The Key To Amphibia

Center Of The Swamp

The sun begins its ascent over Amphibia, shining a radiant golden glow over the land.

The tranquil atmosphere is quickly broken however, by the sound of slashing and grunting. Deep within Amphibia's foggy marshlands, the disruptions originate from Clover, who's cutting through the vines and branches blocking his path.

"...So Al... how much... how much further?" Clover asks out while trying to catch his breath.
"Still quite a bit left to go... if we passed by that collection of trees about ten minutes ago... then I'd say we'll be approaching the marshland's center in about three hours!" Alastor answered.

Clover groans, "seriously? I can only do this for maybe another hour. It doesn't help that you're making me walk through the water!"

"Oh you'll be fine. Might be tough now, but we'll be out of here soon enough, and you'll thank me for that." Alastor encouraged.

"Easy for you to say." Clover replied angrily. you're the one who gets to sit around and relax in my head all day."

"Indeed... and I couldn't be happier about it."

"Huh... didn't think you of all people would be able to feel happiness.

"Well why wouldn't I be? I've been saved from an eternity of imprisonment, liberated from a tyrannical and abusive ruler, AND I've finally been able to sleep without being under constant fear!"

"well... I can't really relate..." Clover sighed. Especially for that last one..." he muttered under his breath.

After another hour of traversing through the swampy terrain, Clover collapses.

"I... I can't... keep... too many vines." Clover groans.

"Oh come on Clover, get up! I assure you that it won't be too long before we find civilization." Responds Alastor.

"Why don't you take the lead huh? Then we'll see who's talking."

"Well I'd gladly do so if I could! But as you can tell, I can't really do much other than sit by and watch this pathetic act play out!"

"Why you little-... huh?"

A bright green light flashes through the thick marsh, catching the two's attention.

Clover unsheathes his sickles defensively. Alastor goes into high alert, heightening Clover's senses.
The light speeds through the tree line, casting ominous shadows in the murky water.

Clover turns to face the fast moving light, but rustling of leaves behind him catches his attention. He quickly turns once more and notices a patch of leaves moving and shifting.

The light from before suddenly passes through the patch of leaves, illuminating the silhouette of a young amphibian girl hiding in the underbrush. The girl suddenly starts to cry once the light passes her.

Clover's eyes shift as his tone changes to one of concern. He sheaths his sickles quickly and begins heading towards the little girl.

"What- what are you doing? Where are you going!?" Alastor asks apprehensively.

Clover doesn't give a response. He approaches the thicket of leaves where the crying originates from, and reaches out to pull the leaves back.
When he tries to pull the leaves away, he feels a resistant force on his arm, stopping it from reaching the leaves.

"Are you crazy!? There could be a predator in there! It might be trying to bait you in!" Alastor protested.
Clover continues to ignore him, and rushes his other arm forward, pulling the leaves away...

Clover is tackled by a barrage of vines. The crying girl starts to change shape, turning into a hideous amalgamation of plant life. The plant abomination lets out a guttural screech as it wraps vines around the unsuspecting victim.