No matter how much time passes, fans Pokémon never seems to tire of speculating about protagonist Ash Ketchum’s romance.
During the various stages of the anime, various companions go on amazing adventures with Ash Ketchum. Considering all the female companions on Ash’s travels, Serena is probably the closest thing to a possible “what if…” love for Ash.
We go back to 1997, the year that Pokémon invaded Japanese screens and soon won the hearts of fans around the world. From the beginning, fan theories about potential romantic pairings within Pokémon has developed strongly. Ash and Misty, for example, have emerged as one of the couples that many fans push the boat on. However, they never culminated in a concrete romance between them.
It wasn’t until Serena showed up that it seemed like she was the only person fans could title Ash’s “true love.” Although Serena is not as iconic as Misty in the series Pokémon expansion, but she still holds a special place when it comes to Ash’s feelings. Not only did she get closer emotionally, but she also had the courage to express those feelings, something Misty could never do.
At that time, the fan community was divided between PokéShipping (Ash and Misty) and AmourShipping (Ash and Serena). Serena’s unique trait is her childhood connection with Ash. Their meeting seemed like a fateful one and laid the foundation for Serena’s declared love in seasons XY and XYZ. Unlike Misty, Serena even expressed her feelings with an implicit kiss, something that had never happened between Ash and Misty.
In spite of Pokémon may hint at the idea of Ash having a love interest, whether with Melody, Latias/Bianca or even Miette, but he himself never lets himself get too caught up in male-female feelings. Ash values his friendships above all else. The series emphasized this by showing Ash carrying precious souvenirs from his friends.
News that Ash will be leaving the series Pokémon has stirred the “boat-pushing hearts” of fans for the last time. With the reunion of Ash and Misty in the final 13 episodes dedicated to our protagonist, the hope for a romantic outcome has been renewed. But the reality is different, the interactions between the two characters are still pure and innocent, leaving no room for a romantic ending. The same thing happened to Serena at the end Pokémon Journeys a brief reunion with no emotional resolution.
Ash Ketchum’s eternal debate about love may never reach a clear conclusion, but one thing is certain, his heart is above all for adventure Pokémon.
Serena and Misty will continue to be important pieces in fans’ emotional memories. And Ash, the lone adventurer with a pure heart, may continue his journey without any romantic ties, preserving the innocence that defines his spirit. Pokémon.