Time may pass, but fans of Pokémon never seem to lose interest, especially when speculating about the romantic adventures of the main character, Ash Ketchum.
Throughout various stages of the anime, many fans have followed Ash on his thrilling adventures. Among all the girls who have traveled alongside Ash, Serena stands out as the closest contender for the title of “true love” that could potentially develop with Ash.
Let’s rewind to 1997, the year when Pokémon took over the Japanese animation scene and quickly captured the hearts of fans worldwide. From the outset, the dynamics between Ash and his companions displayed significant romantic potential within Pokémon. For instance, Ash and Misty have been regarded as one of the most beloved couples by numerous fans. However, it seems that a genuine romantic relationship has never truly been established.
Only when Serena appeared did she become the sole character whom fans believe could earn the title “true love” of Ash. Although Serena did not have the same symbolic representation as Misty in the earlier Pokémon series, she held a unique position regarding Ash’s feelings. She not only drew closer to Ash but also expressed her emotions more openly, something Misty never quite accomplished.
At this point, the fandom has divided into two camps: PokéShipping (Ash and Misty) and AmourShipping (Ash and Serena). A notable aspect of Serena is her initial relationship with Ash. Their first meeting was marked as a defining moment, laying the groundwork for Serena’s declaration of love in the XY and XYZ seasons. Unlike Misty, Serena even shared her feelings more explicitly with Ash, a dynamic that was never established between Ash and Misty.
While Pokémon may have hinted at Ash’s romantic interests, whether it be with Melody, Latias/Bianca, or even Miette, none of these characters truly captured Ash’s heart as much as Serena did. The series has made it evident that Ash values his friendships above all else. The show has illustrated this by showcasing Ash carrying sentimental items from his childhood friends.
Recent news about Ash potentially leaving the Pokémon series has stirred excitement among fans about this “long-awaited conclusion” for the beloved character. With the return of Ash and Misty in the 13-episode finale dedicated to their characters, there is hope for a romantic resolution. However, the reality remains that the interactions between the two characters often lean towards friendship, leaving little room for a romantic conclusion. The same sentiment transpired with Serena at the end of Pokémon Journeys, where their interactions were brief and lacked a clear resolution.
The debate surrounding Ash Ketchum’s love life may never arrive at a definitive conclusion. However, one thing is for sure: Ash’s heart will always be dedicated to the thrilling adventures of Pokémon.
Serena and Misty will continue to be significant pieces in the emotional puzzle of the fandom. As for Ash, the adventurous hero with a bright heart, his journey may persist without a definitive romantic conclusion, yet he remains a symbol of the enduring spirit of Pokémon.
