Audiences aren't left wondering what happened when the odd boot shot frame cuts to the expressions of Ash, Pikachu, and their other companions. The original Japanese dialogue basically has Serena saying "You're the one I want, I'm going to go work on myself then I'll be back for you." While the proceeding last-minute goodbye kiss was not captured on screen, the creators did everything short thereof to drive the amorous moment atop the escalator home. Serena's departure from the show is the real swaying factor. He worries about her feelings and is more touchy-feely with Serena than he is with other companions, placing a hand on her shoulder and even holding her hand in one episode. Serena even incorporates the blue ribbon Ash gives to her into her new outfit.Īsh shows Serena more affection and consideration than he has past travel companions throughout the series. Among other evident displays of affection, Serena usually comes off a bit jealous towards female characters who're also vying for Ash's attention, and often blushes when chided about her feelings for Ash or when Ash does something that gives her butterflies.
If for nothing else, Serena's driving force to begin her journey in the series is to be with Ash. Most would say it is blatantly clear Serena likes Ash. Serena and Ash initially met in childhood when he bandages her knee with his handkerchief a memento Serena brings back with her to Kalos and has kept ever since. RELATED: If Ash Ketchum's Time Is Over, What's Next For The Pokémon Anime? When Misty returns in the Sun and Moon series, there's little to suggest anything between them more than the bond of being long-time travel buddies and friendly rivals. Especially when Misty makes the statement "Well Ash Ketchum, now I know how you really feel about me." Still, fans aboard the Ash and Misty Pokéship take their emotional goodbye and overall awkwardness in the farewell episode as a hint to the duo's underlying feelings for each other. Now, this could easily be how she would react to a near-death experience with any of her friends, but Misty's hysterics also lend support to Pokéshippers' arguments of something more.Ī heartfelt send-off was warranted after being traveling companions for so long. In a later episode, when Ash has a ghostly out of body experience, Misty is quite distraught, begging him to wake up and when he does, can be seen overcome with emotion and delight. Our oblivious hero, however, does not and completely drops the ball on this early advance. Pokéshippers will likely take Misty's response of "finding out for ourselves" clear evidence of Misty's attraction. There's also the episode where the topic of kissing comes up, and Ash asks if kissing changes a person. RELATED: Bring Pokémon To The Bedroom With Official Branded Lingerie
These displays resemble schoolyard flirting attempts, which is fitting with the trainers' young age.
Ash is constantly picking on Misty in a 'boy pulling a girl's pigtails because he likes her' way, and Misty is always quick to respond to his juvenile antics with similarly immature acts of physical violence. Both trainers vehemently deny their affections towards each other when confronted about them. It's a bit of a volatile and juvenile relationship, but a relationship none-the-less. The excuse-making is a tell-tale sign of a budding romance in the eyes of Ash and Misty Pokéshippers. She then quickly changes her reasoning to one of practicality, claiming the route he was taking happened to be the quickest one for herself as well. of someone who's trying to settle a score. However, dipping and dodging behind trees while blushing profusely isn't exactly the M.O. When Ash finally turns around to confront her, she unconvincingly says she wants repayment for her stolen bike. While the two trainer's relationship can be written off as a typical close rivalry and, let's go with 'turbulent' friendship, there are several moments that could point to deeper affections.įirstly, after Ash hijacks Misty's bike, she follows him "discreetly" along the next leg of his journey.
There is a strong fanbase behind Ash and Misty Pokéshipping.