Once again, I welcome you, dear reader to another chapter of Phelan's adventures. My apologies for the time taken to update this story - the semester's almost coming to an end and I can't wait to get back home. But there's always the dreaded exams around the corner. :P

For this chapter, however, I can safely say that it was both a blessing and a bit of a burden to write - it took longer than expected to finish, but I decided not to shorten it.

So brace yourself, because you're going to see plenty of hurt & comfort, a songfic, and even a bit of politics! Oh, and stay tuned for the end, because you're in for a surpise! Happy reading! :D

Chapter 17: Singing A Different Tune

For Phelan, the rest of the night passed through like a bad dream.

They carried the still unconscious Faolan into the Oakridge lobby and set him on one of the massive sofas. As always, Aaron sprang immediately into action, telling his fellow Arch members to get this and do that.

Kira was in charge of monitoring Faolan's life signs. Being able to manipulate the willpower of souls, lowering Faolan's heart rate and speeding up the wolf's regenerative cells came easy to him.

Scar unravelled the makeshift bandages around Faolan's chest – and then helped himself to the blood-stained cloak, much to everyone's disgust.

"Dude, show some respect, will you? Our friend's dying, and all you care about is a free meal?" Rhodas gagged, screwing up his face.

The vampire chipmunk looked up from his feast, cheeks stuffed with cloth and blood trickling down his lips. "Hey, waste not, want not. Besides, old habits die hard."

Phelan pulled off his neck warmer and dabbed at the tiny, cold beads of sweat forming on Faolan's forehead. "Hang in there, buddy. You're going to be alright, I promise." They sat around him, keeping their eyes open for any slight changes.

Soon, five minutes turned into ten, then fifteen, than an hour. Stella's eyes widened as she saw Faolan's paw do a little twitch and a quiet whimper escape his lips.

"He be alright, yup yup?"

Aaron checked for a pulse. "It's too early to say, I'm afraid. There's nothing else we can do but wait – and pray." He turned to address his fellow comrades.

"Kira, Stella and I will take turns watching over Faolan. The rest of you, you're excused. It's been a rough night. We'll... talk about it some other time."

The members of the Arch left one by one.

But from the look in Aaron's eyes, Phelan was certain he was expected to stay – probably for a well-deserved lecture.

He balled up his fists and cringed, ready for the moment when Aaron would finally explode into a tirade. Instead, the golden-furred chipmunk rested his weary face on his paws.

"I suppose you'll want to be heading back to your family. Go."

"Th... thanks. Can I borrow your washroom for a while? I just need to remove the makeup and stuff."

Aaron said nothing, but just shooed him away with a gesture of his paw.

The panther-like chipmunk trudged half-heartedly down the hallway until he came to the washroom. Once inside, he pulled off his hoodie and filled his paws with warm water, scrubbing frantically at his painted face until he was sure his skin was going to bleed.

By the time Phelan had finished cleaning himself, a pool of murky, black water sloshed about maliciously in the sink – it was as if he could see his tainted, corrupted soul being flushed out of his system.

He didn't even recognise the face of the wolf-like chipmunk peering out from the looking glass. Those tufted ears; that pair of gentle green eyes; even those little wolfish fangs jutting out from the corners of his muzzle – everything was a complete stranger to him.

Who are you? Where were you when I needed my conscience and sense of righteousness tonight? And right now... what does that make me?

Phelan made his way to the kitchen, heavy-eyed and groggy, while his brothers were already clearing up the remains of their breakfast.

"Gee Phelan, are you okay?" asked Theodore, putting the dirty dishes into the sink. "Had a rough night?"

Phelan managed a tired, weary smile. "Trust me, you don't want to know."

And he certainly wouldn't tell them about his little escapade last night, or that he snuck back through their bedroom window as quietly as a mouse, threw himself on the bed without bothering to change, and was forced to endure a sleepless night filled with gunshots ending in screams and visions of being swallowed up by an icy, pitch-black abyss.

Even the shrill, inconsistent blaring of the stupid alarm clock that woke him a few hours later was still ringing in his ears.

"Morning," came Simon's voice from behind the newspaper he was reading. Apart from Dave, he was the only one of his siblings who would start the day off with a fresh copy of the morning edition.

"Simon, can I borrow that for a moment, please?"

Phelan didn't wait for a reply as he snatched the papers out of the blue-clad chipmunk's paws.

"Uh… okay, sure. Just don't forget to return it when you're done. I haven't read the world section yet."

Alvin and his brothers exchanged puzzled looks as they watched Phelan scan the papers with such intensity, growing more frantic with each passing second.

But nothing could have prepared the wolf-like chipmunk for what the front page had to say...

Man dies in power plant explosion

A security guard was found dead after the explosion that occurred early this morning at Prometheus Industries. The blast happened at about 12:20 a.m., taking out the main generator and most of the power plant's electrical appliances.

Police discovered the charred remains of the body, along with his gun in the basement. It was believed that he fell to his death before the explosion occurred.

The police have yet been able to identify the body, but they are positive of receiving quick results from an autopsy.

No other casualties were recorded, with most of the staff only suffering from minor concussions and first-degree burn wounds.

Security claims the accident was caused by a series of rodent infestations, and that the rodents had bitten through the wirings leading straight to the generators.

"There were these fully-grown rats, about three to four feet tall, and they kept jumping to attack at us," said a worker who witnessed the assault. "We don't know how long they've made their home here, but they must have been waiting for the right moment to strike."

Prometheus Industries has currently been accused of electricity theft from various neighbourhoods and other local suppliers. The representative of the power plant had meant to testify against those charges in high court today.

Phelan's claws dug deep into the papers, scrunching it up with creases before he hurled it to the ground. He couldn't bear to read another sentence.

The evidence of his failures, blown up in huge lettering, was now laughing silently in his face as they stared back at him in black and white.

Alvin came over to the wolf-like chipmunk and rested a paw on his trembling fist. "Phelan, what's wrong? You look like you've seen a ghost."

Phelan remained silent while Alvin picked up the strewn papers and sorted them back together.

"Hey, it's that power plant that's been stealing electricity from our neighbourhood! And now it's been blown to pieces? Well, good riddance! Maybe that'll teach them a lesson before they decide to increase our electric bills!"

Phelan's voice forced itself out of his throat. "How could you even say that? That power plant might be making a living by stealing our electricity, but there are still innocent people working there! People who need a job so that they can supply their families! It's not their fault!"

Simon clucked his tongue as he shot Alvin a dirty look.

"Be a little more considerate, will you? This is an accident we're talking about! Phelan, I know what you're feeling right now, but don't you think you're overreacting a bit?"

"Oh yeah? What about the guard who died? How could've he been so stupid? He should have gotten out of there while he still had the chance!"

Still oblivious to his brother's distress, Alvin put an arm around Phelan's shoulder.

"Hey, don't sweat too much about it, bro. That's already in the past. You couldn't have done anything about it, even if you were there. Just take it easy, okay?"

That hit Phelan right in the spot. He turned on them in a blind fury. Spit mingled with the tears now coursing freely down his cheeks.

"Easy for you to say, famous rock stars! Living the easy life by making people like you because of your squeaky voices? You don't know what I've been through!"

The words were out before he could restrain himself, and Phelan, stunned right down to his guts, realised at that moment the damage he'd caused. From the look on their faces, he saw just how deeply he cut into his brothers' feelings.

All Phelan could manage was a hostile glare before he turned tail and ran out of the kitchen.

He could have apologised, said he was sorry and make quick amends before this whole outburst escalated into something he would later regret.

But what part of his stupid warrior's pride was preventing him from doing just that?

Blinking back furious tears, Phelan stormed back upstairs to the bedroom and slammed the door.

For the rest of the day, or so it seemed, Phelan sat hunched up on his bed, a miserable ball of fur sobbing into his knees.

In just one night, he had turned from loveable brother into idiotic munk. And this wasn't the first time that history repeated itself. It was as if the Darkness had taken over his soul again.

Phelan thumped his fist angrily against his leg, but the sobs that followed weren't from the instant jolt of pain he felt.

He hated the Black Arch more than ever before. He hated what Aaron and his stupid mission had turned him into. He might have hated Scar right at the beginning, but now he started to feel a distant sense of loathing for Kira, Faolan, Stella – and even Rhodas, who had been so open about admiring him as a hero.

What sort of a hero am I when I can't even save an innocent man? I couldn't even protect my own team mate from getting shot, and that nearly cost us our mission!

He buried his face in his paws, shaking his head wretchedly from side to side as he wept more bitterly than ever.

I don't even know who I am anymore! What have I become?

There was a knock on the door; faint at first, but then intensified with every rattle.

Phelan sat up a little straighter and wiped his nose on his hoodie's sleeve.

"Phelan?" a muffled voice came from the other end. "Can I come in, please?"

"Go away," he said, trying to sound as calm as possible. "I don't want to see anyone right now."

The door creaked on its hinges as it swung open.

Phelan leapt to his feet. "Leave me alone! I said–"

His anger simmered away like a tiny flame in the wind, replaced by a warm-hearted fuzzy feeling as soon as he saw her face.

"Maia?"

The creamy-white chipette said nothing at first. She came up to Phelan and brushed his tears away with her paw, before sitting down by his side.

"Wh-what are you doing here?"

"Your brothers said you weren't being your usual self today. That… you've been feeling upset. That's why they told me to come over and help you."

"Thanks, but I don't need any help."

"I'm not buying that, Phelan," said Maia sternly. "I'm here for you, and you're not going anywhere until you tell me what's bothering you."

There was no escaping those persistent green and burning blue eyes, so he decided it would be best to spill his heart.

"I've… been thinking about the things I did when I was possessed by the Darkness. All those killings and suffering I caused… You don't know what it's like to have something taking over your soul and forcing you to do things you know aren't right. B-but… but sometimes I didn't have a choice.

"And when I read about the guard who died in the explosion this morning… I can't help but wonder… W-what if he had a family? What will his wife and kids have to say? Or – or what if he was only doing his job that night, p-protecting the plant before it exploded… and –"

It was too late to push back the strong urges of sorrow that overwhelmed him once more.

"I… I s-should've been there to protect him, Maia! I told… told myself I'd never let another innocent suffer because of me, b-but look at what's happening! First Soron's grandmother, and now this! What does that make me if I can't l-live up to my duty! N-n-nothing! I… I'm nobody!"

The dam finally broke through, and he bawled like a baby, the weight of his emotions pushing him down until he buried his face in Maia's lap. A cold surge of fear rose from Phelan's guts. The more he choked and spluttered and sobbed, the more he felt certain he was going to be sick.

But most of all, he was afraid.

Maia, on the other hand, showed no signs of fear or sympathy whatsoever, but let the wolf-like chipmunk have a good cry while she stroked his back. The soft rustling touch of her paws against his ears brought back faint memories; memories of being comforted by his mother as an infant, and as Phelan looked up, he felt her warm, sweet-smelling breathe tickle his cheek.

"Ssh... it's okay, Phelan. I'm here... I'm here."

He stifled the last of his sobs, managing a faint smile as Maia pulled out a tissue and dabbed gently at his damp face.

"Don't be afraid to cry, Phelan. It shows that you still care about the people around you. I know how much of a burden this means to you, but you've got to accept that life and death will always walk together side by side. I felt as helpless as you did when we lost Soron's grandmother, but even now, our fellow Rouge seems to accept her passing as fate. You mustn't let the past define who you are right now, but look to the present."

And right there and then, Maia leaned in close enough until Phelan could taste every inch of her lips. They kissed, a spark of happiness jumping from their noses rubbing lovingly against each other.

When they pulled away, the creamy-white chipette smiled, watching the light shine in Phelan's eyes once more as she caressed his forehead.

"You're not the only one hoping for a paradise, Phelan. It's a dream we're both struggling to achieve, but I'm proud to know I can share it with you."

Alvin, Simon and Theodore were waiting with bated breath at the foot of the stairway. They exchanged anxious looks, first at each other, and then at Phelan as he escorted Maia downstairs.

The wolf-like chipmunk cleared his throat, pausing in mid-step.

"Guys... I'm sorry for the way I acted. I didn't mean what I said back there. It was downright stupid and childish of me. Will you forgive the ramblings of a jerk?"

He didn't have to wait for a reply as his brothers ran up and threw themselves at him, piled together in a warm hug.

"Of course we'll forgive you, Phelan!" said Alvin. "And hey, I'm the one who should be sorry – I got a little carried back there."

Phelan gave a weary sigh, but it was one filled with immense relief. "I promise it'll never happen again. Or if it does, you're more than welcome to knock some sense back into my thick head."

They all burst out laughing, even Maia.

Alvin nudged Phelan playfully in the ribs. "I see you're wearing the hoodie we picked out for you. Looks good on you, by the way."

"Oh yes, thank you very much. It does make me feel right at home with you guys."

"Glad you mentioned that! Because we've got another surprise for you." Alvin regrouped with Simon and Theodore. Clearly, they were enjoying the look of puzzlement on Phelan's face.

"We'll be recording our new album next week, but we've decided to make some last minute changes, since you're a part of the band now. So that means you're going to sing with us – it's your debut album!"

The only thing that broke Phelan out of his numbed silence was Maia's arms wrapped around him in hearty congratulations.

"And to show our appreciation, you get to decide the first track we're going to perform! And of course, you get to sing lead vocals," added Simon.

"Wow, I..." Phelan took a deep breath, letting the moment sink in. "I don't know what to say."

"You could say 'Let's get started – I know what we're going to sing!'" said Alvin.

All eyes were focused on Phelan as they waited for him to speak.

"Well... how about One Republic's Secrets, like we did last year? Everyone at the Halloween party loved it."

Alvin nodded thoughtfully. "Yeah, but don't you think you want to try something else? Something a bit new? When you're a rock star, sometimes you just gotta take chances, even if they're risky ones."

"Alvin, we don't need to lecture Phelan on taking chances. After all, he's just as predictable as a newly found element in the Periodic Table," said Simon.

Phelan's cheeks were reddening, but he was just about to tell them that his travels didn't exactly include discovering the joys of mainstream music.

You're not the only one hoping for a paradise, Phelan. It's a dream we're both struggling to achieve, but I'm proud to know I can share it with you.

"I know just the right song," he said, catching Maia's gentle eye with a smile.

The creamy-white chipette watched as the four brothers huddled together, speaking in hushed and unintelligible tones.

"That's a great choice! We'd just been practicing that song for our next tour anyway!" said Alvin. "In fact, why don't we do a quick practice right now?"

But the four of them were already racing each other to the den.

"What did you say to Alvin?" asked Maia, half-giggling as Phelan took her by the arm.

"Nothing," said Phelan, tongue-in-cheek. "Just that I'd found the right song, thanks to my muse."

The den hadn't changed much since the last time Phelan was there, but to Maia, it was just as incredible as entering a ballroom for the first time.

"I've never been to a live practice session before." Her voice was almost choked up in awe at the sight of the instruments and synthesizers.

"Well then, you're in luck!" said Simon, gesturing to a pile of bean bag cushions. Each one had a munk's signature colour – there was even a yellow one that looked the exact shade of Phelan's jumpsuit. "Just make yourself comfortable and we'll get started."

As she snuggled up in the yellow cushion, Maia watched Phelan and the boys get to their stations: Alvin with his keyboard, Simon at the bass, Theodore behind his set of drums, and Phelan standing centre stage, just as he did the night he confessed his love to her.

Perhaps he was going to do the same thing all over again?

"Ready, guys?" Phelan called out.

"Let's do it!"

The music began with Alvin's techno-savvy fingers strumming away at the keyboard, creating a deep and rich synthesis in the background. Simon glided his bow across the bass strings while Theodore's drumbeats kicked in.

At first, Maia thought she heard the heart-wrenching song of a wolf coming from Phelan, until he started to sing:

When she was just a girl
She expected the world
But it flew away from her reach
So she ran away in her sleep
And dreamed of
Para-para-paradise, Para-para-paradise, Para-para-paradise
Every time she closed her eyes

When she was just a girl
She expected the world
But it flew away from her reach
And the bullets catch in her teeth
Life goes on, it gets so heavy
The wheel breaks the butterfly
Every tear a waterfall
In the night, the stormy night, she'll close her eyes
In the night, the stormy night, away she'd fly

Now Alvin and the others joined in the chorus.

And dream of
Para-para-paradise
Para-para-paradise
Para-para-paradise
Oh oh oh oh oh oh-oh-oh

She'd dream of
Para-para-paradise
Para-para-paradise
Para-para-paradise
Oh oh oh oh oh oh-oh-oh

There was no mistaking it this time, thought Maia, as she caught Phelan's secret wink. Clearly, he's having the time of his life. Perhaps... a lot more than saving the lives of others?

And so lying underneath the stormy skies
She'd say, "Oh, ohohohoh, I know the sun must set to rise"

This could be
Para-para-paradise
Para-para-paradise
Para-para-paradise
Oh oh oh oh oh oh-oh-oh
This could be
Para-para-paradise
Para-para-paradise
This could be
Para-para-paradise
Oh oh oh oh oh oh-oh-oh

Maia was already applauding right before the song had come to an end. Throwing herself into his arms and letting him spin her around made her feel like the luckiest chipette in the world.

"That was awesome, Phelan! I know you're a great warrior and all, but you can't give up your music career! What you did takes a lot of talent and guts!"

"But I don't have a music career," Phelan grinned sheepishly. "Well, that was before the boys roped me into this."

"I don't care what the others think, but this is what you were born to do, Phelan. It's your greatest gift to the world, and I'm sure it'll make a lot more others happy to watch you perform!"

And that's when something awoke within Phelan. Maia's words had washed over him like an oncoming tide, but try as he might to deny it, she was telling the truth.

He hadn't felt this happy in a long time.

But where one stage would always be open to him, it was time to close the curtains on another.

For the third night in a row, Phelan crept out the bedroom window, slid down the tree and followed the same path until he arrived at Oakridge Institute.

Tonight, however, the iron grilles seemed more menacing than ever, looming over his head like a gateway to the underworld, the harsh tint of rust reflected in those razor-sharp spikes.

Perhaps they knew of the decision that formed clearly in Phelan's head as he made his way here.

There were plenty of other choices too, and somehow, it all came down to this one: he would leave the Arch tonight. It wasn't the easiest to make, but deep down, he knew it was the right thing to do.

Even if it meant letting Aaron and the rest of the Arch down – although Scar might have a celebratory moment.

And if I don't pull out before things start to get worse, when will the right moment be?

A focused composure came over Phelan's face as he approached the front door and walked into the lobby. There was no mistaking those golden-furred paws despite Aaron's face being concealed behind the newspaper he was reading – the same paper that had upset Phelan this morning.

The wolf-like chipmunk's figure cast a shadow over the couch as he peeked over, and Aaron jumped a little, his pupils dilating in surprise.

"Oh, it's you. Sorry, I didn't hear you come in. Welcome back, Phelan."

He dropped the papers onto the coffee table, where it landed face up on the headlines. "Made the front cover today, didn't we?" There was no sign of anger or mockery in Aaron's voice.

"Look, I don't want to talk about it, alright? I just came here to see how Faolan's been doing."

The golden-furred chipmunk smiled.

"You needn't worry about Faolan. Matter of fact, he's shown some tremendous improvement this morning. His bleeding's stopped, but I told him to stay in his room. You know how the young ones are – always thinking with their heads, not their hearts."

Phelan suppressed a light chuckle. "Can I see him?"

It wasn't until they turned a corner and crossed into the hallway that Phelan spoke up.

"Aaron, there's something I need to tell you. It's about–"

"It's all right, Phelan – I know what you're trying to say. We've found it difficult to accept your actions at first. But rest assured; you'll always have our support – whatever you choose to do."

Phelan's eyes widened in surprise. "You know about this?"

"Of course."

"But I haven't told anyone yet, least of all you," said Phelan.

"They'll come to understand in time. You were only doing what was best for the Arch – and saving our skins in the end as well."

Phelan stopped dead in his tracks. "W-wait. What exactly are we talking about?"

"Why, about you, of course! Your decision to blow up Prometheus single handily and protect Faolan from taking another bullet was one of the boldest things you've ever done."

A burst of laughter escaped Aaron's chest as he watched the wolf-like chipmunk standing there indecisively, his head tilted to the side. "Oh, Phelan! Still playing the modest card, aren't you? Well, I had some doubts about your actions – I'll admit that, and how it might affect our reputation. But if you ask me, Prometheus's the one that's gone up in flames, not us."

"But I thought we weren't supposed to reveal ourselves?"

Aaron came up and patted the wolf-like chipmunk's shoulder.

"Not yet, my friend. Once the world hears of our valiant deeds, they'll come to recognise us as defenders of the law, and not some petty outlaws we've been reduced to ourselves! You did the right thing, and we're proud of you. End of discussion."

Phelan made certain that Aaron was ahead of him before he smacked his own forehead.

Faolan's bedroom was no different than Aaron's, but it seemed to be a lot homier. Perhaps it was the gentle fog of steam swirling around the room, infused with the rich aroma of tea leaves.

Faolan took the kettle off the mini stove and poured its contents into three cups. If the wounds or the bandages wrapped tightly around his chest still hurt, Faolan didn't betray his thoughts. Instead, he appeared to be as calm and relaxed as his cup of hot tea.

"Glad you decided to drop by for a visit," said Faolan, handing another cup to Phelan. "I thought climbing the walls was just an idiom, but if I don't do something, I swear I'll go crazy cooped up in here!"

Stella fluttered down her porch, built in a corner of the ceiling. Since the cup was almost half her size, the bat saw no trouble in bending over and lapped her drink like a thirsty dog.

"Aaron still thinks I'm a little pup. That I need to stay in the doghouse until he says so. Can you believe it? What nerve!"

Phelan calmly sipped his tea. "I'm not one to disagree with Aaron. But he just wants what's best for us."

"Really? Why didn't you try telling that to him last night? Oh, that's right – he was too busy hiding behind the hem of his cloak! A leader who can't give proper orders in the line of fire? He almost got us killed!" scoffed Faolan.

"Come on; we all felt the pressure of getting the job done," said Phelan. "I take it you weren't aware – but do you know how hard it is to carry an unconscious fully-grown wolf on our backs?"

Faolan raised an impatient eyebrow. "You're the new kid on the block, so you won't understand. The point is: I believe I speak for the Arch when I say that Aaron's not in his league anymore."

"What Faolan say is true, yup yup."

Faolan put down his cup. "I've been thinking... that it's time we called a mutiny to order."

"Immunity? You need plenty of that, yup yup. Feel better soon!"

"It's mutiny, Stella, not immunity," said Phelan. Then to Faolan, he added, "You're not serious, are you?"

"It's time for him to step down. Someone needs to tell him that a new leader of the Arch can bring about a better change. In fact, I'm going to throw the challenge to him during our next meeting and give him a piece of my mind."

"So you want Aaron to resign from his post? Is that even possible?"

Faolan poured another cup of tea for himself, almost nonchalantly. "Phelan, we run a democracy. If the others are aware of what's going on – which I expect they are, they'll make the right choice by asking Aaron to step down and appoint somebody else.

"Our new leader has to be strong – not just in body, but of mind and heart. He's got to know the Arch like the back of his paw. He must be willing to accept new ideas, but also be able to come up with a brainchild of his own.

"Most of all, he needs a vision. A vision that will lead us to becoming an unstoppable force of righteousness!" Faolan was definitely working himself up as he spoke; the excitement showing in his eyes and perked up ears.

"Hmm… In that case, I see a lot of potential candidates for the job. Who do you have in mind?" asked Phelan, though he was certain of the answer.

When Faolan turned to look up, the wolf's eyes were shining brightly with hope.

"You."

Phelan felt the horrible sensation of his insides turning into jelly. This had to be some kind of a sick joke – a prank that would probably result with a pie in his face and becoming the laughing stock of the Arch.

"M-me?"

"Of course!" said Faolan, a wolfish grin on his face. "What did you expect?"

"B-but I'm just a newbie! I haven't even lasted one week in the Arch! Since you and Stella make the perfect team, I bet you could work as co-leaders."

"Stella? Nah, she's way too batty! And I think you're barking up the wrong tree – or in this case, wolf!" Faolan was rolling about in hysterics. So was Stella, who didn't look in the least bit offended.

Phelan sniffed cautiously at his tea, half-suspecting the bitterness might be concealing traces of moonshine or something funny – so to speak.

Once Faolan had calmed down, he rested his serious gaze on Phelan.

"Look, you're the reason why we started the Arch in the first place. If you hadn't thought up that plan to get us past security, we wouldn't even have a mission to accomplish. And you saved my life, while blowing up the power plant single-handedly."

"But... you've got to remember – this whole mission was Aaron's idea. Shouldn't we at least give some credit to him?"

"Let's face it, Phelan. If anyone deserves to take over Aaron's place, it's definitely you."

Phelan twiddled his paws around the edges of his cup. "You know, I'm almost surprised you didn't think about asking Scar."

Faolan looked as though Stella had dropped guano in his tea.

"I might not hate Scar's guts as much as you do, but I would rather kiss that blood-sucking chipmunk's butt than acknowledge him as my leader."

The thought of actually kissing Scar's furry butt send a wave of sickness down their throats, and all three of them gagged, followed by a bout of laughter.

"We want to help you, Phelan. And even if Scar's a jerk, I'm sure he'll come to understand that a new leader will bring about more change than ever before."

Phelan could only manage a sad smile.

"It's... Look, I know you and Stella are looking out for my best interests and all that. But I can't do it. You're asking too much of me."

"You afraid of losing elections, yup yup?"

"But I –"

"Don't you worry about that – we've already got this in the bag! Look, you and Aaron won't be allowed to cast any votes since you're both nominees. Scar will never vote for you, that's for certain. Kira – he's a wild card. But Stella and I have your back. All we need to do is convince Rhodas, and that shouldn't be a problem. Either way, we'll have a majority of three to two in your favour. See? There's no way you can't lose!"

A bead of cold sweat ran down Phelan's back. All those high pitched yips were starting to sound like nails scraping on a chalkboard. Even the walls appeared to be closing in on him.

Maybe Faolan was right – being cooped up in a mental institute does seem to tear your brain piece by piece from the inside.

"You alright, Phelan?" Faolan raised an eyebrow. "You're trembling – how about some more tea?"

"I – I... uh..." Phelan got hastily to his feet. "I need some air. Can't think straight right now... Everything's a blur..."

If only he could make a quick beeline for himself, then perhaps the others wouldn't notice and assume Phelan had taken his leave.

A long, undetermined, I'm-not-coming-back-again-so-kiss-my-ass-goodbye leave.

But those green lupine eyes watching him had narrowed themselves into a frown. You're going to have to do a lot better than that! Faolan's glare spoke his mind.

"You can't walk out on us like this! Not when we need you – the Arch needs you!"

That wolf might act all high and mighty in his own little chambers, thought Phelan. Yet he knew when his temper was being provoked.

"Look, I never asked to be part of the Arch when you guys came to me in the first place! And right now, I don't want that kind of pressure being forced upon me again, okay?"

The door flung open with a wrench of his paw.

"If you want to respect my decision – as leader or not – then leave me alone!" In a softer tone, Phelan added, "Please. If you're serious about asking me to take Aaron's place, then I need some time to think it over."

Whatever argument Faolan might've had died in his throat, leaving him to nod in silent defeat.

"Don't take too long, Phelan. This is your opportunity of a lifetime. You could be the greatest leader the Arch has ever known. Heck, who am I kidding? You've got a style of your own – you're bound to win this thing!"

Before the door could swallow Phelan out of sight, his final words would leave Faolan confused for the rest of the night.

"That's where you're wrong, Faolan. Being a warrior isn't always about style. It's also about class."

To Be Continued...

The song that Phelan sings (for those of you who might not know the title) is Paradise by Coldplay, a wonderful song which I think suits this occasion.

Okay, so by now I'm guessing you're wondering where's the surprise. Here goes:

Because I can't thank you readers enough for all your comments and support on Light, YOU get to play a part in deciding the fate of the Black Arch. That's right - YOU have the power to determine who becomes the leader of the Arch. Stay with Aaron? Or elect Phelan?

All you have to do is check out the poll on my profile and VOTE! I'm hoping to keep the votes running for about 2 weeks or so, but the results won't be revealed until the next chapter - which I hope to update sometime next month. Either way, I'll be coming home! :D

See you in the next update!

"Always trust in your stories"

~ Wind