I hate it mellowed her out really, but everyone has to mature. I'm kind of glad that Ash matured, but I still miss his recklessness that he once had. Plus his feelings do show, I remembered another one! In the mirage pokemon he was scared out his mind when she was tossed over the edge by the Machoke. Of course one could say he was more worried about Pikachu when it was taken... And yes xD i forgot about that quote actually. I have a feeling she might return eventually. He has kept all her gifts the lure, the handkerchief..