It's at that same moment that Lion appears out of a portal, with Bud and Lil clinging to his mane. They see Steven, and the Rose Queen, and the reaction is instantaneous. The two Pokemon jump off of Lion and into the space between Steven and the Queen, while Lion comes to crouch by his ward's side with a concerned rumble.

"Fo...mantis!" Bud squeals angrily, leaping into the air and spinning like a top, releasing a cascade of razor leaves at the Rose Queen. Meanwhile, Lil has different plans.

"Chiko...!" With a spin of his leaf, Lil activates Reflect, which will hopefully help defend the group from incoming physical attacks.