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Counter Earth Chronicles - Fallen Empire

Chapter 113: What Once Was And What Will Never Be (The Future Of Our Future Part V)

Day 265 [September 30th] (12:02 PM The Oasis World Two)

(It has been nine months since the world, my world has changed. Before December 31st life was grand! I was a diva! I was a singer! I had a band and I toured opening up to sold out audiences across the empire. I was renowned and my life was just fabulous baby! My fans fainted in my presence!!! And now my reality has faded to just this! Looking back the signs were there- the unrest, the rebels, the curfew, the green plague and then the fall.) A chocolate brown rabbit thought to herself while observing the only block in the city that was undamaged.

To the north, to the east, to the south, to the west all signs that reality for citizens outside of this safe zone had changed and not for the better. The rabbit singer longed for the life she had before as she looked up and down the block- humans and beastials of all shapes and sizes on either side of the street- talking, playing music, socializing, eating, trading supplies under the watchful eyes of guards at the boundaries. It seemed like a horrid refugee camp after some terrible conflict she had seen on the hub. But it wasn't.

“Sura?" A ugly female pitbull asked her.

“Ms. Masha?"

“You seem to be in deep thought."

“Just remembering better times, they seem like a lifetime ago." The singer sighed.

“Well sorry about that, I was wondering if you could help me out. I am late for a meeting and I need someone to watch my brood."

“Um, ok but this is the fourth time this week isn't it?"The rabbit asked.

“It is, but you are one of the few that I trust. Tano, Nano, Tamuda come here! I want you to be on your best behavior for Sura."

“Yes momma." The three pups said in unison as the pitbull collected her axe.

“So pups would you like to hear some of my songs?" Sura asked.

“Nah, they are too slow." Tano said.

“And boring." Nano said.

“I don't like ballads!!" Tamuda replied.

That was it!!!

“Looks like someone is under appreciated." A thylacine nearby observed.

“At times it feels like that." The rabbit replied. “Hey, I don't remember seeing you around these parts."

“I am rather new here. It is admirable what the gorilla is trying to do but rather small minded." The thylacine replied. He had these piercing green eyes, a long snout, short ears and better clothing than everyone else around him. Including her.

“You think so huh?" Sura asked curiously as she watched Masha's pups.

“You can call me Earl. I am aligned with an individual who supports Kala's efforts but believes she can do it better. In fact she is amassing allies. The remaining Knights of Warwick for example. She could use someone with your background…."

Meanwhile….

“A bakery?" Penny said sitting down at a long table next to the dalmatian family.

“Yes. This was our vision." Mitsa said, holding her son.

“Delectable Delights it was to be our dream job." Lune said stoically to the penguin healer. “It is just that our world ended before we had a chance to realize that dream."

Penny could see that both were rather upset about this.

“This is the meeting place?" Masha said walking into the room from the training hall next door. “Sorry that I am late."

“So we are having the meeting in here today?" Oliver asked walking in. He was followed by Theresa.

“Kala decided to have it in here." The wildlife researcher replied sitting down next to Mitsa.

Just then the leader of the vigilantes walked in. “Where is Nezera?"

*POOF* “Present." The vampire bat said appearing out of thin air. “Although, I don't understand the reason for these meetings or their purpose."

“It is because miss Kala has to know what is going on." One of Masha's pups said trailing in behind the female gorilla.

“It is hard for a leader to be everywhere." Another said as she received a stern look from her mother.

“Uh, we will be quiet now." A third said.

“What are you three doing here?" The momma pitbull started to say before she was cut off.

“It has been a rough week people, I could use some good news." The female gorilla said, sitting down next to Penny.

The two humans, vampire bat, penguin, dalmations and pitbull looked down at the ground as if trying to find a way to spin what they had to say.

“Mahsa, what is the status of the Oasis?" The female warrior asked opening up the meeting.

“We have fifty persons in our sanctuary."

“I thought we had more?" The female gorilla asked.

“Yeah but while screening new candidates we determined they um, weren't viable." The ugly pitbull female responded, sanitizing her words.

“How so?"

“Nezera determined they were neo rebels, road warriors, monster worshippers, entity rejects and creatures disguised as humans and a few walkers." Masha responded. “My axe received quite the workout."

“We all did." Nezera responded.

“What about our enemies?" The gorilla asked the grey bat.

“They continue to grow in size and scope. I have counted more and more creatures running amok around the city than in weeks before." The vampire said.

“There is a competition to take back the city from the various factions vying for control." Mitsa replied.

“I thought I just said that." The lady bat replied.

“I said it better." The female dalmatian countered.

“We should be in the fight too dismantling each of these factions and trying to take back our city." The leader of the vigilantes grumbled.

“That is the problem boss." Lune replied. “It is taking considerable resources to protect and keep what we have.

“So much so that we can't pursue our main objective." Kala's second in command said much to the gorilla's annoyance.

“So we are barely holding on?" Kala asked.

Her vigilantes at the table in the bakery nodded.

“I guess, it is my turn next." Oliver said. “Our food supplies are running low as well."

“I thought what we found in the warehouse next door would last us quite a while?"

“That was before we had so many mouths to feed." Mr. Justice responded. “We have maybe a week's supply left ma'am."

The gorilla face-palmed at the candid remark. Was she really hearing this?

“Kala what do we do after that?" Theresa asked. “It is not like we have the land to grow a garden."

“Start hunting those creatures running around." Nezera suggested. She was given strange looks from her colleagues. “It would take care of the monster problem and the food problem."

“I will keep that under advisement." The gorilla warrior said.

“There is also my sister Kala." Ms. Branch said.

“I apologize Theresa, I know we were going to increase our search for Tessa…"

“Yeah but we are barely holding on." Oliver re-enforced.

“But we still manage to save Iggy, Faust and Ceil every time they get into a fix." The redhead countered.

“They are trying to regain order as well but have even less resources than we do." Lune commented.

“You mean Iggy is an idiot." Penny said as all eyes turned on her. “He has failed this city… don't look at me like that, you all were thinking it."

“He should be working with us instead, he is going out on his own. He is going to get himself into a fix he can't fix." Mr. Justice added.

“Outbursts aside, what is the status of medical?" Kala asked the penguin.

“I have what I need for now provided none of you get too banged up. But I am more concerned with morale around here, it is at an all time low. I see that our leader and her second in command are stressed out and it isn't a good look for her subordinates- us."

“Penny lay off. Kala is taking time to herself, she meditates, writes and exercises." Mitsa responded.

“What about you?" The penguin shot back at Kala's second. “Seeing nothing change day after day must be getting to you too."

“I have Lune and Luck to look after both are a pawful especially the prior." The she dalmatian responded.

“Hey!!!" Lune blushed.

“I would suggest that we have a morale officer. Someone to keep our spirits up especially now." The redheaded female human at the table suggested.

“Do you have anyone in mind?" Kala asked.

“What about Sura?" Oliver asked.

“She would be the perfect candidate." Theresa said.

“That rabbit has been depressed lately." The lady bat said.

“That is because she has been relegated to cub sitter and can't do what she loves to do." The male dalmatian interjected.

“Well it is not like there are any concerts where she can perform and forget about traveling to the other cities especially now. There aren't any venues still standing and her band well they aren't around any more…." The female dalmatian added.

“Sounds like she feels pretty useless right now, I will go and speak with her." The gorilla warrior said as the three pitbull pups shook their heads.

“Tano, Nano, Tamuda do you have something to say?" Masha asked.

“Rabbit lady is gone momma."

“She went for a walk with someone."

“Who?" Theresa asked.

“A mysterious and weird thylacine."

“Why didn't you three say something before?" Kala asked Masha's cubs.

“No one asked." The three said in unison.

Kala and the vigilantes left the bakery, headed to the training hall and out into the street.

“Everyone if I could have your attention!!" Mitsa shouted. “Has anyone seen Sura?"

The crowd shook their heads.

“No one saw anything?" Lune said following up his mate's question.

Again there was silence even from the guards. How was that even possible?

“What was she thinking? Doesn't she know how dangerous it is outside of the Oasis?!" Kala said, shouting.

“She does know boss, she was held captive by road warriors after the fall." Mr. Justice said.

“Which means she either went willingly or was taken by force." Theresa said.

“It can't be the latter, it would have caused a scene." Penny said.

“So it means the first option." Ms. M said.

“Or she was hypnotized." The penguin added.

“DAMN." Lady Keiko's sister frowned.

“What are you thinking boss?" Oliver asked.

“We are going after her, she is one of us after all." The lady bat said.

“And a very good cub sitter." Lune blurted out stupidly.

“But?" Mitsa asked, holding her son.

“You are dividing your resources again." The penguin healer added.

“Unfortunately yes. I need my strongest fighters here to protect what we still have left." The brown gorilla said.

“But you also don't know what waits for you out there either Kala, the streets are dangerous." The she dalmatian said.

The leader of the vigilantes thought for a moment.

“Oliver, Lune, Miss M, Penny keep an eye on things here. Mitsa you are in charge. Nezera, Theresa with me."

“Well, I am getting kind of hungry." The grey bat said.

Theresa looked at her colleague. “I think we are relying on you for tracking Nezera."

“As long as I get to feed…."

And so the trio began the quest; they left the safety of their block and started trying to track their wayward bunny.

2:20 PM East side of the city….

“I think she went that way." The vampire bat said as they made their way past a crumbled apartment building.

“This looks very familiar for some reason." The brown gorilla said.

*scratch* *scratch* *scratch*

"What is making that scratching noise?!" Ms. Branch asked. Carefully and quietly she moved around the debris that strewn the block they were on. "Eww it is the large walking pile of sherbert!"

“What?" The vampire bat asked.

"Little wolverine, little wolverine let me in!" The horrific creature commanded.

"Why?" A small voice answered from inside the rubble.

"I want to eat you." The creature said trying to gain entrance to what remained of the wolverine's home.

*scratch* *scratch* *scratch*

“No way, it is the kid and that monster from before Kala; he is still alive!"

“Mostly because he knew how to avoid that thing." The vampire bat said.

“Theresa…." Kala warned.

“I know we have to pick and choose our battles, but Nezera is with us this time." The redheaded human said. “We need to fix this now."

“Very well. Three pronged attack- strike fast, strike hard." Kala said, directing her subordinates.

“You there!" Theresa shouted toward the six foot tall creature. “Yes you, leave that boy alone."

“Who says?" The creature asked turning its attention to the five foot five ginger with the serious look on her face.

“I do. Apparently he does not wish to be eaten." Theresa said pointing her bladed staff at him. “Why don't you get your sustenance from the forest or river creature?"

“Because the food in the city tastes better." The monster said moving towards her.

“Leave him alone or else." Ms. Branch said.

“Else what?" The creature laughed.

*SCHLING*

The brown gorilla withdrew the swords on her back and silently moved forward.

*IMPALE*

Kala stabbed the creature through its back, while Theresa did the same from the front and Nezera from the air,

“AARRGGHH!!!"

“You will die right here, right now." Theresa said, stabbing the creature again and again in his torso.

The three warriors watched as the creature fell on its side.

“First lesson when terrorizing and being an overall public menace..." Kala said to the humiliated creature.

“When you least expect it. EXPECT IT." The lady bat said, sinking her fangs into the creature's neck.

“What… what are you doing?!" The monster gasped.

“Looks like she is feeding." Kala said coaxing the wolverine out from his hiding spot to watch.

“Is she a vampire bat?" The boy asked.

“Yes. But she is a friendly vampire bat." Theresa exclaimed. “Mostly."

“It doesn't feel great when you are someone else's food is it?" The brown gorilla asked.

“AUGH!!" The creature said.

“Yuck." Nezera said spitting up yellow goo. “That thing tastes as awful as it looks."

“Hmm…." Theresa said, staring the creature down.

“What, why is she looking at me like that?"

“Just wondering how nice your head would look in our training hall." The redhead responded.

“If I were you, Mr. creature, I would run." The wolverine said.

“And never harass this boy again." The gorilla warned.

The four of them watched as the creature staggered off denied of its meal.

“Thank you." The wolverine said. “Hey I remember you all from that clinic!"

“If you ever get tired of living here, you can come live with us alright?" The gorilla said patting the boy on his head.

“Perhaps you could help us in return, we are looking for one of our own perhaps you have seen her?" Theresa asked.

Meanwhile back at the Training Hall….

“Masha how is Luck?" The she dalmatian asked.

“Sleeping. Penny is keeping an eye on him as well as Tano, Nano and Tamuda." The mother pitbull said to the mother dalmatian as they watched from the second floor window of the training hall.

“Ever wonder what the world will be like when our pups grow up Miss M?"

“You're looking at it." She answered.

“If I could clap my paws and make this all go away, I would in a heartbeat."

“But we can't, this is what we are dealing with." The mother pitbull said.

“But for how long? A year? Two years? Ninety years?" Mitsa said thinking about the time before the High Evoluntionary.

“Dear, you better come see this!" Lune shouted to his mate.

The two females met Lune at the end of their block where he, Oliver and a few of the residents were conversing with four refugees.

“Sirs we are seeking shelter for the night." The first of the four asked stepping forward.

“Do you know of a place?" The second said stepping forward.

“A safe place?" A third member asked.

Mitsa looked at the brown hooded robes they were wearing, the black boots, their covered faces and wrapped hands. That kind of clothing seemed fine for winter and early spring but for September? And it wasn't even evening yet.

“We welcome those seeking sanctuary from all the crazy out there but not your kind." The she dalmatian said.

“So what exactly are you four?" Oliver asked, presenting his double sword.

“Your new masters." The first refugee said removing his hood. The being underneath resembled a humanoid leech- dark black eyes, no nose and rounded mouth.

“That is just, just wow." Lune responded, removing his short blade.

“It is going to be another one of those afternoons." Mitsa sighed.

“I'll go and sharpen my axe." Masha growled.

4:45 PM at a partially collapsed performance hall….

“And here is our next item up for bids- gents." A bare chested avian wearing black pants and spiked shoulder straps announced. “She appears to be in her mid twenties, blond with freckles."

“Help?" The woman said as she was led out on stage on a leash in front of about forty onlookers. All dressed similarly to the announcer.

“There is no one here to help you sweetheart!" Came a catcall from the audience.

“Um, who are you all and what is this?"

Her questions were met with chuckles and laughter.

“She was found on our territory rummaging for food." The auctioneer continued.

“You all are road warriors?"

“Correct missy and the next few moments are going to determine whether you live or die today." Another catcall came from the audience.

“I am sorry, please forgive me." The woman blurted out in terror.

“I have a better idea, take off the shirt, pants and panties and try to give us a reason to keep you around. Hmm... E cup size breasts, paired with a heavier, chunkier size frame and big bottom." The announcer continued.

“Just means there is more ass and titties to love!" Came another shoutout from the audience.

“Say what?" The woman gasped.

“And it looks like you have captured some attention. I guess that means you will live." The avian said.

“I don't understand?"

“Your titties and big bottom saved your ass." The road warrior stated. “Now who will take this trespasser?"

“I will!!"

“No me!!"

The woman watched as two beastials in the audience bid on her fiercely until one punched out the other to become the winner.

“And we have a winner!" The avian announced as the woman was led to her 'new owner' a fat brown boar with a scar over his right eye.

“I am going to get some T & A tonight!!" He proudly announced.

“Here the only currency for types like you is your body honey." The black avian said as the woman was led away. “And now the next item up for bid we have an otter boy who is all alone and wants someone to take care of him, if you know what I mean."

“I just checked Sura is not among the items for 'sale'." The lady bat said as the trio watched from the upper seats. “But there are quite a lot of them."

“That boy's information wasn't any good- we should have tried that walking pile of sherbet." Kala said to Nezera and Theresa. “This is just another gang up to no good."

“Kala, are we going to let this stand? I mean selling refugees into slavery?"

“There are only three of us Theresa and forty of them." The brown gorilla said, gritting her teeth."

“But it seems like the gangs are growing in size every day!" The redhead protested.

“They are." The vampire bat said. “But if we get bogged down here, who will help Sura?"

“It is going to take a lot more than what we have at the moment to shut them down and end all this." Kala said dejected.

“Right. Adding this to the to do list of projects." The wildlife researcher said.

_6:40 PM at a heavily damaged concert hall... _

“Wow, this place has seen better days." Theresa said looking over collapsed supports, walls, and crushed seating.

“I think Sura has been through here. I will scout ahead." The grey bat said disappearing.

“This building is occupied." Kala said to Theresa.

She drew her curved swords and moved across the mezenne instructing the redhead to watch their rear.

The pair didn't find the wayward diva but did watch an okapi, lemur, lynx and lion playing with what looked like a purple cube with eyes! Kala and Theresa watched as the creature would suck in one of the beastials- rotate them around in its interior before spitting them out covered in muck.

“What is this?" The redhead watched as the creature's victims staggered around if they were drunk.

“It is a creature cult." Nezera said reappearing.

The gorilla and human looked at the vampire bat.

“Some of us do enjoy being worshipped from time to time; it must be the attention."

“By those whose lives are so miserable they have nothing to look forward to but getting inebriated. Hey, have any of you four seen a brown rabbit?" Kala asked the cultists.

8:45 pm dilapidated warehouse….

“Attention offerings! Abandon all hope ye who enter here! A crow announced to his recent acquisitions. The prisoners took stock of their surroundings. What was left of the warehouse was heavily guarded. There would be no escape from here.

“You nine are going to have the most wondrous experience!" A redheaded vulture exclaimed; you are going to be vessels for our master."

“Entity Worshipers." Kala whispered to Theresa and Nezera from the shadows.

“There also appear to be some rejects in there as well." Nezera said. “I know their stench anywhere."

“But didn't Alex and Corbin take down some of them?" The redhead asked.

“They did. They are like cockroaches; for everyone you take down, there are more that you don't see." The female gorilla said as she observed the offerings.

There were beastials and humans from all walks of life, all shapes and sizes.

“There are so many in need Kala. It is overwhelming."

“And only so much we can do with what we have Theresa." The gorilla said.

“She is not here presently, but she did come through here." The lady bat said.

The beastials started to leave but the human girl stayed behind to look at the condemned.

“We need to get back on the trail. It is getting dark outside Theresa." Kala said.

“Yes adding this to our to do list."

9:15 pm the west side…

“Nezera, are you sure?" Kala asked.

“Sura came this way." The lady bat replied.

“And something else is coming this way!" Theresa shout-whispered. “We need to hide now!"

Realizing how dangerous it was to be out at night, the trio acted accordingly.

The bat, gorilla and human dove into a doorway of a former store just as an all white creature, with large hands, and feet, with a weird smooth shaped head, floated by.

“What was that?" Theresa asked.

“Light people another phage that is roaming the city." Kala said. “And very hard to take down."

“In other words don't pick a fight with something you can't win against." The redhead said as the trio received the shock of their lives.

“Ceil?" The gorilla female gasped.

“Hello, um mister whatever you are, if you could follow me I am in need of your services." The gecko said bowing in front of the monster. He then ran off in the opposite direction… quickly.

“Is he mad?" Nezera asked.

“We better follow, if not we will be peeling his remains off the ground." Kala grumbled.

“Yeah we will help the knights, but not sold slaves or offerings." The redhead grumbled.

“Did you say something Theresa?" Nezera asked.

“No."

The Knight of Warwick led the light being into a nearby alley where Faust and Iggy were entertaining yet another creature.

“I don't know about this!!" The turtle said, shaking nervously as they were cornered by a dark moving shadow.

“Stick to the plan Faust." The lizard ordered. “Come on magog we still owe you for the last time."

“Sir!!" Ceil said running into the alley with the light creature right behind him.

“Faust!" The lizard said grabbing the turtle by the paw, the two ran past the crawling dark shadow toward the gecko who was being followed by the light creature.

“Now what?" Faust asked.

“We hide while those two introduce themselves." Iggy replied.

The light being and the shadow creature confronted each other.

"DECOMPOSE!!!"

The light being utter something as well to the magog.

“GAROARRRR!!!!!"

Kala, Theresa and Nezera arrived just in time to see the two creatures explode in a bright flash.

“Ignatius? What was that?" The gorilla warrior asked.

“Our first steps to reclaim the city." The lizard said proudly.

“Did you just use that creature to take down a magog?" Theresa asked.

“Those two canceled each other out. Genius." Nezera replied.

“Thank you. But not our idea, it was the Countess and the Baron."

“The who?" Theresa asked.

“Allies of ours we have partnered with. They have considerable resources." Ceil announced.

“Come we will introduce you to her." Faust added.

“Hmm...." Kala pondered.

“Hey have you three seen Sura? She left the Oasis with a thylacine early this afternoon and we have been worried sick." Theresa said.

“You must mean Earl. Come! Come!" Iggy said.

Kala, Theresa and Nezera followed the three knights to the remains of a former sports club. The moment they entered they found their brown rabbit. She was talking to someone seated on a small stage.

“Sura!!" Theresa shouted.

“Hello everyone." The singer said.

“You had us all worried." The brown gorilla admitted.

“I was doing some soul searching. It brought me here and to them." The rabbit said.

“Hello you must be Kala and the vigilantes." A woman who was seated on a stage said cheerfully. She was wearing a white face mask which disguised her voice as well as her appearance.

“And you would be?" The vampire bat asked.

“You can call me the Countess and this is the Earl." The thylacine next to her waved.

“Why are you wearing a mask Countess?" Theresa asked.

“In my line of business I have to, for my own safety."

“The Earl and the Countess are going to help us retake the city." The lizard said cheerfully.

“I trust the strategy was successful?" The thylacine asked.

“Very." The three knights replied in unison.

“Would you and your vigilantes like to join us in our endeavor Kala? Well after you are vetted of course." The mysterious woman in the white mask asked.

“I will have think about it." The she gorilla said turning to leave.

“Well take all the time you need. But not too much, we heard that you are having some difficulties." The thylacine said.

“Coming Sura?" Theresa asked.

“No." The diva said. “My place is here with them."

“When did you decide that rabbit?" The vampire bat asked.

“Just now. I think they actually stand a chance of bringing order and stability back. I would like to be a part of that."

“Are you sure Sura?" The gorilla said. “We will miss you."

“I found my calling!" The diva said singing.

“Kala, are we just going to let her leave? I mean we have been searching all afternoon for her!"

“Human, she has made her decision. So have those knights." Nezera said.

“Besides I don't fully trust the Earl or the Countess. There is something about them." Kala mumbled to her subordinates as they left the former sports club.

11:15 PM The Training Hall….

“How was your evening?" Kala asked greeting Mitsa.

“The usual." The she dalmatian said. “We took our lumps… Oliver and Masha are being treated by Penny, they will be fine. You?"

“Sura has left us for another group." Kala said calmly.

“Why?"

“Something only she knows." Theresa said yawning. “Well time to call it a night."

“Actually while you were away. We had some friends stop by." Mitsa said.

“Really who?" The lady bat asked.

“Them." Kala said pointing at a little mongoose boy, a blond freckled human, a female badger and a female meerkat who entered from the bakery next door.

“Lady Barq."

“I was wondering how the Lost City was doing."

“We have moved off world and we are prepared to take you and your followers as well." The badger warrior said.

“They have a compelling offer." Mitsa said to the gorilla warrior.

Meanwhile at the sports club...

“Are you sure this is what you want Countess, I mean Tessa?" The Thylacine said emerging into his true form- a four armed red winged demon. “You could have told her who you really were."

“I will admit that my relationship with Theresa was strained at best Earl."

“You mean you are still mad at her." He concluded.

“You are damn right I am mad. Where was she when I needed her most?! Chasing animals in the plains while the sky was falling and everything was ending!! No, you Earl are my true friend."

“And together Countess we will bring order to this city." The demon remarked.

“So let her agonize over what became of her sister. Let her believe I am dead for all I care. I have bigger plans."

“It will take some time but the factions will fall in line and serve us or just fall." The four armed red being said as Sura, Ceil, Faust and Iggy prostrated themselves before him and the short redhead.

To Be Continued????