PearlShipping

PearlShipping is the het ship between Ash and Dawn from the Pokémon fandom.

Diamond and Pearl
Before the two met and not long after Dawn started her journey with her partner Piplup, she came across Ash’s Pikachu, the two got separated not long after they had arrived in Sinnoh. Dawn took it upon herself to help the lost Pikachu find his trainer after she learned that she came across one is not wild. When she did meet the trainer, Dawn is stunned at the lengths that Ash would go to for his Pikachu and is shown very worried for him when he confronted Team Rocket, despite just meeting him recently. He later invites Dawn to join on his journey and she happily agrees, even showing no hard feelings over the bike that Pikachu fried, unlike Misty or May.

In “Dawn of a New Era” the two argue and fight throughout the episode but upon being called out by Nando, both Ash and Dawn make up over a campfire.

The Rise of Darkrai
When Dialga and Palkia battle...

DP Battle Dimension
In “Chim - Charred”, Ash’s and Paul’s battle is called off when Chimchar goes on a rampage right after Ursaring was defeated. When Dawn attempts to help Ash calm the Chimp Pokémon, Brock stops her.

BW Rival Destinies


In “Piplup, Pansage, and the Meeting of the Times!”, Dawn and Piplup surprise Ash and Pikachu as the latter explore Cynthia’s summer villa in Undella Town. Immediately, Ash wanted to battle Dawn after a long time, but Cilan wishes to use his Conoisseur experience against a veteran trainer from another region.

Dawn suggests having a vacation at a deserted island in the following episode, though Ash is initially reluctant due to special training for the Junior Cup. He only accepts when the young Sinnoh trainer mentions a special Onix inhabiting the island. Jervis gives the four a ride there. Once on the island, they take a short break and lunch before initiating the search for the special Onix. When Ash leads the others in entering a cave, he stumbles back when Woobat come out. Dawn begins to agree with Iris that Ash acts like a “little kid”, something Cilan suspects that the girls are “discovering some common ground”. The boys and girls, along with their Pokémon, were forced to separate after wild Onix began to chase them. They shortly reunite when more Onix chase them. After multiple attempts by Meloetta, Piplup, and Oshawott in defending the trainers, the Shiny Onix awakens and commands the normal Onix to leave them alone. With Dawn realizing that the green Onix is the special one and Ash never seeing such before, the four takes this as a sign of a morale boost for the Junior Cup. Returning to the town on Jervis’ motorboat, the four and their Pokémon listen to Meoletta’s song.

In “Goodbye, Junior Cup—Hello, Adventure!”, Ash and Dawn have a proper battle. Cynthia declares a draw after Pikachu and Quilava show no signs of backing down. Dawn later parted with Ash and his friends on a plane back to her hometown.

Master Journeys
In “Nightfall? Nightmares!”, Dawn briefly recalls to Chloe about her Sinnoh journey with Ash and Brock, though without mentioning both of their names.

When the two tend to an injured Cresselia in “A Midsummer Night’s Light!”, Dawn once again mentions both of her former travelling companions in the same manner, Ash being a “Pokémon fanatic” and Brock a doctor in training. When the Team Rocket trio tries to capture Cresselia for their organization, the Dawn, Chloe, and their partners run to the coast while protecting the Lunar Pokémon. Feeling trapped, they hear footsteps, which reveal to be Ash, Goh, Pikachu, and Grookey. The two veteran trainers meet again, with Chloe and Goh asking how she knew Ash. Dawn confirms to Chloe about the “Pokémon fanatic” being Ash. The four and their Pokémon defend Cresselia and Darkrai from Team Rocket, wanting to capture the two legendary Pokémon for themselves. At the last moment, the two were able to subdue the grunts with most of the former’s power and the latter’s illusion. The four trainers witness Darkrai clearing the night clouds and Cresselia rejuvenating before departing to their respective islands. The next day, the four are on the beach, with Ash, Dawn, and Goh having fun on the water. Chloe asks them to start moving to the next Pokémon Contest, but her Eevee is seen having so much fun that she herself joined the three in their frolic.

When Dawn’s Piplup was “kidnapped” by her alternate world self in “The Gates of Warp!”, she calls Ash over the phone to help investigate her partner’s disappearance. He, Goh, and Chloe fly to the Sandgem Town in the Sinnoh region to meet the trainer. Ash cheers her up with croquettes, to which she tries to not worry about herself. At the picnic, Dawn shares her moment with her alternate world self with the three. When the alternate world Team Rocket kidnaps Lucario and Inteleon, Dawn, Goh, and his Grookey follow them through the gate. Ash and his Pikachu try to do the same, but the alternate Meowth pins both of them down with a Dark Pulse. The gate closes behind them, Chloe, and Eevee, with the young trainer shouting out Lucario’s name in lament. At the end of the episode, the four successfully entered through another gate against Cynthia’s warning. Optimistic, Ash is about to begin the search for Dawn, Goh, and their missing Pokémon when he stumbles upon his own alternative world self.

In the next episode, Ash and Chloe are able to catch up with Dawn, her alternate self, and Goh as the alternate Team Rocket were able to steal more Pokémon. The children were able to track them down to the Spear Pillar atop Mount Coronet, defeating the alternate Team Rocket at the cost of them becoming young children and devolving their Pokemon back to eggs. They pray to the constantly fighting Dialga and Palkia to calm them down, restore everything back to normal, and return them to their world.

Ash's Hints

 * Dawn of a New Era!Just like Dawn, after Nando told them that their arguing was baseless, Ash apologizes to Dawn, saying he isn't been very nice with her.


 * Mounting a Coordinator Assault!After his performance Ash meets Dawn in the hallway, and wishes her good luck giving her their first high-five.


 * O'er The Rampardos We WatchedDawn dresses in a cheerleading outfit and cheers for Ash. Ash notices this and, with a grin on his face, remarks, "Gee, thanks Dawn."


 * Settling a Not-So-Old Score!Ash calms Dawn's nerves after she makes what she thought had been a bad appeal and consoles her through the use of Dawn's frequent catchphrase, "No need to worry!" (Japanese: "Daijōbu!"). While doing so, Ash expresses an encouraging look.


 * A Maze-ing Race!After Paul tells Ash that he has not seen either Brock or Dawn, Ash wonders if his friends have gotten lost in the maze. He then imagines Dawn yelling, "No need to worry!" while being binded by an Onix and immediately yells out, "That's when I worry the most!" In the original Japanese episode, Hikari/Dawn yells painfully, "I'm all right! I'm all right!" while Satoshi wryly says "You're not all right at all!" He quickly tells Pikachu that they need to go find everyone.

Ash showing emotion over Dawn's second Contest loss
 * Tag! We're It...!Ash enrolls Dawn in the Hearthome Tag Battle Tournament in an effort to cheer her up following a recent Contest loss. Informed of this, Dawn objects on the basis that she won't do well, but Ash counters with his belief that she will do great and asks her to simply try her best. Dawn agrees, and Ash, with a big grin on his face, raises his hand to to give her a high-five.


 * Team Shocker!Ash is deeply saddened when Dawn loses in the appeal round for the second time. After the loss, "Jessilina" walks up to her and tells her to leave. Dawn refuses, telling "Jessilina" that she wants to stay, while the camera focuses on Dawn's slightly shaking fist. The camera then cuts to Ash's face. The brown in Ash's eyes can be seen; this usually happens only when Ash is very upset. Ash lowers his head and hides his eyes behind his hat.


 * Enter Galactic!Ash credits the training Buizel underwent with Dawn while still in her possession for his recent earning of a badge from Maylene. Dawn blushes and replies, "Thanks, but it was all worth it to see an amazing battle between you and Maylene, Ash." Ash smiles widely at her.


 * Cream of the Croagunk Crop!Ash asks Dawn to dance during the Croagunk Festival.


 * Hungry for the Good Life!Ash and Dawn climb onto Team Rocket's robot, but Ash falls off. As he does so, Ash yells Dawn's name twice, once while falling and again after losing sight of her.


 * Fighting Fear With Fear!Dawn infuriates Ash by suggesting that Ash treat his Pokémon as Gary does. Some PearlShippers consider that to be jealousy over Dawn's supposed feelings for Gary.


 * Arriving in Style!Dawn becomes frustrated while designing outfits for the collection. Ash assures her that all of her designs are good and tells her to just do her best.


 * Camping It Up!When Brock comments on how great Conway is with his Venonat, Ash begins to worry and yells, "'Kay Dawn, hang in there!" Later, Ash is happy to see Dawn win the prize for being closest to her Pokémon.


 * A Breed Stampede!Dawn's Piloswine, hungry for more Poffins, charges her. Ash quickly responds, saving her from injury by placing his arm around her waist and pushing her to safety.


 * Another One Gabites the Dust!Ursula insults Dawn, angering her. Dawn prepares a retort but Ash beats her to the punch, yelling to Ursula that Dawn is a much better Coordinator and Trainer than she is.


 * Trials and Adulations!Ash discovers that Dawn has fallen into the river and thus becomes worried. He continues to express concern over her well-being until she is found. Meanwhile, Brock does not show nearly as much concern.


 * Uncrushing Defeat!Dawn puts on a show for Ash and his Pokémon, but Ash does not know why. Nurse Joy informs him that it Dawn is trying to cheer up not only his Pokémon but him as well. Ash quickly gives Dawn a weird look as if to say, "Is this true?" Dawn responds with a smile and a wink and starts the show. Ash and his Pokémon enjoy themselves.


 * An Egg Scramble!When Lyra invites Dawn to battle with her Chikorita, Ash exclaims, "Yeah, go Dawn!" and pushes her to the podium by the shoulder.


 * A Rivalry to Gible On!Lyra tries to play matchmaker with Dawn and Khoury as the target couple. Later, Ash and friends are separated by a flock of Zubat while exploring a cave. Dawn is shown alone and scared with her Piplup, but, soon after, Ash is shown running up to her and calling out her name.


 * Dressed for Jess Success!In this episode, Ash states Dawn is awesome and "number one."


 * Yes in Dee Dee, It's Dawn!In this episode, Ash is seen giving Dawn many kind gestures. First, after Dawn faints, Ash gives her some warm milk to make her feel better—though it is revealed Brock told Ash to go get it—and comments on how worried he is about her well-being. These kind words touch Dawn, prompting her to note that he is being really, almost uncharacteristically, nice to her. Later, during the Contest, Brock worries aloud that Dawn's performance might not go well; Ash objects and tells Brock that he thinks Dawn will be fine. Finally, after the first round of the Contest, Ash runs into the contestant area (Brock behind), telling Dawn that she was awesome and complimenting her Pokémon pair. Dawn is touched and she and Ash high-five. At the episode's end, Ursula comments on how close Ash and Dawn have become.

Ash and Dawn's final high-five
 * Dawn of a Royal Day!Dawn tries on a princess outfit leaving Ash with a visibly stunned face (though some say it's because she looks so much like Princess Salvia). Ash praises Dawn, commenting that the dress looks good on her.


 * Memories are Made of Bliss!Throughout the episode, Ash was constantly joking around with Dawn. Some PearlShippers think that this was his way of making the goodbye not as heartbreaking. At the beginning of the episode, Ash tells Dawn's mother that traveling with Dawn was a lot of fun and that he enjoyed her around. At the end of the episode, Ash becomes worried about Dawn when she was crying as he left so he yells her catchphrase and cheers her up.Movie evidence


 * The Rise of DarkraiWhen both Ash and Dawn are falling off the tower together, Ash holds Dawn tight so that she doesn't fall.

Mobile Site
 * Giratina and the Sky WarriorWhen Dawn gets sucked into the Reverse World, Ash yells "Dawn!" and runs after Dawn into the portal. Brock, for some reason, does not follow Ash's lead.

Fanon
This is among the more popular anime-based shippings, along with PokéShipping (Ash×Misty), AdvanceShipping (Ash×May) and ContestShipping (Drew×May). Fans of this ship consider Ash should be with Dawn because of their high level of friendship, camadarie, and chemistry develope throughout the series.

Ash and Dawn show in many occasions to keep an eye on one another a lot. Between the two, there is a mentor-student relationship with Ash often tutoring Dawn on being a Trainer, and the two quickly bond thanks to the fact that they have similar personalities. Because of the Coordinator class, a few fans presumed that Dawn would have returned in the XYZ anime series to become a Pokémon Performer, but she did not; though she eventually did return for Journeys.


 * HOME
 * DAWN'S HINTS
 * ASH'S HINTS
 * OTHER HINTS

Dawn's hints


 * When Pokemon Worlds CollideDawn displayed worried expressions when one of Team Rocket’s Machine Tentacles hit Ash, even though she had just met him. Later she suggests that she should travel with Ash and Brock, saying that she could spend more time with Pikachu. She may have used Pikachu as an excuse to get to know Ash better. Also, Dawn didn't apparently tell Ash about Pikachu burning her bike with an electric attack (she will later do in DP038).


 * Dawn of a New Era!Dawn feels Ash does not respect or acknowledge her, and both argue with one another throughout most of the episode. Hoping that in doing so Ash will come to recognize her abilities as a Trainer, Dawn challenges Nando to a battle. In the end, after Nando manages to explain to them that their argument is baseless, Ash and Dawn exchange apologies, thereby strengthening their new friendship.


 * Setting the World on its Buneary!During a particularly bad hair day, Dawn becomes self-conscious and refuses to let Ash or Brock see her until after Piplup is able to address the issue with BubbleBeam. Her problem remedied, Dawn next asks a hygiene-illiterate Ash if he would like his hair done too.


 * Mounting a Coordinator Assault!Dawn comments on how awesome Ash looks when making his appeal in the Jubilife Contest. Later, while running to the stage to perform her own exhibition, she meets Ash and the two exchange their first high-five (even if looks like Ash started to raise his hand first). Noticeably the scene where they clap their hands is slowed and has a full-white background; also, in the japanese version there's no background music and the sound of the hands meeting is very loud.


 * Wild in the Streets!When Ash starts a new training with the Pokémon he used in the first battle against Roark, Dawn offers him to use her Piplup for the battle, since it's a Water-type Pokémon (however, Ash refuses, saying that he wants to use the same team). Later, just as Aerodactyl is about to severely injure Ash and Pikachu with its Hyper Beam, Piplup and Buneary used Bubblebeam and Ice Beam, respectively, to stop the attack. Dawn rushes over with her Pokémon and specifically asks Ash if he is okay.


 * O'er the Rampardos we Watched!Dawn dons a cheerleading outfit while she and her Pokémon cheer for Ash. Ash is thus able to find find the confidence necessary to winninghis first gym badge in Sinnoh. Neither Misty, May, nor Iris ever went to such lengths in any of Ash's battles, instead choosing to more passively sit on the sidelines when cheering. Dawn reprises her role as Ash's cheerleader twice over series' run.


 * Settling a Not-So-Old Score!After Dawn has won her first Pokémon Contest, she exchanges the second high-five with Ash.


 * The Champ Twins!When the gang meets the Champ Twins and they ask for a double battle, Dawn offers herself as Ash's partner for the tag battle, insisting even Ash is unsure because she's a bit unexperienced. After they lost the first battle they continuely argue, stopping when they see that also Piplup and Turtwig were quarreling for the battle. Dawn is the first of the two to apologize. When they win the rematch, they have a double high-five.


 * One Big Happiny Family!Dawn tells Ash she doesn't mind of Ash burning her bike before the beginning of their journey, because it was a warning situation and they had Team Rocket following them.


 * Tag! We're It...!Dawn has just lost the HeartHome Contest, but Ash has bought her a ticket for the HeartHome tag tournament. After having some doubts, she acceptes Ash's inviting, getting temporarily over her sadness for the loss, probably because Ash insisted.


 * Tanks for the Memories!Dawn witnesses Ash leaving to train with his Pokémon and follows out of curiosity. Later, Dawn finds herself inspired by Ash's training, but, reflecting upon her recent Contest failure, suddenly begins crying. Ash, upon noticing Dawn's tears, asks whether she is okay and whether she has something in her eyes, the latter inquiry an (albeit faulty) assumption to which Dawn quickly agrees. Eager to avoid the possibility of having him worry over her, Dawn immediately follows this exchange with an invitation to snack on ice cream. A hungry and clueless Ash eagerly accepts.


 * Lost Leader Strategy!Dawn attempts to convince Maylene to take up Gym Leading again, perhaps finding herself able to relate with the Gym Leader's confidence issues. Dawn admits to Maylene that she wonders if her Contests are holding Ash back, suggesting the possibility that she may worry for his success almost as much as she worries for her own.


 * A Triple Fighting Chance!For the second time, Dawn cheers for Ash and his Pokémon in her cheerleading outfit. She even goes so far as to include some dancing, and also continues to cheer while it's raining.


 * Enter Galactic!Ash asserts that his victory over Maylene owes to the training Dawn undertook with Buizel when it was still in her possession. Dawn quickly blushes and responds somewhat sheepishly, "Well, let's just say that I was going to do anything I could to see an awesome Gym Battle between Ash and Maylene!"


 * Our Cup Runneth Over!At the episode's start Dawn comments on how Ash does very well in training his Pokémon and notes that "Ash is incredible!"


 * Staging a Heroes' Welcome!Dawn seems impressed while watching Ash's performance in the Wallace Cup. Later, she meets Ash in the hallway while going to the stage and, very similarly to the DP011's scene, she has a high-five with Ash.


 * Pruning a Passel of Pals!Dawn is proud of Ash because he and Buizel, by turning the opponent's Ice Beam against it, successfully pulled off the Aqua Jet-Ice Beam combination, "Ice Aqua Jet." Dawn had previously attempted to perform this combination with Buizel in A Stand-Up Sit-Down!.


 * Chim-Charred!Ash tries to restrain his Blaze induced raging Chimchar and his Pokémon bites him on his right shoulder. Dawn attempts to run to Ash's side, but is blocked by Brock. She protests to Brock that Ash needs help, but Brock tells Dawn to let Ash handle Chimchar.


 * Cream of the Croagunk Crop!In another scene, Dawn becomes so frightened by the numerous advancing Croagunk that she clutches Ash's arm and hides behind him.


 * Hungry for the Good Life!Dawn tells Monica that Ash "won an amazing victory at the Pastoria Gym" and how she admires all of his success as a trainer.


 * Dealing With Defensive Types!When Byron's Gym assistant exclaims that Byron has the upper hand during Ash and Byron's gym battle, Dawn angrily objects, "I am telling you you're wrong! Ash is going to win it for sure!" thereby revealing how confident she is in Ash's abilities.


 * Hold The Phione!When Ash asks Dawn which Pokémon she will use in the upcoming Pokémon Contest, Dawn responds with a wink, slyly asking him, "Well who do you think I would use?"


 * Old Rivals, New Tricks!Dawn states that she wants to enter Ambipom in the Sandalstraw Contest so that it might win for both her and Ash.


 * Uncrushing Defeat!Ash, upset over his Pokémon team's injuries, runs off. Dawn, concerned, attempts to follow but is stopped by Brock. Nevertheless, Dawn later puts on a complex show for Ash, trying hard to improve Ash's mood and self-confidence. While Ash is initially oblivious to the Dawn's motivations, Nurse Joy soon informs him that Dawn went through so much trouble solely on behalf of him and his Pokémon.


 * Gone With the Windworks!When Ash, Dawn, Brock, Khoury, and Lyra are trapped in a storage room at the Valley Windworks, Lyra asks Dawn if Ash is her boyfriend. Dawn quickly denies this, expressing not only bewilderment but shock and defensiveness as well. Lyra nevertheless continues drilling Dawn on the subject, pointing out what she believes constitute Ash's strong points. Dawn appears to ponder some of Lyra's statements, perhaps realizing that Lyra has put him in a light she hadn't contemplated before.


 * A Rivalry to Gible On!After Ash falls into a Trapinch's Arena Trap, Dawn becomes worried and scolds him for endangering himself. While the two argue, Lyra looks on and thinks to herself how nice it is that both Ash and Dawn care for one another as much as they do. Later, Dawn is once again startled by Lyra's talk of romance, although this time Lyra discusses the possibility ofdating Khoury herself.


 * Mastering Current Events!During the night, while Ash is training Gliscor for the Air Battles, Dawn wakes up and reaches him, giving him some shredded tin foils she prepared to help them in the training. Apparently, Ash never asked her to do that, so she projected the thing herself. She also spends the whole night outside with Ash (they're seen to stop training at the sunrise).


 * Yes in Dee Dee, it's Dawn!When Ash gives Dawn a cup of hot milk after her fainting, she seems surprised, and gently smiles at him telling it's been a very nice gesture from him. Probably, because of Ash's usual denseness, Dawn didn't expect him to be that tender with her. She thanks Ash, but doesn't say anything to Brock also when Ash tells her it's been Brock's idea. Later in the episode, after the appeal round, she has a high-five with Ash.


 * A Grand Fight for Winning!After the conclusion of the Grand Festival, Zoey asks Dawn if she would like to accompany her back to Snowpoint City. Dawn declines, saying she has something to do. Zoey assumes that this "something" is cheering for Ash in his upcoming battles, an assumption that Dawn soon confirms is correct.


 * The Eighth Wonder of the Sinnoh World!Dawn again cheers for Ash and his Pokémon in her cheerleading costume for the third time.


 * Four roads diverged in a Pokémon Port!Kenny invites Dawn to a journey together, but she's unsure about her future; she tells Jasmine that the only thing she's sure of is that she wants to support Ash during the Sinnoh League, without knowing what to do after that. When Ash and Kenny are battling, Dawn is supporting Ash as she used to do in every battle, and she looks sad when Kenny wins. Later, even if Kenny insisted, Dawn decided to stay, at least temporarily, still with Ash at the Sinnoh League. However in the last episode she will tell Ash she wants to come to Kanto with him, indicating that maybe she had already made that decision after the Ash-Kenny's battle.


 * Familiarity Breeds StrategyWhen Ash and Paul find Dawn and Paul walking together, Dawn looks awkward for a moment, and then runs to Ash's side as if embarrassed to be caught by Ash talking with another boy.


 * Memories are Made of Bliss!As Ash and Brock prepare leave the Sinnoh region, Dawn initially proclaims that she would like to accompany Ash to his hometown in Kanto now that her Contest run has concluded. This plan is quickly derailed, however, when an opportunity for Buneary in Sinnoh presents itself. Near the episode's conclusion, as Ash and Brock walk away, Dawn calls out for Ash one last time, prompting a startled Ash to turn around and see her right arm raised high above her head. The two high-five for the last time ((in the DP series) this seems to be the first time that's Dawn "asking" for the high-five). The camera pans down to show Pikachu and Piplup high-five and then hug one another. Dawn begins to cry as the boat departs but, upon hearing Ash yell words of encouragement, regains composure, quickly running after the boat and waving alongside a tearful Piplup.


 * Piplup, Pansage, and a Meeting of the Times!When Ash enters Cynthia's villa in Undella Town, Dawn playfully hides behind him while giggling when he can't find her. She then surprises him with her appearance.


 * Expedition to Onix Island!Dawn begins to mimic Iris in calling Ash a kid in order to tease him.Movie evidenceDawn's hints


 * The Rise of DarkraiWhen Darkrai first appears in front of Ash and company, Dawn runs over to Ash's side. Several other scenes feature Dawn reacting to Ash's predicaments: when Ash is about to fall off the tower, Dawn rushes over to save him. When Ash saves her from falling of the platform, Dawn looks at him with a thankful expression on her face and is holding his hand. And when Ash begins to cry, believing he lost Darkrai, Dawn looks at him with a worried expression and begins to cry as well.


 * Arceus and the Jewel of LifeWhen Ash tries to defeat Marcus, he has trouble beating Heatran and Bronzong. As soon as they both attack Pikachu, Dawn and her Piplup protect Ash and Pikachu, and help him fight. During this time, Brock is not with Dawn and Ash but with Sheena and Damos.

Mobile Sote
 * Zoroark: Master of IllusionsWhen Ash became electrocuted, Dawn right away comes to his side to comfort him and make sure he is okay.

There is also a duet sung by the japanese voice actor of ash 'High touching' High Touch is such a massive hint in favour of Pearlshipping. It was used as an opening theme in the Japanese episodes of DP090 to DP158, and also for the Japanese version of Arceus And The Jewel Of Life. It is a song that undisputedly, explicitly states the closeness of Ash and Dawn and their sucess as a team. Now let's analyse the lyrics together.

First Section: Dawn

We fight, make up, and then we fight again

There are a lot of things I want to say to you

But foremost...

"Thanks for being here for me!"

This first verse is sung by Dawn. The first line is certainly true, especially of the first DP season. They have undoubtedly had little arguments througout the DP saga, all of them trivial. Of course, as Dawn says, they "make up" every time. Reminiscent of a true couple, don't you think?

The second line is a little ambiguous, and could read in several ways. The most significant interpretation would be that Dawn is, in fact, hinted to have a crush on Ash. "There are a lot of things I want to say to you." This line speaks for itself.

The final two lines, again, show their closeness. The phrase "But foremost..." suggests that Dawn is hesitating as to what she might want to say, perhaps influenced by the implications of the second line. This is unsurprising, of course. Dawn has been shown to be as dense as Ash sometimes, as seen in the penultimate episode of the Lyra Arc (DP146 Dressed For Jess Sucess).

Second Section: Ash

Companions in this journey, compassion in the world

I pretend to understand those things, but

The truth is...

"I'm happy you're here for me!"

Rarely does Ash ever express such affection for a female who is not his mother. He states explicity. "You're here for me." Not just "my friends are here for me.", but Dawn alone. He singles her out in such a way that cannot help but appear to be somewhat romantic, or at least friendship with romantic implications.

Third Section:

Nice Partner!

Nice Rival!

I'll push you forward

I'll pull you along

The sun seems so dazzling when I look up at it

Hey Hey Hey!

If it all goes well, let's high five!

Hey Hey Hey!

If we're feeling down, we'll come right back!

As long as we are together

I will not give up so easily! GO GO GO!

The pre-chorus and chorus are self explanatory and are here for reference. The bold parts show the alternating parts, starting with Dawn, after which they sing in unison. It is noted that the last line is sang by Ash alone. So, analysis time. What does Ash do? Gym Battles. It is obvious from the last two lines that Dawn is what drives Ash on to compete in Gym Battles, which require skill and persistence.

Fourth Section:

Take aim with Bubble Beam!

I've come to rely on Pochama, but

Sometimes...

I'll find myself in a mega pinch!

I let out a cry of "100,000 Volts!"

Pikachu is my pride and joy, but

To put it simply...

That doesn't mean I'll win!

Right. This is a very important section of the song. It is widely known that Ash and Dawn are very, very, close with their Pokemon. It is also an absolutely indisputable fact that Ash's best friend is Pikachu. All through the Original Series, Advanced Generation, Ash is shown to be inseparable and completely reliant on his Pikachu. Now he has just said that it "doesn't mean I'll win." Ash Ketchum has just said that. This song is about him and Dawn. He's saying that Dawn is just as close to him as his Pikachu is. For all of you who have watched the Pokemon series, that's saying something.

Fifth Section:

Nice Partner!

Nice Rival!

We may argue

But as long as we follow each other

I think we'll find a way to compromise!

Hey Hey Hey!

It all went well, so let's high five!

Hey Hey Hey!

I won't ever forget today's victory!

As long as we're together

We'll escape from any kind of pinch!

Hey Hey Hey!

Extending our arms, let's high five!

Hey Hey Hey!

Smiling this much is so heartwarming!

As long as we're together

Strong opponents are also welcome! GO GO GO!

This section captures the regular dynamics of their relationship. You can see easily how much stronger their relationship is than anything we've seen. I am speaking in the context of Pokemon with Best Wishes and XY inclusive.

Sixth Section:

Through today, tomorrow, and the day after tomorrow

This journey goes forever on, but

Always...

Your smile is with me!

To the north, to the south, east and west

The scenery goes on changing, but

No matter where I go...

Your smile is always there!

As you probably know, Ash and Dawn parted ways before the XY series. If Amourshipping seems to be an obstacle, then remember this line. "Your smile is always there." Ash is always thinking about Dawn, and Dawn about Ash. Also, saying that someone's smile is always with you is a very romantic thing to say, don't you think?

Seventh Section:

And so we end on a lighthearted note on the final chorus.

Underneath the sky, let's high five!

Hey Hey Hey!

We can understand that more easily than words!

As long as we're together

We can fly away, facing our dreams!

Hey Hey Hey!

If it all goes well, let's high five!

Hey Hey Hey!

If we're feeling down, we'll come right back!

As long as we're together

I will not give up so easily! GO GO GO!

Hey Hey Hey!

It all went well, so let's high five!

Hey Hey Hey!

Shake hands with our opponent in battle

As long as we're together

We can go even further than before! GO GO GO!

GO GO GO! GO GO GO!

Fandom
FAN FICTION

FAN ART

TUMBLR

WIKIS
 * PearlShipping on Bulbapedia

Trivia

 * The ship name comes from the Diamond and Pearl series of the anime, where Dawn makes her debut.
 * Dawn and Ash are the only main characters in the anime's history to get a duet song
 * The manga adaptation of the Diamond and Pearl anime by Sakai Takayuki notably excludes all other main characters besides Ash and Dawn, with their friendship in original adventures being the main focus of the manga's run, Dawn is also a full-time Pokemon Trainer there like Ash rather than a Coordinator like in the anime.

Variations

 * AmourInterditShipping — the polyship between Ash, Dawn, and Serena
 * ComakariShipping - the polyship between Ash, Dawn and Paul
 * DP Trio — the polyship between Ash, Dawn, and Brock
 * ThreeWayTieShipping — the polyship between Ash, Dawn, and Zoey
 * TogetherShipping — the polyship between Ash, Dawn, Lyra and Khoury
 * TripearlShipping — the polyship between Ash, Dawn, and Misty
 * WallaceCupShipping — the polyship between Ash, Dawn, and May
 * YajirushiShipping — the polyship between Ash, Dawn, and Iris
 * SilentProtagonistShipping — the ship between Dawn and Red, Ash’s game and manga counterpart