AN ENCOUNTER WITH TERMITES; CASUALTIES

Wow, I already feel like I can't go on much further. I even lost track of the time i'm so tired I feel like taking a nap. This is really tough, how will we be able to do this for seven days straight said Isla as she struggled to keep on running. 

Come on Isla, you can't give up now we are already three and a half days in so don't give up encouraged Rory.

Easy for you to say, you were training to be a warden, I have zero combat training at all said Isla. If we stopped now we will never make it back in time, remember we have a limited amount of time said Rory. Due to being an ant its almost as if my endurance had drastically increase compared to when I was still alive in my world, I sucked at every single physical activity in physical education class. 

Now look at me, i don't even feel tired after running for three days and nights. This is the best, I feel so free and as light as a feather said Ari to himself excitedly as he sped up his pace.

Hey, Ari slow down, don't forget that we're traveling in a squad, we shouldn't separate from each other said Rory. Wow, he's really fast for an ant with no military training, he might even be faster than Anastasia said Isla impressed. Yes, he's a special one that's for sure, and after this training he'll become a powerful ally that we can depend on in the near future said Rory as he smiled. 

In her room inside the colony Princess Tanya sat alone in a sad mood and thought of the memories she had with Vladimir. I'm still at a lost for words. Vladimir was like a father to me, he would always make me smile and laugh and protect me with all his might. I just can't believe he could have really betrayed the queen and me of all person. I put all my trust and faith in his hands because of the kind, soothing words he use to say to me and comfort me with.

But he ended up hurting me and kidnapped me for ransom, for all these years he spent with me, all the memories we had made together were all lies. If i didn't give Ari the chance to explain to the queen by letting him out of his cell and sneaking him pass the warden we would all be dead by now. I said all those horrible things to him when he was only trying to warn us and he was the one who saved us all. He even became apart of our colony and joined the army to strengthen our numbers. Speaking of which training should be starting today for him. Please hurry up and get stronger and be careful Ari.

I can't go on no more, we've been at this for days how much time have we used up so far? Asked Isla. We are about four days and nights in said Ari. If you knew that you couldn't handle being a military ant then you should have either stayed in the mines or continued reaping food for the colony said Rory. Why you, shut up Rory, I'm doing best i can her, I wasn't born as buff and strong as you yah know said Isla as she pouted. That's no excuse, Ari is not as lean as me and he's doing just find, even better than everyone else said Rory.

Alright we've finally reached a great deal of distance let's head back now said Ari. Who the hell made you leader? Don't you dare boss us around you're not apart of our colony said an ant in training. Yes, you might have gotten the queen's approval but we will never accept you as one of us said another ant. Hey, that was very harsh, did you forget that he was the one who saved us? Asked Isla who was immediately silenced by Rory. Did you hear that Ari? He asked with a serious look on his face.

Yes, I did but what could it be? Asked Ari nervously. Stay on guard everyone, form a circle and take out your mandibles, instructed Rory as everyone took out their mandibles. Each and every ant were scared to death of the anticipation of something dangerous that was lurking in the forestry. In dead silence what seemed to be a green liquid substance was squirted up into the air and the ants noticed it but stood still due to curiosity.

As soon as the green liquid touched five of the ants they started to melting rapidly. The ants screamed and howled in pain until there was nothing left of them but their mandibles. As more green liquid was squirted over into Ari's direction and was about to hit isla who was stunned by what she witnessed Ari quickly shouted "moved out of the way!!" As he pushed her to avoid contact with the substance.

That's acid secreted by some sort of insect don't let it touch you or you'll die!! Shouted Ari to the remaining ants. The other ants who witnessed the death of their comrades were shocked and as soon as they came to their senses they screamed and panicked running off into various directions. The green acid came flying in once more taking the lives of ten more ants and most of the remaining ants fled leaving only Ari, Isla and Rory.

Stay close together and keep your guards up advised Rory. Laughter was heard in the distance as the culprits emerged from the shadows. Such puny weak insects dying so pitifully without seeing the face of the one who killed you it was pathetic said one of the insects as he laughed.What the hell... are those termites but in our world their acid can only irritate ants but now it seems the it has a different effect said Ari to himself surprised.

These ones seem to have some sense at least, I'll make quick work of them with my acid said another termite. Be careful guys these are monsters informed Rory. There were only three of them and yet they have killed so many of us so far, they're strong , I have to protect Isla and Rory said Ari to himself as he gripped the mandibles in his hand and controlled his breathing.

Listen Rory, Isla You take the one on the left and I'll handle these two on the right. Are you sure that you'll be okay Ari ?Asked Isla as she shakes with her mandibles in hand. Please don't worry about me Isla just focus on survival, Rory I'm depending on you to protect her said Ari as he rushed after the termites. The termites squirted more acid from their hands and using his speed Ari dodged them and got close enough to one of the termites. Using the mandibles given to him by Anastasia, he cuts one of the termite in half defeating him in a single strike. They are so soft and easy to cut they lack defense but they have a deadly attack with it said Ari to himself.

Isla served as decoy for the other termite while Rory slowly made his way to the termite and attacked it. The termite dodged and squirted liquid at Rory however he managed to dodge it in time and then with all his might he swung at the other termites neck with his mandibles and severed his head.

Damn you ants you took the lives of my fellow termite, you'll pay for this said the termite as he squirted acid at Ari. the termite and Ari we're in a serious battle. Acid was squirted repeatedly towards ari and he managed to dodge every last one of his attacks. What the hell is he, why is he so swift, it's not possible said the termite in rage. After dodging a big attack Ari stabs the termite and his stomach causing him to howl in pain. This is not the end, I will find you and kill every last one of you in your colony said the termite as he fled.