Pokémon Horizonsis getting ready to launch a new arc with older protagonists for the first time in franchise history. Now, thanks to an interview with main character Liko’s Japanese voice actress, fans finally have some idea of what’s in store for Liko.
Horizonsshocked fans with its big finale, which saw a major character killed off in another first for the anime. It was apparent that Liko and Roy would be dealing with this loss in the upcomingMega Voltageseries, but just how it would affect each of the two main heroes remained a mystery. It seems to have hit Liko and Roy in very different ways, and they appear to have been coping differently as well. There’s also a sense of an adventure that’s come to an end, and a loss of what to do moving forward, particularly for Liko, who it seems will be returning to school at Indigo Academy in the Kanto region.
Liko is In Store for Both Grief and Happiness
Liko’s Path Forward is Tinged With Sadness Over Her Loss
In an interview with Liko’s voice actress, Minori Suzuki, which was translated and posted to Reddit by user /u/Mother-Pin2667, Suzuki revealed that Liko has matured not just physically, but mentally as well, due to her experiences. Post-timeskip Liko won’t be as peppy and positive as she had been previously, still suffering from the pain of loss. She’ll have an inner sadness, but will be working to live up to Friede’s words to her: that while things may one day disappear, the experiences built will last forever.
However, Suzuki also insists that the series will not be wallowing in sadness following this character’s death. Instead, there will be happier, more positive moments as well, such as reuniting with Roy.She also stressed that Liko’s bond with Meowscarada hasn’t deteriorated at all, and that, if anything, they’re even more in sync than they were previously. Liko’s battling strategy is also said to have shifted, likely to align better with the kind of tricky maneuvers that Meowscarada specializes in.
Liko’s Timeskip Life is Looking Different from Roy’s
Roy Has Continued Adventuring During the Timeskip
It’s interesting to compare Liko’s reaction to this loss to Roy’s, especially in regard to the information relayed by Suzuki above. Liko is withdrawing a bit and returning to her ordinary life, going back to school. Roy, on the other hand, has only become more determined in the wake of their loss, achieving new heights and advancing as a trainer. Liko may have some catching up to do once they reunite.
From this new information, it certainly sounds likeMega Voltageis going to be a somewhat different showfrom whatHorizonshas been so far. With more mature characters, it seems like it will be a more mature show as well, dealing with heavy topics like grief while also still being the generally positive series thatPokémonhas always been. One thing’s for sure, though: the April 11th premiere ofPokémon Horizons' new series can’t come soon enough.
