Nihil stood in the open field of his property, the late afternoon sun casting long shadows over the land. His Pokémon roamed freely across the vast space, each one doing its own thing while keeping a watchful eye on their surroundings. Ignis, his Typhlosion, sat at a high point on a boulder, the flames on his back flickering gently as he surveyed the area like a sentinel. Inferna, his Houndoom, paced the perimeter, her eyes keen and focused, her calm demeanour masking the fierce power she held in check.
He heard her before he saw her—footsteps crunching on the gravel path, a deliberate stride that spoke of purpose and irritation. Clair approached with her usual swagger, her expression set in that infuriating look of determination that Nihil had grown to know all too well.
"Nihil," she called out, her voice sharp and filled with disdain. "Hiding out here on your patch of dirt again, huh? Like some coward who's too afraid to face the responsibilities he's supposed to have."
Nihil's lips curled into a smirk as he turned to face her. "Clair, always a pleasure," he drawled, his voice oozing with mock sincerity. "Tell me, are you here because you missed me, or because you have nothing better to do than obsess over me?"
Clair's eyes narrowed into slits, her hands planted firmly on her hips. "Please, don't flatter yourself," she shot back. "I'm just here to remind you of how much of a failure you are. You had the chance to be someone important in the Dragon Clan, to live up to the family name, but look at you—wasting away on this land like the bastard child you are."
Nihil's grin widened at her words, a flash of something dangerous sparking in his eyes. "Aw, Clair, that stings," he said, putting a hand to his chest in mock hurt. "But if you're going to insult me, you might want to try harder. All I'm hearing is how much you care about what I do with my life. It's almost like you're infatuated with me."
Clair's face flushed with anger, but there was something else in her eyes too—a flicker of uncertainty, as if she hadn't expected Nihil to turn her insults into an invitation. She straightened her shoulders, her jaw clenched tight. "I'm obsessed with not letting the Clan's reputation get dragged through the mud by someone like you," she retorted, her voice laced with venom.
Nihil took a step closer, his gaze locking onto hers with an intensity that made her falter. "Is that really what this is about, Clair?" he asked, his tone low and teasing. "Because I think we both know that the reason you're so mad at me isn't about the Clan or our so-called family bond."
He let his eyes wander slowly down her body and then back up, lingering just long enough to make his meaning clear. "I think it's because you hate that I don't see you as some high-and-mighty Dragon Clan princess," he continued, his voice dropping to a seductive purr. "I see you as nothing more than a woman who's dying for me to fill her to the brim."
Clair's eyes widened, her cheeks flushing a deep crimson at his words. For a moment, she was speechless, her lips parting in a mix of shock and fury. "You… you're disgusting," she hissed, though her voice wavered slightly, betraying her composure.
Nihil's grin turned wicked, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction as he took another step closer, invading her personal space. "You can say that all you want," he said, his voice barely more than a whisper, "but we both know that if you weren't my cousin, you'd have been on your knees already, begging for it."
Clair's face twisted in anger, her fists trembling at her sides as she glared up at him. "You're sick, Nihil," she spat, her voice filled with genuine fury now. "You think you can just say whatever disgusting things you want and get away with it?"
He shrugged, the smirk never leaving his face. "I'm not the one pretending we're just family," he said, his tone dripping with mock innocence. "I see you, Clair. I see the way you look at me, and it's not with the eyes of a cousin. It's with the eyes of a woman who wants something she knows she shouldn't."
Clair's mouth opened, then closed again, her words failing her as she stood there, seething. She looked like she was fighting every instinct not to lash out at him, her pride and anger warring with something deeper, something she refused to admit even to herself.
"You're nothing but a joke, Nihil," she said finally, her voice shaking. "A sad, pathetic joke who thinks he can get by on his charm and cheap words."
Nihil's grin only grew wider, and he leaned in even closer, his face just inches from hers. "Maybe I am a joke, Clair," he whispered, his breath brushing against her lips. "But at least I'm the kind of joke you can't seem to get out of your head. Admit it, you're here because you can't stand the fact that I'm not bending over backward to impress you like all those other losers."
Clair's eyes narrowed to slits, her jaw clenched so tight it looked like she might crack a tooth. She took a step back, trying to put some distance between them, but Nihil followed her movement, his eyes never leaving hers.
"You really want to settle this?" he asked, his voice turning serious now, though the smug smile never left his face. "Let's have a battle. One-on-one. No holds barred. "
Clair's eyes blazed with fury, but there was a flicker of something else too—a twisted sort of excitement that she couldn't hide. "Fine," she snapped. "But when I win, you're going to finally stop playing these stupid games and accept your role as the Gym Leader of Cherrygrove City."
Nihil's grin widened into a full, wicked smile, his eyes sparkling with anticipation. "Deal," he said, holding out his hand to seal their wager. "But you'd better be ready, Clair. Because when I win, I'm not letting you off easy."
As they shook hands, the tension between them was almost palpable, a clash of pride and desire simmering just below the surface. Nihil knew this battle was about more than just proving a point—it was about claiming control over a game they both knew had no real winners.
Clair's hand still gripped Nihil's, her eyes blazing with anger and defiance, but also something else—a flicker of raw determination that spoke of how much this moment mattered to her. Nihil could see the pride simmering in her gaze, the kind that wouldn't let her back down, not even when the stakes were this personal.
Nihil's grin widened, but this time it wasn't the smug, taunting smile he usually wore. This smile had teeth—sharp, predatory, and filled with a challenge. "If I win," he said slowly, savouring each word, "you're going to stand in front of the Dragon Clan elders and admit that I'm the better trainer. You'll tell them that I've always been stronger than you, that you've always been a step behind."
Clair's eyes went wide, and for a moment, she looked like she'd been slapped. The colour drained from her face, only to be replaced by a furious red that crept up her neck and into her cheeks. Nihil knew that for someone like Clair, whose pride was her armour and her weapon, losing a wager like this would be devastating.
"You're insane," she hissed, her voice trembling with barely contained rage. "You expect me to humiliate myself like that in front of the Clan? Just to stroke your damn ego?"
Nihil shrugged, "Well initial thoughts were, I asked you to blow me." Clair's face flushed red but before she could hide her interest with disgust Nihil cut her off, "Hey, you were the one who walked in here throwing around insults, trying to act like you were so much better than me," he said, his tone light but his gaze cold and unyielding. "You wanted to make this personal, Clair. Now it is."
Clair's jaw clenched, and Nihil could see the war raging behind her eyes. Her pride, her loyalty to the Clan, her desire to prove herself—all of it was at stake in this bet. She could walk away now, refuse to play his game, but that would mean admitting defeat before the battle even began. And Clair was too stubborn, too proud to ever let that happen.
"Fine," she snapped, her voice like ice. "But when I win, you're going to accept the Gym Leader position without another word of protest. You'll do what Lance and the Clan need you to do. No more hiding behind your excuses, no more pretending you're too good for the responsibility. You'll step up and finally take your place."
Nihil's eyes darkened with amusement, and he let out a low chuckle. "You're on, Clair," he said, tightening his grip on her hand for a moment longer before letting go. "But don't say I didn't warn you, this is one bet you're going to regret making."
Clair's eyes never left his, the intensity between them building to a point where it was almost tangible. "I won't lose to you," she said, her voice low and fierce. "Not now, not ever."
Nihil's grin grew wider, his eyes glittering with something that wasn't just anticipation, but genuine excitement. "We'll see about that," he said, taking a step back and giving her a mocking bow. "May the best trainer win, cousin."
As they moved to their respective sides of the makeshift battlefield, the air between them seemed to crackle with energy. This wasn't just about a battle of Pokémon—it was a battle of wills, a test of everything they'd both built their pride on. Each of them had something to lose, something that went beyond titles or roles; it was about proving who they truly were beneath the surface.
For Nihil, this was more than just a chance to dominate Clair and force her to acknowledge his superiority. It was a way to show her, once and for all, that he was done playing by the Clan's rules, that he'd never bend to their expectations, even if it meant accepting a title they wanted him to hold. He was going to do it on his own terms, and Clair was going to see that he'd never need the Clan's validation to be powerful.
For Clair, this battle was a test of everything she believed in—the honour of the Dragon Clan, her loyalty to Lance, and her own worth as a trainer. Losing to Nihil meant more than just a blow to her ego; it meant questioning her entire sense of self and the values she'd fought to uphold. But as much as she hated Nihil's arrogance, part of her knew that he'd never respect her unless she gave everything she had to beat him.
The stakes were set, and the tension between them was at a boiling point. Clair's eyes were locked onto Nihil's, her expression a mask of determination and barely contained fury, while Nihil's leer was like a dare, challenging her to prove him wrong.
"Let's see if you've got what it takes to back up that big mouth of yours," Clair said, her voice steady but with a hint of a tremor that betrayed her emotions.
Clair called out her Dragonair, its serpentine form gliding gracefully to the centre of the field. The Dragon-type's scales shimmered in the afternoon sun, and its eyes were sharp, filled with a readiness that matched its trainer's intensity.
Nihil's smile shifted into something more serious as he called for Inferna. The Houndoom stepped forward when called, her posture calm and collected, flames licking at her mouth as she eyed Dragonair. The two Pokémon faced each other, the tension between them mirroring that of their trainers.
"Let's do this, Inferna," Nihil said, his voice low and steady. Inferna gave a growl of agreement, her eyes locked onto Dragonair, ready for the battle that would determine more than just a simple victory. It would decide who held the power, who called the shots, and who was really in control of this twisted game between them.
"Dragonair," Clair commanded, her voice ringing out like a challenge, "use Dragon Dance!" Dragonair's body began to undulate in a fluid rhythm, its scales flashing as it moved, building up its speed and attack power. The air around it seemed to hum with energy as the ancient dragon techniques enhanced its power, making it a more formidable opponent by the second.
Nihil's eyes narrowed slightly, the smirk on his lips growing even more pronounced. "Inferna, show them what you're made of! Hit it with a Flamethrower!" he called out, his voice steady and confident. Inferna reared back, her jaws parting wide as she unleashed a searing stream of flames. The intense heat of the attack roared forward, aiming straight for Dragonair, but Clair was ready.
"Dragonair, dodge and counter with Aqua Tail!" Clair shouted, her eyes locked onto Inferna with a burning focus. Dragonair twisted its body with a fluid grace, narrowly avoiding the Flamethrower as it retaliated with its tail, which shimmered with the energy of its Water-type attack. The Aqua Tail whipped around, slamming into Inferna with a force that sent her skidding back, her paws digging into the ground to steady herself.
"Inferna, shake it off!" Nihil barked, his tone unwavering. "Don't let that stop you—use Crunch!" Inferna's eyes flashed with a dark gleam as she lunged forward, her powerful jaws crackling with energy. She closed the distance between her and Dragonair in an instant, sinking her teeth into Dragonair's tail with a devastating Crunch. The impact sent a shockwave through Dragonair's body, causing it to let out a pained hiss as Inferna's fangs bit deep.
Clair gritted her teeth, her hands clenched into fists as she watched her Dragonair struggle against Inferna's relentless assault. "Dragonair, shake her off and use Thunder Wave!" she ordered, desperation creeping into her voice.
Dragonair twisted and thrashed, finally breaking free of Inferna's grip. It let out a sharp cry as it released a burst of electric energy, the Thunder Wave arcing toward Inferna. The paralysis spread through Inferna's body, causing her movements to slow as the electric current crackled across her fur.
Nihil's eyes narrowed, his smirk turning into a fierce grin, tugging the fire within him, reaching out to his little hellhound. "Don't let that slow you down, Inferna!" he growled. "Push through it and hit them with Dark Pulse!"
Inferna let out a low growl, her eyes blazing with determination as she felt her trainer reach out to her with the bond, she felt the eyes of her team mates cheering her on.
With the hopes of her pack weighing on her, she fought against the paralysis. Gathering her energy, she unleashed a wave of dark energy from her horns, sending the Dark Pulse crashing into Dragonair with unrelenting force. The impact sent Dragonair reeling, its sleek form wavering as it struggled to keep its balance.
Clair's expression twisted with frustration, her confidence visibly shaken. "Dragonair, get it together! Use Dragon Pulse!" she called, her voice louder, as if willing her Pokémon to find its strength. Dragonair summoned its last reserves of energy, its eyes glowing with a fierce light as it released a concentrated burst of draconic power. The Dragon Pulse surged toward Inferna, tearing through the air with a roar.
Nihil's eyes gleamed with satisfaction, and he clenched his fist. "Inferna, time to end this. Use Inferno!" he commanded, his voice dripping with the promise of victory. Inferna stood her ground, her fur crackling with heat as she summoned a massive blaze. Flames erupted from her body, spiraling upward into a blazing vortex that seemed to devour the battlefield itself. The Inferno attack shot forward, a roaring wave of fire that met Dragonair's Dragon Pulse head-on.
The two attacks collided in the center of the field, the sheer force of their clash sending shockwaves rippling outward. For a moment, it seemed like the energy might be evenly matched, but then Inferna's Inferno began to overpower Dragonair's attack, the firestorm swallowing the draconic energy in its wake.
Dragonair was engulfed in the flames, its cry echoing through the air as it was driven back by the overwhelming heat. The powerful attack left it scorched and trembling, unable to withstand the sheer intensity of Inferna's final blow. As the flames died down, Dragonair collapsed onto the ground, its body twitching with exhaustion.
Clair stared at her fallen Pokémon, her mouth set in a tight line, her pride clearly wounded. Dragonair was down, and the battle was over.
Nihil's smirk returned in full force, his eyes locked onto Clair as he took a step forward. "Dragonair is unable to battle," he said, his voice calm but heavy with the satisfaction of his victory.
Clair's face was a mask of frustration and humiliation, her eyes blazing with a mixture of anger and something that looked almost like reluctant admiration. "Damn it," she muttered under her breath, her hands shaking slightly as she recalled Dragonair to its Poké Ball.
Nihil gave Inferna a nod of approval, the bond between them solid as ever. "Good girl, Inferna," he said, his tone softer now, filled with a genuine pride for his partner's performance. "You never disappoint."
Inferna responded with a low growl of satisfaction, the flames on her muzzle flickering gently as she stood tall, her gaze shifting back to Nihil with that same calm, collected demeanour that spoke of her strength.
Eris appeared beside her, with a familiar sign of a heal pulse, she got to work, knitting up the damage done to her. Nihil made a mental note to give her a few extra treats for today's effort.
As he turned his attention back to Clair, Nihil's smirk grew wider, the victory sweet on his lips. He knew that this was more than just a win—it was a statement. A declaration of who truly held the power between them, and a reminder of the twisted game they played, where neither of them was willing to fully back down.
"Well, Clair," Nihil said, taking another step closer to her, his voice a low purr that was almost taunting. "It seems like you've got something to say to me now, don't you?"
Clair stood in the aftermath of her defeat, staring at the ground, her hands clenched into fists. The sting of losing to Nihil once again was raw, her pride taking the brunt of the blow. She hated every second of this moment—hated that he'd not only beaten her but used the battle to twist the knife deeper into her wounded pride.
Nihil watched her, his smirk softening for just a heartbeat before it turned into an eye roll. "Oh, come on, Clair," he said, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes. "Don't look so shocked. We both knew I was going to win this. You just hate that I'm right. Again."
Clair's eyes snapped up, blazing with a mixture of anger and humiliation. "You're insufferable," she muttered, her voice trembling with barely contained rage. "All you ever care about is rubbing your damn victory in my face."
Nihil shrugged with a lazy grin. "What can I say? Watching you get all flustered is the real reward," he said, his tone dripping with mock sweetness. Then, without another word, he pulled out his Pokégear, punching in Lance's number as if Clair's fuming presence didn't faze him at all.
Lance's face appeared on the screen a moment later, his expression lighting up with surprise when he saw Nihil. He masked his reaction quickly, but the relief in his eyes was hard to miss.
"Nihil," Lance said, his tone cautiously optimistic. "I wasn't expecting to hear from you so soon. What's this all about?"
Nihil shot a quick sideways glance at Clair, who was now watching him with a mix of shock and suspicion, her brows furrowing in confusion. He turned back to the screen, his smirk broadening into something more genuine. "Well, dear cousin," he said, his voice smooth but tinged with a hint of mischief, "I just thought you'd like to know that I'm taking up your offer. I'll be the Gym Leader for Cherrygrove City."
Lance's eyes widened in disbelief, the careful mask of calm cracking for a split second. A slow smile spread across his face, genuine relief replacing his usual composed demeanour. "You will?" he said, a touch of hope creeping into his voice. "You're serious?"
Nihil's grin widened, but this time there was a hint of something softer in his eyes. "I'm dead serious," he replied. "But let's get one thing straight—I'm doing this on my terms. No Dragon Clan politics, no League nonsense. I'm here to shake things up, not to play nice."
Lance's smile grew warmer, a glint of understanding passing through his eyes. "I wouldn't expect anything less from you, Nihil," he said. "We'll get the ball rolling then. Nihil. I owe you."
Nihil ended the call with a flick of his wrist, pocketing the Pokégear with a satisfied grin still on his face. He turned back to Clair, who was staring at him with an expression that was a mix of anger, betrayal, and something that looked like grudging respect. She stood up crossing her arms underneath her chest, the action and the skin tight battle-suit left quite the impression.
"You were going to take the role all along?" Clair asked, her voice edged with frustration. "This whole battle—everything you did—it was all just another one of your games?"
Nihil's grin didn't falter for a second as he stepped closer to her, his eyes locked onto hers. "Of course it was," he said, his voice dropping to a teasing whisper. "But let's be real, Clair—you loved every second of it. Even when you're angry, you can't help but want me to push your buttons."
As he spoke, Nihil's hand slipped around Clair's waist, and in one fluid movement, he cupped her rear, giving it a firm squeeze. Clair's eyes widened in shock, her mouth opening in a gasp, but before she could react, she felt her resolve waver. Her anger mixed with something else, something raw and electric that sent a shiver down her spine.
She didn't move away. Instead, she leaned into his touch, her breath hitching slightly, her defiant gaze never leaving his. For a moment, the fury in her eyes softened into something else, something she'd never openly admit but couldn't deny either.
"You're still a bastard," she whispered, her voice shaky but filled with the lingering heat of their confrontation. Her lips edging closer to his.
Nihil's grin turned wicked, his fingers kneading her flesh in a way that made her pulse quicken. "And yet, you're still standing here, letting me do this," he said, his tone mocking but thick with satisfaction. "Face it, Clair. You hate how much you love the way I get under your skin."
Clair's cheeks flushed a deeper red, and for a heartbeat, it looked like she might lash out at him. But instead, she clenched her jaw, tore herself from his grip with a frustrated growl, and stalked past him, her steps quick and angry.
As she passed by, Nihil couldn't help but let his gaze linger, his smirk widening as he watched her retreating form. He knew that even though he'd crossed a line, he'd also planted a seed of something that would be impossible for her to shake. A challenge, a game, and a twisted attraction that would keep drawing them back to each other.
"Until next time, Clair," he called after her, his voice filled with that infuriating confidence that only he could pull off. "And trust me, there will be a next time."
Clair didn't look back, but Nihil caught the slight hitch in her step, the way her hands clenched into fists at her sides. He knew she was fuming, knew he'd gotten under her skin yet again. And that was exactly where he wanted to be.
As she disappeared from view, Nihil's smirk remained, the thrill of victory sweet on his lips. He'd won the battle, claimed the upper hand, and most importantly, made sure Clair knew that no matter how much she tried to hate him, she could never fully resist him.
Nihil stood still for a moment, watching the spot where Clair had disappeared into the distance. His smirk lingered, but now that the immediate thrill of the confrontation had faded, his thoughts turned inward. He let out a slow breath, his gaze shifting toward the wide expanse of his land. It was peaceful here, the kind of quiet that let his mind clear, where he could focus on what really mattered.
The rustling of leaves and a soft growl from behind pulled him out of his thoughts. He turned to find Ignis, his Typhlosion, watching him with those sharp, intelligent eyes. The rest of his Pokémon began to gather around him, each one moving to their favourite spot on the property.
Inferna, his Houndoom, sat at his right side, her eyes gleaming with a calm intensity. Vulcan, his goofy Magmortar, lumbered over with a broad grin plastered on his face, flexing his arms like he was ready to take on the world. Blaze, his hyperactive Arcanine, circled around him, his tail wagging furiously, eyes bright with uncontained excitement.
Eris, his Gardevoir, appeared almost silently, her calm expression betraying a flicker of curiosity as she took her place next to Nihil. Solara, his unhinged Togekiss, hovered above, her normally serene face twisted into an almost manic grin as she anticipated the chaos that lay ahead.
Scaldra, his Garchomp, took a spot near the water, her tough exterior softening when she met Nihil's gaze. And then there was Pyrrha, his Gyarados, lounging in her bed of water, her eyes locked onto Nihil with an unwavering focus, a hint of fierce loyalty and determination in her gaze.
"Guess it's time to tell you guys the news," Nihil said, his smirk turning into a genuine smile as he looked at each of them in turn. "I'm taking the Gym Leader position in Cherrygrove City. Looks like we've got a whole new set of battles coming our way."
The response was instant and explosive. Ignis let out a roar of approval, flames flaring up from his back as he puffed out his chest in pride. Blaze barked excitedly, running circles around the group, his energy infectious. Vulcan threw his head back and let out a booming laugh, flexing his muscles like he'd just won the lottery.
Inferna remained calm and collected, but there was a flicker of satisfaction in her eyes, her tail flicking with anticipation for the challenges ahead. Eris nodded gracefully, a small smile playing on her lips as she met Nihil's gaze with unwavering loyalty.
Solara let out a cackle that sounded almost like laughter, her eyes shining with a hint of madness as she twirled in the air, clearly relishing the idea of unleashing her unhinged power. Pyrrha, the Gyarados, responded with a low, rumbling growl that sent ripples across her watery bed, her eyes glowing with a fierce excitement for the upcoming battles.
Scaldra gave a sharp, confident nod, her claws scraping against the ground as if ready to sink them into the next opponent they faced. The entire team's energy seemed to amplify in that moment, their combined roar echoing across the property, each one hyped for the chaos that lay ahead.
"That's right," Nihil continued, his grin widening at the sight of his team's enthusiasm. "We're not doing this for the Dragon Clan or for any of their stuck-up traditions. We're doing this for us. To show everyone exactly why we're a force to be reckoned with. We'll tear through anyone who thinks they can stand in our way."
Ignis let out another roar, this one even louder, and the rest of the team echoed his sentiment with growls, roars, and cheers of their own. The air was thick with their combined energy, their excitement palpable, each one of them hyped for the battles that lay ahead.
As the noise died down, Nihil's thoughts drifted back to Clair. His expression twisted slightly, a flash of irritation crossing his face. The image of her body, glistening with sweat, pressed against his in the kind of shameless, raw sex that had nothing to do with love or tenderness.
He shook off the thought with a smirk, his gaze refocusing on his team. They were the only ones that mattered, the only ones he cared about. This was about them, about pushing their limits and showing the world what they were truly capable of.
"Let's get to work, then," Nihil said, his voice carrying a new edge of determination. "We're not here to play nice or make friends. We're here to dominate. And anyone who thinks they can stand against us—well, they're in for one hell of a wake-up call."
The team roared in unison, their voices blending into a single, powerful sound that echoed across the property. Each of them looked at Nihil with the same burning determination, ready to follow him into whatever chaos awaited them in Cherrygrove City.
As Nihil stood there, surrounded by his team, a grin spread across his face. This was his moment, his path forward. Not for the Dragon Clan, not for Lance or Clair, but for the thrill of the fight, for the bond he shared with his Pokémon, and for the raw power that drove them to the top.
"Let's make some noise," he muttered to himself, his grin widening even more. "Cherrygrove City isn't going to know what hit it."
And with that, Nihil and his team looked out over their land, united in their shared goal, ready to tear through the challenges that lay ahead with all the fire and fury they could muster.
A/N - 2024/10/10
Yo thanks to all for the support shown to this story.
Thoughts are always appreciated.
Kinda of slow chapter, but at this point just to get on with Nihil choice. Apparently two chapters is tooooo long for Nihil thinking about it ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
I've also posted this story on AO3, alongside a side story about Nihil hooking up with various ladies in the Pokemon universe. Some of those will be 'past' events of Nihil's, some not like, check it out if you want. (My AO3 account name is actually now DemonKnight312) -[My dyslexia arse saw nothing wrong with DemonKinght312. Thanks Random Badass for pointing that out to me.]
Uvuv: Fair, I had written it as Nihil just getting dumbfounded and not being sure what the head of the Clan actually wanted, but I can see where/what you're getting at. My thoughts are pretty much in the story Nihil is taking the gym but he's going drag his feet when it comes to clan, refusing to do their bidding.