I am Ash

As she sat down in a booth and waited for a waiter or waitress to welcome her, Cynthia couldn't help but mentally curse her luck. Those people were also in this establishment. She'd rather not have to deal with her temper or possibly even Ash's later on. But of course, they were both mature and would properly attend to any situation with the utmost care and precision. This, obviously, excluded any situation where the other is in extreme danger. Any situation like that would definitely cause both to act irrationally at first.

Why is our beloved Ms. Cynthia upset, you ask? Well, why don't we look towards a few tables away?

…

"Wow, out of all of us, only you made it, Paul!", Dawn cheered. Paul only sighed. Shouldn't these fools have realized that he was the only here strong enough to take on the competition? Don't get him wrong, he did not completely underestimate his "companions'" skills, but he did no that they did not take training seriously enough to be considered a world class trainer.

"Hmph. He never had to face that bitch, Reflect. That guy is too afraid to go into the public! He hides like a pussy.", Drew snorted. Although a few of the others faced Reflect, they didn't hold a grudge. He was powerful. It's not like they could have had any chance. But, they did have to agree that his brutal nature against their Pokemon was not a good quality.

"Can it, Drew. You got wrecked the most.", May told the green haired boy. Drew narrowed his eyes at his rival's recent annoyance towards him. He scoffed and looked away, reading the menus that were placed on the table.

Brock, Misty, and Iris couldn't help but chuckle both at May's comment and Drew's disarray. Although their collective defeat by the mysterious Reflect had definitely brought them down, some of them actually learned from the experience, like Brock and Misty. They were reminded of how hard an old friend of theirs worked to achieve true strength with his Pokemon. Brock and Misty couldn't help but be humbled. However, some like Drew only grew a larger ego by using excuses.

"Yeah, come on guys, let's just order", Brock wisely spoke. Everyone else agreed, some more enthusiastically than others.

(Back with Cynthia)

Cynthia tried her best to ignore the banter of the aforementioned table. She calmly sipped on her water and hoped to Arceus that Reflect would arrive. At least then she wouldn't be as bored or angry. Cynthia could only wonder what her boyfriend was doing. Her heart melted at the word boyfriend and the image of Ash, but of course steeled her resolve when she remembered where she was.

The restaurant entrance bell rang and footsteps were heard walking into the place. Before Cynthia even realized it, a cloaked man walked up to her table and sat down. Normally, Cynthia would have been surprised, but who else would have the audacity to go up to her and casually sit down with her besides Ash?

"Well. Got your head cleared?", Cynthia asked. Reflect smiled under his hood. Knowing Cynthia would want an explanation, Ash began to speak.

15 Minutes Before

As Ash flew on Pidgeot in the air, he thought carefully of what his actions would be when he met his old traveling companions. He really didn't hate all of them. He was just really pissed off that they gave up so quickly and became arrogant. They proved that he didn't matter to them after his act of kindness by saving May.

Sighing, Ash laid down on his bird's soft back as it circled the area. People always say to forgive and forget, but that is always harder said than done. How am I going to treat them now? He ran his hand through Pidgeot's soft feathers. The great bird gave out a gentle yet powerful coo into the air as its friend and master petted it.

As Ash continued to roam in his mind, his thoughts eventually came to Cynthia. Although they knew each other from long ago, they hadn't really interacted until recently. But the young woman had a way to just drive Ash crazy, in the good way. He would probably be addicted to Cynthia once they got to know each other better. The fact that she was so powerful and looked so gorgeous at all times made him just totally in awe of her. She made him happy.

Ash bolted right up. He was happy.

Who cares if their might be some assholes in the world? He was happy with the people that he dealt with. Fuck those guys! There's no point in hiding anything anymore!

"Pidgeot! Put me down by the Pokemon Center!", Ash commanded.

Pidgeot let off a squawk and nodded before diving high speed towards the center with Ash cackling with glee.

End Flashback

"So yeah that's what happened. If I'm found out, then oh well it happens.", Ash said. Cynthia was a little unsure of Ash's decision, but she trusted him. Whatever happens, they'll go through it together.

A waitress walked up to the table. "What would you guys like today?", she asked. The waitress blushed a bit, but was more professional than most. Cynthia would have been ticked off if she wasn't so hungry.

"I'd like the Chicken Salad and a side of Mac & Cheese", Cynthia politely ordered. Ash looked through the menu carefully. He placed his hand on his chin into a thinking pose under his hood. After a minute of scanning the menu, Ash opened his mouth to order. The waitress readied her pencil to jot down his order.

"I'd like number 2, 6, 8, 11, 14, and 22!", Ash declared quickly. The waitress was surprised but nodded and wrote everything down. She bowed, making sure to press her breasts in front of Ash's face. A guttural growl came out of Cynthia's throat and Ash placed his hands up and jerked back in defense, whether it was to hide from the waitress or Cynthia no one could tell.

Suddenly, a spiky haired man whose eyes looked closed appeared in front of the blushing waitress. The man arrived sliding on his knees and used both of his hands to grasp the waitresses free hand.

"My fair lady! How can I help?! Why don't we leave and I can help scramble those eggs!", Brock suggestively failed at courting the lady. Before the waitress could even process what was going on, two others came and pulled Brock by the ear.

"Hey, you! Stop harassing the poor lady!", Misty scolded as she pulled on his ear. Max also scolded him and pulled. "You really are the same with women.", Max said. Looking at this display, Ash couldn't help but laugh. His rumbling chuckle noted his presence to the others. The waitress walked off to give the order to the chefs while Brock, Misty, and Max stood up to greet the mysterious cloaked man and Cynthia.

Had Misty and Max not been there, Brock would have repeated his shenanigans on Cynthia.

"Hello, Ms. Cynthia", Max politely bowed. Misty and Brock followed suit.

"Hi, there guys. Enjoying a nice meal?", Cynthia asked in an initially strained voice.

Max nodded. "I'm going to surpass you! I'm going to get stronger. It's what Ash would've wanted!", Max spoke with a determined voice. Misty and Brock were surprised that the boy would use their old friend's name so easily, but of course he was young and didn't know any better.

Ash perked up at hearing this. He cleared his throat, causing the three to look in his direction. "What makes you think that you can be stronger than a champion, kid?", his voice lower than normal.

"I don't think it. I know that I will! If I keep training, then one day I will defear Ms. Cynthia!", Max said. Ash was not completely satisfied with the answer. "Who is this Ash guy you speak of?"

A sad expression crept onto Max's face, but it transformed into determination once more.

"He was my big brother! And because of him, I'm going to be the best trainer ever!"

Ash paused at hearing the words, but decided to stay still. He could tell Cynthia was becoming a little impatient with him. Ash wanted to ask one more question before he decided.

"What is the most important thing when it comes to Pokemon?", Ash asked.

Max paused to think, but then realized what the answer was. "That's easy", Max started, pushing his glasses higher onto his face, "The bonds with your Pokemon."

Ash mentally grinned. The kid was going to be great one day. "I see", Ash spoke, "Well then. Go enjoy your meal then kid."

The three bowed before leaving to go back to their table. Ash sighed before placing his hands on the back of his head and leaning back into the seat. Cynthia raised an eyebrow. "What do you plan to do to the kid?", she asked, knowing that Ash didn't ask so many questions normally, especially to people that he lost trust in a long time ago.

"Easy. I'm going to secretly train him. Someone in that motley crew needs to become very powerful, comparatively of course. Max is young, so he will be the best option. He isn't as experienced as the others and will be much easier to teach. I know you're worried, but because of their past affiliation with me, they might be targeted by crime syndicates."

"But didn't you take them all down?"

"Yes, but I fear that they may be on the rise once more. Plus, you heard him earlier. Max wants to be like me: super awesome and cool!"

Cynthia sweat-dropped, "Yeah...cool."

Ash chuckled, "You know you like it." He gave her a peck on the lips and smiled. Cynthia blushed and sipped on her drink again. She muttered some incoherent words, which only made Ash smile even more.

Finally, the meals arrived. Because of the great amount of food that Ash ordered, the plates were on a rather large cart. Ash stomach growled and his mouth began to salivate as the food was placed onto his side of the table.

Thirty minutes of non-stop munching and a lot of sweat-dropping guests and waiters later, Ash gave a loud burp and comfortably leaned back into his seat. He gave yet another content sigh and yawn. Ash was ready to go and take a nap.

" Cynthia, let's go back to the house, yeah?", Ash offered. She nodded and stood up, preparing to leave. "I'll wait for you outside, Reflect.", Cynthia said before walking away.

Ash stood up and walked to the counter with his check in hand. The man at the cash register smiled before taking the bill. His eyes widened a bit at the large amount of food on the bill, but nodded. Ash pulled out his wallet and paid the man. He smiled before waving goodbye and walking back towards the door.

He looked by the table he Cynthia sat at and saw something under the table. He leaned over and picked up the rectangular item. Ash didn't have time to investigate so he walked out and decided to look at the device later.

(15 minutes later, still in the restaurant)

"Alright everybody, it's time to go.", Cilan announced. The group had just finished eating and were now preparing to leave. They pooled in their money and gave it to Cilan to go pay.

"Max, do you have everything you brought?", May asked her younger brother. Max did a quick check of his backpack and saw nothing missing. He patted down his pockets and noticed an unusually empty back pocket. But the only thing in that pocket is...

"NO!", Max yelled out in frustration.

"What is it?", May asked, worried about her brother.

"My...my...Pokedex! It's gone, May!", Max cried out, tears flowing freely from his eyes.

Everyone in the group scrambled to find, looking in and around the tables. However, they couldn't find the rectangular object anywhere.

"Where did you last put it, Max?", Iris asked him.

"It was in my pocket. It was there the entire time! Oh man. I guess it's not here. Maybe it's at the Pokemon Center!", Max said.

May nodded. "Let's go check then."

Cynthia and Ash's House

Ash stood in his backyard, sweating profusely. He and his Pokemon just finished their training. Ash figured that they needed to keep up with their training or else they would grow complacent of their skills. He couldn't have that.

Ash looked at his crew and smiled. He only kept his personal Pokemon on him. The ones that Arceus had given him to train were at Arceus' home. "You've all done very well. I look forward to battling with you all at some point. Now, who here would like to take care of a Pokemon egg for me? Don't be shy.", Ash spoke.

Meganium instantly walked forward. Ash wasn't surprised; his trusted Meganium was always the caring type. Pidgeot also flew forward. After leading a flock for so long, it knew just how to take care of the egg.

"Anyone else?", Ash asked. He knew that is would be better for Pokemon to take care of the Pokemon eggs. For a while, no one answered. Most of them were too focused on training to take in an egg.

Sighing, Ash was about to decide to raise it himself when Pikachu hopped onto his shoulder. Pikachu pointed at itself and smiled while putting a paw on the back of its head.

"You'd like to have this egg? Are you sure? You haven't been a father already have you?", Ash asked, teasing his partner with that last question. Pikachu sighed in embarrassment but nodded enthusiastically to his partner.

"Alrighty then. You three will take care of the eggs", Ash declared. The other Pokemon cheered for the three volunteers. Meganium gently grabbed the egg with her vines and Pidgeot did the same with a gently claw. Pikachu gripped the egg tightly with both of his small arms and walked off to show a certain blue Pokemon.

Ash told his Pokemon to enjoy themselves and then walked into the house again. Cynthia was reading a book on Pokemon native to Kalos when Ash walked in. He opened the fridge and grabbed a bottle of water before sitting down next to her.

"Kalos, huh? I've been there a few times.", Ash told Cynthia. She looked up to him and gave him a smile.

"I'm not surprised. You told me about Team Plasma once. I am up to date with most things, you know."

"Yeah, yeah. Sheesh. You're awfully uptight right now. What's wrong?"

"Nothing."

Ash snorted. "Yeah, right. Seriously, come on. You don't trust me?"

Cynthia pouted. "Of course I do! With my life!" She then sighed. "It's just. I don't know how to feel about your choice to be less strict about your identity. What if your friends go looking for you?"

"If they find me, it won't change who I am. If they try to convince me to come back to them, I'll send them to the moon. The only one in that group that I am fully okay with interacting with is Max, and only because he has my flames of determination."

"Yeah, I know. But after how they acted..."

Cynthia was silenced by a gentle arm hug by Ash. He ran a hand through her hair. "Hey. It'll all be alright, okay?". He gave her a gentle kiss on her forehead and stood up. "Let's go to sleep."

She could only nod as he pulled her up to their room.

Early in the morning

A boy walked into the woods to train his Pokemon. His trusty Treecko followed the boy, making sure to stay as close as possible to his trainer. Treecko was a little shy for his kind. Many times, Treecko were known to be arrogant and powerful for their age. This one was definitely not included. Although certainly not weak, the Treecko lacked confidence.

"Are you ready to get some early training in, Treecko?"

"Tree", the Pokemon responded.

Once Max found a nice clearing for them to train, he stopped and let out his other Pokemon. An Electrike and Taillow appeared from their respective Pokeballs. They both stretched their limbs and wings before standing next to their friend Treecko, ready to begin their daily training.

"Alright, let's warm up with some light jogging, well flying for you Taillow!", Max declared.

The crew gave an enthusiastic shout before running/flying around the trees. Max followed suit, enjoying his time exercising with his companions.

Taillow felt a shift in the air currents around them and quickly stopped to notify its companions.

"What's wrong, Taillow?", Max asked his bird.

Taillow looked for an enemy but could find none. Just as it was going to decide that it was a coincidence, a blue sphere flew out of the trees and towards the group. The four jumped out of the way, luckily unscathed.

A Lucario with some weird markings jumped out of the trees and got into an offensive stance in front of the Pokemon and their trainer. It readied another Aura Sphere to hurl towards the group. Growling Electrike jumped and fired a Thundershock at the suddenly appearing enemy.

Lucario canceled Aura Sphere and leaped out of the way.

"Guys, you're all right! Okay, let's think this through. Why would a Lucario show up? How did it get here?", Max pondered. His thoughts were cut short as his Taillow was slammed by a Force Palm into the air. The bird recovered but sustained a good amount of damage.

Treecko launched a Bullet Seed at Lucario but it just brushed the attack off like it was nothing. Electrike attempted another Thundershock but Lucario used his Aura bone to redirect the attack into the ground. Taillow used Quick Attack to push the bipedal Pokemon back a bit.

"Guys, just run! It isn't worth it!", Max warned, trying to return them to their balls. However, his attempts failed as they just dodged the red beams.

"Hmph. Your Pokemon don't even listen to you. What kind of master are you?", the Lucario spoke, scaring Max but then angering him as he listened to the words.

"I'm their friend, not master.", Max firmly spoke.

Lucario's hands glowed, charging another Aura Sphere. Instead of throwing it at a Pokemon, Lucario threw it straight at Max. The boy could not even think to dodge the fast moving energy ball.

Max thought he saw his life flash through his eyes as he heard the blue sphere whir faster and faster.

Before impact happened, he saw his three loyal Pokemon jump in front of him. The blue sphere hit them all, sending them each flying into a tree. However, they each had a smile adorned on their faces as they successfully protected their friend and trainer.

Lucario let out a growl and then charged another Aura Sphere.

Before it threw it, a voice broke through the environment. "That's enough. You've done your job successfully."

Max recognized Reflect as he jumped down from a tree branch. Lucario respectfully bowed to his friend and master before walking to heal the three young Pokemon with his Heal Pulse.

"Now.", Reflect spoke in his strange and enticing calm voice. "I believe this is yours."

Reflect held out Max's Pokedex.

Max happily took the item back before thanking Reflect profusely. When Max looked up, however, he saw not Reflect, but a man with jet black hair and a Pikachu on his shoulder.

Max's eyes widened before he passed out with a smile on his face.

Yay another chapter done. Its winter break so I'll try to update my stories. Hope you enjoyed. :D