This is the sixth post (of six) in KoonKoon’s & ChipChip’s zombie adventures.  In their struggle to save the children of the world, (both human and stuffed animal alike) from the voracious zombies .

Previously on KLC’s The Fluffy Dead:

See “Day’s 64 Through 86: 2100 Hours – (Post 5)”

KoonKoon stood there speechless for a moment.  “You need a spy?  One of us?” he asked bewildered. 

“Yes, the situation is grave and I fear for my people.”  The stranger replied, solemnly.

“Who are you?  We have never even heard of your camp until the block in at the superstore.” KoonKoon asked carefully.

“I am ChipChip, although who I am, isn’t important.  I have a family, rather a collective of friends that make the tightest, and most loving, family that I have ever known.  My family is in danger.  They are terrified, but are too scared to leave.  There is nothing that I wouldn’t do to protect them.” He said.

The stranger said this softly but there was an undercurrent of something there; barely discernible.  A fierceness of some sort.  You probably would not want to mess with this curious little stranger, KoonKoon thought to himself.  And yet, there was something, almost familiar about him…  Something that he couldn’t quite put his paw on.

“Would you like to come in ChipChip?  These matters are probably best discussed in the warmth and privacy of Stuffed Haven.  We’ve had some organic activity as of late.”, KoonKoon asked, careful not to make the animal skittish.

ChipChip took a look at KoonKoon’s mommy and Ron standing in the corner.  His gaze was a mixture of bemused trepidation.  “I suppose that would be best”, he replied and followed KoonKoon into Stuffed Haven.

Just as they got settled into the room there was a knock at the door.  KoonKoon opened the door to find a rolling cart.  His mom rolled it inside and lifted the lid off the platter.  The aroma gave away the contents as soon as the lid was removed.

“Cookies!”  Both KoonKoon and ChipChip muttered excitedly in unison.

They looked at each other curiously, a bit surprised.  Cookies were divvied out to all and they ate in a contented silence.  It seemed that ChipChip probably had not had a cookie in a while.  He seemed to thoroughly enjoy his helping, until his face fell again, as he again became aware of his surroundings.   It was clear that the time for relaxing was over and that the discussion needed to truly begin.

“What is it that you need us to do ChipChip”? KoonKoon asked with concern for their guest.

“We need someone to go undercover in our camp to convince the animals that humans are not our greatest enemies.  Surely, not over the dead.” ChipChip said with a sigh.

“Well of course humans aren’t our enemies.  Why would they need convincing?  Humans are great.  ” KoonKoon asked.  A horrible thought suddenly occurred to him.  “Don’t they have mommies and daddies”?

“The leader of our camp was once a kind and wise animal.  He cared for all of us deeply.  Honestly, he is the reason that we survived at all in the beginning of this madness.  Lately… he … has become very frightening.  He has always feared and hated humans to some extent.  But after the change, after… this world… that fear has taken a terrifying turn.  He has begun locking animals away and impugning them for minor things.  He says it’s for their own good, but it needs to stop”.  He paused.  “I realize that this is a lot to ask”.  ChipChip said with a heavy sigh.

“We understand the situation and we would like to help.  If I may ask, how does convincing them humans are not monsters help your situation?” KoonKoon asked cautiously. 

“Because, we plan to leave.  We cannot live where we are anymore, not as long as He is in charge.  We will build a new camp somewhere beyond his reach.  We don’t know where or how yet, but we must.  KoonKoon, can’t you see?  This is how desperate we are.” ChipChip finished shakily.  The emotion in his voice was palpable.

KoonKoon was alarmed.  Starting a new settlement without a solid plan was madness, not to mention incredibly dangerous.  He felt he was beginning to realize how scared and desperate these poor animals were.   

“We must leave carefully and with stealth.  He cannot be aware of what is going on.  We must make sure the timing is precise.  With your help, we can figure out how to make all of this happen safely and in the proper time.”  ChipChip added.

KoonKoon looked to his mom, she nodded and he was glad to know they were on the same page.  “Momo, please go get Ducky.” KoonKoon’s mother requested. 

Ducky arrived with a determined look on her face.  Her small yellow frame was only part of what made her suitable for this mission.  She walked right across the room to ChipChip and said, “Nice to meet you ChipChip.  I am Ducky, I’ve been briefed and I am in.  What’s the plan”?  Ducky said to the new face before her.

“Right to the point, I like it.  Pleasure to meet you Ducky, let’s get started.” ChipChip responded gladly. “The biggest problem at the moment is that Carissa and Athen have been locked away.   They wouldn’t tell Him where little Eri went and He went crazy, I’ve never seen him so scary.”  ChipChip said with concern.  “We need your help to free them.  I am going to be completely honest.  This mission will be extremely dangerous.  Our leader is gone at the moment but he is unpredictable.  He is out searching for Eri and we don’t know how long he will be gone.  We will set you up and get you assimilated as soon as possible“.  ChipChip said, aware of the weight his warning held.     

KoonKoon looked straight up at ChipChip.  He did not like this news one bit for many reasons.  A flash of something registered over ChipChip’s face, but then it was gone.  It was so fleeting; KoonKoon decided he must have imagined it.  “Let’s get to work”, he said determinedly. 

The plushies stayed up for hours discussing, concocting and at times arguing heatedly.  Ultimately, they devised a plan, so airtight; they felt that it had to work.  At last, they curled up for the night.  Headed for weighty dreams fraught with complications, while visions of what ifs danced in their fluffy little heads.