Amethio's facial expressions and his voice (looking and sounding extremely worn out and vulnerable). I thought that his VA did a good job at conveying how he felt. And it also felt significant that he allows himself to display such vulnerability around others, namely Zir and Conia. The way he sounds depending on who he talks to, etc. This is the first time he's sounded so vulnerable. Also, to me, he looked like he was just so exhausted in general... I wonder if he cried. I mean, the person he loves the most (his grandfather) told him he doesn't want to see him anymore and rejected him, when Amethio is devoting his everything to his dream.

Amethio's lines. Notably the "don't make me repeat myself" which possibly implies that he already explained his situation to Zir and Conia.. and that even though he explained, they stuck around because they genuinely want to stay around him to help. And that line also implies that they probably tried to talk to him before that. Which is a step forward for them because back in HZ026 (the first episode of chapter 2), they were distant and Zir said that "it was hard to talk to him (Amethio)". Which possibly meant that they were unsure on how to reach out and that they didn't try to communicate with him. So there was a wall between them (Amethio was alone with Soublades, Zir and Conia weren't next to him in HZ026), which they are now trying to break to get closer to him.

Also in terms of lines. Amethio thinking that Zir and Conia would only stuck around for a shot at promotion was sad. The fact he is aware of such things, and that he didn't consider that they'd want to stay with him because they care about him for who he is. It was clear that they always cared about him more than just for work purposes, but Amethio probably didn't see/consider it. I'm curious about their past tbh (when did they meet Amethio, etc..).

Also Amethio thanking them was sweet. His smile too (his first smile!). The fact he went from "what can I.. no what can we do" and openly asked for their help (he values teamwork and their help). The lines in the opening "even if you seem stuck, you'll be fine" definitely seem to apply to Amethio in this chapter. Amethio is stuck and he isn't sure what to do, and he wants to figure out what to do. And he asked others for help. So hopefully he'll be fine.. I'm not sure what he can do, though. And it still seems like he is going to figure out what he can do to help Gibeon? So, Zir and Conia are still helping him on the Explorers front. I'm curious about Amethio's direction for this chapter.. (Also, I need to point out that he is currently stuck like Liko was before when he met her in the mountain. He helped her out with his words, so now it's also time for him to reflect and consider his own words. Is he going to declare himself worthless and give up after hitting a stumbling block? This is probably the strongest test of Amethio's resolve so far.)

Also, Zir watching Gurumin's videos is still fun and he seemed interested and pointed out the fact that Kuwassu evolved. Potential upcoming Saidon evolution for Zir? Out of the trio (Amethio, Zir, Conia), he is the only one whose main Pokemon hasn't reached its final evolution stage. And Zir is someone who wants to get stronger to help and be able to stand by Amethio's side (he asked Gurumin for advice in terms of battles previously and actually followed it, such as when he taught Sandstorm to his Saidon in HZ025, etc). And in HZ027, he pondered on the word "'friend" when watching Gurumin's video about multi battles. How having friends you can rely on during battles is reassuring! (And also pointing out that after HZ027, the first person we saw Amethio team up with during battle was Friede in HZ045. The first person Amethio trusted enough to battle alongside with, and someone who could be a reassuring friend and ally to have during battles..!)

Anyway, it was also nice to finally hear Zir say the word "friend" because he clearly wanted to say it since HZ027. I think that moment of him watching the Gurumin video about friends was setting up Friede and Amethio's team up in HZ045, and also setting up the day Zir would finally refer to Amethio as "friend" (which he did now after 41 episodes). Gurumin's videos made him think about that. And the one who made Dot talk more openly about friendship and cherish that was Liko. A virtuous circle starting from Liko who reached out to Dot to become her friend, which then made Dot talk more about it in her Gurumin content which Zir watches. Which is now affecting Amethio positively because people are stepping up with the clear intent to support him in his time of need.

It's also neat that Amethio appreciates Zir and Conia's support for what it is. Because they aren't on par with him in terms of battling skills. He is stronger than them on that front (though they do bring him intel and help in other ways). So, it's also cool that even on Amethio's side, Zir and Conia don't need to be the strongest or whatever to be of value. Just them being there for him helps a lot already and he clearly appreciates that. He never gets angry at them either (he always thanks them for their work, even when they don't bring results, like in HZ024 when they couldn't find the castle's location, etc). He didn't blame them or lash out at them in this episode. He is appreciative and kind to them in general, so their loyalty is warranted. They aren't with him because they want a promotion, and Amethio doesn't need them to be "more" than what they currently are to consider them worthy.

Also, the thing about Amethio not having misplaced blame or lashing out at them is reassuring me a bit on the Amethio and Liko front. I wondered if Amethio would regret helping her, since it's what led to this current situation... but also, Amethio would have done the same thing over and over again even if he knew the consequences, since he is that kind of person. (And it's also why Spinel put him in such a situation. Because he knew exactly how Amethio would react, and that he isn't the kind of person to abandon someone in a dangerous situation.) And Amethio usually accepts his actions and whatever come with them.

And speaking of misplaced blame and stuff, I also want to point out that Amethio didn't react negatively to Friede after his loss in HZ025.. he accepted it and pushed forward. He just acknowledged his limitations and kept trying. And when he met Friede again in HZ045 (not counting HZ033 since they didn't interact there), there was no ill will between the two of them after their past confrontation (because there didn't need to be, they just fought for what they believed in). Friede naturally offered to team up, and Amethio followed his lead (being a bit bratty about it on the way there with his "don't give me orders!!", but it's funny and cute that he complains around Friede for the sake of it and still listens anyway because he knows Friede is right).

Anyway, this makes me curious about Amethio and Liko's next meeting and I wonder how they will react to each other after everything.

Already went over the writer for HZ068 (here). I am expecting the usual thing, which is opening episode of chapter establishes current goals and direction for both factions of the show (Rising Volt Tacklers and Explorers). I think it's pretty neat that we'll see the Six Heroes again (Oliva, Galar Fire, Lapras) and that they are taking it upon themselves to test Liko and the others. It feels like they want to see for themselves if they have what it takes to aim for Rakua, etc. Gives more agency to the Pokemon, too.

The summary for HZ069 can be found here. It's written by Deko Akao, which surprises me a bit since the summary and title indicate that it may be more of a Roy focused episode. Deko Akao mostly wrote Liko and Dot focused episodes in this series, so that could be the first episode which focuses more on Roy's character? Also interested in the mention of Friede meeting Zeiyu (that should be me he takes great interest in, etc :/). Given that Zeiyu's VA said her character had intense emotions and that she is a sore loser, I wonder if she'll make some snide comments to Friede? I think that would be funny. A bit reminiscent of Sango who told Murdock to shut up, too. Misato Fukuen also said Zeiyu comes off as a beautiful and aloof girl, so I wonder if someone will comment on that (like, Liko thinking "wow, she is pretty"). Also wondering if the characters will change their clothes for the festival, or not... Either way, I'm curious about Zeiyu and what they'll do with her.

The summary for HZ070 can be found here. It's written by Kimiko Ueno. Again, a bit surprising to me since Kimiko Ueno mostly handled Roy focused episodes in the series (such as HZ037, HZ052, HZ060..). And now, she is writing an episode which seems more focused on Dot and Kanuchan. It's nice. I'm looking forward to it. I wonder who "Liko and the others" refers to? I hope Friede is tagging along with the trio, and I wonder if maybe Zeiyu will act as a guide? Idk. Also Kanuchan facing a kind of bird Pokemon (the one mentioned in the summary) is kind of training for if she'll eventually face Amethio's Armorga since Kanuchan's evolution line and Armorga have beef with each other.

Kimiko Ueno also wrote the episode with Kaiden evolving, so I expect Kanuchan to evolve here too. Also, that episode will be airing on my birthday so I'm gonna be happy about it! That will be the only Horizons episode that ever airs on that day, and we'll probably get Kanuchan evolving so it's neat.

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The episode starts at school. Raifort tells Liko, Roy and Dot that they should go to Kitakami to ask Briar about information regarding Terapagos, as she is studying this topic. The RVT show up with the Brave Asagi, which is now fully restored, to pick up the trio at school before leaving for a new adventure. Liko and the others reunite with Friede, the crew and the Pokemon, happy to see each other again.

The following day, Liko wakes up in her room with her Pokemon. She joins Roy and Dot who were already up and talking. They see a Kairyuu flying through the sky and wave at the Pokemon. They then decide to explore the Brave Asagi to see what's changed since last time. They go see Friede at first, and find out that there is a special button that will be handy in an emergency. Roy wants to push it out of curiosity but can't, and Friede tells him to look forward to the day it'll be used (even though he shouldn't really look forward to emergencies). The trio then goes check Orio's engine room and Mollie's infirmary to see how they've improved. Next stop is the kitchen, which changed a lot and looks more classy. They also find out that three Sharitatsu are now on the ship. They aren't Murdock's Pokemon, but as he was about to explain his story, he got interrupted by the Sharitatsu running away. The trio and their Pokemon run after them and keep going around the ship to see everything they missed out on.

After their ship tour, they relax together on the deck. Friede joins them to give back Lucius's belt and the Ancient Pokeballs to Liko. Liko says the search for the Six Heroes can start again, Roy says he'll use Terastal to battle Rayquaza, and Dot says she can help too. Terapagos then starts talking (in his Pokemon language of course) to the Ancient Pokeballs and Oliva, Galar Fire, Lapras come out. Terapagos and his friends keep talking, and the Six Heroes decide they want to battle the trio. Friede says they probably want to test the trio, who are a bit overwhelmed at the idea of facing Lucius's Pokemon but they take on the challenge.

The battles are as follows: Liko and Nyarote vs Oliva, Roy and Achigator vs Galar Fire, Dot and Welcamo vs Lapras. Everyone watches over their battles and comments on their respective growths and styles. They all use Terastal and manage to land some hits on the Six Heroes who are able to withstand them. The kids still stand their ground. Terapagos calls off the battle and the Six Heroes seem satisfied, and go back to their Pokeballs. Liko, Roy and Dot thank them afterwards and feel proud of their progress with their Pokemon. Friede praises them too, saying that their Pokemon aren't the only ones who evolved and that they have changed too, which Cap approves. Friede says that if Oliva and the others are giving them battle practice, it probably means they are trying to guide them towards the remaining Six Heroes and Rakua. Friede then states that they'll go to Kitakami to research Terapagos and find the remaining Six Heroes. Liko believes that Rakua will surely be in reach after that.

Afterwards, we see Zir watching a Gurumin video in the Explorers base, while Conia watches Nyahoja pictures. They are waiting for Amethio, who tells them that he's been removed from all missions, so they should stay away from him. They insist on following him, which Amethio eventually accepts, feeling grateful for their help and loyalty. Following that, we see Friede commenting on the evolved Brave Asagi reaching Kitakami in one flight. Meanwhile, somewhere, a photographer (Sazare) caught a certain Pokemon (Basagiri) moving past her camera.

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Overall, cute ep! Loved the moments with Dot, such as her casually hanging out with Roy before Liko woke up, which shows that she became closer to him now and that they can relax together like that. Also, the fact that she explored the ship together with Liko and Roy and had fun doing that, when she used to find that a lot of things were a "pain" at the beginning. Now, she just has fun with her friends and tags along with them because she wants to.

Exploring the ship was fun too, and a good way to show how it's changed. Roy and Friede's interactions were really fun here (the whole exchange with "don't push the button ever, I'll have you know that it's a special button and if you push it, something amazing will happen" "I want to push it even more now" came off as the big bro teasing the lil bro.. they really nail that kind of dynamics with them).

The moments with the Pokemon were cute (especially Achigator and Lizardon hugging), and everyone being happy to see each other again.. also curious about the potential Sharitatsu backstory that was teased. The ending showed Friede and the others as they were before they joined the RVT, so maybe we'll get to know a bit more about them and their pasts?

The battles were fine, and highlighted everyone's respective strengths. I liked seeing tangible progress on the trio's part and seeing them grow more confident and being able to stand their ground against the Six Heroes. Good way to show how much they've progressed since the Terastal Debut chapter. Liko's battle style keeps being my favorite, the way she used Magical Leaf to hide Nyarote and have her wrap her vine around Oliva's arm was good. I like how her battle style plays a lot on evasion, hiding, etc... Also, Murdock believing in Dot during her battle was a nice touch, too. He observed calmly. I feel like he was more measured with his affection towards her this ep? Kind of interesting to see that their uncle and niece relationship still has room to evolve in small ways.

Terapagos being the one who called the Six Heroes and "organizing" the battle (probably being the one who asked the Six Heroes to battle Liko and the others, calling the battle off at the end, etc) gives him more personality too, which is nice. Terapagos is usually carefree and loves playing around, but the way he can command the Six Heroes and they clearly have respect for Terapagos back too, and listen to him etc.. it is an interesting dynamics.

Already went on about Amethio's scene in a separate post, but it was also intriguing. It made me sad how it feels like he doesn't want anyone to get caught in his problems, but he ultimately asked for help. I was a bit worried that he would close himself off after what happened but him showing vulnerability and accepting others by his side (and asking for it, even) is a step in the right direction. He doesn't have to be alone.