The Pokemon anime series is filled to the brim with unique characters, each with a rich personality. Fans understandably grow close to these Pokemon characters, which can make for some emotional goodbyes when characters leave the series season to season. One such character is Serena, who played a major role in Pokemon XY and Pokemon XYZ but left the group to travel through Hoenn. Serena fans will be pleased to hear that Serena will be making a return in the next episode of Pokemon Journeys.Leaked magazine photographs out of Japan reveal that Serena will be joining the cast of Pokemon Journeys starting with the next episode of the season. The fifth episode of the new season of Pokemon Journeys airs today in Japan soon and Serena is confirmed to make an appearance. It's confirmed that Serena's appearance is just for a single episode, for now. She may or may not make further appearances later this season, though. Either way, fans of Serena from Pokemon XY and XYZ are going to be happy to get an update on how she's doing.The magazine photographs feature multiple pictures of Serena from Pokemon Journeys. To start, there's some new key art showing Serena along with two other Pokemon characters, Chloe, a supporting character from Pokemon Journeys, and Lisia, who is an NPC in Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire but will be debuting in the anime this episode. The three are joined by three Pokemon, Serena's Sylveon and Braixen (now evolved to a Delphox), as well as Chloe's Eevee.
The other three photos featuring Serena show her standing and interacting with Chloe, without adding any further context. She has short hair still, if not shorter than ever, and is wearing a gray cap and black sleeveless top. Her hairstyle now shows her ears, as well as a pair of red earrings. It seems Serena has grown up some since the last time she was on the Pokemon anime.
As for the context of Serena's appearance, her Sylveon manages to befriend Chloe's Eevee, while Ash and Goh are caught up dealing with Wallace. Serena later performs in a Contest with her Sylveon, Pancham, and Delphox, but loses to Wallace's niece, Lisia. Just before the episode ends, Serena does meet up with Ash again, but only just before he has to depart on a ship.
Serena has a special place in many Pokemon fans' hearts. Part of it is due to the perceived romance between her and Ash, while others enjoyed the character growth that she experiences through the Pokemon XY and XZY seasons. Serena's reappearance may be brief, but it will nevertheless be nostalgic. And, of course, it will renew hopes of a more substantial return in the future of the Pokemon anime.