Alvin and the Chipmunks Video Game Purgitory 6

Chapter Six

The Oracle

The hawk’s words took a while to sink in.  There was a feeling of excitement and relief among the five chipmunks that Theodore would return to them, and soon, like the hawk promised.  Smiles reached the faces of everyone in the room.

And yet, Simon couldn’t help but feel a twinge of doubt.  His “Simon senses”, as Alvin called them, were tingling, and seeing this stranger draped entirely in black robes, obscuring everything about him, caused Simon to be ill at ease.  He trusted that the hawk was telling the truth about this guy, but the subconscious feeling persisted anyway.

“Excuse me, sir,” Simon addressed the hawk.

“You can call me Gunther,” the hawk said.

“Er, right.  Gunther.  Just out of curiosity, who is that man?”  Simon asked.

“His name is James,” Gunther said.  “A Zenkradian warrior, and one of few who oppose Triden.  He has agreed to help us on our mission to carrying out the prophecy.”

“Zenkradian?” questioned Simon.  Whatever it was, Gunther mentioned only few of them opposed the Wizard.  Were they servants of Triden?  Supporters?  Could they be trusted, even those who claimed they were on the side of good?  That only made Simon more troubled at the fact that Theodore was going to be rescued by one of them.

The hawk nodded.  “Oh yes, of course.  You are new to this world.”  He cleared his throat.  “Zenkrad is one of the sectors of this kingdom, just like Karan Forest.  It’s best known as ‘The Land of Shadows’, so called because of its inhabitants, who are clandestine beings.”

“Sorta like ninjas, right?” Alvin said.

“Erm…I suppose you could say that,” the hawk said.  “These beings, though, are born without a definite form.  They have the power to transform into anything they wish.”

“So they’re more like shape-shifters, then,” said Simon.

“Yes,” said the hawk.  “Shape-shifters as well as ninjas.  People of the Shadows.  You could never tell if you encountered a Zenkradian.  For all you know, I could very well be one myself.”

Alvin cocked his head uneasily.  “Are you?”

The hawk laughed.  “Oh no!  If I were, I’d be a creature other than a hawk.  One that was better suited for handling weaponry.”

“And James is going to rescue Theodore?” Eleanor asked, sounding hopeful.

“That is the plan,” affirmed Gunther.  “James specifically volunteered for that task.  He says he is perfect for being able to infiltrate the Dark Tower.  It is certainly to our advantage having a Zenkradian on our side; his shape-shifting abilities will be of good use to our cause.”

“Okay, so this James guy is saving Theodore for us,” Brittany said.  “After that, how do we get home?”

“Well, that is exactly why we sent James,” Gunther said.  “The thing is, we need all six chosen ones in order for the prophecy to come true.  If you want to return to your home world, you’ll have to fulfill your calling in this one.”

“So what’s this whole thing about a ‘prophecy’ that everyone is talking about?” Alvin demanded.

“Long ago, when Triden began ruling over us in terror,” Gunther said.  “It was passed around that six beings from another world would cease the evil in the land.  They each would have the power to awaken an ancient titanic warrior who has slept for thousands of years.”

“And you believe those beings are us?” asked Eleanor.

“Well, you aren’t from here, are you?” said Gunther.

The chipmunks shook their heads.

“And there are six of you, are there not?”

“Well…yeah,” said Alvin.  “Minus Theodore, for now.”

The hawk nodded smugly.  “So there you have it.  You fit the criteria.  Which reminds me…we need to get your weaponry together.”

Alvin’s eyes brightened.  “Weaponry?  You mean, we’re going to fight some bad guys?”  

“Of course!” Gunther said, appreciating Alvin’s enthusiasm.  “I mean, you are the chosen ones.  You can’t go on facing Triden as you are.”

“Suh-weet!” whooped Alvin.  “What do I get?  A sword?  An axe?”

“Now hold your feathers, kid, I’m getting to that,” the hawk said, walking toward the shelves and racks full of weapons and armor.  “Now…since you came from outside this world, the only way we can determine your warrior class is if we talked to the Oracle.  She knows information about this world that no one else does.  She’ll know just what kind of weapons you’ll each be fit for.”

Jeanette looked at the hawk timidly.  “I…I don’t know if I can fight.”

“We’ll let the Oracle determine that.”  Gunther motioned his wing toward the door.  “Follow me.”

The chipmunks did as they were told.  They exited Gunther’s shop to be greeted by the cool refreshing air, though there was a hint of a smoky smell.  Forest animals of all kinds; whether avian, mammal, or insect; walked about the paths, which seemed to have been weaved out of twigs like a flat basket.  It was incredible to the chipmunks how they could build an entire village on the very top of a tree.  Simon was trying to figure out how the limbs of the tree could carry the weight, but then remembered it was all in a video game, and it was futile trying to make sense of it.

They reached an old building with a sign that read “TAVERN”.  Gunther opened the door, and beckoned the chipmunks inside.  The room was dark and slightly fogged.  Creatures sitting at the tables with their drinks turned and eyed the entering party curiously.  Jeanette clung herself to Simon’s side, and the bespectacled chipmunk smiled assurance to her.

Once they reached the bar, Gunther called for the bartender.  The bartender, a pudgy-looking hedgehog, smiled a greeting at the hawk.  “Gunther!  What can I get for you?  The usual?”

Gunther shook his head.  He looked about the tavern to make sure no one was watching, then leaned forward.  “Actually, I came here to see Delphia.”

The bartender looks surprised at first, but then nodded in understanding.  He lowered his voice to a whisper.  “What for?  You know she won’t see just anyone.”

The hawk pointed his beak behind him.  “I have the Chosen Ones with me.”  The five chipmunks smiled and waved to the bartender.

The bartender leaned in further, squinting his eyes.  He then had a look of awe, and gasped.  “Well, by the great stars in the sky, so it is!  The time has finally come.”  The hedgehog scanned the entire room for any onlookers, and when there were none, he signaled Gunther and the chipmunks.  “Come with me.”

He invited the party behind the counter, where he lifted a plank of wood off the floor.  Underneath it was a square-shaped hole that lead down into blackness.  “She resides down there,” the bartender said, pointing.  “Make sure you shut the door when you come out.”

“We will be sure to do that,” Gunther said, grabbing a lantern hanging off the wall.  “Come on, chipmunks.”

The chipmunks looked down uncertainly as Gunther disappeared in the darkness below.  Alvin scoffed at the rest and took confident strides down the stairs.  Rolling his eyes, Simon followed, urging the nervous Chipettes to come, too.   Jeanette wrapped her fingers around Simon’s paw, and he clasped them protectively as they descended into the pitch blackness.

They caught up to Gunther, following the faint light that surrounded his lantern.  The door above them was sealed.  “Are you ready?” the hawk asked.

“So the Oracle lives in the basement of a tavern?” Simon questioned.

The hawk nodded.  “First of all, she likes it down here.  It’s just her environment.  Second, we’re trying to keep her hidden from Triden and his forces.  They have attempted to exploit her powers for their evil deeds.”

“I suppose that makes sense,” Simon said.

“How far do these stairs go?” asked Brittany, staring nervously into the unseen abyss.

“It follows down the entire tree trunk, past the roots,” said Gunther, matter-of-factly.  “She lives beneath the ground, so it’s going to be quite a journey.”

“Well, what are we waiting for?  Stop flapping your lips, and let’s get going!”  Alvin eagerly took lead of the group as they began going down the spiral staircase.

Simon heaved a sigh, and linked elbows with Jeanette.  “Just so I don’t lose you again,” he whispered to her.  Jeanette was more than happy to be escorted.  She hated being in the dark, and it was comforting having Simon by her side.

The hike down the steps seemed endless.  A countless amount of time passed, and each animals’ legs were growing weary, but the steps kept flowing like a steady stream.  Not to mention, the lower they got, the colder the air felt.

Finally, they reached solid ground at the bottom of the staircase.  Gunther shone his lantern at a round red door, like it fit on a hole in the wall.

“So is this it?” Alvin panted, about ready to keel over.

“Yes,” Gunther assured.  He handed the lantern over to Jeanette.  “Hold this,” he instructed.  With his beak free, he pecked the door a few times.  “Delphia!  Can you hear me?”

There was no answer.  Gunther sighed.  “She must be meditating again…”

“So what do we do now?” said Eleanor.

“I don’t know,” the hawk confessed.  “It’s going to be a while before we can talk to her.  She can get so deep into her mind that she loses all awareness of the outside world.”

The chipmunks groaned, Alvin’s being the loudest.  “You’ve got to be kidding!  We came all this way just to wait.”

Then their ears perked when a click sounded from the door.  “Gunther, Chosen Ones…” an old gravelly voice said.  “You are exactly on time.  Enter.”

Gunther pushed the door open with his head, and stepped into the hole.  The chipmunks trailed after like baby quails to their mother.  The room wasn’t what the chipmunks had expected at all.  They had pictured some kind of fortune teller’s house decorated with mystical jewelry and relics, but instead the place was barren, save a colorful patterned rug on the floor with two lit torches on both sides.  There wasn’t even a crystal ball in sight!

The oracle, on the other hand, fit the look of a fortune teller just perfectly.  She was an old mole clothed in colorful robes and many layers of beaded necklaces and large rings.  Covering her eyes was a pair of giant glasses with rose-colored lens.

“Well, I can see why she likes it underground,” Simon whispered to Jeanette.  “She’s a mole.”

“Very right you are,” Delphia said, startling Simon a little.  “You know your animal biology quite well.”  Simon sensed sarcasm dripping in her words.

“Er, I do,” the smart chipmunk said, uncomfortably.

The mole stared at Simon.  “I see.”  She went over to her rug and sat down, saying nothing more.

Gunther began to speak.  “Delphia, we need—”

“No need to explain, dear,” the oracle said.  “I know just what to do.”  She sniffed the air, and directed a claw at Alvin.  “Alvin Seville.”

Alvin looked surprised, but quickly recovered.  “That’s me,” he said confidently.

“Come forth.”

Alvin stepped forward towards Delphia.  “So what weapon do I get?  Is it something awesome?  Do I get cool armor to go with it?”

“Based on your written destiny,” the oracle said, as though she didn’t hear Alvin.  “You are of the Knight class.  Blessed with skilled swordsmanship, fiery vigor, and undying loyalty to those you love.  Your weapon of choice is the Sword of Valiance, a strong blade for warding off fear.”

“Cool, I’m a knight!” Alvin cheered.  He paused.  “That’s exactly what I picked for my character.  The one I created.”

“Everyone creates their own fate,” Delphia said simply.

“Hold on,” said Simon.  “So if our class and weapons are based on the characters we created…then that would make me—”

“Of the Mage class, Simon,” Delphia finished.  “You possess a vast knowledge of things, proficiency and confidence in your powers, and the ability to cast spells that will protect your family and friends from harm.  Your weapon of choice is the Ancient Staff, perfect for conjuring shielding spells.”

Simon nodded, considering his description.  “Right.”

The oracle averted her gaze beside Simon.  “Jeanette.”

The Chipette looked up timidly.  “…Yes?”

“You, Jeanette…with the delicacy of a flower…but with the hidden might of a tree.  You are of the Mage class as well, but your weapon of choice is the Sun Rod, which awakens nature to your will.”

“But, I…” Jeanette faltered.  “Does this mean I have to fight?”

“You will do what you must to carry on the prophecy,” said Delphia.  “You will seek the assistance of the flora and fauna of this world.”

Jeanette nodded uncertainly.  “Okay.”

“Eleanor.”  The oracle’s rose glasses faced the blonde pigtailed chipmunk.  “You are of the Archer class, with faith undying and dedication strong.  Your weapon of choice is the Robin Bow, whose arrows, when given enough trust, will never miss their targets.”

Eleanor smiled.  “Thank you.”

“Well, what about me?” Brittany demanded, stepping forward, pushing Eleanor out of the way.  “What’s my skill?”

Delphia gazed at the auburn-haired Chipette.  Brittany waited expectantly for an answer, but the mole remained silent.  Finally, she said, “I read nothing from you.”

Brittany’s ears perked up in confusion.  “What!  What is that supposed to mean?”

“You have not written your destiny, Brittany.  Which is why I will provide one for you,” said Delphia.

Alvin in the back snickered, which drew a sharp glare from Brittany.  Alvin raised his paws in defense.  “What?  You should’ve made a profile like the rest of us.”

Brittany growled.  “I wasn’t going to play that stupid game with you.”

“Then that’s your fault.”  Alvin smirked.

Brittany would have slugged him, but Delphia demanded her attention back to her.  The mole opened her claws to reveal a golden puck-shaped object.  Brittany leaned over to get a closer look.  Within the golden object was a dial that rotated toward different engraved symbols.  Brittany felt her heart sink.  “A compass?”

“Yes,” said Delphia.  “You will serve as the navigator and the Keeper of Harmony.  Maintain order among your group, and the compass shall point the way.”

“Brittany, the Keeper of Harmony?” Alvin chortled.  “I find that hard to believe.”

Brittany looked fiercely at the red-clad Chipmunk.  “Shut up, Alvin!”

Suddenly, the dial began to spin.  It spun faster, then stopped and rotated the other way.  The movements were spastic and inconsistent.

“When there is contention and discord,” Delphia said.  “You lose your way.”

“Well, that’s not a good start on your job, Britt,” commented Alvin.

It took a lot of constraint for Brittany not to smack Alvin’s mouth shut.  She closed her eyes and drew a deep breath.  When she opened her eyes, she saw that the dial slowed down and pointed in a single direction.

Delphia then placed the compass into Brittany’s paws.  “Practice patience, dear, and you will overcome any obstacle.”

Brittany nodded.  “Fine.  I’ll try.”

“Now I believe there is one more in your group, is there not?” Delphia asked.

“He is not here,” Gunther said.  “He is in Triden’s clutches, as we speak.”

“And you’ve sent the Zenkradian on his way to rescue Theodore?” said Delphia.

“Yes,” affirmed Gunther.

Delphia shook her head.  “I sense much danger will befall both of them during their expedition.”

Eleanor perked up.  “What!  What’s going to happen to them?”

Delphia didn’t respond right away.  After a few seconds, she said.  “They will have dealings with the Great and Terrible Wizard, Triden, as well as Flame Bane, the Master of Fire.”

“Flame Bane…” Alvin muttered.  Then it hit him.  “You mean the guy that tried to kill us in the forest?”

Delphia nodded.  “I would be wary if I were you.  Flame Bane has personal resentment towards you chipmunks, and is more bent on destroying you than before.”

“What, because we escaped his pathetic trap?” Alvin bragged.  “I’m telling you, even a baby could get out of that!”

“Your confidence is your greatest strength, Alvin,” said Delphia.  “But too much of it may become your greatest weakness.”

For a second, Alvin seemed unsettled by those words, but then he scoffed.  “Like that’ll ever happen!”

“What do you propose we do about this?  About Theodore and James?” Gunther asked the oracle.

“Proceed as you would.  Bestow the chosen ones their weapons, and follow the instruction of the Keeper of Harmony.”  Delphia gestured at Brittany.  It was then Brittany’s turn to smirk, while Alvin returned it with crossed arms and a scowl.

Gunther nodded.  “Very well.”

“Oh, and when you find Theodore, give him this.  Only he has the power to use it.”  Delphia handed the hawk what appeared to be a wooden flute.  It was smooth, polished, and painted with intricate designs in six different colors.

“What is it?” breathed Jeanette.  “It looks so beautiful.”

“It is the instrument whose song will awaken the Ancient Giant,” Delphia said.  “But the song will only be heard if it is played by the pure-hearted.  The Ancient Giant is your only hope to defeating Triden and saving this world.  Go now!  Leave me at peace!  Do not bother me until the darkness has left this land.”  The old mole closed her eyes, returning to her meditative state.

Gunther stored away the flute and turned to the chipmunks.  “You heard her.  Let’s get back to my shop and equip your weapons.  We have no time to lose.”