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This article is about shipping. As hints and evidence for ships are mostly speculation, this page may contain POV.

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IkariShipping (Japanese: シヒカ ShinHika) is the name given to the Dawn (Hikari) and Paul (Shinji) coupling supported by many fans of the Pokémon anime. Although fairly new, many fanfictions, fanart, and fanvideos of this couple exist. So, this ship has become quite popular among the shipping communities, despite the fact that there is very little evidence for a romantic relationship between the two characters. However, most IkariShippers think Dawn and Paul are cute when they're shipped together.

Contents 1 Personality Clash 2 Evidence 2.1 Dawn's list of hints 2.2 Paul's list of hints 3 Other evidence 4 Alternate Names 5 External Links

Personality Clash

The fact that Dawn is optimistic and upbeat while Paul is cold-hearted and apathetic makes most fans think this ship is even less likely to actually happen. However, some IkariShippers believe that their polar opposite personalities make it more likely that Dawn and Paul will eventually get together.

Evidence

The following list is a summary of points in the Pokémon Anime that the majority of IkariShippers and other people believe points to possible romantic feelings between Paul and Dawn. Unlike PokéShipping or ContestShipping, these points have not yet been debated extensively, and the following summaries can at this point only be considered to be showing how IkariShippers interpret events, not as being a conclusive interpretation agreed upon by all.

Dawn's list of hints

Most other Shippers don't agree that Dawn's feelings towards Paul are important. In fact, out of all main and secondary characters, she is the only one who really shows any interest in Paul, or even in his skills.

• Different Strokes for Different Blokes

Dawn admired Paul when he easily captured a Ursaring, but he didn't return her sentiments.

• Shapes of Things to Come

Though this may be considered false or true due to opinion, Dawn was very excited to witness Paul's battle.

• A Gruff Act to Follow

Dawn tried to stop the argument between Paul and Ash. However, she got really mad about the fact that Paul didn't remember her at all.

Paul's list of hints

Paul does not seem to be as annoyed by her as he is with Ash and Brock. He even talks to her in a gentle tone.

• Shapes of Things to Come

As Dawn admits that she wants to watch him battle, Paul glances over her while saying: "I couldn't care less." Obviously, he doesn't seem to be annoyed by her since he doesn't mind if she's around him.

• A Maze-ing Race!

Paul met Dawn when she was separated from her friends. He seemed annoyed when he saw her, as Ash and Brock were not far behind. He talked to her calmly, though.

• Tag! We're It!

In this episode, Paul and Ash argue a lot about Paul's Chimchar. When Dawn makes a point, Paul responds calmly.

Other evidence

• Dawn's name starts with a D, while Paul's starts with a P, which are the initials of Diamond and Pearl. Many people think that this fact gives them a special bond.

Alternate Names

Despite the fact that the most people call the relationship between Paul and Dawn IkariShipping, it's known by a variety of names. A few are detailed below.

• ShinHika - The original (Japanese) term for the ship, using the standard Japanese naming method of combining parts from each characters name, starting with the dominant character.
• PADL - Standing for Paul And Dawn Love.
• Pawn - A combination of the English names Paul and Dawn

External Links

• Ikarishipping, shrine and fanlisting for Ikarishipping.

This article is part of Project Shipping, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on each couple in Pokémon.