Author's note: Hello, dreamers! So, let's finally see who our mystery guests are! Now, this chapter is why I ranked this one as my favorite to make. 2014 was literally one of the BEST years of my life, and the most nostalgic for this story. Now, when you have 11 books and multiple side books planned, some arcs and movies are bound to end up on the cutting room floor. But not this one. Never this one. Even in the tumultuous outlining stage, when countless movies were being thought over, there were some that would never change, be shortened, or be replaced. Book 1 had Monsters Inc, 2 had University, and this one has a whopping FIVE super important, plot-would-fall-apart-without movies. Now, enough rambling! Enjoy!

Characters Introduced (Or First Mentioned)

Alvin Seville

Simon Seville

Theodore Seville

Britney Miller

Janette Miller

Eleanor Miller

Claudia Furschtein

Klaus Furschtein

Tracklist for this chapter:

1. Sailor Moon S OST - Comforting (Background music for when Esperanza meets Klaus and Claudia again)

2. The Chipmunk Adventure 02 – I Yi Yi Yi Yi (Cuanto La Gusta) (For when they're in Mexico City) (In their respective places, I'll be putting different songs from the movie!

(For when they're in Mexico City) (In their respective places, I'll be putting different songs from the movie!

Disclaimer! Any characters, ideas, locations, or stories that aren't my OCs or part of my personal ideas aren't mine and I do not claim to own them.

Esperanza opened the door, and her eyes widened.

There stood her adopted siblings, Klaus and Claudia.

All of a sudden, Esperanza felt a rush of memories flowing back through her heart and mind, overflowing her with love and nostalgia. Tears poured from her eyes, not stopping for anyone. It was as if time itself had stopped in its tracks. It was just the three of them, in that eternal moment.

"Klaus... Claudia!" Esperanza cried. She hugged them with all of her might.

"Hi, Essie..." Claudia said.

"I remember! I remember everything! I remember Los Angeles, our mansion, the lawn, EVERYTHING!" Esperanza was estatic. She pulled away from her sister. "Claudia, are the Chipmunks and Chipettes here?" She asked.

"Yes, they are!" Claudia said. The chipmunks popped out of Klaus and Claudia's car, and ran to Esperanza!

"Guys!" Esperanza hugged her old friends.

"We've missed you so much!" Britney said.

"I missed you, too!" Cadenza said.

"I knew you'd remember us!" Klaus said.

"I should've believed you! Now we're a happy family again!" Esperanza said. "I have someone I'd like you to meet! This is Lily, princess of Etheria.

Claudia bowed before the princess. "Your highness! We've been waiting to meet you!"

"You don't have to bow before me! And, it's nice to meet you, also!" Lily said.

"We were summoned here because of what Hans said about The Dreams not being the final villain," Janette said.

"Yeah, isn't that weird?" Lily said.

"What do you mean?" Esperanza asked.

"Well, he said The Dreams weren't the final villain, but there's something else. Something bigger than that."

"I thought The Dreams would be the last one, but I guess The Flames are worse," Lily said.

"We need your help!" Esperanza said, turning to her siblings. "The Flames are trying to destroy Etheria, and we're going to stop them!"

"Okay, if you say so!" Claudia replied.

"Let's all go inside. We've got a lot to discuss, and a mission to prepare for!" Esperanza said.

As soon as they walked into the living room, the Chipettes began dancing and singing. Everyone except for Esperanza joined in on the fun. Then, everyone heard a voice calling their name.

Esperanza turned around and saw Hans standing there.

"I'm sorry for everything I did... Even though you forgave me, I still feel bad." Hans said.

"Hans, you're alright. We're all a big happy family, now!" Esperanza said.

The Chipmunks and Chipettes danced and sang some more, in a beautiful moment of family and friendship.

Timeskip to February 2013, when they start preparing for the mission.

"So, where should we begin?" Esperanza asked.

"Well, we don't who the Flames are, and we don't know what exactly they want with Cadenza.," Claudia said. "But, we need to figure out how to stop them."

"Good point. Do we know anything about them?" Klaus asked.

"No. They seem to be hiding from the public eye." Esperanza said. "We can only assume they will attack us on the mission, but we don't know when."

"Well, since Morgana, Megan, and The Dreams aren't the villains anymore, I guess we'll be racing The Flames around the world," Alvin said.

After that, they went to the Multiverse Hotel and found the door to The Chipmunk Adventure. They walked through the door, and as soon as they were there, Esperanza saw it.

Her home.

Her childhood home.

The beautiful home was surrounded by the green grass she used to play in, and the fountains she used to wish in. She and her siblings were always in the garden, tending to the flowers and trees. This was the same house Klaus and Claudia lived in The Chipmunk Adventure.

"Hey, this is my home!" Esperanza cried, running inside.

Everyone else followed her inside, and they saw it:

The grand staircase, with a crystal chandelier hanging down, crystals shining brightly, like Esperanza's returning memories.

They ran to the living room, next.

"This place is filled with memories! I remember we used to have Christmas here, and everything!" Esperanza cried.

They ran up the stairs, past the hallway, and into the kitchen, where Mario, the butler, was making coffee.

"I remember you, Mario!" Esperanza went up and hugged him. "I remember how I got you addicted to Mario Brothers, because of your name!"

"Oh, yes. I'm glad you remember me, Princess." Mario said, hugging Esperanza back.

"Alright, now that we've remembered, let's get the hot air balloons out, and get ready to set off around the world! We can't wait!" Alvin said, excitedly.

"Yes! Let's go!" Esperanza exclaimed.

"But first, I have something to tell you," Claudia said. "I read through a book written by The Author, and she spoke of having a dream about another Hotel, just like the Multiverse one. It was called 'The Hotel Across the Glistening River.' It was called that because when she was young, her parents would always go down a certain road. One day, in this exact same year in the old timeline, she saw a hotel. It was raining, so the glistening river was the rain-soaked road you had to cross to get to it. Sometime later, she dreamed about the hotel. Me, Klaus, and a few other characters from this movie were there. It was a special hotel that can allow you to go anywhere in the world." Claudia explained.

"Could we do that instead of using the balloons?" Cadenza asked.

"Well, there is a catch: the Hotel is in Reality You can use it to travel around the Realitean world, to places like China, Hawaii, England, or Antarctica," Claudia said.

Everyone gasped.

"Claudia, you know we can't go there! It would be suicide!" Klaus said.

"But it would give us a head start against The Flames!" Claudia said. "If we all go together, we could easily defeat them."

"I don't think it's such a good idea to risk our lives for the sake of getting a head start," Esperanza said.

"And, you want us to go to Reality, but we don't even know how to get there!" Lily said.

"I know a way. Klaus, Mario, me, and everyone else have been doing it for years." Claudia said. She went down into the basement. She stared into a pink-tinted mirror.

"Author, are you there?" She asked.

"Yeah, I'm here, Claudia! Did you bring them? The Author said.

"Yes, I did, and they're as reluctant as we thought they would be..." Claudia said.

"Wait a minute... Sorry to interrupt, but that's not the author. She talks in a 'deep voice of the legioooon.'" Coletta said, mimicking The Author's manner of speaking.

"Yeah, but that's just when I want to appear high and mighty to you. On the surface, I put up an act. But this is the real me." The Author said.

"I understand. And, I think I like you better when you talk like this." Lily said.

"Great! So, what's the plan?" The Author asked.

"Well, we need to get to Reality, but how are you going to bring us there?" Coletta asked.

"I was hoping you'd ask!" The Author said as the mirror started glowing. It was turning into the portal to Reality!

"Now hop in!" The Author said.

Everyone stepped inside the shimmering portal, and they disappeared.

In Reality, everyone looked around. They were walking through a beautiful forest of tall trees, with huge, bright green leaves.

"Where are we?" Esperanza asked.

"You're in The Tunnel of Trees!" A voice said behind them. A young girl appeared, with tan skin and curly brown hair. She was wearing a dress with a black long-sleeve top. On the top was a picture of Draculaura from Monster high. The skirt was tutu-like and pink. Under the skirt, she wore black leggings. Her shoes were pink Sketchers Sketch-Airs.

"Who are you?" Lily asked, startled.

"Why, I'm The Author!" The Author said.

As soon as she said that, everyone gasped.

"A-Author? As in THE Author, who's writing our story right now?" Cadenza asked.

"No, it's not really her. It's just an Etherian version of her! I'm not really this young anymore, the real Author just placed me in the story as your guide! She's at home right now, writing as we speak." The Author said.

"And you're a character in our story?" Cadenza asked.

"Yes, I am." The Author said.

"Can you help us find The Flames?" Lily asked.

"Yes, I can! Follow me!" The Author motioned the group forward. "This is where I used to live in 2014. The Tunnel of Trees is the home stretch to get to my old home, which we'll be reaching momentarily!" The Author said.

They reached a cul-de-sac, with a big house, with a big lawn in front of it.

"I remember now! This was where I was born!" Esperanza said.

"Yes, it was! Since this is where I was born, and you're one of my ideas, this is your true home!" The Author said.

They went inside and started discussing the plan.

"I'll drive you into the city a little ways away from here." The Author said.

"Wait wait wait. No offense, but... Did a literal child just say she would drive us?" Coletta asked.

"Oh, I guess I should've explained myself, first! Since I'm an Etherian being, I can do whatever I want!" The Author said.

"Ok, that makes me feel a little better," Coletta said.

Everyone got into the car. They drove into the city, where it was raining, even though the weather report said sunny.

"The day I created the hotel, it was raining. It was a peaceful kind of rain, and the white, overcast sky and the cool temperature were peaceful for me, so this place is stuck in a state of perpetual rain.

Lily looked out of the window and observed the rain pelting the pavement. She looked up and saw a big, grand, green, and blue-colored hotel. "Wow, it really is a hotel across the glistening river!" She said. They got out of the car and went inside.

They found the concierge and asked for the first room on the mission list, which was Mexico City. They got to the room and went inside. They emerged in beautiful Mexico City! It was the day of their annual fiesta! People were parading around on floats, waving flags. They walked to the nearest restaurant, and ate some Mexican food!

"Ok, I think it's time to get serious," Coletta said.

"AWWWWW!" Everyone else said.

"Since we have this place, we can come back anytime we want. But now we need to find The Flames." Coletta said.

"Ok. Let's start looking!" Lily said. They all fanned out.

Esperanza was looking by herself when she saw someone sneaking around. She noticed the man had a gold tooth. It was her old friend Cuomo! Before Klaus and Claudia were turned good in the normal timeline, they had stopped them but became friends later.

"Hey, Cuomo!" Esperanza whisper-shouted, trying to get her old friend's attention. Maybe he could help them in the search!

Cuomo turned around. He eyed Esperanza suspiciously, before running away.

"Huh?" Esperanza said. "Ok, that was weird... He's never been like that..." She said.

Meanwhile, Cuomo caught up with his partner, Cisvan.

"Cisvan, they're here. Those Daydreamers are." Cuomo said.

"Great, just what we need! Let's tell Inspector Jamal." Cisvan said. This wasn't right at all! Those three were supposed to be on the good side.

When they got to Jamal, they broke the news to him.

"They're here. They're trying to find the diamonds." Cisvan said.

"Great! Just what we need! The Flames were supposed to find them all, without their interference!" Jamal said, exasperated.

"Yeah, and Esperanza saw me! She'll probably try to follow us!" Cuomo said.

"Yeah, let them come! I'll show them what The Flames' power can really do!" Jamal said. All three of them had been possessed by The Flames!

Meanwhile, Esperanza had told everyone about her strange encounter.

"It was Cuomo! He just ran away for some reason!" Esperanza said.

"That doesn't make sense," Klaus said. "He's supposed to be on our side, and he must know how dangerous The Flames are. Why would he run away?"

"Maybe he's been turned bad!" Lily said. "We'll find out when we track him down."

"Where should we look for him?" Klaus asked.

"I don't know, maybe the pickup station? Maybe he wants the diamonds." Esperanza suggested.

They got there, and they asked for Cuomo.

The man at the station was visibly uncomfortable. He obviously had something to do with whatever was going on. "Uhh, no one took any diamonds. They're all yours! He gave them the diamonds and nervously ran away.

"yes, Inspector Jamal? They just took the diamonds!" The Man said.

Jamal frowned. "So, they've left, I take it?"

"Yes, they have. I heard them whispering about going to Bermuda next." The man said.

"Then we'll just have to chase them there!" Jamal said.

"If you're sure...?" The man asked.

"I am. The Flames are after these diamonds, so we have to stop the Daydreamers!" Jamal said.

So, the three of them set off to Bermuda, in pursuit of the Daydreamers.

Meanwhile, the Daydreamers had gotten to Bermuda. Lily thought that finding a hidden trove of stolen jewels was an exciting idea! There were plenty of mysteries waiting to be solved.

"This might be my favorite quest yet! I can't believe we're actually going around the world!" Lily said.

"Yeah, nothing's gonna stop the Daydreamer team!" Cadenza said.

"Guys, I have a suggestion. Since Megan and Morgana are Nightdreamers, we should just call it the Dreamer team." The Author said.

"Oh, great idea! Why didn't I think of that?" Lily asked.

Soon enough, they reached the dock. There was a clue posted on the door.

"We meet Mr. Anton on The Flying Suprise." Cadenza read.

Lily pointed. "Look! That boat over there's named The Flying Suprise!"

"Ok, let's go and find Mr. Anton, then!" Cadenza said.

They boarded The Flying Suprise. Soon enough, Mr. Anton appeared.

"How may I help you today?" He said. He then realized who he was talking to. "Oh, the Dreamers! Right this way, I have your diamonds!" Mr. Anton said.

They followed him onto the ship, where he had the diamonds.

"There you go! They're all yours!" Mr. Anton said.

But, as soon as Esperanza reached for one, flames erupted in front of her! She jumped back, in fear.

Mr. Anton laughed evilly, and transformed into The Flames!

"You fell for my trap! Now, I have you cornered!" The Flames said. Everyone backed away in fear.

All of a sudden, Britany realized something. "Wait, where's the real Mr. Anton? What did you do with him?" She asked.

"Oh, he's at the bottom of the ocean!" The Flames said.

Everyone gasped.

"We have to save him!" Coletta said, motioning for everyone to jump into the water.

"If you hurry, you can save him before his oxygen runs out!" The Flames said.

"You're horrible! Sending someone to the bottom of the ocean like that!" Lily said. Something dawned on her. The bottom of the ocean? Of course! Lily thought. She fired a burst of pink magic at The Flames!

"What? NOOOOOOOO!" They said as they fell into the water! The water extinguished them! But there was more than met the eye... The Flames weren't just concentrated fire... The fire was surrounding someone's body, and when they were put out, the person underneath was revealed.

Lily's heart stopped.

Because wading in the water underneath her...

Was Lucas.

To be continued...

Welp, another cliffhanger! This one was bigger than the last! You know, I've debated on when I should bring Lucas back for a long time now! First I decided not to bring him back until BOOK 9, but I figured that would be way too late. I decided on book 9 because, in the original version of that book in my mind, there was a certain character from an R-rated action movie that I won't spoil. Anyway, I decided I didn't want the films I used to go past a PG-13 rating, so during the outline stage, I replaced the R-rated character with Lucas, who I had already planned on bringing back. I decided, 'nahhh, I'll just go back to the other character!' So, I did! I decided I would bring Lucas back in this book, instead! I thought about not bringing him back until the end, then I thought about bringing him back in the middle, and then I decided to bring him back in the beginning. Why? Because I wanted to have a whole book to explore Lucas's villain redemption arc. So, in this book, he'll be the villain, but there's a bigger conspiracy at play, also... So, the next chapter will deal with the aftermath of the big reveal, and will have the second part of the Chipmunk Aventure! Stay Lucid! Oh, and one more thing! I posted this on my profiles, but if you didn't see it yet, I now have a Youtube channel! My name's the same, just EtheriaCadenza!