Warning: Spoilers for Pokémon Horizons, Episode #52
Summary
Roy's evolving Wattrel proves that the danger of a trainer can bring out a Pokémon's hidden potential. In Pokémon Horizons, Roy's growth mirrors Ash's experiences, showing similar evolution triggers. Roy's important evolution shows his growth as a coach, equipping him for future challenges.
Pokémon Horizon' Roy has been performing exceptionally well recently, winning a battle with gym leader Brassius on the Terastal course, even when it wasn't necessary to do so to pass. Now, Roy's streak continues with another important first for any Pokémon trainer: their first evolution.
Roy currently owns two Pokémon: his starter, Fuecoco, and a Wattrel, which he caught fairly early in the series. Unfortunately, Wattrel has largely fallen out of focus, appearing quite rarely compared to Riko and Dot's other Pokémon, such as Hatenna and Tinkatink. When Roy first found Wattrel, it had trouble flying, but he helped it learn even before catching it. However, it often struggles with high winds and will give up when faced with difficult conditions.
However, it seems that all Wattrel really needs is a good motive: Roy is in danger.
Roy's first evolution is very similar to Ash
An endangered trainer is the key to evolution
In this episode, Roy attempted to write a report about wild Pokémon in the area, focusing his attention on Capsakid. However, Capsakid got into trouble when he got stuck on a ledge near a waterfall and couldn't get up. Roy climbed down to help it, but the path up collapsed behind him, leaving him in a difficult position as well. Wattrel tried to help, but the strong winds blowing around the waterfall kept pushing it back. It was eventually able to carry Capsakid to safety, but now Roy had to climb up.
However, a handle breaks, causing Roy to fall into the water below. Wattrel, with sheer determination, attempted to rescue himself — and evolved into Kilowattrel. With his new size, Kilowattrel was able to capture Roy and fly with him, bringing him to safety. Roy was delighted to see his Pokémon evolve and the group celebrated his safety and Kilowattrel's new form.
As it turns out, Ash had a Pokémon evolve under very similar circumstances. Ash's Gligar evolved when Ash was trying to climb onto the Team Rocket machine and fell, and he was also saved by his newly evolved Pokémon when it rushed to rescue him. This situation is similar to Ash's Fletchinder, which turns the tables by asking Ash to dive in to save Talonflame from the lava. Ash actually falls from great heights on a regular basis, which fortunately is by far not a Roy trait.
When Pokémon trainers are in danger, they can tap into their hidden potential, and that seems to be as true in Horizons as it was in the original series. The Kilowattrel's new size and wingspan made it a much more powerful aircraft than before, allowing it to finally conquer the high winds that once troubled it. Although it took Roy a while to get there, he eventually passed this milestone as a Pokémon trainer, making him better equipped to deal with any What challenges are given in the game. Pokémon Horizon Next crew.
