Formicea

- Liseti -

Things have almost reached their conclusion.
The end is so close.
It only needs one last effort.
Erys is too naive.
Her ideas of solving conflict without taking proper care of the hostile side are unrefined at best, dangerously risky at worst.

Ever since our last battle, I've tasked interceptors with scouting our enemy from above, and the reports they bring are disturbing, to say the least.
Evidently, the forces brought to bear were but a portion of their fighters, and by no means their most fierce.
It seems that battles break out repeatedly all along the immense swath of greenery that borders their territory.
Battles with dangerous creatures that would require large numbers of drones to defeat.
However, these human fighters continuously prevail against them with only a small number of units.
Most worrisome is that, even though they travelled high above, nearly all of the interceptors who attempted to gain a more accurate survey of that region, perished, indicating a concerning increase in ability of those units over those we faced.
Currently, those combat units remain scattered, dwelling in remote nests, but if they were to retreat for a time, and join with the entirety of their forces, they may pose a considerable threat.
That cannot be allowed.
Especially not when our neighboring swarms are observing us for any weakness.
If we were to incur too severe losses, they may see an opportunity, despite the treaty.
Not to speak of what would happen were they to join with our human opponents.

However, I need to grant it to Erys that her idea with this wall was ingenious.
As part of my duties, I regularly inspect the defenses, and they still hold fast.
Yet while an impregnable defense holds value, this certainly won't solve this conflict.
Especially, as a good part of their surface reach lies directly above swarm territory, and neither mother's new claim, nor her hive, is protected by this construct.
Therefore, we'll have to deliver a message that will put them in their place so they may never dare to question our demands ever again.

In this sense, this place poses the perfect base of operations to make this happen.
We can threaten their position from here, and if need shall arise, our interceptors may capture humans of this faction, in order to persuade them to relinquish subjects of our new "protectorate", which in turn means they are now our subjects.
Or, at least, so Erys believes.
Yet as for myself, I sincerely doubt such prideful creatures will reign in just for this reason.
If anything, it may very well provoke the attack I fear.
No, the better option is to lead a force right into the heart of their power.

However, merely interceptors won't suffice for such a task.
They are starting to stretch thin and are too valuable to use as primary forces.
Also, the enemy capital is simply too far away to reach it in one single flight.
This would also lead to a certain fact I don't want the humans to discover too soon.
Interceptors are an emergency unit, but in direct combat, they're weak.
Their mass and movement speed makes them dangerous, but on the ground they would likely be no match for any combat-affine human.
Therefore, the better option is to build tunnels into their territory.

Yet looking down, I see the great problem with this.
Even with a blanket of those "clouds" blocking much of the light from overhead, I can easily see that the chasm below the wall still didn't refill with the dreaded water.
Yet if it won't, this could cause greater issues in the future.
I saw it on the "maps" the humans provided, and this water flows till the place Erys is taking over.
So a decision had to be made.
Do we allow it to refill again, making the building of further tunnels impossible, or prevent this to gain further control over our enemy?

The answer to this question is a simple compromise.
As the speed at which the chasm refills is limited, we'll make use of the time we're given and push for a deciding attack right into the center of their power.
Their capital, called Regia.
Once the tunnels open, we'll scour their dwellings and deliver a major blow to them.
If their structures collapse, their leaders get slaughtered, and their armies killed in their sleep, if they face complete obliteration, then maybe they will realize the foolishness of further incursions.
This will show them that they aren't safe.
This will show them their place.
A demonstration of power that will make them reconsider any future attacks.

However, I had to build from my position.
While it may be simpler to try to make use of Inati's hive structures, I couldn't risk having her manage the only connection to this nation.
Dealing with humans is a careful balancing act, requiring the careful determination of the afforded degree of intimidation and avoiding a desperate unification in the face of obliteration.
This was shown to me in the battle against the terrorworm.
If you offer them a way out, humans will take it.
If there is none, they will become truly obnoxious.
Also, I dare not inform Inati of the enemy's fiercest units.
She may very well decide to face them head-on as worthy opponents.
So no, I couldn't involve Inati any more than I already did, and had to approach them from a western route.

I make my way down into the start of the tunnels, as I consider the current issue caused by this approach.
A wretchedly large body of water in our path causes problems.
This "lake".
The water extends a great deal beneath the surface, so we've been quite careful with our tunnels.
However, for some reason, all tunnel expansions get flooded.
No matter how we build, no matter how carefully we divert or dam the flow, it seems like something thwarts our efforts.
Even when we instead attempted to tunnel beneath the much shallower flowing waters on either side, I soon received reports of sudden collapse.
I certainly can't tell why this is so.
However, it is only a question of time until we'll have found our way around.

"Grmbl"

Hm, what is this?
There's a distinctive rumbling coming through the ground.
I wait for a messenger, who arrives soon after.

<Princess! The death through the walls! It's approaching!> (messenger)

The messenger is clearly distraught.
Rightly so, as "water" is a deadly threat in our world.
In our world, that is.
Thus, the right action presents by itself.

<To the surface! We will climb above our demise!> (L)

In this, the surface proves advantageous.
I simply need to climb on top of the wall.
It rises beyond any possible water level and is therefore safe.
If in doubt, I'll just fly to our hive through the air.

"WHOSH"

Thus, I manage to escape to the top of the wall in time, those who can fly following directly, and the rest fleeing through the tunnels.
Yet now I've to clear space, as human archers watch from the top.

"Move aside and gather together! The drones must all come to the surface."

Quickly, they create an open area, compacting together in ranks as my drones swarm upwards.

Satisfied, I turn to view over the edge.
Below me, a horror beyond imagination displays.

Far faster than is believable, the death gushes through every tunnel, gash, and crevice into the chasm at the base of the wall.
Rapidly, it fills, the levels rising so quickly I even grow concerned if the surface will keep it off.
A nonsensical idea, I realize, as it promptly stops after partly filling up.
Yet this whole phenomenon is strange.
I gathered some knowledge about the surface, and something like this shouldn't happen.

"How peculiar. The general appearance of a monster, but not. What are you?" (?)

Huh?
A voice, unlike any human I have heard, sounds from beneath my feet.
I try to find its source, but neither scent nor visual senses seem to offer confirmation.
There's merely a few trickles of water atop the packed earth.
Agitated as they are, my drones press between me and the edge of the wall, forcing me to take some steps back as they form a barrier all around to this new, unseen threat.

"Some walk like humans. That one in particular seemed to speak like a human. But with such amounts of life, can it reason? As simply as a child would be sufficient." (?)

The chiming voice teases.
But this much I can do.
Engaging with this voice may lead to more information about its nature.

"I am capable of logical thought. You apparently as well. May I see my communication partner?" (L)

"Fascinating." (?)

Suddenly, I have to question my mental processing again.

The origin of the voice shifts, now coming from empty space directly in front of me.
However, as I look in that direction, something else catches my eye.
A small distance beyond the ledge, facing the Koresoan side, I spot a tiny, glimmering being.

"So I was not mistaken. You can talk, and have reason. Perhaps discussion may be the most expedient method?" (?)

It's certainly this being.
Scarcely large enough for me to make out its movements from here, especially with that blue light that partly obscures it, it performs gestures with its arms alongside this jingling speech.

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Its wings, which remind me of my own kind, if not for the color, have a deeper blue hue.
My drones could crush it in an instant.

Yet, looks can be wrong.
Despite its small size, it doesn't seem to know fear.
While it's cautiously hovering out of reach, its demeanor speaks of an apex predator, eyeing a swarm of those weaker than it.
As beyond all reason this notion may seem.
However, my own caution can't be put aside.
Too much strangeness has already occurred.
And the Death-Through-the-Walls acting abnormally ought not be disregarded.

"It seems so. Then, as a measure of general politeness, may you give me your name?" (L)

"Names hold meaning. They shouldn't be given lightly." (?)

Promptly, three more lights come fluttering.

"Aquia, we did as you told!" (fairy)

"We filled the tunnels with lots and lots of water!" (fairy)

"Will this end the water stealing already? I want to get back to smoothing my rocks." (fairy)

I see these beings flutter and gleam with a brighter blue color.
Yet the first one turns and chases those additional small beings away, which are clearly unwelcome for what it's doing here.

However, what they said holds a disconcerting meaning.
They filled the tunnels with water.
This speaks of true danger.
And means all the more that I need to rein my agitated escort in.

<Don't attack.> (L)

A silent command is spoken.
The tiny being twitches, but I can't tell if it understood.

"What did you just do? There was something emitted by you." (A)

"I communicated with my kind. They are confused by your appearance. And agitated by the destruction." (L)

"As they should be! Because I'm forced to be here to remove an annoyance to my home!" (A)

"An annoyance?" (L)

"Yes! You insects dug tunnels below my lake! Drained water, probed the ground, risked causing it to flow away! So I am here to put a stop to it!" (A)

The way it speaks, it seems mostly like it simply felt disturbed and reacts now in such a manner.

"I did so to protect my own. The humans threatened to attack us, so I had to make sure this wouldn't happen." (L)

"Humans and monsters fighting…nothing new, boring. I don't care. Just leave my water alone!" (A)

Sigh.
Finding a compromise doesn't seem to be this being's strong point.

"May I ask, do you care about your kin?" (L)

"To a degree. They can be annoying at times, but they assist me with casting greater spells and help maintain my home." (A)

"I see. So if I were to threaten them all with eradication, this would upset you, am I right?" (L)

At this, a dozen rotating forms of water seem to establish themselves out of nowhere around me.
They form sharp-looking edges, and even though they are liquid, I get the distinct sense that they are very much capable of slicing through my carapace.

"It certainly would." (A)

At this moment, a dozen hunters jump into those forms.
They noticed they were aimed at me and fulfilled their duty to the end.
Most of them get instantly shredded, but some few survive, although severely injured, while the forms are gone.

"Intriguing. Sacrifice to protect another entity. Are you overly valuable to your species, or is it this 'love' that humans claim?" (A)

As for her, she doesn't seem overly concerned, and curiosity fills her voice.
This ability must come naturally to her, similar to these "mages" the humans have.
Yet those need to rest often, expending their energy quickly.
Do I take the risk and assault her with my drones till she depletes whatever reserves fuel her abilities?

Then something beyond her catches my eye.
Those she chased off have been joined by several others.
Seemingly uncaring about this conversation, they're darting about, chasing one another.
While several more of these creatures being present is poor news, the most worrying part is the fact that streams of water continuously flow about them.
With what appears to be no effort at all, the Death-Through-the-Walls courses through the air at the behest of these tiny beings.
If it weren't this terrifying substance, I'd say they were…playing.
Playing, with no visible exertion.
Thus, it's safe to assume that, at the very least, their reserves must be vast.
Humans would surely be exhausted by this point!

Maybe I should flee.
They're small, so I should be able to outfly them.
Especially if my drones buy me time.

We may lose this wall, but that is nothing compared to the loss of a princess.
I cannot be at the forefront of a battle with beings such as these.

Yet the way they wield their powers, I may be caught up in their onslaught nonetheless.
And even if I were to escape and reach the safety of my base, it can't be guaranteed that one of these small beings won't slip through.
I don't even want to imagine what they could do to the main hive.

If they can continuing doing this, I'll need to think of something that will cause them to cease before they strike.
Yet my forces are currently insufficient to protect me.
I'm caught far out of position by creatures whose capabilities I do not know.
So, what can I do to increase my chances of survival?

"It's not important, but I'd suggest you don't repeat your actions, as you wouldn't like the outcome." (L)

I cannot find my end here, so I will do what I must.
My brood squeezes tighter around me, ready to block another incoming attack, while more and more gather as close as they can, and I have to actively hold the order not to jump this enemy.

"Another threat? How uninspired. Do you truly think your determination to fight me would prevent me from eradicating you?" (A)

Not the most promising start.
Hopefully, the lessons I've gleaned from Erys' antics apply to more surface dwellers than merely the humans.

"It may not, but doing so would open the problem I'm warning you about." (L)

"Which would be?" (A)

"That you don't know my mother." (L)

"Your mother?" (A)

"The way I see it, were you to harm me, this would pose a severe blow to my swarm. One of such magnitude it would be barely conceivable. However, the far greater harm would be done to my mother. Every single member of the swarm is important to her, but a princess such as me, that is where all her love lies. So if I were to die here, her grief would know no limits. Yet not only grief, but also rage. I don't know your kind. We have no feud with you, but this will change if you drive my mother so far. I can tell that you and your kind possess enormous offensive abilities, but are you truly ready for this kind of conflict? Are you ready for millions of my kind intruding into your home, set on slaughtering every last one of you? Maybe you would fight back, but I can guarantee you, your kind would incur losses. Drastic losses. After all, my mother is pretty ingenious if it's about eradicating a threat. If they require the deaths of more drones than the body of water you chose as your dwelling can hold, then so be it. We will throw our kind at you until you all are buried beneath our corpses and our toxic blood will poison your very essence." (L)

"Our essence? So you finally offer a threat worth speaking." (A)

Odd.
I feel this being means something different than I with this word.
Yet it seems to have worked in my favor.

"This is the simple situation. Yet I'd like to offer a different outcome. One where we both could come to an agreement that does seem acceptable." (L)

"And what would such an acceptable agreement be?" (A)

"We would both refrain from further attacks on the territory the other inhabits. However, this can't mean to be left open to the humans. So I'd ask that none of the humans you protect, willingly or not, will come and attack us in return." (L)

Let's see how she reacts to this.

"I don't have this kind of influence over humans. They do as they please, as long as they leave me be." (A)

"I see. Then what about simply preventing them from crossing? If they come again to fight us, you would move the water like just now. Such a thing should make them finally understand not to do so." (L)

While mother's territory wouldn't be protected, it would allow us to shift a large number of drones from this place and reinforce where needed.

"I see. Yes, that might work. Yet humans tend to repeatedly test their boundaries. Why would I go out of my way to prevent such a thing?" (A)

"Because, in return, we will remain within our territory and won't bother you again. And I assure you, they will bother you far less than we would, especially after their first attempts." (L)

From how she spoke previously, this ought to be her primary reason for being here.
With that accomplished, there should be no further cause for conflict on their end.
Yet I ought to make certain.

"Also, you may ask for something as well." (L)

"Hmm, can you make honey?" (A)

"Honey?" (L)

"Yes! Sweet nectar! Gathered from insects like you from plants! It is always quite enjoyable whenever I find any." (A)

Sweet, she says?
That sounds like a path to take.

"Not quite, but we have something very similar." (L)

I smirk inwardly.

"Then there is only one matter remaining. To keep anyone from crossing, a portion of my kind must needs remain inside it. If we do this for you, then this river will become our domain, and we will be allowed to do as we wish within it and on its banks." (A)

In other words, I must trust these beings to dwell directly alongside us.
Not an optimal solution, yet for now, I have no choice.
Though I ought to minimize what danger I can, as long as they keep their word.

"You may dwell in it, but cannot deny those who require it for their livelihood, nor bring harm to them." (L)

"Very well. Then we have a deal!" (A)

It seems like this impending catastrophe was averted.
Yet now I should certainly develop countermeasures.
This being is likely the greatest threat I have ever faced, such a small thing capable of harming a princess before they can get to safety, and such a risk to our swarm can't be permitted.
Therefore, I will first learn what there is to know about this being, and ultimately how to defend against, and if possible, dispose of them.
Furthermore, I need to know if they will truly perform as they said, and keep the hostile humans at bay in the meantime.
Our human allies should know as long as they already exist on the surface.
Even if it will require a long time, I will find a way to protect my swarm.
Ultimately, it just can't be guaranteed that they will do as we agreed.

"All things considered, I am glad we understand each other so well on this. Though please, avoid irritating my kin before I decide to visit again. After all, you truly wouldn't want to get on our bad side. Otherwise..." (A)

She indicates upward.
Following her suggestion, I look towards the clouds.
High above, hundreds of blazing blue lights swirl about one another, spinning about with no apparent pattern.
Some collide and then break apart, some are fast, others slow, but they are all clearly working together for a purpose.
Clearly, as the effect is obvious.

The grey blanket above is being pulled down towards them like a nurse sucking in nectar.
When it nears the dancing lights, it halts in the air as more rush towards it.
Finally, a glistening, blue sphere forms at the end of the path, rapidly growing larger and larger.

Water.
And with how far away that is, an awful amount of it.

A few moments later, it falls, roaring as it strikes the chasm below.
It isn't long till the sun appears in the gap created above us, shining off the now rushing river flowing along its course, the chasm completely filled.
The lights in the sky fade and disappear into the water, and when I return my gaze to the one speaking to me, she has also vanished.

Erys will have her water back, and the threat of the hostile humans may be resolved, yet I hold no misconceptions.
That deluge could easily have fallen directly on top of this wall.
They merely decided not to have it do so.
I've traded one possible threat for another.

However, glowing so brightly, they were clearly visible, if one thought to look, and their skill took some time to complete.
Said skill is impressive, yet they were careful to never come within our reach.
Meaning these beings are likely as fragile as they appear.
I wonder how my interceptors would have fared against such small creatures had they all been ordered to engage them?
I assume not too well, as my flyers aren't all that proficient in fighting other flying targets, but exist to quickly intercept advancing forces that may threaten a vulnerable target on our side.
This is a weakness that must be addressed.
With so much open area out of reach of the ground, there may very well be multiple threats that would take advantage of such height, leaving our standard patterns helpless.
Hmm, come to think of it, I never came to create my royal guard.
An aerial combat pattern might be recommended.

Yet, right here, right now, I can't possibly fathom the outcome; however, given this display of power, I fear I still wouldn't have made it out, which would equal a defeat.
The damage to the swarm would've been done, and there'd be no immediate recovery from it.
Honestly, I don't even know if my mother would have truly retaliated in her grief, or protected the swarm and cut the losses before they'd become too great.
The neighboring swarms have been growing restless as of late, and my loss would've been seen as an incredible opportunity to be exploited.
However, this being doesn't have to know, and wasn't able to discern if my words were the truth.
Neither does it have to know whether or not I'll prepare to fight back.

After all, it is the way of the surface to deceive.