"Some (very long) analysis and speculation on the new Z-Ring and crystal in Ultra SM, as well as the role of the tapus"

One of the more interesting things I noticed in my first rewatch of the USM trailer was the different-looking Z-Ring. We know that scene is probably trailer-exclusive and not from actual gameplay, due to the quality being more reminiscent of this part of the trailer from the SM demo, but it can pretty much be assumed that this upgraded Z-Ring and the different-shaped crystal equipped in it will have substantial plot importance.Here, I'll discuss the limited visual information the trailer provides us with and then what we know about Z-Ring variations and their relationship with the tapu guardians, finishing it off with some of my own semi-educated guesses/speculation. First, let's tackle what we actually see in the trailer.The Z-Ring is mostly a uniform black/dark gray, with a black bracelet and white accents, including the "arrow" pointing away from the wrist and towards the left hand.The new crystal seems to have a yellow tint, but it could very easily just be the lighting of that specific scene, since the trainer shown has much more of a red tint than would be expected. It resembles three diamonds fused together, with the central one being the largest. This "fusion" symbolism could be significant, or it could be me getting overeager with my speculating. We'll have to wait and see.Also interesting are the actions and movements the trainer performs with the Z-Ring and crystal. (I'd encourage rewatching this scene in the direct, as my ability to describe it is limited compared to the actual thing.)First, the trainer closes their eyes and brings their right hand to their left wrist, fitting the unidentified crystal between their index finger and thumb as the background changes from greenish-blue to purplish-red.Next, as swirls of golden light begin to emanate from the crystal, they turn it 90 degrees to our left (their right) and open their eyes as the light intensifies, turning the screen white before the trailer ends and the logos are shown.This animation struck me as odd for some reason, and I didn't realize why until after I'd started writing this analysis. The action doesn't actually resemble the animations/dances/poses for any other Z-Moves. Rather than cross their arms and perform a dance move without touching the crystal, they place one hand on the opposite arm's bracelet and put two fingers on either side of the crystal, and this new Z-Ring itself gives off a substantial amount of light, as opposed to the usual Z-Move, where the Pokemon is surrounded by an aura and the Z-Ring only has the faintest glow.This isn't anything like the use of a Z-Move. No, if anything, this looks like Mega Evolution.Mega Evolution shows almost the exact same pose - pressing two fingers of the right hand on either side of the Key Stone - and additionally, a large amount of light/energy is given off from the bracelet. The trainer even blinks briefly for dramatic effect before touching the Key Stone, unlike the SM trainer performing Z-Moves. (Admittedly, that comparison alone is a bit of a stretch, but since I'm making a point of highlighting every similarity this new animation has with Mega Evolution that it lacks with traditional Z-Moves, I thought I'd include it.)Now, I'm not saying that this is an actual Mega Evolution. But I'm almost 100% confident that it's a form change that may or may not occur in tandem with a Z-Move. We know Solgaleo and Lunala get new forms/fusions, so that's a definite possibility - or, it could be completely unrelated. I'll get into possibilities based off known SM lore later.Now, in order to reinforce our theory on this Z-Ring and Z-Crystal's purposes, it would be helpful to establish their origin, and to do that, we need to look back at existing Z-Ring lore. A canon fact I haven't seen acknowledged very often is that each island has a different Z-Ring design, with your Z-Ring being the Melemele design that's shared with Hala and Hau. (there's actually even more personalization in the anime, but that's very noncanon so I won't get into that).Of all the different designs, the one it resembles most closely is the Ula'ula design, used by Nanu, Gladion, Molayne, and Acerola. However, this Z-Ring is more of a uniform black as far as I can tell, though the white accents line up pretty nicely.There also seems to be an added inscribed triangle in the arrow pointing away from the trainer's hand that isn't present in the Ula'ula design. It's kind of hard to say, but I'm leaning towards this Z-Ring being its own thing. After all, it would be rather unlikely for you to obtain that type of Z-Ring at a reasonable point in your journey - you're clearly still starting on Melemele, and they wouldn't have you not get your Z-Ring until Ula'ula, so unless you start with the original model and get an "upgrade" later, the only plausible explanation is that Nanu, Tapu Bulu, or someone else with access to that model meets you early in the game. And none of that sounds too likely.Speaking of being gifted with a Z-Ring from a tapu, though, would it be possible that Tapu Koko gave you a special model (or even the unidentified crystal itself) after sensing your potential? Ordinary trainers apparently get their Z-Rings from the kahunas (this is backed up by both the anime and Gladion's comment that an "old man," presumably Nanu, gave him his Z-Ring), but both the SM protag and Hapu are gifted with sparkling stones directly from the tapu, presumably because they have unique potential. If you're even more special because of your ability to avert a certain upcoming catastrophe, that would certainly warrant a unique Z-Ring.One of the prevailing theories about Necrozma is that it was an Ultra Beast that lost its special aura after resting underground for hundreds if not thousands of years. It's known that Tapu Koko and the other guardians fought Ultra Beasts in the past, and developed a mutual respect/agreement with Solgaleo/Lunala, but it remains in question what their relation to Necrozma was, due to its notoriously violent demeanor.Perhaps Tapu Koko gave you the crystal to be able to control Necrozma and its influence on Solgaleo/Lunala - or maybe it triggers a form change that's completely unrelated, as a way for you, the protagonist, to deal with the threat Necrozma poses.Or maybe I'm reading too much into it. This analysis is starting to devolve into complete speculation, so I'll cut it off here. Hopefully E3 will contain a bit more info that we can use to reinforce/confirm/debunk some of this, but in the meantime, I'd love to hear any of your ideas or counterarguments to what I've proposed. via /r/pokemon http://ift.tt/2sC5ip8