>>34146288Well I guess there is that. She's the same in the games, ultimately she just wants to be strong (in general and as a budding trainer), and as a role model she has the player character. In the anime, as a strong trainer Ash happens to be that role model for her. And that does indeed create a stronger bond between them, and I'll admit it's more special than his relationship with the other girls at least. But again, I don't think that bond is anything romantic or close to that. Lillie will eventually grow out of her shyness like in the games (as reflected by the different hair style seen in the opening) and I suppose she'd be thankful to Ash for that. Maybe they'll get a special scene before she leaves for Kanto (assuming that's going to get adapted in the anime). Maybe not.
