#hz112

[scraftyisthebest]

We need a Master Ketchup someday.

First we had a Master Mustard, now we have Master Mayonnaise. Now we need a Master Ketchup to complete the trio of "masters" named after condiments.

[amelikos]

A few thoughts about the Mega Evolution set of episodes (mostly about Uruto, but also other characters) and the upcoming trailer for the next chapter.

The trailer for Rising Again can be found here.

My thoughts will be disconnected from each other, it's just that I need to write about Uruto or else, I will lose it.

I think what I find compelling about Uruto's direction so far is that he often faces hurdles, even after achieving something he wanted to do.. his writing is similar to Liko, Dot and Amethio's characters in this aspect and I appreciate it because I want to see how characters grow and confront their shortcomings. It's easier for me to want to root for a character like that. For example, in HZ114 (this week's episode), Uruto and Yamirami manage to Mega Evolve, yet he immediately faces an obstacle.. Uruto and Yamirami quickly get defeated, they show that Yamirami is still not accustomed to his Mega Evolution form and cannot carry his gem because it has become too heavy for him. Uruto also reaffirms his desire to want to be acknowledged by the Pokemon in his Dusk Ball (which at this point, we know that it's Kairyu), which means he realizes that there are still things he needs to achieve. He managed to take a step forward by Mega Evolving Yamirami for the first time, but it doesn't exactly end "happily" for him because he still needs to work on having Yamirami get used to Mega Evolution, get acknowledged by his other Pokemon, etc. He still has stuff to deal with.

It reminds me a bit of some of the story beats he got in Mega Voltage. Like, in HZ107, Kairyu accepted to come out of the Dusk Ball when Uruto called out for him and he managed to Mega Evolve too, but at the end of the episode, Uruto still thinks he hasn't been acknowledged by Kairyu and declares that he will become someone who can protect others. Or at the end of the previous chapter, Uruto acknowledges that he got in his friends' way and was scared of the Six Heroes and felt overwhelmed by their power and realizes that he couldn't do anything against them. I like characters who face personal hurdles and walls on their paths and who have to overcome them.

Other things I liked from this week's ep.. Uruto crying for Yamirami and calling him the coolest. They are both adorable.

The whole "Pokemon watching over their trainer" motif. We got that with many other duos in Horizons. Kuwassu watching over Dot. Nyahoja watching over Liko. Zygarde watching over Gibeon. I just really appreciate when Pokemon are given agency and feel more put together than their Trainers and push them forward. Uruto acknowledges that Yamirami was always the one who watched over him, and wanted to do the same for him during the battle.

Uruto saying he doesn't aim to be the strongest anymore because his priority is Yamirami. It's about making Yamirami the strongest. It's about his bond with his Pokemon. Only then, Yamirami can make Uruto the strongest. I liked these bits because it shows a mutual relationship between Trainer and Pokemon, give and take, helping each other, etc. Giving those nuances to Uruto's goal makes it more interesting for me because I tend to not be invested in stuff that feels too much like "basic male characters journeys".. Uruto's goal being about Yamirami and his desire to grow stronger being connected to his wish to protect people who are important to him (which is very similar to Liko, btw) is more compelling than if it was just "I want to win things".

Yamirami seemingly deciding to stick with Uruto and stay together with him reminds me a bit of Dot and Kuwassu too. Kuwassu just kind of chose Dot as his partner and stayed by her side for a long time even though Dot hadn't actually officially caught him.. I wonder if Yamirami did the same with Uruto. It's kind of interesting to think about too, because Uruto was living in some back alley and seems to be an orphan.. My point here is that Pokeballs cost money, so maybe Uruto didn't even catch Yamirami because he simply didn't have the money to buy a Pokeball for him. We do know Uruto worked and picked up trash to make some pocket money, which was probably so he could buy some food and not starve.. I wonder if he saved up some money just to be able to buy a Pokeball, or if Matiere gave him one.. It's up in the air, but I think it's something interesting to think about given Uruto's background.

Yamirami is also interesting to me because he feels a bit out of place in the city.. He is usually a Pokemon who lives in caves, yet he decided to stay with Uruto in the backstreets and followed him around because he could probably feel they were similar. Uruto was picking up things too, and Yamirami likes shiny things so Yamirami probably thought they could look for things together. In general, I liked the emphasis on what Yamirami was doing for Uruto and Uruto putting that into words himself (Uruto talking about how Yamirami was always leading him forward and watching over him, etc).

Uruto's relationship with Matiere.. I want to point out that Uruto's words before leaving were reminiscent of some lyrics in the first opening, Dokimeki Diary: いってきますを声にできたなら / ちょっとだけ大人になったかもね ("If I can find it in myself to say "I'm off now", then I guess I'll know I've grown up a bit"). Uruto told Matiere "I'm off now" so it shows that he's grown up a bit and in his specific case, that he accepts Matiere's words that they are family and that her place is his home. His words also imply that he intends to go back at some point, so I hope that we eventually see Matiere again. I liked that he took time to thank her and say goodbye to her, and that he does feel grateful for everything she did for him. The RVT already represent a kind of unconventional home and family, and I appreciate that Uruto also had a home for himself and bonds prior to meeting Liko and Roy and everyone else in the RVT, even though his background is such a stark contrast from the others'. Matiere's VA refers to her as a kind of "nee-san role" so putting this into perspective, it could explain why Uruto had closer moments with Mollie out of anyone else in the RVT. Mollie is a kind of big sister figure, especially to Liko, so this is another point of connection between Liko and Uruto, who both have "big sisters figures" influencing them and caring for them.

I am also thinking about the fact that Uruto brought up his father, which confirms that Kairyu used to be his father's and that he passed on his legacy to Uruto.. While we don't know what happened exactly, it's heavily implied that Uruto's father died (which would explain why he ended up alone in the first place), so this is an interesting parallel to Amethio's situation too.. Though, both situations contrast each other. Amethio's mother died when he was young, but he still had someone to take care of him. That person being Hamber. Amethio lived in financial comfort his whole life and had a place where he could sleep and eat. On the other hand, Uruto's situation was the opposite because it seems like as soon as he lost his father, he lost everything along with him (with the exception of the Dusk Ball) and didn't have a home anymore. Uruto was homeless and had to pick up trash to earn some pocket money which was probably used to buy food. Either way, something about these two characters losing a parent at quite a young age and their situations turning out completely different because of their respective backgrounds. Though, both Uruto and Amethio ended up becoming closer to a figure who is an "outsider" to their family but they ended up seeing them as such anyway. Amethio sees Hamber as his parental figure and we know Hamber took care of him for most of his life. Matiere took in Uruto to give him a warm place when he had no one else to rely on and she considers them family, and Uruto accepted her words before telling her that he'd be setting off, which means he does see her as family as well.

It's also interesting that they pointed out that Uruto didn't know how to read or write before Matiere taught him these skills, especially in a series where multiple central characters are researchers or teachers. Lucca is a teacher and she is the reason the RVT were even created in the first place because she is the one who introduced Cap to Friede. Agate was a teacher, and it's part of the mystery surrounding her character. Friede, Spinel and Gibeon are all researchers and their knowledge and positions are driving forces in regards to the Rakurium. Horizons puts so much emphasis on narratives and passing down knowledge (both of which need the skills of reading and writing), and even how narratives and knowledge can be weaponized for harmful purposes (Spinel creating narratives about Amethio or the RVT / Crave pointing out that there is a possibility that Spinel would release his own research about the Rakurium to affirm that it's safe, implying he knows that people tend to trust those in position of power or those "who know better").. So actually pointing out that a character was deprived of literacy and knowledge is interesting. Uruto being a character who fell down through the cracks of the world and who was deprived of basic things for a long time (a home, probably food, a school experience)..

In general, I think Uruto's backstory is quite bold because modern anpk tends to show that the kids have homes and parents around. So having a character who actually had none of these things feels different in this regard. Especially since I think it explains so much of his behavior, like being abrasive or awkward around others, his way of eating (Matiere scolded him for not chewing properly in HZ113 which really came off to me as someone who eats quickly because he is scared food will be taken away from him), the way he doesn't sleep on a bed, etc.. Even the fact that Uruto picked the observation deck as his room on the ship adds to it to me, because he lived in the backstreets, which were narrow places.. So wanting to see the wide sky probably makes him feel less restrained? Either way, I noticed a lot of things about Uruto that were piling up, so it's nice that it felt intentional and that those elements were there for a reason.

I'm not sure what to add that I didn't write about previously. Uruto, Yamirami and Matiere were by far the highlights of these set of episodes, and I like what they did with Uruto. He has flaws, is called out on them, and works on them and grows as a result. The themes of legacy going on with Matiere and Uruto fit nicely with the rest of the series (Matiere giving a home to Uruto like someone did for her in the past, she saw herself in Uruto / Friede teaching Liko, Roy and Dot like he was taught and guided in the past by Lucca and Crave).

I'm still not exactly convinced by the implementation of Mega Evolution in the narrative. I do wonder if they'll leave it behind now and we'll focus back on Terastal for good. Though, would Liko and Dot ever have an opportunity to access Mega Evolution..? I don't like the idea of it being restricted to the boys. Uruto and Yamirami were convincing in terms of Mega Evolution. They had a strong bond and history, and I was happy for them when Yamirami Mega Evolved. Unfortunately, Lucario and Roy haven't convinced me at all, which is kinda sad because it feels like Lucario was just the obligatory Pokemon to include because of those fuckass games being released. Kairyu was a ZA tie-in too, but it feels like there are things to say about him in comparison (dragons are prominent in Horizons, it's part of Uruto's legacy, Kairyu's Mega Evolved form has wings reminiscent of an angel which paints a guardian angel imagery, making Kairyu a protector and someone who watches over Uruto after the loss of his father, angel/devil imagery in contrast to Yamirami, etc).. Lucario doesn't exactly have traits to work on or flaws (the most recent catches in Mega Voltage were interesting for example, because Carbou's character was explored and his "noble flaw" addressed early on, Dot's Collecurei fit in nicely with Dot and her team and has learned to be less selfish etc).. It's just a shame about Lucario in general, given how strong the teams are in terms of themes for characters in Horizons.

Also, quite curious about the next chapter. My main points of interests in the trailer are Liko and Friede calling at the end. The fact that Friede is teased so early makes me wonder if he'll call the group in the first episodes of Rising Again.. I wonder what he's up to.

Seems like the kids will all battle someone at Blueberry Academy. Uruto faces Taro (interesting duo to me, and adds to Uruto's connections to female characters). Roy will battle Kakitsubata (I haven't been invested in Roy's battles recently or his victories, so I hope they can make something interesting with this because Roy's character needs it..), Dot will battle Seille (unexpected, but seems to be fun). Seems like Liko is the only one whose opponent is hidden for now. Maybe she'll battle Ann because Ann will be at Blueberry? Or someone else. As always, I look forward to Liko's developments the most because her writing compels me the most. I want to see more of her Pokemon in general. I wonder if Carbou will evolve in the next chapter.

I think that's it for now.. Mostly just wanted to write about Uruto because that's my stray cat. He is a whole kitty to me. His character has been interesting to dissect. I am invested in his story, Yamirami is the cutest and I like that an unconventional Pokemon like him gets to be cute and endearing to such an extent. I liked that they answered some questions about Uruto but raised more of them in the process in the most recent episodes. It's something I think Horizons does well in general (they did that with Lucius, Gibeon and Rystal).

[amelikos]

Promotional pics for HZ113 (here) and a few thoughts related to Uruto's character.

A few thoughts on the pics themselves..

Matiere seems displeased(?) on the first pic, maybe because Uruto is being rude to a guest? Apparently, she is also pleased seeing Uruto together with Roy, so I assume she is happy that Uruto made a friend(?) because he is not really the type to get attached to others? Matiere's :3 smile is really cute, btw.

Matiere will also be the one talking about the time she met Uruto, which is interesting because she is the one positioned as the storyteller (I like when we get female characters' perspectives on events and when they are recounting tales, like what Rystal did when she told the truth of Rakua.. her perspective was pivotal and the one being centered). The fact that Matiere's place is called the "Handshome House" makes me think her past is supposed to be the same as her game iteration, in that she was taken in as an orphan and got help when she needed it, and that she is doing the same thing to Uruto that was done for her.

Seems like Uruto is literally a sopping wet cat that Matiere found in the rain and took in? I'm not sure how old Uruto is supposed to be in the last pic posted by the PR account because the coat he is wearing hides him.. Yamirami was with him at this point. Uruto stated that he grew up in Miare City and that he spent many years there (to the point he was familiar with the backstreets and didn't get lost there unlike Roy who thought all streets looked the same), so I assume he was rather young when Matiere found him? I'm not sure he would say that he grew up in Miare City if he wasn't there from a very young age, or else he would just say something like "I moved here at some point" or something. Which really raises the question of how Uruto wound up alone in the first place. Other than Yamirami, there doesn't seem to be anyone else with him. We can infer that the person who gave Uruto his Dark Ball is his relative, but where is that person now? I assume they might be dead because I can't really imagine Uruto being abandoned if he still had some family left out there.. We'll see in the actual episode, though.

A few things stood out to me about Uruto in the most recent episode (HZ112), and also in general.. The implications I found most interesting about his character is that he had to work to earn pocket money by picking up trash, which made me think that he grew up in poverty or lack of money in general? Despite living in Miare City, Uruto didn't know about the fancy coffees and seemed confused by them. It shows that there are certain parts of the city he didn't know about and a disparity between those who can afford those things and those who can't. There is a contrast between Roy's initial reaction to Miare City (being excited and thinking it's pretty), and the reality. Uruto is more familiar with the backstreets and cleans up things there because people litter.. It makes me wonder if Uruto is doing this because he wants to help out Matiere to an extent and wants to contribute somehow? She took him in, so he probably feels grateful to her.

The fact he has to work at all is something that made me think a lot because his situation seems so different from the others kids' in the series? (Liko, Roy, Dot and Amethio who are all the characters from the younger generation who look for themselves/dreams and are highlighted as such by the story and promotional material) Dot does gain money from her streaming activities, but it's not something she absolutely has to do, because the adults around her provide for her.

Liko, Roy, Dot and Amethio didn't have particular issues when it comes to access to food or housing during their childhoods, so the fact that Uruto was found outside/didn't seem to have shelter when Matiere took him in and volunteers to clean up streets to earn pocket money is such a stark contrast? Liko grew up with her parents, Roy's parents had to be away for work but his grandfather took care of him, Dot's mother was around, and while Amethio's situation is a bit complicated, he was still cared for by someone and he had Hamber as a parental figure growing up. Even in terms of hobbies, they could partake in things they enjoyed. Liko likes drawing and could enjoy that hobby. Roy built a secret base back on his island, and I assume that the picture books he read as a kid were things his parents got him as gifts when they came back from work? So, he had things to play with despite being on an island far away from the cities and stuff (even school was remote for him). Dot had computers and a setup for streaming, so I assume her family bought that for her and could afford it. I'm not sure Amethio had any particular hobbies, but my point here is that they all had a level of comfort that allowed them to experience this.

On the other hand, Uruto collects rocks. They all hold sentimental value for him and represent different memories, and it's something that makes him similar to his Pokemon because they like collecting things, but it always stood out to me and it made me wonder if Uruto didn't have many toys to play with and just picked up rocks and hoards stuff he can find like that? Even the way he doesn't sleep on a bed makes me wonder if it's connected to that time Matiere found him outside.. I'm curious if he had access to a bed in the Handsome House. We know that he refused a room on the Brave Asagi and prefers the observation deck. Even when they were camping outside during the previous chapter, Uruto didn't have a sleeping bag like the others and just slept on the grass.. I wonder if he just got used to that with time.

I also want to point out that Uruto seemed confused about "school" in HZ101 when the group went to Orange Academy to talk to the school staff. He asked what it was and when he got told it's a school, he repeated "school?" and back then, I thought it felt kinda off and made me wonder if Uruto just never went to school? It seemed like he didn't know what a school was.

Anyway, the implications about Uruto's background are intriguing. The fact that we know Matiere in the game is an orphan who was taken in and that she is probably doing the same thing for Uruto here paints a picture about his past that has me invested. Uruto is abrasive and rude as a character, but it always felt to me like he just wasn't taught any better and had to have proper manners taught to him.. In a story where families shape characters and which emphasizes legacies (in many different ways), it stands out to me that Uruto's situation seems so different from the other kids (though he got Kairyuu, who seems to be part of his legacy)? The others all had adult figures guiding them and helping them, while with Uruto, we just know that someone gave him his Dark Ball but that person doesn't seem to be around anymore? To the point that Uruto is described as "living with Matiere" and not with his family? As of now, without the additional information that ep 113 will provide, Uruto is the odd one out among the kids because of his particular background in this sense. Something something about Liko finding Amethio on the island and Matiere finding Uruto in the rain.

Anyway, I wonder what kind of relationship Matiere and Uruto have. I wonder if a specific word will be used to describe how they see each other. I wonder how they both felt when Uruto left to follow Roy. Matiere was with Uruto for a long time it seems, so I wonder if she felt both lonely and happy. Maybe feeling a bit sad that Uruto wouldn't be around for a while but also happy that he made a friend. Uruto left his comfort zone and a place he knew like the back of his hand.. Though he probably hid his feelings of potential sadness/embarassment over leaving Miare City? I wonder if Matiere and Uruto keep in touch or if Uruto misses her? I hope we'll have another opportunity to see Matiere since she is important to Uruto's character.

I think that's it for now. I am just really intrigued by the implications of Uruto's background because it stands out from what we've had so far, especially compared to the other kids. I want to know why Matiere found him alone.

[amelikos]

Going over information for October episodes (from HZ112 to HZ115).

Also promotional material for Episode Mega Evolution in general (there is lots of it).

Info for HZ112 (here), HZ113 (here), and HZ114 (here).

Other promotional stuff around Episode Mega Evolution include (lots of links, so I'll just make a list for stuff that stood out to me):

scenes featuring Roy (here),

scenes featuring Uruto (here),

a key frame of Matiere (here),

a key frame of Uruto and Yamirami (here),

an interview with Natsumi Fujiwara (Uruto's VA, which can be found here),

an interview with Yuka Terasaki (Roy's VA, which can be found here),

an illustration of Uruto and Yamirami (here),

an illustration of Roy and Achigator (here),

there will be a third illustration on October 9 apparently (will add it to this post if I remember to do so)

Stuff that stood out to me in these links.. The Uruto lore that dropped, which is that he is apparently from Kalos, more specifically Miare City as he says that he would be suited for Mega Evolution as a native of Miare City. I think it's neat. Especially when I think that we got several blonde with blue eyes characters from Kalos in the past, so I like that Uruto is the Miare City character this time.

The illustration/key frame with Uruto and Yamirami are cute as hell.. Matiere's key frame too. The bits I'm most curious about from these episodes are around Uruto and Matiere in general. Uruto's character, his past (which will apparently be revealed too!), his relationship with Yamirami, and his relationship with Matiere. There is apparently a story behind Uruto and Matiere, and he is living with her during Episode Mega Evolution. Which is curious to me, because it's implied that the one who gave Uruto his Kairyuu is his relative (probably his father), so did he run away from home? Did Matiere feel sorry for him and couldn't leave him alone, so she just invited him to live with her? In the games, Matiere was an orphan, so if she is one in the anime too, it could explain why she took in Uruto because maybe she saw herself in him. I think it's interesting that Uruto has emotional ties of varying degrees to different female characters (Liko, Diana, Mollie, Matiere), it makes him more compelling to me. Matiere was probably my favorite XY game character when I played those games and I found her story emotional, so I look forward to seeing how she'll be in the anime (especially since my favorite writer is the one writing her).

Additional news about Episode Mega Evolution here (which I didn't link above).

A bit I liked is that they addressed the fact that Yamirami had a Mega Stone before his training even began because he likes collecting shiny objects. I like when Pokemon have their own quirks, so it's cute that Yamirami is just doing his own thing and collecting stuff. Especially since we know Uruto also likes picking up rocks from places he traveled to, so that makes them similar? Also, Uruto apparently had no interest in Mega Evolution prior to meeting Roy so I wonder what made him change his mind.

Matiere can also use Mega Evolution (which is good, and I hope we'll see her quite a bit in those episodes), and she has a Denryu who can Mega Evolve. I really like this Pokemon, so it's cool. I also noticed that in this picture, Matiere is holding a newspaper.. and if you look really closely, there is a picture of the Brave Asagi on one of the pages. This is post-Rakua, so it seems like the RVT got talked about in newspapers following those events and after Spinel painted them as reckless adventurers who messed up Rakua. I don't know if they'll talk about these events in the episode itself, but I like that they are connecting what happened in Rakua to Matiere in some capacity, since the newspaper she is reading probably mentions that.

Lucario has a nickname, which is Yellow Blast, which makes me curious about him.. Roy's VA mentioned that she really liked the reason Lucario joined Roy, so I hope we get to understand Lucario's personality more? I wonder what the reason is. My issue with Lucario is the fact that his focus was mostly battle-centric and that his personality didn't really shine through.. which didn't make me invested in him. I didn't have this issue with Yamirami (who is great all around). I am not sure if these eps will completely change my perspective on Lucario, but it seems like we'll finally learn more, which is very much needed.

Not sure what else to mention. I wonder if Cap's reason for following Roy will be brought up. I think I mentioned it in a previous post, but I want more on Cap's perspective. He'll be appearing in those episodes so I hope we see more of his feelings. I wonder how/why Uruto left to follow Roy, too. The summaries of the eps are all battle-centric, and it depends on how they're depicted for me to be convinced by them. But all the episodes are written by Kureha Matsuzawa (who is the script coordinator who handles the most pivotal episodes), and I love his writing so we'll see what's in store. I wonder if the episodes will be depicted as a kind of long flashback: ep 112 starting on the Brave Asagi, the RVT heading to Blueberry Academy to contextualize things, something happening that makes Roy and Uruto talk about their past together to everyone else, and ep 114 ending on the RVT reaching Blueberry Academy? I'd like to see the RVT more before we head into the next chapter.

My main points of focus for these episodes are Uruto, Matiere and Yamirami as of now.

--

Additional info on Rising Again (here), and summary for HZ115 (here).

First episode of the new chapter will be written by lead writer Dai Sato (just like Mega Voltage's episodes were), so I'm curious about that. I'm happy we'll see Anne again. Seems like Roy and Nemo will battle again, so I just hope this confrontation will be more compelling than the previous one.

I'm curious about Taro and her dynamics with the group. I wonder if they'll meet Briar in this episode.

Not much to mention about this ep based on the summary. I just hope the visuals for the new op/ed slay. I'll be insane if I don't get to know more about Spinel and Agate before the end. I said it before, but it bears repeating.

Also curious in general about how this chapter will be structured. Not sure the focus will be all on Blueberry Academy, so I wonder if they'll go somewhere else..? Curious about how Friede will come back in the story too. I think taking him out of the narrative was a fitting choice (and the way he fell from the sky is still the best way he could have gone as a character if they were going to take this route), and it's quite bold that they are sticking to this narrative and not rushing his return.. Initially, I thought that he'd come back for the climax of Mega Voltage, but he didn't. Which means they have something else in mind, so I wonder what it is. I like this element of mystery around Friede. I do look forward to his return, and potentially a confrontation with Spinel..? Not sure about that one, though.

[amelikos]

Going over upcoming news for the anime (chapter 6, Mega Evolution specials).

Most of the translations can be found here.

I'll just go over the Mega Evolution specials stuff first.

The theme song for the special episodes is already out and the lyrics are translated here. They are poetic and not the kind of lyrics I expected for this set of episodes. They are intriguing and feel like they give us a glimpse of Roy's emotional state..? Something I found lacking recently. The part that stands out the most to me is the one talking about "love". The song mentions love a few times (again, something unexpected), "is love all there is to it?" and "how long shall you keep saying that you want to be loved?".. The first one will probably finds its way in the TV version of the song and I wonder what scenes will be associated with this specific part. The second one will probably be only part of the full version of the song, but it does make me think a lot because it mentions the longing for love and "I'm right here" right after it.. I wonder who they were thinking about while writing these specific lines..? I feel like they could be about Uruto, because he comes off to me as someone who longs for love, so maybe Roy is the one telling him "I'm right here".

Either way, very good lyrics all around. Also liked the fact it leans into the theater imagery ("the curtain rises"). I also thought of You and Idol Precure (the whole "you and I" thing).

The summary for ep 112 is here (it's the first episode of the Mega Evolution specials).

Curious about the fact Lucario is apparently called the "Yellow Blast".. Seems like Lucario was already a Pokemon who was training on his own and was already quite strong? Makes me think about the contrast between Liko and Roy's most recent team additions. Liko's Carbou has yet to evolve and has to start from scratch in terms of training and has a desire to grow stronger to protect others, while Roy's Lucario is fully evolved and seems like a Pokemon who already trained a lot and has a certain amount of experience prior to meeting Roy, to the point of being called the Yellow Blast, probably because of his strength..? Which mirrors Liko and Roy's first partners. Liko's Nyahoja had a knack for battles (and her Leafage was quite strong as well compared to the other Nyahoja she lived with, according to her former caretaker), while Roy's Hogator had to learn things from scratch.

Putting it this way, I think I can see what they were going for with both of them, especially since it seems like both Carbou and Lucario are built up to be Liko and Roy's second aces after their main partners (Masquernya and Achigator). Liko mentioned in HZ111 that Carbou specifically wanted to become stronger, so I think there will be particular focus on Carbou as a battler.

Either way, I do hope they have a story in mind for Lucario. Let's just say he isn't off to a good start and that I'm still not really convinced after Mega Voltage. I hope they show off more of his personality, exploring his feelings or interactions with Roy or other Pokemon, etc. I really liked what they did with Yamirami as a recent addition in the cast, for example.

Not sure I'm convinced with Mega Evolution either. I still feel like it hasn't really earned its place narratively in the series. Terastal is written to fit the narrative, especially with the idea that Pagogo could grow stronger with many different types of Pokemon helping, which enhances the themes of teamwork and unity that Horizons leans into, etc. I don't know if Mega Evolution will be explored further or fit into the current story. So far, I can buy Uruto's thing with Mega Evolution. Yamirami is neat. While Kairyu is still a bit of a mystery, I can see the whole "guardian angel / devil" contrast they were going for with Uruto's team, and I think it's interesting. I am waiting to be convinced by Lucario.

Uruto's episode is probably the one I am most intrigued by, he has some mystery around his character that I'm invested in. I wonder if they'll mention why Cap decided to follow Roy in his adventures. I need a reason as to why it is, especially because Cap feels like a full independent character, so I don't really want to be left guessing about his motivations. Maybe something like "Cap wanted to watch over Roy and protect him because he knew Roy was going to travel alone and Cap was worried" or "Cap wanted to look for Friede because he believes he is still alive"..?

I wonder if the episodes will go back and forth between present time and the past. We heard Liko and Dot talking in the preview, and we know the kids want to go to Blueberry Academy and want to ask the RVT about it. Maybe we'll go back and forth between scenes on the ship and Roy and Uruto telling their stories..? That would be neat, because I wanna see Liko and the others. Would feel off to have only male characters otherwise. I can't be invested like that.

Other than that, I wonder what role Matiere will have. She was probably my favorite character in the XY games, so I wonder how she'll be here. Also, the Mega Evolution specials will all be written by Kureha Matsuzawa, so this has me intrigued since his episodes are my favorites.

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Not much to say about the new visual for Rising Again because we don't have much info so far. I like the title of the arc. Curious about the two characters from the DLC, especially Taro. As always, I'm not really invested in seeing characters from the games in the anime unless they serve the story in meaningful ways, so I hope they'll be interesting. I think it's cool that Horizons didn't give Pepper a prominent role, and that Suguri doesn't either so far.

Seems like this arc will be a bit similar to Terastal Debut..? I liked Terastal Debut for the character and Pokemon focus, so I wonder if they'll go for this kind of direction in this chapter. It does make sense that they need to train to face Spinel eventually. Blueberry is unexplored territory in the anime. Liko's battles tend to be my favorites because they are the best written (Liko vs Grusha still remains one of the most nuanced narratives in the series) so I hope that she gets cool battles here too, and she'll be my main point of interest as usual. It feels like this chapter could be an opportunity for some of the Pokemon to evolve. Maybe Tebrim, or Dot's Pokemon? I wonder if Carbou will evolve in this chapter.

Friede potentially appearing in this arc has me excited (and kinda feral). I think it's interesting that they are still being bold about this writing choice and that they aren't rushing his return. They didn't make him appear in the climax because it wouldn't have fit, which means they probably have something else in mind for his return..? Need something insane to happen between him and Spinel next time they meet, maybe.

I'm not sure what to expect from this upcoming chapter other than stuff similar to Terastal Debut. I do wonder how the Explorers will be included in the upcoming chapter.. Terastal Debut had lifechanging episodes such as ep 54, 64 and 65 when it came to the Explorers, so maybe we'll get a few turning points with them in Rising Again too. I think we'll probably have another chapter after Rising Again so we still have some time, but I do genuinely need them to explain Spinel and Agate's deal, or else I'll go insane (negative). Other than my usual points of interests (which revolve around my favorite trio of Liko, Friede and Amethio), Spinel and Agate are the biggest mysteries that need to be explained.. I wonder if Spinel will refuse to open up his heart until the end, or if they plan something from his perspective on the level of backstory episodes we've gotten in the series. I need to understand him. Same goes for Agate. There is too much narrative weight on these characters.

This is all over the place and I probably wanted to write more. Either way, I look forward to upcoming developments.