Alain Takahata

Alain Kenshō Takahata is one of the main protagonists of Tears of the Fallen. He's a Psychic and Flying Dual Manipulator from Anistar City in Kalos. His only Pokémon is his Charizard, which can mega-evolve.

His career goals inlcude becoming a scientist in medicine, so that he can help to find cures for diseases. He's a former member of the Tekiyoku and is now the leader of the Mokusetsu.

Early Life
Alain's father died from diseases when Alain was 8. His mother had a difficult time raising Alain by herself and couldn't handle it. She abandoned Alain when he was 11, causing Alain to grow a deep hatred towards her. His mom ended up placing him in a foster home in Dendemille Town in Kalos. Alain hated it there and ran away from the foster home when he was 12.

With nowhere to go, he ventured out into the forest and collapsed from exhaustion. He was found by Lysandre, who was in Dendemille Town with some Team Flare members conducting research. Lysandre took Alain in as his own, making sure he was sheltered and fed, mainly with the rest of Team Flare. Alain trusted him.

Lysandre noticed Alain's high intelligence at such a young age and used him for science-related things for Team Flare, even though Alain wasn't a member. Lysandre ended up making Alain the first member of the Tekiyoku that wasn't a full member of Team Flare nor Team Rocket. When more organizations and people eventually joined the group, Alain was named the leader of the Psychic Division.

Conflicted Feelings
Once Lysandre captured Arceus and started terrorizing citizens, Alain saw Lysandre in an entirely different light. He didn't like what Lysandre was becoming, and he knew he needed to be the one to stop his mentor. He also knew he couldn't just resist Lysandre upfront, because he would be outnumbered and surely killed.

Alain planned to train extremely hard at his Manipulation skills and one day defeat Lysandre. This is really why he wanted to be a Dual Manipulator, because possessing two types gives him a better chance at winning. He pretended to follow Lysandre and support him, hiding his true feelings from everyone else.

Arceus Plots with Alain
One night, about 4 years from the start of the series, while Alain was walking in the basement of the headquarters watching Arceus, Arceus spoke to Alain. It said that it sensed that Alain wasn't like everyone else. Alain agreed, prompting Arceus to ask him if he's really as evil as the others. This is when Alain cautiously told Arceus that he can't stand Lysandre and that he plans on getting very skillful with his Manipulation and fighting skills so that he can kill him one day. Arceus warned against this, stating that he would probably be beaten if this happened, since Lysandre would surely have backup.

Arceus suggested something else: something that could stop Lysandre from being a Supreme Manipulator next year. Arceus said it can't tell Alain the details yet and to come meet it the next year several days before Lysandre's 3 required years of training are over. It did tell Alain one important thing, though; he'd need to somehow steal the Psychic Plate from Lysandre.

One night next year, 3 years from the start of the series, Alain convinced Lysandre to give him the Psychic Plate, claiming he needed it to create a stronger sense of energy to make his Psychic moves much stronger. Alain possessed the Plate and went down to the basement while everyone else was asleep. There was about 2 weeks left until Lysandre could become a Supreme Manipulator.

In the basement, he saw Arceus and showed the Psychic Plate to it; Arceus taught Alain Omnipotent Purēto Scatter, an extra hidden Psychic move that allowed Alain to spread the Plates around the world, more of which is explained in the Backstory.

Traveling Partner
Arceus also advised Alain to travel with someone else. Arceus told him about another young man whom it had been keeping an eye on for many years. Arceus emphasized that this person's heart is in the right place, that he's brave, and that he never gives up. Arceus instructed Alain to contact this person when the 3-year period is almost done and when the Plates are almost finished being dormant, but not earlier than that. This person is Ash Ketchum.

Alain Escapes
The next morning, Lysandre called a little meeting with the members who happened to be in the area. Alain knew he had to hurry and use the Plate-scattering move before Lysandre got the Plate back from Alain, which luckily hasn't happened yet. When it was time, Alain used the move. The Plates glowed blue and couldn't be touched. They floated from Lysandre's room into the main area and then shot out of the room, spreading around the world.

As soon as this happened, Alain smirked at Lysandre and used the Psychic move, "Stay Back!", which pushed everyone around him away from him and down to the ground. Then, he used the Flying ability, "Soaring Dove", which allowed him to fly out of the room quickly before he could be attacked by anyone. Alain escaped.

Past
After escaping the Tekiyoku, as first revealed in Episode 36, Alain, at some point before the start of the series, traveled to Unova and spoke to a man living there that he knew. He explained about how he'll be gathering the Plates when they stop being dormant. This led the man to become motivated enough to gather a group of others to become fighters and have Alain lead them to Plates when it's time. It was going well at first, but Alain changed his mind once this group was formed, since he didn't wish to be part of another organization after Lysandre's tyranny, and also since Arceus had only told him to meet with Ash. Alain's original plan was to bring Ash to this group as well, but decided against it since it was already going to be difficult to enlist the help of Ash, a person whom he hasn't met before.

Alain discovered that this organization still grew and continued training skilled fighters, even though Alain wasn't helping them to get Plates, meaning no one there is a Manipulator. He suspects this is because they either think Alain will change his mind at some point and bring Manipulation to them or it's in case they stumble upon some Plates themselves. They retain a high level of secrecy, though. The organization is called eXpulsion.

Beginnings in Sinnoh
Alain sent an e-mail to Ash and told him about Arceus's plan. This was seen in the first episode. In Jubilife City, in Sinnoh, he met Ash in the back of an abandoned grocery store. He told Ash about how he's a former member of the Tekiyoku and about how Arceus wants the two of them to travel around the world to find all of Arceus's Plates that are scattered around the world, or at least enough to make as many friends they meet along the way into Manipulators. Those Manipulators, along with Alain and Ash, would fight the Tekiyoku later after all the Plates have been gathered for a final war to stop Lysandre.

Alain was then taken by Ash to meet Ash's new friend. It was Dawn. Alain became very annoyed at her almost instantly, making Dawn sad. After this, Alain told Ash to meet him in the morning at PokéLife Apartments, where they were both staying, but in different rooms. This would be the start of training for Ash.

Over the next few days, Alain trained Ash with martial arts skills, told him more about the history of what's going on, and informed him about Manipulation. During this, Alain met Ash's roommates who were letting Ash stay with them, his friends from Kanto, Gary and Tracey. On the day that he and Ash were set to leave to start their journey, Tracey ended up getting two of his friends in journalism to film a short news segment of Alain. Alain explained more about who he is and what his mission was, the purpose of which was so others wouldn't think he's an enemy when traveling the regions. The two who filmed Alain were Gabby and Ty.

After this filming, Ash, who had stepped out for a bit, had returned and asked to speak to Alain outside the apartment. When walking around the corner, he saw Dawn standing there. Ash explained that Dawn's mother was killed by Tekiyoku members and that her house was burned down, all of which had happened the previous night. Ash wanted Dawn to travel with them on the journey. Alain, while he felt bad for what had happened to Dawn, was furious and didn't want her traveling with them. After intense arguing, Alain ended up letting Dawn travel on the mission as well. They departed and made their way to Kalos.

Kalos
Alain knew where the first Plate, Shizuku, was located, due to Arceus telling him the only two Plates' locations it knew. This was in Lumiose City, Kalos. He traveled there with Clemont and Bonnie. However, due to Dawn's negligence, the Plate was lost to James, Jessie, and Meowth, whom Alain had just defeated in a fight alongside Ash. This deeply angered Alain, who wanted Dawn gone from the group. Ash would not let this happen, however.

Alain was then introduced to Serena by Ash, who had just encountered her. He was reluctant to accept her with them as they tried to find her mother and regain her lost memory, due to the Science Division's experiments. They went to Serena's hometown, Vaniville Town, but saw an empty house upon coming to Serena's residence. Alain ended up bringing in Professor Sycamore, whom he knew from his days in the Tekiyoku when the Science Division was conducting their experiments on Serena. Sycamore was brought in to help with information regarding Serena's mom's whereabouts. However, he didn't have many leads as to where her mom could currently be.

Alain had a difficult time trusting Serena after seeing her immense strength one night when she punched a tree and knocked it down, the result of a previous Science Division experiment. He thought Serena was actually a Fighting Manipulator. He pushed Serena down and threatened her, but Ash stepped in to stop him.

The second Plate, Ikazuchi, was located in Alain's hometown of Anistar City, Kalos, so he knew the area very well. The Plate was found, thanks to Ash's Pikachu. Alain and Ash then fought Dr. Zager, Celosia, and Mable for possession. Alain and Ash won, but Bonnie got kidnapped by the Tekiyoku to be used for the Science Division. They ended up rescuing her in Geosenge Town and also returned Serena to her mom, who had been relocated to Kiloude City.

Alain then traveled with Shauna, Miette, and Korrina through Snowbelle City to get the Ice Plate. He encountered Butler while traveling here and sparred with him. Alain came out victorious. He later fought Cyrus and Lawrence III at the site of the Ice Plate and went insane after a remark from Lawrence about his late father. This is when he first used Evil Angel in the series. Ash had to calm him down and stop him from killing them after he already won. Alain's Charizard then found the Ice Plate, but Miette stole it in an attempt to sabotage the group since she didn't feel like Alain's group could beat the Tekiyoku. She became scared when Alain threatened her and she fell off the edge of an ice-cold waterfall. Alain saved her life, but she was in a coma and had to go to a hospital. At the hospital with the others, Alain told her sternly that he'll never let her become a Manipulator.

In a video call after this, still in Snowbelle City, Alain told Barry, Zoey, and Kenny (whom he was just meeting) to go on a small mission to help with cleanup in a place called Kasai Village. The village needed cleaning after recent vandalism by a Tekiyoku member.

Johto
Alain then went to Johto with Ash and Dawn, and traveled there with Lyra and Casey for the Bug Plate, Tamamushi. In Ecruteak City, Alain saw Archie here terrorizing the city and then saw him tying a girl up to a fence. It was Bianca. Once Archie left the scene, Alain and the group ran to her and Ash freed her. Alain then fought Archie and The Iron-Masked Marauder alongside Ash. They won and then Alain found the Bug Plate in the Burned Tower, resulting in a sighting of Ho-Oh, but Dawn was careless and got herself held hostage by the enemy when they retreated. They demanded the Bug Plate in return for her life. Alain gave up the Plate and was extremely furious at Dawn. Ash still didn't allow her to be kicked out of the group, though.

Alain then encountered Domino, whom he used to date. She didn't want a fight, but just talked to Alain to try to bring him back to the Tekiyoku. Alain refused.

Alain then arrived at Blackthorn City, Johto, with Ash and Dawn. They traveled there with Mairin, who constantly annoyed Alain. They fought Barret and Kodai over possession of the Grass Plate, Midori. Alain and Ash were victorious and Mairin recovered the Grass Plate; she actually had it the whole time, but didn't know what it was when she found it while digging.

Return to Sinnoh
Alain, still with Ash and Dawn, then traveled with Zoey, Barry, and Kenny, in the Sinnoh region. He had Zoey become a Grass Manipulator. He soon named his group the Mokusetsu. Zoey, Barry, and Kenny would be called Division B of the Mokusetsu, while Alain, Ash, and Dawn represented Division A. In Snowpoint City, Alain, Ash, and Barry fought Argus Steele, Mars, and Jupiter for possession of the Fairy Plate. The Mokusetsu won and the Plate was discovered by Dawn by wishing for it in a nearby fountain.

Alain and the others then went to Eterna City with the new addition of Ursula traveling with them. Upon getting to the city, Alain had Barry become an Electric Manipulator. Alain, Ash, Zoey, and Ursula ended up fighting Kagetomo, Heidayu, and Pierce for possession of the Plate. Pierce had been a last-minute addition and stabbed Ash from behind, which Alain didn't sense, due to Pierce being a Ghost Manipulator. The Mokusetsu came out on top and Dawn helped to discover the Dark Plate, Kowamote, by reaching out to the darkness that was within Barry at the time and that was causing him doubt.

Alain and the Mokusetsu then went to Floaroma Town because Alain knew the location of the Plate here, the Psychic Plate, Fushigi. This was the second and last Plate Alain knew the location of. After Ursula left, he tried to get Ash to meditate to become an Electric Manipulator. Ash could not concentrate during the meditation, however, prompting Alain to stop the meditation 8 minutes in to avoid unpleasant things happening if Ash continued. He yelled at Ash to focus more and canceled the meditation for now.

Alain encountered Annie, Oakley, Zero, and Paul and there was a large fight for the Psychic Plate. The enemy eventually was defeated and left. The Plate was retrieved when Alain flew up to a nearby mountainside to get it.

Alola
After Division B once again separated from Division A, Alain, Ash, and Dawn went to Alola for more Plates. They went to Hau'oli City on Melemele Island and went to an unofficial summer academy owned by Professor Kukui. There, they recruited Kiawe, Mallow, Lana, and Lillie to travel with them as they go to Paniola Town on Akala Island for the Fire Plate, Hi no Tama.

When they started traveling, Alain gave the nickname, "Smiley" to Mallow, "Grumpy" to Kiawe, and continued his nickname of "Blondie" to Lillie. He also jokingly kept calling Lana a mermaid. Alain had an idea for everyone to gather somewhere and tell each other about themselves. This is because he heard that can help build an organization up, although he didn't really want to do this. As they walk towards that spot, he asks Lillie if he knows her, saying she looks familiar. She nervously says that she doesn't think so.

Alain ended up telling the new travelers about himself, but only briefly. Later, it was Lillie's turn to tell them about herself. She stammered and then suddenly ran away. Alain went after her, along with Ash. They found her nearby in the forest. Alain tells her that he thinks he knows who she really is and asks her to tell them about herself. He warns her to not lie to him. Lillie ended up confessing what Alain was suspicious about: she's the sister of Gladion Hidaka, a Tekiyoku member. Alain was upset at Lillie for hiding this at first and wanted to leave her behind, not desiring to travel with the relative of a Tekiyoku member. Due to the resistance of Ash and Lillie's friends, he ended up letting her stay with them. He trained with Ash and Kiawe as everyone prepared for whatever could happen in Paniola Town.

The next day, Alain talked to Kiawe privately while everyone was at a Pokémon Center. He warned Kiawe to not let his emotions get the best of him or else he might lose whatever possible fight might occur over the next Plate. He's saying this because he learned about Kiawe's past from Ash, which is the main source of Kiawe's anger. He told Kiawe to be prepared for anything, even if the enemy are the ones who killed Harry.

After arriving in Paniola Town, Alain met Kiawe's family, Sima, Rango, and Mimo. While unsuccessfully searching for the Fire Plate after this, he sensed people approaching, which turned out to be Tupp, Rapp, and Zipp, three former Team Skull members now in the Tekiyoku. Despite his warnings, Kiawe was instantly angered and wasn't controlling himself. Alain just expressed his hope that Kiawe would use that anger in the fight. The fight began, with Alain set to fight Rapp.

During the fight, Alain and Rapp agreed not to use their 60% or 80% moves, then continued sparring. Rapp countered some of Alain's maneuvers. Rapp then used Underworld Haze, hindering himself and everyone else. He held up well, though, but after the fog cleared, Rapp landed a direct blow to Alain, as he lied motionless. Rapp left to help her teammates. However, Alain actually got up and used You're My Best Friend on Rapp twice to land powerful blows to her. He then used the same move to Zipp and threatened to use it on Tupp. Tupp then declared defeat for the Tekiyoku people there. The enemies later retreated.

Alain and the rest of the Mokusetsu continued searching for Hi no Tama. There was no luck for a long while and the weather was extremely hot, due to the recent Paniola Town drought. When Ash asked about the odds of finding the Plate soon, Alain pulled out a die he had in his possession. Three sides were purple and three were orange. He said this is something used among people with decision-making or yes/no questions, similar to flipping a coin. He rolled the die and it landed on purple, which was predetermined to mean they'd find the Plate soon. Ash was excited at this, but Alain reminded him the die doesn't tell the future and that it's impractical.

After more searching, Ash asked Alain's Charizard to take him to the top of a silo. When they came down, Ash had the Fire Plate. He found it in a barely visible layer way at the top of the silo. Rain began to fall then, ended the recent drought. This confused Alain, but he attributed it to the recent strange occurrences when finding some of the Plates. He said there was one more Plate left in Alola and then learned that the Alolan traveling companions would remain for this Plate. He later said the Plate was Ganseki, the Rock Plate, located in Hau'oli City.

Alain and the group returned to Hau'oli City on Melemele Island that evening. When everyone split to explore the downtown area, Alain walked with Kiawe. While talking to him, Alain asked Kiawe if he was still serious about joining the "other organization", hinting at a third group besides the Mokusetsu and Tekiyoku. Kiawe confirmed. Alain warned him that if that group gets in his way, he and Kiawe would be enemies. Alain also learns that Kiawe has only told this information to his parents, but not his friends nor even Mimo. Kiawe also pointed out that Alain hasn't told Ash nor Dawn. They both agreed to keep this conversation a secret from everyone else.

Alain and everyone else spent the night at Lillie's house, where they all decided to wait a few days before going for the Rock Plate here in Hau'oli City. When going through the city the next day, Alain spoke more with Kiawe about this other organization, mainly mentioning how that group started after Alain traveled to Unova after leaving the Tekiyoku and spoke with a young man there who would end up being this group's leader. The original plan was for Alain to guide a small army of fighters to the Plates, but Alain changed his mind after the group was formed, not wanting to be part of another organization. Additionally, Arceus had only told him to meet up with Ash. He tells Kiawe that he might not have time for both this group and the Mokusetsu, but they're interrupted by Ash who comes to say there's a video call happening in the Pokémon Center nearby. It's a call with Division B (Barry, Zoey, Kenny, and Bianca), checking in with everyone.

Back outside, before starting to train, Ash tells Alain he wants to have a major talk later where everything is revealed or that he won't gather Plates anymore. A confused Alain agrees. That evening, Ash reveals everything listed here (SPOILERS WILL BE PRESENT THERE!!!). To continue not having secrets anymore, Alain gets Kiawe's help in explaining everything about this other organization, called eXpulsion. He explains how they're stricter than him and more secretive. Kiawe mentions he wishes to join them, which is met with initial shock from his friends, but eventual acceptance.

(More plot summaries of Alain)

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Personality
Alain is usually a very angry person. He went through years of frustration with not understanding how his dad died and anger at his mom for abandoning him, loathing her more and more. Frustration grew more from what happened with the Tekiyoku.

He keeps to himself and doesn't like doing fun activities with Ash and the others. He's usually planning strategies for the group, aiming to always be productive. He's a fierce fighter, one of the best that was in the Tekiyoku. He thinks several moves ahead of his opponents.

He bickers with everyone pretty easily and usually does things in a selfish manner. He'd rather help himself and the Mokusetsu without helping other citizens going through problems. It is sometimes seen, though, that even though he's an abrasive person, he's truly helpful and has good intentions. He'll help others, but doesn't like when others congratulate him on that.

General
Alain never had a girlfriend, similar to Ash, but the difference is that he was asked plenty of times; he turned all the girls down, saying they weren't worth his time. He's dated Domino before, but they never developed a relationship.

A main goal for Alain, other than stopping the Tekiyoku, is becoming a scientist in medicine so that he can find cures for seemingly incurable diseases, stemming from frustration at his dad dying from sickness.

Alain's Charizard
Alain only possesses one Pokémon: a Charizard. This Charizard can mega-evolve into Mega-Charizard X. It usually stays in its Poké Ball.

Personality
Charizard is usually not seen, due to Alain not wanting it in danger from enemies. Alain cares for Charizard in between Mokusetsu activities, and Charizard is grateful for this. His allegiance to Alain is large and he respects Alain's wishes, whatever they may be.

Charizard is also playful and gets along well with Ash's Pikachu, along with other Pokémon brought by traveling companions. A notable trait is that Charizard is quite clumsy, easily losing his footing or dropping objects.

Present
In Episode 13, right after the fight in Snowbelle City in Kalos between the Mokusetsu against Cyrus and Lawrence III, Charizard went to a nearby glacier on an ice pond. He aggressively pointed out the glacier, prompting Alain to get him to use Flamethrower on it. The glacier did not melt, however. Alain then chiseled through and found Tsurara, the Plate they were looking for in this city. Charizard had sensed the Plate in there, making everyone glad he found it. Upon picking it up, he clumsily dropped it, only for it to be picked up by Miette.

In Episode 34, Ash used Alain's Charizard to take him to the top of a silo in the area that everyone was in to search for the Fire Plate, Hi no Tama. Ash jumped off into an opening in the top of the silo, which was about 45 feet in the air. After a bit, Charizard came to help Ash out and take him back to the ground. Ash had obtained the Fire Plate in the top level of the silo. Ash expressed gratitude to Alain's Charizard.

Ash
At first, Alain really hated the idea of someone traveling with him on this mission. From the moment he met Ash, he bickered with him constantly, getting on to him about being late. He hates when Ash doesn't understand something that's simple.

Alain had a huge argument with Ash when Ash wanted Dawn to travel with them. Ultimately, Ash succeeded and brought Dawn along. Alain didn't really want anyone else traveling with them continuously; his original plan was to meet people to turn into Manipulators later, without them traveling in the process. But Ash befriended a lot of people along the way, most of whom agreed to become Manipulators down the road, which Alain appreciated.

Alain, every now and then, is impressed with Ash's progress and kind heart. He stays quiet about it normally, preferring not to speak about it.

Despite all of Alain's bickering with Ash, Alain's been an excellent martial arts trainer for Ash. Ash has improved a great deal and can hold his own in non-Manipulation fights.

Dawn
Alain absolutely cannot stand Dawn. From the moment Ash introduced him to her, he had no problem expressing his dislike towards her, instantly deeming her "annoying as hell". He yells at her for every screw up, especially causing them to lose Plates. This saddens Dawn deeply every time, but Alain shows no remorse.

After a short while, Alain has developed a habit of calling Dawn, "Girl". He's stopped using her real name in every part of his conversation, even comically telling new people that's her real name. This likely stems from his dislike towards her, using it as a means to degrade her. Dawn never corrects him.

Despite this, he knows how dangerous the Tekiyoku is and sympathized with what happened to Dawn in Happy Birthday. He knows now how important it is for Dawn to travel with them, understanding that she'll die without them.

Barry
Alain is annoyed by Barry and his antics. Barry continuously bothers him, angering him more and leading to some comical moments. Despite this, he acknowledges Barry's will to carry out his personal mission and closely trained with Barry when he became an Electric Manipulator.

Zoey
Zoey seems to be Alain's favorite. While Alain bickers with her too, she's the main one to snap right back. Alain appreciates her relatively shorter fuse and closely worked with her when she became a Grass Manipulator.

Additional Information

 * Hidden Plot Information

Naming

 * His first name, Alain (pronounced uh-LUHN), is his name in the English dub of the anime. It's the same in the Japanese version, just without the I, spelling Alan. Alain is the French version of Alan, done because Alain's home region, Kalos, is based on France. The name itself, Alan, possibly comes from 藍 ran (indigo) or 嵐 ran (storm).
 * His middle name, Kenshō, is the given name of his Japanese voice actor, Kenshō Ono.
 * His last name, Takahata, was randomly selected from a Japanese surname generator.

General

 * His birthday, April 3rd, is the Japan air date of his anime debut, the first Mega Evolution Special.
 * Lysandre's birthday is the United States air date of that same episode.