#pokemon rakua

[chaoticdazefire-new]

So many theories from this memoryyy- He says he won't die but he'll live on with Rakua- for some reason it makes me think of Sir Aaron's sacrifice in Lucario MoM. I wonder if Lucius did something similar to save Rakua.

[fluffs-n-stuffs]

Amethio sweetie you're not beating the 'related to Gibeon' allegations anytime soon fr

[scraftyisthebest]

With the recent reveal of Gibeon owning a Shiny (White) Zygarde, many people have been trying to use this to insinuate that Horizons may take place in a separate continuity/timeline/universe from Ash's story.

However, I disagree, and I think that not only does Liko's show still take place in the same continuity as Ash's story, but that such sentiment is frankly something that goes without saying. If they truly wanted to create a new, separate continuity, why wouldn't they just use a new version of Ash to establish that? And in such a case, I believe they would be much more liberal about using legacy characters because such characters would be new versions of them, not the ones we know: the fact that they're largely avoiding acknowledging legacy characters for the most part implies they're still out there in the world Liko and Roy are travelling. It would also needlessly complicate things like potential meetings which have immense marketing value like an Ash and Liko meeting down the line. The world Anipoke has taken place in is so large and has gone through so much worldbuilding with still more potential for even more, that Ash and Liko can viably exist in the same world without crossing paths. There's no business or storytelling benefit to making Horizons a new continuity, as Liko and Roy are fundamentally different characters with a different space in the world from Ash to begin with, and it would be a total waste if they just dropped all the worldbuilding they had done over the past 26 years. Thus, it is most certainly in the same continuity as before.

---

Now on to my main point, I think there is a much simpler explanation to the existence of Gibeon's Shiny Zygarde that can justify why it exists even with the existence of Squishy and Z2, and in that same world. And one that I think may raise very interesting implications for this story and where we may be headed. Also one that mirrors the games, particularly SV and its deal with Terapagos and the Paradoxes.

I believe that Gibeon's Zygarde, alongside the Black Rayquaza and the rest of the Six Heroes who were believed to be Lucius's companions, are honorary Paradox Pokemon who were magically willed into existence by the power of Terapagos.

It is easy to miss, especially if you don't stop to think about it, but Terapagos's power, aside from being the harbinger of the Terastal phenomenon, is the power to create paradoxical things. It can "create" things using its power, things that originate from human imagination to those who believe certain things about them, but when you stop to think about those things, it makes no logical sense for them to exist in the way they are explained.

This is especially evident in the actual Paradox Pokemon from the games. Sada and Turo willed them into existence using their "time machine" and believe them to be Pokemon from the ancient past and distant future, or the one we "see" in the Crystal Pool being from alternate timelines. But as their names imply, their existence is a paradox: their whole deal is that they're not supposed to actually exist, and yet somehow, they got willed into reality and given life and physical existence. The dubiousness of their existence is enforced by their drawings in the Scarlet/Violet books, created 200 years prior to the game's events by Heath and his expedition team, contradicting the fact that Sada/Turo only created the time machine 10 years prior to the game's story. The dubiousness of how they came to be is also reinforced by their only other mention being in the Occult magazines, which are questionably trustworthy at best. We know that their existence started in Area Zero, a place filled with Terastal energy thanks to Terapagos, thus the latter is the creator of them.

The paradoxical nature of Terapagos's power is also reflected in the Crystal Pool event at the end of Indigo Disk, a place where you can seemingly talk to the dead, and Terapagos summons a Sada or Turo who was alive, supposedly before they created the time machine. And you give them Briar's book in exchange for the Scarlet/Violet book. But the more you think about this event, the less it actually makes sense, and the only conclusion you can make is that if it were our own Sada/Turo, the entire game's timeline would implode upon itself.

Now on to the anime, Gibeon is now known to have been a companion of Lucius. Lucius and his friends have the stories of their adventures chronicled in books and legends. This incidentally also parallels how the Paradox Pokemon are chronicled in Scarlet and Violet the games. But when you stop to look at everything, aside from Terapagos, the nature of the Six Heroes' existence is incredibly dubious at best, to the point where it's questionable if those six ever actually existed, or if they did, how they came to be. The same would likely apply to Gibeon's Shiny Zygarde. The Black Rayquaza is the biggest example: aside from being a Rayquaza, it is always shown glowing and crystallized, likely surrounded by Terastal energy. It may have even been created by and willed into reality by Terapagos itself, literally formed by Terastal energy. This is sort of hinted at very early on, when Liko's pendant, which was Terapagos, and Roy's special Poke Ball, which unleashed the Black Rayquaza, resonated with one another, and the Black Rayquaza didn't emerge until it resonated with Terapagos, which may imply that it wasn't actually in there and Terapagos used its power to will it into existence, alongside the other five heroes. The other Heroes seem to have abnormal traits as well, such as a giant Arboliva and two of the heroes being legendaries, and they only "awakened" once the Black Rayquaza did. This may imply they weren't real, and the only one of Lucius's Pokemon who wasn't willed into existence was Terapagos itself, who used its power to "create" companions for Lucius and its friends.

The same may apply to Gibeon's White Zygarde as well, who may have been willed into existence by Terapagos. This Zygarde, along with Rayquaza, are the biggest anomalies not just in their different coloration, but that they were literally owned by someone, which in the anime world should not be possible as major legendaries like them are largely above being owned by Trainers. Them being Paradoxes willed into reality by Terapagos would explain this.

This is most certainly an interesting turning point, and may raise a lot of questions to the true tale of Lucius and his friends, and what Rakua truly is. One thing is certain though: Terapagos and its special powers surrounding Terastal energy and the creation of paradoxical things seem to be playing a major role here.

[amelikos]

Lucius's flashback was interesting. He promised he wouldn't die (potentially to the Six Heroes?) and said "leave everything to me", but the thing that stood out the most to me is when he brought up Rakua...

He said "ラクアと共に生きて" and that phrasing made it seem like Rakua is not a place but potentially someone's name (it would imply living with Rakua)? I feel like it was a strange way to say it, like he wouldn't necessarily talk about it this way if Rakua was a place? And that combined with the information that the Explorers were Lucius's friends (but we still don't know if the Explorers referred to humans or Pokemon). I wonder if Rakua is actually a place or if it is a person, a Pokemon, or something else.

[platypus-quacks-too]

Yes, I did jump on my chair as soon as I saw Zoroark on my screen 🫡🥹

[l00rem]

Oh naaaaw they really went and gave him double daddy issues 💀💀

But Gibeon looks quite different to Amethio despite only being his grandad… when you compare liko and diana to amethio and gibeon it’s strange considering liko and diana resemble eachother so closely. Gibeon is more pink than purple and his hair is stylised completely differently, the outer pupil bit is shaped more triangular whilst amethio’s is just round. Also, looking even closer at gibeons eyes he has a white shine to it whilst amethio’s don’t, so has amethio actually had those depressed empty anime eyes the entire time but due to his white pupils we couldn’t tell until now? Maybe i’m just overthinking things 

It’s really interesting to me how differently amethio addresses his respective familial connections. He seems to really respect Gibeon, calling him ojji-sama, meanwhile he calls his dad chichi which is generally more neutral. He seems to be trying to distance himself from who is father was too which reeks of sooo much indoctrination someone please save his poor soul. I can see quite of few explanations for his lack of connection with his father; his father potentially learned of some dark truth and left but couldn’t take amethio for some reason, his father is dead but gibeon covered it up, or amethio never actually knew his father but was told about how he abandoned explorers once he joined. I wonder if Amethio tells himself that his feelings of bitterness towards his father are because he betrayed explorers, when in reality it’s because he’s the one who feels betrayed. 

Clearly there’s some reason amethio seems to have such strong loyalty towards Gibeon. They obviously don’t have a traditional bond, with Gibeon even remarking that it’s been awhile since they met like this which perhaps implies it’s been over a year since they met face to face, and yet amethio regards him so highly. And surprise surprise, the only time he cares to see his grandson face to face is when he’s asking him to continue serving his wishes, really selling himself as grandad of the year here.

This line particularly intrigues me and supports a hc i’ve been holding for awhile which is that amethio and gibeons blood line are descended from royalty of sorts. Perhaps then he intended to make rakua his kingdom, but that would mean destroying it in order to control it which lead to his subsequent falling out with Lucius. 

The way he phrases this is also really interesting to me- because it subverts the usual expected ‘heir to the throne’ and instead Gibeon just says heir of his blood. Which makes sense given that Gibeon seems to be intending to live forever, so he wants to keep playing as king for all eternity. So amethio is just a means to an end, someone to do all the hard work for achieving gibeons dreams and yet reviving little from it himself. 

I doubt this’ll happen but i’m gonna say it just to put it on the record- I wonder if we could potentially see this gibeon/amethio ancestor on the throne in the upcoming legends Z game? Considering Gibeon’s partner being a Zygarde and Kalos’s themes of royalty, potentially we could see the ruler that Gibeon is trying to emulate. Apart from new pokemon forms i don’t think the games have ever taken something from the anime before, but i think it’d make an interesting twist if they went that direction!

It’s pretty upsetting to see how heavily manipulated and indoctrinated Amethio is into explorers. I don’t have any doubts for his eventual redemption arc despite his yearning for power, but seeing how strong of a chokehold gibeon has on him it does make me wonder what’ll actually trigger it.  A lot of people compare amethio to zuko, but for zuko he could see physical evidence of how horrible the fire nation was through going around the world and having uncle iroh to guide him whereas amethio doesn’t really have either of those (zir and conia support him, but they’re not really angels on his shoulder). Either he’ll discover a darker secret somehow and turn against them (potentially the same as his father) or maybe through his development with the rvts he’ll grow to realise how horrible explorers has treated him? (something about chosen family vs biological family). Regardless of how it happens, I just hope Amethio can be happy by the end of all of this. Maybe if we’re lucky we’ll actually see him smile in a year or so. 

[jadeazora]

Man jinxed himself with that "I won't die." That's a total death flag.

So Lucius left his Pokemon to roam thinking he would return after he found/took care of whatever business he had to resolve in Rakua, and then something happened to him, and he couldn't keep his promise...

[salon-maiden-anabel]

POKEMON HORIZONS THEORY CRAFTING AND SPOILERS !!!

Lucius' identity...?

HEY SO . AM I LOOKING TOO FAR INTO THIS. ORRRRRRR

IS. IS LUCIUS TRANSFORMED INTO TERAPAGOS? IS HIS SOUL REBORN AS IT?

Are they terapagos' or were they lucius' ?

He was searching for something within Rakua; Paradise, saying he'd see his pokemon again; that he'd live on with Rakua. Is this why Terapagos has such a strong reaction to hearing about Rakua?

[ecargmura]

Pokemon Horizons Episode 54 Review - Exceedingly Suspicious

To be honest, when it comes to Horizons episodes, I really like episodes like this where it builds upcoming plot points for the story. Not only can I see Spinel, but I just love learning more about Horizons’ story. Man, having a story-driven Pokemon anime really does wonders for me. It gets me as invested as the characters. There are three sides to this episode: the kids, Friede and the Explorers and all tie in very well.

For the kids, it’s more focused on Ann as she reunites with them. She learns about Terapagos and even aspires to challenge the Pokemon League. I honestly love the friendship she has with Liko; she even befriends Roy and Dot too! They both encourage each other in a way. Liko’s stories about traveling aspired her to go to Paldea. Ann was the one who told Liko that the decision to make a big step forward was her Pokemon. This encourages Liko to believe that Terapagos was the one taking them to Rakua and not the other way around. Their friendship is so wholesome. I don’t get why people have this ridiculous theory that she’s a spy for the Explorers or is going to betray Liko. I think the cutest thing about the kids is that they all have their Pokemon outside of their balls. Yes, even large sized Kilowattrel is out and about too. All four of them have two Pokemon each, so it’s probably easier on the animators to give them distinct personalities and more hilarious interactions like Ann’s poor Dewott running away from Tinkatink because she wanted to smash its scalchops.

For Friede’s side of the story in this episode, I think it’s the highlight as he’s digging into more information about Terapagos from asking Liko and Roy about the pink haze that appears whenever a Hero Pokemon shows its memories to Friede going back to the company he used to work for. Remember back in Episode 18 where it was stated that he quit his job and was just idling on about before forming the Rising Volt Tacklers with Orla and Ludlow? Well, we finally get to see what company he worked for before quitting. I really like that there is more Friede backstory included in this episode! Friede used to work for a company called Exceed and it harbors a mysterious crystal called the Eternal Blessing—also known as the Rakurium.

Maybe it’s me, but there’s something a bit suspicious about that company. Friede’s former boss Crave says that he’s ordered to hold onto it and it’s an order he cannot disobey. From who, I wonder? There’s also the fact that Spinel snuck in with ease and even eavesdropped in on Friede and his junior researcher Yanga’s conversation. When Friede went to the basement floor to find the Rakurium, he was attacked by three security Pokemon despite having ID and permission from Crave. That’s really suspicious, isn't it? Also, the fact that Spinel took the item and that Zirc and Onia were spying on him shows that he has some motive that doesn’t follow the Explorers.

And speaking of the Explorers, a huge reveal has happened. Gibeon is finally shown and he’s revealed to be Amethio’s grandfather! I wonder if he’s his actual grandfather, like one of his parents’ father or a grandfather from way back who happened to live a long time. Since he knows who Lucius is and Lucius has descendants of his own, one of them being a grandmother, I’m assuming that he’s his great-great-great-great grandfather; I’m sure Amethio says grandfather because he’s technically his grandpa and people normally don’t really say “great-grandpa” or such, right? Correct me if I'm wrong. Amethio also mentions having a father and it’s implied that his father took a path different from Amethio and Gibeon that made him scorn him when mentioned. Given the suspicious nature of Exceed and how Crave got his hands on the Rakurium, I theorize that Crave could be Amethio’s father and Gibeon’s son-in-law. There should be a reason why half of Amethio’s hair is black, right?

According to Orla in this episode, the Brave Olivine is halfway complete! She’s focusing on upgrading it, so who knows how long that’ll take. Given that each chapter seems to take about 24-25 episodes, I’m safe to assume that the third chapter will end somewhere in Episode 70 or so. I honestly can’t wait to see what the rest of the arc has in store because I’m really enjoying this arc! I also really like how calm this episode is in a way. What are your thoughts on the big reveals and plot progression?

[ianime0]

Pokemon (Shinsaku Anime) | Ep23 | We will make sure that Rakua...

[stestir]

So, I have a little headcanon / theory for Amethio and his backstory. I'm really anxious to post it into the main tag, but I feel like rambling, so idc.

I think he has an ancestor who was a friend of Lucius, and that's the reason why he was taken into Explorers.

Like, while I do believe the "Gibeon is Amethio's dad" theory, I feel like there's a similar story to N and Ghetsis, in a way that he was taken from somewhere else just because of his lineage. I think that Amethio's whole gamily is dead, and he was left in a place relating to Lucius, and Gibeon found him when he was looking for other evidence of Terapogos. So, while Gibeon did raise him and taken into Explorers, he literally was forced and groomed into this organization and the role of admin.

And for the Ancestor - I dont really believe its them who betrayed Lucius, but instead Lucius himself fucking everything up and in a way, dooming everyone. I think Lucius tried to ressurect dead Rayquaza in Rakua, but failed and instead got something along the lines of Area Zero, and half dead / half terrastallized Rayquaza. And Amethios Ancestor could've tried to stop him, but their efforts could be seen by his pokemon as an attempt to attack him, leading to misunderstanding and hatred from Terapogos and Rayquaza. ( Hence why they both try to immediately attack Amethio - he's reminding them of this Ancestor )

[kafus]

i miss the airship a lot actually. the tera arc hasn’t been bad, like this chapter has had some really good episodes and some important character development do not get me wrong, but it’s missing a good chunk of things i was excited that this arc would potentially have and the teasing of the lore just makes me more eager for the terastal course to be over so the cast can get back to airship travel and rakua plot progression/seeking out the six heroes

it really feels like we’ve had so many back to back battles and while it’s not literally a tournament arc this is just kind of not my thing. i was hoping for sango and onyx to be a lot more relevant than they are, i was hoping for agate to be more relevant too (seems to be happening now maybe?) and like. also maybe foolishly. i was excited for filler?

this is a unique opportunity for the trio to be handling problems alone as a small group and also deal with traveling and i’m honestly surprised how much them camping has been generally glossed over. it’s somewhat hard to complain or hypocritical maybe because i am very appreciative that horizons has an actual plot that moves at a decent pace but i’ve honestly been craving for things to slow down a little so i can just have an episode of the trio camping. that’s it. no flower pillar no gym battles just dot helping roy and liko make dinner in the woods. i am so attached to these characters i crave this content and i really am a little surprised there isn’t at least ONE episode almost entirely dedicated to something like that… i gotta look for some good genfic later to scratch this itch or something

i think this is also why i liked HZ053 so much - while some of the choices in that episode were Wacky to say the least it was SO much fun to see the trio work together to solve an issue and battle on their own as a group, and the actual thing they were doing was entertaining enough i completely forgot that it had anything at all to do with their school report. i would trade some of these back to back battles for more generic pokemon adventure content frankly. i swear both previous chapters had more!!

idk i hope the terastal arc ties up in a satisfying way and that i don’t walk away feeling a little disappointed at the end. keyword a little because i’ve definitely majorly enjoyed a good deal of it, like holy shit i’m so glad HZ050 exists for example, but man. get me back on the airship LET ME INNNNN

[amethyst-wind-uk]

So, I've watched all current episodes of Pokemon Horizons now, and I have some more thoughts.

[Japanese names will be used as I watch anime with subs]

I *STILL* think there's something going on with Orio and Mollie after their episode 9 date.

They are almost always positioned right next to each other in group shots. When the show is away from the Brave Asagi, any cuts back to the ship will often show them already spending time together.

In the episode where Orio goes to help out the pokeball maker, Mollie is the one who advocates for giving Orio time for herself and to get a break from constantly being in demand on the ship.

Their roles on the ship are complementary as well. Both are more likely to stay on-board unless situations call for it (Orio to perform repairs/maintenance on the ship itself, while Mollie looks after the inhabitants). Trope-wise, they have 'cheerful-stoic' and 'elbow grease-soft touch' dynamics, which are always fun.

Also, they literally ride Orio's Metagross together (leaning on each other) in the 2nd opening, with Mollie giving a rare smile.

~

Zirc and Onia *STILL* have not been named on-screen after sixty-two episodes/two-and-a-half fucking seasons! Those two should strike for better working conditions.

~

Liko and Dot, like Orio and Mollie above, also seem very close.

Liko was almost immediately committed to befriending Dot, before even laying eyes on her, and spent a good amount of time and effort talking to her through a metal door. Even after Dot emerged and they became real friends, Liko is always the first to involve and encourage Dot, and is delighted when they get to spend time together.

Dot, for her part, actually does respond to Liko's efforts before they meet IRL as she will drop everything to ensure that Liko is alright after getting into any jams, and will also beat herself up for letting Liko down. When Dot starts hanging out with the others, a few words from Liko will draw out a blush quite easily, and she is far more friendly with the other girl than she is with Roy (both kind of treat Roy as a mildly-exasperating little brother).

Liko having somebody to focus on helping (Dot) leads to her growth, while Dot having somebody who she can actively do things for (Liko) leads to hers. Their affection for each other is apparent and beneficial for both.

~

The third member of the 'main' trio, Roy, is an interesting case. I would probably rank him as having the least to do out of three. He's not an un-fun character, but he's rather limited.

Yes, he was the original provider of the ancient pokeball with Rayquaza in it, but Liko learning the story of Lucius and the Six Heroes meant that they would have had to come across it sooner or later anyway to get Terapagos to Rakua.

Since Rayquaza left the pokeball, Roy's role and motivation has kinda been reduced to being a fight-happy tag-along. He's obviously very sheltered from his upbringing, but he could do with having his own horizons widened some more. Maybe get him a friend who he has a deeper relationship with than Liko (Anne) or Dot (Nanjamo), or just... something to do outside of training to get beat by Rayquaza again.

~

Mibrim/Hatenna is the fuckin' MVP. The amount of times she's uncovered the problem or tracked down missing people and pokemon over this series far eclipses that of any other character. Screw Batman, MIBRIM is the world's best detective for uncovering stuff. She's great.

You cannot hide from her. She knows what you did and what you're thinking about.

~

I don't care for Friede or Captain Pikachu. They took up too much screentime in the earlier episodes before the writers wisely started scaling them back, and Friede's quickly-abandoned running 'gag' about forgetting to tell others important information wasn't funny in the first place.

~

This woman?

This woman fucks.

There's no better way to put it. Diana is in her sixties, still a full-time adventurer, and travels around with a gigantic fire lion-dog.

You cannot tell me she doesn't roll into a town, head straight for the club, pull 1-3 lovelies young enough to be her kids, outlast them all in bed, feed them in the morning and then tell them to get out with a smack on the ass so she can get back to work.

Rinse and repeat for every night she's in town and every town she's in.

~

You are baby.

~

[rising-volteccers]

Pokemon HZ032 spoilers.

I thoroughly enjoyed today's episode! Seeing Ludlow in action certainly had me cheering for him! I'm hoping for the day we get a proper backstory of him cause I'm so curious on what he used to do before joining the RVT and how he met Friede in the first place.

Seeing furious Lapras that calmed down after seeing its friends liking the RVT's company was nice to see. I didn't expect to see a full Lucius reveal but seeing Lapras cry alongside Arboliva and Moltes just makes me hope that they will get to Rakua at the end. I wanna know what happened to Lucius and what these Pokemon went through.

Rayquaza showing up at the very end wasn't something I expected, nor did the preview for next week's episode showing Amethio's return. Seeing him try to fight Rayquaza and what happened to Ceruledge--oof, he just doesn't catch a break.

All in all, definitely a fun episode that showed some action, development and makes me hooked on next week's episode!

[amelikos]

Some character notes and episode notes for HZ065, writing them down for future reference.

The episode starts in the cave with Liko and Amethio. Terapagos is still angry at the latter, but Amethio approaches him and says he won't do anything for now and that he can be trusted. Terapagos eventually calms down. Back to Roy and Dot, they have to battle Sango and Onyx and struggle a bit against them since they are worrying about Liko.

Back to the cave, Liko and the others are getting cold. Nyarote brings her grass so she can keep warm, which makes Soublades offer warmth to Amethio too. Liko then suggests asking Soublades to light a fire, and Amethio accepts. Liko and Amethio both sit by the fire to keep warm and Amethio is the one who breaks the silence and asks Liko why she wavered during their battle. Liko explains that it's because she failed her Terastal course and opens up about her feelings. Amethio asks her if she is going to give up and consider herself because of this, and Liko eventually realizes that she doesn't want to give up.

It's then Liko's turn to ask a question. She wonders why Amethio saved her during the battle against Rayquaza. He denies having the intention to save her, but she sees through him and feels that he is different from the rest of the Explorers. She wants to know why they need Terapagos and Rayquaza. Amethio explains that he is doing this for his grandfather, to fulfill Gibeon's dream and that they need them to reach Rakua. He also says he wants to live up to Gibeon's expectations, which makes Terapagos react to that name. Liko calms Terapagos down and tells Amethio that she is also on an adventure inherited from her grandmother and that she wants to bring Terapagos to Rakua because that's his wish. Amethio seems surprised that Terapagos has this wish. Liko realizes that maybe her and Amethio are following the same path. She is glad that she got to ask about this because up until now, she only saw Amethio as an enemy who was after Terapagos. Likewise, Amethio only saw Liko as the girl with Terapagos and never thought about her goal and thoughts. Liko says that there is stuff one will never know if they don't hear people out, and Amethio agrees that it might be the case. Then, Amethio notices some wind blowing above them and tells Liko they should try to get out of the cave.

Liko and Amethio both team up to exit the cave. They make good use of all their Pokemon's abilities. Back to Roy and Dot, Grusha intervenes and interrupts the battle before Sango uses Self-Destruct. Agate contacts Sango and Onyx and tells them to withdraw because battling a Gym Leader would be unwise. They both leave. Roy and Dot thank Grusha and he explains that he got a call from someone named Friede, so he knows about what happened to Liko. They all leave and go look for her with his help. Back to Liko and Amethio, they successfully managed to get out of the cave. Before going their own ways, Amethio warns Liko about Spinel and tells her to be careful. Liko asks him if the RVT and Explorers couldn't cooperate together since they have the same goal of reaching Rakua. Amethio declines the invitation and says that their paths are different. They part ways.

Afterwards, Grusha, Roy and Dot find Liko. They are all happy to see each other again. Friede also shows up. Grusha leads them all to some cabin and tells them to warm up. Liko apologizes for making Grusha worry, but he tells her that if she is fine, that's what's important. Liko then reflects about the fact that there are many paths she could take, even if she failed her implementation test. The group then exchanges information. Friede wants to know what Spinel was up to, and Liko explains that he tested the Eternal Blessing on Blacky, and that Terapagos made things return to normal and the crystal disappear. Friede tells the kids to be careful before leaving, while Liko and the others go to Paldea's Highest Peak and admire the view. They take a picture together.

Back to the Explorers, everyone is summoned for a meeting. Hamber shows footage that Spinel got, showing Liko and Amethio together. Agate and Spinel accuse Amethio of betraying them and cooperating with the enemy instead of taking Terapagos when he had the opportunity to do so, while Hamber, Sango and Onyx seem skeptical and are willing to hear Amethio out. Gibeon interrupts them and demeans Amethio, telling him he disappointed him and that he doesn't wish to see him any longer.

--

Overall, loved this episode (obviously) and waited for something like this to happen!

Outside of the Liko and Amethio stuff, I loved Dot's moments as usual. The way she was actually enthusiastic about taking a picture at the end and smiled was so cute and good and I love seeing her progression as a character even on things like this.. She started off the arc being embarassed about taking pictures and had a difficult time smiling in them, and now it felt natural for her to join her friends and she looked so happy too?? Even after climbing up the mountain and probably getting tired. I also liked when she was relieved to see Liko safe, and the way she ran towards her actually made me think she was going in for a hug. She extended her arms and everything. It was cute. Dot loves her friends, and her friends love her back, and I love them all too.

I also liked the way Grusha was depicted.. it's actually nice knowing that Gym Leaders aren't just there to battle, but they actually watch over their place too? It feels reassuring knowing that you can call a Gym Leader and have them help out if someone is lost in the mountains or something. It actually adds to the world, and makes them feel invested in their community (and makes me appreciate them more). Especially for a character like Grusha. He was really nice about the whole thing. He protected Roy and Dot, reassured them, looked for Liko with them and stayed with everyone until the end and told them to warm up too. He was glad Liko was safe in the end. Like, he may be strict with himself and others when it comes to battles and stuff (the implementation test), but he is not the kind of person who won't help someone in need (like Amethio basically).

Something else I liked (outside of the bits of characterization for basically everyone) is how Liko talked about Spinel's test with the Rakurium. The way she said that Blacky seemed to be in pain. I just liked that this was something she took to heart, that she paid attention to the enemy's Pokemon, etc. And I like the idea of Liko being close to Pokemon who are cats and Blacky is a cat, so.

Speaking of Pokemon... I also liked Nyarote and Soublades in this ep. Soublades paying attention to Nyarote trying to do something to warm up Liko and wanting to do the same thing for Amethio. Amethio thanking Soublades (and it's also telling that just because he has a Pokemon who is Fire type, it doesn't mean he'll ask of him to warm him up.. it feels very Amethio). Soublades was definitely willing to light a fire for Liko but still waiting for Amethio to agree before doing so etc. And I can't stress enough how cool Nyarote is. She has a difficult time with cold, yet still thought about Liko's comfort above everything and was trying to think of ways to help her... Always thinking of Liko and everything. Soublades is like a knight who protects Amethio, and Nyarote is really similar too. I love how she is so protective of her friends.

And onto the main dish that is Liko and Amethio... I'm pretty satisfied and happy with everything, especially since the stuff I've written about for months came to fruition now. Horizons is rewarding when it comes to stuff like that because it really feels like putting in thought matters, and paying attention to all the little things matters too.

What Liko and Amethio talked about wasn't new information for us as viewers, but they didn't know these things about each other so it was important that they got to sit and talk about it. And it allowed them to humanize each other and truly see each other for who they are. The scriptwriter for this episode (Kureha Matsuzawa) brought up the line Liko said (the one about how there are some things that you'll never know or understand if you don't hear people out or talk with them) after the ep aired and commented on how there may always be a way forward by exchanging words and not giving up on dialogue, even with people you think you'd never be able to understand. So I definitely think this line was important and represents what this episode stood for (the importance of communication etc). (And I'm curious about Liko's offer to Amethio, saying that since both the RVT and Explorers have the same goal, they're better off not fighting.. I wonder where this will lead. I really liked that Liko analyzed the situation and made such an offer, that first step in extending a hand to the other side which will definitely come to fruition later down the line.)

Seeing Liko and Amethio together also showed to me that they are pretty compatible as people too. They seem quiet, but they also analyze their surroundings really well. The way Amethio is able to see through her and asked her a specific question about her feelings, and the way she was able to open up easily too, and put her feelings into words... The way he managed to offer his own words of encouragement and support her was great (part of me wanted it to happen after we learned about the title for this ep and I speculated about Liko failing her test, because I thought it'd be great if her situation was meant to parallel Amethio's when he kept facing obstacles and still kept going anyway.. so I'm glad that this is exactly what happened and that this was what the narrative intended us to pick up on). It was sweet how they were able to talk normally and it felt soothing to me how they were able to motivate each other and work together and trust each other in that moment. Amethio's VA did a good job conveying that in his acting too (his voice sounded really soft in some moments).

And now onto me and AmeLiko... rare shippy thoughts, but I want to write them and remember them. As I said, I love seeing them being compatible as people and I'm taking shippy enjoyment out of this. I love Amethio supporting Liko. I love them talking together and getting to know each other. I love the slowburn being set up there. I love that they are both two strong characters, individually, and the way they connect makes for something great and special. I love their narrative connection pushing them at every turn.

One thing I've wondered is if the narrative will address the elephant in the room that is the shippy potential for these two characters. AmeLiko definitely reads to me like a shoujo pair, so... I think they could be making a slowburn romance if they wanted to take things in this direction. To keep comparing Horizons to a shoujo, Liko is like Sakura (in CardCaptor Sakura). If Liko is Sakura, Lucius is Clow (Sakura being Clow's descendent and being the one who opened the Clow Book and freed the cards, just like how Liko awakened Terapagos), the Six Heroes are the Clow Cards (being scattered around the world and Liko needs to find them), Terapagos is the magical girl "mascot" and special creature (who will regain his power over time, after all the Six Heroes/Clow Cards are gathered together), etc etc. And Amethio is Syaoran (originally rivals with the heroine and wanted the Clow Cards for himself, and eventually grows into a dear friend and ally, and he falls for Sakura in the process). These are the vibes Horizons gives me. Not to mention the framing with the ancestors potentially having a feud easily lends itself to a reading where the descendents' story ends in reconciliation, friendship (and potentially romantic love). That and I can't help but get tragic vibes from Lucius and Gibeon (friends who fell apart?) and Diana and Hamber (a love that could have been, maybe, at least Hamber pining for Diana and never saying something about it is something I can easily imagine... but the passage of time made it so that their paths parted, but the feelings of friendship Diana still feels for Hamber are important and still worthy). So, Liko and Amethio writing a different conclusion to their current story would be good.

Anyway, regardless of what direction they decide to take with this, I love whatever dynamics that are written. I think such a reading is easy to have (and potentially intended, given the little things put here and there in the show that can be connected to reach such a conclusion), but I can also see them leaving it open. Either way, I root for Liko and Amethio to become friends and I love that they grew to respect each other as people. I'm also pleased with the amount of care put in their dialogues, the intent, and their characters.

Last thing for now (maybe), but something I thought was neat was how Liko, Roy and Dot ended the episode at the highest peak in Paldea and looked at the scenery from above, while Amethio reached his lowest point in this ep and the framing made him look like he was being looked down upon, by Gibeon who was in a higher position. The differences in their positions, etc. (It was really upsetting seeing him so hurt, though.. I do hope he can have an ally, or anyone on his side to support him.)

[sharkdays]

pokemon hz024 spoilers below

OHHHHHHKAY OH FUCKINH KAY I AM SO NORMAL (lying)

listen. LISTEN. what if amethio has some sort of connection/relation to whoever this "rakua" is and is why terapagos is like freaking out when it saw him just like when it heard the name rakua. im probably wrong but we dont know anything about whoever/whatever rakua is so. idk it just popped in my head after watching the episode

um anyways this was a great episode to come back to after the hiatus, i gotta wait for subs since i didn't understand much but i'm already so hype for the next episode. also we got the briefest of spinel appearances (technically) so thats epic. not to mention so much of my guy!! my silly little explorer!!!! amethio my beloved

also friede looks badass as hell in the previews for the next ep friede fans are eating good and i am excited for you.