Warning: Contains spoilers for episode 63 of Pokémon Horizons
Pokémon Horizon just handed Riko a disastrous defeat to Gym Leader Grusha in her Terastal deployment exam, and unlike Roy, it doesn't look like she'll get a second chance, or at least not anytime soon. However, this defeat could prove to be a valuable learning experience for Riko, and it only makes her more like Ash, who is no stranger to failure.
The Terastal deployment tests that Riko, Roy, and Dot took were not the same as earning a gym badge; technically, Riko didn't have to beat Grusha, she just had to prove that she understood how to use Terastallization well in battle, and it could be said that she had accomplished that goal. However, Grusha is someone who values results and considers losing to him as failing the exam. While Roy was given a chance to redeem himself after losing to Ryme, Riko would receive no such mercy from Grusha. However, despite Grusha's cold attitude, this could actually prove to be a valuable lesson for Riko, especially considering her unique circumstances.
Liko's failures are the real reason why she deserves to be Ash's successor.
Anyone familiar with the original anime starring Ash will know that Ash failed quite a bit, especially in the early stages. Even in XY, Ash suffered severe losses that made him lose confidence and doubt his goals. Ash was unable to win his first matches against Brock, Lt. Surge, Sabrina, and Blaine (where Pikachu nearly died), and eventually lost the league conference in the original series.. Ash would also struggle with later Gym Leaders, often having to retreat and come up with new strategies before winning. However, Ash rarely let these setbacks derail his goals.
Although Liko has lost many games before, they have rarely been big losses. This is the first time Liko has actually experienced failure and it's obvious that she's going to have a hard time dealing with this.. In some ways, Grusha had an important lesson for Liko: that there are some battles where the outcome is all that matters. A bit cruel, sure, but an important lesson for someone dealing with villains like the Explorers, who would show Liko no mercy if she lost to them.
However, there is an even more important lesson that Liko needs to learn here, and that is how to bounce back from a failure. This failure does not necessarily represent the end of Liko's journey, just as any failure of Ash's does not represent the end of him. As Ash himself says, “nothing you can do is a waste of time.” Liko can learn from this experience and apply what she has learned to the future.. Grusha is a tough and skilled opponent, the type of person Liko doesn't have much experience dealing with before. But then, how else will she gain that experience other than by losing?
How Liko's Big Failure Could Set Her Apart From Ash
Liko can take her future in a new direction
Ash is a spunky kid who rarely lets a loss get him down, although that doesn't mean it hasn't happened before. However, Riko is a much more sensitive person, and this loss will likely weigh heavily on her, especially since it's the first major loss she's ever suffered. Just as Ash often relies on his friends to pull him out of a slump, Riko will need to lean on Roy and Dot for support. While Ash's losses mostly affect him, Riko may feel like she's not only letting herself down, but also her friends and Friede down.
Liko's goal is not just herself; she needs to become strong enough to protect Terapagos from the Explorers.. That sets her apart from Ash, whose dream of becoming a Pokémon Master largely affects him. Failure for Riko would have much harsher consequences, but that's why she doesn't let this loss get her down. Riko has no choice but to pick herself up and get back to work, because the forces hunting her and Terapagos won't stop just because she's feeling discouraged.
Riko has definitely suffered a blow to her self-confidence, and it may take some time to fully heal. But in the meantime, it is important for Riko to persevere and move forward, just like Ash did. Whether or not she gets a second chance to fight Grusha, Riko must overcome this loss and continue on her journey. Riko can prove herself a worthy successor to Ash simply by dusting herself off and preparing for next time.
Where Will Pokémon Horizons Go After Liko's Failed Test?
Trouble is coming for Liko and friends
As for the Terastal course, it's unclear what the consequences of Riko failing will be. It could be as serious as having her Tera Orb retrieved, but that seems unlikely; Riko still made it through Terastal Basics, after all. The end of the course certainly marks the end of the trio's journey through Paldea, and there may have been enough time for the airship to finally be repaired. That means setting out and hunting down the rest of the Ancient Adventurer's Pokémon, returning to the main plot of the series.
Based on the preview for the next episode, Riko will soon face a new problem, as the Adventurers reveal themselves once again. Although her confidence may be shaken, Riko has no choice but to pick herself up, or else all will be lost. With something at stake to protect, Riko may find her inner strength once again, and fight back against the bad guys just like Ash once did. Like Ash and Pikachu, Riko can still rely on her bond with Pokémon. It's time for Riko to step up and become Ash's true successor, and prove Pokémon Horizon will not be closed just because of a simple loss.
