Chapter Text
Defiant Root. Home… however, not just for the villagers residing there as they always have. Now, crickets, ladybugs, and dragonflies roamed its street in cautious yet enthusiastic strides. Only moons ago, this place served to be the location where the focus of their hatred for the kingdoms centered, for no other reason except proximity. Yet as they move on from the ugly past of violence, ignoring the brooding eyes and glares from guards escorting them, seeing the hopeful faces of townsfolks as they smiled; whether faked or real, most would only hope their effort today meant they never head to pick up another needle or dagger to fight and steal. They could one day enjoy the fruits of their labor in peace; they just needed to make more houses to live in the sleepy village.
One such individual was paying his deeds back in a different, albeit more boresome way. Astotheles sat silently, mulling over the documents laid before him in excruciating detail. While Queen Elizant II had several blueprints made, skilled ant constructors, and even building material gifted by Queen Bianca, she left it to Astotheles who fully knew the work ethic and productivity of his fellow bugs and let him plan which buildings were to be erected first; while additionally, keeping autonomy of his folks intact to prevent protest. In a move that left none surprised, all the bandits chose to stay alongside Astotheles and advance the public work plans Elizant II had gifted. Therefore, it meant more bugs to manage and assign jobs to; bugs he knew that were more than likely to bicker amongst themselves on who worked on what rather than just doing it. He sighed, at least they were motivated.
“Oi!” A shout broke his concentration, and he looked up to see the lieutenant that stuck by him after the tumultuous few moons.
“Grash, how’re the folk?”
“The lads are squaring things away as usual. Turns out when ya get us focused on something with a goal, we’re pretty alright.” Was she really speaking for themselves…?
Astotheles couldn’t help but dwell on their bad habits. “Hmm…they understand their duties I assigned then? When to actually wake up? Noon won’t cut it for all this work.”
“Hey hey I’m sure they know that!” She said confidently.
“…”
Yet Astotheles found that incredibly hard to believe.
As Grash’s assurance slowly melted into doubt, she scratched the back of her head sheepishly. “You know what…I gotta make sure…of that…actually.”
“Yes.” Astotheles replied.
Grash sighed as she stretched and looked at the countless leaf papers stacked upon Astotheles’ over-encumbered desk. “Well…how’s the slow life?”
“Boring. Monotonous. Horribly stale.” Yet after such scathing criticisms, he looked up with a tranquil look. “Good though. I…enjoy it.”
“The weird part of peace, huh?”
“It’s worth it in every way.” Astotheles closed his eyes and nodded.
Grash decided it was time to ask the question lingering in her mind about why exactly he wanted to leave it. “So…you really just going to Rubber Prison for a little? Even with how nice it is doing this?”
“I requested so.”
“Really boss?” Grash shrugged.
Astotheles placed his pen down and rested his arm on his seat. “Grash. I’m just Astotheles now.”
She immediately denied his correction and shot back. “Nah! But seriously, you are heading over to that place?”
“Like you’ve heard, I’m serving a few and heading back here. It won’t be for long…unfortunately.” For him, he needed at least three life sentences to pay back for all the chaos he committed, but that was a discussion long past and none of his victims took it for an answer.
“Ok…but why?” She challenged.
Astotheles rested his back on the chair and prepared a standoff. Grash was not one to hold back opinions. “Once plans are set in motion and our folks are working where they need to, there will be quite a bit of down time in terms of paperwork and managing.”
“…Yeah.” She seemed unfulfilled by his answer.
“I negotiated with the Queens to see if I could better myself and the bandits still in jail to be better bugs once they get out.”
Grash threw her hands out to her side in a baffled motion. “Well you could leave that to the prison councilors, why you gotta put yourself in a tough position!? Also they might…try to hurt ya.”
“You think some of our more hard-headed bandits will listen to an ant stranger about how they should stop living a life they themselves didn’t have to? It wouldn’t go well.”
A point well made. They made no effort to understand or care about the laws the kingdoms created, so why in Bugaria would they care now after being jailed?
“…I guess not.” She reluctantly acknowledged.
“I doubt I can change them in a day…but I thought I’d try for a bit; at least get them thinking. In the meantime, I can serve my consequence and allow Defiant Root a peace of mind that I deserved what I got.”
Grash retorted with a cross of her arms. “I think most are happy enough that you defended them from Venx and a battle that’d kill ‘em all.”
Astotheles sighed and shook his head. “We’ve…no…I’ve done a lot.”
“Hey. Not just you, aye?” She wouldn’t allow the selfless bugger to keep pinning the blame on himself. In her answer, she had stomped her foot and glared; a stark contrast from her aloof personality. She nonetheless eased her tone and conceded, “But ok, I get it. Still don’t agree a ton with it.”
Astotheles smirked and looked at the wall in portrayed dismissal. “Well, I never cared about your naïve opinion.”
Grash’s eyes almost popped out of her head and she raised her voice. “Hey! You big fat liar…I oughta give you a right smack for that. Oooh…”
“Speaking of a ‘right smack…’” Astotheles tone suddenly shifted. “You. I never forgot about those little antics…”
“W-What?” Grash had no idea what he was talking about.
“…The dinner…your constant nudges to get me close…The snark remarks…”
“Huh?” She still had no clue.
“Are you that daft?” Astotheles stretched his arm in preparation.
“I dunno what you’re referring to ‘Theles.” The aura of death enwrapped her. It was too late to escape.
“…Isau.” Astotheles was face to face with his dear lieutenant with a sinister frown. “Prepare yourself.”
She could only gasp before the slapping commenced. A call for help, “HAVE MERCY!!!!” was heard by no one. More accurately, not heard by anyone that cared.
Located in the depths of the construction site of the many houses soon to be built, there was a secret meeting place of a few bugs. Dark hoods, a new moon, and flickering flames: five bugs huddled around in hush.
“Ok boys…our annual meeting on the boss’ love situation.” For a scheme that was sincerely controversial.
Elnren reacted with a sigh and pointed out the obvious. “Ok. One: Highly inappropriate that we are doing this, especially given how he reacted to us before. Two: Annual? It’s still year one, Grash! Three: Uhh…Those are some big bruises.”
“Shut it, Elnren! This is IMPORTANT. SO IMPORTANT. These marks mean NOTHING but progress for our dear boss!” She raised a fist up to the air in resolve to her own ideals.
Shrim spoke up. “W-what if it means he doesn’t want us prying in his love life? Just sayin’.”
“Well…it just means he’s a coward in not facing a bug that is literally perfect for him.” She argued.
“What makes ya so confident in that?”
“They…uhh…they both like flowers! …A-and…they both blush…” Grash really didn’t have facts, only the perceived passion the two shared in being selfless little heroes was enough for them to fall in love…somehow. She couldn’t shake her intuition though, something felt…natural between the two.
But Elnren stayed true to his reason. “They are on complete opposite sides, really. She’s outwardly kind, he’s reserved. He’s a former warrior, she’s literally a pacifist. Then…there’s the whole…bandit part.”
“Hey.” She shot a deathly expression at Elnren which caused him to jump. “Don’t put the boss’ personality that way. You know he’s better than that.”
“I-I gotcha.” He looked down.
Fearing for Elnren incurring Grash’s wrath, Tento spoke in defense of the poor bug. “I think the point Elnie is tryin’ to make here is we don’t think they’re super compatible. That’s all!”
“Nonsense, you don’t know that.” Grash stayed in her deep, threatening tone, as if it were as serious as losing the war against Venx. She looked at each bug and spoke. “So is that it? Yall don’t think the boss is worthy of her love?”
“He is.” Elnren immediately spoke up, no doubt traced in his tone. “He’s worth every berry. And you know he’s gonna take good care of her. Heck, he was gonna take care of her regardless of this.”
Each bug wore the same expression exuding their confidence in Elnren’s statement. Compatibility was the question, but worth wasn’t. The boss, their hero that sacrificed everything he could for them, was in no question going to be a great bug for Isau. He’d treat her right. No question whatsoever. It was time to see though if they could finally set aside his reservation and do something that would focus on his happiness.
“We just gotta show her he’s up to bat.” Zag agreed.
“Exactly. And what’s Astotheles like?”
Tento giggled. “A selfless, unromantic rock who doesn’t know how to talk to girls.”
“Summed up perfectly, Tento.” Grash winked.
“So…what’s the plan.”
The next day, every bug went on with their business as usual. In Astotheles’ office, however, there was everything but work being done.
“…A what?”
All five bugs raised their claws and hands in unison to cheer their big reveal. “BIG AFTER PARTY!”
Astotheles could only blink before slapping down his pen to rub his face deeply. “I…it hurts me to break your spirits, but we all haven’t done anything yet to deserve that.”
“What do you mean!?”
Astotheles pointed to the outside world where bugs could be seen walking by, some curious onlookers peered in as they could hear the cries of dejected bugs. “Having a festival in the middle of town doesn’t really speak of our humility after the cycles we inflicted pain to them. Sure, we protected Defiant Root when it mattered most, but this positive doesn’t necessarily cancel the negative here. Taking out the blight of banditry was just the beginning; we need to cultivate a stable relationship by gaining their trust. Come now Grash, that’s a foolish prospect even from you.”
Grash grumbled back. “Whoa whoa whoa I ain’t saying we should just party ourselves! We’re gettin’ the locals involved as well!”
“Yeah boss, this is more like an after party for everyone. We both are better off now, so we should both celebrate!” Shrim exclaimed.
“Well, it should come from them. Not just us.”
Then the anticipated Wētā appeared with a jolly laugh. “I approved!”
“Mayor!”
He placed his hands on his hip and looked at each bug. “Hahaha! Well, it seems like it’s been ages since we had a huge celebration, I thought why not give everyone something to look forward to. This festival would be a splendid cooperation between us that ends in fun, wouldn’t that create fond memories for our two people?”
“I…erm…well…” Astotheles found it hard to deny the optimistic leader, he was truly innocent and kind, just like a beetle he knew. “O-of course Mayor. I just worry about the villagers who still feel very strongly against us.”
The mayor paced around the room and shared his thoughts with the room. “This would be a grand way to ease their notions that you’re not the evil bugs we once thought you were. You’re normal bugs, like us! I’m sure a few would disagree, but many of us are thankful for your efforts in changing your ways. Even as far as defending us when you were already broken after literally fighting to change your ways. We see that.”
He put his hands together as if pleading to the cricket. “Won’t you give our people more hope of your newfound peace?”
Astotheles had no cold shoulder left to deny the Mayor his wishes. He sighed and nodded. “If you insist, Mayor…Thank you.”
“YES!!! STEP ONE!” Grash shouted uncontrollably.
“Easy Grash, it’s not that unbelievable. You act as if everything that matters depends on this. And…Step one…?”
Elnren dragged her away as she continued her concerning celebration. “Hehe, well I guess we got a lot to set up for, I’m sure she’s just excited. Come on, Grash, let’s get to it!”
The Mayor also took his leave and jumped in joy to the coming festivities. “Ohoho, I look forward to this! I shall get my craftsbugs to start their preparations. Until then!”
Grash cried out once more. “This’ll be the best night ever, ‘Theles. PROMISE!”
“What a weird bunch…” Before he was able to continue the work he fell so far behind on, a sudden pain came from deep within him. As if a looming storm roamed closer; the humid air drawing near. He tried to shake it away, but it was useless. “Gods…Why do I feel…”
Moons later
The whimsical, bright lights of the termites lit up the Defiant Root into a sight matched by few festivals. The artistic banners and decorations twinkling with beige and gold, food stalls lining every alleyway and building, a main center where the planned activities were going to conduct; Defiant Root was packed with bugs from all around Bugaria who wanted to partake in the fun. As the gates were opened to visitors, the Mayor called out to the opening crowd.
“Welcome, welcome everyone! Today is a joyous one of celebration! Claw in claw, hand in hand, our small village welcomes the bugs of the Lost Sands! Once enemies, we now look forward to a better future, nurtured by moments like these. Let us cheer for the new way of life they will experience and give them the best hospitality our warm village can deliver. Let us feast! To new bonds!”
Grash was already swaying as she raised a mug in toast. “TO NEW BONDS! YAHUHUH…”
“Grash is already in the drinks…” Elnren sighed and tried to control her wobbliness. “Come on lieutenant! We got a mission.”
“Oi, I haven’t forgotten…but ain’t this still swell? COME HERE!” Grash brought the proper cricket in for a hug, who began to blush.
“Y-Yeah…ok stop hugging m-me…” He pleaded looking away.
Suddenly, Zag declared the cricket they were waiting for had finally arrived. “And check it out, the bug of the hour!”
Astotheles rubbed his neck as the mischievous group clapped and whistled. “YEEEHUH!”
“Boys. Grash.”
Zag pointed at all the work their more artistically talented bandits made. “Sup boss. Check out the sights our bugs made with them! And the FOOD! Augh…by the bug, they really went all out, huh?”
“Hmm, yes indeed. Let’s make sure to express our enjoyment so they know their hard work hasn’t gone unnoticed.” Ironic to be coming from the bug most reserved out of all of them.
But just as Astotheles was about to sit down next to them, he realized there was no seat available for him. Confused, he looked around only for Shrim to stop him. “Oh…sorry boss. You ain’t with us.”
Astotheles looked almost betrayed. “W-what? I can’t sit next to you…What kind of dishonor is this!?”
“Hey hey, we’re underlings! You belong with the big bugs over there.” Zag pointed to where the Mayor was with the other important figures of Defiant Root. A disgusted expression appeared on Astotheles’ face; he wanted nothing to do with the nobility.
“Ahh…well that isn’t necessarily true. I’m not-”
“Bugs seeing the Mayor with you would probably be a good expression of trust and friendship, right sir?” Elnren corrected.
“Hmm, good point.” Astotheles reluctantly nodded. The point of this whole festival is to show unity; sitting next to him was a good start to that. “Well, I’ll make sure you all don’t get blackout drunk throughout the night. Until then, have a wonderful night you all.”
“Thanks boss! You…too! Heehee.” The glass-shattering subtlety was enough for Elnren to smack him hard.
“ZAG…!” Fortunately, Astotheles had already moved on as he proceeded to the Mayor’s table. “You are so lucky he’s walked on…”
“Mayor.”
The Mayor looked up from his meal and stood to give the cricket a proper welcome. “Ahh! Astotheles! My wonderful friend, how are you? Do you like the appearance of the festival?”
Astotheles received the greeting with a deep bow of respect. “I’m great, and the festival looks beyond spectacular. Your bugs are truly skilled.”
“Ahaha that they are! Your bugs are as well! Turning the well area into an underground night market has become an amazing project. But I never noticed how cool the air can be down there! Wondrous indeed!”
One of Astotheles’ first planned projects; something for immediate gratification between their two people. Ladybugs already on release from Elizant’s first pardon were mostly traders, and this was a way to give them a home close to one they once called just that. With the berries earned and offered by the ladybugs to Astotheles, to which they vehemently rejected his notion that they should keep it, it was easier to facilitate the residential expansion by paying locals for their voluntary help and quicken the public works.
“It is one of many projects, I assure you. And I am more than happy to convert our old caverns into something usable for our benefit.”
The Mayor agreed and held his hand. “I see great things for us, Astotheles. But tonight, please make sure to enjoy it to the fullest. I…am not fully agreeable to your departure to Rubber Prison soon after this, but I will not intrude. Just please, always take care of yourself.”
“It does not seem that way, but I promise I am. Thank you for your concern, Mayor.” He answered with a smile. And yet again as he looked for a seat…“Umm…where is the seat next to you, Mayor?”
The bewildered Wētā tilted his head. “Hmm? Seat? I don’t believe I had a seat next to me.”
“What? I thought I was supposed to sit next to you for this dinner. Elnren said so.” Astotheles could feel something very wrong with this whole scenario already, but he had nothing to move on. As if being slowly pulled into a sand pit…
“Oh heavens, I never heard anything from your bugs! But allow me to get a seat for you!”
Slowly drifting in…
“Please Mayor-”
Until…
“Mayor! Astotheles can sit here! I have an extra spot!”
He looked over to see the cheerful voice he hadn’t heard in moons. The same one of comfort and kindness. One he felt so flustered with. “I…I…ISAU.” She simply waved and pointed at the chair next to her.
“Wonderful! I would hate that you’d get such a small spot near me, and it’d seem harsh to subject you to my appetite, nonetheless. Could you sit near the kind doctor, Astotheles? She’d be a much better conversationalist than yours truly, hahaha!”
It’s so over. “N-n…ahh…”
He couldn’t say no. With an almost melancholic tone, he responded in dejected manner to the Mayor. “Of course I will…Thank you.” He knew eyes would be upon him now.
The lovely butterfly greeted her friend with a cheer and flapped her wings enthusiastically. “Astotheles! Long time no see!”
“Ah yes…long time no see. Sorry, I’ve been busy.” Astotheles apologized.
Isau frowned slightly and looked guilty. “I was too; sorry I couldn’t come to visit. After you healed up, it felt like neither of us had any time to relax.”
“Y-yes.” Astotheles began to investigate the clerical “error” that had left him sitting exactly where he didn’t want to be. “So, who was supposed to sit next to you? Crisbee?”
“No, Crisbee is tending to his food stall.”
Astotheles looked around to see tags labeled on each chair. “Odd, all the other seats had names attached.”
“Except this one…that is odd. Ooh, what a mystery!” She giggled. “Well, it worked out for you thankfully. I wonder where you were supposed to sit.”
Before Astotheles could sarcastically respond with an answer rhyming with fell, she clapped her hands together. “It doesn’t matter though, I’m glad you could sit next to me. Really! Now we can catch up and talk about things not so serious!”
Every fiber shouted no…but not even he knew what his heart wanted. “…I would love that.”