Surfin Succotash
Chapter 1 - Spring Break Vibes
It was the perfect sunny day as the Sevilles and Croaners headed to the beach for a much-anticipated spring break. The sparkling ocean stretched before them, waves gently crashing onto the shore. The warm breeze carried the scent of saltwater and sunscreen, and the group was buzzing with excitement for a week full of sun, surfing, and relaxation.
Charlene, who always loved a good beach trip, smirked as she adjusted her sunglasses. "Not to sound like a leech off your guys' success," she said, her tone playful, "but man, being your friend has its perks."
"I know, right?" Alvin grinned back, completely in agreement. He couldn't help but puff up his chest a little. "This is how the Chipmunks roll."
The Chipmunks, however, weren't just there for a vacation—they had a concert lined up at the end of the week, and Alvin had something else in his sights: the local surfing contest. His competitive streak had kicked in the moment they'd arrived, and he was determined to win.
"I'm going to crush it at that contest!" Alvin declared confidently, his eyes gleaming with excitement. In his mind, he could already see himself riding the perfect wave, the crowd cheering as he took first place.
Simon, however, had his usual skeptical expression. "You might want to practice first, Alvin. You know, so you don't... wipe out immediately," he added with a smirk.
"Oh, please," Alvin scoffed, waving off Simon's concern. "I'm a natural athlete. How hard can surfing be?"
"Famous last words," Simon muttered under his breath.
While the Chipmunks were focused on fun, Miss Croaner had one thing on her mind—relaxation. She marched over to the perfect spot near the water, set up her massive beach chair, and motioned for Dave.
"Now, you kids run along and do whatever pre-teen chipmunk kids do," she said, waving them off with an air of authority. She adjusted her floppy beach hat. "I'm going to soak in some rays." Then she turned to Dave. "Dave, be a kind young man, and rub lotion on my back."
As Miss Croaner dramatically removed her beach jacket and towel to reveal an over-the-top, too-bright-to-be-believed swimsuit, the entire group froze, their eyes widening in horror. It was an image that burned into their minds instantly.
"OH, children of all ages should NOT see that!" Alvin yelled, shielding his eyes as though trying to erase the mental image.
The rest of the group quickly followed suit, turning their heads in unison to avoid the sight. "That's all you, David!" Alvin added, patting Dave on the back as they made a hasty retreat.
Dave sighed, defeated. "Why does this always happen to me?"
The kids made their escape, leaving Dave behind with Miss Croaner, who had already stretched out on her beach chair with a smug smile.
Chapter 2 - A Gnarly Find
The beach trip had officially begun, and the Chipmunks were set for a day of fun in the sun. Simon and Theodore were hard at work, creating a massive hole in the sand while Alvin was out in the water, practicing his surfing for the upcoming contest. His determination was palpable, even if his skills still needed some work.
Charlene, having wandered off to change into her swimsuit, was finally making her way back to the group.
Charlene, after having disappeared to change into her swimsuit, came skipping back to the group. "I'm back~!" Charlene called out cheerfully as she strolled over, adjusting her sunglasses. "Sorry, it took me so long. The line for the porta-potties was insane, and I had to—"
Before she could finish her sentence, Charlene suddenly disappeared into a pit with a startled yelp. She landed right on top of Simon and Theodore, who had been busy digging.
"...What are you two doing?" Charlene asked, blinking in confusion from the bottom of the hole.
"Digging a hole," Theodore and Simon answered simultaneously, not even looking up from their sandy excavation.
Charlene climbed out of the hole, brushing off the sand and letting her legs dangle over the edge. She looked down at the two with an eyebrow raised. "...Why?" she asked, a mix of curiosity and bewilderment.
Simon glanced up, pushing his glasses up his nose. "Because...," he said slowly as if the answer should be obvious. Theodore just nodded absentmindedly, continuing to dig.
Charlene tilted her head, still baffled. "That's it? Just digging a hole?"
"At first, I questioned it too," Simon explained, "but then I started helping, and now I fully enjoy it." He looked quite proud of their creation, as though they had discovered some hidden joy in the most mundane of activities.
"Boys are so weird," Charlene thought to herself, rolling her eyes.
Simon and Theodore both paused, looking at her curiously. "Did you say something?" Simon asked, puzzled by her quiet muttering.
Charlene quickly brushed it off with a wave. "Nothing, nothing."
Simon gave Charlene a once-over, then furrowed his brow in confusion. "Uh... not that we're experts in fashion or anything," he began, gesturing vaguely toward her outfit, "but... how are you going to swim in that?"
Charlene was wearing an elaborate cover-up—a hooded swimsuit cover-up full of frills, flowing fabric, and layers that made her look more like she was going to a fashion show than getting ready to jump into the ocean.
Charlene just laughed, waving their concerns away. "Oh, don't worry! I can switch from casual to swimmer in record time!" She tugged at one of the sleeves as if she were ready to demonstrate right then and there. "I'll show you while I head for a dip!"
"Wait!" Theodore shouted, looking out at the water. "Alvin's out there practicing his surfing. You might want to stay clear of that zone for now..."
"Oh, right!" Charlene said, standing up. "Is he any good?"
Simon didn't even need to answer.
CRASH!
As if on cue, Alvin could be seen attempting to ride a wave, but in spectacular fashion, he wiped out, crashing into the beach with a loud splat. Sand and water sprayed everywhere, covering the remains of Theodore's earlier sandcastle and sending water into the perfectly dug hole.
The trio stared in silence for a moment, then said in unison, "That's a no."
Alvin, covered in wet sand, stumbled out of the hole, trying to play it off cool. "Hey, nice hole."
Despite his rough start, Alvin was not one to give up so easily. With his signature determination, he picked himself up, shook off the sand, and paddled back out into the waves. The contest was still days away, but he was determined to master the waves and wow the crowd.
Charlene leaned against Simon and Theodore's now-ruined sandcastle, watching Alvin crash over and over. "Well, he's certainly... committed," she said, grinning.
Alvin was determined to get it right before the big contest.
As he paddled out again, ready to give it another go, the current carried him back toward shore after another wipeout. He spat out a mouthful of saltwater, grumbling about how "surfing was way harder than it looked." But as he started to pick himself up again, something shiny caught his eye. Lying half-buried in the sand just a few feet away from where he'd landed was a strange, shiny object.
Intrigued, Alvin crawled over and brushed the sand away to reveal a cool-looking medallion. It was gold, heavy, and carved with odd, ancient-looking symbols that glistened in the sunlight.
"Whoa... this thing looks ancient," Alvin muttered to himself as he examined the medallion more closely. It felt heavy and important, though he had no idea what it could be. For a moment, he considered what it might be—an old trinket. A piece of history washed up on the beach? Whatever it was, it looked like something valuable, or at least something worth showing off to his brothers. He stuffed it into his pocket, figuring it'd make a neat souvenir.
"Hey, at least I found something interesting today," he muttered to himself, turning the medallion over in his hands before heading back out into the waves to continue his practice.
Little did he know, the medallion he had just found would soon turn his sunny vacation into a whirlwind of chaos and mystery.
Chapter 3 - Hahaha! Wipeout!
Later that afternoon, Charlene and a few other girls who had just arrived on the beach watched in both amusement and confusion as Simon, Theodore, and a group of other boys—friends, boyfriends, and even a few husbands—worked together to dig what could only be described as a HUMONGOUS hole.
What started as just Simon and Theodore, two brothers who, for reasons unknown, had an inexplicable urge to dig a hole, quickly turned into an entire crew of beachgoers joining in. The hole was enormous, large enough to fit a small car, and yet the digging continued with no end in sight.
Charlene folded her arms, eyebrows raised, and shook her head. "Again, why are you digging this hole?" she asked, her confusion clear.
Simon, Theodore, and the other boys glanced up at her for only a second, their expressions blank before they turned back to the hole. "Because..." they answered in unison, as if that explained everything.
Charlene blinked. "Boys," she thought with a groan, sharing a look with the other girls. They were equally bewildered.
The digging carried on until suddenly, one of the girls gasped. "Oh. My. Gosh..." she said, staring wide-eyed at the horizon. Everyone turned to look and saw what had caught her attention—a massive wave, towering high above the beach, crashing toward the shore.
Everyone panicked. People scattered, grabbing towels and bags as they fled from the incoming tidal wave. Well, almost everyone. Simon, Theodore, and Charlene remained rooted in place, still next to the giant hole.
"...Alvin," Simon muttered, already knowing what—or who—was causing this chaos.
The wave slammed into the beach, the sheer force of it washing into the giant hole and sweeping Simon and Theodore along with it. They were carried backward, tumbling through the sand until they landed at Charlene's feet. She clung to a beach umbrella for dear life, barely holding her ground against the powerful wave.
"Wow, Alvin!" Theodore exclaimed, shaking off the sand and water. "That might've been your biggest wave yet! You're sure to win the contest!"
Alvin emerged from the water-filled hole, dripping wet but grinning with pride. "Yeah, well, if I can just stay on my board long enough, that trophy's as good as mine!"
Simon, still recovering from the wave, stood up, sand sticking to his wet glasses. "At the rate you're going, by the end of the week, you'll either be a surfing champion or the reason the beach gets shut down."
Alvin scoffed, brushing off Simon's comment. "Always can count on you for moral support, Si", he said, sarcastically.
But as Alvin started to walk back to the ocean for another go, Everyone's face suddenly paled.
"Uh... Alvin?" she said, her voice shaky.
Alvin waved her off. "Not now, C.C. I need to—"
PINCH!
Alvin's face twisted in agony as something on his tail snapped tightly around him—a crab lobster! The lobster had pinched Alvin's rear with a vice-like grip, and Alvin let out a blood-curdling scream.
"GET IT OFF! GET IT OFF! GET IT OFF!" he yelled, running around the beach like a maniac, flailing his arms and jumping in circles. The beachgoers watched in shock and amusement as Alvin's antics drew more attention than the actual surfing.
Simon, Theodore, and Charlene hurried after him, trying to catch up with Alvin as he ran in a mad panic. After a chaotic chase around the beach, they finally managed to pry the crab lobster off and tossed it into a small sand dune nearby.
The group watched as the crab lobster shimmied its way back into the ocean, glaring at them as if it were personally offended.
"Okay..." Alvin said breathlessly, still rubbing his sore rear. "I think it's time for a break."
Musical Interlude - Unlucky Streak
*Song - The Proclaimers - I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)*
Soon enough, a series of unfortunate events begins to unravel—one after the other—leaving Alvin very frustrated.
Alvin struts confidently toward the ocean, ready for another round of surf practice. He paddles out into the water, smiling as he waits for the perfect wave. But just as he's about to ride it, his surfboard slips from under him, sending him flailing into the water with a spectacular wipeout. He emerges gasping for air, hair a mess, while the surfboard floats off in the distance.
Alvin:
When I'm workin', yes, I know I'm gonna be
I'm gonna be the one who's workin' hard for you
And when the money comes in for the work I do
I'll pass almost every penny on to you
Back on the beach, Alvin sulks, sitting in the sand, trying to catch his breath. As he opens his sandwich for lunch, a sudden screech fills the air. Before he can react, a flock of seagulls swoops down, snatching his sandwich out of his hands. Alvin jumps up, trying to shoo them away, but only ends up getting chased by one particularly aggressive bird. He stumbles into a group of sunbathers, knocking over towels and beach umbrellas in the process.
The Chipmunks:
When I come home, oh, I know I'm gonna be
I'm gonna be the one who comes back home to you
And if I grow old, well, I know I'm gonna be
I'm gonna be the one who's growin' old with you
Alvin decides to relax under an umbrella, thinking things can't possibly get worse. But as soon as he sits down, a sudden gust of wind blows the umbrella out of the sand, sending it flying down the beach with Alvin still holding on to it. Alvin is dragged across the sand, tumbling and rolling until he finally lets go and crashes into a row of surfboards for rent, knocking them over like dominoes in front of some angry surfers.
The Chipmunks:
But I would walk five hundred miles
And I would walk five hundred more
To be the one who walked a thousand miles
To fall down at your door
As evening approaches, the boys rehearse for their beach concert. Alvin grabs his guitar, ready to rock, but as soon as he strums the first note, the amplifier sparks, and shorts out, sending smoke billowing into Alvin's face. Simon and Theodore exchanged concerned looks while Charlene giggled from the side as Alvin coughed violently.
The Chipmunks:
Ta-da-da-ta, ta-da-da-ta, ta-da-da-ta, ta-da-da-ta
Ta-da-da-dan-te-la-dan-te-la-dan-te-le-la-da-da
Later, Alvin tries to join Simon, Theodore, and Charlene, who are enjoying the beach. Just as he starts to relax, the crab lobster from earlier reappears—this time clamping onto Alvin's flip-flop. He screams, kicking his foot in a panic, causing the crab lobster to fly into a nearby volleyball game, where it lands on the net and sends the ball crashing into a group of players and finally, clocking Alvin back in the face, sending the medallion flying out of his pocket. Simon, Theodore, and Charlene looked down at him with concern, but Alvin, on the other hand, just stared down at the medallion in disbelief, convinced that something was up and the medallion was somehow the cause.
The Chipmunks:
Ta-da-da-ta, ta-da-da-ta, ta-da-da-ta, ta-da-da-ta
Ta-da-da-dan-te-la-dan-te-la-dan-te-le-la-da-da
Chapter 5 - Cursed?
The sun was setting, casting an orange glow over the beach as the nightlife kicked into full swing. The sounds of music, laughter, and the crashing waves filled the air. Everyone was out enjoying the warm evening—everyone except Alvin.
For the first time in forever, Alvin had turned in early, completely wiped out from the day's mishaps. His surfboard training had been a complete disaster, and it felt like the entire universe was working against him. As much as Alvin hated to admit it, he was exhausted—mentally and physically. He just wanted to sleep and hope for a better day tomorrow.
But as he tossed and turned, something kept nagging at him. The medallion.
He reached into his pocket and pulled it out, holding it up to the moonlight streaming through the window. It shimmered ominously, its intricate carvings and strange symbols almost glowing in the pale light. Alvin felt uneasy as he stared at it. Something's off about this thing, he thought. He placed it on the nightstand and rolled over, determined to get some sleep.
But the next morning, Alvin woke up with a start. Groggy and disoriented, he reached for the medallion on the nightstand, only to find... it wasn't there. His hand darted to his neck in panic, and to his horror, the medallion was hanging around his neck!
"What the—!" Alvin jumped out of bed, frantically trying to yank the medallion off. He threw it across the room, but it snapped right back around his neck as if it had a mind of its own.
"No, no, no!" Alvin shouted, running out of the room in a frenzy. He stumbled down the hallway, tripped over a carpet, and crashed headfirst into the bathroom. "Okay, this is not normal," he muttered to himself as he held the medallion up. "Either someone's playing a prank on me... or maybe... this thing is cursed!"
At breakfast, the group gathered in the kitchen, eating pancakes and chatting about the day ahead. Alvin, looking like he hadn't slept in weeks, dragged himself in and slumped into a chair. His bad luck immediately followed—he knocked over his glass of orange juice, splattering it all over Simon, Theodore, and Charlene.
"Alvin!" Simon said in exasperation, wiping the juice from his glasses. "What is going on with you? You've been like a walking disaster zone since we got here."
"I don't know!" Alvin groaned, throwing his hands up in frustration. "It's like I'm cursed or something!"
Charlene, still patting her shirt dry, raised an eyebrow. "When did this... 'curse' start, exactly?"
Alvin, looking defeated, pulled the medallion from his neck and plopped it onto the table. "Since I got this thing. I found it in the sand after a wipeout yesterday. I thought it looked cool, but now I'm starting to think it's bad luck."
Simon, ever the skeptic but intrigued, picked up the medallion and examined it closely. "Hmmm... While I do have my doubts, I have read stories of ancient artifacts carrying curses. Some cultures believe they bring bad fortune to whoever holds them."
Charlene frowned. "Why don't you just... get rid of it?"
Alvin leaned forward, eyes wide. "Oh, you think I didn't try? Watch this." He stood up, opened the window, and launched the medallion out with all his might. Everyone waited in silence, listening for the splash as it hit the water.
Theodore broke the silence nervously, "S-So... what are we waiting f—"
"Wait for it," Alvin interrupted, holding up a hand, deadpan.
Suddenly, as if defying all logic, the medallion dropped from the ceiling, landing perfectly around Alvin's neck again. He gave his brothers and Charlene a smug "I told you so" look.
Charlene's eyes widened. "How did it...?"
"It's cursed! I told you!" Alvin threw his arms up. "I can't get rid of it, and with this thing stuck to me, there's no way I'm winning that surfing contest!"
Simon, now intrigued and slightly concerned, nodded. "Alright. We need to do something about this. If this really is a cursed artifact, we have to figure out how to break the curse."
Charlene chimed in, her eyes wide with excitement. "Ooh, maybe we can ask the locals! They might know something about this medallion. It looks ancient—maybe it's connected to some old legend or something."
Alvin groaned, holding his head in frustration. "Whatever we do, we need to do it fast. I'm not about to lose that contest because of this thing."
Determined to break the curse, the group decided to head out after breakfast in search of answers. But little did they know, the curse of the medallion was far more complicated—and dangerous—than they could have ever imagined.
Chapter 6 - Lontiki's Curse
The group huddled together as Alvin's bad luck continued to spiral out of control. From juice spills to random beach wipeouts, it was clear something was wrong, and Alvin was desperate for answers. They decided to seek out a local native they had heard about—someone who was rumored to know all about ancient curses and local legends.
The group wandered down the beach until they came across a small shop nestled between palm trees, filled with trinkets, old relics, and souvenirs. The shopkeeper, an elderly native with wise eyes and a long gray beard, hunched over with wild white hair and a necklace of shells, was tidying up when the group approached him.
"Excuse me, sir," Theodore asked sweetly, stepping forward with a polite smile. "We were wondering if you knew anything about this medallion." He held out the medallion, which was still stubbornly around Alvin's neck. The moment they mentioned the medallion, the man's demeanor changed entirely.
The shopkeeper's eyes widened the moment he saw the medallion, and his face drained of all color. He looked terrified.
"Lontiki's Curse!" the man gasped, backing away as if the medallion itself would strike him down. His hands shook, and his gaze darted toward the exit.
Before they could get any answers, the man bolted for the nearest window with surprising speed. Without hesitation, he broke through, disappearing into the jungle beyond.
The group stood there in stunned silence for a moment, staring at the open window, the breeze softly blowing the curtains.
"Well... that's not reassuring," Charlene deadpanned, folding her arms.
Before they could get any answers, the man bolted for the nearest window with surprising speed. Without hesitation, he flung it open and leaped through, disappearing into the jungle beyond.
The group stood there in stunned silence for a moment, staring at the open window, the breeze softly blowing the curtains.
"Well... that's not reassuring," Charlene deadpanned, folding her arms.
Simon, now deeply intrigued, pulled out his phone and quickly began searching for information. "Lontiki... Lontiki... That name sounds familiar." he muttered as he typed quickly, searching through pages of results. "Aha, here it is!" He paused, his brow furrowed as he read. "The medallion of Lontiki—an ancient god of mischief—was lost centuries ago. Legend has it that anyone who finds it under certain conditions will be... irreversibly cursed."
"Irreversible?!" Alvin's face drained of all hope. "You mean I'm stuck like this forever?" He dramatically collapsed onto the floor, flinging one arm over his forehead. "I have a contest to win, Simon! I don't have time to be irreversibly cursed!"
As Alvin lay on the floor, wallowing in despair, he fiddled with the string of the medallion, looping it around his fingers and then his foot. Without thinking, he used his foot to launch the medallion like a slingshot. It shot down the hallway, bouncing off walls and doorframes in a chaotic manner. The group watched in disbelief as the medallion ping-ponged through the air like some kind of demented pinball.
Finally, the medallion landed on the handle of a custodian's broom. The custodian, oblivious to the scene that had just unfolded, casually walked by the group while whistling a happy tune with the broom on his shoulder.
As the custodian walked away, the medallion slowly slid off the broom handle and dropped directly back onto Alvin's chest, like it had never left.
"...Oh, now Lontiki's just toying with you," Simon remarked, crossing his arms with an amused smirk.
Alvin, still lying on the floor, gave his brother an exasperated glare. "Well, thanks for stating the obvious, Simon. Real helpful."
The group exchanged worried glances. They were out of leads, out of luck, and running out of time. If they didn't find a solution soon, Alvin would not only lose his chance at the contest but he might also be stuck with this curse forever. And with Alvin's bad luck getting worse by the hour, they needed to act fast.
They had to find out more about the curse—and fast.
Chapter 7 - Sacrifice of the Surfer
Alvin's bad luck had become more than just an inconvenience—it was now dangerous. No matter how hard he tried to dismiss it, he couldn't shake the growing fear that the curse wasn't just targeting him but was putting everyone around him in harm's way. His family and friends were starting to feel the effects, and it was tearing him apart.
Simon, Theodore, and Charlene did their best to keep Alvin calm, thinking he was blowing things out of proportion. "Alvin, you're overthinking this," Simon said, trying to maintain his usual calm logic. "It's probably just a series of strange coincidences. There's no need to panic."
"Yeah!" Theodore chimed in, nervously but smiling. "It's not like we're in real danger or anything."
Suddenly, as if to prove Alvin's point, a clumsy worker nearby lost his balance while fixing a temporary stage set up for the upcoming beach concert. The worker stumbled into a scaffolding, knocking it loose. It toppled over, crashing toward Charlene, who stood frozen in shock.
"Charlene, move!" Alvin yelled, eyes wide with terror. But before she could react, Simon and Theodore sprang into action, shoving her out of the way just in time. The scaffolding hit the ground with a loud crash, missing Charlene by mere inches.
Everyone was left breathless for a moment, staring at the wreckage in disbelief.
"That... that was way too close," Charlene whispered, clutching her chest.
Alvin's face paled, his worst fears confirmed. "See?!" he cried, stepping back. "I told you! This curse is real! I'm not just imagining things anymore. I can't keep putting you guys at risk."
Simon, Theodore, and Charlene exchanged worried glances.
Later that night, Alvin sat in their beach cabin, staring at the medallion that hung around his neck. The thought of his family and friends being hurt because of him weighed heavily on his mind, and he knew what he had to do. If the curse was targeting those closest to him, the only solution was to distance himself from them—before something worse happened.
Alvin packed his backpack quietly, not wanting to wake the others. He tried to stay strong, but the thought of leaving them behind felt like a knife twisting in his chest.
"I have to go," Alvin said softly as Simon, Theodore, and Charlene caught him at the door. The moonlight filtered into the room, casting long shadows across his face. "I can't stay and keep bringing this curse down on you guys. It's too dangerous."
Charlene's eyes widened with concern. "Alvin, wait! You don't have to do this. We can find a way to fix it together."
Simon, though skeptical at first, now couldn't hide his concern. "Running away isn't going to solve anything, Alvin. We're stronger when we're together. You don't need to face this alone."
Theodore, holding back tears, looked up at his older brother. "Please don't go, Alvin. We'll help you."
But Alvin shook his head. His mind was made up. "No, it's too risky. I don't want to lose you guys because of some ancient curse."
With a heavy heart, Alvin slipped out into the night, leaving behind his brothers and Charlene. He didn't look back. He couldn't. If he did, he knew he wouldn't be able to go through with it. As much as it hurt, he believed this was the only way to protect them.
The next morning, Alvin wandered the island alone, searching for answers. His exhaustion was evident—dark circles under his eyes, a weary slump to his shoulders—but he pushed forward, determined to find a solution.
It wasn't long before Alvin encountered another native, an older man with kind eyes who seemed to recognize the medallion immediately. The native stepped closer, his expression grave.
"You wear the medallion of Lontiki," the man said softly, his voice filled with warning. "It brings great misfortune to those who do not honor its power."
Alvin looked at the old man with annoyance. "Oh, does it? And here, I thought I would find matching earrings, instead of finding a way to stop it?"
The native nodded slowly. "There is one way. To rid yourself of the curse, you must return the medallion to where it belongs—the island's volcano."
Alvin blinked, taken aback. "A volcano?"
"Yes," the native replied. "The medallion must be cast into the heart of the volcano. Only then will the curse be lifted."
Alvin's heart sank. "But where's the volcano?"
The native pointed to the horizon where the concert was to be held. Alvin's eyes widened—there was no actual volcano. Could the man mean the giant volcano prop that had been set up for the concert stage?
Alvin wasn't sure, but it was his only lead. If it meant ending the curse and saving his family, then he would do whatever it took—even if it meant tossing the medallion into a fake volcano.
Chapter 8 - The Volcano Prophecy
Theodore and Charlene sat on the porch, watching the waves roll in from the ocean, but their hearts weren't in it. The vibrant energy Alvin usually brought to every situation was missing. Without him around, everything felt... quieter.
Theodore sighed deeply, standing up and went to go find a shovel. "I'm digging a hole."
Charlene blinked, staring at him. "Again with the holes?"
Meanwhile, inside the beach house, Simon had his nose buried in a stack of old books and ancient articles, diving deep into the lore of Lontiki. He'd been reading for hours, determined to find a way to help Alvin break the so-called curse. His eyes scanned page after page, and then suddenly, something clicked.
"Wait a minute..." Simon murmured to himself, flipping back a few pages. His heart raced as the pieces began to fit together. The curse wasn't for Lontiki, the powerful ancient deity. It was for Lontiki the Second—a minor figure in local folklore, often associated with misunderstandings and mistakes. The medallion didn't bring curses; it was just a ceremonial object that had been lost long ago. The "bad luck" Alvin had been experiencing was nothing more than coincidence after all!
He sat up straight, eyes wide, as the revelation dawned on him. "Lontiki the Second!" he shouted, startling Theodore and Charlene.
"What? What did you find?" Charlene asked, her voice full of hope.
Simon quickly explained, "It's not the curse of Lontiki like we thought. The medallion belongs to Lontiki the Second, who wasn't cursed at all! Lontiki the Second was a figure of good fortune, known for bringing luck and success to those who carried his medallion. Alvin's been stressing out for nothing!"
Theodore gasped. "You mean... Alvin's not cursed?"
"Nope. Turns out all the 'bad luck' was just a string of coincidences," Simon replied, standing up and quickly gathering his things. "We have to find Alvin and tell him the truth before he does something drastic."
Together, the group dashed down the boardwalk and across the beach, racing against time. Alvin had left to find the volcano prop that the native had told him about. They had to stop him before he did something drastic.
When they finally reached the large concert stage, their hearts pounded in their chests. There, climbing the towering fake volcano prop, was Alvin. He had the medallion gripped tightly in his hand, ready to toss it into the volcano's fake "lava" pit below.
"Alvin, stop!" Simon shouted, his voice carrying across the beach.
Alvin, surprised, turned around, precariously balancing on the edge of the volcano prop. "What are you guys doing here?!" he yelled back, clearly confused but relieved to see them.
Charlene sprinted toward the base of the volcano, her voice filled with urgency. "Alvin, you're not cursed! Simon figured it out! The medallion isn't cursed at all!"
"What do you mean?" Alvin shouted, still clutching the medallion.
Simon stepped forward, catching his breath. "It's for Lontiki the Second, not the original Lontiki. The medallion doesn't bring curses—it's just an old ceremonial piece. The 'bad luck' you've been having? It's just regular bad luck. Nothing supernatural about it!"
Alvin stood there, stunned. "So... all of this was just... random bad luck?"
But before Alvin could respond, he lost his footing on the slippery edge of the volcano prop. His arms flailed wildly as he tried to regain his balance, but it was too late.
"ALVIN!" the group screamed in unison as they watched him tumble backward into the volcano.
The next few seconds felt like slow motion. Alvin disappeared into the prop, the medallion still clutched in his hand. Simon, Theodore, and Charlene rushed forward, peering over the edge in a panic, their hearts pounding in their chests.
But instead of plunging into fiery lava-like in his worst nightmares, Alvin landed on a cushioned surface with a loud thud. He sat up, dazed, blinking as he tried to make sense of what had just happened.
It took him a second to realize that the volcano wasn't just part of the concert stage—it was filled with padded cushions and safety nets, clearly set up for a dramatic entrance during the performance. He wasn't in danger at all.
Charlene, Simon, and Theodore peeked down from above, all breathing sighs of relief when they saw Alvin was okay.
"You good?" Simon called down, a mix of relief and amusement in his voice.
Alvin rubbed his head, looking sheepish. "Yeah... I'm good. Just, uh, taking a breather." He stood up, looking around at the cushioned inside of the volcano prop, and let out a deep breath. "I guess this isn't the worst place to crash."
Charlene laughed, shaking her head as she wiped away a tear of relief. "Alvin, you're something else."
Alvin grinned up at them, finally able to relax now that the "curse" had been lifted. "Yeah, well, at least now I don't have to worry about turning into some bad luck magnet anymore."
With the truth about the medallion revealed Alvin climbed out of the volcano and rejoined his family and Charlene. The medallion, once a source of stress and fear, now hung around his neck like a badge of survival.
Musical Interlude - Surfing the Spotlight
*Song: Green Day - Welcome to Paradise*
The concert went ahead as planned, despite Alvin's dramatic mishap with the volcano prop. The crowd buzzed with excitement as the stage lights dimmed, and the Chipmunks prepared to take the spotlight. Alvin, with his newfound confidence, adjusted his microphone, smirked at his brothers, and nodded. The music kicked in, and the stage exploded into life.
Alvin launched into the performance like never before. His energy was electric—his signature charisma lighting up the stage. Simon kept the rhythm steady on the keyboards, his cool, intellectual demeanor contrasted by the way his fingers flew across the keys. Theodore, ever the heart of the group, grooved along with the beat, his wide grin showing just how much he was enjoying the moment.
The Chipmunks:
Dear mother can you hear me whining?
It's been three whole weeks
Since that I've left your home
This sudden fear has left me tremblin'
'Cause now it seems that I am out there on my own
And I'm feeling so alone
Alvin strutted across the stage, hitting every note with ease. The lights pulsed in time with the music, creating a dazzling display as the crowd erupted into cheers. As the first song hit its chorus, Alvin pointed toward the audience, grinning confidently. He flashed his trademark wink, earning wild cheers from their fans.
Meanwhile, Charlene, who watched from the wings, eyes wide in awe. She couldn't help but be impressed by Alvin's fearless stage presence. Even after everything that had happened, he still managed to pull off the performance like a true professional.
The Chipmunks:
Pay attention to the cracked streets
And the broken homes
Some call it slums, some call it nice
I want to take you through
A wasteland I like to call my home
Welcome to paradise
Fans bounced up and down to the beat, waving glow sticks, and holding up homemade signs with the Chipmunks' names in bold letters. Their excitement was contagious, and Alvin fed off their energy, getting more animated with each song.
As the performance continued, Alvin—ever the showman—threw in a few well-timed spins and slides. One moment had the crowd roaring when he dropped to his knees, sliding across the stage, belting out a powerful note just as the spotlights flashed around him.
Waves crashed against the shore, illuminated by the vibrant stage lights in the distance. The music echoed across the sand, mixing with the sound of the ocean.
The Chipmunks:
A gunshot rings out at the station
Another urchin snaps and left dead on his own
It makes me wonder why I'm still here
For some strange reason it's now
Feeling like my home
And I'm never gonna go
Back on stage, the final song of the set hit its peak, and Alvin took center stage, pulling off a flashy dance move before flipping the microphone into the air. With perfect timing, he caught it in one smooth motion, sending the crowd into a frenzy as he nailed the final note.
The Chipmunks:
Pay attention to the cracked streets
And the broken homes
Some call it slums, some call it nice
I want to take you through
A wasteland I like to call my home
Welcome to paradise
Alvin, Simon, and Theodore took their final bow together, their arms linked as they waved to the roaring audience. Confetti rained down from above, glittering in the stage lights, creating a perfect backdrop to their epic finale.
As the last chord played, Alvin looked over at Charlene, who clapped and cheered louder than anyone else. He shot her a wink before turning back to the crowd, basking in the applause and cheers that echoed around him.
The boys had not only conquered the stage, but Alvin had also overcome his fear and the supposed curse. The medallion around his neck felt like a reminder—not of bad luck, but of how far he'd come.
The performance ended with the Chipmunks in a triumphant group hug, the crowd still chanting their names. They had rocked the concert, and Alvin was back in his element.
Chapter 10 - Hahaha! Wipeout again!
After the concert, Alvin was laser-focused on one thing: winning the local surfing contest. He had been practicing hard, and despite the earlier chaos with the medallion, his confidence was back in full swing. Now, it was time to prove himself.
The beach buzzed with excitement as the crowd gathered to watch the contest. Alvin's brothers, Charlene, and even Dave cheered him on from the sidelines. Simon, Theodore, and Charlene sat near the water's edge, watching as Alvin paddled out into the waves.
Alvin's surfing had improved dramatically. With each wave, he handled his board with more finesse than ever before. His usual theatrics were on full display as he threw in showy twists and spins, earning the crowd's loud cheers and applause.
"This is it," Alvin thought, "one last trick and I'll have this competition in the bag!"
He paddled back out, waiting for the perfect wave to perform his final, show-stopping move—a daring aerial flip that was sure to seal his victory.
Meanwhile, back on the shore, Charlene had a realization. "All that bad luck stuff almost made me forget—I haven't gone swimming yet!" she said, standing up with a stretch. "I'll just go for a quick dip after Alvin finishes his run."
With that, Charlene began to remove her hooded swimsuit cover-up, revealing a stunning red two-piece swimsuit that caught the sunlight just right.
Unfortunately for Alvin, his timing couldn't have been worse. Just as he prepared to ride his final wave, he glanced over toward the beach. His eyes caught sight of Charlene, now standing in her swimsuit, and in that instant, his concentration slipped.
Alvin's board wobbled beneath him. "Oh no," he muttered as he lost his balance.
The crowd gasped as Alvin tumbled off his board and into the water. His final trick, which was supposed to be a dazzling display of skill, turned into an epic wipeout.
"Oh, a devastating wipeout for Alvin!" the announcer boomed over the loudspeaker. "That unfortunate fall means he's disqualified and will finish in last place... but hey, I'm in the mood to dig a hole."
As Alvin washed up onto the beach, waves pushing him ashore, he lay there for a moment in disbelief, staring up at the sky.
Simon, Theodore, and Charlene hurried over and stood above him.
"Alvin, what happened?! You had them beat!" Charlene said, genuinely concerned.
Alvin, still lying in the sand, his face flushed with embarrassment, mumbled, "I... started seeing red."
Simon raised an eyebrow, and Theodore scratched his head, confused. But Charlene blushed, suddenly understanding what Alvin meant.
Just as Alvin was about to sulk away in defeat, there was an unexpected announcement from the contest officials. It turned out the surfing competition had a special prize for the biggest wipeout—a featured spot in the famous "Wipe Out" orange juice commercial.
"Wait, what?" Alvin said, sitting up, stunned. "You mean I lost... but I still win something?"
Soon after, Alvin found himself standing awkwardly on set, dressed in beach gear and holding a tall glass of orange juice. The cameras rolled, and Alvin forced a wide, fake grin as the director called, "Action!"
In the commercial, Alvin held up the glass of orange juice, smiling stiffly into the camera. "Wipeout? More like, Wipe Out Orange Juice! Get refreshed after your biggest wipeouts—just like me!"
As soon as the commercial wrapped up, Alvin shuffled over to Simon, Theodore, and Charlene, who had been watching from the sidelines. He still had a faint orange mustache from the drink.
"Somehow, all this doesn't make me feel better," Alvin muttered, wiping the orange mustache off his lips.
Despite not winning the surfing contest, Alvin couldn't help but laugh at how wild the week had been. Between cursed medallions, fake volcanoes, and now being the face of an orange juice commercial, it had been a spring break like no other.
"You know something," Alvin said, perking up, "I'm up for some hole digging. Who's with me?!"
"I am!" Simon and Theodore exclaimed in unison, their faces lighting up as they rushed toward the beach, shovels in hand.
Charlene, still baffled by the boys' obsession with digging holes, watched them run off toward the sand. She shook her head, amused but still perplexed.
"Boys," Charlene sighed.
~The End~