Ari stood before the towering chamber boulder, his fist tightened as the guards signaled for him to enter. The queen's court was vast, a grand hall carved deep into the colony's heart, its walls adorned with the intricate engravings of past rulers. Golden luminescent fungi lined the ceiling, casting a soft glow upon the gathered elders and the ever-imposing Queen Celeste, whose sheer regal presence demanded reverence.
Ari stepped forward, bowing deeply. "Your Majesty," he began, choosing his words carefully. "I have a request."
Queen Celeste's eyes studied him with an unreadable expression. "Speak."
Taking a breath, Ari straightened. "I wish to request that the children in the depths be allowed to come to the surface—just once."
The air in the chamber tensed instantly. The elders, lined beside the queen, stroke their beards in disapproval. Celeste remained still, her gaze unwavering. "Do you understand why they were placed below?" she asked, her voice calm but firm.
"I do," Ari said, "but I also believe they deserve to see the world above, even if only for a short while."
One of the elders stepped forward, glaring at Ari. "This is preposterous. Those young ones are kept in the depths for their own safety. The surface is fraught with danger. You, a military ant, should know this better than anyone."
Another elder scoffed. "This is the way it has been for generations. You question the wisdom of those before you?"
Ari exhaled, feeling the weight of their disapproval. "I don't mean to disrespect tradition, but isolation breeds ignorance. How can they be strong if they've never seen the sky? If they've never felt the soil beneath their feet?"
"Some of our proud military ants and workers were once there and they turned out fine" another elder added.
Queen Celeste remained silent for a moment before she finally spoke. "Ari, our laws were created to ensure the survival of the colony. Many years ago, a catastrophe struck. The young ones who ventured to the surface were taken—by monsters that saw them as easy prey. To prevent such losses, we chose to protect them in the depths until they are of age."
Ari clenched his fists. "I understand, truly, I do. But Your Majesty, I ask not for them to be free to roam without guidance. I only ask for them to experience something beyond their dark chambers. Just once."
Celeste exhaled slowly. "I cannot grant that request."
The finality in her voice settled deep in Ari's chest. He swallowed his frustration and bowed again. "Then… may I at least visit them? Speak to them?"
The queen studied him for a long moment before nodding. "That, I will allow."
Ari's heart lifted slightly as he thanked her and took his leave. The elders murmured amongst themselves, but their judgment no longer mattered. He had been given permission. That was enough.
The tunnels leading to the depths were damp and cool, the air thick with the scent of earth. Ari descended carefully, carrying a large sack made of woven leaves over his back and a fire-lit stick in hand. The deeper he went, the quieter it became, until he finally reached the hollow where the young ones were kept.
Rows of small, gleaming eyes blinked at him from the darkness. The young ants—ranging from a year of age to no older than Fifteen —shifted uncomfortably, their antennae twitching with uncertainty at the sight of an unfamiliar face.
Ari took a step forward and raised a hand in greeting. "Hello there," he said, his voice warm.
Silence. They stared, hesitant, some whispering among themselves. No one moved, no one responded.
Then, after a long pause, a single young ant took a timid step forward. She was smaller than the rest, her delicate frame trembling slightly as she gathered the courage to speak. "My name is Isabella," she said softly. "Why are you here?"
Ari smiled. "I came to entertain you all."
The children exchanged confused glances. Entertain them? Such a concept was foreign to them. Even Edwin, who had turned his back upon Ari's arrival, flicked an ear in curiosity.
Ari sat down, placing the sack beside him as he lit it with the flame in his hand. The young ants looked at the fire in awe not seeing the light in a very longtime. "I'm a military ant," he began, "and I've been on many dangerous missions. I thought I'd share some of my adventures with you."
A flicker of intrigue danced in their eyes. Slowly, hesitantly, they gathered around him, forming a small circle. Isabella sat the closest, her eyes bright with curiosity. Even Edwin, feigning indifference, shuffled a little closer, though he refused to meet Ari's gaze.
Ari grinned. "Not too long ago, I fought against a swarm of fruit flies."
At that, the children gasped. "Fruit flies? But I heard that they're fast!" one of them exclaimed.
Ari nodded. "That's right. And not just any fruit flies—these ones were huge, with four arms, and they could punch faster than the eye could see." He mimicked throwing quick jabs into the air, making some of the children giggle.
"I was surrounded, outnumbered, and they were coming at me from all directions. But I didn't panic." He leaned forward, lowering his voice to a dramatic whisper. "I dodged, weaved through their attacks, and then—slash!" He swung an imaginary blade. "I took down the first one before it even knew what hit it."
The young ants cheered, their small bodies vibrating with excitement. "That's so cool!" one shouted. "I wanna be a soldier like you!"
Isabella, blushing slightly, clung to Ari's arm. "You're amazing," she murmured, her admiration clear.
Ari felt a pang in his chest. He looked at their bright, eager faces, their enthusiasm so pure. They reminded him of himself—of his human life, when he had been alone in a dark, cold world, until he met Keiko. She had been his light, his first friend, the person who had shown him that there was warmth in the world.
Edwin, who had been silent until now, finally spoke. "Could you tell us more?" he asked, still not making eye contact.
Ari smiled, deciding not to tease him for his newfound interest. "Of course."
He continued, weaving vivid tales of battle and bravery. The children were captivated, their eyes shining with excitement and longing. In that moment, they weren't just the forgotten young ones of the colony; they were dreamers, warriors and workers-in-the-making, full of hope for the future.
In the shadows, unnoticed by all, Anastasia watched. Her gaze softened as she saw the way the children hung onto Ari's every word, how they laughed and cheered. "He really overexaggeratted what really happened, but in the end he did good base on the reports" she said to herself with a smile. A memory surfaced—her father, standing tall, telling her stories of the colony's past, instilling in her the drive to protect their future.
In her mind, she could still hear her father's voice, the words etched deep into her memory. Do you see this, Anastasia? This is our colony. One day, you'll grow strong enough to protect the queen and our people. I entrust the future of the colony to you, my only begotten child.
She had looked up at him then, determination shining in her eyes. "Yes, Father. I'll become strong and protect everyone from harm. Even you."
Her father had chuckled, patting her on the head. "That's the spirit."
As she observed Ari and the children, laughter echoing through the chamber, she clenched her fists. This is what my father fought to preserve. This is the future of the colony. I need to be strong—for all of their sakes.