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((OOC: Also, since we have two parallel storylines in the same topic, perhaps you could join the one with Skeletree/ShinE and Pilbarb/Squirrelay, which has less characters.))

"Don't worry, young fighter", Lancelrock replied. "We're getting close to the territory of the Quagsire clan, and we'll have no problems getting through. The guards over there are my friends. After all, while our primary types do not mix well, we still share some common ground, if you pardon the pun".

Lancelrock felt strange for joking around in such a time, or indeed for joking at all. Being around outsiders and away from his king was loosening his usually formal persona. Nonetheless, what he had said was true: when they finally arrived to Quagsire territory, they were cordially greeted by the guards.

"Sir Lancelrock! It's sure been quite a while! What brings you around these parts accompanied by such a remarkable escort?"

"I'm afraid it isn't good news", Lancerlock said. "Do you think it would be possible for you to call a town meeting? What we've got to tell you concerns the safety of both of our groups".

"Your request shall be our command, Sir Lancelrock", the other Quagsire guard replied. "The ties that bind our peoples so demand it".

The group was conducted to the Quagsire town at the banks of the subterranean river. The landscape was a spectacle like they had never seen before in the Geode Fields. The ceiling of the cavern they were in was out of everybody's reach; in fact it was one of the largest chambers they had been in. To each side, crystalline water oozed from fissures between the crystals, forming numerous streams that flowed into the main body of water, which in this section looked more like a lake. Liquid also dripped from stalactites which seemed to grow straight out of the crystal, each one with its corresponding stalagmite below, some of them rising from the river giving the impression of being a flooded forest of rock. The water itself was an extraordinary sight, being illuminated from below by the crystals. In contrast, the town seemed rather unimpressive, but it wasn't without beauty. The houses, made mostly of mud and sand, were adorned with all kinds of gems, and sometimes even gold nuggets extracted from the bottom of the river.

Groups of curious Wooper stopped their games to watch the newcomers as they passed by, and Lancelrock waved at some of the Quagsire he recognized from previous visits. It only took a couple of minutes for the group to reach the largest building, the house of the Elders' Council. From there, the meeting was assembled immediately.

Lancelrock gave a speech describing everything that had happened with as much detail as the pressing situation allowed him. As he spoke, the usually carefree Quagsire looked at him with worry and fear, though not always without a hint of disbelief. However, he was respected by all and no one challenged his story.

"And so", he continued, "I recommend to evacuate this town immediately. Inside these caves, it could be easier for the enemy to trap us. If you decide to help us, my friends and I can provide you with extra protection to guarantee a safe journey to the outside world. I have told you all you need to know; it is up to you now to decide".

The Quagsire deliberated in private for a few minutes. However, the response of the council, while positive, wasn't as satisfactory as expected.

"We've decided to help you cross the rapids", the spokesman said. "We happen to have a few rafts that we crafted thinking in the possibility of an emergency like this one. We will also send our children and their mothers away with you for safekeeping. But the warriors and the council shall stay and protect our town from harm. Our decision is final".

There was nothing the group could do to convince them to reconsider their choice, so with grief in their hearts they left Quagsire Town in the hands of its mightiest inhabitants. Venusaur, Palmer and Cara traveled in one of the rafts, while Lancelrock, Ure-yo and Eragriff shared another. The third and final one was used by the Trapple and its family. Flanked by the Quagsire and their children in the water, they proceeded towards the treacherous rapids.

"Hang on", the lead Quagsire said. "We will guide your rafts through the outcroppings of crystal, using Mud Shot to cushion any impacts if necessary".

((OOC: Oh, I didn't know it was a suicide mission, sorry. You may join the main group when opportunity arises, then))