Author's Notes and Forward: This is something I wrote back when I was struggling through my own dark times with heavy drinking and mental health. I was attracted to Alain's aloofness in the anime and decided to write a fanfic about him. I've just decided to edit it while I'm working on Pokémon: Storm as it helps when I get bogged down with writer's block, to distract myself with other work. Gets my creative juices reflowing. I've never posted it before so I decided I might chuck up the first chapter and see what you think. I am still an amateur writer so I might not have edited this perfectly and happy to take any constructive criticism on board. Characters at times may seem OOC but I like to try and make them seem more Adult than the anime.
Themes: Drug use, Alcohol use, strong sexual themes, suicide, depression, mental illness, death.
Alain
1
Evidence of last night's antics littered the bedroom floor. Alain's foot nudged an empty Vodka bottle as he swung his legs over the edge of his bed, which rolled nosily away and came to a stop against a pile of discarded clothes. Standing up and surveying the mess he picked up a used condom from under where the bottle had laid and threw it haphazardly to the corner of the room, where an overflowing wastepaper basket stood. Renee will not be happy with him when she comes later today but she should be used to him by now; he reasoned. The girl who he had taken to bed the night prior was long gone. Alain did not allow them to stay past their usefulness.
He then reached over to his bedside table and picked up a half smoked joint and relit it, taking a deep, drawing breath of the fowl smelling smoke. Also, on the table, besides the ashtray, a small baggie of white powder which he examined before replacing it. With another puff on his smoke, he pulled on some loose black sweat pants and wandered towards the connecting En Suite to toilet and splash his face with cool water.
Padding slowly down the carpet covered stairs he reached the living area, to his left was the kitchen, with a large brown dining table in the centre. An open pizza box and empty cans of beer covered the table top. Absent-mindedly he picked up a remaining piece of cold pizza and chewed it. Taking a swig on a half full can of beer beside it. Then, he headed to the couch where he laid down, his head pounding as a result of last night's exploits.
The front door swung open and framed within the threshold an older woman with neat grey hair tied within a bun at the back of her head. Her eyes swept the room before her and she sighed deeply. Entering she spotted Alain on the couch and shook her head.
"You're early, Renee." Alain drawled, lifting his head to meet her eyes.
"Yes, well I had a feeling that today would take me a lot longer than normal." She sighed heavily, taking in Alain's deep blue eyes. Alain brought his hand to his head and ran it through his black hair, which he had styled in a crew cut. He then sat up and turned to the coffee table where a plastic container filled with a dried green plant. He gathered some out and placed it on a piece of rolling paper. Licking the paper so it would stick upon itself he rolled it into a cigarette and lit it.
Renee watched him with a pained expression.
"I wish you wouldn't do that while I am here, it smells awful." She chastised him, but Alain just shrugged with a cheeky smile.
"And you should put a shirt on." She chucked him a white tee that had been hanging over one of the seats in the kitchen, Alain stood and caught it and gave it a quick sniff. Deciding that it passed the test, he slipped it on over his head, covering his gym hardened trunk.
Renee busied herself in the kitchen, clearing the mess of cans and bottles into a garbage bag she had recovered from one of the cabinets. Alain watched her work while he puffed on the joint. Every now and again, Renee would cast he a dirty look to which he would just chuckle.
"I don't know how you live like this." She said in admonishment. "You're almost 30 and you still act like you're 18. One day I am going to come here and you're going to be dead."
She lifted a used syringe in front of her so Alain could see it clearly. Automatically he rubbed the inside of his left elbow. Renee shook her head at him, in a clear act of disappointment.
Alain had once been an intelligent boy, seemingly destined for great things; he had attended Pokémon Tech as a child to high honours and picked up employment as Professor Sycamore's Assistant and moving to Kalos on graduation. But his childhood had been married but the loss of his parents just prior to his thirteenth birthday, and deep down he had never recovered. Refusing therapy and avoiding talking about the subject, instead turning to self-medication with alcohol, hard drugs and constant partying. Renee, whom had been a close family friend, had taken over raising him and now, that he had returned to Kanto, came over weekly to clean and make sure he had the basics covered.
"Ah well," Alain shrugged again, a default movement for him. "If I die, I die."
"What an attitude to have!" Renee hissed at him.
"Everyone else dies around me but here I am. I think I cursed to live." He said, his tone heavy with weariness as he looked past Renee, as if he was a million miles away.
Renee knew he was thinking of Mairin, who had died at 16 in a car crash. She had been in a car that had been speeding in the rain and skidded off the wet road and rolled over. Alain, who was only 21 at that stage, had been the driver and was convicted of drink and drug driving. He had only been released from jail recently on parole and had moved back to the home his parents had left him on the outskirts of Vermillion City.
Alain's parents had been quite wealthy and he had been left wanting for nothing. He had inherited a house and a sizeable bank account. However, as his partying took hold, he had wasted thousands. Renee had taken it upon herself to manage his money for him, lest he would be broke by his twenty-ninth birthday later that year. Although, he still seemed to be able to wrangle out extra money for drugs. The habit had not been broken by his seven-year jail-term.
"When will you get your Charizard back from Professor Oak?" Renee asked him, trying to change the topic from such a morbid discussion.
"This afternoon actually." Alain replied, the faraway look in his eyes disappearing, replaced by a look of excitement. Professor Oak had been caring for his Charizard while he had his stint in jail. At first Oak was unwilling to return his Pokémon, unsure if Alain would be able to care for it. But Alain had convinced Oak by putting on his best behavior while Oak checked his character and tested him. Alain was known for his cunningness; he knew how to manipulate people with his charisma and charm.
"I'm going to take on the Kanto League." Alain explained to Renee who looked at him with a raised eyebrow. "That's how I am going to redeem myself, I'll be a gainfully employed Pokémon Trainer."
Renee allowed her disbelief to show on her slightly wrinkled face. She had no doubt in her mind that Alain would be unable to Pokémon Train. He could barely look after himself, without returning to raising Pokémon. She in fact was against allowing him to have anything to do with the care of Pokémon, but she knew she also couldn't stop him. As much as she didn't like him at some points, she still loved him like a son and wanted him to better himself.
"Why don't you ask Professor Sycamore if he will take you back in the lab? I don't think Pokémon Training is being gainfully employed. You have to actually beat Gym leaders to make money" She said, not unkindly but Alain shook his head violently in disagreement.
"I couldn't go back to Kalos even if I wanted too." Alain argued, "Not after Mairin." His voice trailed off and that distanced look returned to his eyes. Renee said nothing, she had not heard Alain mention Marin since she had died. He had been unwelcomed to attend the funeral and she knew he would never have openly grieved for the young girl.
"Anyway," Renee began, deciding it might be safer to change tact, "How are you getting to Pallet Town? You're not driving are you?" she enquired, accusingly to which Alain waved a hand as if sweeping the notion aside.
"No, Nee, I'm catching the ferry from Vermillion." He replied, Renee however continued to eye him suspiciously, he was known to lie quite frequently.
Alain, as if reading her mind continued.
"I'm being honest, I'm not going to fuck up getting Charizard back."
Renee turned from him and began loading the dishwasher, thinking to herself. As she closed the dishwasher and set its cycle, she spoke.
"Well, you better have a shower and put some smart clothes on, I want you setting a good impression."
Alain sunk back in his seat as the Ferry jetted across the bay. In his right hand a Paper coffee cup and his left a pink iced doughnut. At his feet sat a small black backpack that was open. A packet of Tobacco cigarettes visible within. Alain took a swig of the hot milky liquid, sweetened with six sugars, hoping the caffeine would calm him and crush his cravings. Although his outward expression oozed cool confidence, internally his nerves where shot and he craved an Alcoholic beverage desperately. But Renee's warning about losing Charizard if he was unable to stay sober where enough to keep him from entering the Bar located at Vermillion port.
As Renee had instructed, he had dressed cleanly in a button up sky blue shirt and dark indigo jeans. He had even cleaned up with a shave and he felt quite normal. As if he were also a functioning member of society instead of a convict with a death on their hands. Settled by the thought, he finished the last of his Coffee and closed his eyes for a nap.
By the time the Ferry reached Pallet town Alain was noticeably sweating, the pits of his shirt darkening with moisture. He couldn't exit the craft fast enough, pushing his way to the exit, ignoring the disgruntled remarks of the other passengers as he forced his way forwards. On exiting the terminal, he dug his cigarettes from his pack and lit one with shaking hands. He was overcome with cravings that the caffeine hit had not been able to quell. The Tobacco however settled him as he breathed the smoke in deeply, feeling it hit his lungs. After a few more draws he felt calm enough to continue to Professor Oak's. He was still nervous, but now it was mainly for his anxiousness of regaining his Charizard, then his addictions.
Oak's laboratory was clean, bright and welcoming as Alain entered the waiting room. He placed his backpack onto the bluey-grey carpet and sat down on one of the plush, red fabric couches. From a door opposite him, Oak entered and greeted him with a smile.
"Excellent to see you, Alain. And early too!"
Alain stood and reached over to shake his hand.
"Yeah, those Ferries are pretty fast now days."
"Would you like a drink? Coffee? Water?" Oak asked politely.
"Yes, please. A white coffee thanks. Six sugars."
"Six!" Oak exclaimed but Alain offered no further explanation. Turning around, Oak exited through the door he had just came through, leaving Alain to sit back down, his mouth dry and nerves tugging at his chest, screaming for Alcohol to fuel his system.
Oak re-entered with Alain's coffee steaming from a white mug and a plate of Chocolate chip biscuits. Placing them on the coffee table before Alain, he left the room for a second time. Alain selected a biscuit and dunked it in his coffee before biting into it. Slowly he chewed as he waited for Oak to return. His eyes roved his surroundings. Taking in the plush seats that were arranged around the coffee table where his mug now stood. A window was open and a pleasant sea breeze was flowing in, a faint tinge of sea salt in the air.
This time, Oak returned with a clipboard and sat in one of the other plush seats located around the room. Flicking through the paper work he nodded wordlessly. Finally, he placed the clipboard now and faced Alain, who was watching him, sitting stiffly with a thin sheen of sweat forming on his forehead.
"I'm very happy with your progress." Oak praised him with a genuine smile. Alain relaxed back into couch now that he was sure that Oak was not going to have a go at him. He took a mouthful of his coffee and helped himself to another biscuit.
"Yes, you're parole officer is quite impressed. You have attended all your fortnightly appointments and have yet to fail any drug and alcohol test."
"Yeah, I'm serious about turning my life around." Alain said sycophantly; "And I desperately want my Charizard back." He added with his most charming smile. His eyes dazzling with charisma.
Alain had toed the line since being released from jail, but only through extreme babying from Renee, who doggedly ensured he stayed sober for the three days prior to his appointment. She would then drive him to and from, making sure he had no excuse to deviate from the plan. Alain, however, did not care to admit that as soon as Renee would drop him back home, he was on the phone to friends, setting up a night of debauchery. He wasn't sure if Renee knew what he got up to on the night after his Parole meeting, but he was certain she suspected.
"I am happy to agree to returning Charizard to your care, under the condition you keep up with your Parole meetings and do not fail any drug tests." Oak told him, with a serious expression, breaking into Alain's thoughts; but Alain didn't take much more than the first few words in. As soon as Oak had told him that he was getting his Charizard back he had stopped listening as his heart swelled with happiness.
"So would you like to see Charizard?" Oak asked. Childlike excitement spread across his features and he was aware he had jumped to his feet. Embarrassedly; he tried to regain his composure.
"Yeah, I would actually." Alain tried to keep his voice level, but his excitement was evident. Oak chuckled.
"Come on, then."
Oak led him outside the building into the paddocks where he kept trainers Pokémon that had been left in his care. As they walked the Pokémon roamed around them, seemingly uninterested in the two humans walking amongst them. Alain watched them joyously. His head turning constantly. Taking in as much of his surroundings as he could.
"What's with all those Tauros'" He pointed out as his walked besides the Profession. Oak followed his gaze and sighed in humor.
"They belong to Ash. The current Pokémon League Champion" Oak told him, a hint of pride in his voice.
"All of them?" Alain asked, curiously to which Oak nodded.
"Yes, I think to say he got a bit excited is an understatement." Oak allowed himself a laugh.
Alain rubbed his chin, pondering to himself.
"Ash? That name sounds familiar. It's not the same Ash I met in Kalos, is it?"
"Quite possibly," Oak agreed, "He became quite the adept trainer as he got a bit older and got a bit more wits about him. He only recently defeated Lance to become the Kanto Champion. I think he prefers being closer to home these days. Doesn't seem as interested in traveling the world at least."
Alain nodded as he remembered the young kid he had known then. For what he lacked in skill, he definitely made up in enthusiasm. Alain found himself quite happy to hear that he had achieved Champion status. It looked like the rivalry would be reignited again.
Oak stopped and threw out his arm, catching Alain in the chest, who had still been thinking about Ash. He stopped with a yelp and gave Oak a questioning look. Who just shook his head at him and pointed.
"Over there."
Alain looked to where Oak was pointing and felt his heart leap in his chest. There was his Charizard who had not noticed them yet as it was bending over drinking water from a flowing stream.
Before he could stop himself, Alain began running towards his Pokémon, yelling out to it in joy. The Charizard, on hearing the commotion lifted its head, turning its emerald green in the direction of the yelling. On recognition of the human running towards it, it stretched out to its full height, roaring happily. Alain leapt from the ground and tried to through his arms around the Fiery lizard, however he could not reach the length around Charizard's midriff so eh slid down, leaning against his Charizard with his arm spread across it.
"I've missed you buddy!" Alain whispered, feeling tears budding in his eyes. He tried to sniff them back but that seemed to break the seal and they began to dribble down his cheeks, leaving their salty trails along his skin.
Oak reached him and tapped him on the shoulder. In his hand he held a Pokeball, Alain turned his head to him and nodded, receiving the ball, thanking Oak breathlessly.
"No worries." Oak lifted his hand in a stopping motion. "Just take good care of Charizard, and if anything happens, remember I am always here to help."
"So, you ready to come back with me?" Alain asked Charizard, to which it nodded its head furiously in reply. Alain held out the Pokeball before him and with a surge of excitement he spoke the words he had been desperate to say since he had got out of jail.
"Charizard, Return!"
The sun was low on the horizon by the time Alain left Oak's lab and headed on foot back to the harbour. In his hand, he held Charizard's ball tightly, studying it as he walked. His heart swelled with happiness and he realized his craving for Alcohol had been momentary sedated. He felt an ache in his jaw from which he gathered was from the broad smile that had not left his face since meeting with Oak. He lifted the Pokeball close to his lips and gave it a brief kiss before whispering to it
"Together, you and me, Buddy. We'll take on the Pokémon League and defeat Ash."