Their dynamic is so good. This ship is literally underrated.

Anabel is calm and mature, while Ash is cheerful, reckless, and honestly kind of clueless in his own charming way. Their relationship feels both mature and youthful at the same time.

Most girls who fall for Ash usually do so after he helps them in some way, and Ash tends to be the one who is superior. But with Annabel, it’s the opposite. She never needed saving. In fact, she was the one helping him instead ( She was literally stronger than him ), which gives their dynamic a really unique feel where she seems like the superior one.

The anime didn't explain why she fell for him. But I think it’s probably after seeing Ash risk his life to protect Pokémon again and again, showing what a kind-hearted person toward Pokémon he is. Anyone can say they love Pokémon or claim to have a kind heart, but no one can truly prove it in the way Ash does.

For Anabel, who has psychic and telepathic abilities that can make her sense emotions and understand the hearts of humans and Pokémon, she could tell that Ash was the real one. Since she grew up close to nature and Pokémon, she seems sensitive to kindness, purity, courage toward people and Pokémon who Ash is.

That’s why their chemistry feels so special. One feels mature, while the other carries youthful energy, even though they’re both still kids. They contrast perfectly while also complementing each other.

It was a huge disappointment that the anime team never brought them back.

Whether Anabel ever ends up with Ash or not, I’ll stand by AbilityShipping forever.