Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author of this story. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any previously copyrighted material. No copyright infringement is intended.
AN: Illustrated/Inspired by Kythe42's icon collection on AO3. This story is specifically written for the first chapter of Henry's collection.
What a delightful Spring morning – quite warm, a welcome change to the cold winter we've had. If I breathe in deep enough, I can smell the grass and dirt of the country – 'tis relaxing. Spring in the city isn't quite the same, but the feeling of new energy and life is still there; even beneath the steel and concrete. If I open my eyes, I can even see some of the animals: birds, cats, squirrels – thankfully, the horseless carriage has replaced that particular form of livestock – mice, dogs, ants – wait, ants?
I don't ever recall seeing quite that many ants congregated in a single place in a city – let alone on a lamppost. Perhaps they are attracted by the electricity? And over there I can see some more, clustered beneath an automobile. I do hope, for the driver's sake, that the insects don't crawl into the ducts and valves of the engine – that would be quite disastrous.
Here's even more of the little creatures – they seem to be everywhere. It's strange – these aren't clustered together, merely wandering aimlessly around the pavement of the sidewalk and street. They don't seem to pause for anything – always continuing in whatever path they've chosen, surmounting any obstacles they encounter. I wonder just how many there are...
These are amazing creatures – built of such small size, yet able to accomplish so much more than they appear able too. It is good that their lives are so short and so superfluous, else this wide world would be overrun with the creatures. Yet, they cannot be gotten rid of, for they are necessary to the world. They have foresight, society, family, protection – they are a good example, surely. Not that I want large amounts of them in New York City, of course.
But enough about ants – there are several bodies waiting for me at the morgue, and Lucas will be certain to have opinions on them. I do enjoy his company – he is a bit energetic and too nosy at times, but he is a good child. With some more experience and training, he will make a good medical examiner as well – beyond what he already is.
It will be a good day – hopefully with no more murders, either. Hanson would certainly appreciate – good heavens! What is that? It appears that even greater numbers of ants have crawled down into the underground – if we were in the southern continent, I would be very worried for the state of my health at the moment...
When I awoke this morning, I never expected to ride the underground with an ant-man...
AN: Well, thank you very much for reading! Gramercy, and God bless you!