The Siege in Fiqquetti Forest

Verse of the Colony, Segment 3: The Forbidden Watch.

Fire's squad was surrounded by Pine Beetles guarding the area. In front of them stood a large Atlas Beetle. Fire recognized him. "Wait, you're the son of the leader of the Atlas Beetles from the Forest of Mirtus-Tura," Fire said, facing the giant creature.

"How do you know my location?" the Atlas Beetle asked.

Before Fire could respond, the General of the Pine Beetles ordered an attack.

"Wait, we didn't come here to fight!" one of the soldier ants shouted to the beetle guards. But the Pine Beetles and Atlas Beetles didn't listen. One of the Pine Beetles struck the leg of one of Fire's worker ants. Fire quickly instructed his squad to find shelter as the Atlas Beetle launched another attack, raising one of his legs and stomping the ground, causing it to tremble.

Meanwhile, in the castle of the Pine Beetles, the dark room where Leader Pinewood was talking to someone shook with the tremor. The leader and his companion rushed to the area with a group of guards, knowing the source of the disturbance.

When they arrived, they saw the Pine Beetles attacking something. The person accompanying Leader Pinewood shouted, "Stop!"

The Pine and Atlas Beetles immediately ceased their attack when they saw their leader, who looked disappointed.

"Advisor Blaze?" Fire exclaimed.

"Fire, long time no see," Advisor Blaze greeted warmly.

The General of the Pine Beetles, Chief Barkbuster, turned to Leader Pinewood and demanded, "What's going on, my Lord? Why is that fire ant with you?"

Leader Pinewood explained, "Chief Barkbuster, I haven't mentioned this before, but the fire ants are our allies. They have business here."

Chief Barkbuster looked shocked. "Wait, what? They're here for the Moonstone Powder, and you allowed it?"

"Yes," Leader Pinewood replied calmly. "They only need a small amount. Let them take what they need."

Chief Barkbuster hesitated but then relented. "Fine, as you wish, my Lord," he said, stepping aside to let Fire and his squad collect some of the Moonstone Powder.

As Fire approached Advisor Blaze, he asked, "What are you doing here, Blaze? Aren't you supposed to be back at the Kingdom?"

Advisor Blaze chuckled softly. "I decided to come here. I knew this Land had strict rules regarding its landmarks, so I sought an agreement with Leader Pinewood. But we hadn't finished our discussion when the ground shook."

"Oh, I see," Fire replied as the workers gathered the Moonstone Powder. Advisor Blaze excused himself, saying he would return to the Kingdom.

After a while, Fire and his squad finished collecting the powder. As they prepared to leave, Chief Barkbuster invited them to dinner, suggesting they talk further. Seeing the Chief becoming more comfortable with the fire ants, Leader Pinewood left the area. The Atlas Beetle returned to its spot as Chief Barkbuster, the ants, and a few Pine Beetles headed to the nearest food stop.

At the food stop, everyone sat on carved wooden chairs inside one of the pine trees. The setting was cozy, with the rich scent of pine mingling with the aroma of food being served. As the dishes were laid out, Fire turned to Chief Barkbuster with a question. "I have a question, Barkbuster. How did a human watch end up here, and why are there so many scattered bones in that area?"

Chief Barkbuster hesitated for a moment. "The bones are from an animal," he replied.

Fire sensed the lie. "An animal? There's no way an animal could enter this land, except maybe mountain lions. But those bones clearly belonged to a human, especially the skull."

Chief Barkbuster sighed, realizing he couldn't hide the truth. "Fine. I'll tell you the history of the forbidden watch."

The ants leaned in, eager to listen. Chief Barkbuster continued, "A long time ago, during the first war between Fiqquetti and Mirtus-Tura, my grandfather led the defense of this land. He told me that five humans entered the forest amidst the chaos. One of them..."

He paused, taking a deep breath.

"And then?" one of the worker ants prompted, curiosity burning in his eyes.

Chief Barkbuster resumed, "The drone ants and wasps from Mirtus-Tura began their invasion here. They reached this land without the other kingdoms realizing it. The five humans wandered into the Pine Forest, marveling at its beauty and our homes within the trees. However, when they reached the center of the forest, they were attacked by swarms of trap-jaw ants and wasps. Four of the humans managed to escape, but one did not. As he tried to defend himself, his watch fell, and the wasp venom ultimately killed him."

Fire nodded, absorbing the tale. "So that's the story."

"Yes," Chief Barkbuster confirmed. "Since then, many scientists have tried to retrieve his body, but they never reached the area because of the mountain lions at the border."

The room fell silent for a moment as everyone processed the story. The crackling of the fire and the distant rustling of pine needles outside added to the solemn atmosphere. Fire and his squad, now understanding the weight of the situation, quietly thanked Chief Barkbuster for his honesty as they continued their meal.

As Fire's squad prepared to leave, Fire turned to Chief Barkbuster with a final question. "Can you tell us where to find the Resurrection Ivy or the Heartstream?"

Chief Barkbuster paused for a moment before answering, "The Heartstream river is located in the Land of Dew, and the Resurrection Ivy can be found in the Land of Shadow. Our leader has also suggested sending some of our troops to accompany you."

Fire considered the offer, then nodded. "That would be helpful. Thank you."

As they stepped out of the shop and into the dimming light of the pine forest, the anticipation of the journey ahead filled the air. The pine beetle guards stood ready, prepared to join Fire's squad on their mission.

As the ants and their new allies made their way toward the border of the Land of Dew, a sudden rustling sound echoed through the trees. Fire paused, sensing something was amiss. The underbrush stirred, and a pair of glinting eyes watched them from the shadows.

Without warning, a dark figure darted across their path, disappearing into the foliage. The air grew thick with tension, and a chilling breeze swept through the forest. Fire glanced at his comrades, who shared his unease. They knew that whatever awaited them in the Land of Shadow was more than just a quest for ingredients. An ominous presence was lurking, ready to test their courage and resolve.

As they pressed on, the first whispers of an unknown threat began to surface, hinting at the dangers that lay ahead in the shadowy depths. The journey had only just begun, and the secrets of the forest were about to be unveiled.