Colony's POV
Protected within their own tunnels, teams were down even lower, hard at work when the outside was forbidden. Many ants couldn't sleep as some were too afraid to even leave the hill. Down deep beneath the earth and among the reaching tree roots, there were carefully selected teams digging lower tunnels that were not meant to house. It was actually a water search. Being surrounded by water usually, there had been times when the ants had access to an aquifer. At the first area of rock of where it used to be, there was no water, so they had to look for a new one. If there was a new one…. There was the possibility that water was held even lower, especially when the tunnel walls seemed to take on some moisture.

On top of all this work to do to try to find this blessing and struggling to find food, the anxiety of the fight between a hornet and another grasshopper fell down upon them. The first visitor was no issue, but such power from a much bigger one made them rethink the Queen's choice to help the first one. The Queen though was relieved for her daughter's rescue, even if her rescuer had not known who she was at first. Now word had come that this rescuer wished to have audience with her. She wanted to be sure this one could be trusted and thought about it.

"Make sure Molt is with him." the old Queen calmly suggested. "If he said his brother would never hurt him then I believe him."

"All due respect, your Highness," the messenger tried to help her change her mind. "… do you really think that's a good idea? To bring this stranger inside?"

"It is only fair. If he wishes to speak with me, then so be it. My daughter was almost snatched. Her wings almost got taken away. We saved someone he loves and he just saved someone we love. I say it's a done deal. I truthfully don't see what the harm is here."

"Y-yes, your Highness…" the messenger spoke, finding that there was no use arguing.

At once when Princess Atta and Flik were safely taken inside, the two grasshoppers were let in. The strong one who stood taller than his brother took the first step inside. Feeling well after her shock from the rescue, the princess finally found her strength and courage to join her mother's side. Personally, she wanted to see the brother of their newest friend. She saw it all and so did Flik. As a matter of fact, Flik was the first to enter when granted permission… before a gathering tunnel full of shocked ants. He entered through the rock arch, nervously smiling at them before he came running up to the waiting royals.

Hopper's Narrative
I could feel the anxiety in this place. I would prefer just staying out in the sun, it was so annoying. I was used to living by it and thought we would be done with it. I sure did hate that way of thinking now. Not that any of us can escape from anything unless you kill, kill and kill again. Push others down so you can rise up was messed up alone but sometimes it was the only option. At least for me. Having the heart of a hummer, I suppose… there was a part of me that didn't want to do that.

The shade felt nice as we finally got let into this place. To me, I did not appreciate how claustrophobic it felt, since we were flyers and loved the open air. This felt tight and it felt like it was hard to breathe. Enough though, of petty reasons and thoughts, when I saw the looks on these ant's faces. I knew I was overbearing already, so I kept my mouth shut in respect to their Princess and Queen who was probably full of questions. Despite Molt's worry, I was the first to poke my head in and step through. When I did, the ants who were gathered began to step aside and away from our path in tense silence. If they thought I was out for blood, then they were half right. I was out for blood all right but they were not on that list. I let myself be first despite any objections that could come my way. They allowed a path for us and I calmly and silently came before the two royals. I felt that it was fair to show my sincerity and respect. I took that terribly dry glare from my eyes, like disposing of a mask and softened them at the old Queen before getting low into a bow, which came on way too naturally for my liking but I didn't stop myself. Molt humbly did the same. That soft, sweet Queen weakly smiled and nodded.

"Oh, there's no need for those formalities, sir." she spoke in a scratchy but incredibly calm tone. "It is I who must pay my gratitude."

I rose back up, a little surprised at her remark. Perhaps I was too used to Emerald's presence for all that time. I smirked and gave a short laugh. Granted, that felt a little awkward.

"You and me both then." I replied, quite boldly as I took an even closer step.

The rest of the tunnel gasped and tried to get nearer to their Queen but she dismissed them. Atta deeply tried to get a full breath in out of fear but she seemed to have warmed up to me a little.

"Easy, all of you." the old Queen spoke a tad louder. "You and Atta seemed to have met during these circumstances? Hmm?" she seemed to press her daughter a little, who was still nervous.

I eyed the Princess, from head to foot before giving her a respectful nod.

"It's okay, Princess. I don't bite. Ants, that is."

She smiled finally and gave a warm chuckle.

"I'm still a little shaky from what happened, that's all."

"So, the genius was right. Your name is Atta." I said as I lowered on a single knee, resting an arm on top of it. "I have a feeling that you might have heard of me,"

"H-Hopper." she timidly answered.

I nodded before taking in another breath. "Right then... As for you being the future of this colony, I suggest you drop the stammer. I know you're still learning but I can teach you a thing or two."

As forceful as that was, no one seemed to argue. That spoke of how much power I had here. Atta looked like she was questioning herself. The Queen seemed to urge her to answer me.

"… uhm…"

"Let's start with the basics. You put up quite a fight out there to get out of that hornet's grip, yet you're shaking in front of me. Why? Your mother seems to be pretty okay so far."

"W-well, uhm… The fact that you hurt him badly, and your strength. I just worry about offending you."

"It may take very little to get under my skin, Princess, but you didn't offend me. None of you offended me. Those hornets have. They are the ones who are offending me and all of you. I think I'm not the only one here who agrees." I spoke, looking at all the nods and hearing the mumbling of the crowd. "…which leads me to what I'm offering, your Highness."

"Do tell, Hopper…" the Queen gave her permission.

"It seems that, from semi-reliable sources, there is a colony of hornets seeking your tree in particular to build their hive on."

Everyone seemed to scream and cry which kind of got me annoyed.

"And please don't yell, or they might hear you. The point being!" I rose my voice to quiet them, with some anger. "It is quite obvious that you need a helping hand. With that said, I need to show the gratitude that I am feeling right now to those who have helped us. However, we have met during a very grisly circumstance; Please let me prove myself to you."

The Queen sighed and seemed to think it through. Atta didn't look very pleased, so I left it to them. If anything, I would fly off if they wished me to...

"We have the same goal. I hate them just as much as you do." I pointed out further.

"That is entirely true." the Queen spoke again. "I do believe that an alliance can be formed. Molt had spoken very highly of you."

At her words, I was surprised and slowly looked at the 'genius', deeply perplexed. He made eye contact with me as he bit down on his lip. He really did forgive me….

"… if this one sweet, gentle grasshopper trusts you that much, Hopper, even to speak of you as a brother, then… I only have one thing to ask of you."

As my mind raced, I still listened to her. I focused mainly my bad eye on her wanting to know what she wanted.

"… dare I ask, your Highness?"

"If you say you are of no harm to my colony, then I believe you, Hopper. If a grasshopper like you is this strong enough to frighten hornets, it would be entirely necessary for us to work together."

"We are in need of a Captain of Defense, who was one of the first to be snatched." Atta brought up.

I looked over the two royals in subtle shock. I blinked, thinking this over, as the silent ants seemed to share some hope among one another. Remembering Emerald's words, I took a deep breath.

"So you are one less Captain. You really believe I would be good enough to hold such a title, Princess?"

"You… y-you saved our lives and didn't ask for anything in return." Atta answered.

"Actually, if we're being honest here, it was you who started this," I said, very low spiritedly and I meant it. "Little did I know you were a princess. I would have gotten you away from that monster, regardless." I spoke, matter-of-factly. "I had not known you have rescued Molt… so… if you are so inclined to have me at such a high standard, I will promise not to fail you. I am thankful. I really am..."

The Queen noticed that the facade I showed before was falling away, simply because I let it. She seemed to see a hint that we shared the same pain...

"You seem so confident, Hopper." the Queen weakly smiled at me, with no fear at all.

"It's one thing we have in common, your Highness." I smiled at her, quite proudly.