Hallownest; An Adventure Untold

Prologue

Below the small, yet life filled town of Dirtmouth; a kingdom filled to the brim with bugs was awake with life. The Whispering Crossroads, a complex of paths that stretch to four other parts of the Kingdom. The Fog Canyon, a small, strange place filled with luminescent bubbles, light fog, and creatures just as strange as the area they reside in. Nobody knows if they are truly bugs or not. The Fungal Wastes, an area that goes far down, and is filled with fungi. Bugs with mushrooms growing along their backs are native to this place, alongside the Mantis Tribe, who were quite protective of their territory and had four rulers for their tribe alone. The City Of Tears, a large city that has constant rain from the massive lake above. To the left of the city is a small home that houses a young nailsmith. To the right, a big Stag Station known as the "King's Station". Kingdom's Edge, is just past the station. It's a steep area, white flakes forever falling from the sky. Some bugs believe these flakes came from the Pale King's old husk, before he became what he is now. Others believe it comes from the bugs who fall prey to the warriors within the Colosseum of Fools. An arena at the highest point in Kingdom's Edge, where you fight to the death against an onslaught of 'Fools' that range from many heights and abilities. The Hive, is a place below Kingdom's Edge. A small area with a deep yellow hue from the honey that resides around the whole area. Bees are the natural insects who live within the Hive, although other bugs may try to sneak in, but they get a shell full of stingers if they dare take a step in without a good reason. The Queen's Gardens, an area beside Fog Canyon and Fungal Wastes. An overgrown haven for bugs searching for deep cover from whatever may be causing them trouble. The White Lady, wife of the Pale King, resides within a secluded section of the Gardens. Crystal Peak, to the right of Dirtmouth, is a complex area filled to the brim with extremely sharp crystals that give the whole area shimmering pink glow. Insects have grown used to these rocks, even having them on their backs as protection. Deepnest, in the farthest known reaches of Hallownest, this area is void of all light save for the occasional Lumafly lamp. Weavers build and thrive within this place, and are ferocious creatures. They attack any and everything that isn't a spider like them, and sometimes they even attack their own kind over small mishaps. The Mantis Tribe made a truce that they would protect the rest of the kingdom from the creatures below, but sometimes...Not even they can stop them, and an outbreak would occur. Last but not least is Greenpath. An area filled to the brim with lush plants of many kinds, and resides above the Queen's Gardens. It, like the Gardens, is filled with life. From the plentiful food from the plants, to the clean, crisp water that this place is known for, it is a lovely spot to rest. Along with the fact there is a magnificent lake past a winding path, known for housing the massive slug Unn. But along side that, it also houses one half of the Ant Tribe.

The Ant Tribe resides both in the City of Tears, and in Greenpath. They all have different jobs that range to a few different categories. From taking care of their halves of the tribe, to serving the Pale King himself, they know no bounds. They're very protective of their offspring and younger siblings. And these ants can range to a few different kinds. Some are born with two arms, while others have four. And almost every single one has antennae that does not get covered by their masks. These bugs also dress differently compared to most of the kingdom. They are closely dressed like the Mantis Tribe, who they are on even terms with. Using leaves to use as their main source of cover, using large, rounded leaves as skirts that reach down to their knees, and carefully cut leaves as chestplates, with nothing to cover their arms. While they use gray strands of another plant to wrap around their waist. They like to use this kind of plant as bandages of sorts when one gets injured, or to protect their hands or arms slightly. But also as a source of clothing. These insects take some enjoyment in sparring with one another, to see who is more skilled. Although they will never strike another ant down unless they pull a horrendous act. However there is one exception, when a new leader of the tribe must be appointed, from the previous leader's elderly age, or bad actions, another ant who has trained for a long time to be the next in line will step up and strike the previous one down before taking their place. The young ants are never allowed to watch this act, as it is saddening to watch. Greenpath ants are much less likely to help others than the City of Tears half of the tribe. As they were not raised to be that welcoming to outsiders, or to assist another bug. But, if the leader agrees, the ants will take care of whatever comes about their territory. The ants who reside in the City are kind folk who work tirelessly to help the surrounding areas. Most ants who live their have four arms, as they can carry the most, and fight a bit better than others. There are few differences between the two. Two armed ants are more lean and swift, opting better in defensive combat, while four armed ants can hold back attacks while holding two or more nails, and are more opted in brute force. But, on rare occasions, the two can combine. There have been ants who had four arms, and were extremely versatile, while others had only two arms but knew how to fight head on with no fear or worry. But, as stated, these are very rare, some may not even survive that long, but that is rarer than the hybrid happening. And, roughly half a month ago, one of these rare sights was born into Hallownest.

Within the lush confines of Greenpath, the ants gathered together to listen to their leader speak about the newest born ant. A female. Nobody, not even the leader knew of what she looked like except for the parents. They were afraid of saying what she looked like, but the leader didn't mind, and gave them no question about it. "You may tell us when you are ready." He'd tell them, his expression unreadable beneath his mask. But his tone, while stoic, held a warble of worry beneath. Days would pass, and no word would pass from the mother and father; who would shy away at every question. Until finally, after half a month had passed, the female ant was more than old enough to leave her small confined without her parents forcing her back in. And they reluctantly agreed to bring her out of hiding. They met up with the leader, and they had a gathering in motion; and before long, every ant in Greenpath was called to the center of their nest. "Dear ants of Greenpath," He began "I am delighted to bring light to your countless questions about the female who hadn't showed herself once to us." The crowd began muttering and whispering, before hushing back into silence as the leader continued "And it will not be me showing her to you. The parents themselves agreed to bring her out for you. By all means Nyla, Arcane, show us your lovely daughter." He motioned toward the parents. And, after a moment of hesitation, they stepped to the side as the child walked forward. Gasps echoed through the other ants as she stood there. Four arms, like her father. Yet a lean body, much like her mother. "Ahem." The leader cleared his throat "We all shall give this ant a warm welcome. We have not seen one like her in a long time, but that will not change our view of her. She's wonderful you two." He bowed, the rest of the tribe following suit. It was customary to bow before a new ant, or a new leader. The child tilted her head, eyes blinking. She had not been made a mask of her own, so her wide eyes were filled with awe and shock. Nyla, the mother, stepped forward "This, is Asha." She introduced her daughter at last. The tribe returned to their tall standing states. Asha came up to her father's legs in height, so she had to crane her neck to see the other's faces. The leader stepped toward the child, grabbing her attention in an instant. "Dear child," He got down on one knee, placing a hand on the girl's shoulder "I, am Karazu, leader of this tribe. You have a wonderful gift that not many in this tribe share anymore. Perhaps this is a sign, that an ant like you is destined for something good. But of course, I cannot tell. Only time may do that." He spoke, one could hear the smile that was on his face. Asha nodded her head, not speaking a word as Karazu stood back up "You are all dismissed. You may return to whatever task you may have had." He spoke as he turned his head to the other ants, who dispersed quickly. Arcane chuckled as he picked up his daughter "Look at you! Our tribe loves you! We had no reason to be frightful of your appearance at all." He said while gently tossing Asha into the air. The child giggling lightly as a response. Nyla, however, wasn't so sure about her husband's words. She could feel a sharp glare coming from a section of the nest. She glanced over to see two pairs of mask holes staring dead at her. It was the nurse ant Needle and her close friend Hari, an elderly ant of the tribe. Those two loved to give harsh words and glares at whomever gives them a strange vibe. She knew they may be trouble for their daughter, but only time would tell of what actions they may take. But one thing was certain; Nyla wouldn't hesitate to rip Hari a new one if she dared to law a hand on her child. But, that shouldn't be her top priority. As Asha, now standing firmly on the ground, asked "Mommy, what's the Tribe nest like?" To which she got a light laugh from her mother "Why don't we show you? It wouldn't hurt to give you a tour. You do live here with the others after all." A bright smile came to Asha's face before the two parents walked away, their child following between them. Karazu watched from his tent, shaking his head lightly "I foresee trouble for that child. Especially since the City ants recently called for new recruits. They no doubt will take her, as she is the youngest we have. I simply hope that they won't be heartbroken when she is eventually ripped away from them, as I cannot stop those mad bugs from taking whoever they wish." He then turned away, closing the entrance to his tent "That child will need all the luck she can get if she wishes to survive out there."