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.

harder to try and not

uh, misspoke, your,

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

pheromone language too? Did she choose this as a mutation advancement or

I try to

Queen, uh.

the best I can come up

Queen troubles herself to turn back and face me

Are you well?"

almost giddy. A conversation! An actual

uh, I’m good!

she says, before beginning to

some

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 more difficult than say, having a

kind of obvious, but I need to keep in 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 just wondered if you, uh, had any advice on

I was starting to think I might need to

sense a strong core in you" she

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

have fought well for our kind. Choose as you wish, and continue to

I’m not certain what evolution

words of the Queen as she responds

the lives of our people. To the colony, it

one last pat on the head with her antennae. I think I’ve gotten all the help I’m likely to get from her majesty at this

I start to make my

months, I have to

the colony itself doesn’t give a rats ass which one you pick, as long as you use your new power to assist the growth of the

it just comes

commander or do I want to be

or

I think about

wizard right? Like, this is magic we are talking about... MAGIC. I could lord over the battlefield like a friggin’ god if I can throw fireballs and lightning bolts around! Even what little magic I’ve

a magic user for

ant is the

same as I left

Excellent.

more time on your doubt Anthony!

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