Oh wow. How long have I been gone - half a year?
To all my fellow readers, I am so, so sorry for keeping you waiting this long. No, I am not pulling any publicity stunts - my writer's juice did drain out for a while, and I have been busy over the previous months.
But I'm back, and will do my best to keep on writing and updating as much as I can. Oh yes, and Happy New Year to all!
With that said, please dig in: your wait for Phelan's next move is over for now...
Chapter 19: The Cabin in the Woods
A triumphant ding sounded from the oven. As always, Theodore was at the ready, his pair of fluffy bunny mittens delving into the dragon's furnace, ready to grab its edible treasures.
A wave of sugary heat washed over his face, and he breathed in deeply, savouring the chocolate-chip goodness sprinkled on the tray of freshly-baked cookies. With all the hard effort he and his brothers had been putting into practice, perfecting their list of songs for the album, there was nothing that said celebration like a little well-earned snack.
Fifteen minutes ought to do it, thought Theo as he placed the hot tray by the window. No sooner had he done that then he noticed the trembling of the window's blurry outlines, as though shadows could shiver from the cold.
A loud thump shattered the night like a gunshot, and Theodore almost dropped the tray.
Was it a stray? Burglars? The ghost of Cookie Chomper?
Thump. It came again, soft but certain.
Holding the mixing spoon like a baseball bat, Theodore walked inch by inch to the back door. "Alvin? Simon? Is that you?" he called out, trying to sound a little braver.
Putting a trembling paw on the doorknob, he yanked it open, prepared for the worst. What he didn't expect was the reaction from the other side.
"Theodore? Gee, you almost scared me!" gasped Phelan. "I thought you were getting ready for bed?"
"I thought I'd bake us some cookies for supper. Did you just climb down from the tree?" asked Theo, pointing to the tiny scratch marks etched into the wood.
"I – I... uh..."
"Where are you going?"
"N-nowhere. I... I'm just... taking a walk! Yup, that's it! Nothing like a little moonlight stroll to clear up the good old noggin!"
Theo pouted, but even when he was unhappy, his baby fat would scrunch up and turn his mouth into an adorable frown, giving him the angry-cute look.
"Aw Phelan, come on! You're just like Alvin and Simon. Stop treating me like a baby! I thought brothers don't keep secrets from each other!"
Phelan sighed wearily. "You're right, Teddy – I mean, Theo. I'm sorry."
"Can't you tell me where you're going? It'll be our secret. Please?" asked Theo, gazing up with huge golden retriever-like eyes.
Before leaning closer to whisper in Theodore's ear, Phelan glanced around on both sides.
"If you must know, I promised Soron we'd spend some brotherly time tonight. We're having a little sleepover, just the two of us."
"Then... why aren't you bringing your sleeping bag, and your PJs? You can't have a sleepover if you're not wearing your PJs," Theodore pointed out innocently.
Phelan chuckled. "Well, it's sort of like a camping trip. You know how Soron and I used to live in the forest before we came here? We'll be sleeping under the stars, but without our PJs, just like wild chipmunks."
"Oh... How long will you be gone?"
"Just for the night, I promise."
Phelan might have had the patience of a turtle, but even for little Theo, he saw something in his brother's eyes – a twitching, anxious desire to finish something – and fast.
"Wait here."
When the green-clad chipmunk returned from the kitchen, his paws were filled with cookies – still crispy and warm to the touch as he pressed them into Phelan's paws.
"Here. I made an earlier batch, but give one to Soron. I'm sure a little dessert will make him feel better."
Phelan smiled as put one in his mouth, his cheeks tingling with the sweetness.
"Thanks, Theo. I'll make sure to give Soron your regards," he said, licking his lips.
"D-do you really have to go?" The youngest chipmunk cut a sad look. "What if the others find out?"
"Then tell them the truth," Phelan gave Theo a quick hug. "Don't worry about me; I'll be back in the morning. And then we'll have the whole of tomorrow to practice before the recording session, OK?"
Thedore nodded, burying his face deep into his brother's trench coat, as though hoping to imprint his own scent. "Take care, Phelan."
But when he looked up, the wolf-like chipmunk had already put a distance between him and the door, merging into the shadows concealed from the street lights.
Now he could giggle all he wanted to himself, pleased at the success of slipping in a few more cookies into Phelan's pockets when he wasn't looking.
It was going to be a long night.
And long nights usually lead to huge appetites...
Once he was certain the back door had been shut, Phelan hastened his steps as he turned in the direction towards the Millers.
A pit of guilt gnawed its way into his belly as the wolf-like chipmunk replayed the conversation with Theodore only seconds ago. Still, better to tell half truths than to hush up the entire story from his brother. Especially when Theo insisted on not being treated like a baby.
Yes, he was due to meet Soron. And he wouldn't need an extra set of clothes... considering the situation he was about to get himself into.
Such rash agreements like the one he got himself into would eventually lead to an even bigger mess. And if there were consequences, the cleaning up afterwards would only raise hell. Yet Phelan didn't care for such petty concerns – what mattered more was finding the courage to do what he feared the most.
He promised he wouldn't let any harm come to her, nor would he attempt to hurt her in the slightest way.
But tonight, the wolf-like chipmunk was about to go against all his codes.
Even as she snuck out from the back, her movements presented a delicate figure dancing in the moonlight. Before Phelan could leave the safety of his hiding tree to greet her, in his heart, he could see her now.
Her angel-white toga. Her irresistible fawn-like smile. Her cute heart-shaped nose which he longed to kiss over and over again.
Maia dropped her bundle as she ran up to Phelan, never letting go even as he broke apart from their embrace and gazed sadly into her eyes.
"I needn't tell you how wonderful you look tonight." The words came out in one breathless gasp.
As she wrapped her fingers around his paw and squeezed it gently, his heart skipped a beat.
"Do you always contradict yourself when you're nervous?" Maia giggled. The caress of her gentle paw against his tufted forehead only made it unbearable for him. "Why the long face?"
"N-nothing. I'm... fine. Just nervous, you know. What's in that bundle over there?" Phelan asked, hoping to change the subject.
"Soron's orders. And coming from him, it's top secret. Sorry."
"That's alright. Hey, I brought you something. Hope you like–" Phelan's face was a picture of surprise as he reached into his pockets. Maia watched while the wolf-like chipmunk unravelled whatever treasures awaited in his paws.
For the first time that night, Phelan chuckled to himself. "Oh, that little munchkin."
"Are these from Theodore?" Even Maia was all smiles as she took the cookie from Phelan.
"You bet they are. Only it seems he's given me a baker's dozen. I think Theo knows we're planning a little trip somewhere, don't you think?"
He watched Maia sink her teeth into the crunchy delicacy, licking her lips while she picked up her bundle and nudged him playfully in the ribs.
"Come on. Let's not keep Soron waiting."
All around them, the two chipmunks could hear the crickets rubbing their legs as they lulled the forest to sleep with their songs. The tallest of the trees bent ever so softly, as though cuddling up against a blanket of dark indigo embroidered with starry sequins.
At the sudden bone-splitting sound of a crunch, Maia let out a tiny squeak as she leapt into Phelan's arms – then giggled in embarrassment as she noticed the fallen branch she'd trod on.
"I hope that Rogue knows what he's doing. 'Meet me in the glade', he said, but we've been going around in circles. Did Soron ever mention about a secret place in the forest, Phelan? Phelan?"
The wolf-like chipmunk was on full alert, his tufted ears perked up at the slightest of sounds. Though Maia's safety and his brother's location were Phelan's highest priorities, a ridiculous, yet fearful thought started to take root in the corner of his mind.
What if the Arch had eyes and ears in a place as sacred as this?
So I'm asking you again, will you let go of your love for her?
Phelan growled as he frantically brushed his paws over his ears; it was bad enough that Aaron's words were carrying themselves even through the night breeze.
"Phelan? Are you okay?" Maia watched the feral chipmunk shook himself like a wild dog trying desperately to chew off its own leg. "You haven't spoken a word since we left. Phelan, whatever's troubling you, please let me in. Don't shut me out if you really care about me."
"Of course I do," said Phelan, resting his crestfallen paws on Maia's shoulders. But that's the problem – I care a lot about you that I can't afford to tell you about Aaron or the Arch.
"Actually..." Phelan heaved out a long sigh. "There is something I'm afraid to tell you, not only because it concerns us, but... Promise you won't think differently of me after this?"
Maia shook her head. "No matter what happens, I'll stay by your side. Always."
Somewhat satisfied by her genuine reply, the wolf-like chipmunk cleared his throat. It was a relief that the words came out differently than he expected, thanks to the sight that now lay before the both of them.
"We're here, Maia."
"What?"
"This is it," said Phelan. "That's the place alright."
"How do you know?" asked Maia, although her hunch grew stronger with each passing second.
"I just do."
There was no telling how many years the cabin lay silent in the woods, though Phelan guessed that the timber used was as old as the trees surrounding it. The glass panes that made up the windows were as thick and white as fresh snow, while a faint light glowed through one of the empty panes. To top it off, a thin wisp of smoke could be seen rising from the blackened chimney, like an old withered hand pining for the reach of the moon.
From the look in Maia's eyes, this was a sight came to life from a fairy tale.
Only the door appeared to be rather furnished, like the kind you bought from a hardware store. As the two chipmunks approached it, they found a note hanging on the doorknob, scrawled in an all-too familiar handwriting:
Unless you're a couple of love-struck chipmunks, then SCRAM!
DO NOT DISTURB
"How thoughtful. At least we'll have some privacy." A wry smile etched itself on Phelan's face, while Maia pushed the door. It swung open with a gentle creak, revealing the inner sanctum of their hallowed hall.
The light came from the grubby-looking fireplace, complete with a guard and stoker, which Soron was using to poke away at the glistening embers while wiping the sweat off his brow.
"What took you lovebirds so long?" the hazel-brown chipmunk scowled. "You're lucky no one's inhabited this place for years. Otherwise I'd have to make up some story about a rodent infestation."
"I can see why you chose this spot," said Phelan, inspecting the thick layer of dust on his finger he just drew across one of the walls.
Soron rolled his eyes. "Yeah? Well, what did you expect, the Ritz?" As he spoke, he shifted his gaze to a door at the end of the room. "I don't have all night, princess. So why don't you get yourself ready while Phelan and I have a little chat?"
Phelan gulped. Maia's gaze fell lovingly upon him, then halted to an abrupt as she drilled into Soron's glare, brief as a dagger's prick. Bundle in arm, she slipped behind the door and out of sight.
When Phelan rounded on Soron, the hazel-brown chipmunk remained triumphant as ever. "I'm starting to smell a rat, Soron, and it has your name on it. What's your game?"
"You'll find out soon enough. So, what'll it be tonight, Phelan? Business? Or pleasure?"
His answer was a thump to the back of his head.
"What? I always wanted to say that," he said, savouring the look on Phelan's face. "But seriously, have you thought about why you're doing this?"
"What I do with Maia is none of your concern," said Phelan, curling his lips. "So back off, unless you wish to see the wilder side of me."
Soron rested a paw on Phelan's shoulder. Under the trench coat, all he felt was bristled fur and bone.
"Please... I need to know what Maia's carrying. And why do both of you have to keep it a secret from me?"
"Nothing much... Just something I know you'll love, considering you do have a thing for bellies, no?"
"Shut up! I do not have belly fetishes!" Phelan hissed, keeping an eye on the door as though it would explode any second.
Soron forced back a laugh. "Deny it all you want, big brother. But you're forgetting who's spent an entire childhood with you – and who's only known you for a week."
There was a pause.
"It's not my place to judge you, Phelan. But think of your brothers. Think of the Chipettes. And unless you were born yesterday, you know how the paparazzi are out for your fur. Plus, how old are we – fourteen? Fifteen? Unless you don't count it in human years."
Phelan fixed Soron with a weary, but deadpan expression.
"What would you do if she's captured your heart, and now you're willing to fight to protect hers?"
The answer came without a moment's hesitation. "Simple. Leave her. Get as far away as possible so I can never hurt her again." Those hazel eyes glistened for a moment, as though longing to spill its memories of the past.
"For my family, and the ones I love, I'll do anything. But I guess that's something you'll never understand," Phelan glowered.
Whatever argument likely to burst from their lips came to a halt, as Phelan and Soron turned their heads at the sharp click of the turning door.
There, stepping out from the darkness, was a sight that would take the boys into their deepest and wildest fantasies.
To Be Continued...
And... cut! I'll leave you wondering what 'fantasies' lie in that cabin. But don't get your hopes up - I'm keeping this story at a maximum of T, and nothing more.
So I'll sign off for now. Keep an eye out for the next posting, and please don't forget to review! Until then;
"Always believe in your stories"
~ Wind