This will be my final chapter. And in case you're wondering, yes. My OCs will reunite with Flik. I already have a doc completed after I finish my Wanderlust Wings fic. Due to how many landmarks are in certain states I plan to have in there, it may be a while before my OCs and Flik reunite. Each horizontal line you see is a different scene of how Flik is bonding with my OCs. Plus, I based a couple scenes based on a couple cliparts of Flik. Also, I tried to describe the banishment scene the best I could some of my narration might be similar to my first Jerry Springer fic.

Note: This chapter may contain mild scenes of attempted self-harm.

Present day.

Mike was now 27, Angela 28, Lily 26, and David 29. The years had been kind to them, and their bond with the ant colony had only grown stronger. Lily and David had a daughter, Emily, who was now three years old, and Flik had been honored with the title of godfather.

One sunny afternoon, the family gathered in the central clearing of the colony. Emily, full of energy, was running around with a group of young ant children, her laughter blending with theirs. Flik watched over them, a proud smile on his face.

"She's got so much energy," Mike remarked, watching his niece play.

"Just like her mother," David teased, nudging Lily playfully.

Lily laughed, her eyes following Emily's every move. "She's a handful, but I wouldn't have it any other way."

Angela, standing next to Mike, smiled warmly. "She's lucky to have all of us around her. It's not every child who gets to grow up in such a special place."

The queen approached them, her regal presence still commanding respect despite the years. "It's wonderful to see you all together. And Emily, she's such a delight. Flik, you're doing a marvelous job as her godfather."

Flik, slightly embarrassed by the praise, blushed and rubbed the back of his head. "Thanks, Your Highness. She's a great kid. It's an honor to be a part of her life."

Emily ran up to Flik, holding out a flower she had found. "Uncle Flik, look! It's pretty, just like you!"

Flik chuckled, taking the flower with gratitude. "Thank you, Emily. It's beautiful."

The group watched as Emily ran back to her friends, her joy contagious. The queen turned to the humans, her expression softening. "You've all become such an integral part of our colony. I can't imagine our lives without you."

Mike nodded, his gaze drifting to Angela. "We can't imagine our lives without the colony either. It's been our home for so long."

Angela leaned into Mike, her hand resting on his arm. "And it's given us a family, a place where we belong."

Lily looked at Flik, gratitude shining in her eyes. "And friends who are more like family."

David clapped a hand on Flik's shoulder. "Here's to many more years of friendship and family."

As they stood together, watching Emily play and the colony bustling with activity, they knew that no matter where life took them, they would always have each other. And in that moment, surrounded by those they loved, they felt truly at home.

Later, as Mike was walking around the chamber, he noticed his best friend, Flik, sitting on a small rock, looking downcast. His usually bright and inventive demeanor was overshadowed by a palpable sadness.

"Hey, Flik," Mike called out softly, approaching him. "You okay? You look like you've got the weight of the world on your shoulders."

Flik glanced up, his antennae drooping slightly. "Oh, hey Mike. It's nothing, really. Just…thinking about things."

Mike sat down next to him, concern etched on his face. "Come on, buddy. We're friends. You can tell me. What's wrong?"

Flik sighed, his eyes distant. "It's just... sometimes I feel like no matter what I do, it's never enough. I mean, I've been trying so hard to come up with new inventions to help the colony, but they always seem to fall short or cause more problems than they solve."

Mike put a reassuring hand on Flik's shoulder. "Hey, that's not true. Your inventions have helped the colony in so many ways. Even my family. Remember the grain harvester? That saved us so much time and effort. And who could forget the toys you made for Emily and the Comfort System you made."

Flik managed a small smile. "Yeah, but there's always something more to be done. I just want to make a real difference, you know?"

Mike nodded, understanding his friend's frustration. "I get it, Flik. But you have to remember that you're not alone in this. We're all here to support you. And honestly, you've already made such a huge difference just by being you. My family, my niece, the queen's youngest daughter Dot… They all look up to you, and so do I. You're the smartest and most innovative ant I've ever met. And more importantly, you're my best friend."

Flik looked at Mike, his eyes softening. "Thanks, Mike. I guess I needed to hear that. It's just hard sometimes, feeling like I have to prove myself over and over again."

Mike smiled. "Well, you don't have to prove anything to us. We believe in you, Flik. And besides, you've got a goddaughter now who loves you. Emily thinks you're the greatest thing ever."

Flik chuckled, the weight on his shoulders seeming to lighten a bit. "Yeah, she's a special kid. I'm lucky to have her in my life."

Mike patted Flik's back. "And we're lucky to have you in ours. So, how about we take a break from all this inventing business and just enjoy the day? Maybe take Emily and the others for a walk around the colony. What do you say?"

Flik nodded, a genuine smile spreading across his face. "I think I'd like that, Mike. Thanks for being such a good friend."

Mike grinned and opened his arms. "Anytime, buddy. Bring it in."

Flik hesitated for a moment, then leaned in for a hug. They embraced tightly, sharing a moment of camaraderie and mutual support.

Mike pulled back slightly, still holding Flik's shoulders. "Now let's go find Emily and see what kind of trouble we can get into."

In the medical chamber, Mike had an arm around Flik, trying to help him walk as he had one leg up and hobbled.

"Dr. Flora!" Mike called, his voice tinged with urgency.

Dr. Flora, who had been tending to some herb mixtures at the far end of the chamber, looked up and immediately hurried over when she saw the state Flik was in. "Oh my goodness, what happened?" she asked, her antennae twitching with concern.

Flik winced as he tried to put a little weight on his injured leg. "I... might have taken a tumble while testing a new invention," he admitted sheepishly.

Mike helped Flik over to a nearby leaf bed and gently helped him sit down. "He fell pretty hard. I'm worried he might have sprained something, or worse."

Dr. Flora nodded, her expression serious as she began to examine Flik's leg. "Let's take a look," she said softly, her skilled hands gently probing the area. Flik hissed in pain as she touched a particularly tender spot.

"Well, it's definitely swollen," she remarked, her tone soothing but professional. "You're lucky it doesn't seem to be broken, but it looks like a nasty sprain."

Flik sighed in relief but still looked concerned. "How long do you think it'll take to heal?"

Dr. Flora smiled reassuringly. "With some rest and the right treatment, you should be back on your feet in a couple of weeks. I'll make a poultice to help with the swelling and pain."

Mike squeezed Flik's shoulder. "See? You're in good hands, Flik. Dr. Flora will have you fixed up in no time."

Flik managed a small smile. "Thanks, Mike. And thank you, Dr. Flora."

Dr. Flora nodded and began to gather the necessary herbs. "Just make sure you stay off that leg as much as possible," she advised. "I'll have someone bring you meals and anything else you need."

Mike grinned. "Don't worry, Flik. I'll make sure you follow her orders. You're not going to be doing any inventing on my watch."

Flik chuckled, though it quickly turned into a grimace of pain. "Alright, alright. I'll behave."

Dr. Flora mixed the herbs into a thick paste and applied it to Flik's injured leg, then wrapped it with a soft leaf bandage. "There we go," she said with a gentle smile. "You should start feeling better soon."

Mike helped Flik lie back on the bed and pulled a blanket over him. "Get some rest, buddy. I'll check on you later."

Flik nodded, already feeling the soothing effects of the poultice. "Thanks, Mike. I appreciate it."

Mike gave his friend a reassuring pat on the arm before heading out of the chamber, leaving Flik in Dr. Flora's capable care.

Dr. Flora let out a quiet inward sigh. "What else is new when it comes to Flik?" she thought, shaking her head with a mix of fondness and exasperation.

Meanwhile, Mike went over to Angela, his face lined with worry. "Flik's really hurt this time."

Angela looked up from her work, her eyes widening. "What happened?" she asked, setting aside what she was doing and standing up.

"He was trying out another invention," Mike explained, running a hand through his hair. "You know how he is. He ended up hurting his leg pretty bad. Dr. Flora is looking after him now."

Angela sighed, shaking her head. "He never gives up, does he?" she said, a small smile playing on her lips. "But that's part of what makes him special."

"Yeah," Mike agreed, his expression softening.

Angela reached out, placing a comforting hand on Mike's arm. "He'll be okay," she reassured him. "He's resilient. And he has us to help him through it."

Mike nodded, feeling a bit of the tension ease from his shoulders. "Thanks, Angela," he said, giving her a grateful smile. "You're right. We'll make sure he gets through this."

Flik stood outside, gazing at the clear blue sky. The memories of his parents lingered in his mind, casting a shadow over the otherwise bright day. He sighed deeply, feeling a mix of sadness and longing.

Mike, noticing Flik's distant expression, walked over and stood beside him. "Hey, Flik," he said softly, placing a reassuring hand on his friend's shoulder. "Penny for your thoughts?"

Flik glanced at Mike and managed a small smile, but it quickly faded. "Just thinking about my parents. Some days, it's harder than others, you know?"

Mike nodded, understanding the weight of those words. "I get it. Losing your parents... it never really stops hurting."

Flik's eyes filled with tears, his antennae drooping. "Yeah. It's just... sometimes I feel so alone, even with all of you around."

Mike turned to face Flik, his eyes full of empathy. "You're not alone, Flik. You've got us. We're your family now. We've been through so much together, and we're here for you, no matter what."

Flik's tears began to spill over, his small body trembling with suppressed grief. "I just miss them so much, Mike. It just hurts so bad."

Mike pulled Flik into a gentle embrace, letting his friend cry on his shoulder. "It's okay, Flik. Let it out. Sometimes you just need to cry."

Flik sobbed quietly, the weight of his sorrow pouring out. "I just wish they could have met you. They would have loved you," he managed between sobs.

Mike held Flik tighter, his own eyes misting up with emotion. "I'm sure they're looking down on you, proud of the amazing ant you've become. And hey, you've got a whole new family now. We're all here, and we're not going anywhere."

Flik clung to Mike, his sobs gradually subsiding.

It was in that quiet moment, standing side by side, that Flik felt the strength of their bond. It was a bond forged through hardships and triumphs, a bond that would never break. And for the first time in a long while, he felt truly at peace, knowing he was surrounded by those who cared for him deeply.

Flik reluctantly broke away and wiped his face with his arm, sniffing as he tried to compose himself. "Thanks, Mike," he said, his voice still shaky. "I needed that."

Mike gave him a reassuring smile. "Anytime, Flik. We all need a shoulder to lean on someone sometimes."

Flik took a deep breath and looked back at the clear sky, feeling a little lighter. "I guess it's just hard to let go of the past."

Mike nodded, understanding. "It is. But remember, you're not letting go of them. You're carrying their memory with you, and that's what makes you strong."

Flik managed a small smile, appreciating his friend's words. "You always know what to say, don't you?"

Mike chuckled softly. "Just speaking from the heart, buddy."

Flik felt a renewed sense of hope. With friends like Mike, he knew he could face whatever challenges came his way, and that his parents' legacy would live on through the bonds he had formed with his new family.

Flik, Mike, and David were doing exercises together. Both human brothers were shirtless as all 3 of the friends used weights made of sticks and marshmallows they had found outside the colony. While Mike and Flik were each lying on crafted benches and lifting a long weight with both arms, David was standing and raising each arm with a marshmallow weight.

"You know," Mike grunted as he pushed his weight up, "this might be the most fun I've ever had working out."

Flik, who was also straining under the weight, managed a smile. "Yeah, it's definitely different from inventing. And these weights are surprisingly effective."

David, who was alternating between lifting each weight, nodded in agreement. "I think it's great. It's good to do something physical for a change, especially after all the thinking and planning we usually do."

Flik laughed, though it was cut short by the grunt of effort of his next lift. "Well, if we ever get tired of inventing, maybe we can start a gym."

Mike chuckled. "Yeah, 'Flik's Fitness.' I can see it now."

David shook his head, smiling. "I think we'll stick to inventing and protecting the colony. But this is definitely a nice break."

As they continued their exercises, the camaraderie between the three friends was evident. They encouraged each other, shared laughs, and enjoyed the simple pleasure of working out together, strengthening not just their bodies but their bond as well.

"I gotta say, guys, I've never seen anyone look the way you two do. Let alone humans," Flik said through grunts of effort, his voice filled with admiration and a hint of envy.

Everyone was sweating profusely, their skin glistening under the strain of the intense workout.

"Hey, these bods are for our girlfriends and our girlfriends only," Mike quipped, faking seriousness with a playful grin.

"What, I can't give my best friend and my goddaughter's father a compliment on the way they look?" Flik joked back, managing a grin despite the strain.

Mike laughed, lowering the weight back to his chest. "Alright, fair enough. Just don't start getting any ideas," he teased, winking at Flik.

David chuckled, still lifting his weights. "Yeah, we don't want to give anyone the wrong impression," he added, sweat dripping down his brow.

"Or Angela and Lily to each go crazy on our butts."

Flik shook his head, still smiling. "You guys are impossible. But seriously, it's good to see you both looking so strong. The colony needs people like you."

Mike and David exchanged a look, their smiles fading into a more serious expression as they continued their reps. "Thanks, Flik," Mike said sincerely between lifts. "We do what we can. And you're a big part of that too. Your inventions have saved us more times than we can count."

Flik's smile softened as he continued to lift his own weight. "Thanks, Mike. That means a lot coming from you."

The three friends kept working out, the rhythm of their movements synchronized. The camaraderie between them was palpable, each rep strengthening not just their bodies but their bond as well.

In the heart of the colony, the vibrant activity of ants bustling around contrasted with the peaceful scene unfolding in a quieter corner. Flik, with his usual energetic demeanor, was playing with Emily, David and Lily's three-year-old daughter. The little girl giggled with delight as Flik showed her a new invention—a tiny contraption made from twigs and leaves that fluttered like a butterfly when wound up.

"Look, Emily!" Flik said, winding up the toy and letting it go. The small contraption took off, flapping its makeshift wings. Emily clapped her hands in amazement, her eyes wide with wonder.

"Again, Uncle Flik! Again!" she squealed, reaching out to catch the toy as it fluttered back down.

Flik chuckled, his antennae twitching with amusement. "Alright, alright, one more time," he said, picking up the toy and winding it up again. As it took flight, Emily chased after it, her laughter echoing through the chamber.

As the toy fluttered around, Flik crouched down to her level. "You know, Emily, you're pretty fast. Maybe one day, you'll be an inventor too, just like your dad and Uncle Mike."

Emily beamed, her small face lighting up with excitement. "Really, Uncle Flik? I wanna make things fly like you do!"

Flik's smile softened. "Of course, you can. With enough imagination and hard work, you can do anything."

Just then, Mike and David walked into the chamber, their eyes catching sight of the heartwarming scene. They exchanged a knowing smile, proud of the bond between their friend and Emily.

"Having fun, you two?" Mike called out, approaching them.

Emily turned and ran to her father, throwing her arms around his legs. "Daddy! Uncle Flik made a butterfly!"

David chuckled, ruffling her hair. "I see that. Did you say thank you to Uncle Flik?"

Emily nodded enthusiastically and turned back to Flik. "Thank you, Uncle Flik!"

Flik stood up, brushing off his legs. "Anytime, Emily. You're a great playmate."

Mike placed a hand on Flik's shoulder. "Thanks for looking after her, Flik. She really loves spending time with you."

Flik smiled warmly. "It's my pleasure, Mike. She's a great kid. You and David have done an amazing job with her."

David grinned, lifting Emily into his arms. "We're lucky to have friends like you, Flik. She's got the best role models around."

As they stood together, watching Emily play with the toy, the sense of family and friendship was stronger than ever. The colony might have been their home, but it was the bonds they shared that truly made it a place of love and belonging.

Outside, the entire family stood, gazing at the horizon as the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the colony.

"You've always been a good friend, Flik," Mike said, placing an arm around his shoulder. The gesture was both comforting and appreciative, a testament to their long-standing bond.

Flik looked up at Mike, his eyes reflecting the soft light of the setting sun. "Thanks, Mike. You all mean the world to me. I wouldn't trade our friendship for anything."

Angela, standing next to Mike, smiled warmly. "You've been like family to us, Flik. We couldn't have asked for a better godfather for Emily."

David, holding Emily in his arms, nodded in agreement. "Absolutely. You've been there for us through everything. We're so grateful."

Lily, her arm looped through David's, added, "And Emily adores you. You're her hero."

Emily, still clutching her butterfly toy, looked up at Flik with wide eyes. "Uncle Flik, will you always be here?"

Flik knelt down to her level, his antennae twitching with emotion. "Of course, Emily. I'll always be here for you and your family."

As they stood there, the colony bustling with life around them, they all felt a profound sense of unity and gratitude. The horizon stretched out before them, a symbol of the endless possibilities and adventures that lay ahead, strengthened by the bonds of friendship and family.

The setting sun painted the sky in hues of orange and pink, casting a golden glow on their faces. It was a moment of peace, a reminder that despite the challenges they had faced, they had each other—and that made all the difference in their world.

However, the illusion of their unbreakable bond was shattered at the end of summer by the ants. During the party for the so-called warriors Flik had found, circus ringmaster P.T. Flea arrived looking for his missing performers and exposed the truth, blowing Flik's cover.

Mike and his family, being the caring and loving friends they were, were not upset at Flik's lie, not even Emily. They understood his desperation to free the colony from the grasshoppers once and for all. However, Atta and the queen, deeply disappointed and upset at Flik's deception, ordered the circus bugs and Flik exiled from the colony. The other ants quickly hid the fake bird they had worked so hard to build and pretended it never happened.

Mike was shocked and heartbroken, along with Dot, who tried to run after Flik, but the queen firmly but kindly stopped her from reaching him, leaving a heavy silence in the air as Flik and the circus bugs left the colony.

Flik's banishment was a fatal mistake that put the entire colony in danger.

Mike and his family had to hide in a safe place in the chambers, making sure Emily was out of harm's way.

The ants were unable to meet the double quota Hopper had demanded, knowing they would starve if they gave up any more food. When Hopper and his gang arrived, furious at the insufficient offering, he took over the anthill and forced the ants to bring him all the food on the island.

The Queen, beloved by her people, became a target for Hopper's wrath. To teach the ants a lesson about disobedience, he plotted to kill her, leaving the colony in a state of terror and despair.

While Dot led The Blueberries to their hidden clubhouse for safety, she overheard the gang's plans to kill the Queen once they had all the food. After a tangle with Thumper, she sprouted her wings and caught up with Flik and the troupe. She persuaded them to return and put the bird plan into action, with help from her and the rest of The Blueberry scouts. However, Flik was entirely discouraged and said the colony was right about him. He was shaken out of this doubt when Dot reminded him of his seed-to-tree metaphor.

Back at the island, Flik instructed the troupe to distract the grasshoppers with a show while he and The Blueberries climbed up to the bird. Manny the magnificent and his lovely assistant wife, Gypsy, put on a magic act to sneak the Queen away so she wouldn't be there to get squished by Hopper. Then, the bird launched from out of the tree, supported by a cable, and swooped over the bunch, causing panic as the ants and circus bugs created fake wounds with berry juice. The plan went smoothly until P.T. intervened and set the model on fire with lighter fluid to stop its terror.

Enraged at Flik's attempt to fight back, Hopper sent Thumper to beat him up and talked down to the ants. Mike and his family, worried for Flik after witnessing the beating, hoped for a turn of events. Flik, having had enough of Hopper's cruelty, managed to stand up and rally the other ants, saying that the grasshoppers depended on the extorted food for their own survival and that the ants were stronger than he thought. While Hopper pushed him down, Atta stood in front of him, firmly telling Hopper that the ants picked and kept the food and that the grasshoppers had to leave.

The entire colony swarmed against the gang, forcing all except Hopper to leave. They shoved him into a circus cannon to shoot him away, but the rain arrived and caused the ants to retreat into the anthill. Hopper shot himself out of the cannon, grabbed Flik, and flew off, intent on killing him. Atta rescued Flik, and the two lured Hopper towards the bird's nest. Hopper cornered Flik and started strangling him, revealing his intention of returning to the colony with more grasshoppers, but Flik wouldn't be there. Flik was saved when the bird appeared, picked up Hopper, and fed him to her baby chicks.

Looking up in disbelief from the small boulder she was hiding behind, Atta saw that Hopper was gone. She began to celebrate with joy and relief, knowing that the colony was free and Ant Island was safe. However, when she turned to share this moment, she found herself alone.

Noticing Flik walking away from the anthill, Atta felt a surge of worry. She realized he was heading in the opposite direction and knew he had heard her, but he did not respond. Instead, he continued walking, his expression a mix of sorrow and anger.

Atta quickly caught up with him, but when she placed her hand on his shoulder, Flik jerked it away, clutching his arms tightly. This sudden reaction surprised her, and she felt a lump rising in her throat. Flik's back remained turned, and he seemed determined to leave and never come back, believing it was what she and the colony wanted.

Atta, nearly on the brink of tears, confessed that she had lied to him first. She explained that she never believed he would actually find warriors to help the colony fend off the grasshoppers. Flik, eyes widened with bemusement, connected the dots, realizing that the royal huddle, the looks of disbelief, and the exile all stemmed from her deception.

Stricken with revelation, Flik looked back at Atta with a scowl, feeling deeply sorrowful. Atta tried to argue, but Flik cut her off, raising his voice and making her jump with fright. She started to back away, tears welling up in her eyes. This was not the Flik she knew—he was now angry, furious, and broken.

Flik accused her of sending him on a phony quest to be rid of him, expressing his desire to help the colony with his inventions, only to be deceived. Atta, heavy with guilt, could only stare at him with tear-filled eyes. Flik's cold monologue highlighted the betrayal he felt, as he believed Atta's lie was far worse than his own. He declared that he would leave and not come back, repeating the very words she had used during his exile.

Atta lowered her head in shame, taking in the gravity of his words. She turned away and quickly made her way towards Ant Island, tears squeezing through her tightly closed eyes.

Flik, meanwhile, sought shelter under a grass stem, protecting himself from the raindrops. Clutching his arms close to his body, he shut his eyes tightly, allowing his tears to run down his face. Unlike Atta's tears of regret, his tears were of anger and sorrow. The realization that his colony rejected his inventions and saw him as an inconvenience was heartbreaking. All he ever wanted was to help his colony with his gadgets, only to be sent away and shunned by those he sought to aid.

Back on the island, Atta confessed everything to her mother: how she had sent Flik away just to be rid of him, never believing he would actually find help. The chamber fell silent. Mike and Angela exchanged shocked glances, their faces reflecting disbelief. Dot's expression turned from confusion to anger. Tears welled up in her eyes.

Dot shouted at Atta, blaming her for Flik's departure, her words cutting through the silence. Dot then ran off, bawling uncontrollably. The colony stood in stunned silence, processing the revelation and feeling the weight of their collective guilt for how they had treated Flik.

The Queen's disappointment was palpable, her stern gaze making Atta wince. She had tricked Flik into believing he could atone for his past mistakes, only to exile him and hope he would never return, all to avoid his inconvenience. Atta lowered her head in shame, nodding slightly.

The Queen shook her head with a frown. Flik's banishment had been their gravest mistake, nearly costing the Queen her life. Atta's lie had been intended to keep him out of the way. Atta could only look down in remorse.

The Queen sighed and left to find Dot, dismissing Atta's offer to help with a comment that stung deeply. Atta was left standing, surrounded by frowning ants whispering among themselves.

Mike and Angela, visibly angry, stood out among the colony members. Their expressions conveyed their frustration and disappointment with Atta. They had trusted her, and now they felt betrayed by her actions.

The circus bugs, Flik's friends, shared a collective expression of disappointment, making it clear that Atta had deeply erred.

The day after, Mike and Angela decided to take action and contacted the Jerry Springer show, arranging a trip to Chicago. Gypsy, Manny, and SVU detective Elliot Stabler served as guest security for the show.

During the show, Mike and Angela recounted how their friend Flik had been constantly mistreated and pushed away. They explained how the princess and the Colony Council sent Flik off to find warriors just to get him out of the way. They also shared how Atta had banished Flik for lying to the colony, and Mike revealed that he saw Dot trying to run after Flik, only to be stopped by her mother, the Queen.

They continued by explaining the disastrous events that followed: when the last leaf fell from the great tree, the grasshoppers took over the colony, placing the blame squarely on the ants. Finally, they detailed how Atta's confession of the true reason behind Flik's mission had infuriated him, leading to his decision to abandon the colony altogether.

Mike and Angela further elaborated on Dot's reaction to the situation. They described how devastated Dot was, sharing her intense anger towards her sister. Dot had even exclaimed that she hated Atta for her actions, a sentiment that highlighted the depth of her heartbreak and sense of betrayal.

The male human also mentioned that Atta and the ants feeling bad wasn't enough. Despite the queen expressing her disappointment in Atta, she wasn't innocent in this either, as she had allowed Flik's banishment in the first place for lying to the colony.

Angela even told Jerry that Atta was no different, constantly screwing things up, mainly because of her nervousness about being queen. To the human couple, it was a complete wonder how she was next in line for the throne.

Throughout the whole story being told, the audience reacted with sounds of pity and sympathy, upset that the ants would treat one of their own like an outcast just because he was different. Even the host felt sympathetic for what they'd been through. When Jerry brought out Dr. Flora as the first guest the human couple confronted, things got chaotic right away.

Angela, barefoot when Dr. Flora came out, got into a physical fight with her. As the show progressed, things escalated when all four members of the council—Mr. Soil, Thorny, and Cornelius—as well as Atta and her mother the Queen, all appeared on stage. Though they were apologetic, the human couple were far from forgiving, and the stage turned into a brawl.

The audience roared, the fight bell rang, and chants of Jerry's name filled the air. Mike pulled his shirt over his head when he first fought Mr. Soil in the second segment. The head of security, Steve Wilkos, along with guest security Gypsy, Manny, and Stabler, and backup security Jimmy Sherlock, all struggled to pull everyone apart. Gypsy and Manny handled the females, while Stabler and the others dealt with the men.

When Cornelius first came out, Angela slapped him across the face and shoved him hard by his face and chest. Though he was elderly, she felt he needed to be taught a lesson in respect and consequences for his actions. Mike's fighting was far more fierce than his girlfriend's, prompting the Steve, Jimmy, and Stabler to use more strength and force to keep him under control. Whether it was the queen, Atta, or Dr. Flora she fought, Angela exchanged various hits with them and squeezed and tugged one of each of their antenna as hard as she could out of rage and hatred.

By the end of the third segment, Mike, through tears of anger and sorrow, put down the queen, the council, and Atta, calling all of them failures at what they are. Angela, filled with bitterness, declared her hatred towards them and the colony, her words cutting with callous finality.

Jerry provided some wise words of comfort, assuring them that their losses weren't permanent and that their friend would be reunited with them. He advised that their future decisions should be made when they were less angry, emphasizing the importance of approaching the situation with a clearer mind.

The host also advised the ants to give the human couple the time they need and not to pressure them into forgiving or trusting them right away. He emphasized that rushing the process could prevent a peaceful resolution and urged patience and understanding from both sides.

2 days after the show, Mike and Angela's resentment towards the ants solidified. Each encounter with the humans painfully reminded the colony of the rift that had formed. The queen and Atta's efforts to bridge the divide were met with cold indifference, leaving them with heavy hearts.

Mr. Soil, Dr. Flora, Thorny, and Cornelius reflected on their missed opportunities to establish trust with the humans, their regret palpable. They knew their actions had driven the couple away.

Dot found solace in Mike and Angela's company. Despite their turmoil, the humans offered her a comforting presence, their support a source of strength. They communicated their whereabouts to Dot discreetly and honestly, considering her young age.

The ants couldn't shake the nagging regret. If only they had been more open-minded and accepting, they might have avoided this rift. Now with Flik gone and the damage done, they contended with the consequences of their actions, knowing there was nothing they could do to fix their mistakes

The colony remained haunted by the memory of the human couple's departure. Despite efforts to mend the relationship, sorrow and remorse hung over them like a shadow.

A week later, Mike and Angela said their goodbyes to Dot. With heavy hearts, they moved in with the circus bugs in Bug City, thanks to Gypsy and Manny's generous offer. This new chapter provided a fresh start, but the memories and emotions of the past lingered, leaving a lasting impact on everyone involved.

Flik's departure took a heavy toll on Mike, and a few months later, he found himself struggling with depression. The weight of everything that had happened bore down on him, making it difficult to find joy even in the lively company of the circus bugs. Angela stood by him, offering support and understanding, but the pain of losing their friend left a lasting mark on Mike's spirit.

One night, Mike's hands trembled as he pulled out a rope from under his bed. The weight of his depression had become too much to bear, and he felt overwhelmed by the pain of losing Flik. Desperation clouded his mind as he struggled with the thoughts overtaking him.

Gypsy happened to notice what Mike was trying to do. Without hesitation, she tackled him to the ground, preventing him from taking his own life. Her quick intervention saved him, but the moment left both of them shaken.

The moth held him in a tight hug, providing comforting words as he broke down into tears, crying uncontrollably. Outside the tent, Angela heard the commotion and rushed in to investigate.

When Angela found her boyfriend sobbing in Gypsy's embrace, she sprinted over, her heart pounding in fear. Desperately, she asked Gypsy what had happened. The moth, her own eyes brimming with tears, told Angela that Mike had tried to end his own life.

Angela gasped softly in shock and knelt down beside him, placing a hand on Mike's back. She could feel his body shaking with sobs, and her own tears began to fall as she tried to comfort him.

The day after, Angela suggested that it would be best to talk to her sister Lily. Since her sister was a therapist, Angela knew Lily would be the one to provide Mike the best help he needed. Although Mike was reluctant, he agreed to give it a try.

During the session, Mike opened up to Lily about his feelings of hopelessness and sadness since Flik's departure. At times, he became emotional, struggling to fight back tears as he expressed the depth of his pain. During those times, Lily offered him tissues as he talked about his situation through a cracked voice.

Lily encouraged Mike to practice self-care and talk to supportive friends and family members like her and Angela.

For a couple of weeks, Mike regularly visited Lily and sought solace in the company of the circus bugs. Gypsy and Manny were always there, offering comfort and wisdom, helping him navigate the depths of his pain. Despite the progress he was making, the shadow of Flik's absence loomed large over him.

Every night, Mike would lie awake, staring at the ceiling of the tent, his mind replaying the moments with Flik over and over. The laughter they shared, the memories they made, and the dreams they had—all now felt like distant memories that have been erased. The emptiness in his heart seemed insurmountable, a constant reminder of the friend he had lost.

Angela, though supportive and loving, could see the toll it was taking on him. She stayed by his side, offering a shoulder to lean on and a hand to hold. But she knew that no amount of comfort could fill the void left by Flik's departure. The sight of Mike's pain broke her heart, and she wished she could do more to ease his suffering.

Gypsy and Manny did their best to lift Mike's spirits, sharing stories of their own struggles and triumphs, reminding him that life, though challenging, was worth living. Their kindness and understanding were a balm to his wounded soul, but the ache for his lost friend persisted.

Each day, as Mike tried to find a new normal, the hope of reuniting with Flik seemed to grow dimmer. He clung to the words of encouragement from Lily, Gypsy, and Manny, but the reality of Flik's absence was a heavy burden to bear. The days turned into weeks, and the weeks into months, yet the longing for his friend remained as strong as ever.

Even though Mike was getting the help he needed, the day he would see Flik again felt painfully distant. The road to healing was long and arduous, and while he had the support of those who cared for him, the emptiness left by Flik's departure was a wound that time alone might not heal. As he continued to navigate his journey of recovery, Mike couldn't help but wonder if the day would ever come when he and Flik would be reunited, and whether the scars of their separation would ever truly fade.

Only time would tell…

Quick note: If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or a crisis, reach out immediately to the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.