A New Black Knight!
"So you have a brother?" Brock asked as the group began approaching the forest just outside of Nuvema Town. Ash and him were discussing their dreams with her in the hopes of helping her find a goal of her own, Hilda seem seem noticeably interested in becoming a Pokemon Breeder based on her reaction to some of Brock's words but he wasn't going to try and push it on her as his original 'goal' was forced upon him by his own father to become Pewter City's gym leader! Eventually the discussion turned to their families and Hilda was slightly overwhelmed upon hearing that Brock had around a dozen siblings, stating that she only had the one.
"Oh yes, he left Unova to travel the world a few years back! Cheren and I waited around for Bianca's overprotective father to finally let her leave but he's one year older than us so once he was old enough he left! I'm not sure where he got off to as he didn't call much but he actually won the Unova League on his first go, unfortunately he failed to beat the first Elite Four member and he disappeared without a trace after that!"
"Doesn't he check in with his Pokemon at least?" Ash questioned. He may neglect to call his mother as often as he should and was admittingly guilty of never calling his friends as well but he at least called Professor Oak's once a week to check in on his team!
"Huh? Oh no, he only has a team of five! Let's see... there was his Lucario, Scolipede, Zebstrika, Braviary and Beartic!"
"I have no idea who those Pokemon are but they sure sound powerful, hopefully I can battle him some day!" Ash and Pikachu pumped their fists as the thought of battling somebody either skilled enough or smart enough to win a Pokemon League on their very first try with only five Pokemon on their team was quite the exciting thought! He had been trying for seven years and the closest he came with a full party was the Sinnoh League's semi-finals!
"I'm sure he'd be happy to accept your challenge, wherever he is." Hilda frowned, wishing that her brother would at least send her a text!
"And after a rather remarkable Unova League challenge, I'm afraid that Zach's Lucario has finally gone down in defeat! Elite Four member Grimsley takes the win!" The announcer shouted as the crowd burst in a loud roar of approval for their beloved Elite Four member.
Lucario laid in defeat before a Houndoom, swirls visible within the jackal's eyes as he groaned out in defeat. "Car..."
His trainer soon began walking out before holding out his hand to his best friend and Pokemon partner. He didn't look much different from his sister Hilda as far as physical appearance went, he had the same light skin tone along with short messy brown hair, however his eyes were a different coloring as they were chocolate brown instead of blue. He currently wore a black hoodie on account of the rather cool location of the Unova League. "You okay Lucario?"
"Car..." Lucario looked towards Grismley with a saddened expression.
"Don't worry Lucario, we tried our best and that's what counts! We didn't have to win, we can always try our luck somewhere else like perhaps Hoenn or Sinnoh! Both those regions sound cool, I'd honestly love to have a Garchomp on our team! We'll win another League soon, I promise. We just got to train harder than ever before!" Lucario gave his trainer a smirk and let out a growl before the two fist bumped.
"We also have this," Zach held up the Unova League trophy and let out a light laugh. "Maybe we can get the ones for Kanto, Johto, Hoenn and Sinnoh as well!"
"Carrr!"
The two began walking out of the stadium when they were suddenly jumped by their traveling companion, Skyla the Mistralton City gym leader! Her attire was more dressed for the weather than usual, wearing a blue sweater that matched the coloring of her usual attire along with a pair of jeans. Her red hair was tied up the way it usually was and her blue eyes were shimmering with admiration for her friend while her cheeks were practically lit ablaze as a heavy blush stood across them.
"You were amazing out there, you didn't win but you still tried your best and that's what counts!" Skyla exclaimed before lowering her head. "Though I suppose this means that we won't be seeing each other anymore..."
"What are you talking about, Skyla? We're friends, I'll still keep in contact with you!" Zach reassured her with a smile.
Skyla clenched her fists at his words however before glaring up at him. "Just friends, eh? Is that all I am?!"
"N-No way Skyla, I didn't mean to-"
Skyla noticed he looked rather flustered and let out a sigh before grabbing his hands and giving him a kiss right on the lips! Zach was too in shock to do anything as he just stood there while Lucario snickered from his side.
"How about a date at least?" Skyla asked with a faint smile as she noticed a smile forming across his own face. "I-I've loved you since you helped rescue Swanna from those poachers and I-I just wanted to let you know. I-If you don't feel the same way, we don't have to-"
"N-No, I-wait that doesn't sound right. I do like you Skyla!" Zach placed his hand on her shoulder and smiled. "I'd love to date you, I'd really like to check in on my sister first though if that's okay. She and my friends were watching and I want to reassure them that I'm okay and taking the loss well."
"Understandable," Skyla giggled out before tilting her head. "There's a fancy restaurant just down the road, how about I get us some seats and you join me in a few?"
"Sure thing, I wouldn't miss it for the world!"
"I'll take your word for it," Skyla laughed while she turned to head out. "Don't keep me waiting too long, it's rude to keep a girl waiting."
Zach and Lucario left shortly afterwards and made their way to the local Pokemon Center where immediately after hearing their Pokemon, they'd venture over to the video phones in order to call up Hilda. It didn't take much waiting time at all as the phone was immediately picked up to see a nine year old version of Hilda, having rather noticeable gaps in her teeth as some were still growing in.
"Zach you called! Cheren and Bianca were so excited throughout the match, you were awesome!" Hilda gushed out in admiration for her brother.
Zach blushed awkwardly as he rubbed the back of his neck. "I wouldn't call it awesome, we tried our best but we still lost. Winning the League itself was enough of an accomplishment for me, I'll still end up a champion someday even if it's not here."
"Where you going next then, big bro?! Kanto, Johto, Hoenn? I heard Hoenn has these delicious Lava Cookies, if you go can you please send me one?!" Hilda gave her brother puppy dog eyes while Lucario let out another snicker.
"If I go to Hoenn then sure, I promise I'll send you a whole box of Lava Cookies! A truck's worth if I win the League!"
Hilda let out an excited squeal. "You're the best, big bro!" She then let out a yawn as it was approaching her bed time.
"You'd better get to bed, sis. I don't want you to get in trouble because of me, I'll call you when I've gotten on a boat."
"I'm not tired, I-" Hilda let out another yawn before letting out a reluctant sigh. "Oh alright, I'll see you soon bro!"
He placed his hands into his pocket after the screen went dark and glanced at Lucario. "Maybe we'll choose Hoenn to get her those cookies. I mean it doesn't make much difference to me nor do either of us have alternate ideas."
Lucario nodded in agreement as a light smirk spread across his face. The two then began walking down the city streets as they tried to locate the fancy restaurant that Skyla would be waiting at, upon passing a nearby alley they heard what sounded like a metal trash can falling over followed by a Pokemon cry for help! The two wasted no time going to investigate and saw what appeared to be an alternate colored Axew cowering at the sight of a fierce looking purple feline Pokemon!
"A Liepard! Lucario use Aura Sphere!" Lucario clamped his paws together and fired off a sphere of aura that was so immense in size that it exploded upon making contact with the feline! Liepard was sent flying sky high while yowling out in fright. Zach quickly raced towards Axew before getting down onto his knee as he held out his hand for the miniature Dragon Pokemon. "Hey there little guy, that mean feline didn't hurt you did he?"
"Axew!" Axew shook his head as both trainer and Pokemon let out a sigh of relief.
"Well that's good to hear, you probably shouldn't hang around here too long. An alternate colored Pokemon such as yourself brings out the crazy side in people, you'll probably be just from here all the way to Nuvema Town! Anyways Lucario and I've got a date to get to so we've got to go," Zach reached into his pocket and handed Axew a Sitrus berry. "You didn't get hurt but I'm guessing you're hungry, that ought to hold you until you reach the forest."
He turned to go only to feel Axew suddenly leap up onto his shoulder, giving him an affectionate nuzzle as Lucario snickered.
"Car!"
"Axew, you're wanting to join us then?"
"Axew ew ew!" Axew cried out while giving him a warm smile.
"Well okay then, welcome to the team buddy!" Zach reached for an empty ball and tapped Axew with it, the Dragon type disappearing in a beam of red light as the ball rapidly began shaking within his hands before chiming out to announce the capture complete!
"Alright, we've finally got a sixth team member! Now let's hurry, Skyla's probably wait-"
"Carrr!" Lucario's body became surrounded in a blue glow as he was frozen in place by a Psychic Pokemon of some sort.
"Lucario?!" Zach quickly looked around. "Look whoever you are I don't know you ya think you're messing with but I just won the Unova League. Mugging me won't be easy! Zebstrika, let's go!"
"Zebstrike!" The zebra Pokemon burst out and lit up the alley way with an electrical discharge causing quite the strange sight as three individuals dressed in ninja attire stood in the middle with a Reuniclus hovering in the air behind them.
"Halloween's not for another few months, you're early for the party so allow Zebstrika to show you the door. Flame Charge!" Zebstrika's body ignited in flame as the zebra quickly galloped across the alleyway only for the three ninja to quickly move out of the way with extreme agile for humans!
"What?! Well try dodging this, Discharge!" Zebstrika began giving off sparks of electricity before another voice suddenly spoke up.
"Stop!" Zach quickly darted his attention to a much older man who had long green hair and wore quite the strange black robes along with holding quite the bizarre looking cane that had quite the strange emblem emblazed across the top. The man tapped his cane and Zebstrika returned to his Pokeball as Zach stared in shock for a moment before uttering out a growl.
"I don't know what sort of wizardry is going on here but I've got more where that came from, Braviary let's go-Braviary?" Zach furiously tapped at the release button before holding up the ball containing Beartic only to be met with similar results as fear became visible across his face.
"Good, I've got your attention." The man smirked. "The name's Ghetsis, future king of Unova and eventually the world! You're quite the exceptional young man and I'd love to have you within my organization, you could be a top solider!"
"Yeah sorry but world domination's not my thing, you're gonna have to find some other kid." Zach growled out.
"A pity," Ghetsis quickly reached out for his belt and yanked it off. "I'm sure your Pokemon will disagree with that, right Zebstrika?" Before Zach could even react Ghetsis slammed his boot against the ball, crushing it with Zebstrika still stuck inside!
"No!" Zach cried out as he stared at the shattered remains of one of his most trusted companions. Ghetsis then dropped all Scolipede, Braviary and Beartic's as those balls were soon met with his boot as well, the crushed remains of the Pokeballs left beneath as his Pokemon were forever lost. Tears fell from his eyes as he collapsed to his knees, his spirit completely broken as Lucario remained constrained within the psychic barrier.
"C-Carr..."
Ghetsis looked at the ball containing Axew and pocketed it. "It wasn't the Pokemon we wanted, it's you. You're a brilliant tactician and I have great use for you!" Ghetsis laughed. He could have blackmailed him into helping him sure but where was the fun in that? He'd just turn on him later, no it was much more fun and safer this way besides Ghetsis enjoyed it! A crushed soul was far easier to brainwash into becoming a loyal servant!
"Y-You actually did that?! Sir you just killed Pokemon!" A blonde scientist shouted out. "Wouldn't it have been more effective to simply blackmail the kid?"
"Effective sure, but where's the fun in that?" Ghetsis placed his hands behind his back. "Colress I want you to use the brainwash technology on the boy."
"Sir I'd really advise against that, it's just a prototype and not fully functional yet. B-Besides we don't know if it'll work on humans!"
"Just do as I ask!" Ghetsis growled. "That Lucario will be staying in here, he's insurance in case the boy gets control of his mind again. So long as Lucario remains here, he won't be able to run off and we'll simply brainwash him once he returns!" Ghetsis laughed out. "Besides Lucario and him have an extremely close bond, one that will instantly remind them of who they are if they were to both be brainwashed, thus he'll stay in here out of sight."
"Very well sir," Colress bowed his head.
Skyla tapped her foot impatiently as she stood outside the now closed restaurant, darting her eyes back and forth before walking through the streets just in case he had gone somewhere else by mistake however she couldn't locate her friend anywhere! With no remaining option she decided to simply call his house to see if he'd contacted his sister like he said he would.
"Oh hey miss Skyla, what's up?!" Hilda soon cried out.
"Hey Hilda, I was just checking to see if Zach had called?"
"Oh yes, he left yesterday to get me Lava Cookies!"
"Lava Cookies?!" Skyla growled out before angrily hanging up. She should have known he just viewed her as a friend, he likely only agreed to the date to save face and not appear like a jerk in front of all those people. Skyla punched the screen angrily before letting out a growl. "If that's the game he wants to play then we're through being friends!" Though as the years passed she'd grown to miss her friend, she'd long outgrown her feelings for him but she still missed him dearly, he was like a best friend to her and the only guy she'd ever been friends with without ulterior motives. It'd even gotten to the point where she didn't enjoy battling anymore as it only reminded her of her friend!
Within a large castle sat a figure dressed up in medieval looking black armor while a black scaled Haxorus stood next to him, there were still faint traces of the former Unova League winner that got through the brainwashing as the knight was showing to take great care of Haxorus by petting it and feeding it snacks. However he was still very much Ghetsis' tool with no sign of his true self escaping anytime soon.
Ghetsis soon descended the stairs into the main hall causing various grunts to quickly rise up and salute though not for him as their attention was focused upon the man's son! He was one year younger than Zach and looked like a teenage version of Ghetsis only without the psychopathic expression and evil aura coming off of him, he was the only other one to actually be walking around with a Pokemon too as a Zorua sat upon his shoulder. He wore a black and white cap atop his head and wore a white jacket atop a black t-shirt, the boy smiled and gave the grunts a wave as they cheered him on.
"Hail King N, all hail King N!" The grunts cried out in unison.
Ghetsis then beckoned for Zach to come over.
"My lord?"
"We're going to Accumula Town for a recruitment drive tomorrow, I want you along just in case things don't go so peaceful."
"Yes my lord,"
"You're to watch over and protect N, make sure no harm comes to his head is that clear?"
"Yes my lord,"
"Good." Ghetsis smirked as he looked him over. There didn't seem to be any signs of it wearing off not once throughout the six years he remained a mind controlled slave. He really was the perfect tool and it wouldn't be long before they had the dragons of legend within their grasp!
Yeah I really wanted to portray Ghetsis as a heartless monster, killing a boy's Pokemon right in front of him and then mind controlling him into becoming an obedient servant...
Skyla and him are through, they won't get back together. They were 10 years old and grew out of it over time much like Ash and Misty, I imagine it works a bit like the Winter Soldier where he 'sees' and can 'think' despite not being in control of his actions. So his attraction to Skyla died but he still misses her. Makes her duties slipping up more interesting too rather than it being 'because she's bored'. They'll both move on to different people
It was hard writing the chapter despite the plot outlines being done for the whole story for a year now, I've just been dealing with depression and it's difficult to write dark scenes/chapters when you're in that state as it just makes things worse.
Further clarification on ages
Brock's 18. Ash, Skyla and Zach are 17. Hilda, Bianca, Cheren, and N are 16
'I'll never understand why Ash doesn't leave Pikachu behind'
Um because he is Ash's best friend? They went through four regions together, Ash suddenly dropping Pikachu would be no different than Pikachu 'betraying' Ash or some other nonsense