Winter is coming...

Days in hiding: 5

The workers explored their new terrain all around them. They had established this area as their new land a few days back, but had to go into hiding at first. They knew that the terrible winter was fast approaching, but they also knew they had to make it to warmth. The Elders predicted a shift in the green trees far above them and knew that the the harsh winds were upon them all. Finn was the first to share their plan with the colony. They would send three of the troops, known as Brothers, and two elders into the warm building at the next opportunity and scope out where their colony could stay...

That had been six days ago. Now they had found a place to live, but their conditions were not the greatest. It was warm there, but there was a constant change of scenery; often rain would fall out of nowhere onto them. This was often the most confusing for the group because they were not aware that it could rain inside. This was truly a strange building they had stumbled into. There appeared to be a giant living near their new location, but he seemed to keep to himself and left their building often. He was the reason they hid.

For 5 days they were hiding to make sure they could live there undetected. Eventually the giant noticed them. They heard him scoff at them, but did not seem to mind them. That was when they knew it was safe. Finn led the others out as they began to explore their new terrain. They began to see where the colony would live, where they could find their food, but the only problem they discovered was there seemed to be a lack of materials to make their fortress for their Queen. They must adapt their living quarters for their royalty if they were going to have their colony join them.

As they began to dissect their plans for establishment a new giant appeared. "What are these pests? I will take care of them." They heard him explain without spending any time getting to know them or asking what they would need. Then they heard it...

They heard the oncoming rain...they waited in anticipation...ready to run and hide from the rain...but it never came...they simply heard it...like a water fall in the distance...

That's when Finn tracked where the sound was escaping from. In this building there appeared to be an indoor swimming area. This would be terrifying for the colony as not many could swim well. They would have to be extra careful when they were having leisure time otherwise they might get stuck in the swimming area. They would not want that. Dealing with giants was enough.

Boom! 

The two elders looked over and noticed a small, clear pool had appeared. They didn't see anyone leave it there, but they noticed that the new giant was gone and the old giant was preoccupied.

Maybe this is a welcoming gift? Maybe they want to celebrate our arrival to their building. Finn thought and as he told the Elders they developed the idea that it would be great to utilize. If this was a gift it was there responsibility to try it out before presenting it to the Queen.

Brother #1 was more cautious than the Elders. He recommended that they wait and see if the pool does anything or how long it stays there, but Finn had a lot of sway with the Elders and he seemed to trust the giants. He was an optimist after all. Finn led the two Elders to the pool and they slowly dipped into it...

...Everything seemed fine at first. They felt warm, relaxed, and at peace. Finn immediately knew their Queen would love this. The Elders started to brainstorm when they would bring the rest of the colony here and where they would live. They took this pool as a sign of goodwill with their giant neighbors. Finn decided to go and get the other Brothers as he wanted them to join...to experience this new relaxing pool; and that is when it happened...

Finn felt a darkness begin to cloud his vision. His skin began to feel tingly from his feet to his hands. He felt a heaviness on his shoulders as he fell to the ground. His legs...all six of them gave out underneath him as he gave into his demise. 

Before the other Brothers could notice the death of their fellow Brother or the gradual decline in conversation from their Elders a darkness came over the land. The giant had moved over to their terrain again.

SPLAT. Both of the brothers were wiped up into their demise. Forever gone from this good earth. Dead.

The Queen and her colony would never reach the warmth of the building. They would have to find a new home or retreat underground during this winter season, but they would never see the 5 Ants who ventured into the Office again.

*No Ants were harmed in the writing of this story.