette whined slightly at the missing sensation. Then she saw Simon's eyes. There was something else in them now. It wasn't the shy genius, or the nervous boyfriend...it was a fire. There was a burning desire in his eyes. Jeanette's own instincts told her what that meant. She smiled, showing she was happy. Without another word, Simon swept her off her feet. He picked her up and began marching away with her. Jeanette giggled and curled up against his chest.
Unknown to them, Alvin had been by the pool's edge, hiding in the shadows. He had watched the whole scene, wordless. Simon later told him that was the night their first children had been conceived. Watching them together had awakened desires within Alvin...about Brittany. And that terrified him.
The next day, Alvin was running through the jungle. It had been months since they were marooned on this island. The more days that went by, the more anger there had been directed at him. It was his fault they were here and with every failure of a raft, or a kite, or a message in a bottle, their animosity grew. Eventually, Alvin decided to live by himself until they could find a way to escape. On this particular day however, Simon sent Alvin a message. He wanted to meet at the bottom of the cliffs, where the natives had given them their names.
Alvin arrived at the cliff and glanced over the side. While he had been gone his brother had set up some tables, with papers and rulers he had made scattered about. Alvin whistled down at his brother. Simon glanced up at the noise. He then motioned for his brother to come down. Alvin glanced down the side of the cliff. There were large vines cascading down from the top. Alvin licked his lips excitedly. He then leaped over the edge.
Like an expert, he slid down the vines as if he were surfing on them. He jumped from vine to vine, knowing exactly which ones were horizontal and where they were. After a matter of moments Alvin arrived on the ground. He then smugly began walking over to his brother, who had lowered his glasses and was glaring.
"I've told you a hundred times not to do that." Simon said. "What if you slip and fall?"
"It's good to see you too Si." Alvin replied. "Finally finished that glider I talked about? I told you I'll be the first to try it out."
Simon made an unpleasant face and reset his glasses. He gazed back to the leaf papers on his hand-made table.
"About that." Simon said. "I know we talked about it, but I don't think I'm going to make it."
"What? Why not!" Alvin demanded. "I know we missed the International Music Awards, but we can get next year's! I know everyone's mad at me, but that's why I volunteered to be in the glider! I can get us off this island, I swear!"
Simon finally held up his hand, silencing his brother.
"It's not that Alvin." Simon said. "I've been staying up at night doing some calculations…"
"With Jeanette?" Alvin interjected. His tone was slightly unkind. Simon cocked his eyebrow.
"Yes, with Jeanette. Alvin, I've been thinking about this island and it doesn't make much sense. So...I did some work and…"
What Simon told Alvin next made his heart sink. It was impossible for him to absorb all at once. It plagued Alvin's mind for years...and it was something that Alvin refused to think about even into his ancient days.
"That's impossible Simon!" Alvin screamed. "That doesn't make any sense!"
Simon held out his hands towards his work.
"Look at the proof Alvin!" Simon replied. "It's all right here!"
"I don't care what that says!" Alvin yelled. He swept his hand over the table, sending the paper flying. Simon flinched, but stood his ground.
"We're not getting off this island!" Simon replied. "We're just going to have to live here!"
Alvin could feel a painful tightening in his guts. He had to get off the island...he just had to. He had to tell Dave he was sorry for being such a pain. He had to get Brittany to the International Music Awards or she would never forgive him. He got them to this place...and he had to get them home!
"You just don't want to leave here!" Alvin shouted, tears beginning to appear in his eyes. "You're afraid!"
"What?" Simon said. "What would I be afraid of!"
"You're afraid that Jeanette will leave you!" Alvin said. "You have her trapped on this island! If we were back home, there's no way she would pick you!"
Simon jerked his head back and appeared shocked. He had not been expecting that.
"What are you…?" Simon asked.
"I saw you two at the waterfall last night!" Alvin replied. "The only reason she's with you is because she's trapped here! You and I both know that! That's why you don't want to leave!"
Simon's eyelid began to twitch. He balled his hands into tight fists.
"Fine! Don't believe me!" Simon shouted. "Waste your life trying to get out of here! I'll settle and live my life! We'll see who's miserable by the end!"
"You are settling!" Alvin cried. "Settling for this pit! I'm going to get out of here, and you can just stay here and rot!" Alvin turned and dashed away, trying to hide his tears. Simon stood still as a statue, breathing deeply in anger.
What happened next was told to Alvin years later. Brittany emerged from the jungle into the clearing. She had heard that Simon was meeting with Alvin and wanted to be there. She saw the mess that Alvin left behind as well as Simon fuming. Brittany realized that she was too late. She nervously gulped and approached the table. Once she got close she cleared her throat. Simon whirled around, as if he were ready to attack. When he saw it was Brittany he deflated a little, snorting out of his nose.
"Hard-headed idiot." Simon hissed.
"I take it that Alvin didn't take the news well?" Brittany asked with a nervous smile.
"No, no, no, it was great!" Simon replied sarcastically. "He just called me a liar and said that if Jeanette and I weren't trapped on this island she wouldn't have even been with me!" He kicked the table beside him. All he succeeded in doing was hurting his foot, causing him to jump on his good one for a few moments. Brittany gazed at Simon with a sympathetic expression.
"That's not true Simon." she said. Simon gave her sideways glance. He then began picking up his papers.
"Yeah, I know." he said half-heartedly.
"Simon." She said loud enough to get his attention. He raised his head up. "Alvin was just mad, none of that is true."
"I...I know…" Simon said, not sounding sure. Brittany sighed.
"Do you know what the first thing Jeanette did this morning?" she began. "She came to Eleanor and me, singing and dancing. She spent the entire morning telling us all about how sweet, romantic and...satisfying you were."
Simon's entire head went bright red. He cleared his throat nervously and chuckled a little.
"Listen," Brittany continued. "Alvin's just overreacting. I'm Jeanette's sister. Trust me when I tell you this: she was in love with you from the moment she met you. Whether it was here or back home, she would have picked you as long as you were alive."
Simon chuckled a little and scratched his ear. He seemed to have broken out of his depression and now seemed more flattered than anything else.
"Well...you know...everything worked out."
"And it will continue to work out, as long as you have faith in my sister, okay?"
"Yeah...I will. I promise."
Brittany smirked and shook her head. Her sapphire eyes then drifted to the direction that Alvin ran in. She paused for quite a while. It was long enough for Simon to notice her silence. He briefly glanced up at her, then the direction she was staring in, and then back to her.
"Brittany, how long are you going to wait?" Simon asked. The female chipmunk jumped slightly and turned to Simon in complete surprise.
"Simon! What are you saying?" she asked. Simon briefly held up his hands defensively.
"I'm not telling you to give up on him Brittany." Simon said. "I just...I heard about Tano coming around."
Brittany flinched and turned her gaze away from him. She smiled nervously and began fidgeting. Tano was the cool warrior they met their first day on the island. He was tall, muscular, and surprisingly suave even though his english was still terribly lacking. He had been coming by and offering her gifts. Brittany knew it part of the courtship behavior among the natives...and she didn't exactly stop him.
"Oh, he's just trying to learn english from me…" Brittany said, giving Simon an unconvincing wave.
"I'm not blind Brittany." Simon replied. "He has a thing for you. He did from the moment he saw you. You're flirting with him."
"It's just some harmless talking." Brittany stated with a chuckle. Simon eyed her for a moment before sighing and shaking his head.
"I'm sure Alvin will come around."
"Yeah...uh...me too…"
Richard placed Alvin's food into his lap. The old chipmunk nearly jumped out of his skin. He had been so lost in his thoughts that he hadn't heard his caretaker approach.
"Are you okay?" Richard asked, seeing how alarmed his elder was.
"Oh...yes...I am." Alvin said. "I was just...thinking about old memories."
"You seem to be doing that a lot lately grandfather." Richard said, sounding very concerned.
"I think...it's because that I have this creeping suspicion."
"Suspicion about what?"
"That the past is about to repeat itself, and it's covered in mistakes and blood."
End Chapter 4
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