The outskirts near the colony were desolate, not a single worker or military ant in sight. A strong gust of wind howled through the tunnels as a group of around fifty grasshoppers crash-landed near the entrance.
"They're here..." Anastasia whispered to herself, her fists clenching at her sides, a look of hopeless rage shadowing her face.
Ari glanced at her. He had never seen Anastasia so tense before. Usually, she was composed, her emotions guarded behind an impenetrable wall. But now, her entire body trembled, her teeth grinding together in frustration. He couldn't understand exactly what was going on, but whatever it was, it was serious.
"Finally, we've reached the last colony. I'm so tired. We've been traveling for hours," a female grasshopper groaned, brushing dust from her exoskeleton.
"Well, in all honesty, this territory is quite vast, and we've already visited all sixteen ant colonies under our control," said an intelligent and composed grasshopper, crossing his arms. "And a day hasn't even passed. This kind of voyage would take an average ant at least a month to complete, and we have only been traveling for a couple of hours so there's no need to complain Gianna."
"I understand that, but it's still a tiresome task! Denzil, why don't we just have them deliver it to us instead?" Gianna asked in frustration.
"Because that would take them at least a week," Denzil replied flatly. "A very long journey."
"I can't wait to slash them all to pieces. My mandibles are itching for their blood!" Sly cackled, licking the tip of his mandibles menacingly.
"Put your mandibles away, Sly," Baracko said in a stern voice. "We're not here to cause conflict or take lives. We're here to collect our share of their harvest, like we've always done for over a decade now. So please, control yourself."
Sly scoffed, barely containing his bloodlust. "I don't care about the small fries in the colony. All I care about is getting my claws on those three powerful ants who wiped out that swarm of flies."
"Listen," a deep, commanding voice interrupted. "Baracko is right. We came here for our portion of the harvest to last through the winter, as we always do at this time of year." The grasshopper standing before them exuded authority. His strong, muscular frame and razor-sharp forearms made him an imposing figure. "The four of you are my most trusted, highly skilled warriors and commanders. I expect all of you to have some self-control. Especially you, Sly."
"Yes, Chief," the four responded in unison as the leader stepped forward.
"Hopper, are you going inside the colony this time?" Baracko asked.
"Yes," Hopper answered. "It's been about four years since I've set foot in this one. I'd like to see the faces of the ants who survived the Great War." With that, he strode toward the colony entrance.
"Alright, six of you should accompany us inside to collect our supplies," Denzil instructed.
"Right away, sir!" the grasshoppers responded, following behind.
Baracko was about to enter when his gaze landed on the large, wheeled container structures near the entrance. "Well, well, what do you know? I don't know how they managed to build such a useful structure, but something tells me they've grown more skilled." With that, he disappeared into the colony.
Inside, Queen Celeste sat on an elevated platform. To her right were her advisors—the wise elders of the colony. To her left stood a handful of high-ranking soldiers.
Ari stood in an orderly line alongside Isla, Lily, Rory, Beatrice, Brooks, Seth, and Anastasia. They remained firm, maintaining formation as a sign of respect. Beside the queen, trembling with fear, stood Princess Tanya, the future of the colony. She tried to stand tall, but her legs quivered beneath her.
The grasshoppers entered the vast chamber where the queen resided. Their powerful presence was overwhelming. With his towering, muscular frame, Hopper stepped forward, his three-spiked arms folded across his chest. Isla, standing among the ants, shook uncontrollably.
"It's been a while since I've been inside this colony," Hopper mused, his voice carrying amusement. "Why do you all look so uptight?"
He took another step forward, his gaze locking onto Queen Celeste. "It's an honor to be in your presence, Great Queen Celeste. How have you been?"
"We have been managing," Celeste replied coolly. "Preparing for the upcoming winter."
"Yes, I knew that. The more you collect, the more we receive. It benefits us both," Hopper said, his tone casual but laced with an underlying threat.
"Your share of the harvest is there," Celeste said, gesturing.
Baracko signaled the six grasshoppers to begin loading the supplies. As he turned, his sharp eyes landed on a familiar face among the ants. "Lieutenant Brooks," he muttered.
Brooks remained silent, his expression blank, avoiding eye contact.
Ari clenched his fist. What the hell is going on? Why are they acting like the grasshoppers own them? Don't tell me this has been happening for years…
Anastasia remained stiff, her hands trembling. Her composure was cracking.
"It looks like this year's collection is more fruitful than last year's," Hopper remarked. "I commend you for your hard work." His eyes then drifted to Tanya, a smirk creeping across his face. "Princess Tanya. It's been so long. Come here." His voice was low, yet deadly.
Tanya, trembling, took slow, hesitant steps toward him. Hopper reached down and lifted her off the ground with one hand.
"You've grown," he said, a wicked grin spreading across his face. "But for some reason, you still feel so... weak. Like I could break you in half without even trying."
His grip tightened around her throat. Tanya's eyes widened in panic as she gasped, struggling for air.
Ari's eyes darted around. No one moved. No one tried to stop him. Neither Anastasia or Brooks. Even the queen remained still, her expression unreadable.
What the hell?! He's choking her! Ari's heart pounded as Tanya clawed at Hopper's grip, her struggles growing weaker.
"P-please I beg you s-stop… I c-can't breathe you're choking me…" she wheezed.
Hopper smirked.
Rage exploded inside Ari. His mandibles drew open. Without thinking, he lunged forward, his mandibles slashing through the air toward Hopper with all his might. Let her the hell go!!! He shouted.