Gah! I'm so sorry for the inactivity. I've just been super busy, and I've fallen in and out of like two different fandoms (that were not Pokemon), so I haven't been writing lately. Anyway, have an AbilityShipping one-shot cause there are not nearly enough of these. Btw, this takes place in an AU where Ash actually ages.

It comes as a great surprise to Ash when Anabel does not remember. Before he left Hoenn, he had known Anabel to have one of the best memories out of anyone he knew. May was forgetful, Max was a little kid, Brock was always distracted, but Anabel remembered everything. So it was quite a shock when she looked him over blankly, sizing him up, instead of hugging him and reminiscing about the past with him.

Honestly, Ash was quite disappointed. He'd had what he now recognized as a crush on Anabel before all this, and he was pretty sure Anabel had liked him too. And now she didn't even remember his name!

"So... who are you, again?" Anabel asked him, purple eyes narrowed.

Ash gulped, trying to stop despair from overwhelming him. "I'm Ash. Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town, in Kanto. I'm here to help you with your UB problem."

A soft, familiar smile spread across Anabel's features. "I'm glad you are here to help. You seem like a capable trainer, so I am glad you are our ally, not our enemy."

I'd never be your enemy, Anabel, Ash thought. Out loud he said, "I'll enjoy working with you." They shook on it. Anabel's gloved hands sent tingles up Ash's arm. It seemed that his crush wasn't as in the past as he'd thought.

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"That was a close one!" Ash exclaimed, his body still tingling with adrenaline.

Anabel nodded. "I'm very glad you're alright, Ash Ketchum."

"Thanks, Anabel!" He stopped, remembering their old conversations. Sometimes, Ash would go to the Battle Frontier after dark, and they'd watch the stars from on the roof of the battle tower.

They were watching the stars now, sitting side by side on the dock in Hau'oli City, enjoying malasadas. It wasn't the same, though. It would never be the same. Ash turned his head, and gazed sadly at Anabel's features in the moonlight. She was still beautiful, even though she looked so different than that girl from many years ago. Ash wished she still remembered her life as Salon Maiden Anabel, not just her life as a member of Interpol.

"Why do you look so sad?" Ash jumped, realising that Anabel had noticed him staring.

He shook his head. "Uh... it doesn't matter. I was just thinking of an old friend."

Anabel seemed satisfied with the response. "Good work out there. That UB didn't know what hit it!"

Ash shrugged. "Yeah, I could've done better, though. And then that Pelipper wouldn't have gotten hurt. Y'know what Anabel, how about a battle? I need to relax."

Anabel smiled, and took a Pokéball out of her jacket. "Let's go."

They battled on the pier, and for a moment, it was just like old times.

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Ash and Anabel both burst out laughing as the young trainer left the room.

"That was some kid," Ash said, shaking his head. "Reminded me a lot of me when I was that age! Striving to be a Pokemon master and all that... you already know that, though."

Anabel crossed her arms and shook her head. "No, Ash, I don't. I haven't known you as long as you seem to think I have sometimes."

Ash's heart sank towards his stomach. Oh right. "Sorry, Anabel. You just remind me of someone I knew a lot. Anyway, I liked that kid. They've got spunk, and they really seem to be bonded with their Rowlet... it's kind of like me and Pikachu."

"Pikapi!" Pikachu agreed from his place on Ash's shoulder.

Anabel giggled, then stopped abruptly. "So... who do I remind you of?"

Ash sighed wistfully. "One of my best friends from when I was younger. She was a really strong trainer... she loved Psychic-types, just like you. She was so sweet and kind even when beating you in battle... but she could be downright ruthless if she needed to be. I miss her every day."

"Wow," Anabel said sadly. "Seems like you really loved her."

Ash smiled at the girl he'd just describe. "I did. But she's as good as gone now. Now there's you." 

"M-me?" Anabel's eyes were as wide as saucers, her pale cheeks stained pink.

Ash's heart was beating out of his chest and he mentally berated himself for the slip. But all he could do was go with it now that he'd said it, and hope he got lucky like he often did. "Y-yeah," he stammered. "You."

The next thing he knew, Anabel was kissing him. Her lips were just as soft as he'd imagined them, and she tasted like lavender and candles. He kissed her back, running his fingers through her hair, messing up her ponytail. She pulled away. Ash was so close to her he could feel the exhale of her breath on his face. "About time you said something."

Ash smiled at her, and thought about the future. Even though she was not the same Anabel he'd loved all those years ago, she was still Anabel. He still loved her, amnesia or no. Ash decided to leave behind the memories of the past and look forward to the memories they'd make in the future.