Oppression {A Bug's Life AU}

Chapter V: Guilt and Regret

The sound of the pounding gavel rang in Flik's ears. He stood tall in the presence of the higher class, and yet hung his head in shame. He knew he was going to be punished for his accident, and he knew he deserved it, so he couldn't help feeling regretful and guilty. Almost as soon as the grasshopper clan had left, he was summoned to an immediate court session to explain what had happened and for his punishment to be decided by the council, and the princess herself.

The courtroom was rarely used, yet it was somehow perfectly clean and tidy. It was on the outskirt of the island right beside the palace. It was a small building with polished walls and mahogany tables. The queen sat on a throne-like chair next to the jury box to witness the discussion, while Princess Atta and the council stood at the judge's bench—since they would be considered the judges for now.

As Princess Atta set the gavel down, she stared at the worker with quite an angered look. "Flik, what do you have to say for yourself?" She asked as calmly as she could, but the frustration couldn't keep from her tone.

Flik sighed, frowning apologetically. He knew there was no excuse for his mistake, and because of it, the kingdom was in a worse situation than they were before. "Forgive me, your highness. I do apologize for the way I am. I did not intend for things to end this way," He spoke defeated, then gave the princess a sincere look, "And I especially did not mean to cause you such humiliation, Princess."

"Well, you did." Atta said bitterly, trying to hold back her anger the best she could. She was expected to act professional and ladylike, not just in the courtroom, but always. She was not to shout or raise her voice at her subjects, especially not with foul profane language. But if she hadn't been raised so well, she would be lashing out at him by now.

"Please understand, I was just trying to help." He said in his defense.

"Then help us!" Mr. Soil suggested, "Do not help us!"

Help. Flik's antennas perked up at the word, his frown disappearing into a small grin as an idea popped in his mind.

"Flik, the council and I sentence you to one month digging in the tunnels." Princess Atta spoke, not noticing his expression. She just wanted to see him serve his time.

But before the punishment could be declared official, Thorny spoke up, "Um, your highness..need I remind you of Flik's 'tunnel within a tunnel' project from last month?"

Flik turned away for a moment as he began to think to himself. Help was just what the kingdom needed. There were many strong, brave insect hybrids out there, plenty that would be just strong enough to defend them from the grasshopper hybrids. It would be dangerous to go out and find them, but it would just be worth it to end the reign of the Grasshoppers...

The council had begun arguing over how to punish the inventor, but finding a retribution that would suit the young man was next to impossible. Almost anything they could use to discipline him, he would find a way to make it into some silly project and cause more trouble for everyone. But before the argument could continue, they all looked over upon hearing him exclaim aloud, "It's perfect!"

"Perfect?" The queen spoke as her dog sat up in her lap. "May I ask what is so 'perfect'?"

"Your highness, do you not see?" Flik asked excitedly as he approached her, "We could send someone to find us help!"

Everyone immediately gasped at his idea, as it was next to insane to them. There was a dam reason they remained isolated from the rest of the world and they all knew it. "Leave the island?" Atta asked in disbelief, narrowing her eyes at him.

"Now why did I not think of that?" The queen asked sarcastically, then looked at him as if it wasn't obvious, "Oh that is right, because it's suicide!"

"She's right, we cannot leave!" Thorny protested, "There are avems and predators and harsh bugs out there! We would surely be killed!"

Flik pointed at him, "Harsh bugs, exactly! We could send someone out to bring a group of strong, courageous bugs here to fight, to forever rid us of Hopper and his clan!"

"Ludicrous!" Mr. Soil cried.

"Who would do such crazed thing?" Dr. Flora asked.

Flik patted his chest and raised his hand, smiling excitedly. "I shall volunteer! I would be very happy to!" He declared.

The queen laughed softly, "I admire your determination, young man. But unfortunately, we are just ants. I do not think anyone would be willing to assist us."

"We could at least try." Flik said to her as Aphie barked. "And I could travel to Cathrach, it's not too far! I could search there!"

Princess Atta scoffed, "If you went, you would be on the search for weeks."

The rest of the council smiled after she spoke, then requested a 'royal huddle'. They stepped away and huddled to speak to each other quietly. "Perfect idea, Princess." Thorny said.

"Pardon me?" Atta asked confused.

"We let Flik leave while we keep harvesting to meet Hopper's demands!" Cornelius whispered excitedly.

Atta blinked, feeling a tinge of guilt at the idea. She didn't wish to be rude, even if Flik did get on her nerves. But she realized that it was what was best for the kingdom.

"So..with Flik gone, he cannot mess anything up." Dr. Flora grinned.

They all nodded before disbanding, stepping back up at the judge's bench. "Flik, after much deliberation," Princess Atta spoke with grace, which had made the young worker quite nervous that they would reject his idea. But much to his surprise and delight, she went on to say, "We have decided to grant you your request."

Flik smiled, "Really?"

"Really?" The queen asked, surprised.

"Uh really." Atta said, hoping her mother wouldn't suspect anything. Thankfully, it didn't seem she did.

Flik instantly ran over to the judge's bench, smiling up at the princess excitedly as he grabbed her hand to shake it. "Oh thank you, Princess! Thank you so much! You shall not regret this, I promise, I promise, I promise!" He spoke quickly, though he was mainly trying to have an excuse to shake her hand longer than needed. He almost frowned when she pulled it away.

"It's alright, no worries." She said nonchalantly, finding his energetic attitude quite obnoxious and redundant.

"I should repair some of the damages I have caused, should I not?" He suggested politely.

The council immediately denied it, urging him to just prepare for his journey already. He didn't suspect any of it, though, as he was far too exhilarated. He nodded and thanked them one last time before exiting the courtroom.

The queen stood up from her chair and smiled up at her daughter, who remained at the bench while the council stepped down. "I must say, I was expecting a different answer from you, dear." She admitted, "But I am quite proud of you for giving your subject a chance to change our way of life. I knew you had it in you to trust someone."

Atta smiled nervously, giving a fake chuckle before she watched her mother walk away. Soon everyone left the courtroom, leaving her by herself—which wasn't unusual for the young princess. She sighed softly and stepped down from the bench, trying not to let the guilt get to her. It did help that she was still annoyed and angered by Flik and his mistakes.

"Insufferable man.." She huffed to herself, beginning to walk out of the courtroom. "He shall defeat an avem before I ever put my trust in him."