Warning: Spoilers for Pokemon Horizons, Episode #67fans of Pokemon Horizons Debated whether Lico or Roy is the better trainer since the moment both characters appeared on the show together, the series finally pitted them against each other to find out. The result was a nailbiting battle that culminated in an evolution, settling the matter – for now.
Liko was granted a passing grade on her Terrastal exam as a thank you for helping to protect Naranja Academy from the Explorers, which made her eligible for the tournament of those who passed the Terrastal course. As a result, she was pitted against another who passed by, and that person turned out to be Roy. Both trainers were shocked to fight each other in an official capacity, even though they had many practices against each other during the series.
Episode #67 finally saw the two face off, and the battle was as exciting as fans could have hoped.
Liko and Roy have come a long way since starting Terrastal Training
The heroic training has paid off
The “Terrestrial Debut” arc was effectively one long training arc for Lico, Roy, and Dot, who realized after facing the Explorers and the Black Rayquaza that they needed to become stronger in order to achieve their dreams. Not only did the arc give them a chance to master the power of terstalization, the unique phenomenon of the Paldea region, but it forced them to participate in higher stakes battles, such as those against gym leaders and even elite four members..
Battling strong and competent trainers in controlled conditions has allowed Liko and Roy to grow their skills tremendously. While their goal is not necessarily to win against the powerful trainers, Roy managed to surprise by winning against Brassius. Roy and Liko also suffered some devastating losses, especially against Rime and Grusha respectively, which forced them to confront their weaknesses and grow as trainers. Both even saw Pokemon evolve, with Liko evolving her Hattena into Hattrem and Roy evolving his Wattrel into Kilowattrel.
It all came together in an exciting battle where both Liko and Roy tried everything they had learned. They understood their matchups and fought strategically, using moves in unusual ways that would make Ash Ketchum proud. Particularly clever was Lyca’s use of Hatrem’s ability “Lighter” to restore Plagato after it was paralyzed by Roy’s Kilowattrell. Both also pulled out their Terra Orbs at an opportune time, trying to take advantage of the power boost that Terrastalization offers. Roy’s Fuecoco even got so fired up it evolved into Crocolor, sealing him the victory.
The multiple protagonists of Pokemon Horizons gives fights between leads more drama
The equal status of Liko and Roy makes their fight better
While the original Pokemon was mainly about ash as a domain, Pokemon Horizons Made it clear that Lico and Roy (and now Dot too) are all protagonists of equal status, making the series more of an ensemble story. This simple change made the battle between Lico and Roy even more enjoyable to watch, as it was far from obvious who the winner would be.. When Ash had to fight with his friends often for gym badges, the conclusion was forgotten – Ash had to win in order for the story to And you go.
Roy’s journey has been more focused on battling than Lyco’s has been thus far, so it stands to reason that he should have had something of an edge here. However, even despite this, the outcome of the battle could be easily different, and there is no guarantee that a rematch would fall the same way. It really felt like a match between two trainers of equal skill, something that is often difficult for the anime to portray. Liko didn’t look bad for losing either; She was only surprised and outmaneuvered a bit, and she was operating at a type disadvantage for most of the fight.
All in all, the battle between Roy and Lico served as an excellent showcase for the growth both have experienced as trainers throughout this story arc, proving that they are ready for the challenges that lie ahead on their journey. Roy may have proven himself the superior trainer for now, but that can always change, so both Liko and Roy will need to keep training their best in order to face the future. like Pokemon Horizons On his next story arc, Liko and Roy will test their skills to achieve their dreams.