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Guidance of the Black Rayquaza - Pokémon Horizons Episode 87 Review - A Century-Old Obsession

Since the last episode of Pokémon Horizons was a battle-heavy one, it makes sense that this latest episode would be a story-heavy one to maintain balance and order like how Zygarde does things. And oh boy, the story goes all out here. I’m already at the edge of my seat watching this episode.

While this episode was great, I do notice that Pokémon stories do have this tendency where a villain is going to threaten the very planet with their actions,, and whenever someone tells them to stop, they still keep doing it. In this episode’s case, Amethio tries to tell Gibeon to stop because what he’s doing is wrong, and that Laquium should not be excavated, but he refuses to listen and orders the excavation. Gibeon needs it for sustenance,, while Spinel needs it for science. It makes me wonder if Gibeon keeps Spinel around because he made that suit he’s wearing—it does look like something Spinel would make given his intelligence and connection to Laquium. Then again, has there ever been a villain who actually stops when being told to do so, whether it be in Pokémon or not?

Also, a major surprise is that Lucius is still alive! It sort of makes sense in that Lucius’s voice actor was the narrator in the very first episode, and it has been revealed that the Zygarde Cells have been keeping him updated on the world events for a century while he was confined. It’s funny how he basically got his own livestream of the world thanks to these cells. It’s because of that, he knows his great-great granddaughter Liko, the Rising Volt Tacklers, and the Explorers. He’s up to date on everything, so he doesn’t feel like an outdated old man. I really like how the tension between Lucius and Gibeon is reflected in their views on the world. Lucius is selfless, while Gibeon is selfish. Though, I do wonder why Zygarde was helping him out...

While this does feel like the climax of this arc, there are a lot of questions formed from this episode. Apparently, Laquium is from another planet or from space. This raises a lot of questions. Was it a meteor? Did aliens have a fight and accidentally plunged this rock into the planet? It certainly is dangerous, though. The way it affects Pokémon erratically does remind me a lot of how some stories would have otherworldly forces be the main antagonist of the story like Jenova from Final Fantasy VII or Lavos from Chrono Trigger. It makes me wonder if the Laquium Core will be the true final boss…

Other than that, I do like how Amethio officially sides with the Rising Volt Tacklers to stop his grandfather. While Gibeon does not deserve a grandson like him, I’m glad that Amethio is walking this righteous path because he wants to. Also, poor Onia and Zirc, they felt like comic relief with how they were cowering when faced with Coral’s wrath. I do wonder what will become of Amethio and his squad once this is all over…

I can’t wait to see what the final battle of this arc will be like. I know it will be epic! I also anticipate for what’s to come after the conclusion because there is a teaser featuring a Shiny Mega Lucario. My prediction is that since the story revolved around Liko, and how the mysteries of the Ancient Adventurer and Laqua were tied around her, maybe Horizons will introduce a story revolving around Mega Evolution regarding Roy? I mean, Horizons is known as the LikoRoy anime in Japan, meaning they are double protagonists. There will be a teaser coming out on the 14th, so I can’t wait for that! Let me know your thoughts on this episode and for future events![/BP]

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