"So Arashi. What's it like in Johto? I heard it's beautiful and a bit old fashioned too," Holly quizzed.

"Right on both accounts. Don't get me wrong, I loved Johto. Still do. But...for what I wanted to do? I couldn't really get started over there," Arashi laughed.

"And just what is it that you want to do?" Holly inquired.

"To be honest, I want to be a musician and make a name for myself out there. Nothing big-time but enough to get me on the radar," Arashi replied, adjusting his headpones.

"Music business huh? Well, entertainment is HUGE here in Unova. We're talking movies, sports, carnivals! You name it, we have it. In fact, there's a super famous band in Virbank City that is looking to add to their ranks. They have a killer guitarist named Billy Jo. She can play anything you give her, no sweat. Then there's this rad drummer named Nicky. Nobody can play drums like he can. And of course, the face of the band; Roxie! Lead guitar and vocal," Holly chimed.

"Sounds like quite a crew. But why are they looking for a fourth? If they're that famous they should be fine, right?"

"That's what I thought. But it's been broadcasted that they are looking for a fourth. One that will blow their minds. They started weeks ago and still haven't found anyone yet. Maybe you can try!" Holly exclaimed.

"Sounds like it'll be tough. Two weeks is quite a while to go without finding someone," Arashi mused.

"Speaking of finding someone...where's Hugh? He went off to look for a new Pokémon about half an hour ago and still hasn't come back yet," Holly said, shaking her head.

"He's taking the Unova League Challenge like we are so...he probably wants to have more options for gym battles. Speaking of which...I should probably do the same. I have a feeling I will need more than what I have to win at the gym in Aspertia City," Arashi stated.

"Oh. Right. That. Yeah, I should probably get on that," Holly replied.

As the two were about to walk away, two older individuals walked their way. They were the owners of the ranch.

"Evening whippersnappers," the older gentleman said as he tipped his hat to the duo.

"Err...evening to you too," Arashi responded.

"Hello!" Holly replied cheerfully.

"My wife and I were just sitting down for supper when we watched you all battle. You and that other boy sure were somethin' else," the man laughed.
"Dinner and a show. The best thing to have, right Clyde?"

"Exactly, Marie," Clyde beamed.

"Oh, well I'm glad you enjoyed the battle. I wasn't aware that we had spectators," Arashi chuckled.
"Say boy, you sound like you're from the Kanto/Johto region or somethin'," Marie deduced.

"Right on the money. I'm from Johto," Arashi smiled.

"That's real nice. Clyde and I vacation down there from time to time. It's a really beautiful place," Marie commented.

"That much is true," Arashi replied.

"So youngsters, my wife and I have a favor to ask of you," Clyde said as he looked back at their ranch home.

"You see that Herdier? We have two, but one has been missing all day. He usually plays with the other Pokémon in the fields but..."

"We haven't seen him since this morning," Marie concluded for Clyde.

As the group conversed, Hugh made his way towards them.

"Hey, what'd I miss?" Hugh inquired curiously.

"Oh hey Hugh. This is Clyde and Marie. They just asked us to help them find their Herdier since he's been gone all day," Holly stated.

"I-I'm sorry. Run that by me again?" Hugh stated with a hint of disbelief in his voice.

"We're a bit worried since he-"

"A bit worried!? Your Pokémon has been gone all day and you mean to tell me that you're only a bit worried? Did you people forget what happened two years ago? For all you know, he could be gone for good!" Hugh shouted.
"Arashi, Holly, come help me," Hugh demanded as he hurried off.

"What's his problem?" Holly piped up.

"Not sure. And...what did he mean? What happened two years ago?" Arashi queried.

Holly sighed as she looked towards the path Hugh ran off to. Shaking her head she looked back at Arashi.

"No time to explain now. Maybe once we find the Herdier I will. Something tells me that the events that transpired then have greatly affected him too," Holly stated as she hurried to catch up to Hugh.

Arashi watched her run off and then turned to Clyde and Marie.

"We'll be right back. Once we find the Herdier, we will return," Arashi smiled.

"Thank you, young man. Be careful out there," Marie cautioned.

"Will do," Arashi replied.
==========================
I can't believe the carelessness of those people! Hugh thought angrily as he trudged through the tall grass.

Don't they know how dangerous it is? That Herdier could have been snatched up in an instant. Just like...

============================
Five years ago...

"No! Stay away from her!" A young Hugh cried out as he stood between his sister and a man in dark clothing.

The man had a crest on his uniform that looked like a shield with an azure 'P' on it. Without a word, the man batted Hugh out of the way and snatched up the Purrloin from Melody.

"Give her back!!!" Melody and Hugh cried in unison.

"I'm afraid I can't do that. Your Pokémon is now under the service of Team Plasma."

And with that, the man suddenly vanished without a trace.

"Purrloin! PURRLOIN!!!!" Melody sobbed.
============================
I can't...I won't let that happen again. To anyone! Hugh resolved.

"Hugh, wait up!" Arashi called out as he and Holly caught up.

Hugh slowed his pace to let them catch up to him. The trio found themselves behind the ranch. The area was wooded and provided a lot of cover if one wanted to hide.

"Sheesh, you just took off Hugh. If we're gonna search around, we should at least stick together," Holly stated firmly.

"Sorry. I just got a bit carried away. Anyway, we should really get to finding Herdier," Hugh replied.

Arashi and Holly nodded.

As they set off again to search, the sound of rapidly flapping wings was heard once more only directly behind Arashi this time. Arashi turned quickly only to find that nothing was there.

"Did you guys hear that?" Arashi questioned.

"Yeah, it sounded like a buzzing noise. Probably just some bug Pokémon nearby," Hugh explained.

"Maybe," Arashi replied. Though I did hear something earlier as well...

============================
Herdier was slowly being backed into a corner. The threat before him was tall and wearing a black and grey militaristic uniform with a black cap upon their head. Their obsidian vest had a shield shaped crest with an azure 'P' on it. Herdier knew that this man meant him harm. He could smell it. He snarled and barked at the man, warning him not to come any closer.

"Just give up ya mutt! There's nowhere to run now," the man sneered as he advanced.

"Hey! Stop right there!" Came Hugh's voice as he, Arashi and Holly ran alongside him.

Tch...figures. Right when I'm about to make my move, I get company. So much for this going off without a hitch. The man turned around to face the trio.

Hugh's eyes widened as he saw the crest. Holly seemed to recognize it as well because she began to shake a little.

This isn't good...they can't be back. I-I mean...they were gone. Disbanded. Finished! Holly thought as she looked over at Hugh whose eyes were crackling with rage.

"You! Team Plasma Trash!" Hugh snarled, running towards the man with vicious intent.

I don't have time for this, thought the man as he pulled out a pokéball and released his teammate.

"Krookodile, Sand Attack!"

Before Hugh knew what happened, a giant cloud of dust and sand was kicked in his and the others faces. The trio covered their eyes so sand wouldn't get into them. When the dust cleared, the man was nowhere to be found.

"Get back here you coward!" Hugh roared as he shook sand off of him. Hugh had to calm himself down. The man from Team Plasma had fled and there was nothing to be done about it. He sighed and turned to Arashi and Holly.

"Sorry about that..." Hugh apologized.

"It's fine. I understand," Holly reassured.

"Not to pry but...what was that about?" Arashi inquired with a confused frown.

"Like I said, it's a long story. But now that we've found the Herdier, I believe I can tell you in short what happened two years ago," Holly began.

"I'm all ears," Arashi replied.