Cherreads

Chapter 22 - Chapter 22:  BAF's (2): Best Ants Forever

The sleeping chamber glowed dimly, lit only by soft glimmers of mana-thrumming moss on the walls. A quiet warmth filled the space, the gentle hush of a resting colony around them like a cozy blanket. In the corner of the room, nestled in a circle, sat five very determined ants.

Mira, Zell, Norkk, Skitt, and Brill.

Each one sat upright in formation, their antennae slightly twitching with energy. Just beside them, placed with careful pride in a neat row against the wall, sat their most treasured possessions: teddy bears. Even Skitt's bear—though he had tried to act indifferent—was positioned at a perfect right angle, as if guarding its owner's dignity in plush silence.

Mira's antennae wiggled first.

"We gotta do something for him now," she said firmly, eyes glinting with excitement. "Something magical. Imagine how happy he'd be."

Norkk bobbed his head.

"Maybe… maybe he'd make us an even bigger bear."

Zell practically vibrated with energy.

"He might even cook one of those special mushroom syrup dishes!"

As if summoned by pure thought, all five of them leaned back, their minds drifting in a synchronized vision: The Giant towering benevolently over them. A trail of enormous, soft teddy bears behind him. A warm, shining smile on his face as he brought forward the most divine-smelling dish any of them could imagine. It steamed gently, glowing faintly, promising a taste of heaven. All five ants shook their heads in unison.

"We HAVE to make this happen," Mira declared. "But how? Anyone have any suggestions?"

For a moment, silence.

Then—

"Ooh!" Skitt raised his antennae. "What if we go exploring? Find new food!"

His eyes glittered like a mischievous star.

Zell chimed in next, unable to contain himself.

"What if we build a throne?! Just like the ones he described in the heroic tales. A real one! Huge! With shiny stuff and everything!"

He was already imagining Adam sitting atop it, like a king from the old stories, gently patting Zell's head for being such a noble builder.

"What about a… a celebration! A big one!" Mira threw in. "A whole chamber filled with lights and sounds and… dancing! Something he can't ignore!"

Their eyes sparkled with excitement, minds now darting in different directions—each filled with praise and affection, with their own dreams of making him proud.

Except Brill.

He sat a bit off to the side, smaller, his teddy bear nestled close to his chest. He frowned, eyes dimming with concern.

"Guys…" he said quietly. "I know we should do something, b-but… don't you think this is a little excessive?"

All heads turned.

"NO! WE MUST!" Mira shouted with newfound conviction, practically leaping to her feet. "He gave us bears! Bears, Brill! You don't understand. He deserves everything."

Zell was already bobbing along, his legs twitching.

"Imagine the pats."

Norkk muttered under his breath, "And maybe… even a second dinner."

Skitt was pacing now. "We've got skills now We can do anything. Mira can heal you from a mile away!" Mira shook her head with pride.

Brill sighed. His grip tightened around his teddy. He opened his mouth to protest again, but Mira cut in, her tone gentle this time:

"We're not gonna break anything. It's just a surprise." Her smile softened. "And besides… look at us. We're already so different than before. We're stronger, smarter, we are better!"

Norkk gave Brill's shoulder a small pat.

"We'll be careful. Promise."

There was a moment. Brill hesitated… but then stood.

"Okay," he mumbled. "But if something goes wrong, I told you so."

And so, like five mismatched siblings on a secret mission, they slipped out of the sleeping chamber, teddy bears tucked safely behind them in the chamber, and they ventured deep into the tunnels.

Unseen. Unsupervised.

And definitely up to no good.

More Chapters