"Incoming!"
Three Chimera Ants sprinted toward the anthill, their movements swift and coordinated. Hot on their heels were three dinosaur-like monsters, their heavy footsteps shaking the earth with every stride. Yet the Chimera Ants showed no sign of panic. Their actions were smooth, deliberate—as if this moment had been practiced many times before.
As if on cue, all three ants leapt high into the air, hanging there for just a breath before landing gracefully beside their squadron leader, Colt.
The beasts chasing them had no such grace. Without warning, the earth gave way beneath their pounding feet, and they plunged into a deep crater that had been carefully dug out in advance. From the rim of the pit, Colt stood expressionless, his gaze cold and calculating. He raised one hand.
"Attack!" Colt commanded, his voice sharp as a blade.
From the shadows surrounding the crater, Chimera Ants emerged—dozens of them—ready and waiting. Without hesitation, they unleashed a barrage of magic, spells they had learned from the books taken off the corpses of foolish humans who had wandered too close. The air filled with light, heat, and sound as their spell's rained down upon the trapped monsters.
Minutes later, the dinosaur-like creatures lay still, their forms broken and lifeless at the bottom of the pit.
Colt gave a short nod of satisfaction and issued his final orders.
"Good job. Take the monsters back to the anthill and reset the trap so the other squadrons can use it later. Await further instructions once these carcasses are processed and delivered to the Queen."
Once he was certain the command had been heard and understood, Colt turned and began the long walk back to the anthill.
One Hour Later
Colt arrived at the anthill, his sharp eyes scanning the surroundings. Everything seemed in order. He stepped inside, only to find one of his subordinates standing beside Peggy, deep in conversation. Normally, Colt would have ignored such a sight, but this time was different.
That subordinate was supposed to be delivering processed food to the Queen.
Irritation flared in Colt's chest. Gritting his teeth, he strode over to the pair, his heavy footsteps breaking their exchange.
"Rammot," Colt growled, "what do you think you're doing?"
The ant named Rammot flinched, tensing as he slowly turned around, scrambling to defend himself.
"W-What do you mean? I was just trying to learn more from Squadron Leader Peggy," he stammered.
Colt didn't believe a word of it. Folding his arms, he glared at the disobedient soldier.
"I know you too well. Either tell me the truth, or I'll make you the bait for the next hunt."
Rammot froze, fear creeping into his expression. After a long moment, he broke.
"Fine! I want to get stronger! Are you happy now?!"
But Colt was far from satisfied. He let out a slow breath, shaking his head.
"Normally, I wouldn't care—but I gave you a specific order, and here you are, ignoring it as if it meant nothing. I can't stand it when subordinates like you treat my commands so lightly."
Colt's disdain for disobedience was absolute. No matter the excuse, defying the chain of command demanded punishment. There would be no leniency.
Rammot clenched his fists in frustration, fury burning behind his eyes.
'I need to learn more about this power I possess... If I can master it... I can become the King!'
Magicules gathered in his shaking hand as he let the dangerous vision flood his mind—a fantasy of ruling over all the Chimera Ants.
*Crack*
A sudden, crushing pressure swept through the anthill.
Every ant froze as if the air itself had turned to ice. An overwhelming aura pressed down on them, thick with the promise of death. Rammot's thoughts shattered under its weight. His body locked up; his mind stalled. Only one fear-filled realization broke through the haze.
'That aura... The Queen's Royal Guard!'
Heavy footsteps approached from behind. Colt and Peggy stiffened, dread creeping into their faces as they glanced toward the source.
Rammot let his clenched fist fall open. His vision of glory crumbled, fading into bitter despair.
'It was just a dream... A dream that will never come true.'
He dropped to his knees as the owner of that terrifying aura finally stepped into the light.
Fair skin. Cat ears and a tail. Messy silver hair. A tight blue button-up shirt that accentuated her slim form. Short pants that revealed long, slender legs—legs that could kill anything in an instant. Lastly long socks and a fetching pair of shoe's.
[IMAGE]
She stopped directly in front of Rammot, her immense presence held in check. A chilling smile played at her lips.
"My name is Neferpitou," she said softly. "I heard something about learning and power. May I join this conversation as well?"
It was posed as a question, but everyone present knew the truth: this was no mere request. It was a challenge, a warning veiled in politeness.
Neither Colt nor Peggy dared to answer carelessly. Breaking the tense silence, Peggy—his voice trembling—spoke up in a rush.
"O-Of course! Rammot and I were just discussing some books... explaining in detail the nature of the power we possess."
Pitou nodded, pleased. She crouched, gently running her hand over Rammot's head. Beneath her touch, she felt the flow of magicules they had been speaking of, the strange potential within. Like a cat finding a new toy, her smile grew wider, curiosity gleaming in her eyes.
"Then tell me," she purred, "what form can this power take? Explain everything. Leave nothing out."
Pitou had been born mere moments ago—and yet, unlike most Chimera Ants, she had not awakened a Unique Skill. It was rare, unnatural even. But this absence left her with limitless potential. She could shape her evolution in any way she wished. The thought was both thrilling and terrifying. No one else knew this secret—not Colt, not Peggy, not even the Queen. Only Pitou herself was aware.
And she wanted to know more.
Even with the basics of her being instinctively imprinted in her mind, there was so much to learn—so much she could become. However long it took, she would discover the path that would make her worthy to serve her King.
As Peggy began explaining the nature of Magicules and skills in detail, Pitou's thoughts drifted toward the King—their future ruler, the destined leader of the Chimera Ants who would conquer the world. Like a schoolgirl dreaming of an unreachable prince, she imagined him: perfect, glorious, unstoppable.
But she shook herself free from the fantasy. There was work to be done. She had to grow stronger. She had to master her power before he was born.
'I can't fail the King,' she thought fiercely. 'I must be ready. I must master this power... before he is born.'
________________________________________
Hope everyone enjoyed finally seeing Neferpitou. Anyways I have a question for everyone. Do you want a fourth royal guard that would be an oc or not? It won't change anything like time for chapters or stuff like that. It was simply a thought I had that I decided to bring up with everyone to see if it was good or not. If yes than I'll have a vote I'm the next chapter. If no then nothing will change.
Thanks again for supporting my story! Hope everyone has a great day!
Power Stone's?