Journey to the Toxicroak

You had been revealed the directions you needed by the Village Chief once he explained the local area around the tunnels. Ryzer had also explained to you the direction and paths to go into for the fastest trip to the swamp, and to get there, you had to bypass many feral-thriving areas by going through an 'empty' canyon. According to his scouts, they had said that a deserted village resided there, and the Charizard puts much stress into the words of his warnings about the infected that live there. You remember Ryzer's words, "The farther north you go, the more ferals you're bound to run into. They may even work together in packs just as they did to attack this, so be warned! They know how mighty they are the more of them that work together to devour you."

You are at the gate after you and Jackal had a moment to rest and digest most of your meals. Pence brought your bags that you had left in your temporary bedrooms as he said his farewells. Rose and the Village Chief were also there to see you off. Rose hugs Jackal again, except without hopping on him or anything this time, and smooshes her face against his mid-section. "Promise me that you'll come back, alright?" She begs the Typhlosion. He makes a single chuckle and scratches the top of the Buneary's head.

"Alright, I promise." He assures her. So he finally lightened up about the girl after all. The Charizard places his hands on your shoulders, staring confidentially at you, "Watch your back Lace, and keep you friends close. Infected ferals aren't the only Pokemon that would like a squirming Lucario in their bodies. Some Pokemon are carnivorous and crazy, so pay attention to those types!" After a pat on your back, he orders a soldier to open the wooden gate. But before you left, you had to ask.

"Um, how did you ever get that Aggron armor actually?" You question. He laughs out a bit, shaking his newly added flab.

"I wear it as a trophy! An Aggron was the hardest thing that I've ever downed." He answers. The Charizard tapped his shoulder pieces to signify its durability and fortification.

Pence walks up, gesturing his blade a bit in a good-bye wave, "It was nice to meet you, Lace and Jackal. It's great knowing someone is finally trying to do something about this epidemic. I have a feeling you'll get far in your quest."

And after that, both of you walk back through the tunnels, and manage to exit them thanks to the Village Chief's instructions. It was afternoon out in the blue sky, showing no signs of any clouds. Your belly is a bit pudgy, but it definitely digested most of the Politoed by now. Jackal's belly also had the same situation, which meant you had plenty of packed energy to make it through this trek to the swamp. You head northwest, to take a shortcut through this canyon, wondering if you'll meet anyone along the way, except for ferals though. This Toxicroak better be at this swamp, or this long journey risking your life dangerously was for all for nothing...

1. You arrive at the canyon...!

2. Something happens along the way!