Alright, so as promised, I said I'd give you readers one more chapter before I leave, and here it is! My see-you-soon gift! )
As always, I want to thank the writers who have granted me their permission to use their OCs for this chapter and the next; they being The Shadow Flamed Kyuubi, ChipmunkFan19, xX bladed-acoustix Xx, Foreteller of Three, and of course, my buddy Periosha.
Special thanks to Victory's Raconteur, for NOT choosing to co-write this chapter, but instead gave me plenty of advice on how to tackle a chapter during a dark period. I was seriously desparate to finish this chapter in order to make way for the next one, but I kept to my patience, because I won't let you guys down! :D
Chapter 10: His True Enemy – Part One
The wolf-like chipmunk blinked. "I'm listening."
"I speak on behalf of my fellow comrades. And we – I would be honoured," said Aaron, his arms outstretched, "if you care to join us in our cause and become a member of the Arch."
What took only seconds to comprehend the message felt like a day; the longest silence Phelan had ever experienced.
This golden-furred chipmunk certainly knew how to play cool, even though he wasn't the only one who could feel the shocked as well as hateful stares burning down his back.
As for Phelan, nobody else could have developed a greater sense of curiosity than him – after all, he was part wolf and part darkness – but he decided it would be best to hear the conversation out until it came to his advantage.
"We know that your skills and reputation precedes you," Aaron went on. "Forgive me for my directness, but like any other student I've met, I'm sure you have a burning curiosity about the powers bestowed upon you. And with the prospect of an unknown and far greater purpose lying before you, you want to know how to use and control your gifts for the better.
"If you agree to join us, we can offer you these things and more. We can help you learn the ways of the dark, as we have always learned from each other. You will become a great asset to our brotherhood, and perhaps find your true destiny that Fate has written for you."
"And what happens if I refuse?" asked Phelan.
"Nothing. As I said before, there are no strings attached and no catches. The decision is entirely yours, even if you say no. You go your own way. We go ours. It's as simple as that."
Phelan raised a thoughtful brow. "Why offer me the chance then?"
His answer came in the form of the white chipmunk clad in the white shirt, who stepped forward to address him. There wasn't the slightest bit of anger written across his face or heard through his voice, but the question sounded nonetheless like a curt statement.
"Who are you to question our motives? To bite the paw that feeds you?"
Aaron held up a paw in a gesture of silence.
"Patience, Kira. Our guest has a right to be curious."
He waited until Kira returned to his rightful place.
"The truth is, the Arch was founded because we were inspired by you. We know of your achievements, and that how you were once a shadow of the Darkness, but chose to stand against him and all that he believed in. Now we choose to follow in your steps."
"So, you guys built a fan club dedicated to me?" said Phelan, confused.
Aaron laughed, a voice as rich and warm as his fur reverberating through his chest, before he sounded serious again.
"We too are creatures of the night, scorned for what we have been blessed with, though some will regard us as a curse. But like you, Phelan, we do not seek vengeance, nor are we out to shed some blood. We are idealists. The world needs to understand that darkness is just as fundamental as its bright opposite, and we intend to spread the word."
"And how are you planning on doing that?"
"In my travels across the country, I have gathered those who found no purpose in life, or who have yet to seek their destinies," Aaron motioned with his head to the Arch standing behind. "They needed someone to guide them; someone who could reassure them that the world was in great need of their existence and abilities. And I stepped up to the challenge. But I cannot do this alone, and there is so much strength in you – I can see it. With your knowledge and skills of the dark, I can lead us into a new era of change. A change where none of us will be belittled, and both light and darkness can coexist together in peace and harmony."
Phelan said nothing. None of them were armed, but how would they react if this turned into a hostile situation?
"So I ask you again, will you join us?"
The world held its breath as the Arch waited for the wolf-like chipmunk to cast his dice.
Everything happens for a reason, thought Phelan.
Fate is as difficult to read as the surface of a troubled stream. But never did he question the events that chose to write themselves into the pages of his story.
From the moment Phelan crashed onto the Chipmunks' doorstep whilst fleeing from the Darkness, there had been a yearning – no, an epiphany – that he was bound to be one of them. That it was the bonds of brotherhood over vengeance that would reunite him with Soron. That it was his destiny to betray his former master for the good of many. That meeting Maia and keeping her secrets locked in the closet was no mere coincidence.
And right now, standing face to face against some league of shadow warriors with the biggest life-changing decision, Phelan would do well to trust his instincts, as he did always.
He knew exactly what he had to say.
"Your cause is something I would gladly give my life fighting for, and words can't describe how honoured I am that you choose to finish what I once started.
"But I'm afraid I must refuse, because I can't put my life in danger for the sake of others. It may seem selfish, but I've made a promise to those who care deeply for me."
Phelan paused to compose himself, and was surprised to hear how smoothly the words continued to flow with great confidence.
"And as you probably know by now, my days as a wanderer are finally over. There is no other place I'd rather be with than my family, and right now, they need me more than ever. I hope you'll understand what this means to me."
As Aaron listened, all the while keeping an eye on his Arch, he let his paws do the thinking as they rested on his chin. When he saw how unfaltering and resolute those forest-green eyes were, the golden-furred chipmunk could see that his mind was made up.
"Very well. If that is what you desire, I see no reason to object to your decisions. I'm sorry if I've disturbed you in any way, and we'd best take our leave now."
They exchanged brief nods.
"Before I go, there's something I'd like to give you."
Aaron threw something in the air, and Phelan caught it effortlessly. It was an obsidian, a black volcanic rock no bigger than his paw.
"If you change your mind, give this little baby a rub, and I'll be there. It's how I get in touch with the other members of the Arch."
Phelan twirled the obsidian about in his paw, amazed at how its polished sheen could easily catch the night sky in plain view.
"I can give you a day or two to think about it. You're not going to miss out on anything, you know," Aaron came up with his final offer.
"Thank you, but I'm sure this is what I want."
The golden-furred chipmunk came up to Phelan with his paw extended, and Phelan wondered if perhaps Aaron had another surprise gift for him. Instead, it turned out to be empty, and the only thing both paws received was a warm handshake from each other.
"In that case, I wish you all the best with your newfound family, and may you find the strength to discover your true purpose."
"Thanks again for understanding. My heartfelt thoughts go to you and your cause. If you can't find a way to balance the light of the world with darkness, no one can."
"I'm glad I got to cross paths with you, Phelan," Aaron smiled. "You speak like a true warrior seeking to find a peaceful way out."
The two chipmunks bowed once more, a parting gift before Aaron led the Black Arch away from civilization and back onto the streets.
Phelan watched them leave as he rested an arm across Maia's shoulder, giving her a reassuring cuddle. "You okay?"
She nodded briefly. "Aaron's right, you know. You handled those guys pretty well," said Maia, speaking for the first time since the unexpected rendezvous.
"Ah, it was nothing. Anyone would have done the same thing in my shoes. And Aaron's definitely a natural-born leader, don't you think?"
In that moment, Phelan didn't realize he had his tail wrapped around Maia's, sharing in the comfort of her warmth. But it was enough to make him smile.
"Come on, let's get inside. I'll make us some nice hot chocolate."
They were just about to make a move when something else caught Phelan's attention. "That's it? You're just going to walk away?"
His ears perked up again, the wolf-like chipmunk turned his head to glance at the source of the commotion. There was a shouting match going on by the pavement. Actually, it turned out to be a solo exhibition, as only one voice was escalating to boiling temper by the minute.
Aaron's voice was soft, but Phelan could hear every single word. "That was precisely what I had in mind."
"This is rubbish! We didn't come all the way here to return empty-handed! Are you going to let this slip by while the world crumbles to pieces? You're not doing enough for this cause, and you're not helping the Arch one bit, stupid!"
Phelan narrowed his eyes and saw that it was the chipmunk in the dark-red hoodie staring defiantly at his leader; his unusually sharp teeth giving off a dangerous glint.
"Enough, Scar. I gave him my word, and that's final."
"That's right; you gave him your word! And you know what I think? I think you're being soft! Our cause will only get us as far as eating marshmallows, because you're too soft and useless to do anything else!"
"Scar!" Rhodas hissed.
Who the hell did he think he was, some Lion King villain wannabe?
Phelan had half-expected Aaron to lay a paw on Scar, but the golden-furred chipmunk chose to counter words with words.
"I see no reason to get upset over this minor loss, Scar. The Arch was fine before we met Phelan, and it will remain as strong as ever."
Scar let out a sneer of contempt as he spat on the ground. "Oh, but that's what you think! Well, I'm not going to stand for this! When I'm done, you'll get what you want. And more. Much more."
He broke away from the group and headed straight back for the Seville household, ignoring Aaron's vehement protests.
"Scar, as your leader, I'm ordering you to shut up and come back with us!"
"And as one of your 'idealists', I speak for the Arch, and I believe they want something more in return! Now watch, and learn."
Phelan had already walked up and was just about to greet Scar before the latter could provoke him.
"Hey, you there, mutt! Who d'you think you are to defy us like this? Nobody turns down an offer from the Black Arch unless it's a death wish!"
It was true that Phelan didn't like this Scar one bit, but it appeared that Maia shared the same loathing for him as she confronted the brown-and-black chipmunk with a temper to match.
"Well, apparently, Phelan just did! So why don't you just crawl back to whichever hole you were spawned from?"
"Oh look, the great Phelan Seville's hiding behind his girlfriend's skirts!"
Phelan's tufted ears went red. "Shut your mouth! She's not my girlfriend!"
"You know, for a dog who's supposed to be loyal, you sure growl and bark a lot! Go sit at your master's knees unless you're told to speak!"
Maia's insult was the last straw.
Scar concentrated all of his rage into his paws, until they were ablaze with the fires of his hatred.
"I'll teach you to insult the Black Arch, you wench!"
And the flames he hurled were now heading for a straight course on roasting Phelan to a crisp.
A direct attack like that would've been easy to counterattack, but Maia beat him to it, creating a barrier of light that shone from her paws – probably grabbing her sources from the street light which now appeared to be dimmer than before.
The fireball bounced harmlessly off the shield. It ricocheted skyward and exploded with a red shower of fireworks.
But there was no time to gaze upon that brief marvel, as everyone couldn't believe what had just happened. Especially since Phelan and Scar had first noticed Maia; one who looked at her with awe, while the other saw her as a pest which had to be exterminated straight away.
Now both chipmunks were staring each other down, but their hateful glances were also fixed on something else.
There was an invisible barrier separating the thin boundaries towards peace or pummelling each other, and now it had been crossed.
Burned to ashes by Scar's insubordination.
Scar didn't hesitate himself from summoning another fireball, but while it curled and stretched out with a flick of his paw, Phelan's guess turned into fear as he realized what it was.
A whip fashioned out of hellfire, much like the Darkness' favourite weapon of torture.
He was about to shout out a warning to Maia, but everything happened in a flash. The whip shot out like a fiery snake and wrapped itself around the chipette's arm, cutting into the fur and biting deep into her skin. Before Maia could scream, Scar tightened his whip-hand and yanked the struggling Maia in one jerk, like pulling a lasso.
In one second Maia had stood at Phelan's defence, the next she was at the mercy of Scar's chokehold, screaming hysterically as she saw the brown-black chipmunk's elongated fangs pointed inches away from her throat.
"Shut up!" Scar yelled at the whimpering chipette, who was now choking back strangled sobs.
"Maia!" Phelan yelled, about to run on all fours when he was frozen to the spot by Scar's taunting.
"Come forward, and she dies! I'll rip out her throat before you can even blink!"
As a wild thought spread across the brown-black chipmunk's sneering face, he sniffed the base of Maia's trembling neck and licked it menacingly, causing the chipette to bite back her screams while Scar hissed in her ear.
"Personally, I've never tasted chipette blood before. I can't imagine how sweet you will be, my dear..."
Something within Phelan snapped like a burning twig.
"Coward! You lay one paw on my Maia, and that'll be the end of your sorry hide!"
A high-pitched chuckle made Phelan's blood boil as he watched Scar stroke Maia's fur with mock gentleness.
"What's the matter with you, Phelan? You used to have so much blood on your paws, I thought it didn't bother you one bit! But apparently, I was wrong. You're not even fit to become a burden to the Black Arch, because you've become as soft as Aaron!"
How Phelan longed to sink his teeth into something else that wasn't all nuts and fur.
"Look, if I've offended you or the Arch in any way, then I'm truly sorry, alright? I'm not here to look for trouble, and I didn't intend on disgracing anyone tonight!"
"You think that saying sorry will change everything? Well, sorry to burst your bubble, but you're wrong!"
"And you don't think this is going to help?"
Scar's fiery eyes blazed across the direction of the Arch. "In their eyes, it will! Phelan Seville, I challenge you to a duel! Fight me now, or I swear I'll kill her!" he yelled, gripping Maia tighter by the neck.
"What's in it for me?" yelled Phelan, though he knew the choices were limited
"If you win, you walk free and I'll forget this ever happened. But if I win, you're coming with us, like it or not!"
The wolf-like chipmunk clenched his fists.
"I accept. On one condition."
Maia's eyes widened in horror, but her cries of protest were muffled by Scar's paw over her lips.
"Name it."
"Whatever happens – either way, you let Maia go."
There was a malicious grin on Scar's face as he watched Phelan take his place on the battlefield. Nevertheless, he shoved the creamy-white chipette to the ground, cracking and flexing his claws before he could get all warmed up.
"You're making this way too much fun!" As he laughed, an enormous pair of bat-like wings sprouted from the chipmunk's back, while his teeth extended to the size and pointiness of kitchen knives.
"I think I might have to change the course on tonight's menu," Scar said, revealing his vampiric nature.
Phelan showed no signs of backing down, but called forth his sword from the shadows. He held it at waist level, with one free paw ready to draw it while he stepped into a defensive stance.
They were just about to spring at each other when–
"What's with all that racket?" yelled a voice from behind. "I can't bloody well hear myself sleep!"
Phelan turned around and saw that Soron was standing – or at least he was trying to – on the doorstep; his paws were still wobbly and his head swayed back and forth as though he'd just stepped off a merry-go-round.
"Soron, this doesn't concern you. Get back into the house right now!" snapped Phelan.
"Says who? I'm in a very bad mood right now, and conflicts always make me feel somewhat better! Especially if I'm involved! So yes, if it's a fight you want, then it's a fight you'll get! Let me at it, you jerks!" Soron yelled, making rude gestures at the Arch.
Obviously, his grandmother's passing was still a wall standing firmly in his path, but this was no excuse to let off some steam, Phelan thought furiously.
"Just look at you, Soron! You can't even stand straight! How am I supposed to let you get into a fight when I know you're clearly not your usual self? Besides, this is my battle. It's my score to settle."
"My battle, your battle, who gives a horse's ass? Shut up and let me fight!"
Phelan groaned, but he wasn't the only one who had had enough of Soron's tantrums.
"Oh for heaven's sake, just let him fight and get it over with!" Aaron called out. "You mind if I keep him busy for a while?"
Phelan shrugged, still holding onto his sword. "Knock yourself out."
The golden-furred chipmunk signalled to the wolf and bat with a flick of his tail.
"Faolan, Stellaluna, give Soron the fight he wants. But whatever you do, go easy on him. I don't want there to be any causalities. Understand?"
The arctic-timber wolf nodded, then let out a huge sigh as he stepped forward, nudging his shoulder gently to let his winged friend take to the sky.
"Something tells me I'm going to regret this," Faolan mumbled, the little brown bat circling about him with an airborne voice.
"Me too, me too. Yup yup."
Rhodas flashed a worried glance at Aaron. "Don't tell me you're not going to do anything but sit here and watch World War Three erupt on a family household? We could be forking out bills we can't afford except for nuts!"
Aaron had to stifle back his laughter, in spite of knowing how serious the situation was about to unfold.
"Patience, young one. I trust Phelan will handle the situation well. If he is everything the Arch has hoped for, then we shall have nothing to worry about. All we can do now is to wait and simply let these events take their course."
His words may have reassured the eccentric Rhodas, but he shared his comrade's anxiety as they watched Phelan and Scar prepared themselves once more for the upcoming battle.
Deep down, the golden-furred chipmunk struggled to calm his doubts with a silent prayer.
Please give these warriors – both of them – the strength to know what is right and just before more blood is spilt. And whatever happens, he must win.
To Be Continued...
Yes, it's another chapter that has to be sliced in half, I'm afraid. But there is a reason why I did so.
Alright: I guess by now if you're reading this, I'm just a few hours away from boarding my plane and leaving for Australia. If you want to keep in touch with me, feel free to do so via PM; I long for some writing company whilst I'm away.
Also, if I take too long to update a chapter in the future, it's probably because I'll be caught up with my studies again after a long break. Rest assured, I'll post a new chapter once I'm there, so you'll know I'm not entirely off the grid. :P
Next time on Light: it's a fight to the death between Phelan and Scar - and the return of the completely unexpected.
Until then, see you real soon, and please don't forget to review! :D
"Always trust in your stories"
~ Wind