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On the outskirts of a hot desert, hundreds of miles away from Ant Island, there was a sombrero sitting near a cactus. In a nearby lake, a grasshopper was riding the waters like he was water skiing. “WAHOO! LOOK AT ME, I’M BAREFOOTIN’! WAHOO!”

On a leaf, resting in the middle of the lake, a grasshopper, enjoying the sun, said to a nearby mosquito, “yo bugito, dos granitos, pronto.”

“You gotta try this man,” said the skiing grasshopper.

The mosquito flew into the sombrero, where the other grasshoppers were enjoying themselves. This was the grasshopper’s hideout. Like a casino restaurant, it had music, places for visitors to rest, like tables and hammocks, gambling games and card tables. This was a paradise for the grasshoppers. But there were also mosquitoes who resided here and played music, served visitors, or were used as darts on a dartboard. “La cucaracha, la cucaracha…” sang two grasshoppers, “dadadadadadada!”

At a bar table, a mosquito was given a plate. He flew over to a glass can and picked out two pieces of grain. At the table, Molt sat with two grasshoppers, Axel and Loco, along with Raging Cactus, Sandy Sunburn and Tumbleweed. “We have more than enough food. We go all the way back there and it starts to rain…we might as well be suckin’ bug spray,” said Axel.

“What’s the point of going back there if it rains,” said Cactus, “unless if we wanna go for a swim.”

“I don’t wanna go for a swim man,” said Tumbleweed, “I like getting down and dirty. Going back there would be like going through a...a…I don’t know.”

“Something disgusting like sucking bug spray, like Axel already said,” said Sunburn, annoyed with Tumbleweed’s stupidity.

“Ooh, don’t even say that,” said Molt, “you know something? You’re making a lot of sense; I mean, why take the risk? You should tell Hopper.”

“Good idea,” said Loco, “but…you know it’s really not our place, I mean, you are his brother. That makes you like…the vice president of the gang.”

“Wow,” said Molt, “it kinda does, doesn’t it.”

“And I think that makes us…Brenda’s…eh…Cactus who are those guys who act as servants to the leader,” asked Tumbleweed.

“Right hand men and woman you dolt,” said Cactus.

“Ah, that’s it,” said Tumbleweed, “right hand men or woman.”

“That means someone oughta tell Brenda about our idea,” said Sunburn, “we already have enough shelter here to last us a while.”

“I’ll do it,” said an eager Tumbleweed.

“You? Good luck with that,” said Cactus.

“Ok,” said Tumbleweed casually before walking off.

With Tumbleweed heading out to get Brenda, Cactus whispered to Sunburn, “I doubt he’ll survive her denial.”

“Brenda says we work ten times better as a team than I divided unit,” said Sunburn, “he’ll most likely get beat up and chastised. But Hopper won’t do that to Molt, especially since they’re related.”

“Ok, I’ll tell ‘em,” said Molt as he started leaving, “boy, I should talk to you guys more often.”

“What if Hopper doesn’t like it,” asked Axel.

“Then at least the genius and dummy will get smacked and not us,” said Cactus who didn’t care about what would happen to Molt.

“Vice President Molt,” commented Molt before flying off to find Hopper.

In another room, Hopper and Brenda were enjoying their relaxations. Hopper was getting a back massage while Brenda was getting a foot massage. “Yeah, that’s good,” said Hopper, relaxed as a centipede worked on Hopper’s back, “oh yeah, that’s good. Ooh, a little lower. Lower, lower.”

Brenda was appreciating her massage too. “Oh yeah,” she muttered, “I like this place. Oooh. I like this place a lot.”

Molt and Tumbleweed landed as Molt said, “hiya Hop.”

“Go away,” said Hopper, not wanting to deal with Molt.

“That’s fine, then we won’t tell ya our idea,” said Molt.

“Good.”

“Ok, ok, I’ll tell ya anyway,” said Molt as he stood over Hopper.

“Persistent ones aren’t you,” commented Brenda.

“Don’t know what you’re sayin’ but anyways, we have a thought,” said Tumbleweed.

“You see, we’ve been thinkin’ ok, which is something that we do, being vice president and all,” explained Molt.

“I thought we were right hand men and woman too,” said Tumbleweed.

“Well, yes, but anyways, this is a thought and it was ours,” continued Molt, “why go back to Ant Island at all? I mean you don’t even like grain.”

“WHAT,” asked Hopper as he swiftly got on his feet.

“You’re saying we shouldn’t GO BACK,” shouted Brenda as she stood over Tumbleweed.

“You’re right, we didn’t think it was such a good idea myself,” said Molt who was instantly nervous, “actually, it wasn’t even our idea. It was Axel and Loco’s. They talk fancy to me. I GOT CONFUSED!”

“Hey, I remember now, it wasn’t me who thought of that idea either,” said Tumbleweed as he nervously backed away from his boss, “Cactus and Sunburn thought of it too. I didn’t do anything. Please don’t cork me!”

Hopper and Brenda looked at their scared allies and had a thought. Back in the main lobby, the grasshoppers were having fun with their own business, enjoying themselves. Suddenly, Hopper and Brenda landed in the middle of the area. Their presence caused everyone to stop what they were doing and look at him. Axel, Loco, Cactus and Sunburn turned away, worried they’re angry at them. “Guys,” announced Hopper, “order another round, BECAUSE WE’RE STAYIN’ HERE!”

The grasshoppers cheered for their boss, now happy to be staying at the hideout. “What were we thinking? Going back to Ant Island,” asked Hopper as he walked to the bar table, “I mean, we just got here, and we have more than enough food to get us through the winter right? Why go back?”

“Wow, I can’t believe they managed to pull it off like pros,” said Cactus.

“My fellow outlaws from Saguaro Corner,” said Brenda, “we’re staying too. I mean, it’s not like it’s gonna be worth anything if we go back.”

“You mean you’re not mad,” asked Tumbleweed as he met up with his fellow wasps.

“Of course not, my dear Tumbleweed,” said Brenda, “we’re already comfortable here. We’ve got food, relaxation, good entertainment, and it’s all to ourselves and Hopper’s gang.”

“Quite the relaxation, isn’t it,” said Sunburn.

“You bet it is Sunburn,” said Brenda, “and we don’t want to risk anything that can do more harm than good, like that time I almost broke my stinger after scrapping a rock.”

“That was a pretty nasty day that time,” said Cactus.

“And we can’t forget that time Tumbleweed got one of his wings torn apart, requiring him to use that stolen jetpack of his. We’ve got all we could ask for in the world right here…but…from what I remember…there was something…or someone…who did the unthinkable the last time we were there.”

“Yeah,” said Hopper as he looked at Axel and Loco, “there was that ant that stood up to me.”

“Yeah but we can forget about him,” said Loco.

“Yeah, it was just one ant,” said Axel.

The other grasshoppers laughed along with the duo as Hopper said, “right. It’s just one ant.”

“Yeah boss,” said Axel, “they’re puny.”

“Hmm…puny eh,” asked Brenda, “interesting.”

“Say,” said Hopper as he took out a piece of grain, “let’s pretend this grain is a puny little ant.”

Hopper tossed the grain and it hit Axel in the chest. “Did that hurt?”

“No,” answered Axel.

“Well, how about this one,” said Hopper as he tossed another one to Loco.

This didn’t hurt Loco either. “Are you kiddin’?”

The grasshoppers laughed as Brenda said, “you think they’re weak huh? I approve of your confidence in power.”

“How about this,” said Hopper who suddenly took the glass can off.

Hopper’s action resulted in all the pieces of grain pouring out and landing right on the now terrified Axel and Loco. Unable to react fast enough, they were buried alive in the pile. Tumbleweed, Cactus and Sunburn were startled by this sudden action, but before Tumbleweed and Sunburn could be buried along with Axel and Loco, Brenda swiftly grabbed them and flew into the air. Cactus on the other hand, was halfway buried in the pile. The grain rained down on the unfortunate grasshoppers as everyone else watched in shock. Hopper stared at the gang as the grain came down like hail. When it ceased, everyone watched as Cactus pushed himself out of the pile. “Whoa,” said Tumbleweed, “look at all those ants.”

“That oughta be close to a hundred of ‘em,” said Sunburn.

“See that,” asked Brenda, “that’s the power of an entire colony starting a rebellion against us.”

“You let one ant stand up to us, then they all might stand up,” said Hopper as he stood on the pile, “those puny little ants outnumber us a hundred to one.”

“It’s pretty obvious these guys know,” said Sunburn, who suddenly got thrown to the ground by Brenda.

“And in case you boys,” said Brenda before turning to her fellow wasps, “and a certain forgetful bunch of you have forgotten, that cowardly girl we faced during our days at Saguaro Corner is there.”

“Uh…Cassidy,” asked Tumbleweed.

“Yes. Cassidy…that coward who took that Sheriff Steven’s place and put us on the Wild West’s most wanted list again,” said Brenda as she climbed up the pile of grain to meet up with Hopper, using Cactus’ head as a step, “she is part of that meddling group of travellers who are part of that exploration society. They surely know a thing or two about fighting and can teach the ants about how to fight back.”

“And if they ever figure that out, there goes our way of life,” said Hopper, “it’s not about food. It’s about keeping those ants in line. THAT’S WHY WE’RE GOING BACK!”

“But what about Brenda’s stinger,” said Tumbleweed, “she said it was broken.”

“Almost broken,” corrected Brenda as she extended her tail and removed a metal sharp claw that was protecting her true stinger, “but now, it’s better than ever…and that’s a good thing, ‘cause we are gonna need this for anyone else who rebels against us.”

“Ooh…shiny,” said Tumbleweed.

“That’s right Tumbleweed. It’s shiny, but an important part in our quest for ultimate power over the ants, something we were denied back in Saguaro Corner when Cassidy was in town,” said Brenda, “but just to be on the safe side…”

Brenda pulled out a small container with a skull symbol on it. “Is that what I think it is,” asked Cactus.

“It is my Raging Cactus,” said Brenda, “with this, we’ll definitely be able to prevent any further rebellions…or anyone from wanting to remain here.”

“Does anybody else wanna stay,” asked Hopper.

Afraid of what Hopper and Brenda will do to them if they choose to stay, everyone activated their wings and prepared for flight. “He’s quite the motivational speaker, isn’t he,” said Molt to another grasshopper.

Hopper and Brenda got off the pile and stood above the grasshoppers and wasps. “LET’S RIDE,” they shouted out.

Everyone took to the air. They now had their minds set on terrorizing the ants and stopping any rebellion. They flew out of the hideout and flew into the desert, heading for Ant Island.

Back on Ant Island, it was evening and some of the ants stood guard using their telescopes and glowing mushrooms. With the bird ready, they were ready for when their visitors would arrive. Below them, the rest of the colony, along with the troupe, FT Squad, and scouts, were partying over their accomplishment in setting the bird up. “To the bird!”

“THE BIRD!”

Some ants, along with Gypsy, Manny and Donkey, followed each other in a conga line. Dr. Flora was dancing with Tuck and Roll. “Get down roly boys,” said Dr. Flora.

“How low can you go,” sang Slim as ants used him as a limbo stick, “sing it now, how low can you go? Do it princess, how low can you go?”

“And that’s how my twelfth husband died,” Rosie said to another ant, “so now I’m a widow…I mean, I’ve always been a black widow, but now I’m a black…widow…widow.”

Rosie chuckled over her joke while Dim played with some of the young ants. He launched one ant into a spider web created by Rosie. As for the scouts, they were playing tag with one another. “I’m gonna get you,” said Jelly happily as she ran after Jenny.

“Oh no you’re not,” said Jenny as she ran from Jelly.

The friends played underneath the dinosaurs. Jenny hid underneath Rex’s foot as Jelly ran by, trying to find Jenny. Thinking she lost Jelly, Jenny giggled, before Jelly appeared behind her and tagged her. “Tag, you’re it,” she said.

The friends laughed as they had fun together. “Oh, you were so close,” said Kimmy.

“Oh really,” asked Jenny as she glared at her big sister with a sneaky look before running after her, “I’m gonna get you.”

“Like to see you try,” said Kimmy as she ran with the rest of the scouts.

The dinosaurs laughed as they watched the kids have fun together. “This is so fun,” said Dweeb.

“And very delightful seeing everyone have a fun time together,” said Elsa.

“Tag, I gotcha,” said Jenny as she tagged Kimmy.

“Oh, my little sister got me,” said Kimmy playfully.

In the tree, Thorny was monitoring the island, watching out for visitors. “Thorny,” said Mr. Soil, “any sign of those fiends?”

“Let me check,” said Thorny as he took his mushroom and raised it high.

The other ants raised their mushroom’s high, but there was no frantic panic. “No not yet,” said Thorny to Mr. Soil, “but we’ll be ready for ‘em.”

“BLUEBERRIES DISMISSED,” announced Francis to the Blueberries, “and, uh, quit beatin’ the boys up.”

The Blueberries playfully ran off as the rest of the troupe gathered together around Francis. They watched the Blueberries run off and smiled. “Those little raisins do grow up,” commented Francis, happy to be friends with the troop.

“Hey, how ya guys doin’ huh? Some party huh? Is that grain dip fresh or what,” asked Flik to the colony before meeting up with the troop along with Cassidy and whispering, “ok, we’ve told everyone you’ll be stationed deep in the command bunker. Party quiets down, I sneak you out of the back way, and then you’re outta here forever.”

Although this seemed like a chance for the troupe to leave at last, they had other thoughts. “Dim don’t wanna go,” said Dim.

Flik and Cassidy looked at Dim with surprised looks. “Well if Dim stays, he’s gonna need me here, and he’s not fully trained,” said Rosie, “I mean house trained.”

Dim chuckled while Francis said, “I, uh…I kinda promised the Blueberries I’d teach ‘em…Canasta.”

“It seems we’ve been hooked for an extended engagement,” Gypsy said to Flik and Cassidy.

Tuck and Roll kissed Flik and Cassidy, happy to be staying on Ant Island as well. Flik smiled at the troupe while Cassidy stood, a little happy for the troupe, but feeling unsure. “Hey guys,” said Kaytlin as she and the rest of the squad appeared, “enjoying yourselves?”

“We sure are Kate,” said Francis.

“That’s great to hear,” said Rudy, “this colony has been having fun since we finished making that bird.”

“You’ve made quite an impact on these guys,” said Dennis.

Kimmy and scouts appeared as well, laughing together. But upon seeing Cassidy with the group, Kimmy stopped and felt uncertainty again. Atta also appeared. “Will you look at this colony,” asked Atta, “will you just look at this colony? I hardly even recognize it.”

“Hahaha, I feel seventy again,” said Cornelius as he did some pushups.

“Work that ab baby,” said Queen before laughing with the other ants.

“And I have you bugs to thank for it,” said Atta, “so…thank you. And you guys too.”

“No problem at all princess,” said Kyle, “we’re glad to have helped your colony in the best way we could.”

“There’s no charge for helping others Your Highness,” said Russ, “decency in helping others is what I have devoted myself to. But we wouldn’t be standing here if it weren’t for Cassidy. She’s the one who brought my wife and the scouts here.”

Cassidy got slightly nervous. “Uh…you don’t have to go that far Grandpa,” she said.

“Being modest again eh Cassidy,” asked Donkey.

“Just let her be modest Donkey,” said Widget, “there’s no need to pressure her.”

“Thanks Widget,” said Cassidy, feeling better.

“I’d like to thank you too Cassidy,” Atta said, trying to cheer her up, “for helping us too along with the bugs. And eh…thank you for finding them Flik.”

“Me,” asked Flik as he turned to Atta, “accidentally getting one of his antennae stuck in Atta’s, “oh, uh, uh, uh, I’ll get it. I mean if you don’t mind, I’ll just…”

“It’s just all tangled up,” giggled Atta as Flik untangled the antennae.

“There,” said Flik as he got to two antennae loose.

Atta and Flik giggled at each other. “I think I’ll go check on the bird,” she said as she walked off.

Everyone watched as she headed off, coming back upon realizing she was going the wrong way. “Bird’s this way,” she said.

“Ehehehehe, bird’s that way,” giggled Flik, who then noticed the troupe and squad staring at him happily, “what?”

Rex knelt down to Flik and growled suggestively, jokingly teasing him about his crush on Atta. “Rex,” complained Flik.

Everyone laughed as Rex and Kyle high-fived each other. “We’re just joking Flik,” said Rex.

“Yeah,” said Kyle, “I’d say we did a great job, so we deserve a break.”

“I agree,” said Wubbzy, “it’s a beautiful night, everyone’s happy and having fun, and we’re all together.”

“Great party, isn’t it Cassidy,” said Elsa.

Cassidy looked at Elsa and said with a slight smile, “yeah…a great party. It’s one I haven’t seen in a long time.”

Finally building up the courage, Kimmy spoke to Cassidy. “Hey Cassidy,” she said, “can I talk to you for just a moment?”

Cassidy looked at Kimmy, surprised that she was finally talking to her. “You…wanna talk to me,” she asked.

“Yeah,” Kimmy said, trying to act happy, “you and I, taking a stroll together, catching up on what’s been happening…we haven’t done that in a while.”

Cassidy thought about this. Though she was elated to be talking with Kimmy again, she was worried about her secret about the troupe. Lydia said to Cassidy, “I think that’s a great idea. What do you think Cassidy?”

Cassidy looked at Lydia, then Russ, Kyle and the scouts, who urged her to go on a walk with Kimmy. Feeling that she could do it, she said to Kimmy, “ok…I guess.”

Kimmy smiled as the two started walking away from their friends. Kyle watched them go, happy knowing they were walking together, but hoping that Cassidy would reveal the truth about the troupe. “This could be her chance to pull it off,” he whispered to Lydia.

“This is has to be,” replied Lydia.

Kimmy and Cassidy walked a distance from the party. “So, uh…what’s up,” asked Cassidy.

“Well, I just wanted to say that…well…this is quite a party we’re having tonight,” said Kimmy.

“Yeah…it is,” said Cassidy.

“I don’t blame them for celebrating,” said Kimmy, “we built a bird and we have a good plan of attack when the grasshoppers and wasps return.”

Upon hearing the wasps, Cassidy got nervous. “How’s your wing doing,” asked Kimmy.

“My wing,” asked Cassidy, before showing Kimmy her recovered wing, “it’s better. It still feels sore, but I can move it around again. I don’t know if I can fly with it yet.”

“No worries Cassidy,” said Kimmy, “you’ll get to flying faster than you can say ‘Hakuna Matata.’”

Cassidy was feeling better upon hearing Kimmy’s words. So far, she’s been acting supportive and happy, something that was giving her confidence. “Yeah.”

“I’m glad we’re having a chance to talk together,” said Kimmy.

“Me too,” said Cassidy, before turning worried again, “though…I thought you didn’t want to talk.”

Kimmy looked at Cassidy with a surprised look. “Why would I do that,” asked Kimmy, before remembering how she acted, “oh…”

“You didn’t really check on me when my wing was recovering, unlike everyone else,” said Cassidy, “that made me still think that…you were…still…”

“I know Cassidy,” said Kimmy, feeling bad, “but I just wanna say…thank you…for saving my little sister from that bird. I know it was a really long time ago, but I never got the chance to thank you in person.”

“Um…you’re welcome,” said Cassidy, still feeling a bit down.

“And don’t worry about when Brenda comes back,” said Kimmy, “if we work as a team, all of us can defeat her, along with the grasshoppers.”

Reminded of the troupe, and not wanting them to get hurt, Cassidy started getting nervous again. Seeing Cassidy get nervous again, Kimmy said, “wanna know something else? I didn’t get any allergic reactions to that wasp sting. By now, it’s made a full recovery, and I’m just gonna assume that Brenda wasn’t venomous. So there’s no reason to worry about me now.”

“Wow, that’s very nice to hear Kimmy…but…I…”

“Are you ok,” asked Kimmy who was concerned, “if you’re scared of Brenda…”

“No…it’s not her,” said Cassidy, “Kimmy, it’s really nice to talk to you again, and I’m happy for you not getting sick from that sting, and I’m happy for the colony…but…there’s something I need to tell you.”

“There is,” asked Kimmy who was confused, “what is it?”

“Well…you see…”

As the talk between the girls continued, Thorny kept observing the island with his telescope. So far there was nothing suspicious. The other glowing mushrooms kept their guards up and didn’t panic. But as Thorny looked into the grass, he saw it moving, as if something was sneaking inside. Thinking it’s the grasshoppers, arriving in a different style, Thorny gasped. “Jiminy H. Cricket,” he muttered before rushing to his trumpet and blowing out an alarm.

Everyone heard this alarm and became nervous. Quickly jumping into action, the ants got to their posts and prepared for the incoming battle. The squad and troupe became worried. Kimmy and Cassidy ran back to their friends, having heard the trumpet too. “What’s happening,” asked Kimmy.

“They sounded the alarm,” said Walden, “which can only mean one thing.”

Fearing that it’s the grasshoppers and wasps, Cassidy got nervous again. “They’re back,” she said, “Brenda and her outlaws are back.”

But as Cassidy nervously anticipated her enemy’s arrival, Kimmy bravely stepped forward and stood for Cassidy’s defense. “Oh no you don’t…Brenda,” she muttered as she prepared for a showdown.

“BATTLE STATIONS EVERYONE! THIS IS NOT A DRILL! COME ON EVERYONE, YOU KNOW YOUR JOBS,” ordered Atta as a line of ants rushed up the tree, getting ready to launch the bird, “LET’S GO, GO, GO, GO!”

But as it seemed they were about to face the grasshoppers and wasps, a light shone through the dark grass forest. Suddenly, something burst through the forest, startling Atta. She jumped out of the way as a train pulled by two millipedes landed in the center of the island. The other ants were startled too and made way for the visitor. But to their confusion, it wasn’t any of the grasshoppers, or wasps. But the troupe and scouts recognized this visitor and were horrified. It was P.T. Flea. “Whoa, whoa, whoa there, steady girls, that’s it,” he said as he stopped his vehicle.

The squad’s bravery turned into confusion. “What,” asked Kyle, “that’s not the grasshopper gang.”

The troupe and scouts gasped. “P.T. Flea,” muttered Scott frantically.

“What’s he doing here,” asked Jelly.

“Quick kids, take cover,” whispered Russ as he and Lydia gathered the scouts and hid behind one of the leaves with the troupe.

As for the ants and squad, they approached P.T.’s train as P.T. introduced himself. “Greetings and salutations. Ooh-ba-pa-do and how do ya do? I am…the great…P.T. FLEA! Hehe! I’m in need of your assis…oh let’s just cut to the chase. Look, I’ve been goin’ from anthill to anthill. I’m looking for a bunch of circus performers. Have you seen ‘em?”

The two fireflies showed the colony of poster of the missing circus bugs. But everyone recognized these guys. Flik and Cassidy gasped upon seeing this. These were the same circus bugs they inadvertently bought to the Island. The rest of the colony and squad became confused. “Wait a second,” said Cornelius as he observed the poster, “ain’t that Staff Sergeant Slim?”

Not wanting the cover to be blown, Flik rushed to the poster and tried rolling it up. “Nope, no, no, no, I’m sorry, but uh, no has seen anyone like that around here…”

As Flik tried frantically trying to get P.T. to leave, P.T. heard a whispering noise behind him. Behind him, the troupe was trying to get away while hiding under a leaf, but they accidentally bumped into a rock. P.T. turned and saw the leaf. “Hey,” he said.

The two fireflies shone their light on the leaf, revealing the feet of the hiders. They all looked very familiar to P.T. “…so you’ll probably wanna get going. I guess you got a lot of anthills to check into, so bye.”

But P.T. ignored the ants and hopped to the leaf. He took the leaf off and there he saw his troupe and the scouts. The troupe and scouts were now exposed, but they tried silencing P.T. from exposing them to the ants. “Ah, guys,” said P.T. ignoring their pleas to be quiet, “I’ve been looking all over for you. Flaming Death is a huge hit.”

“P.T. shh.”

“I’m serious,” P.T. continued, “word of mouth got around…”

“P.T. no.”

“The next day, there was line of flies outside the tent,” said P.T. as the colony and squad gathered around, “went on forever. It must’ve been a foot long.”

“Shh, P.T.”

“So, I’ve figured it out,” said P.T., “you guys burn me twice a night, I take a day off to heal, and then we do it all over again. We’ll be the top circus act in the business.”

Finally losing his patience with the flea, Russ stepped forward. “You listen to me, you hopping pest,” he snapped, “your circus acts have done nothing but endanger the scouts, and your own troupe. You may think you can get us to come back and perform, but you can forget it. WE ARE NOT GOING BACK TO PERFORMING FOR YOUR GREEDY AMBITIONS!”

Flik peaked from behind the train, now realizing that it was inevitable for the troupe’s cover to be blown. “You mean…you’re not warriors,” asked a shocked Atta.

Russ turned to Atta, worried of what she’ll think. “Oh…Your Highness…we can explain…this is…”

“Are you kiddin’? These guys are the lousiest circus bugs you’ve ever seen,” P.T. said to the colony, shocking them horribly, “and they’re gonna make me rich! AHAHAHA…”

“You mean to tell me that our entire defensive strategy, WAS CONCOCTED BY CLOWNS,” asked a furious Thorny.

“Heyheyheyhey, we really thought Flik and Kyle’s idea was gonna work,” said Francis.

Everyone gasped and turned to Flik and Kyle. The scouts glared at Francis, angry at what he just said. “Oops.”

“This was your idea Kyle,” asked Kaytlin, who was shocked.

“You planned this all along,” asked Rudy.

“You have a lot of explaining to do young man,” said Hathi, “what is the meaning of this? Bringing a group of clowns pretending to be warriors.”

Cassidy watched as the team stared at Kyle, demanding an answer. Seeing Kyle take the blame of her action made her feel terrible. “It’s a long story Colonel,” said Kyle, “and it’s my fault. But as leader of the FT Squad, I will take the punishment when we…”

Not wanting Kyle to take the blame, Cassidy stepped forward. “NO,” she cried to her teammates while standing for Kyle’s defense, “don’t blame Kyle. It’s not his fault…it’s mine.”

“What,” asked Wubbzy, “yours?”

“Cassidy, what are you saying,” asked Elsa.

“Kyle didn’t do anything wrong. It was all me. I thought we had the warriors the ants were asking for, but…they turned out to be clowns. Kyle and I were the only ones who knew, but when Kyle wanted to tell you guys the truth…I stopped him. I wouldn’t let him tell you guys. It was my idea for keeping this a secret from you all. I’m the one you should blame, not Kyle.”

The ants and squad gasped upon hearing Cassidy. They could not believe she did this. Cassidy looked at the shocked expressions from her friends. She saw Kimmy alongside them, absolutely horrified that Cassidy lied. “You…you lied to us,” she asked.

Atta approached Flik and Cassidy, very disappointed. “Tell me this isn’t true.”

“No, you don’t…you don’t…” Flik said, trying to calm things down.

“This couldn’t have happened at an inopportune time,” said Mr. Soil nervously, “the last leaf is about to fall.”

“We haven’t collected any food for the grasshoppers,” added Dr. Flora.

“If Hopper finds out what we almost did…” said Thorny.

“Hopper is not going to find out. We’re going to hide all this and pretend it never happened,” said Queen before turning to the troupe and squad, “you bugs were never here, and neither were you travellers. So I suggest you all leave.”

Flik and Cassidy rushed in to their defense. “The bird,” said Flik, “the bird will work.”

“There’s still a chance we can stop them,” said Cassidy, “if we use the bird, things might work out.”

But Queen was furious like the other ants. “I never thought I’d see the day when an ant would put himself before the rest of his colony,” she said.

“What,” asked Flik.

“The point is Flik,” said Queen, “you and Cassidy lied to us.”

“No, no, no, I just…”

“You lied guys,” said Atta as she approached the two, “you lied to her. You lied to your team. You lied to the colony. You lied to me…and like an idiot I believed you.”

“Princess…I know you’re mad…but you don’t understand,” said Cassidy as Atta stared at her angrily, “I didn’t want to do this as much as anyone who knew…but…”

“But you did it anyway,” said Atta, “not only did you lie, but you put your friends and family in danger. That was selfish…for a sheriff.”

Cassidy couldn’t believe Atta’s words. They shocked her to a horrible extent and she took a step back. As for Flik, he tried talking to Atta. “But we…we were just afraid that…if you knew we’d gotten circus bugs,” he said before sighing, realizing that there was no hope of negotiating, “we just wanted to make a…difference.”

“I want you to leave Flik…you too Cassidy,” said Atta somberly, “and this time…don’t come back.”

Flik and Cassidy looked at the disappointed princess. The Blueberries gasped upon hearing Atta banish them. As for the squad, while horrified that Cassidy lied to them, they knew better than to stay. Starting with Flik and Cassidy, they started leaving along with the troupe and scouts. The squad didn’t say a word in defense for their teammate, accepting their sentence and leaving the island. “Tough crowd,” commented P.T., before getting his millipedes to get going, “yee-hah!”

Dot tried running after Flik, but she was stopped by her mother. “Flik,” she muttered sadly.

Flik kept walking with the troupe, squad and scouts. Cassidy stopped for a minute and took one final look at the colony. The community of ants whom she thought she could stand up for and protect from the wasps, now knew the truth and was furious with her. Atta’s words also hit her very hard. Kyle slowly approached her and took her wing, guiding her to meet up with everyone else. Cassidy didn’t know how the others would think of how she lied to them and was scared of what they’d think, but right now, she was more depressed and sad. She slowly trudged behind the group as the left the island behind them. From above, in the tree, the last leaf was barely hanging on. Finally, it broke off its branch and slowly fell to the ground.

This was an indication of one thing: the grasshoppers were on their way. And on their way they were. Flying past the misty fog and dead trees, the grasshoppers and wasps flew in a formation like a squadron of military planes. They kept their minds focused on getting the food from the ants. Molt was having trouble trying to hold onto Thumper while Tumbleweed had trouble flying with his jetpack. But these were just minor troubles and they didn’t do them any big harm. No one noticed them, for they kept flying forward. Hopper and Brenda flew ahead of the gang, having their sights set on Ant Island, ready to terrorize the colony like they did before.

Description
On the outskirts of a hot desert, hundreds of miles away from Ant Island, there was a sombrero sitting near a cactus. In a nearby lake, a grasshopper was riding the waters like he was water skiing. “WAHOO! LOOK AT ME, I’M BAREFOOTIN’! WAHOO!”

On a leaf, resting in the middle of the lake, a grasshopper, enjoying the sun, said to a nearby mosquito, “yo bugito, dos granitos, pronto.”

“You gotta try this man,” said the skiing grasshopper.

The mosquito flew into the sombrero, where the other grasshoppers were enjoying themselves. This was the grasshopper’s hideout. Like a casino restaurant, it had music, places for visitors to rest, like tables and hammocks, gambling games and card tables. This was a paradise for the grasshoppers. But there were also mosquitoes who resided here and played music, served visitors, or were used as darts on a dartboard. “La cucaracha, la cucaracha…” sang two grasshoppers, “dadadadadadada!”

At a bar table, a mosquito was given a plate. He flew over to a glass can and picked out two pieces of grain. At the table, Molt sat with two grasshoppers, Axel and Loco, along with Raging Cactus, Sandy Sunburn and Tumbleweed. “We have more than enough food. We go all the way back there and it starts to rain…we might as well be suckin’ bug spray,” said Axel.

“What’s the point of going back there if it rains,” said Cactus, “unless if we wanna go for a swim.”

“I don’t wanna go for a swim man,” said Tumbleweed, “I like getting down and dirty. Going back there would be like going through a...a…I don’t know.”

“Something disgusting like sucking bug spray, like Axel already said,” said Sunburn, annoyed with Tumbleweed’s stupidity.

“Ooh, don’t even say that,” said Molt, “you know something? You’re making a lot of sense; I mean, why take the risk? You should tell Hopper.”

“Good idea,” said Loco, “but…you know it’s really not our place, I mean, you are his brother. That makes you like…the vice president of the gang.”

“Wow,” said Molt, “it kinda does, doesn’t it.”

“And I think that makes us…Brenda’s…eh…Cactus who are those guys who act as servants to the leader,” asked Tumbleweed.

“Right hand men and woman you dolt,” said Cactus.

“Ah, that’s it,” said Tumbleweed, “right hand men or woman.”

“That means someone oughta tell Brenda about our idea,” said Sunburn, “we already have enough shelter here to last us a while.”

“I’ll do it,” said an eager Tumbleweed.

“You? Good luck with that,” said Cactus.

“Ok,” said Tumbleweed casually before walking off.

With Tumbleweed heading out to get Brenda, Cactus whispered to Sunburn, “I doubt he’ll survive her denial.”

“Brenda says we work ten times better as a team than I divided unit,” said Sunburn, “he’ll most likely get beat up and chastised. But Hopper won’t do that to Molt, especially since they’re related.”

“Ok, I’ll tell ‘em,” said Molt as he started leaving, “boy, I should talk to you guys more often.”

“What if Hopper doesn’t like it,” asked Axel.

“Then at least the genius and dummy will get smacked and not us,” said Cactus who didn’t care about what would happen to Molt.

“Vice President Molt,” commented Molt before flying off to find Hopper.

In another room, Hopper and Brenda were enjoying their relaxations. Hopper was getting a back massage while Brenda was getting a foot massage. “Yeah, that’s good,” said Hopper, relaxed as a centipede worked on Hopper’s back, “oh yeah, that’s good. Ooh, a little lower. Lower, lower.”

Brenda was appreciating her massage too. “Oh yeah,” she muttered, “I like this place. Oooh. I like this place a lot.”

Molt and Tumbleweed landed as Molt said, “hiya Hop.”

“Go away,” said Hopper, not wanting to deal with Molt.

“That’s fine, then we won’t tell ya our idea,” said Molt.

“Good.”

“Ok, ok, I’ll tell ya anyway,” said Molt as he stood over Hopper.

“Persistent ones aren’t you,” commented Brenda.

“Don’t know what you’re sayin’ but anyways, we have a thought,” said Tumbleweed.

“You see, we’ve been thinkin’ ok, which is something that we do, being vice president and all,” explained Molt.

“I thought we were right hand men and woman too,” said Tumbleweed.

“Well, yes, but anyways, this is a thought and it was ours,” continued Molt, “why go back to Ant Island at all? I mean you don’t even like grain.”

“WHAT,” asked Hopper as he swiftly got on his feet.

“You’re saying we shouldn’t GO BACK,” shouted Brenda as she stood over Tumbleweed.

“You’re right, we didn’t think it was such a good idea myself,” said Molt who was instantly nervous, “actually, it wasn’t even our idea. It was Axel and Loco’s. They talk fancy to me. I GOT CONFUSED!”

“Hey, I remember now, it wasn’t me who thought of that idea either,” said Tumbleweed as he nervously backed away from his boss, “Cactus and Sunburn thought of it too. I didn’t do anything. Please don’t cork me!”

Hopper and Brenda looked at their scared allies and had a thought. Back in the main lobby, the grasshoppers were having fun with their own business, enjoying themselves. Suddenly, Hopper and Brenda landed in the middle of the area. Their presence caused everyone to stop what they were doing and look at him. Axel, Loco, Cactus and Sunburn turned away, worried they’re angry at them. “Guys,” announced Hopper, “order another round, BECAUSE WE’RE STAYIN’ HERE!”

The grasshoppers cheered for their boss, now happy to be staying at the hideout. “What were we thinking? Going back to Ant Island,” asked Hopper as he walked to the bar table, “I mean, we just got here, and we have more than enough food to get us through the winter right? Why go back?”

“Wow, I can’t believe they managed to pull it off like pros,” said Cactus.

“My fellow outlaws from Saguaro Corner,” said Brenda, “we’re staying too. I mean, it’s not like it’s gonna be worth anything if we go back.”

“You mean you’re not mad,” asked Tumbleweed as he met up with his fellow wasps.

“Of course not, my dear Tumbleweed,” said Brenda, “we’re already comfortable here. We’ve got food, relaxation, good entertainment, and it’s all to ourselves and Hopper’s gang.”

“Quite the relaxation, isn’t it,” said Sunburn.

“You bet it is Sunburn,” said Brenda, “and we don’t want to risk anything that can do more harm than good, like that time I almost broke my stinger after scrapping a rock.”

“That was a pretty nasty day that time,” said Cactus.

“And we can’t forget that time Tumbleweed got one of his wings torn apart, requiring him to use that stolen jetpack of his. We’ve got all we could ask for in the world right here…but…from what I remember…there was something…or someone…who did the unthinkable the last time we were there.”

“Yeah,” said Hopper as he looked at Axel and Loco, “there was that ant that stood up to me.”

“Yeah but we can forget about him,” said Loco.

“Yeah, it was just one ant,” said Axel.

The other grasshoppers laughed along with the duo as Hopper said, “right. It’s just one ant.”

“Yeah boss,” said Axel, “they’re puny.”

“Hmm…puny eh,” asked Brenda, “interesting.”

“Say,” said Hopper as he took out a piece of grain, “let’s pretend this grain is a puny little ant.”

Hopper tossed the grain and it hit Axel in the chest. “Did that hurt?”

“No,” answered Axel.

“Well, how about this one,” said Hopper as he tossed another one to Loco.

This didn’t hurt Loco either. “Are you kiddin’?”

The grasshoppers laughed as Brenda said, “you think they’re weak huh? I approve of your confidence in power.”

“How about this,” said Hopper who suddenly took the glass can off.

Hopper’s action resulted in all the pieces of grain pouring out and landing right on the now terrified Axel and Loco. Unable to react fast enough, they were buried alive in the pile. Tumbleweed, Cactus and Sunburn were startled by this sudden action, but before Tumbleweed and Sunburn could be buried along with Axel and Loco, Brenda swiftly grabbed them and flew into the air. Cactus on the other hand, was halfway buried in the pile. The grain rained down on the unfortunate grasshoppers as everyone else watched in shock. Hopper stared at the gang as the grain came down like hail. When it ceased, everyone watched as Cactus pushed himself out of the pile. “Whoa,” said Tumbleweed, “look at all those ants.”

“That oughta be close to a hundred of ‘em,” said Sunburn.

“See that,” asked Brenda, “that’s the power of an entire colony starting a rebellion against us.”

“You let one ant stand up to us, then they all might stand up,” said Hopper as he stood on the pile, “those puny little ants outnumber us a hundred to one.”

“It’s pretty obvious these guys know,” said Sunburn, who suddenly got thrown to the ground by Brenda.

“And in case you boys,” said Brenda before turning to her fellow wasps, “and a certain forgetful bunch of you have forgotten, that cowardly girl we faced during our days at Saguaro Corner is there.”

“Uh…Cassidy,” asked Tumbleweed.

“Yes. Cassidy…that coward who took that Sheriff Steven’s place and put us on the Wild West’s most wanted list again,” said Brenda as she climbed up the pile of grain to meet up with Hopper, using Cactus’ head as a step, “she is part of that meddling group of travellers who are part of that exploration society. They surely know a thing or two about fighting and can teach the ants about how to fight back.”

“And if they ever figure that out, there goes our way of life,” said Hopper, “it’s not about food. It’s about keeping those ants in line. THAT’S WHY WE’RE GOING BACK!”

“But what about Brenda’s stinger,” said Tumbleweed, “she said it was broken.”

“Almost broken,” corrected Brenda as she extended her tail and removed a metal sharp claw that was protecting her true stinger, “but now, it’s better than ever…and that’s a good thing, ‘cause we are gonna need this for anyone else who rebels against us.”

“Ooh…shiny,” said Tumbleweed.

“That’s right Tumbleweed. It’s shiny, but an important part in our quest for ultimate power over the ants, something we were denied back in Saguaro Corner when Cassidy was in town,” said Brenda, “but just to be on the safe side…”

Brenda pulled out a small container with a skull symbol on it. “Is that what I think it is,” asked Cactus.

“It is my Raging Cactus,” said Brenda, “with this, we’ll definitely be able to prevent any further rebellions…or anyone from wanting to remain here.”

“Does anybody else wanna stay,” asked Hopper.

Afraid of what Hopper and Brenda will do to them if they choose to stay, everyone activated their wings and prepared for flight. “He’s quite the motivational speaker, isn’t he,” said Molt to another grasshopper.

Hopper and Brenda got off the pile and stood above the grasshoppers and wasps. “LET’S RIDE,” they shouted out.

Everyone took to the air. They now had their minds set on terrorizing the ants and stopping any rebellion. They flew out of the hideout and flew into the desert, heading for Ant Island.

Back on Ant Island, it was evening and some of the ants stood guard using their telescopes and glowing mushrooms. With the bird ready, they were ready for when their visitors would arrive. Below them, the rest of the colony, along with the troupe, FT Squad, and scouts, were partying over their accomplishment in setting the bird up. “To the bird!”

“THE BIRD!”

Some ants, along with Gypsy, Manny and Donkey, followed each other in a conga line. Dr. Flora was dancing with Tuck and Roll. “Get down roly boys,” said Dr. Flora.

“How low can you go,” sang Slim as ants used him as a limbo stick, “sing it now, how low can you go? Do it princess, how low can you go?”

“And that’s how my twelfth husband died,” Rosie said to another ant, “so now I’m a widow…I mean, I’ve always been a black widow, but now I’m a black…widow…widow.”

Rosie chuckled over her joke while Dim played with some of the young ants. He launched one ant into a spider web created by Rosie. As for the scouts, they were playing tag with one another. “I’m gonna get you,” said Jelly happily as she ran after Jenny.

“Oh no you’re not,” said Jenny as she ran from Jelly.

The friends played underneath the dinosaurs. Jenny hid underneath Rex’s foot as Jelly ran by, trying to find Jenny. Thinking she lost Jelly, Jenny giggled, before Jelly appeared behind her and tagged her. “Tag, you’re it,” she said.

The friends laughed as they had fun together. “Oh, you were so close,” said Kimmy.

“Oh really,” asked Jenny as she glared at her big sister with a sneaky look before running after her, “I’m gonna get you.”

“Like to see you try,” said Kimmy as she ran with the rest of the scouts.

The dinosaurs laughed as they watched the kids have fun together. “This is so fun,” said Dweeb.

“And very delightful seeing everyone have a fun time together,” said Elsa.

“Tag, I gotcha,” said Jenny as she tagged Kimmy.

“Oh, my little sister got me,” said Kimmy playfully.

In the tree, Thorny was monitoring the island, watching out for visitors. “Thorny,” said Mr. Soil, “any sign of those fiends?”

“Let me check,” said Thorny as he took his mushroom and raised it high.

The other ants raised their mushroom’s high, but there was no frantic panic. “No not yet,” said Thorny to Mr. Soil, “but we’ll be ready for ‘em.”

“BLUEBERRIES DISMISSED,” announced Francis to the Blueberries, “and, uh, quit beatin’ the boys up.”

The Blueberries playfully ran off as the rest of the troupe gathered together around Francis. They watched the Blueberries run off and smiled. “Those little raisins do grow up,” commented Francis, happy to be friends with the troop.

“Hey, how ya guys doin’ huh? Some party huh? Is that grain dip fresh or what,” asked Flik to the colony before meeting up with the troop along with Cassidy and whispering, “ok, we’ve told everyone you’ll be stationed deep in the command bunker. Party quiets down, I sneak you out of the back way, and then you’re outta here forever.”

Although this seemed like a chance for the troupe to leave at last, they had other thoughts. “Dim don’t wanna go,” said Dim.

Flik and Cassidy looked at Dim with surprised looks. “Well if Dim stays, he’s gonna need me here, and he’s not fully trained,” said Rosie, “I mean house trained.”

Dim chuckled while Francis said, “I, uh…I kinda promised the Blueberries I’d teach ‘em…Canasta.”

“It seems we’ve been hooked for an extended engagement,” Gypsy said to Flik and Cassidy.

Tuck and Roll kissed Flik and Cassidy, happy to be staying on Ant Island as well. Flik smiled at the troupe while Cassidy stood, a little happy for the troupe, but feeling unsure. “Hey guys,” said Kaytlin as she and the rest of the squad appeared, “enjoying yourselves?”

“We sure are Kate,” said Francis.

“That’s great to hear,” said Rudy, “this colony has been having fun since we finished making that bird.”

“You’ve made quite an impact on these guys,” said Dennis.

Kimmy and scouts appeared as well, laughing together. But upon seeing Cassidy with the group, Kimmy stopped and felt uncertainty again. Atta also appeared. “Will you look at this colony,” asked Atta, “will you just look at this colony? I hardly even recognize it.”

“Hahaha, I feel seventy again,” said Cornelius as he did some pushups.

“Work that ab baby,” said Queen before laughing with the other ants.

“And I have you bugs to thank for it,” said Atta, “so…thank you. And you guys too.”

“No problem at all princess,” said Kyle, “we’re glad to have helped your colony in the best way we could.”

“There’s no charge for helping others Your Highness,” said Russ, “decency in helping others is what I have devoted myself to. But we wouldn’t be standing here if it weren’t for Cassidy. She’s the one who brought my wife and the scouts here.”

Cassidy got slightly nervous. “Uh…you don’t have to go that far Grandpa,” she said.

“Being modest again eh Cassidy,” asked Donkey.

“Just let her be modest Donkey,” said Widget, “there’s no need to pressure her.”

“Thanks Widget,” said Cassidy, feeling better.

“I’d like to thank you too Cassidy,” Atta said, trying to cheer her up, “for helping us too along with the bugs. And eh…thank you for finding them Flik.”

“Me,” asked Flik as he turned to Atta, “accidentally getting one of his antennae stuck in Atta’s, “oh, uh, uh, uh, I’ll get it. I mean if you don’t mind, I’ll just…”

“It’s just all tangled up,” giggled Atta as Flik untangled the antennae.

“There,” said Flik as he got to two antennae loose.

Atta and Flik giggled at each other. “I think I’ll go check on the bird,” she said as she walked off.

Everyone watched as she headed off, coming back upon realizing she was going the wrong way. “Bird’s this way,” she said.

“Ehehehehe, bird’s that way,” giggled Flik, who then noticed the troupe and squad staring at him happily, “what?”

Rex knelt down to Flik and growled suggestively, jokingly teasing him about his crush on Atta. “Rex,” complained Flik.

Everyone laughed as Rex and Kyle high-fived each other. “We’re just joking Flik,” said Rex.

“Yeah,” said Kyle, “I’d say we did a great job, so we deserve a break.”

“I agree,” said Wubbzy, “it’s a beautiful night, everyone’s happy and having fun, and we’re all together.”

“Great party, isn’t it Cassidy,” said Elsa.

Cassidy looked at Elsa and said with a slight smile, “yeah…a great party. It’s one I haven’t seen in a long time.”

Finally building up the courage, Kimmy spoke to Cassidy. “Hey Cassidy,” she said, “can I talk to you for just a moment?”

Cassidy looked at Kimmy, surprised that she was finally talking to her. “You…wanna talk to me,” she asked.

“Yeah,” Kimmy said, trying to act happy, “you and I, taking a stroll together, catching up on what’s been happening…we haven’t done that in a while.”

Cassidy thought about this. Though she was elated to be talking with Kimmy again, she was worried about her secret about the troupe. Lydia said to Cassidy, “I think that’s a great idea. What do you think Cassidy?”

Cassidy looked at Lydia, then Russ, Kyle and the scouts, who urged her to go on a walk with Kimmy. Feeling that she could do it, she said to Kimmy, “ok…I guess.”

Kimmy smiled as the two started walking away from their friends. Kyle watched them go, happy knowing they were walking together, but hoping that Cassidy would reveal the truth about the troupe. “This could be her chance to pull it off,” he whispered to Lydia.

“This is has to be,” replied Lydia.

Kimmy and Cassidy walked a distance from the party. “So, uh…what’s up,” asked Cassidy.

“Well, I just wanted to say that…well…this is quite a party we’re having tonight,” said Kimmy.

“Yeah…it is,” said Cassidy.

“I don’t blame them for celebrating,” said Kimmy, “we built a bird and we have a good plan of attack when the grasshoppers and wasps return.”

Upon hearing the wasps, Cassidy got nervous. “How’s your wing doing,” asked Kimmy.

“My wing,” asked Cassidy, before showing Kimmy her recovered wing, “it’s better. It still feels sore, but I can move it around again. I don’t know if I can fly with it yet.”

“No worries Cassidy,” said Kimmy, “you’ll get to flying faster than you can say ‘Hakuna Matata.’”

Cassidy was feeling better upon hearing Kimmy’s words. So far, she’s been acting supportive and happy, something that was giving her confidence. “Yeah.”

“I’m glad we’re having a chance to talk together,” said Kimmy.

“Me too,” said Cassidy, before turning worried again, “though…I thought you didn’t want to talk.”

Kimmy looked at Cassidy with a surprised look. “Why would I do that,” asked Kimmy, before remembering how she acted, “oh…”

“You didn’t really check on me when my wing was recovering, unlike everyone else,” said Cassidy, “that made me still think that…you were…still…”

“I know Cassidy,” said Kimmy, feeling bad, “but I just wanna say…thank you…for saving my little sister from that bird. I know it was a really long time ago, but I never got the chance to thank you in person.”

“Um…you’re welcome,” said Cassidy, still feeling a bit down.

“And don’t worry about when Brenda comes back,” said Kimmy, “if we work as a team, all of us can defeat her, along with the grasshoppers.”

Reminded of the troupe, and not wanting them to get hurt, Cassidy started getting nervous again. Seeing Cassidy get nervous again, Kimmy said, “wanna know something else? I didn’t get any allergic reactions to that wasp sting. By now, it’s made a full recovery, and I’m just gonna assume that Brenda wasn’t venomous. So there’s no reason to worry about me now.”

“Wow, that’s very nice to hear Kimmy…but…I…”

“Are you ok,” asked Kimmy who was concerned, “if you’re scared of Brenda…”

“No…it’s not her,” said Cassidy, “Kimmy, it’s really nice to talk to you again, and I’m happy for you not getting sick from that sting, and I’m happy for the colony…but…there’s something I need to tell you.”

“There is,” asked Kimmy who was confused, “what is it?”

“Well…you see…”

As the talk between the girls continued, Thorny kept observing the island with his telescope. So far there was nothing suspicious. The other glowing mushrooms kept their guards up and didn’t panic. But as Thorny looked into the grass, he saw it moving, as if something was sneaking inside. Thinking it’s the grasshoppers, arriving in a different style, Thorny gasped. “Jiminy H. Cricket,” he muttered before rushing to his trumpet and blowing out an alarm.

Everyone heard this alarm and became nervous. Quickly jumping into action, the ants got to their posts and prepared for the incoming battle. The squad and troupe became worried. Kimmy and Cassidy ran back to their friends, having heard the trumpet too. “What’s happening,” asked Kimmy.

“They sounded the alarm,” said Walden, “which can only mean one thing.”

Fearing that it’s the grasshoppers and wasps, Cassidy got nervous again. “They’re back,” she said, “Brenda and her outlaws are back.”

But as Cassidy nervously anticipated her enemy’s arrival, Kimmy bravely stepped forward and stood for Cassidy’s defense. “Oh no you don’t…Brenda,” she muttered as she prepared for a showdown.

“BATTLE STATIONS EVERYONE! THIS IS NOT A DRILL! COME ON EVERYONE, YOU KNOW YOUR JOBS,” ordered Atta as a line of ants rushed up the tree, getting ready to launch the bird, “LET’S GO, GO, GO, GO!”

But as it seemed they were about to face the grasshoppers and wasps, a light shone through the dark grass forest. Suddenly, something burst through the forest, startling Atta. She jumped out of the way as a train pulled by two millipedes landed in the center of the island. The other ants were startled too and made way for the visitor. But to their confusion, it wasn’t any of the grasshoppers, or wasps. But the troupe and scouts recognized this visitor and were horrified. It was P.T. Flea. “Whoa, whoa, whoa there, steady girls, that’s it,” he said as he stopped his vehicle.

The squad’s bravery turned into confusion. “What,” asked Kyle, “that’s not the grasshopper gang.”

The troupe and scouts gasped. “P.T. Flea,” muttered Scott frantically.

“What’s he doing here,” asked Jelly.

“Quick kids, take cover,” whispered Russ as he and Lydia gathered the scouts and hid behind one of the leaves with the troupe.

As for the ants and squad, they approached P.T.’s train as P.T. introduced himself. “Greetings and salutations. Ooh-ba-pa-do and how do ya do? I am…the great…P.T. FLEA! Hehe! I’m in need of your assis…oh let’s just cut to the chase. Look, I’ve been goin’ from anthill to anthill. I’m looking for a bunch of circus performers. Have you seen ‘em?”

The two fireflies showed the colony of poster of the missing circus bugs. But everyone recognized these guys. Flik and Cassidy gasped upon seeing this. These were the same circus bugs they inadvertently bought to the Island. The rest of the colony and squad became confused. “Wait a second,” said Cornelius as he observed the poster, “ain’t that Staff Sergeant Slim?”

Not wanting the cover to be blown, Flik rushed to the poster and tried rolling it up. “Nope, no, no, no, I’m sorry, but uh, no has seen anyone like that around here…”

As Flik tried frantically trying to get P.T. to leave, P.T. heard a whispering noise behind him. Behind him, the troupe was trying to get away while hiding under a leaf, but they accidentally bumped into a rock. P.T. turned and saw the leaf. “Hey,” he said.

The two fireflies shone their light on the leaf, revealing the feet of the hiders. They all looked very familiar to P.T. “…so you’ll probably wanna get going. I guess you got a lot of anthills to check into, so bye.”

But P.T. ignored the ants and hopped to the leaf. He took the leaf off and there he saw his troupe and the scouts. The troupe and scouts were now exposed, but they tried silencing P.T. from exposing them to the ants. “Ah, guys,” said P.T. ignoring their pleas to be quiet, “I’ve been looking all over for you. Flaming Death is a huge hit.”

“P.T. shh.”

“I’m serious,” P.T. continued, “word of mouth got around…”

“P.T. no.”

“The next day, there was line of flies outside the tent,” said P.T. as the colony and squad gathered around, “went on forever. It must’ve been a foot long.”

“Shh, P.T.”

“So, I’ve figured it out,” said P.T., “you guys burn me twice a night, I take a day off to heal, and then we do it all over again. We’ll be the top circus act in the business.”

Finally losing his patience with the flea, Russ stepped forward. “You listen to me, you hopping pest,” he snapped, “your circus acts have done nothing but endanger the scouts, and your own troupe. You may think you can get us to come back and perform, but you can forget it. WE ARE NOT GOING BACK TO PERFORMING FOR YOUR GREEDY AMBITIONS!”

Flik peaked from behind the train, now realizing that it was inevitable for the troupe’s cover to be blown. “You mean…you’re not warriors,” asked a shocked Atta.

Russ turned to Atta, worried of what she’ll think. “Oh…Your Highness…we can explain…this is…”

“Are you kiddin’? These guys are the lousiest circus bugs you’ve ever seen,” P.T. said to the colony, shocking them horribly, “and they’re gonna make me rich! AHAHAHA…”

“You mean to tell me that our entire defensive strategy, WAS CONCOCTED BY CLOWNS,” asked a furious Thorny.

“Heyheyheyhey, we really thought Flik and Kyle’s idea was gonna work,” said Francis.

Everyone gasped and turned to Flik and Kyle. The scouts glared at Francis, angry at what he just said. “Oops.”

“This was your idea Kyle,” asked Kaytlin, who was shocked.

“You planned this all along,” asked Rudy.

“You have a lot of explaining to do young man,” said Hathi, “what is the meaning of this? Bringing a group of clowns pretending to be warriors.”

Cassidy watched as the team stared at Kyle, demanding an answer. Seeing Kyle take the blame of her action made her feel terrible. “It’s a long story Colonel,” said Kyle, “and it’s my fault. But as leader of the FT Squad, I will take the punishment when we…”

Not wanting Kyle to take the blame, Cassidy stepped forward. “NO,” she cried to her teammates while standing for Kyle’s defense, “don’t blame Kyle. It’s not his fault…it’s mine.”

“What,” asked Wubbzy, “yours?”

“Cassidy, what are you saying,” asked Elsa.

“Kyle didn’t do anything wrong. It was all me. I thought we had the warriors the ants were asking for, but…they turned out to be clowns. Kyle and I were the only ones who knew, but when Kyle wanted to tell you guys the truth…I stopped him. I wouldn’t let him tell you guys. It was my idea for keeping this a secret from you all. I’m the one you should blame, not Kyle.”

The ants and squad gasped upon hearing Cassidy. They could not believe she did this. Cassidy looked at the shocked expressions from her friends. She saw Kimmy alongside them, absolutely horrified that Cassidy lied. “You…you lied to us,” she asked.

Atta approached Flik and Cassidy, very disappointed. “Tell me this isn’t true.”

“No, you don’t…you don’t…” Flik said, trying to calm things down.

“This couldn’t have happened at an inopportune time,” said Mr. Soil nervously, “the last leaf is about to fall.”

“We haven’t collected any food for the grasshoppers,” added Dr. Flora.

“If Hopper finds out what we almost did…” said Thorny.

“Hopper is not going to find out. We’re going to hide all this and pretend it never happened,” said Queen before turning to the troupe and squad, “you bugs were never here, and neither were you travellers. So I suggest you all leave.”

Flik and Cassidy rushed in to their defense. “The bird,” said Flik, “the bird will work.”

“There’s still a chance we can stop them,” said Cassidy, “if we use the bird, things might work out.”

But Queen was furious like the other ants. “I never thought I’d see the day when an ant would put himself before the rest of his colony,” she said.

“What,” asked Flik.

“The point is Flik,” said Queen, “you and Cassidy lied to us.”

“No, no, no, I just…”

“You lied guys,” said Atta as she approached the two, “you lied to her. You lied to your team. You lied to the colony. You lied to me…and like an idiot I believed you.”

“Princess…I know you’re mad…but you don’t understand,” said Cassidy as Atta stared at her angrily, “I didn’t want to do this as much as anyone who knew…but…”

“But you did it anyway,” said Atta, “not only did you lie, but you put your friends and family in danger. That was selfish…for a sheriff.”

Cassidy couldn’t believe Atta’s words. They shocked her to a horrible extent and she took a step back. As for Flik, he tried talking to Atta. “But we…we were just afraid that…if you knew we’d gotten circus bugs,” he said before sighing, realizing that there was no hope of negotiating, “we just wanted to make a…difference.”

“I want you to leave Flik…you too Cassidy,” said Atta somberly, “and this time…don’t come back.”

Flik and Cassidy looked at the disappointed princess. The Blueberries gasped upon hearing Atta banish them. As for the squad, while horrified that Cassidy lied to them, they knew better than to stay. Starting with Flik and Cassidy, they started leaving along with the troupe and scouts. The squad didn’t say a word in defense for their teammate, accepting their sentence and leaving the island. “Tough crowd,” commented P.T., before getting his millipedes to get going, “yee-hah!”

Dot tried running after Flik, but she was stopped by her mother. “Flik,” she muttered sadly.

Flik kept walking with the troupe, squad and scouts. Cassidy stopped for a minute and took one final look at the colony. The community of ants whom she thought she could stand up for and protect from the wasps, now knew the truth and was furious with her. Atta’s words also hit her very hard. Kyle slowly approached her and took her wing, guiding her to meet up with everyone else. Cassidy didn’t know how the others would think of how she lied to them and was scared of what they’d think, but right now, she was more depressed and sad. She slowly trudged behind the group as the left the island behind them. From above, in the tree, the last leaf was barely hanging on. Finally, it broke off its branch and slowly fell to the ground.

This was an indication of one thing: the grasshoppers were on their way. And on their way they were. Flying past the misty fog and dead trees, the grasshoppers and wasps flew in a formation like a squadron of military planes. They kept their minds focused on getting the food from the ants. Molt was having trouble trying to hold onto Thumper while Tumbleweed had trouble flying with his jetpack. But these were just minor troubles and they didn’t do them any big harm. No one noticed them, for they kept flying forward. Hopper and Brenda flew ahead of the gang, having their sights set on Ant Island, ready to terrorize the colony like they did before.