Chipmunk Origins: Power

Noah Jagers believed himself an unlucky soul in the early years of his life.  His first home, the Blarney Forest in Ireland, burned to the ground and took with it his family and friends.  Alone in the world, he trained his secret powers of sorcery, becoming the newest- and possibly last- Magus Ultimus.  Using his magic, he immigrated to the United States where he was taken in by a ruddy orphanage in suburban Los Angeles.

Enrolled at Thomas Edison Elementary, the soon-to-be eight year-old began his schooling in second grade.  He arrived the first day of school in some ratty clothes provided to all the kids at the orphanage.  Obviously poor, the blonde, green-eyed chipmunk was picked on by many of the school’s bullies.  He suffered for almost three hours before lunch came around, and with it, recess.  Thankfully, it was here that his life would change forever.

Despite trying to play by himself, a couple of bullies targeted him and began pelting him with a flurry of poorly-worded insults.  Suddenly, a group of four chipmunks appeared, led by one of average height with bright, blue eyes.  He wore a red hoodie with two yellow stripes on each arm and a giant ‘A’ on the front.  This was paired with faded, black jeans, a white shirt and red sneakers.  He seemed to be well known amongst the other students.

To the red-clad boy’s right stood a shorter, green-eyed ‘munk clad in a green hoodie, khaki pants and green sneakers.  He was a bit on the chubby side, but pulled off the look surprisingly well.  Standing opposite him was a tall ‘munk with gray-blue eyes aided by a pair of round, blue glasses.  He wore a blue, plaid, button-up shirt with a black shirt beneath it, along with black jeans and a pair of white and blue sneakers.

Another, shorter ‘munk stood timidly behind the tall one, with gray-blue eyes of his own.  He wore a black and orange, motocross-style jacket, a pair of baggy, black cargo pants with orange stitching, and black, white and orange, DC skate shoes.  Noah had heard some vague rumors about the boys, one being that the orange-clad boy rode a dirt bike to school.  The others, living up to their popularity and wealth, arrived in a black limousine.

“Hank Slater, what have I told you about picking on the new kids?” the leader growled, “His being a chipmunk just makes it worse. Get outta my sight!”  The bullies fled with speed they scarcely knew they had, at which point the orange-clad boy stepped out of hiding.  While the leader kept watch, the second-shortest chipmunk approached Noah.  Trying to dry his tears, the young orphan wiped his cheeks with the sleeves of his Green Lantern hoodie.

“Hi, my name’s Austin,” the orange-clad boy introduced himself, “What’s yours?”  It took a moment for the shorter boy to find the courage to respond.

"Noah..." he murmured.  Austin smiled, trying to avoid unnerving the boy any further.

“Sorry you had to deal with those bullies, Noah,” he apologized, “Why don’t you come play with my brothers and I? You won’t get any trouble with us around.”  Noah considered the invitation for a moment, and finally agreed.

“...okay.”  For the rest of recess, Austin, Noah, and the green-clad chipmunk- introduced as Theodore- played together while the other two brothers- Alvin and Simon- shot some hoops nearby.  The boys really hit it off, and soon found themselves playing together after school.  The other boys’ mom even invited Noah over, and he was quite impressed by their luxurious home.  After a quick tour, the five chipmunks surrounded the family Nintendo 64.

Super Smash Bros. was the game of choice for an hour or so, and then Theodore requested Mario Party 2.  However, as Alvin went to insert the cartridge, he missed the slot and caused the game to slip across the back of the console.  He then lost his grip, the cartridge slipping through a hole meant for cords and falling to the floor behind the entertainment center.  SImon sighed, glaring at his suddenly clumsy older brother.

“Just great, Alvin,” he grumbled, “I’ll go get mom, since there’s no way any of us can reach it.”  Noah raised a hand.

“Leave it t’ me, lads,” he spoke.  He raised a hand, and levitated the game out from behind the large furnishing as if using the Force.  The others gasped.

“What are you, psychic?” Austin questioned, shocked.  Noah shook his head.

“No such ‘ting as real psychics,” he retorted, “The word you’re looking for is sorcerer.”   The other boys were shocked.

“I’d say I don’t believe it, but… I just saw it…” Simon sputtered.  Theodore was speechless.

“Amazing…” Alvin spoke, awestruck.  Noah rubbed the back of his neck, embarrassed by all the attention.

“I’m glad you guys like it, but please keep it a secret,” he requested.  The other boys nodded.

“We will, promise,” Simon replied.  Finally, the group’s focus was turned to Mario Party, and the afternoon seemed to pass by in a flash.  Soon it was dinner time, and Noah was starting to wonder when he’d be going back to the orphanage.  As he followed the others towards the dining room, Vinny herded them into the hall bathroom to wash their hands.  Pulling her aside, the young orphan decided to use the opportunity to ask about his eventual return.

“Not to be rude, Mrs. Seville, but it’s getting late,” he asked, “When are you taking me back to the orphanage?”  Vinny’s eyes widened in shock, a hand covering her mouth.

“I thought I told you boys already, but it seems I forgot!” she answered, “Come to the table, I have an announcement to make.”  Noah became increasingly curious as they headed into the dining room; Vinny immediately getting the other boys’ attention.  “Kids, I have some exciting news: we’ve adopted Noah!”

The irishmunk gasped in shock; this would change everything.
--
Later that night, Noah found himself in a bit of a predicament.  While now adopted, he still wore his old clothes from the orphanage, he was in need of a shower among other things, and he had no idea where he’d be sleeping.  Night had eluded his focus for a while, because he had been so absorbed in playing around with his new brothers.  Standing worried and alone in the hallway at the top of the stairs, he silently debated his course of action.

“Noah? Oh you poor thing, no one told you?”  Mrs. Seville now stood at the bottom of the stairs, looking up at her youngest son apologetically.  “You’re rooming with Theodore, dear; we’ve got it all set up. He’ll help you get settled in.”  Noah nodded and headed down the hall, forgetting that he had no idea where the boys’ rooms were.  He had spent most of his time in the game room, so he wasn’t yet familiar with the house’s layout.

Entering the first bedroom he came to, he stumbled upon a rather surprising scene.  Alvin, Austin and Simon sat within the room, their legs dangling from their respective beds while they played a video game.  The eldest brother sat atop a twin size, red, racecar bed, while the other two shared a tall, wooden, queen.  Nothing much would have come of this, were it for for the three chipmunks’ unusual and unexpected attire.

The boys wore t-shirts in their signature colors- red, orange and blue- but no pants.  What was truly surprising, however, was their atypical choice in undergarments.  Each of the three eight year-olds was taped snugly into a white diaper trimmed in their signature color.  Only Austin was mildly embarrassed, however; the other two brothers remaining calm.  Noah, on the other hand, was quite flustered after walking in on the trio.

“If you’re looking for Theo’s room, it’s another door down,” Alvin spoke up, “He’ll be waiting for ya.”  Noah rubbed the back of his neck in embarrassment.

“I am, but now I’m a wee bit curious,” he asked, nervous, “What’s with the, uh… diapers?”  The last word came out barely louder than a whisper, but it was heard loud and clear.  Immediately, Simon’s gaze sharpened.

“While Alvin and I will readily admit that we have bedwetting problems, Austin…” he paused, “Well, he’s a bit more sensitive about it.”  The orange-clad chipmunk looked to his eldest sibling, sending a silent message.  Alvin gave a half nod, then turned his gaze to Noah.

“He’s going to tell you why he wears ‘em, but you’d better not laugh,” he warned, “There will be consequences.”  Noah quickly nodded in acceptance, holding up his right hand.

“I promise not to, sorcerer’s honor,” he replied.  Austin took a deep breath.

“I was born with a minor spinal cord deformity,” he explained, “It’s weakened the connection between my brain and bladder, so I can't always make it to the bathroom in time."  Noah stifled a gasp.

"I'm sorry, Austin," he apologized, "That sounds terrible."  Austin managed a weak smile.

“It’s okay, at least the diapers are comfy,” he admitted.  Simon ruffled his brother’s hair.

“That’s the spirit,” he responded.  Noah grinned in amusement.

“Yeah; I’m glad you enjoy ‘em, Austin,” he added, “G’night guys.”

“Night!” the three boys replied in unison.  Noah headed down the hall, looking skyward on the way to his new bedroom.  Silently, he thanked God for blessing him with an amazing family and a bright future.