>>53768128Holy shit, We've got some similar thoughts and experiences.
I saw 2003 for the first 10 episodes or so before my friend told me i was watching the wrong show (from what he intended). And so i also felt like it had a longer start before getting into it.
Anyways: Lillie leaving is important, like you said.
Lillie HAS to learn and she has to get her own experience, and although it's without the MC it's her own "journey to adulthood".
It seemed laughable to me when i read that they made her stay in USUM because "People got sad she left :(("
People don't understand that pain, and the endurance through pain and acceptance is part of growing up and dealing with life.
It was bittersweet like you said, but growing older i only understood it better.
The reason your response so funny, is because it's quite like what i've been planning for my story which I've worked on for quite some time. See, I'm not sure whether or not I would like Sun to confess before since i think that brings some burdens- Long distance relationships, especially a first, during times of great change can be not only fickle, but unnecessarily painful.
Nevertheless Lillie's departure is felt in Sun, and though he is proud of her, and though he wants to travel with her, he has other responsibilities.
Lillie goes on to grow into a fully fleshed trainer and attempts upon her return to Alola one year later to fight Sun as the equal who showed her how to be a trainer and who protected her etc.
I could go on, but I'd rather do that in my writing. I might not be able to present it, nor advertise it well here, but when the day comes that I have finished my work I'll throw a link in here. I've got a feeling you in particular might ressonate with it.
Also i feel bad blabbering on, but i realize this is 4chan and I'm in a Lillie Thread i can say and do what i want. 
