Friede

Professor Friede (f-REE-d) is a Pokémon Professor, the commander of the Rising Volt Tacklers, and a main character appearing in Pokémon Horizons: The Series. He is also a former employee of the Exceed company.

Appearance Initial Friede's facial expressions and body language present him as warm, confident, and highly expressive. His default look is a relaxed, open smile paired with calm, attentive eyes, giving him an approachable and reassuring presence. When neutral or focused, his features settle into a thoughtful seriousness, with slightly narrowed eyes and a composed mouth that suggest intelligence and concentration. The reference sheets show a broad emotional range: wide, enthusiastic smiles that lift his cheeks and brighten his eyes; surprised or worried expressions where his eyebrows rise sharply and his eyes widen; and frustrated or tired looks marked by slanted brows and a tense mouth. These expressions are clear and animated, making his emotions easy to read. His posture reinforces this personality—he stands casually with relaxed shoulders and an open stance, often with one hand near his pocket, projecting ease and self-assurance rather than stiffness or authority. His stature appears average in height with a lean, athletic build, emphasizing agility and endurance over bulk, and his proportions—long legs and a slim torso—suggest an active, constantly moving lifestyle.

His clothing is practical, cohesive, and strongly tied to an adventurous, aviator-inspired aesthetic. He wears a brown flight-style jacket with a thick yellow shearling collar, cuffs, and hem that add warmth, texture, and visual contrast; patches on the chest and sleeves hint at experience, travel, or affiliation. The jacket is tailored enough to sit snugly at the waist while remaining flexible in the shoulders and arms, reinforcing its functional design. Beneath it is a simple dark shirt that keeps the focus on the outerwear, paired with light beige pants that are fitted but allow easy movement, secured by a bold yellow belt that echoes the jacket's lining. His boots are sturdy and utilitarian, featuring thick soles for rough terrain, black uppers with yellow accents, and striking red laces that add visual energy. Blue-tinted goggles—sometimes worn over his eyes, other times resting on his head—frame his face and alter his silhouette, serving as both a practical tool and a defining accessory. Altogether, these details merge into a cohesive design that communicates readiness, mobility, and charm, presenting Friede as capable, expressive, and constantly prepared for adventure.

Younger Friede wears casual, practical clothing that gives him a relaxed trainer vibe. He usually has an open short-sleeve button-up shirt in light yellow, maroon, or black layered over a graphic T-shirt with bold designs like an orange dragon or a blue-and-orange wave. His pants are loose and straight-cut, typically in muted colors such as green, gray, or dark blue, allowing easy movement. For footwear, he alternates between simple sandals and low sneakers, and he sometimes adds dark sunglasses, which complete his laid-back yet confident style.

Timeskip Friede has sharp, confident facial features that give him a commanding yet composed presence. His skin tone is tan, contrasted by striking golden-yellow eyes that are narrow and expressive, often conveying calm focus or quiet intensity. His eyebrows are thick and angled, reinforcing his serious demeanor, while his mouth tends to rest in a neutral or faintly stern line, occasionally shifting into a confident smirk. His hair is a distinctive white, worn medium-length with layered strands and a prominent swept-back tuft that spikes upward and outward, making his silhouette instantly recognizable. In some looks, he wears a sleek, wraparound visor or goggles with a reflective blue lens that partially obscures his eyes, adding a futuristic and authoritative feel. Friede's stature is athletic and well-built, with broad shoulders, a strong torso, and a grounded stance that suggests physical strength and experience rather than bulk or heaviness.

His clothing combines utilitarian function with a bold, modern aesthetic. Most notably, he wears a structured white jumpsuit with black and gray accents, featuring a high collar, segmented panels, and reinforced sections at the shoulders, thighs, and knees. The suit is cinched at the waist with a dark belt and includes subtle circular and linear design motifs that suggest advanced gear rather than simple fabric. He pairs this with black gloves that have small orange accents, emphasizing practicality and grip, and sturdy black footwear designed for stability and movement. In a more casual variation, Friede swaps the jumpsuit for a cropped white jacket over a black fitted shirt, tan cargo pants with large utility pockets, and rugged orange-and-blue boots, maintaining a functional style while appearing more approachable. Across all outfits, his clothing reinforces the impression of a capable, experienced leader who balances professionalism with individuality. He also wears a Mega Ring on his right wrist.

Personality Professor Friede is a lively, adventurous, and unconventional Pokémon Professor who breaks the mold of the typical scholarly figure. Charismatic and free-spirited, he brings boundless energy and curiosity to his work, often diving headfirst into the field rather than staying confined to a lab. As the leader of the Rising Volt Tacklers, he's both courageous and supportive, serving as a mentor and protector to his team, especially the young protagonists like Liko and Roy. Despite his laid-back and sometimes chaotic appearance—complete with his trademark goggles and leather jacket—Friede is highly intelligent, resourceful, and deeply passionate about Pokémon research. He's approachable, good-humored, and brave, often balancing moments of comic relief with genuine wisdom and leadership. His bond with his partner Pokémon, Captain Pikachu, reflects his loyalty and deep sense of camaraderie. A lot of times he forgets to say somethings, usually of important status.

Despite his Professor title, he prefers to be referred by name and does not like being called a professor.

Biography Friede is childhood friends with Orla, living in the Kanto region. The two eventually parted, with Friede becoming a researcher for the Exceed company. He was a student of Liko's mother, Lucca. He eventually quit the job, having lost his passion for work and met Ludlow, and began fishing with him on his boat. Lucca eventually contacted him, telling him about a special Pikachu residing near Medali. Friede was uninterested until he saw Pikachu floating in the sky by creating a massive vortex. With his passion rekindled, Friede attempted to befriend Pikachu, though his initial attempts ended in failure as he was either tackled or it ran away from him. Eventually, he managed to gain his trust after he and his Charizard gathered berries for it to eat. After flying with Charizard, Friede realized Pikachu's dream and subsequently saved him from falling. After this, he caught up with Orla in Hoenn and asked her to convert Ludlow's boat into an airship and formed the Rising Volt Tacklers, gathering Mollie, Murdock and Dot.