List of major anime ships: Difference between revisions

Within the Pokémon anime, there are several times that certain emphasis is focused on two characters more than others and this can lead to fans imagining characters being in a relationship together. These can develop deeper over several seasons or arcs of the show or even be entirely based on individual episodes. The majority of these ships are based around {{Ash}} and [[Ash's friends|his friends]], or [[rival]] pairings within the series.

==Main cast ships==

[[Image:BoulderShipping.png|thumb|250px|Ash taking care of Brock]]

===Ash x Brock===

Commonly referred to as BoulderShipping (Japanese: '''サトタケ''' ''SatoTake''), referring to the {{badge|Boulder}} that Brock gives to {{pkmn|Trainers}} upon his defeat.

Serving as {{Ash}}'s longest travelling companion the {{an|Brock}} and Ash have a long history together, from the {{series|Original}} in [[Kanto]] through to [[Sinnoh]] in the {{series|Diamond and Pearl}} (with the exception of the [[S02|Orange Archipelago arc]]). Many of their interactions that BoulderShippers support revolves around the two characters caring for each other when sick or injured, such as in ''[[EP193|Sick Daze]]'' or ''[[DP156|A Meteoric Rise to Excellence!]]''. They are shown to work well together as well in [[Multi Battle|Tag Battles]], speaking to the strength of their relationship, as seen in ''[[AG177|Grating Spaces!]]'' and  ''[[DP076|A Full Course Tag Battle!]]''.

[[File:Pearlshipping.png|thumb|250px|left||Ash and Dawn holding hands in ''[[M10|The Rise of Darkrai]]'']]

Commonly known as PearlShipping (Japanese: '''サトヒカ''' ''SatoHika''), which originates from the belief that {{an|Dawn}}'s {{ga|Dawn|game persona}} would be linked to the {{ga|Barry|Pearl}} name upon {{2v2|Diamond|Pearl}}'s release before much was known about either the anime saga or Dawn's character.

Travelling with {{Ash}} through the Sinnoh region, it was through a lot of guidance from Ash and {{an|Brock}} that Dawn was able to develop into a capable {{pkmn|Trainer}}. PearlShippers commonly cite the many similarities between the two characters first journeys across their respective region, highlighting, in particular, the similarities in their Pokémon's behavior towards them, such as {{TP|Dawn|Piplup}} and {{TP|Ash|Pikachu}}'s initial mistrust of their partner, and the [[obedience|issues]] that they had getting their {{TP|Ash|Charizard}} and {{TP|Dawn|Mamoswine}} to obey them after evolving. In the Japanese version, it features one of the first opening theme duets in the form of [[High Touch!]], which is sung by Ash and Dawn's voice actors. This theme is frequently used as background music in moments of victory between the two, specifically highlighting the significance of a high five between them and the importance it has on their relationship.

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===Ash x Iris===

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[[File:SM005.png|250px|thumb|left|Ash and Lana hanging out in ''[[SM005|Yo, Ho, Ho! Go, Popplio!]]'']]

Commonly known as BlueAngelShipping (Japanese: '''サトスイ''' ''SatoSui''), referring to the color of {{an|Lana}}'s hair and her calm and gentle personality.

{{Ash}} and Lana are good friends, helping teach each others Pokémon and building upon the skills together as can be seen in ''[[SM005|Yo, Ho, Ho! Go, Popplio!]]''. Multiple times over the course of the {{series|Sun and Moon}} it was questioned by others as to whether they were a couple, such as [[Harper and Sarah]] in ''Yo, Ho, Ho! Go, Popplio!'' and [[Olivia]] in ''[[SM033|Big Sky, Small Fry!]]''.

[[File:Aether Paradise House anime.png|250px|thumb|Ash and Lillie in Lillie's room at Aether Paradise]]

Commonly known as AureliaShipping (Japanese: '''サトリー''' ''SatoRī'') where ''Aurelia'' is derived from the jellyfish species {{wp|Aurelia aurita}}, in reference to {{an|Lillie}}'s resemblance to {{p|Nihilego}}.

Ash and Lillie both joined the [[Pokémon School]] at the same time, quickly bonding with each other and their classmates. Ash admires Lillie's knowledge on Pokémon of the [[Alola]] region, and it was thanks to him that she was able to overcome her fear of touching Pokémon. In the opening theme [[Alola!!]] the two are parallelled as well with Ash being used to symbolise the sun and Lille to symbolize the moon.

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{{an|May}} is {{Ash}}'s first full time female companion after {{an|Misty}} left as a main character and accompanied him across both [[Hoenn]] and [[Kanto]]. She is a {{pkmn|Coordinator}} and the first companion of his to have a frequently visited goal in the series, aiming to win the [[Grand Festival]]. Throughout the series, characters mistakenly believed they were a couple as seen primarily in ''[[AG072|The Bicker The Better]]''. Their companionship is cemented during the ending of the [[Terracotta Town]] {{pkmn|Contest}} in ''[[AG192|Home is Where the Start Is]]'' where the final battle results in a draw and they split the winning [[ribbon]].

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[[File:Ash Misty Hold Hands.png|250px|thumb|Ash and Misty holding hands in ''[[EP020|The Ghost of Maiden's Peak]]'']]

Commonly known as PokéShipping (Japanese: '''サトカス''' ''SatoKasu''), originating from it being one of the first introduced ships within the anime. It has a strong history within the show and the surrounding media and adaptations.

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Commonly known as AmourShipping (Japanese: '''サトセレ''' ''SatoSere''), deriving from the French word for love, the region that [[Kalos]] is based on. This ship gained a lot of attention due to the revelation of the two characters knowing each other since their childhood. This was further assisted when the characters went their separate ways and it is heavily implied a kiss occurred between them.

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Commonly known as ShoppingShipping (Japanese: '''タケハル''' ''TakeHaru''), originating from the fact that {{an|Brock}} and {{an|May}} both enjoy shopping together. This was seen in ''[[AG009|Taming of the Shroomish]]'' and ''[[AG036|The Spheal of Approval]]''.

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[[File:Jessie James AG.png|220px|thumb|left|Jessie and James choose flight over fight in ''[[AG040|Watt's with Wattson?]]'']]

Commonly known as RocketShipping (Japanese: '''コジムサ''' ''KojiMusa''), based upon their careers as [[Team Rocket]] members. This ship has a lot of implied and creator confirmed evidence regarding it that appears in the other adaptations of the anime.

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Commonly known as GymShipping (Japanese: '''タケカス''' ''TakeKasu'') as both Misty and Brock are [[Gym Leader]]s.

{{an|Misty}} and {{an|Brock}} have shared many adventures with {{Ash}} over the course of the Pokémon series. As a result, they've also had many close moments, such as in ''[[EP013|Mystery at the Lighthouse]]'' where the two of them waltzed to {{p|Dragonite}}'s music, or in ''[[Snow Way Out!]]'' when they found a hot spring when they were separated from Ash. During the [[SS03|Johto]] arc of the anime, a running gag is developed where Brock, whenever confessing his feelings toward a female character, is pulled back into line by Misty.

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[[File:OrangeShipping.png|thumb|250px|left|Misty and Tracey holding hands]]

Commonly known as OrangeShipping (Japanese: '''ケンカス''' ''KenKasu''), named for the [[S02|second English series]] where {{Tracey}} debuted.

This pairing whilst given some evidence during the [[Orange Archipelago]] arc, mostly in their admiration of each other's knowledge and abilities, had their relationship primarily showcased in the Side Story episodes. Both {{an|Casey}} and [[Sakura]] mistook them for being a couple in their [[HS05|respective]] [[HS11|episodes]]. {{Daisy}} also asked Tracey to play a prince, opposite {{an|Misty}} as a mermaid, in a production by the [[Cerulean Gym]]. Tracey, gave Misty an {{pkmn|Egg}} that contained an {{TP|Misty|Azurill}} to hatch and care for. Finally, in ''[[BW142|The Dream Continues!]]'' when Ash is looking for Tracey, [[Professor Oak]] tells him that he is currently visiting Misty.

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[[File:Clemontic Gear Pokémon Power Meter.png|thumb|250px|Clemont showing an invention off to Serena]]

Commonly known as GeekChicShipping (Japanese: '''シトセレ''' ''CitSere'') named after the [[wp:Geek#Geek chic|geek chic]] fashion trend, and reflects their personalities: Clemont is geeky and Serena is {{wp|chic}}.

{{an|Serena}} and {{an|Clemont}} share a very positive friendship, with Clemont excited to teach and show Serena new things and Serena showing a lot of kindness and generosity in return. When [[Meyer]], Clemont's father, meets Serena in ''[[XY009|Clemont's Got a Secret!]]'', he teased Clemont by calling her his “beautiful girlfriend”. Clemont also trusts Serena enough to leave Bonnie in her care when he has to leave the group temporarily during ''[[XY062|The Future Is Now, Thanks to Determination!]]''. In ''[[XY105|Party Dancecapades!]]'', Serena asks Clemont to be her date to the party and invites him to dance.

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==Rival ships==

[[File:PalletShipping.png|250px|thumb|Ash and Gary in ''[[EP063|The Battle of the Badge]]'']]

===Ash x Gary===

The pair have always had a rivalry with [[Gary Oak|Gary]] frequently poking fun at {{Ash}} and bragging about his victories over Ash. Whereas Ash's drive and determination derive heavily from his rivalry with Gary. To the point where early on in the series Ash actually follows Gary to new regions, even after he decides to start being a [[Pokémon Professor|Pokémon Researcher]]. [[Delia Ketchum|Delia]] and {{an|Professor Oak}} also comment during the [[Silver Conference]] that the two share a very close friendship. This is solidified by the matching broken {{i|Poké Ball}} halves they share.

[[File:Cilan Burgundy.png|thumb|250px|left|Burgundy and Cilan]]

===Cilan x Burgundy===

Commonly known as SommelierShipping (Japanese: '''デンカベ''' ''DenCabe''), named for the Japanese name of their specialization as [[Pokémon Connoisseur]]s.

===Dawn x Conway===

Commonly known as HeatTagShipping (Japanese: '''コウヒカ''' ''KouHika''). The name comes from its original coiner always missing the 'r' in Hearthome, coming out with the word 'Heat'. 'Tag' is short for tag team.

Dawn first met Conway in [[Hearthome City]] in ''[[DP050|Tag, We're It!]]''. Both joined the [[Hearthome City Tag Battle Competition]] and were partnered where Dawn was impressed with Conway's battling ability. The two met again in ''[[DP088|Camping It Up!]]'' when both enrolled as students in [[Professor Rowan]]'s [[Pokémon Summer Academy]] where Conway promises to protect Dawn.

Commonly known as ContestShipping (Japanese: '''シュウハル''' ''ShuuHaru''), as both {{an|May}} and [[Drew]] compete in [[Pokémon Contest]]s.

The relationship between May and Drew is very similar to that of {{Ash}} and [[Gary Oak|Gary]] in the way they acted towards each other. With Drew being critical and arrogant towards May, and May being irked by his actions, constantly striving to better him. Early on, Drew made a habit of gifting May roses with the excuse they were for her Pokémon, this is even played for comedy later when May receives a rose from an unknown person and she assumes it's from Drew. Multiple characters over the course of the series tease the pair about their potential interest in each other including [[Harley]], {{an|Brock}}, [[Caroline]], [[Brianna]], [[Jessie]], [[Max]] and [[Solidad]].

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[[File:Ash Angie Summit Medal.png|thumb|250px|Ash and Angie with the Summit Medal]]

Commonly known as MorpheusShipping (Japanese: '''サトアオ''' ''SatoAo''), which originates from [[wp:Morpheus (mythology)|Morpheus]], the Greek god of dreams, to represent their mutual feelings for their lessons (by sleeping through them).

It is confirmed on [[Angie]]'s side that she developed feelings for {{Ash}} over the course of the [[Pokémon Summer Academy]] arc after Ash saves her from falling down a cliff and protects her from the [[ghost girl]]. During ''[[DP098|If the Scarf Fits, Wear It!]]'' Ash defends Angie's actions to her parents, and after the conclusion of the episode, her parents joke about the two of them getting married.

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[[File:Diamond Pearl 2009 14.png|thumb|250px|left|DVD cover featuring Ash, Dawn, Khoury and Lyra]]

Commonly known as PokéSilverShipping (Japanese: '''サトコト''' ''SatoKoto''), and is likely to be derived from the fact that {{ga|Lyra|Lyra's game counterpart}} is the female playable character of {{2v2|HeartGold|SoulSilver}}. It was formerly a one-sided canon ship on {{an|Lyra}}'s side until she developed feelings for [[Khoury]].

It is implied in ''[[DP144|Gone With the Windworks!]]'' that Lyra has an interest in {{Ash}} when she considers him a potential marriage candidate. She admires his bravery and wishes [[Khoury]] acted more like him. Lyra has even asked {{an|Dawn}} if she and Ash are a couple, though Dawn informed her that they are just friends. In ''[[DP145|A Rivalry to Gible On!]]'', Lyra attempted to pair Khoury and Dawn together as a couple, despite Dawn's refusal, before eventually realizing she had feelings for Khoury.

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===Ash x Miette===

Commonly known as PoffleShipping (Japanese: '''サトミル''' ''SatoMiru'') and is likely to be derived from the fact that in [[Miette]]'s debut episode she was featured in a [[Poké Puff Contest]]. It is a one-sided canon ship on Miette's side when she announced her feelings to {{an|Serena}} indicating they were rivals not just in competition, but also for {{Ash}}'s affection.

During ''[[XY026|A Battle by Any Other Name!]]'' Miette admires {{Ash}}'s bravery against {{TRT}}, and in the end tells {{an|Serena}} about her feelings for {{Ash}}. Later in ''[[XY079|Performing with Fiery Charm!]]'', Miette reminds Serena she hasn't forgotten about their "other" competition, referring to Ash. She asks to dance with him as well during ''[[XY105|Party Dancecapades!]]''.

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Commonly known as TeenCareShipping.

{{an|Brock}} first met [[Holly]] during the [[Hearthome City Tag Battle Competition]], where they were [[Multi Battle|Tag Battle]] partners in the tournament. Despite her initial disinterest she quickly began admiring him as the tournament progressed, and even getting jealous when Brock expressed interest in [[Nurse Joy]]. After their loss in ''[[DP052|Smells Like Team Spirit!]]'' Brock comforts her and afterward, she leaves so that she can become a better partner for him. Brock is saddened to find she left without saying goodbye and that he may have lost his chance at love.

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===Brock x Ivy===

Commonly known as TraumaShipping, which originated from how {{an|Brock}} develops a depressive fright just at the mention of [[Professor Ivy]]'s name.

It was formerly a one-sided canon relationship on Brock's side, going above and beyond in helping her with her research, however, he is no longer interested in her.

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In ''[[EP028|Pokémon Fashion Flash]]'' Brock initially wanted to be one of Suzie's students, but she said she was too busy to take on pupils, greatly admiring her skills and wanting to learn more himself. He takes to heart her philosophy of [[Friendship|close personal relationships]] with Pokémon was the most important thing in [[Pokémon training|raising]] them. At the culmination of the episode, she leaves her Vulpix in her care and leaves to begin her own journey. They're reunited in ''[[EP169|Beauty and the Breeder]]'' when she requests to meet up with Brock and Vulpix again. After seeing Suzie and [[Zane]] work together, Brock realizes that he and Suzie would never be anything more than good friends and he decides to leave Vulpix back with Suzie saying he was just looking after it for some time.

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===Dawn x Kenny===

Commonly known as PenguinShipping (Japanese: '''ケンヒカ''' ''KenHika''), originating from the fact that both of them have members of the {{p|Piplup}} [[evolution]] family. Due to being childhood friends and now contest rivals, it has been shown that he and Dawn know each other well. As a running gag in the series, Kenny calls Dawn ''Dee-Dee'' (Japanese: '''ピカリ''' ''Pikari'').

Over the course of the {{series|Diamond and Pearl}} Kenny's frequently shown to be flustered towards Dawn, and overly concerned for her wellbeing despite their rivalry. This culminates in {{an|Brock}} recognizing Kenny's affections during ''[[DP180|Four Roads Diverged in a Pokémon Port!]]'' and trying to give him advice on talking to Dawn about his feelings. When Kenny tells Dawn that he wants to go on a journey with her, he says, "I know this is a bit sudden, but I ''had'' to tell you how I feel!" He then runs off, and Dawn seems to be conflicted about Kenny's offer to go back to Twinleaf Town with him or going to the Sinnoh League with Ash. When Dawn sees how upset Kenny is after agreeing to let her go with Ash, she becomes saddened. Later, she leaves a note—as well as a Piplup figurine—behind at the [[Vista Lighthouse]], wishing Kenny luck in the future. She then waves goodbye to Kenny while she's on the boat heading to [[Lily of the Valley Island]] as he stands at the lighthouse.

[[File:QuestShipping.png|thumb|220px|right|Jimmy and Marina]]

Commonly known as QuestShipping (Japanese: '''ケンマリ''' ''KenMari'').

Appearing during ''[[The Legend of Thunder!]]'' specials, it is heavily implied that there is mutual unspoken interest between {{jo|Jimmy}} and {{jo|Marina}}, despite other characters, such as [[Vincent]] and [[Jimmy's Typhlosion]] noticing and taunting Jimmy about it. During the third part when Marina is rescued, Jimmy and Marina share a knowing look, and when they part ways, Marina calls Vincent on her [[Pokégear]] to make sure he has her number. Also Jimmy and Marina is based on {{ga|Ethan}} and {{ga|Kris}} from {{game|Crystal}}.

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===Other one-sided canon ships===

{| class="roundy" style="margin:auto; background:#{{orange color}}; border:3px solid #{{gold color}}; text-align:center"

! style="background-color:#{{gold color light}}; {{roundytl|5px}}" | Ship Name

! style="background-color:#{{gold color light}}" | Characters involved

! style="background-color:#{{gold color light}}; {{roundytr|5px}}" | Key Episodes

|- style="background:#fff"

| [[EP198]]

| {{an|Iris}}'s {{TP|Iris|Axew}} x {{an|Iris}}'s {{TP|Iris|Emolga}}

|- style="background:#fff"

|- style="background:#fff"

|}

[[File:ValleyShipping.png|thumb|250px|Charla standing with Ash's Charizard affectionately]]

===Ash's Charizard x Charla===

Commonly known as ValleyShipping, named for the [[Charicific Valley]], where both {{p|Charizard}} live for a length of time.

When {{AP|Charizard}}, {{jo|Liza}} and [[Charla]] return in ''[[EP253|Great Bowls of Fire!]]'', [[Clair]] points out how close the two Charaizard are, with {{an|Misty}} even calling them lovebirds after Charla cuddles up to Charizard.

Commonly known as LagomorphShipping, which originates from {{wp|Lagomorpha}}, the order that rabbits and {{wp|pika}}s belong to, connecting to {{p|Buneary}} being based on real-world rabbits, and "pika" being in {{p|Pikachu}}'s name.

This pairing is one-sided canon on {{MTR}}'s side and is brought up multiple times throughout the series. It is explored primarily in ''[[EP070|Go West Young Meowth]]''. Meowth fell in love with [[Meowzie]] but had nothing to offer her that her owner couldn't provide, so to impress her he learned to speak and walk on two legs. Upon doing so, however, she considered him a freak regardless of his motivations.

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[[File:KrazyShipping.png|250px|thumb|left|Meowth and Pikachu dancing, in the [[Polka O Dolka]] ending theme]]

===Pikachu x Meowth===

Commonly known as KrazyShipping (Japanese: '''ニャピカ''' ''NyaPika''), which references ''{{wp|Krazy Kat}}'', a comic strip from the early 20th century about a cat who was in love with a mouse, while the mouse hated the cat.

Despite the differences between {{MTR}} and {{AP|Pikachu}} fans of this pairing think that there is some basis for a relationship and have been shown to work well together when they have to, such as in ''[[EP017|Island of the Giant Pokémon]]'' and ''[[EP104|Bound for Trouble]]''. In ''[[AG089|A Scare to Remember]]'', Pikachu gets amnesia and is actually caught by the Rocket trio. Although Meowth does trick Pikachu into thinking it was raised by {{TRT}}, throughout the episode, Meowth admits he feels guilty about tricking Pikachu. Finally, in the [[Polka O Dolka]] ending, Meowth and Pikachu are seen dancing together.