Cinders

Chapter 1

Alain's hands were shaking.

It didn't matter how he held them, if he stuffed his hands away into his pockets or laced his fingers tightly together– there was still a tremble as he stood there, waiting. His mind was humming, every possible doubt crawling into his head. His mouth was dry, making his nervous swallowing painful.

He slipped a hand into his pocket, fingers wrapping around the velvety box resting there. He glanced around for a moment, before pulling it out when he saw he was alone. It was small and black, fitting perfectly in the palm of his hand as he slowly opened the lid, already knowing what would be inside. His heart thumped nervously as he stared down at the small object, a wave of fear washing over him.

A slim silver ring gleamed up at him.

It was a sleek ring, the metal carefully twisted in an elegant pattern, carefully holding a beautifully cut emerald in place. Steven had the ring custom made, and Alain had spent several days trying to decide just what he wanted it to look like. The ring had to be beautiful, like her– but yet simple, since he knew she wouldn't want anything over the top. An emerald had been an easy choice, knowing her love for green, and he had felt that the silver suited the gem much nicer than gold.

It was just how he had pictured it, just how he had wanted it. He snapped the ring box shut, closing his eyes as his heart thundering in his chest. In the end it truly didn't matter how the ring looked or what had gone into it– the only thing that would matter was what she'd say the moment he asked her the question.

"Well, I must say this has been a marvelous evening so far," A cheerful voice said from behind him, causing Alain to pause from his worry, turning to glance over his shoulder.

Pale blue eyes met his icy eyes, an older man lingering by the doorway with a kind smile on his face. For a moment the panic rushing through Alain seemed to fade, the sight of the professor instantly bringing a sense of calm into the room. He turned to face his mentor, hastily stuffing the ring away, giving the man a brief smile.

"It's been eventful," Alain said slowly, trying not to let his nervousness show. His words fell flat, his pale face and the waver in his voice giving away the emotions running through him.

Professor Sycamore sighed, his smiling fading, approaching Alain. "Alain, please don't tell me you've been fretting this whole evening– you know this entire celebration is for you after all."

Shivers raced through him, a different kind of fear coming over Alain. "...You mean it's a celebration in honour of stopping what I almost caused."

The professor frowned. "Alain."

For a moment Alain felt like a child again, Sycamore using the same tone he often had when he was younger. He swiftly looked away and Sycamore placed a hand on his shoulder. "S-sorry," Alain muttered. "I know I'm not supposed to think that way–"

"What took place was something you did not want to happen, and you did everything in your power to stop the Kalos Crisis– and succeeded. You're nothing but a hero, which is why you're here with the rest of us."

Ten years. It had been ten years today since the Kalos Crisis. An event that was still so vivid in his memory, one that still managed to find its way into his nightmares. He shifted uncertainly. Tonight had been one of mixed feelings for him. All of Lumiose had been celebrating Team Flare's fall throughout the entire day, a parade having even been held. Those who had been hailed as heroes, the ones who had played a role in the fall of the vile group, were seen as the honoured guests tonight.

Ash, Serena, Bonnie, Clemont– and all those who had been the gym leaders at the time. Diantha, Steven, and Malva. Jessie, James, Professor Sycamore, Meyer, Mairin...