Pokémon Horizons has just concluded its biggest story arc yet with the finale of Pokémon Horizons: Rayquaza Rising, setting the stage for an exciting timeskip in Pokémon Horizons: Mega Voltage. This marks one of the most significant shifts in the Pokémon anime since Ash’s departure as the protagonist. The finale tied up major plot points while introducing new conflicts that will drive the upcoming series forward.
The Rising Volt Tacklers finally discovered Laqua atop Kumuri Mountain, with Liko, Roy, Dot, and Friede investigating the true danger of Laquium. The villainous Explorers also reached Laqua, leading to an inevitable confrontation. Liko and her allies faced off against lower-ranked members, but the real battle unfolded when they encountered Gibeon and Spinel at the core of Laqua. As Gibeon’s Zygarde transformed into its 50% form and Pagogo called upon the powers of the Six Heroes, a shocking revelation occurred—Lucius was still alive, having been sustained for over a century by Laquium. This revelation set the stage for the ultimate showdown.
Liko and Her Allies Prove Their Worth in a Battle for Destiny
Lucius revealed that he and Zygarde had planned to find worthy trainers capable of destroying Laquium, and that the Rising Volt Tacklers had fulfilled that role. Enraged by Zygarde’s apparent betrayal, Gibeon refused to back down. Surprisingly, Amethio turned against Gibeon, urging him to reconsider his use of Laquium.
However, Zygarde ultimately sided with Gibeon for one last battle. With Friede’s Pokémon incapacitated, the responsibility of defeating Zygarde fell on Liko, Roy, Dot, and Amethio, pushing them to their limits.
Pokémon Horizons (Photo: TV Tokyo)Using the power of Terastalization and strategic moves, Liko and her team fought valiantly against Zygarde. However, they struggled to overpower the legendary Pokémon. Just when all seemed lost, Liko’s determination led to Florgato evolving into Meowscarada. With assistance from Amethio’s Ceruledge, Meowscarada landed a decisive blow with Flower Trick, forcing Zygarde to the ground.
In an unexpected twist, Zygarde revealed that the battle was a test to see if Liko and her allies were truly worthy. Having proven themselves, Zygarde abandoned Gibeon, and Pagogo finally destroyed the surrounding Laquium.
Defeated and disillusioned, Gibeon realized the error of his ways. Lucius and Amethio acknowledged that, despite his misguided actions, his love for Pokémon was genuine. As the last remnants of Laquium disappeared, both Gibeon and Lucius began to fade away, no longer sustained by its power. They entrusted the future to Liko and Amethio before passing on, marking a bittersweet end to their journey and leaving the Rising Volt Tacklers with a new mission.
A World in Turmoil as Liko and Roy Struggle in Mega Voltage
With Gibeon gone, Spinel took control of the situation, using leftover Laquium to drive most of the Six Heroes into a frenzy. Rayquaza attempted to contain them while Liko and her team escaped. As they reached safety, the Rising Volt Tacklers arrived in their upgraded ship, the Brave Olivine.
However, strong winds and engine failure made the escape treacherous. In a heart-wrenching moment, Friede sacrificed himself to save Captain Pikachu and was blown away, presumably to his death. Liko narrated that this marked the end of their adventure, signaling a major transition for the series.
The finale revealed a one-year timeskip, drastically changing the landscape. Liko returned to school with Pagogo, while Roy embarked on a global journey, now accompanied by Captain Pikachu and a newly caught shiny Lucario. Meanwhile, Spinel took over as the leader of the Explorers, capturing all Six Heroes except Rayquaza.
Worse yet, he framed the Rising Volt Tacklers for Laqua’s destruction, positioning the Explorers as supposed heroes. With the world now in turmoil and the protagonists branded as villains, the stage is set for Pokémon Horizons: Mega Voltage.
The upcoming Pokémon Horizons: Mega Voltage promises to be one of the most thrilling arcs in Pokémon history. The timeskip not only brings a fresh setting but also introduces a high-stakes conflict where Liko and Roy must clear their names while dealing with a world in crisis.
The franchise’s shift towards a more mature, serialized narrative has been well-received, and if Mega Voltage capitalizes on the foundation laid by Rayquaza Rising, it could be one of the best Pokémon arcs in years. Fans eagerly anticipate how Liko and Roy will navigate this new challenge, and the countdown to Mega Voltage has already begun.
