Chrysalis

Chapter 79

Now that I know I can talk to my colony members, even if they can’t talk back, I don’t hold back and start to throw words at every worker I meet on my way into the nest.

"Hey, how are yor?"

Still needs a bit of work on that one.

"Hoos that work goging for yar?"

So close!

"Blice to see you ablarn".

Nearly had it!

As I wander about cheerfully greeting the ants around me they typically respond in the same way, by turning and tapping me about the antennae before going back on their way.

I’m not really fussed by the lack of response to my blather, just talking and getting the hang of my new mutation is reward enough for me.

Checking in on the brood I can see the little grubs are looking a little larger and a little less sad than they were before, pleasingly plump and growing they’ll become new workers soon enough.

After shouting "See you flater!" to the workers I make my way down to the Queens chamber. By this time I’ve gotten used to saying whatever is on my mind to every ant I see so when I walk in front of the Queen, who is standing still and accepting a grooming for her attendant workers I give a friendly wave of the antennae and say "Hey there! How’s it hambing Queen?"

The enormous ant turns her head slowly and ponderously before looking down at me with her large, unblinking eyes.

"Hambing?" she said.

....

"Uhhhh".

.....

She can talk?

The Queen continues to look down at me quizzically as I stare dumbfounded.

"Hambing?" she asks again.

This sensation of talking and listening using scent is very different to what I’m used to. When the Queen speaks I’m finding my antennae are not only able to distinguish the words she is speaking but also the difference in tone and voice. Her voice sounds patient and warm.

try and not make a mistake in

uh, misspoke, your,

said, before turning away and once again becoming still as the workers continue to groom

So the Queen can use pheromone language too? Did she choose this as a mutation advancement or is it something that she gets for being a Queen? Does it really matter? I have someone to

moment I try to

uh.

apparently the best I can come up

Queen troubles herself to turn back and face me before

you well?" she

A conversation! An

uh, I’m good!

says, before

I get some advice?" I blurt

back to me, patiently waiting for my words. Actually talking to a giant monster ant is a little more difficult than I expected it to be, much

mind that the Queen isn’t human and unlike me, she never was. I’m not exactly sure how her mind works, what it is that is important to her. She’s probably not even that old, I mean, technically in this world I’m less than a year old! Not that it really matters to monsters

to evolve! I just wondered if you, uh, had any advice on what

might need to repeat the

sense a strong core in

"Uh.... Yes?" I respond.

Choose as you wish, and continue to use

not certain

amusement in the words of the

to greater strength and greater strength will improve the lives of our people. To the colony, it matters not what you

that she decisively turns away, giving me one last pat on the head with her antennae. I think

to make my way back to

buzz I’m getting from having my first conversation in months, I have to

one you pick, as long

end, it just comes down to

to a commander or do I

general or a

think about it

is magic we are talking about... MAGIC. I could lord over the battlefield like

want to be a magic user

ant is

everything much the same as I left it. Tiny still sleeping

Excellent.

no more time on your doubt

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