SM075: Difference between revisions

{{cleanup|width=50%}}

[[Ash]] rushes out of [[Acerola]]'s home, eager for his upcoming training. {{Rotom}} directs Ash's attention to the [[Ruins of Abundance]], and are joined by Acerola and her [[Poké Ride]] {{p|Mudsdale}}. She tells Ash to hop on Mudsdale's back as she escorts him to {{DL|Recurring wild Pokémon in the anime|Tapu Bulu}}'s location via [[Haina Desert]]. Mudsdale traipses through the sandy ground with great care while Ash takes in a mouthful of sand. The desert conditions send {{AP|Rowlet}} flying from the safety of Ash's backpack, fortunately {{AP|Poipole}} rescues it. They soon make it to the entrance of the Ruins of Abundance, though Acerola tells Ash's that they will have to climb a sharp cliff to reach Tapu Bulu. The ascent is an unexpected hurdle. Ash finds himself lagging behind as {{AP|Pikachu}} and Acerola leap along the cliff, while Rotom, Mimikins and Poipole fly up. In a bid to not be outdone, Ash speeds his way up the ascent and reaches the plateau before his own Pokémon.

Unfortunately, {{TRT}} find themselves caught in the deluge but manage to seek refuge in a nearby cave. As [[Jessie]] squeezes her hair to dry out, [[James]] looks outside as the gloomy weather continues. They huddle together, with Jessie finding the cave to be relaxing. {{MTR}} then realises that they have become more comfortable with caves since living with {{an|Bewear}} in [[Alola]]. Jessie reassures him that the major difference is that they are free to do what they like and she calls out her {{TP|Jessie|Mimikyu}} for some [[Z-Move]] training. Jessie asks it to teach her how to pose, but Meowth and James doubt Mimikyu knows anything about its own Z-Move. Mimikyu perks up, and with a purple glow performs a series of ominous poses, which instantly alarms everyone.

Meanwhile, Ash and his Pokémon are playing in mud and rain while Acerola, Tapu Bulu and Lycanroc watch from the cover of the trees. Tapu Bulu whips Lycanroc with its tail, sending the Pokémon to join Ash in the mud. Rowlet and Poipole soon add to Lycanroc's muddied appearance, only infuriating the Pokemon as its eyes turn red. Ash rushes to Lycanroc and hold its face in an attempt to calm it down. Lycanroc resists, but Ash reminds it of its days as a {{p|Rockruff}} when it enjoyed playing in the mud and rain. The recollection works, as the rainstorm stops and the sun again shines through. Lycanroc's eyes return to normal. It smiles and wags its tail as it embraces Ash. Lycanroc's change of heart and newfound control prompts Tapu Bulu to fly over and it challenges Ash, thrilling the young {{pkmn|Trainer}}.   

As the {{pkmn|battle}} is about to begin, Tapu Bulu rings its tail bell and changes the plateau using {{m|Grassy Terrain}}. Rotom reminds Ash that the attack powers {{t|Grass}} moves. The green atmosphere reminds Ash of the [[SM037|green flash when Lycanroc evolved from Rockruff]]. He encourages Lycanroc, stating that it has the powers of both the Midday and Midnight forms within itself. Tapu Bulu starts to attack and hits Lycanroc with it tail, slamming it to the rock wall. Lycanroc is unscathed and responds with a {{m|Rock Throw}}. Tapu Bulu bats the attack away using an unrooted tree for defence. The show of strength shocks Ash. He watches as Tapu Bulu charges at Lycanroc with the tree and sends it flying into the lake. Anticipating Lycanroc to go berserk, Ash watches as his Pokemon emerges from the lake and walks slowly towards its foe. To his relief, Lycanroc just shakes itself dry, impressing Acerola and Ash's other Pokémon with its maintained composure. Rotom states that Tapu Bulu is about to unleash a {{m|Horn Leech}} attack. Lycanroc charges ahead with {{m|Tackle}}, though Tapu Bulu tosses its foe aside with its horns. Tapu Bulu follows up with a {{m|Solar Beam}}, but Lycanroc leaps out of the way and lands in front of Ash. To his amazement, Lycanroc is glowing with an orange aura and unleashes a new move, {{m|Stone Edge}}. Tapu Bulu anticipates the impact and retreats into its protective shell. The battle stops as Tapu Bulu rings its bell and claps its hooves together. According to Acerola, the display indicates that Tapu Bulu recognizes Lycanroc's strength, pleasing Ash and his Pokémon.

Tapu Bulu makes one of its trees sprout [[Oran Berry|Oran Berries]] and tosses them to Ash and his Pokémon as a show of gratitude. Ash and Lycanroc thank the Island Guardian for its training assistance as Tapu Bulu returns to its slumber. With his team's newly developed attacks and strengths, Ash declares that he is now ready to take on [[Nanu]]'s Trial. As the group departs, Rowlet flies out of Ash's backpack and returns to resting on top of Tapu Bulu's head.