The outskirts near the colony lay desolate, barren of any worker or soldier ant. The wind howled through the cavernous tunnels like a restless ghost, rattling loose stones and carrying dust motes in swirling currents. Suddenly, the sharp thud of bodies hitting the ground echoed harshly—around fifty grasshoppers crash-landed near the colony's entrance, their exoskeletons skittering over the dirt.
"They're here..." Anastasia whispered, barely audible above the wind. Her fists clenched tightly at her sides, nails digging into her palms. A shadow of hopeless rage darkened her usually composed face.
Ari watched her, startled by the tremble in her limbs and the grinding of her teeth. Anastasia was known for her impenetrable calm—a fortress of discipline. But now, that wall was cracking. The fury and fear she carried were raw and undeniable. Ari couldn't understand everything about her turmoil, but he sensed the gravity in the air. This was no ordinary visitation.
Nearby, a female grasshopper groaned, brushing dirt from her dusty carapace. "Finally, we've reached the last colony. I'm so tired. We've been traveling for hours."
Denzil, an intelligent grasshopper with an air of authority, crossed his arms and replied with quiet patience, "In all honesty, this territory is vast. We've already visited all sixteen colonies under our control—and a day hasn't even passed. This kind of voyage would take an average ant at least a month. We've done well."
Gianna huffed in frustration. "I understand, but it's still exhausting! Denzil, why don't we just have the ants deliver the harvest to us?"
Denzil's tone was flat. "Because that would take them at least a week. A very long journey."
Nearby, Sly, the bloodthirsty warrior, licked the tip of his mandibles, a wicked gleam in his eyes. "I can't wait to slash them all to pieces. My mandibles itch for their blood."
"Put your mandibles away, Sly," Baracko commanded sternly. "We're not here to start a war. We're here to collect what's owed—our share of the harvest, as we have every year for over a decade. Control yourself."
Sly's scowl deepened, his hunger for violence barely contained. "I don't care about the small fries. I want those three powerful ants who wiped out the fly swarm."
A deep, commanding voice interrupted. "Baracko is right." The grasshopper who stepped forward was imposing, muscles taut beneath a shiny exoskeleton, forearms razor-sharp. "We came for our portion, to last through winter, like always. The four of you are my most trusted warriors and commanders. I expect self-control—especially from you, Sly."
"Yes, Chief," they responded in unison, their voices heavy with respect.
"Are you going inside this colony, Hopper?" Baracko asked.
"Yes," Hopper replied. "It's been four years since I last entered here. I want to see the faces of the ants who survived the Great War." With that, he strode toward the colony's entrance, his every step shaking the ground.
Denzil issued orders. "Six of you accompany us inside to collect our supplies."
"Right away, sir!" the grasshoppers answered, following Hopper into the dark tunnel.
Baracko paused before the large, wheeled containers by the entrance. "Well, well," he muttered, eyes narrowing. "I don't know how they built such a structure, but they've grown more skilled." Without another word, he disappeared into the colony.
Inside the vast chamber, Queen Celeste sat elevated on her throne, her presence regal and cold. To her right, the colony's wise elders watched with quiet concern. To her left, the highest-ranking soldiers stood ready, their expressions grim.
Ari stood in formation alongside Isla, Lily, Rory, Beatrice, Brooks, Seth, and Anastasia. They maintained perfect order, their antennae twitching nervously, a sign of respect and restraint. Beside the queen, trembling like a leaf, stood Princess Tanya—the fragile hope for the colony's future. Though she tried to stand tall, her legs quivered beneath her delicate frame.
The grasshoppers' heavy footsteps echoed as they entered. Hopper's massive form dominated the room, the three spikes on his arms glinting under the dim light. Isla shivered beside Ari, her whole body trembling.
"It's been a long time since I've been inside this colony," Hopper said, amusement in his voice. "Why do you all look so... uptight?"
He stepped closer to the throne, eyes 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 answered coolly, voice steady despite the tension. "Preparing for the winter ahead."
"Yes. The more you collect, the more we get. It benefits us both." Hopper's tone was casual, but the threat simmered beneath every word.
Celeste gestured to a corner. "Your share of the harvest is there."
Baracko motioned to six grasshoppers, who began loading supplies. His gaze shifted sharply, landing on a familiar figure among the ants.
"Lieutenant Brooks," he muttered.
Brooks kept his face impassive, avoiding any eye contact.
Ari's fists clenched involuntarily. What is this? His mind raced. Why do they act like grasshoppers own them? His heart hammered with a sudden, bitter realization. Has this been going on for years? Have they been accepting this?
Anastasia remained rigid beside him, her hands trembling slightly as her composure began to crack.
Hopper's eyes scanned the chamber, finally resting on Tanya. A cruel smirk crept across his face. "Princess Tanya. It's been so long. Come here."
Tanya's legs shook violently as she took hesitant, slow steps forward. Hopper bent down and lifted her off the ground with one hand, his claws curling around her delicate frame as though she weighed nothing.
"You've grown," he said with dark amusement. "But you still feel so... weak. Like I could break you in half without even trying."
His grip tightened slowly around her throat. Tanya's eyes widened in terror as her breathing faltered, shallow gasps barely audible in the heavy silence.
Ari's vision blurred with fury. He darted his gaze around, searching desperately for a sign of resistance. But no one moved. Not Anastasia. Not Brooks. Not even the Queen. They all stood frozen, as if paralyzed by fear or resigned to this cruelty.
No. This can't be happening.
Tanya clawed weakly at Hopper's grip, her struggles growing feebler by the second. Her voice was barely a whisper.
"P-please... I beg you... s-stop... I can't breathe... you're choking me…"
Hopper's smirk deepened, satisfied with her helplessness.
Ari felt a white-hot rage ignite inside his chest. His muscles tensed, heart pounding in his ears like thunder. His mandibles pulled from his side instinctively, a razor edge gleaming in the dim light.
"Let her the hell go!" he shouted, voice raw with desperation.
Before his mind could catch up, Ari lunged forward. His mandibles sliced through the air, whistling with deadly intent as he aimed for Hopper's midsection.