Ash Ketchum, the main character of the Pokémon anime, has had a few different love interests over the course of the long-running series. However, there is one girl who stands out as Ash’s true love based on their history together and their ongoing bond. In this article, we’ll look at the evidence pointing to who Ash’s one true love really is.
What is Ash and Misty’s Relationship?
The strongest case can be made for Misty being Ash’s true love. Misty and Ash meet early on in the first season of the Pokémon anime after Misty fishes Ash out of a river after he’s fleeing from a flock of angry Spearow. Though they initially butt heads, Ash and Misty end up traveling together through multiple regions as she decides to follow him on his Pokémon journey to get her damaged bike replaced.
Over their time together, Ash and Misty form a very close bond. They have endless silly arguments but are also always there for each other when it really counts. Misty provides emotional support to Ash and cheers him on. She acts as a mentor at times, teaching him about Pokémon and advising him on battles. There are numerous hints of an underlying romantic affection between them.
For example, Misty becomes jealous any time other girls show interest in Ash, like when Melody kissed him in the second Pokémon movie. She’s always rooting for him and wants his attention focused on her over other girls. In Pokémon 3: The Movie, Misty even says “That’s what I like about you, Ash. I’m glad we’re friends.” This implies she may like him as more than a friend.
Evidence that Misty Likes Ash
There are some specific episodes where Misty’s true feelings for Ash seem apparent:
- In the episode “Pokémon Fashion Flash,” Misty is jealous when Ash pays more attention to his Pokémon’s grooming than to her and says things like “Maybe he likes his Pokémon more than me.”
- In the episode “Forest Grumps,” Misty gets very upset when she mistakenly thinks Ash likes someone else.
- In “The Screen Actor’s Guilt,” Misty wants Ash to compliment her more and pay attention to her over other girls.
Evidence that Ash Likes Misty
Though dense at times, there are hints that Ash may harbor romantic feelings for Misty too:
- He is unaware of other girl’s interest in him but does seem attentive to Misty’s moods and feelings specifically.
- In “Wherefore Art Thou, Pokémon” Ash crosses paths with a boy named Ralph who looks very similar to him and is competing for the affection of a girl who resembles Misty. In the end, the lookalike couple say they were brought together because their friends who looked like Ash and Misty were pushing them together. This implies Ash and Misty belong together too.
- In “Gotta Catch Ya Later!” when Misty has to leave to take over the Cerulean City gym, Ash becomes very upset and lonely, which shows how much he had gotten used to having her around.
Misty’s Continued Importance in the Anime
Even after Misty stops traveling with Ash full-time, she remains a significant part of the anime and Ash’s life. She makes guest appearances in seasons and movies after her departure. Her effect on Ash is still apparent as he excitedly greets her whenever their paths cross again.
Some examples of Misty’s ongoing role include:
- Misty returns to visit Ash in the Hoenn region in “The Princess and the Togepi” and “A Togepi Mirage!” episodes. She is also featured prominently in Pokémon: Jirachi Wish Maker movie set in Hoenn.
- During Diamond and Pearl seasons, Misty appears in “An Old Family Blend!” when Ash returns to Kanto and stays with theSensational Sisters.
- In the Best Wishes series, Misty guest stars in “Fishing Trip Shenanigans!” when the group visits Kanto again. She and Ash have several sweet moments, like him knowing her lure is special to her.
- Misty comes back during the Sun and Moon arc of the anime in the episode “Alola, Kanto!” when Ash thinks back fondly on meeting her after returning home.
Clearly the writers want to remind viewers of the emotional connection between Ash and Misty whenever possible. Having her make cameos shows how she’s meant to be tied to him as he journeys to new places.
Serena Has One-Sided Interest in Ash
The Pokémon XY and XYZ seasons introduced Serena as a new potential love interest for Ash. She meets him at a summer camp in their youth and is unable to forget him after he helps her out. Years later when they reunite, Serena develops a crush and is shown blushing around Ash frequently.
While Serena’s feelings are unambiguously romantic, Ash never shows any overt signs of reciprocating. He cares for her as a friend but seems oblivious to her hints. Even when Serena kisses Ash on the cheek after their journey ends, he seems surprised and unaffected. Their interactions lack the emotional gravity of Ash and Misty’s exchanges.
Evidence that Serena Likes Ash
- Serena blushes when speaking to Ash and when witnessing him do kind things for others.
- She gets jealous when other girls like Miette flirt with Ash.
- Serena was devastated when Ash briefly left their journey.
- She created a gift for him and took time to learn how to bake just because he once complimented her strawberry cake as a kid.
Lack of Evidence for Ash Liking Serena Back
- Ash never blushes or acts nervous around Serena, unlike his reactions sometimes with Misty.
- He seems oblivious to Serena’s interest in him and feelings for him.
- Ash doesn’t change his goals or priorities for Serena. With Misty, he occasionally puts his quest aside if she needs urgent help.
- He is close with Serena as a friend but there aren’t overt hints he has deeper romantic attachment.
While Serena and Ash have some sweet moments, there isn’t much reciprocity in their dynamic. Serena crushes on Ash but he never indicates he sees her as more than a friend. Their bond doesn’t compare to the deeper, sprouting romance between him and Misty.
May and Dawn Have Friendships with Ash
Two other female companions of Ash’s, May and Dawn, are also possible contenders for his love interest. But much like with Serena, their relationships stay platonic. Ash doesn’t show distinguishable special interest in either girl compared to his other friends.
May
- Ash and May have mutual respect for each other’s skills and assist one another in contests/battles.
- Their relationship is friendly, without romantic overtones.
- May looks more to Ash as an inspiration/mentor for coordinating rather than a romantic figure.
Dawn
- Dawn sometimes chides or scolds Ash but also cheers him on during gym battles.
- She admires his determination and caring for Pokémon.
- No overt signs of attraction from either Ash or Dawn are displayed.
While Ash forms strong bonds with both May and Dawn over their shared interests, their relationships stay in the friend zone rather than displaying budding romance.
Misty Stands Out as the One for Ash
After looking at several of Ash’s closest female friends and companions, Misty stands out as the one with the most history and hints of requited deeper feelings. Some key points:
- Misty and Ash met early in his Pokémon journey and formed an immediate unbreakable connection.
- They support and motivate one another through ongoing adventures over years.
- Both show subtle signs of jealousy and extra attention paid to the other compared to friends.
- Misty continues to play a special role in Ash’s life even after they no longer travel together constantly.
No other girl has the same emotional weight and importance to Ash as Misty does. Their relationship has layers, ranging from snippy rivals, trusted friends, and probable crush. Ash and Misty have a timeless bond that suggests they are meant to be lifelong soulmates.
Conclusion
In summary, despite meeting many potential female love interests over his journey, Ash’s true love is most likely his first travel companion Misty. They have an incomparable connection that stands the test of time and distance. From squabbling friends to soulmates, Ash and Misty’s romance seems inevitable based on their enduring history together andSYMBOL 176unbreakableSYMBOL 175 bond.