PokéShipping

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

File:Pokeship.jpg

Ash and Misty in The Electric Tale of Pikachu manga.

PokéShipping is one of the many names given to the Ash/Misty coupling supported by many fans of the Pokémon anime. In the early years of the fandom, PokéShipping was the most popular ship in existence and it still maintains a strong following to this day.

Evidence

Misty's

Most other shippers agree that Misty's love for Ash is undeniable. In fact, out of all the major and secondary characters, she is the only one who has made her romantic intentions apparent. This evidence became more prevalent throughout the Orange Season.

• Ash Catches a Pokémon

Ash, willing to continue his journey alone, is followed by Misty. Upon noticing her pursuing him in Viridian Forest, Ash puts her on the spot and asks her, "Why are you still following me?". Misty sweatdrops and unconvincingly stutters back, "M...My bike! I'm holding you responsible for my bike!" in an insincere manner.

Why she is following him is made apparent near the end of the episode where she says, "I've never known anyone like him. He really does love Pokémon." She does so in body language befitting that of an infatuated girl. Also, in her statement, it is pretty much implied that she has some sort of interest in knowing Ash, who, at this point, is someone she barely knows.

• The Water Flowers of Cerulean City

When Misty tells Daisy that she's back home because of Ash, Daisy thinks that Ash and Misty are a couple, which cause Misty to blush.

• The School of Hard Knocks

In this episode, when Ash and Brock fall in love with Giselle, Misty gets mad. Some say that she has jealous because of Ash, but others say that was because of Brock.

• Pokémon Fashion Flash

In this episode, when they see the ad for the salon, Misty grabs Ash's arm. Also when Misty goes missing, Ash expresses extreme concern.

• The Tower of Terror

In the episode, when Misty thought that Ash had died, she is driven to almost tears, but is interrupted by Ash who comes back to life and wipes her nose and blushes.

• Poké Ball Peril

Near the end of the episode, with Brock having left Ash and Misty to travel alone, James says "I think we may have captured a pair of romantic creatures in our little cage," after which Jessie swoons and Meowth blurts out, "They're lovebirds!" The idea of Ash and Misty as a couple becomes a sub-theme throughout the subsequent Orange League Season, culminating into events in the 2nd movie. Ash and Misty deny it all.

• Navel Maneuvers

Danny, the Navel Island Gym Leader, quickly picks up on the nature of Ash and Misty's relationship during one of their arguments and says, "I can see the two of you are pretty close." After Misty asks what he meant by that, he replied, "What's that saying? 'You always hurt the one you love'..."

• Wherefore Art Thou, Pokémon

After the Nidoran kiss and evolve, Tracey comments about whether the battle or the kiss made them evolve. The idea of kissing embarrasses Misty and provokes Ash to ask the question, "Do people change when they get kissed?" after which Misty answers to him, "Guess we'll have to find out ourselves..." Earlier in the episode, Tracey compared the interaction between the Nidoran's trainers to the relationship between Misty and Ash (although both vehemently deny it).

• Get Along, Little Pokémon!

Misty yells, "BE CAREFUL ASH!" before he goes to save the Magnemite. Misty has done this on many occasions.

• Misty Meets Her Match

This entire episode alone serves as conclusive evidence that Misty not only likes Ash but possibly has developed a case of young love for him. Rudy, the Trovita Island Gym Leader, has a case of "love at first sight" with Misty after she saves his sister Mahri. After several advances from Rudy, Misty agrees to what is essentially an impromptu date with Rudy, leaving Ash and Tracey to themselves.

According to accounts of the original Japanese version, during the dance after the date, Rudy not only asked Misty to stay on the island, but to marry him. What is significant here is that Misty was actually considering his proposal, evidenced by the fact that she didn't refuse him outright. Throughout Ash's gym battle with Rudy, Misty is clearly torn between deciding which boy meant more to her, finally rooting for Ash in the end as Squirtle is hit by a Thunderbolt from Rudy's Starmie. Rudy, in shock mutters, "She wants him."

The fact that Ash started losing during this battle is probably because of his stress of Rudy liking Misty, but is then inspired by Misty's advice.

• The Stun Spore Detour

Every time that Tracey and Ash need attention Misty comes to Ash first or expresses more concern for Ash.

• The Power of One

P2K, otherwise known as 'The Power of One', or 'Revelation Lugia' is the conclusion to everything related to Misty's love for Ash in the Orange Season. In this movie, Misty gets competition in the form of Melody, the Festival Maiden of the Legend Ceremony. Melody, upon greeting our heroes, immediately comes up to Ash and plants a kiss on his cheek, provoking a glare of jealousy from Misty. Also, after Melody's performance at the festival party, she quickly kneels in front of Ash and grabs hold of his arm, provoking Misty to gasp and growl again in subdued jealousy.

Also, upon being called Ash's boyfriend, Misty blushes uncontrollably.

Near the end, Misty openly admits to Melody that Ash is "her burden" and goes off to rescue him in Melody's place, stating that he'll never be alone as he'll always have her, which Melody respects (due to the constant debating between her and Misty of Misty liking Ash throughout the movie).

• Snubbull Snobbery

Misty finds a star map, and Ash says, "I know where the stars are, Misty." Misty giggles and blushes after that remark.

• A Better Pill To Swallow

When Old Man Shuckle gives Ash his medicine and the medicine explodes in Ash's stomach, Misty asks Old Man Shuckle what he gave Ash. He reveals that it was Pokémon medicine, and Misty gets really angry. She calms once Ash wakes up and says, "You know what? My stomach-ache is all gone!"

• The Light Fantastic

When Misty introduces Ash to Nurse Joy, Joy quickly exclaims, "What a little cutie!" referring to Pikachu on Ash's head. But Misty and Brock mistakenly think she's referring to Ash. Brock is left completely shocked, but Misty not only gets shocked, but quickly develops the same jealous expression she displayed when Melody flirted with Ash.

• "Spring Fever"

On this and many other occasions in the series, when Ash falls into Team Rocket's trap Misty (off camera) runs toward Ash and passionately grabs his arm to get him back to safety.

• The Heartbreak of Brock

After Temacu expresses her thoughts about marriage to Brock, Misty says to Ash, "Someday, we'll be married too." And Ash nods his head without realizing what she had just said. She could have easily meant that they would be married someday to different people, not necessarily to each other. However, that's a dub edit. In the original, Misty said "Looks like she fell for Takeshi (Brock) in first sight."

While giving a pep talk to Brock about pursuing a possible relationship with Temacu, Misty says, "Take it from me, it's a lot easier to like someone who likes you than to like someone who doesn't." Brock then asks her "How do you know?", after which Misty gasps, blushes, then coyly replies "Well that's...what I've heard..." She is not referring to Brock (much to the dismay of GymShippers) since she is openly encouraging Brock to pursue Temacu.

• Love, Pokémon Style

When Macy first invites Ash out to lunch, Misty quickly cuts in between the two and comments that Ash is "booked". Later in the same scene, Macy question's Misty's right to interrupt in Ash's personal affairs when she's not his girlfriend. Misty looks quite unimpressed as Macy continues to flirt with Ash.

• Gotta Catch Ya Later

Editor's note: This episode is currently under debate on the merits of some scenes. Therefore this episode's entry should be considered incomplete.

The departure of Misty from the group is a very emotional affair. After all is said and done, Misty says to herself, "Well, Ash Ketchum, finally, I know how you feel about me".

In this episode, Misty gives Ash her handkerchief. Apparently, in Japan that means that a girl cares for a boy.

Misty got her own good-bye song (which completely left Brock out). Ash was pretty clueless about how upset Misty was when they found out she had to leave, but when they actually parted, he did say that she’s his best friend, and cried when they left.

• A Date With Delcatty

In the original version, Misty initially rejects Georgio because there is "someone else". Taking into account of Misty's evident feelings in the series prior to this episode, it is inferred that Misty was making a reference to Ash.

• Pokémon Live

In this show, Misty yearns to tell her feelings for Ash, but is too afraid to tell him.

Various songs

• Misty's Song is a song from the 2BA MASTER Soundtrack in which Misty sings that she loves Ash. She also says that she wants confess her love to Ash, this one of the strongest pieces of evidence for PokeShipping, though the canonicity of the track is unclear (there's nothing to specifically contradict it, but the song has never been used in the anime). It was written by Ken Cummings and directed by John Loeffler for the 2BA MASTER Soundtrack.
  • Ash does not have a song for Misty.
• On the Pokémon Christmas Bash CD there are two songs that show strong evidence of her feelings towards Ash.
  • The first song on the CD entitled Pokémon Christmas Bash has the three main characters along with Team Rocket singing about what they want for Christmas. In Misty's stanza she sings " Hey Santa if you're really listenin' My wishlist has only one thing, Just gimme one dance with Ash, At the Pokémon Christmas bash!".
  • Another song on the CD called Under the Mistletoe has Misty singing about how she wants Ash to know her feeling for him and about how she wants to meet Ash under the mistletoe. On the other hand, Ash is singing about how he hopes to not to be caught under the mistletoe, although at first he doesn't move away- many fans claim this is shipping from Ash's side. Near the song's end, after leaving Ash feeling paranoid about the mistletoe, Misty has got Ash under the mistletoe. Ash realizes this, freaks out, and runs off to eat more cookies while leaving Misty wondering what his problem is.
• Toi et Moi, the Japanese ending song of The Power of One, references PokéShipping several times, all from Misty's perspective; in particular, the reference to saving the one she loves from drowning (as in the movie.)

Ash's

Even PokéShippers will admit that Ash has not shown any overt proof of liking Misty. This reality often provokes shippers opposed to PokéShipping (especially PalletShippers) to question Ash's sexual orientation as well. However, what Pokéshippers believe is that Ash is capable of liking Misty, and furthermore, that Ash is undeniably heterosexual. This list combines evidence of both those facts.

• Ghost of Maiden's Peak:

Our hero does a double take when Misty appears with her hair down and dressed in a formal kimono. Upon seeing her, the camera switches to his perspective, the bubbly background usually associated with passionate moments is used, romantic harp strings are played, and Misty's surprised facial expression clearly shows she is being looked at with interest. Also, the entire theme of the episode was romance-oriented, so it's only logical to assume this scene between Ash and Misty is as well.

• Princess vs. Princess

Ash, thinking Misty is entering the Princess Festival Contest to take a picture with the movie star host, gets a little jealous, groaning with his arms crossed, "You must really want that picture with Fiorello...". Surprisingly, Misty reassures him she's only doing it for the doll set. Ash, whether he's aware of it or not, feels threatened by the presence of another male in Misty's life.

• Navel Maneuvers

Climbing Navel Island's central mountain, Misty tells Danny the gym leader to be extra careful. Seeing how much concern Misty is giving to Danny, Ash with the same jealous expression yells, "What's she so worried about him for?!". He's distracted so much by Misty's little crush on Danny that he loses his concentration and falls down the mountain a bit. Much like his behavior in "Princess vs. Princess", another male getting Misty's attention seems to bother him.

• Get Along Little Pokemon

As the rain storm approaches and as Misty is unable to walk, Ash grabs Misty by the hand, arm and the rest of her body and leads her caressingly towards the cave. Afterwords, he stares at her with care in his eyes.

• For Crying Out Loud

When Misty, Pikachu, and Wilhemina's Marill are lost on an island and the others go to find them, Ash mutters, "Don't worry, we'll find Misty," not even mentioning Marill or his beloved Pikachu.

• Buizel Your Way Out of This

In this episode when Ash and the others are fishing Ash uses the special lure Misty made for him, and when Dawn asked if she could use it Ash refused causing them both to argue, but while they were distracted a Buizel came and took their lure's causing Ash to get panicked and with all his determination he planned to get the lure back, once it was returned he seemed very happy and relieved.

Other hints

For those already convinced about PokéShipping, there do exist events which suggest inconclusively, something along the lines of romance. But the difference between hints and proofs are that proofs are essentially ironclad and undebatable in contemporary debate, whereas hints are quite debatable, and are open to interpretation. The following is a listing of some that are considered to be debatable hints, all of which vary in strength and worth.

• Showdown at Pewter City

Misty is surprisingly eager to start a Pokémon-sharing relationship with Ash in this episode and gets very upset when Ash refuses. Later, while Ash is charging up Pikachu's electric sacs, Misty again offers help to Ash and gets snubbed. She then grumbles and says, "What do I care..." and runs off. Misty somewhat admits by her behavior and dialogue that she's really interested in getting to know him better.

• Clefairy and the Moon Stone

Misty, at the beginning of this episode, continually keeps mentioning how "romantic" the surroundings are. She continues to do this not only in this episode, but subsequent episodes as well.

• The Waterflowers of Cerulean City

At the outskirts of Cerulean City, Misty attempts to dissuade Ash from going into the city by tempting him to go to Vermilion City. She does so by mentioning the "neat Pokémon, the yachts pulling into the harbor, and a spot way up on a hill where you can sit and watch a romantic sunset". The mentioning of a romantic scene subtly suggests what she might have intended for all along, especially with how many times she's talked about romantic things in previous episodes.

• Electric Shock Showdown!

After Nurse Joy breaks up an argument between the two of them, she comments that they say when two people fight, they really care about each other; although Ash and Misty instantly reject the idea, they are both blushing slightly when they turn away from the other.

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Ash's ghost lifting Misty up in the air in The Tower of Terror

• The Tower of Terror

When Ash enters the tower alone to try and catch a Ghost Pokémon, and is subsequently briefly separated from his body, Misty is the first one of her and Brock to express concern about how long Ash and Pikachu are taking inside. When Ash hovers beside her in his ghost form and lifts her in the air, Misty is the only one who can hear him despite Brock standing only a foot or so away from her, potentially hinting at a closer bond between the two. Also, before Ash and Pikachu return to their bodies, Misty is visibly near to tears as she pleads for Ash to wake up, and blushes immensely when he wakes up and greets her.

• Pokémon Scent-sation!

Misty, unaware that Ash is disguised as a girl among the crowd and using the same girlish demeanor she used in "Ash Catches A Pokémon", dreamily admits to the group, "I wish Ash would've heard that story..." She openly is expressing a desire for Ash's presence.

Also, during Ash's gym battle with Erika, the girls in the crowd start acknowledging Ash's skill and how much more impressive he is than he looks, provoking Misty to smile with reassurance.

• EP035

At the beginning of this episode, Ash is marching and singing. Misty is right behind him and longingly stares at him until they reach the Safari Zone warden's house. After Ash sings out his last lines, Misty imitates his enthusiasm and sings her own lines as well. Of course, "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery."

Also, later in the episode, when Ash is about to dive in the water to grab the bomb that Team Rocket threw in there, Misty stops him, and says that it is too dangerous. Although this hint is under debate simply because it could be merely her worrying for Ash, ( as a friend would do ), she also sends down her Starmie to save Ash after he is down there for too long. And afterward, when he comes back up, Misty smiles and is thrilled that he is alive, with a blush apparent.

• March of the Exeggutor Squad

Misty goes into perhaps the most extreme fits of blushing in the history of the series, all provoked by a simple compliment from Ash about her skimpy stage outfit. No one blushes like that out of mere embarrassment. She clearly holds Ash's opinion of her in exclusive priority.

• The Song of Jigglypuff

As Jigglypuff begins singing in the woods, Ash and Brock are standing next to each other while Pikachu and Misty are sitting a couple feet away. After Jigglypuff is done singing, Brock and Pikachu are sprawled out asleep by themselves while Misty and Ash are slumped against each other. It might not have meant anything if the two were already standing by each other, in which case it would have just been convenient, but they weren't. Either they moved into this position because they are very comfortable with each other, or the director(s) might have just thrown this in to plant an idea. It is also interesting to note that when they wake up, Misty comments, "What a nice nap."

• The Misty Mermaid

At the end of this episode, Ash tells Misty how amazing she was at her performance of the underwater play. Misty disproportionately calls Ash's comments "sweet talk" and reminds him of the bike he owes her, something she supposedly forgot about back on Cinnabar Island.

• Make Room for Gloom

Upon arriving at the Xanadu Nursery, Brock spies on a pretty girl behind the window, after which Ash comes to look and says he doesn't see a pretty girl. Misty then says, "Just turn around" and giggles, clearly addressing Ash. Ash then jokes about her hallucinating, then starts chuckling.

Ash, finally spotting a Gloom behind the window, asks Brock if "he's getting 'misty' over a gloom," This causes Misty to pull Ash's mouth wide with her fingers and ask him what is he saying about her, mistaking Ash's 'misty' comment with herself. Both seem to be blushing in the midst of their playfulness.

• Forest Grumps

At the beginning of the episode, Ash and Misty are surprisingly close to one another while tending to their Pokémon. Brock on the other hand is away from them asleep behind a tree.

Upon reunion, Ash and Misty exclaim each other's names in joy while the camera focuses on their faces. What's interesting to note is how the scripting and animation seem to focus just on their reunion alone.

• The Right Place and the Right Mime

When Ash finally arrives home after his travels in Hoenn, he finds Misty at his house. She makes a point of being there, specifically so that she could see Ash as soon as he arrived back from Hoenn even though she apparently has no idea how soon exactly he would be returning. For all she knew, she could have been expecting a wait spanning multiple weeks.

Azurill is a good excuse to go down there but it does not explain her behavior:

Why did she stay at Ash's mother's house, and not at Oak's laboratory?

Why was she waiting at Ash's mother's house for days and days for Ash's arrival, especially given that they didn't know exactly how long Ash would take to return?

Why was she so concerned about getting to see Ash as soon as he arrived?

How can her somewhat wistfully delivered line of how Ash is the same as always be explained?

Why couldn't she have simply delayed her trip down there until Ash had already arrived?

• Under the Mistletoe

This song includes hints from both. Ash sings about that he is happy tonight and Misty sings about she knows she will meet her true mistletoe. Later during this song, Misty comments that she and Ash stand under the mistletoe. Also, both sing they want to tell something to St. Nicholas.

• Misty constantly yelled at and insulted Ash through out the show, and is an example of the hiding of feelings for children of that age, however depending on how much older they have gotten since they had met, this may or may not be a very big clue.

Alternate names

PokéShipping, as with many of the more popular Ships, is known by a variety of different names. Following the emergence of PokéShipping from amongst these as the de-facto standard, the other names have become associated with certain groups within the PokéShipping fandom, or certain methods of shipping. A prominent few are detailed below.

• GakiShipping - An early term coined around the same time as TwerpShipping, the name was originally meant to be descriptive of both Ash & Misty being gakis (Gaki being a somewhat rude way to refer to a child in Japanese), but has since evolved to describe the actual shipper, and is now used only in an insulting manner towards shippers (not necessarily just PokéShippers) who use flimsy evidence to support their position, or otherwise act childish, especially when referring to their supported 'ships.

• SatoKasu - The original (Japanese) term for the ship, using the standard Japanese naming method of combining the first 2 characters from each characters name, starting with the dominant character.

• SakaShipping - Another early name for the pairing, from Satoshi and Kasumi.

• BikeShipping - this name refers to Ash and Pikachu breaking Misty's bike, and is among the least used of all names for this pairing.

• SushiShipping - from Kasumi and Satoshi. Combining portions of the characters' names to form words was common early on, but now is hardly ever used.

• TwerpShipping - The original (English) name for the ship, the term is currently used primarily only amongst users on TRHQ, and by those who primarily associate themselves with Template:S.

• AAML - Standing for Ash And Misty Love. Also AAMRN, Ash And Misty Romance Novel.

Trivia

• Ash and Misty are the only characters who were shown bleeding in an episode, Misty in Wake up! Snorlax! and Ash in Tears For Fears!.

Notable PokéShippers

• Daisy
• Tracey Sketchit
• Melody
• Danny
• Nurse Joy
• Jessie, James & Meowth

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