Pokémon Horizons featured its first battle with a gym leader, and Roy's performance in his match with Brassius was leagues ahead of where Ash was when he faced down Brock for the first time. The two matches actually have a lot in common as well, which makes a direct comparison of Roy and Ash's battles relatively fair. Roy did manage to do something that Ash didn't, however, and that's push through to the end.

Liko and Roy visited Brassius because they had heard he saw the Black Rayquaza, but before he's willing to tell them anything, Roy has to engage him in battle. Neither Roy nor Liko have yet to commit to the goal of earning gym badges and challenging the Pokémon League, so Roy didn't come to this place looking for a battle, and he still only has one Pokémon. Brassius is a predominantly Grass-type trainer, and the first...