Serena

Serena is one of Ash Ketchum's traveling companions in the Pokémon anime, specifically during Pokémon the Series: XY (and XYZ), set in the Kalos region.

She is a kind, polite, and somewhat shy girl from Vaniville Town, with blue eyes and (initially) long honey-blonde hair that she later cuts shorter as part of her character growth. She starts her journey after seeing Ash on TV, reuniting with him as a childhood friend from a past summer camp (where he once helped her when she got lost).

Unlike typical trainers focused on Gym battles or becoming a Pokémon Master, Serena discovers her passion for Pokémon Performances—a showcase-style competition emphasizing style, grace, coordination with Pokémon, and appeal rather than raw battling power. She aims to become the Kalos Queen, the top Performer title. Her starter Pokémon is Fennekin (which evolves over time), and she cares deeply about her Pokémon's appearance and well-being, often grooming them and focusing on their elegance.

Her personality evolves from initially being a bit rebellious (especially toward her mother's expectations of Rhyhorn racing) and unsure of her path, to becoming more confident, determined, and supportive. She's known for her strong crush on Ash, which drives much of her early motivation and leads to some memorable moments (including a notable kiss in the series finale of XY&Z).

Overall, Serena stands out as one of the more developed female companions in the anime, with clear growth in self-discovery, maturity, and pursuing her own dream alongside her friends.