Pokémon Horizons Unveils Unprecedented Pikachu Origins and Game-Changing Power!

Summary

Captain Pikachu's unique ability to perform a tornado-like attack inspired Friede to create the Rising Volt Tacklers and build an airship.

Friede and Captain Pikachu both possess an insatiable thirst for adventure and unwavering determination, which eventually culminates in the formation of a formidable bond between them.

Captain Pikachu's unique aspirations and personal desires set him apart as a distinct character in the Pokémon Horizons narrative, infusing the storyline with greater complexity and depth compared to Ash's Pikachu.

Captain Pikachu quickly became an integral part of Pokémon Horizons, although not as widely present as Ash's Pikachu in that era of the anime. In episode 18, the series delved into the past to explore how Friede first encountered Captain Pikachu and how he acquired his unique "flight" abilities.

Episode 18 of Horizons presents an extended flashback, primarily focusing on Friede as a young man who grows increasingly disillusioned with working in a lab. He feels that he has already exhausted all the knowledge he can gain in that environment and believes there is little left for him to learn. However, his old teacher Miss Lucca (who is also Liko's mother) takes him to witness something truly extraordinary: a wild Pikachu that performs a daring maneuver each morning, propelling itself high into the air and descending slowly to the ground without harm. Friede is astounded by this peculiar behavior and immediately begins observing the Pikachu.

Captain Pikachu Dreams of Adventure

Friede discovers that Pikachu's impressive display of a Volt Tackle attack is actually his way of riding the powerful wind and reaching great heights. However, it remains a mystery as to why Pikachu puts himself through this daily, especially when it results in him getting hurt. Intrigued by Pikachu's determination, Friede decides to experience the same breathtaking view, flying up alongside Pikachu on his Charizard. To his amazement, Friede witnesses a stunning sunrise on the horizon, which turns out to be what Pikachu is striving to see. When Pikachu loses control, Friede comes to the rescue, offering even more incredible sights if Pikachu accompanies him.

Pikachu's unwavering perseverance and thirst for adventure deeply resonate with Friede. This inspires Friede to create the Rising Volt Tacklers, named after Pikachu's technique, and to construct an airship with the assistance of Orla and Ludlow. Recognizing Pikachu as the driving force behind their group's existence, Friede deems it fitting to name him Captain. On the airship, Pikachu can admire the horizon in any direction, discovering new vistas every day during their world travels. Inspired by Pikachu's pursuit of his dream, Friede embarks on his own path, and the rest, as they say, is history.

The background of Captain Pikachu showcases a distinct persona separate from Ash's Pikachu, despite their shared Pikachu species. Captain Pikachu possesses unique ambitions and aspirations, adding an intriguing element to the narrative. Additionally, it introduces an intriguing new layer to the title Pokémon Horizons, connecting it to both Cap and Friede's origins.