Uncharted Hearts:
Part 2 An Unlikely Appearance

Reaching the hut was not a problem with Kobayashi leading them through the Orarra Forest, but he never even asked if they wanted to relax for Croagard was more important. Ash could not help but notice both a Riolu and Meditite suddenly appear holding a tray of drinks, as if they knew Kobayashi was returning with guests. All the while Kobayashi searches the area for some antidote and a first aid kit, the tray is placed on the table and the two Pokémon bow their greetings to the strangers, offering them all a seat.

"Got them!" He turns his attention to the two Pokémon after rushing into the lounge. "Riku! Mine!" Both Riolu and Meditite turn to Kobayashi after hearing their names. "I need a mat and incense for healing! This Croagard has been poisoned!" Instantly they find the necessary items needed, coming back ready to set up for the healing. Mine professionally starts to draw a healing circle out of a certain healing salt, as Riku sets up the apparatus. A minute later, Román is ushered by Riolu to place Croagard in the centre as Meditite sits in position for meditation on the cushion it uses for daily training. She closes her eyes and begins to chant. "Medi-meditite." Her voice sounds a little enchanting, repeating the words as if singing them.

"Riolu." Riku's voice is high pitched and childlike, as he turns his attention to the Trainers after lighting the White Sage incense sticks with the sparks he makes from his steel spikes. He kindly begins to hand out the drinks to their guests while Kobayashi sprays antidote on Croagard to help hold back the venom. No manner of poison heal will completely restore Jasenria from her ailment, for it has already gone too far through her system. Any longer without being under constant remedial care, and she would have died out there.

Román cannot stand the silence any longer, and has to question his Croagard's status. "Will she be alright?"

"As long as this healing meditation continues she will last a good while, but I need the venom from the Spierdeicus that bit her in order to make another antidote. I cannot cure her until I have it made."

"Then I shall go right away!" Román declares as he rises from his seat.

"Román, wait a moment!" Tara exclaims as she too stands to her feet. "You can't just head back out there. It's a forest for crying out loud!"

"Tara. I do not have time!"

"At least wait to be given a path back here."

"She has a point, Román," Marcel states, rising from his chair. "We'll all get lost if we go without a written plan, or some other means of returning."

"I'm coming too," Misty concludes rapidly standing to her feet. "The disgusting ugly bug Pokémon aside."

"But what happens if one comes crawling over your foot Misty?" Ash teases.

"Then I'll send it sky high! Lacea and Farox will protect me!"

"You ask for too much Misty," Brock complies. "But don't let us stop you. Ash and I are staying behind."

"We are?" Ash questions, a little confused.

"Yes Ash. Both of us were badly hurt after the accident. I for one can't exactly run with these, and your recklessness may hurt you further if any Pokémon are in danger. You are still healing."

"I guess. I do get carried away sometimes," Ash agrees, much to the surprise of both Misty and Brock.

"I suppose I'll need to help you out." Kobayashi turns to Riku. "Riku?"
"Rio?" Riku runs to Kobayashi, wondering why he has called.

"Please go with them. They need someone to lead them back here, and I must stay with Mine for Croagard's sake."

"Riolu!" he gladly agrees, heading off to find his small knapsack. Both of them love adventure, but Riku will enjoy his for Mine as well. After finding what he needs, he runs to the four trainers heading for the door.

"Well, I guess that settles it. We'll see you guys later," Marcel says before he heads out the door with the others. Farox however, stays by Ash's side just in case he is needed.

"Go with them Farox. I'll be fine here. They need all the help they can get."

"Far-far." Farox nods before catching up to the four Trainers and the other Pokémon.

Back amidst the trees of the Orrara Forest, the trainers and the other Pokémon are searching for the Spierdeicus from earlier. They should be able to see it clearly, as it may still have its burns from the earlier battle. Most certainly they are ready to battle, just in case more troubles with bug-type Pokémon happen so suddenly. Misty surprisingly gets an idea that will make searching for Spierdeicus much easier for all of them.

"We should split up. That way, searching for Spierdeicus should be much easier."

"And how do you suppose we find each other again Misty?" Marcel asks.

"You have your Pokémon, and I have Farox." She pauses. "I'm sure they both can find where it is we will meet back."

"That is quite true boys." Tara agrees as she stands with Misty. "We search with Farox and Riku, and you can have Lacea."

"But that means you have four Pokémon and we have three." Marcel complains. "That seems unfair."

"Ugh. Who cares Marcel?" Román says. "Croagard needs that Spierdeicus antidote! Stop complaining!" He pauses. "We will meet back at this junction!" Román reaches into his bag and takes out a ribbon, before calling Lacea and Farox over to him. "Lacea! Farox!" They abide and head to him, as he shows them the ribbon. "This ribbon will be the marker for us to find each other again. Get a good sniff of the scent on here." Both sniff whatever scent may be on the ribbon, keeping it fresh in their minds for when they all return before Román ties it to a tree that looks older than most others. They then go their separate ways in the hope that the Spierdeicus is found by either of them, each carrying a radio for their search team.

"I have a question," Kobayashi asks, looking at both Ash and Brock. "What exactly happened out there? You know, the strange voice and everyone stopping."

"Was I possessed again, Ash?" Brock questions hoping for an answer. "I don't know what Kobayashi is referring to."

"I'm afraid so Brock." Ash answers nonchalantly.

"If Solos can still contact me, then I know that he is alive."

"Solos!? Isn't he a mythical dragon-type Pokémon here!" Kobayashi rapidly collects a notepad and pen. "What was he like? How did you get so close?"

"It was not exactly a casual meeting Kobayashi." Brock pauses, recalling what happened to him. "He had been in a violent battle when I first saw him. Even then I had barely survived the plane crash with my friends when he saw me. Before I knew it, he used his psychic powers on me to keep me hidden from whoever wanted him, then I lost consciousness and never saw him again when I woke."

"Brock also was the only one who could collect his tear. Both Farox and I know that, after what happened to Farox. But since then, Solos has been possessing Brock whenever he can, giving us warnings and necessary information. Like what happened a short while ago. We know a mythical Pokémon named Forittep is now in danger because of this information. None of us really understand what is going on, or who this organisation is. Whatever it is, it does not sound good at all." Brock reaches for the Tear from his pocket.

"This is the tear shaped jewel, Solos has been using to keep in touch with me." He shows it to Kobayashi. "After what we went through to get it, I have treasured it since." Brock then notices the light of the tear is not as strong as it once was, like it is slowly fading the longer they waste time trying to save him. "That never happened before. It is fading." He looks worried all of a sudden, like he has realised the fading means Solos' life is starting to cease. They all glance at Croagard still in pain and struggling to fight the Spierdeicus venom, as Meditite continues meditating to try all she can at keeping its spreading at bay. Kobayashi knows Mine will withstand the burden of her tiring energy as best she can, but he understands that she cannot keep going like this. He has already decided what it is he must do, if ever Meditite dangerously tires from her meditation.

Amidst the forest, Tara, Misty, Román and Marcel have been separated from each other for a good while, the Pokémon with them in turn have as well. With Tara and Misty, Farox and Riku have been checking everywhere they pass without leaving a single stone unturned, but for the length of time they have been searching, not even a minute sign of the Spierdeicus has been found. They both look up to them at a complete loss, knowing they may never find the same Pokémon they really need. Why could it not be a different one? They saw a few of them as they scrutinized every inch of the path they have been taking, keeping their distance of course in case they were bitten, but when they tried to tell the two Trainers, they only shook their heads as if to say 'not the right one'.

At the same time, Marcel, Román and Lacea are doing the same thing, searching everywhere they can in hope the Spierdeicus they need is found. They too had noticed Lacea finding one or two Spierdeicus, but Román knew they were not the right ones. Marcel has had enough searching with no luck, and begins to argue.

"Seriously Román. What does it matter which Spierdeicus it is? You said it yourself, we do not have the time."

"It can only be the one that bit her, Marcel. Did you not learn anything in Pokémon Science?"

"Hey! I learned just the same amount everyone else did! But it makes no difference!"

"It makes all the difference! That damn Spierdeicus' DNA is in Jasenria's bloodstream! Any other Spierdeicus will not help!"

"Lizar!" Coreonus cries his name trying to stop the fighting, hoping his voice had been heard. To his surprise the Trainers both look at him, before there is a recognisable voice coming from somewhere on Román.

"Román! Do you copy?"

"Receiving you Tara."

"We've had no luck so far in finding it."

"Great!" he complains. "We've had no luck either."

"Can't we just use any Spierdeicus we find? Over!"

"No! It has to be the same one. DNA purposes. Any other Spierdeicus won't work. Look for the burn on its two front legs."

"Like we'll manage to find that. But I guess we can try. Over and out!"

"Over and out!'

"How are we going to find that one Spierdeicus?"

"I have no idea, but we have to. Jasenria is depending on us to find it." They both continue to search without knowing how long Jasenria will last, however, the same beast from before is watching them from within the trees, now understanding these are two of the same humans from a short while ago. Following them with its gaze until they disappear from sight, it heads off in search of the same Spierdeicus in order to coax the humans back to their meeting point.

Back at Tara and Misty, Farox is sniffing under a thicket after hearing a sound from within, jumping backwards suddenly and barking at whatever just made it act that way. "Rox! Rox!" He repeats the same sound causing the two trainers to look in his direction and Riolu calming him down.

"Olu-rio! Riolu-ri!"

"Farox-far!" He proceeds to growling at the thicket where a Betelgeuse conditionally crawls out, clicking its mouthpiece rapidly together after rising on its back legs and then flying off.

"Rio-riolu."

"Farox-rox."

"Was it the Spierdeicus, Farox?" Misty questions, but Farox shakes his head before pricking up his ears towards a distant noise.

"At this rate, the further we go the less chance we'll have in finding it," Tara complains, but then Adiemus coils around her arm tightly and shakes suddenly amidst a cry while Farox barks again. "Adiemus? What's wrong?"

"Rox! Rox!" he continues again.

"Farox!" Misty shouts over his noise.

"Adera!" He moves his eyes towards something hoping his trainer understands, and that is where she sees a huge figure looking at them all, seemingly chasing the Spierdeicus now scurrying along the ground.

"Spier-spier!"

The figure is taller than Tara at the shoulders, and looks like a large antelope but Farox's constant barking makes the Pokémon use a move against him as its eyes suddenly flash blue, a distraction it no longer wants.

"Ro-" Farox can no longer move.

"No please, don't hurt him! He was scared! That's all!" Misty pleads hoping the strange Pokémon understands, but it just goes back to the chase it was first on, looking around to find the escaping critter until it disappears.

"Rio?" Riku just blinks.

"Now what?!" Tara complains.

"I guess we wait."

Riku begins poking Farox on the hind, but he does not move or even react, causing him to look at Misty and Tara then shout, still poking him. "Riolu-lu!"

"Yes Riku. We can see that." Tara states, before plonking herself down on the ground. But Misty just looks on in the direction the Pokémon went. "Was that Pokémon Forittep, Misty? And what happened to Farox?"

"I don't know. But I think it used Confusion on him, but I always thought that move maintained eye-contact." She heads to Farox and rests her hand on his side. "Guess I was wrong. We can only wait until it wears off." She begins to stroke Farox, hoping it will at least comfort him until he recovers. "Sorry Farox. It'll wear off soon. I hope."

Kobayashi is just sitting there cross-legged on a cushion before his Meditite and Román's Croagard, his eyes closed in thought. Ash heads over to him carefully, wanting to ask about his Pokémon.

"So, Kobayashi. Where do you come from? If I recall. Meditite and Riolu are found in another region. So are they found here too?"

"No. They aren't found in Criolu. I moved here with my parents for a quieter life from the bustle of Sinnoh. Riolu and Meditite were with us when we moved here."

"I see. Meditite is from Hoenn, so your parents must have introduced Mine to you from there."

"That's right. My dad travels to other regions because of his job."

"But why did you move here? It's been rather cold since being here."

"Oh that's easy. Because we're used to it."

"Oh. You must've come from Snowpoint City then. That's actually quite a nice place."

"You've been there too?!"

"I've been everywhere. And to every region."

"Cool. But yeah. My home city was Snowpoint. However. Since we learned about the new region Criolu, we agreed to move here. It's very quiet in Orar Village. We love it there. But me and dad made a hut here so we could have our own time together in peace. His job keeps him far away for months sometimes."

"What does he do?"

"He's a Pokémon Researcher, who works in the Pokémon Paleontology Department."

"Ah yes. That explains it. That's a good job."

"Yeah."

Ash just sadly looks at Croagard. "Is she any better?"

"Like I said before. Mine can only hold the venom back for a longer time, but she is still limited. If she struggles to keep going, I'll have no choice but to find your friends and hurry them up." He pauses. "I just hope they have managed to find the culprit and are heading back here now. We are relying on them, so they can't afford to return without it."

Back in the Orarra Forest, Marcel is still searching every nook and cranny for the Spierdeicus with Román. The further they walk, the more deep they end up going within the forest. By this point, Marcel is losing patience and soon wishes they could go back, but in moments they hear Tara's voice on the walkie-talkie.

"Guys! Any luck? Over."

Román replies a little disheartened. "No." He drops to his knees. "Where could it be?"

Marcel takes the device from Román and speaks into it. "I'll take it from here. Have you guys found it? Over."

"Kinda. But it got away again."

"You let it escape!"

"Hey! Don't yell at me! It wasn't our fault this Pokémon appeared and used an attack on Farox. It froze him! Right in the middle of his barking."

"Rox! Far-rox!" The Pokémon cries from down the walkie-talkie.

"Yep. Thought so." Misty replies, then her voice is heard loud and clear. "Are you reading me? Over!"

"Yeah! We hear you, Misty," Marcel states. "Over."

"We found the Spierdeicus that bit Croagard."

"You did?!" In seconds Román snatches the device from Marcel's hands. "Hey!"

"Where?!"

"Relax Román," Misty assures. "I think it was Forittep, the mythical Pokémon, now chasing it down as we speak. But it was the same Spierdeicus I assure you. The burn marks and all. But now that Farox is back with us, we're gonna head back to the meeting point. Over."

"But what about Forittep? It'll come looking for you over there, right? Over."

"No. I'm certain it'll find us back at the old tree you marked with the ribbon. It seems Forittep has been following us, or, watching us. Why else would it be chasing down the Spierdeicus we are looking for, for us?"

"It must've heard your ploy, Román, and decided to help us all out," Marcel states. "We better head back, or we'll get lost again."

"Then I guess we'll meet back at the old tree. See you soon. Over," Misty concludes.

"Okay. See you back at our starting point. Over and out." Román then clips the walkie-talkie back on his belt.

"So it seems Jasenria will be alright after all. She'll be better in no time, Román. So please don't worry yourself."

"I guess. Sorry, for my earlier outburst."

"No worries." Marcel looks to Lacea. "Lacea. Time to lead us back to our starting point."

"Labrude." She is quick to the case with her nose to the ground, then once she sniffs out the scent, runs back in that direction stopping every few strides to wait for Marcel and Román to catch up.

The old tree is where Lacea remembered it still is after she first saw its considerable size, along with the red ribbon she recalls Román tying to the trunk. Román had mentioned that the material was a marker for her to find again, so she could lead those with her back to the location to meet the others and the Pokémon with them. Of course, she has seen a few other Pokémon in just this day alone along with the four new strangers, but they are not nearly as interesting as the Farox now with them. Her ears prick up the moment she hears rustling in the undergrowth, and quickly moves into battle position thinking it is a hostile Pokémon here to attack Marcel and Román after they appear in the clearing behind her.

"Labrude!" she threatens, before growling menacingly in the direction of the sounds.

"Lacea? What is it?" Marcel asks. "Is something coming?"

"Labrude." she replies, ready to attack whatever it may be.

Soon enough, Farox proudly jumps out into the clearing, causing Lacea to quickly become docile and follow him with her eyes as he prances around her joyous that he found the location he had to sniff out. But her ear is tilted back as if she is confused.

"Lab, labrude-o labre-breo."

"Fara fara roxfa!" Farox repeats proudly, then Misty and Tara appear, swatting the branches of the low hanging trees away before stepping into the clearing with Riku following close behind.

"Ri-ri luri rioli," Riku states, but Farox is quick to go silent, stroking the ground with a paw. Disappointed, Riku then checks around the entire area in search of the way they came through from Kobayashi's hut.

"Well. At least Farox found the way back for us. He feels so proud too."

"And no bug-type Pokémon getting in my way. I really hate bugs."

"Don't forget Misty. We'll have to lug that Spierdeicus all the way back to Kobayashi's hut," Román reminds. "You won't be completely avoiding bug-types just yet."

"Just make sure you keep it away from me. I can admire them from a distance, but when they touch me, they get booted over the trees." She pauses, then her face changes into an unpredictable grimace. "You hear me bug-types!" she bellows with a clenched fist. "Don't even dare put one single hair near me!"

"I'll make sure I keep that in mind." She's really scary sometimes. I'm not sure if I'm seeing another Tara or not, Román thinks to himself.

"I'm beginning to worry about the bug-types more than you, Misty." Marcel asserts.

"Good! 'Cause I can take care of myself! And those bug-types will know about that tenfold!" Her eyes seem to flare up all of a sudden, causing Adiemus to slide down Tara's arm a little scared. "I'll send every last one of them away by force if I have to!"

"Alright Misty the Bug Evictor. We get ya!"

"Good!" She calms herself down. "Now all that matters is. Where do we go to get back to the hut?"

"Once that Pokémon appears carrying the Spierdeicus, Riolu will lead us back," Tara says.

"So all we can do is wait for its arrival," Marcel states.

"I just hope it gets here soon. Jasenria needs it to," Román concludes, beginning to untie the ribbon from the tree. He then backs away anxiously and without a single sound, dropping the strip of fabric in the process. An antelope he has never seen before, had suddenly appeared in the shadowy undergrowth ahead of him. Yet carrying the Spierdeicus in its gentle jaws, now ensnared by vines coming out from a seed on its thorax, it slowly advances on Román.