One of Pokémon Horizons' big mysteries was just answered, but as usual, that answer has brought with it many more questions, as a new Rayquaza is seen for the first time.

Ever since his official introduction before the series began, Pokémon Horizons' male protagonist, Roy, has been associated with a mysterious "Ancient Poké Ball," which he believed might contain a Legendary Pokémon. As the Ancient Poké Ball opened at a dire moment, it was revealed that Roy's gut feeling was accurate--inside the Poké Ball was a shiny Black Rayquaza. However, the ball didn't just open on its own; it opened in conjunction with a glow from Liko's pendant, transforming this already rare Rayquaza into something even more unique.

Rayquaza Gets a New Terastallization Form?

The Rayquaza which emerged from the Ancient Poké Ball had a crystalline texture to its body, as if it had undergone Scarlet and Violet's Terastal mechanic. However, Pokémon that undergo Terastallization are easily identified by the massive "hats" that they wear, which indicate what type the Pokémon became when it crystallized. Rayquaza had no such hat, suggesting this isn't exactly the same sort of transformation. Fans will recall that Liko's pendant contained a Pokémon resembling an unevolved form of Terapagos, which itself is said to be tied to the Terastal phenomenon. The transformation lines up with leaks and rumors about a new special form of Terastallization that is allegedly in the upcoming Scarlet/Violet DLC, similar to how Gigantamax was a special form of Dynamaxing in Sword and Shield.

Rayquaza didn't hang around long; after launching one Draco Meteor and causing everyone to scatter, it took off, heading into the upper atmosphere where it naturally lives. That means Roy won't be able to count on this Rayquaza's power to get them out of a jam again, as the ball is now empty. On the other hand, a shiny Rayquaza appeared on the key art poster for Pokémon Horizons, suggesting that its role in the series is far from over. Roy seems determined to prove himself worthy of mastering Rayquaza's power, but his journey has only just begun. Commanding a legendary Pokémon in battle, especially one that has some unknown power at its disposal, is going to be a long ways away for Roy.

Rayquaza's new form raises a lot of questions for Pokémon in general, but as far as the Pokémon Horizons anime is concerned, it's set Roy on his arc for the series and given him a goal to work towards.