Pokémon Horizons: The Series Episode 131: Come On! Gather Up! Our Fellow Companions

The episode opens with quiet domesticity aboard the Brave Asagi, a comforting counterpoint to the coming chaos. Dot pores over maps, her Electabuzz sparking with quiet energy. Murdock prepares pancakes, observed by an eager array of Pokémon. Molly tends to Noctowl, while Orion and his Sableye find peace in stretching. Even Landau and his Quagsire share a serene moment fishing, reeling in a rare Luvdisc, prompting Landau to muse, "Apparemment, nous serons chanceux en amour aujourd'hui." (Apparently, we'll be lucky in love today.) This picture of calm hints at the bustling, interconnected life of the crew.

The tranquility shatters as Roy and his Pokémon eagerly anticipate Friede's return, only to be met by a surprise. Friede, disguised as the boisterous journalist Sodayo, arrives with Dot's friend Sazare, also posing as a reporter. Orion eyes them suspiciously, asking, "C'est qui ces gens chelous?" (Who are these suspicious people?), to which Friede playfully retorts, "Chelous? Doucement sur les compliments, le petit nouveau!" (Suspicious? Easy on the compliments, new kid!). Their mission, it seems, is to capture the "truth" of the Rising Volt Tacklers, with Sazare declaring, "Je m'appelle Sazare. Mon objectif, c'est de prendre des photos de Pokémon qui sortent de l'ordinaire." (My name is Sazare. My goal is to take extraordinary Pokémon photos.) Friede adds, "Si quelqu'un confond réalité et fiction, je dois agir!" (If someone confuses reality with fiction, I must act!), affirming their intent to publish an article dispelling rumors.

Just as the journalistic ruse is established, a fresh wave of excitement sweeps the ship as Liko's old friends from Paldea, Nemona, Penny, and Arven, arrive. Nemona exclaims, "Minna! Kita yo." (Everyone! We're here.), bringing a rush of familiar faces. Their presence triggers a quiet, internal reflection for Liko, recalling her return to Sekiei Academy and the adventures that led her back to the Brave Asagi. She acknowledges how her friends and Pokémon partners have become her source of courage, thinking, "Si je faiblis, ou perds quelque chose d'important, mes amis, mes partenaires, me redonnent du courage." (If I falter, or lose something important, my friends, my partners, give me courage.) This reunion highlights the theme of enduring friendship and personal growth.

While the main group celebrates, Friede embarks on a clandestine mission, sensing he is being followed and noting, "Oui, je l'ai vu aussi. On nous suit depuis un moment." (Yes, I saw it too. We've been followed for a while.) He eventually meets Yanga, a former colleague now working for a corporate entity, who warns him, "Soyez quand même prudent... Les Explorateurs vous recherchent." (Still, be careful... The Explorers are looking for you.) Yanga expresses concern over the company's dangerous "Power Spheres." Friede reveals his own research, demonstrating the unpredictable effects of Rakurium on Pokémon with his Instructor Starmie. This brilliant, unexpected display of Mega Evolution sparks defiance in Yanga.

The quiet shipboard scene is shattered again, not by the true Friede's return, but by the dramatic entry of Master Mayonnaise. Liko, expecting Friede, shouts, "Bon retour à la maison, Friede!" (Welcome home, Friede!), only to recoil in shock, exclaiming, "Il y a un vieux monsieur que je connais pas!" (There's an old man I don't know!). This flamboyant figure, previously a mysterious pursuer, bursts through the door, announcing himself with theatrical flourish: "Maître Mayonnaise entre en scène!" (Master Mayonnaise enters the stage!). He proclaims himself "l'ambassadeur de la Méga-Évolution" (the ambassador of Mega Evolution), explaining his journey from Kalos, stating, "Je suis venu de la lointaine Kalos spécialement pour te voir." (I came from far-off Kalos specially to see you.), drawn by Friede's Mega-Starmie. His theatrical persona and unusual methods leave the crew bewildered.

Master Mayonnaise, recognizing Roy's determination to stop the Power Spheres, produces a rare gift: a newly discovered Lucarite Z. Roy, astonished, asks, "C'est une Méga-Gemme?" (Is that a Mega Stone?). Mayonnaise proudly states, "La Lucarite Z fraîchement découverte." (The newly discovered Lucarite Z.), explaining this special Mega Stone will allow Roy's Lucario to achieve a unique Mega Evolution. He challenges Roy and Lucario, stating, "C'est à vous deux de réussir à maîtriser ce pouvoir. Vous voulez essayer?" (It's up to you two to master this power. Do you want to try?). This offer is a challenge as much as a boon, placing the responsibility of mastering this new power firmly on Roy's shoulders, which he and Lucario accept with wide-eyed excitement.

The training battle commences, Roy and Lucario facing Master Mayonnaise and his formidable Hawlucha. Mayonnaise asserts his skill, boastful but effective. Roy shouts, "Allons-y, Lucario!" (Let's go, Lucario!) and commands, "Lucario, Griffe Acier!" (Lucario, Metal Claw!). Hawlucha demonstrates incredible speed and agility, effortlessly dodging Lucario's attacks and landing decisive blows. Roy's frustration mounts as Lucario struggles to land a hit, its attacks easily sidestepped. "Il attaque pas du tout, là." (He's not attacking at all.) Roy observes, realizing their tactical disadvantage. He urges Lucario, "Calme-toi et attaque au bon moment!" (Calm down and attack at the right moment!), but the frustration lingers. The fight highlights Roy's inexperience and Hawlucha's tactical superiority.

The true lesson begins when Master Mayonnaise Mega Evolves his Hawlucha, transforming it into a powerful, ornate form. Roy gasps, "Un Méga-Anneau..." (A Mega Ring...) as Mayonnaise shouts, "Un, deux, trois! Luchabull, Méga-Évolution!" (One, two, three! Hawlucha, Mega Evolution!). The sheer strength and defense of Mega Hawlucha overwhelm Lucario, who is forced into a defensive struggle. Friede, stunned, admits, "Un Luchabull méga-évolué... J'avais jamais vu ça." (A Mega Evolved Hawlucha... I've never seen that.). Mayonnaise directly addresses Roy's shortcomings, stating, "L'aura de Lucario n'a pas encore exprimé toute sa puissance. Actuellement, vous êtes loin de pouvoir la maîtriser." (Lucario's aura has not yet expressed its full power. Currently, you are far from being able to master it.), leaving Roy defeated and grappling with the stark reality of his limitations.

Despite the crushing defeat, Roy refuses to give up. "Non..." (No...) he cries, but then his expression hardens. He rallies Lucario, urging it to calm its fury and focus its power, declaring, "Récupère ta puissance originelle et surpasse-toi!" (Recover your original power and surpass yourself!). With renewed determination, Roy commands, "D'accord. Lance Close Combat à pleine puissance!" (Alright. Use Close Combat at full power!), and Lucario responds, its body glowing with concentrated Aura. They land a formidable strike on Mega Hawlucha, proving their potential even in defeat. Mayonnaise observes, clearly impressed by Roy's resilience and Lucario's burgeoning strength, even as Roy ultimately concedes, "J'ai perdu..." (I lost...).

With lessons learned and new resolve forged, the fully repaired Brave Asagi prepares for departure. The crew gathers, including Liko's Paldea friends, who bid farewell as the ship readies itself for a new quest. Liko smiles, "C'est parti pour un nouveau voyage!" (Here we go on a new journey!), echoing Dot's excitement, "Hé, tout le monde! C'est enfin le grand départ!" (Hey everyone! It's finally time for the big departure!). Roy, now more confident and determined, declares, "Je dois réussir à utiliser cette nouvelle Méga-Évolution!" (I must succeed in using this new Mega Evolution!), taking the helm as Master Mayonnaise encourages, "Roy! Lucario! Faites de votre mieux!" (Roy! Lucario! Do your best!), embracing his role to "Guider la jeunesse vers son avenir." (Guide youth towards their future.) The magnificent airship ascends, a beacon of adventure against the backdrop of a serene sunrise.

As the Brave Asagi soars towards new horizons, students and professors from Sekiei Academy watch its majestic flight. Their reactions are mixed, a blend of surprise, slight disapproval, and, ultimately, admiration for the adventurous spirit of the Rising Volt Tacklers. One student articulates this shift in perception, confessing, "Mais en vrai... Je trouve qu'ils sont... cool." (But actually... I think they're... cool.). The small Terapagos flies alongside the ship, a silent guardian of their journey, reinforcing the impact the crew has had, inspiring those they leave behind.