Warning: Spoilers for Pokémon Horizons, episode 64Pokémon Horizonshas just revealed a terrifying new way of enhancing a Pokémon’s power to the max, and it’s shedding light on the villains' motivations. Unsurprisingly, the Explorers' Spinel was the one to first utilize this mysterious substance, causing his Pokémon to become far stronger and extraordinarily faster than it had ever been before.
In a fairly recent episode ofPokémon Horizons, it was revealed that Spinel managed to steal a small sample of a substance known as Laquium, implicating Friede in the process. This substance, tied to the mythical paradise land of Laqua, represented a major step forward for the Explorers' goals, although just what it does or why they wanted it remained a mystery. It seemed to have some connection tokeeping the Explorers' boss, Gibeon, alive, but that’s not all the mystery substance can do.
In the latest episode, Spinel used the sample he stole to create a pink mist, which he then exposed his Umbreon to, causing it to become a snarling, powerful beast.
The Explorers' New Power-Up Represents a Dangerous Threat
The Laquium Could Make the Explorers Unstoppable
The Laquium not only made Umbreon far more aggressive, it increased its speed to absurd levels, such that Umbreon was nearly impossible to track while moving. It struck with an extreme degree of power, knocking out Amethio’s Ceruledge in a single hit, even though it was Terastallized at the time. Liko and Floragato likely would’ve been the next target, but Terapagos reacted to the sight of the substance being used in this way with an intense fury, transforming into its Terastal Form and destroying the small chunk of Laquium, which caused Umbreon’s power enhancement to wear off.
The enhancement of Umbreon’s power comes across as extremely unnatural, akin to some ofTeam Rocket’s more diabolical plans to increase a Pokémon’s abilities.Umbreon did not appear to be in its right mind while affected by the Laquium, although it did still follow its trainer’s orders, unlike many other forms of berserk Pokémon. Fortunately, Umbreon was only affected by the substance for a short time, and it’s not yet clear what effects long-term exposure might have on a Pokémon. After the effect was removed, Spinel and his Umbreon retreated, leading Amethio and Liko on a chase.
What Connection Does Terapagos Have to the Laquium?
Terapagos' Power is “Opposite” of Laquium
It was already speculated in a previous episode that the Laquium was related to Terapagos somehow, as Terapagos generates a similar pink mist when it shows visions of the past to Liko. Mrs. Raifort of Naranja Academy said that Laqua was supposed to have a pink shine to it, further tying the substance to the mysterious land. It seems as if the Laquium somehow imbues those affected by it with vitality, perhaps even to the point of extending one’s life, as with Gibeon. Spinel speculated that due to its ability to cancel the Laquium’s effect, Terapagos was the substance’s opposite.
Pokémon Horizons
Cast
Pokémon Horizons: The Series follows Liko and Roy as they explore and uncover secrets alongside characters like Friede and Captain Pikachu. Released in 2023, this addition to the Pokémon franchise invites viewers into exciting new adventures with familiar and new faces.
Laquium’s dangerous effects certainly go a long way towards explaining whyPokémon Horizons' villains want to reach Laqua, as with this kind of power, they could easily conquer the world.
