Some character notes and episode notes for HZ088, writing them down for future reference.
The episode starts with the residents of Kumuri Town watching over Kumuri mountain worriedly as they notice a pink smoke around it, while the RVT worry about not being able to contact Liko and the others.
In Rakua, Liko, Roy, Dot and Amethio start the battle against Gibeon's Zygarde. They slowly get used to working together, and try to think of strategies to counter Zygarde. Nyarote evolves into Masquernya during the battle, and she lands the decisive blow against Zygarde.
After the battle, Zygarde disassembles himself and leaves. Lucius tells Gibeon that Zygarde acknowledged Liko and everyone, and that he may have been trying to show Gibeon the possibilities that bonds between humans and Pokemon can create, which causes Gibeon to contemplate Zygarde's Pokeball. At the end, Pagogo transforms into Stellar Form and flies up to the top of the Rakurium crystals, ready to purify them.
Lots of things to cover. I'll go out of order.
Amethio and Soublades. Really liked the scene when Soublades toughed it out so Amethio wouldn't feel sad (ie, not being defeated and surviving a move out of pure affection towards his trainer). I feel like the more Amethio opens up and asserts himself, Soublades does as well? Soublades conveyed to Amethio his desire to keep going on for him during the battle, and I thought it was nice.. Amethio thanked him for it too, and I think it was the first time Amethio said ありがとうin the series? He's expressed gratitude to others a few times before, but he used other words to convey that sentiment. So, hearing Amethio say a simple "thank you" while smiling felt meaningful. Also, Amethio usually asks Soublades for his opinion and always checks on him before making an important decision so they are equals as partners, but I felt like the scene with Soublades asserting his desire to keep going felt a bit different since the initiative came from Soublades. It showcased his personality, too. I feel like Soublades was probably influenced by the other Pokemon, and particularly Liko and Nyarote/Masquernya's bond during the battle? It reminded me a bit of HZ065. In that episode, Nyarote took the initiative to gather grass to keep Liko warm. Upon seeing that, Soublades had the idea to warm up Amethio by using his own blades. Soublades is changing bit by bit as well, through watching Liko and her Pokemon. The fact they played a bit with the knight motif in Soublades during the battle too.. Amethio and Soublades covering for Liko and Masquernya, Amethio wanting to protect (which goes in line with his desire to protect his grandfather) and making way for Liko was great. It doesn't feel diminishing towards Liko either, since they are both portrayed as equals, and Amethio is trusting her to handle the rest. I feel like it also makes him similar to Liko, in the way that both of them grow stronger when they fight to protect others?
Liko and Nyarote.. When Nyahoja evolved last year, I thought that Nyarote would reach her final evolution towards the end of the second year and that Amethio would be there to witness that again. So all requirements were met w Something about Liko's main partner evolving to respond to Liko's feelings and to protect others. The first time Nyahoja evolved, it was in a battle against Lucius's Rayquaza, and this time it was against Gibeon's Zygarde. It's always in a setting related to the Explorers. Amethio being so linked to Liko's growth as a trainer has been a recurrent pattern from the beginning of the series (being her motivation to become stronger after feeling frustrated for not being able to do much in her first battle against him, coming back into the plot precisely in the episode when Liko decided the kind of trainer she wanted to become after catching Mibrim, etc), and I'm glad he was there to witness Nyarote's final evolution. In both battles (Rayquaza in HZ045 and this one), Amethio was acting as an ally as well, so there is something about both Liko and Amethio growing stronger when they join forces.. Also, liking how fierce Liko and Nyarote both are. Liko has her reckless moments and she wanted to stand by Nyarote's side during the battle to support her (really liked that Liko looked at Friede and that they both mutually nodded at each other before she ran next to Nyarote, like she wanted Friede's approval and acknowledgment before doing it). I like that they have similar sources of strength and that they are both motivated to protect others. Liko wanted to protect everyone's feelings, and Nyarote wanted to protect those fighting alongside her.. Soublades included, he was part of those Nyarote wanted to protect and I thought that was nice? Nyarote is so loyal, and I think she was becoming closer to Soublades during the battle itself.
Noting that everyone reacted to Nyarote evolving. I particularly liked that Friede was the first person whose reaction was shown.. He's watched over Liko from the beginning and he is a huge inspiration for her, so I am sure he was proud of her. Amethio didn't react like the others, but this is also unique in itself and sets him apart from the others. Other than that, I loved Nyarote's evolution sequence. It felt like a magical girl transformation scene in how beautiful it was. Masquernya slays severely too, she was really the coolest and I hope to see more of Trick Flower in the future. Now that Nyarote has evolved into Masquernya, it also means that Liko has a cat with dark type as a partner.. just like Spinel. Liko and Spinel both have cunning sides to them, and their main partners share similarities.
Gibeon and Zygarde.. Really liked the visuals when Zygarde slowly disappeared. The cells raining on Gibeon as he is begging Zygarde not to leave, but he is powerless to do anything. The metaphorical rain made it look like Zygarde was crying too.. I think they managed to convey lots of emotional weight through Zygarde, despite the fact that he can't speak or emote. Zygarde really fought for Gibeon's sake, just as his trainer asked him to, but it wasn't necessarily in the way Gibeon wanted. Zygarde genuinely wanted to stop Gibeon this whole time and wanted him to realize what's truly important.. He stayed by Gibeon's side out of loyalty and love for him. I think it demonstrates a lot of agency on the Pokemon's side? In general, I like the relationships between the Explorers and their main partners because there is a lot of care and trust involved in each one of them. Zygarde chose Gibeon and willingly followed him. He could have left anytime, but he didn't because he wanted to be with Gibeon. I think that part of Zygarde may have probably been a bit desperate and pained seeing Gibeon like this for such a long time.. And probably hoped that he would come back to his senses, which is why he set up an elaborate plan to gather the Six Heroes and everyone again, etc. I feel like Zygarde leaving was probably his way of saying that this is the most he could do/muster for Gibeon, and that it's up to him from now on? Maybe Zygarde wants Gibeon to be the one to come to him this time? It does make me wonder if this will be the end for Zygarde and Gibeon. And what will happen to the cell that stays by Hamber's side? Actually a bit worried about this because as things stand, Gibeon probably feels like everyone he's ever loved and trusted left him, and it is miserable for him. I think Zygarde's intentions reached his heart at the end, and I liked that he contemplated his Pokeball. I think he is starting to realize what Zygarde was trying to tell him this whole time, so I wonder if Gibeon will want to meet him again..? Or will this end just like that? I don't know. But I really like the nuance in Gibeon and Zygarde's relationship. Zygarde wanted to save Gibeon from himself and remind him of the value of bonds.. It's interesting seeing a trainer and Pokemon bond with the Pokemon who is more put together than the trainer (a bit like Dot and Kuwassu in early Horizons).
Lucius and Gibeon.. It connects to my thoughts on Gibeon and Zygarde, but I thought it was interesting that Lucius "translated" Zygarde's thoughts and intentions to Gibeon and that he understood Zygarde so well? Something about Lucius's relentless kindness towards Gibeon and the tender way he explained everything to him at the end (ie, that Zygarde was trying to show Gibeon the bonds between humans and Pokemon and the possibilities they bear).. Lucius bears no ill will towards Gibeon and still considers him as a friend he wants to save. On Gibeon's side.. his breakdown was glorious yet infinitely poignant. Something about the way he slowly shifted his gaze Lucius to Liko and realizing her presence, and then absolutely losing it upon realizing that Lucius and those connected to him will always stand in his way and interfere with him? The previous ep confirmed that Gibeon genuinely thought that Lucius was dead this whole time and he was shocked to find out he was alive. Yet we've seen during the series that Gibeon talked about/to Lucius as if he were still alive (when he mentioned the adventure not being over yet in HZ045).. I wonder if he feels like Lucius is just bound to haunt him his whole life.. Something about the mix of love, resentment and feelings of betrayal he can't shake off. Gibeon desperately wanting to understand what makes him different from the rest of them also means that he wants to be understood and that he wants to be part of "the rest of them" in a way.
Also, Lucius' speech about the value of bonds felt sad to me because Gibeon was someone who believed in those concepts once upon a time. His first meeting with Lucius and Rystal comes to mind. Lucius suggested that they all travel together to find Rakua because if they joined forces, they would definitely reach their goal. And Gibeon accepted. Which means he also thought that bonds would make them stronger and more efficient in their quest for Rakua. Which emphasizes the tragedy of it all, because Gibeon lost sight of something he believed in. It wasn't a foreign concept to him, it's just that Lucius and Rystal's betrayal left him heartbroken to the point that his view of trust and bonds became distorted and that he closed off his heart. If they betrayed him and couldn't understand his ideals, then no one else could.. Which speaks of how highly he considered both of them. Also, I liked the scene when Lucius approached Gibeon at the end and got close to him.. I thought he'd either put his hand on Zygarde's Pokeball or hug him or something. It's not too late for this, Horizons.
Liko and Amethio.. Liko protecting Amethio's Pokemon during the battle (just like how he protected her back in HZ045), Liko and Amethio exchanging looks, and Amethio smiling at her. All very important things.
I thought it was interesting that Amethio wasn't exactly in sync with everyone else towards the beginning of the battle. Liko called him out on it too, and he actually listened to her and everyone else. He seemed surprised and taken aback by their comments, but he adjusted to them. He is humble and willing to cooperate.. Also, I couldn't help but compare this teamup with Amethio and Friede working together in HZ045. The setting was much more different back then, but I felt like Friede and Amethio were more used to each other and had no issues adjusting to each other. Their teamwork was smooth. Which makes sense because both Friede and Amethio know each other's styles thoroughly since they battled many times. Amethio is closer to Liko but he doesn't really know Roy and Dot much, so maybe a part of him wasn't as quick to rely on them initially, compared to when he teamed up with Friede. This current situation with Gibeon feels more desperate and personal for Amethio as well, since he wants to stop and save him, so his tendancy to charge in had a reason to it. I have to point out that Amethio talked back to Friede when the latter gave him orders (and still followed them anyway), yet listened to Liko and had no retort.. Again, different settings etc, but this one is cute to me, because I love how Amethio allows himself to show his bratty sides around Friede and banters for the sake of it, but doesn't do the same with others. He doesn't act the same way with everyone, and it shows in the way he interacts with both Friede and Liko. I wonder how Friede felt and what he thought seeing Liko and Amethio battle together, too.. He was an observer this time around and couldn't act.
Either way, I loved that Liko and Amethio finished the battle together. Definitely feels earned and rewarding, especially since they started off the series on opposite sides and couldn't trust each other. Both Liko and Amethio were fighting to protect others and their motivations are similar in that sense. Liko wanted to protect everyone's feelings, and Amethio wanted to protect Gibeon. When they are together, they manage to protect "everyone". Amethio trusting Liko to end the battle also felt meaningful. Amethio has a wish that others don't necessarily share (protecting/saving Gibeon), yet he is leaving it to Liko and putting this much trust in her. He knows that Liko won't trample on that wish and will be able to protect it, and he also respects her strength by trusting her to land the final attack on Zygarde. Amethio saying he'd carve out a path for Liko feels moving, since "path" is such a significant theme in Amethio's story.. He sticks to his own path, looks for his own path and for answers, and then paves the way for someone else (that person being Liko specifically).. Amethio considered that his and Liko's paths were different and couldn't intersect in HZ065, but now their feelings became aligned and they walked the same path, if only for a moment. Which is too poetic it makes me sick tbh.
Other stuff I liked. The Explorers reacting to Zygarde leaving.. I thought Spinel's expression was interesting? I'm not sure what to make of it, but it wasn't something we often see from him.
Something I noticed is that Gibeon's Zygarde has three moves of the same type (Ground) and one move of another type (Dragon). Which is similar to Lucius's Rayquaza (three Dragon type moves, one Flying type move).
During the battle itself: when Dot said "let's run support" so they could both support Roy.. Dot didn't address Amethio at that moment. It made me think that Dot was probably hesitant and didn't know how to include him. She isn't used to working together with him, so she only addressed Liko.
Gibeon saying "don't approach me" to Liko and Amethio during the battle. This specific line stood out to me. It's like he is closing off his heart to everyone, and won't let them get close because he can't afford doing that.
Amethio and Gibeon.. I liked when Amethio told Gibeon that he felt the moment his and Soublades's wishes united. He used "watashi" in this scene too (which reframes a bit the moment he used "ore" in front of Gibeon in the previous episode, like he was talking more earnestly than usual, etc). Gibeon didn't dismiss him, and listened to his words, so it seems like Amethio is finally getting through him.
The voice acting was great. Particularly enjoyed Gibeon, Liko and Amethio's VAs in this ep. Gibeon commanding the moves so calmly and sounding so composed during the battle was great, and he sounds hot ok. I could listen to him saying "Core Punisher", "Ground Force", "Thousand Wave/Arrows" forever. His breakdown sounded so vivid, too. Liko's VA puts a lot of heart into her acting, and it definitely shows. Liko sounds so fierce, and I love that she is becoming like Friede, someone who can give courage to those around her. Amethio's VA was great, and hearing him get deeply invested in the battle felt different.. I feel like he was definitely influenced by Liko and everyone else.
Anyway, this was just a great episode. The magical girl vibes were strong ("we become stronger thanks to our bonds and feelings" is such a magical girl thing to do). AmeLiko and LuciGibe are very good. I really appreciate how even things feel on both Liko and Amethio's ends? Liko suggested working together once in HZ065, and Amethio refused. She didn't have to push it again, or ask another time. This time, the teamup was Amethio's initiative and it was his choice to join forces. They can both protect each other and trust each other's abilities. They really feel like equals.
A bit nervous about Gibeon's future as a character, but at least, I'm satisfied that his heart was reached a little bit in this episode. The way he is continuously depicted as this sad, isolated old man also gets to me..? They don't turn their backs on Gibeon, because it would mean ignoring a century of suffering and not giving closure to heartbreak. The situation escalated to such a degree because Gibeon's feelings festered all this time and he had no one to tell him otherwise. He lived in an echo chamber of his own thoughts and was convinced that Lucius and Rystal meant to betray him and the misunderstanding couldn't be cleared up. The previous ep showed it too. Gibeon showed signs of hesitation just after talking and listening to Lucius a little bit, to the point Spinel had to push him to focus on their plan. In this episode, Lucius calmly talking to him again was enough to make him contemplate the situation.. Which really emphasizes the themes of communication conveyed through this story.
A highlight from the ep from PR account (gif of Liko and Amethio). The twt mentions Liko being Lucius's descendent and Amethio being Gibeon's grandson. In case the Romeo and Juliet vibes weren't clear enough. Just in case.
