//------------------------------// // Mirror of my Spirit and Soul // Story: My Little Pokémon: Grander World // by Amarvax //------------------------------// Unova. Virbank City. Poke Star Studios. Afternoon. When coming to PokeStar Studios with some of the students from the Pokemon School, Rarity had started a competition with Adagio. Rarity, determined to succeed, came back to her students with a new approach. An approach that she promises will outclass whatever Adagio has to offer. "Alright! Change of plans!" Rarity appeared before her students. "We're going to be competing against someone in this!" "We are? I thought we were just here to have fun and learn." Sandbar said. "Yes, well, it seems our definition of 'fun' has taken a bit of a competitive turn," Rarity replied with a hint of excitement in her voice. "We have an opportunity to showcase our talents and creativity in a competition against another group. Think of it as a chance to apply everything we've learned so far in a real-world scenario." Sandbar scratched his head, still a bit uncertain. "I guess that could be fun too." "Absolutely!" Rarity exclaimed, her enthusiasm infectious as she addressed the rest of the students. "Now, let's get to work. We have a film to make, and I have every confidence that we'll create something truly spectacular together." "Now, get yourself suited." Rarity said "By no means I am letting Adagio beat us. We'll be making a movie based on when I defeated her back at the Canterlot Tournament." "That's what we're doing?" Silverstream blinked. "Are you sure? That doesn't seem like it'll be too long." "Positive. We can tackle everything that led up to my match against her. Let's get to work." Rarity and the students set to work, finding their own studio. Their studio had the equipment they needed, especially the costumes of the Pokemon that Adagio took on during that tournament. Rarity remembered it all well and so did the students who have seen the tournament for themselves. "Come on, everypony, let's move with purpose!" Rarity's voice rang out with a hint of authority as she directed her students to don their costumes and prepare for filming. There was a noticeable shift in her demeanour, a touch of sternness creeping into her tone as she focused on the task at hand. "Time is of the essence, darlings. We have a schedule to keep, and we mustn't waste a moment," she continued, her gaze sweeping over the bustling activity of the set. "Attention to detail is key, so let's ensure that every costume is fitted perfectly and every prop is in its rightful place." Her words carried a sense of urgency, reflecting her determination to see their project through to completion with the utmost professionalism. Though her strict tone may have caught some of her students off guard, it was clear that Rarity was fully committed to ensuring that their film surpassed all expectations. Anything to defeat Adagio a second time. Meawhile, Smolder moved quietly with Charmander by her side, her eyes scanning the room as she searched for what she needed. As she slipped past her classmates who were busy gearing themselves up, she made sure to keep her movements discreet, not wanting to attract any unwanted attention. Stepping behind a curtain into another part of the dressing room, Smolder's gaze landed on the array of masks, costumes, and dresses before her. While her classmates focused on their assigned roles and costumes, Smolder had other plans in mind. Carefully, she began to sift through the various garments, her eyes narrowing as she searched for something specific. Among the racks of costumes, her attention was drawn to the dresses, each one more elaborate than the last. With a sly grin, Smolder selected a dress that caught her eye. As Smolder donned the dress, a mischievous gleam danced in her eyes. "Charmander?" Charmander spoke. "Ssshh. Quiet, Charmander," Smolder whispered, her voice barely above a breath. "I don't want anyone to find out about this." As Smolder was about to try on another dress along with going for a mask, her senses heightened at the sound of approaching hoofsteps and chatter. Quickly, she glanced around the room, her heart racing as she realized that someone was headed towards her hiding spot. Thinking quickly, she took the dress off, placing it on Charmander instead. As the other students entered the room, Smolder held her breath, her heart pounding in her chest as she remained concealed with a large Tyranitar Helment that covered most of her body. "I think Princess Luna might be the first Equestria Champion," One of the students remarked as all of their voices carried across the room. Smolder strained to listen, her ears perking up at the mention of Princess Luna and the Equestria Champion. Despite the excitement of the conversation, she remained perfectly still, her disguise concealing her true identity as she eavesdropped on the conversation unfolding nearby. The classmates turned their head, looking directly at Charmander, who was sweating bullets. So was Smolder underneath that large Tyranitar helmet which was too big for her, but made a perfect hiding spot. Inside the helmet, Smolder's heart raced with apprehension, her breaths shallow as she prayed that their ruse would hold. Despite the discomfort of the cumbersome helmet, she remained steadfast, determined to maintain her cover at all costs. The classmates lingered for a moment, their eyes narrowing as they scrutinized the scene before them. But then, as if satisfied, they turned away, their attention drawn to something else in the room."Pfft. Wrong clothes, Charmander." One of them chuckled. "That was close..." Smolder remarked, her voice a mix of relief and apprehension as she removed the Tyranitar helmet. "I can't let anyone else know that I like dresses. For a Dragon, that's super embarrassing! Garble doesn't even know about it either." Her confession carried a hint of vulnerability, a rare glimpse into a side of Smolder that she kept hidden from her peers. Despite her tough exterior, she harboured a secret that she feared would be met with ridicule or judgment if revealed. "Charmander." Charmander had one suggesstion. Why not just embrace it in front of everyone? Save her all the trouble of needing to be stealthy. After all, she did something like this back at career day, sticking around the Pokemon Contest area. Smolder's initial reaction was one of disbelief. "Are you crazy, Charmander? The other dragons will tear me apart for years if they find out. Dragons don't wear dresses," she replied adamantly, her voice tinged with fear and defiance. Despite Charmander's well-meaning suggestion, Smolder couldn't shake the deep-rooted fear of being ridiculed or ostracized by her fellow dragons. In a society where conformity and strength were valued above all else, she was not willing to take that risk. Not when she also had quite a popular Pokemon with her. Outside the dressing room, the atmosphere was a whirlwind of activity as the students prepared for the upcoming movie challenge. Excitement buzzed in the air as they brainstormed ideas, gathered props, and donned costumes in eager anticipation of the filming ahead. However, amidst the chaos, Rarity's voice rang out with increasing authority and precision. As the students attempted to get creative with their props and costumes, she was quick to intervene, her strictness growing by the minute. "No, no, no!" Rarity exclaimed, her tone firm as she surveyed the scene before her. "That won't do at all. We already have the most accurate costumes here so there's no need to tamper with them." Sweetie Belle watched from the sidelines as Rarity's strictness intensified. She couldn't help but notice the subtle changes in Rarity's demeanour, the way her normally creative and imaginative approach to movie-making had been replaced by a rigid adherence to rules and standards. Deep down, Sweetie Belle knew the reason behind Rarity's sudden shift in behaviour. It was her missing Pheromosa, the absence of her beloved Pokémon companion that had left a void in her heart and a shadow over her usual joie de vivre. Without Pheromosa by her side, Rarity's passion for filmmaking seemed to have dimmed, replaced by a sense of duty and responsibility that weighed heavily upon her shoulders. As Rarity observed Yona and the Yaks in the studio, she couldn't help but feel a twinge of apprehension. Despite their excitement and enthusiasm for the filmmaking process, their rough and powerful movements were causing chaos and mayhem wherever they went. With each thunderous step and mighty swing of their limbs, the Yaks inadvertently knocked into props and set pieces, sending them tumbling to the ground with a resounding crash. Rarity winced as she watched her carefully arranged set being disrupted, her nerves on edge as she tried to maintain order amidst the chaos. "Careful, darlings! Watch where you're swinging those hooves!" Rarity called out, her voice tinged with a hint of panic as she attempted to rein in the Yaks' exuberance. But her words seemed to fall on deaf ears, as the Yaks continued their boisterous antics, oblivious to the havoc they were wreaking. With a frustrated sigh, Rarity darted about the studio, frantically trying to salvage what she could of her carefully crafted set. But try as she might, it seemed that her efforts were in vain, as the Yaks' rough and tumble approach to filmmaking continued to wreak havoc at every turn. In stark contrast to the chaos unfolding in Rarity's studio, Adagio's group operated with perfect control that bordered on eerie. As they moved about the studio, their movements were precise and calculated, each action executed with the utmost efficiency and skill. Adagio herself exuded an aura of confidence and poise as she directed her team with effortless grace, her every word carrying the weight of authority. With her sisters Sonata and Aria at her side, they worked in perfect harmony which was no problem for them. These three know how to work together and it gave them a massive boost. This also helped the children since they would have three different mentors on their side. As they prepared for their film shoot, Adagio's group displayed a level of professionalism that was unmatched, their attention to detail and commitment to excellence evident in every aspect of their preparations. From the meticulously crafted set pieces to the flawless execution of their performances, they left nothing to chance while also just having a good time. Despite how harsh and pompous Adagio always is with her high and mighty personality and ego, when working with the children, she appears to be rather kind. Instead of berating the children for their mistakes or shortcomings, she gently corrected them with a supportive hand, guiding them towards improvement with patience and understanding. As the children worked alongside her, they found themselves drawn to Adagio's nurturing presence. They were finding new reasons to be fans of the Dazzlings. "Here. You don't have to worry about getting it perfect," Adagio said as she knelt beside a struggling child. With a patient smile, she offered her assistance, guiding the young pony through the task with a steady hand and encouraging words. The child's face lit up with relief and gratitude as Adagio's kindness washed over them, dispelling their fears of failure and inadequacy. Despite her once aggressive and destructive nature, Adagio's Pheromosa had undergone a remarkable transformation over time. Once known for caring little for those around her and focusing solely on her own desires, she had softened considerably in the presence of Adagio and the other members of their group. While she still retained a certain level of aloofness and disdain towards others, particularly those she deemed unworthy of her attention, there was a newfound sense of patience and tolerance in her interactions. She watched this all play out and put on a light smile afterwards. "Pheromosa! Try this!" As a child approached Pheromosa with a suggestion, the Ultra Beast regarded him with an intense gaze, her imposing presence causing the young pony to hesitate for a moment, intimidated by the sheer power and aura of the Lissome Pokémon. But then, to the child's surprise, Pheromosa's expression softened ever so slightly, losing that intense stare. "Mosa." Pheromosa agreed to try it out instead of dismissing the child. Sonata could be seen attempting to balance a stack of props on her head, her expression one of exaggerated concentration as she wobbled precariously. Aria, standing nearby with a deadpan expression, watched her antics with a sceptical eye, silently questioning her sister's antics. "Are you even taking this seriously?" Aria questioned. Just then, the young ponies in Adagio's group paused in their preparations, their ears perking up as they heard the distant sounds of commotion coming from Rarity's studio. "What's that noise?" One of them asked. "It sounds like chaos," Another pony remarked. "I wonder what's going on over there." "Ignore it," Adagio instructed, suggesting that they pay no mind to it. "We have our own work to do. Let Rarity deal with her own studio's problems." Back at Rarity's studio, her Pokémon companions worked to support the children with their freedom. The twelve Leavanny meticulously crafted accessories and extra clothing parts for the young ponies, eager to contribute to the creative process. With nimble movements, the Leavanny wove pleasant designs, their silk threads glinting in the studio lights as they brought their creations to life. "Van. Leavan." "Oh, this is geat, Leavanny." Diamond Tiara spoke after being lent one of the accessories. But their efforts were met with an unexpected response from Rarity, who, despite her initial excitement, quickly intervened with a firm hand and some magic, pulling the accessory away. "No, Leavanny," she declared, her voice tinged with disappointment as she examined their creations. "We don't need these." The Leavanny's faces fell in confusion and disappointment, their efforts seemingly in vain as Rarity rejected their contributions. They knew Rarity is not usually like this in the studio. At all. "Ampharos, that light won't do! You have to increase the brightness!" Rarity said to Ampharos who was generating light from his body. She passed by him, ordering him to increase the light even if it would harm the eyes of the others. "Ampha..." As the light intensified, the children squinted and shielded their eyes, struggling to adjust to the sudden increase in brightness. Some winced and complained, while others tried to soldier on despite the discomfort, determined to do their best despite the challenging conditions. This isn't as fun as it should be." Gallus sighed. "I wasn't all that excited for it in the first place but geez." All the other students felt the same, even those that have already been in PokeStar Studios before. There was no excitement at all and any semblance of it was being ripped apart by Rarity's strict commands. Rarity, caught up in her pursuit of perfection, seemed oblivious to the growing discontent among her students. Her focus remained fixed on achieving her artistic vision. Definitely, there was a part of Pheromosa that contributed to Rarity's spirit but with Pheromosa in the Pokemon Center, badly injured, that spirit was in the background. "Yaks can't take it anymore!" Yona yelled as she and the yaks were done with this, stomping their hooves out of frustration. "Ah! You'll break it!" Rarity used her magic to hold up some of the equipment due to the Yaks stomping. "Do you know how expensive these are?!" "Yaks wants to go to another studio booth!" Yona bellowed. "I'm with them. This is a bummer." Silverstream sighed as her cheery smile was stripped from her face. "Another studio booth?!" Rarity gasped. Rarity's eyes widened in disbelief at Yona's declaration, her shock evident as she processed the request. The idea of abandoning their current studio booth for another seemed unfathomable to her, a stark departure from the meticulous planning and preparation that had gone into selecting their filming location. "But... but we're already here," Rarity protested, her voice tinged with uncertainty as she struggled to comprehend the sudden upheaval of their plans. "And we've invested so much time and effort into this studio booth. Surely we can find a way to make it work?" Just then, the yaks left this studio booth, deciding to go to another and work on their movie there. "Wait! You can't go! We need to finish the movie!" Rarity yelled. "Not with this atmosphere." A Hippogriff said as other students were beginning to do the same. "We're out of here." "This is a lesson!" Rarity bellowed at them. "Your grades will be affected by this, if you must know!" "You're not even a teacher at our school. We don't need to listen to you." A Dragon said with disrespect in his tone. Rarity's protests fell on deaf ears as Yona and the yaks, along with other students, made their way out of the studio booth, determined to seek a more welcoming environment elsewhere. Despite Rarity's insistence on staying and finishing the movie, the overwhelming dissatisfaction among the students made it clear that continuing under the current circumstances was untenable. As the exodus from the studio booth continued, Rarity's initial shock gave way to a sense of resignation. Though she had hoped to salvage the situation and salvage the day's filming, it was clear that her efforts had fallen short. With a heavy heart, she watched as her students departed, their determination to find a more conducive environment for their creative endeavours unwavering. "Sis..." Sweetie Belle's voice was filled with concern as she looked at Rarity. "I know it's because of Pheromosa, but this just isn't fun. Or you. I think I'm gonna go to another studio too with my friends." "B-But Sweetie Belle..." Rarity's initial instinct was to protest, to try to convince Sweetie Belle to stay and give their current situation another chance. But as she looked into her sister's eyes, she saw the sincerity of her words and the disappointment reflected there. Rarity was then left alone as the room seemed bigger. Even with her other Pokémon companions by her side, Rarity couldn't shake the sense of desolation that hung in the air. Rarity turned to face a giant mirror, her reflection staring back at her with gutted sadness. "It's not my fault, is it?" She asked aloud, her voice barely above a whisper. As she gazed into the mirror, a flicker of movement caught her eye, and the image of Pheromosa materialized before her as if conjured by her thoughts. But upon closer inspection, Rarity realized that it was only an illusion. A trick of the light, perhaps, or a manifestation of her own guilt and self-doubt. Rarity then remembered the countless times she had shared with Pheromosa, the laughter and camaraderie they had enjoyed as they worked together to bring their creative visions to life. Pheromosa had always brought a greater sense of enjoyment to the scene, her playful spirit and boundless energy infusing their filmmaking endeavors with a sense of magic and wonder. But now, without her by her side, Rarity couldn't shake the feeling that something was missing. The studio booth felt emptier, the air heavier, as though the very essence of their shared creativity had been dimmed in Pheromosa's absence. Just then, emerging out of her Poke Ball was Froslass, who forced herself to appear. "Froslass!" The Ice-Ghost-Type heard it all and decided to make an appearance. "Froslass?" Rarity uttered as she looked up at her Pokémon companion. It suddenly clicked for her. The connection between Froslass and Pheromosa, the shared essence of their being. Both Pokémon were once the same person, Yuki, whose spirit and soul had been split, emerging as these two distinct entities from different locations. They may be different, but they are the same. In a way, it was Pheromosa still being with Rarity. Froslass was just stern compared to the kind Pheromosa. And that was the mirror between them. And now, as Froslass fixed her with a piercing gaze, Rarity couldn't shake the feeling that she was being judged, her every flaw and failing laid bare before Froslass. "I..." As Rarity stood before the mirror, confronted by Froslass's impassioned cries, she saw something else. It was as if the mirror itself was a reflection of the internal struggle she was facing, a battle between the two halves of her own persona, embodied by Froslass and Pheromosa. Froslass, with her stern demeanor and unwavering judgment, seemed to embody the strict and perfectionist side of Rarity, the part of her that demanded excellence and adherence to high standards, even at the expense of joy and spontaneity. In contrast, Pheromosa represented the carefree and playful spirit that Rarity had lost touch with, a reminder of the joy and creativity that had once defined their partnership. "Lass! Froslass!" Froslass's voice rang out, sharp and unforgiving. Though her words were unintelligible to Rarity, the underlying message was clear. Her Pokémon companion was holding her accountable for all of this. Froslass didn't want Rarity to become like her and by extension, neither did Pheromosa. As Rarity stood before the mirror, feeling the weight of Froslass's stern gaze upon her, she was suddenly surrounded by her other Pokémon companions. They gathered around her, their presence a comforting reminder of the bond they shared and the joy they had experienced together. In that moment, memories flooded back to Rarity. Memories of the times before Pheromosa had entered her life, when she had found happiness with all of them here at the Pokemon Studio. She remembered it all and how things were just as fun back then as they were with Pheromosa in the future. "I'm sorry. All of you. How could I forget? I suppose I needed Blissey's egg after all." Rarity let out a tear, apologizing to them. "I'm just worired about Pheromosa..." But as she spoke the words aloud, Rarity felt some clarity. She knew that she couldn't continue to dwell on her worries and fears, that she had to find a way to move forward and rediscover the joy and spontaneity that had always been a part of her. "I need to apologize to the children," Rarity knew what she had to do more than anything. Meanwhile, the students all found another studio to enter. As the children entered Adagio's studio, they were met with a quizzical gaze from the imposing figure of Adagio Dazzle herself. Her expression was one of mild surprise. "What are you all doing in here?" Adagio's questioned. The children exchanged nervous glances, unsure of how to respond to Adagio's inquiry. They had stumbled into her studio by accident, drawn in by the promise of excitement and adventure, only to find themselves face-to-face with one of the most formidable figures in the world of entertainment. "We...we were just looking for a place to continue our movie-making," Silver Spoon spoke, her voice trembling slightly under Adagio's piercing gaze. "We didn't mean to intrude." "Aren't you supposed to be with Rarity?" Aria' asked. "Um, well, we were with Rarity," one of the children admitted hesitantly, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "But things...didn't go quite as planned, so we decided to find a new studio." "Yaks don't want to be around her!" Yona reiterated, her voice firm and unwavering. She stood tall, her eyes meeting Adagio's without hesitation. "Really now?" Adagio's tone was laced with intrigue as she leaned in slightly, her interest clearly piqued by Yona's bold assertion. "And why's that?" "It's because of Pheromosa." Sweetie Belle spoke, making sure that no one else would bad mouth Rarity. "She misses her a lot and that's changed things." "Mo?" Adagio's own Pheromosa turned her head, listening in on this. "You see, Pheromosa isn't just any Pokémon to Rarity," Sweetie Belle explained, her words resonating with a sense of heartfelt sincerity. "It's like she a part of him. That's what I've seen a lot of the time. It's like with Ash and Pikachu. She was badly injured, and now she's in the Pokémon Center. Rarity's just worried about her." "Oh, uh...I didn't know." "Well, she didn't have to be harsh with us." Gallus crossed his arms. A bit of sympathy rippled through the students as they absorbed Sweetie Belle's words. It was clear that Pheromosa's absence had cast a shadow over their friend's life, leaving her feeling lost and alone. Some of the students could back that up since they've seen Rarity's movies and have heard things from Sweetie Belle here and there. "Yeah. I figured." Adagio shrugged. "Figured? You mean you knew!?" Sweetie Belle gasped. "Why do you think I challenged her to a competition?" Adagio then walked over to the students. "Believe me, I've gone through something similar to that. Not with my Pheromosa, but with my sisters." "That's right!" Sonata yelled in the background. "She's heated right now," Adagio continued, her tone softening slightly as she addressed the group. "But I promise you, it'll hit her like a truck, and she'll come running back to you, saying sorry." "That's why she's the best!" Some of the students cheered, fangirling over Adagio. Adagio herself was very much proud of this, having a smug look on her face. As if on cue, Rarity burst into the studio, her expression frantic as she scanned the room in search of her missing students. Her eyes widened in relief when she spotted them gathered around Adagio, their expressions animated as they engaged in conversation. "There you are!" Rarity exclaimed, rushing over to the group with a mixture of concern and gratitude. "I've been looking everywhere for you!" The students turned to face Rarity, their expressions shifting from surprise to relief as they saw her approach. Sweetie Belle stepped forward, her voice filled with concern as she addressed her sister. "Rarity! Are you okay?!" Rarity took a deep breath, her earlier panic melting away as she took in the sight of her students safe and sound. She offered them a shaky smile, her voice filled with gratitude as she spoke. "L-Listen...I'm sorry. All of you," Rarity began, apologizing to them all. "I don't know what came over me. I was so worried about Pheromosa that everything else went blank for me," Adagio made sure to listen carefully as all movie-making activities were brought to a halt thanks to her words. Rarity continued, her voice filled with genuine regret. "But that's no excuse for how I acted to you all. "I know you wanted to have fun and I do too all the time here. I shouldn't have taken that away from you. I'm sorry. I'll try and make it up to you." As she spoke, Rarity's gaze softened, her eyes looked over at Adagio's Pheromosa, reminded of her own. "I hope you can find it in your hearts to forgive me," Rarity said softly. The children ended up forgiving her, with Sweetie Belle being the first. "Don't worry about it. Honestly...I would've done the same if that was any of my Pokemon." Tears welled up in Rarity's eyes as Sweetie Belle spoke, her heart overflowing with gratitude and relief at her sister's forgiveness. She enveloped Sweetie Belle in a tight embrace, her voice choked with emotion as she whispered her thanks. "Oh, Sweetie Belle, thank you," Rarity murmured, her words filled with heartfelt sincerity. "I don't know what I would do without you." With her students' forgiveness secured, Rarity felt a renewed sense of determination to make things right and ensure that she lived up to their trust and confidence in her. "Hmph. Are you done with the make up?" Adagio spoke with a smile on her face. "If I recall, lessons from that school only last until 12:00 to 12:30. Clocks ticking and we're almost done." "Oh... OH!" Rarity exclaimed, realizing they were all running short on time. "Everyone back to the studio, quick!" As the clock ticked closer to the deadline, Rarity's group sprang into action, getting back to what they were doing previously. Despite the time crunch, they could now have fun, just as originally intended. In Rarity's studio, the atmosphere was much, much better than before as her students and Pokemon raced against the clock, each one fully immersed in their tasks. Leavanny deftly wove some sleek costumes and props, while Ampharos bathed the set in a warm, inviting glow. Despite the rush, there was a sense of joy and camaraderie among Rarity's group. Laughter filled the air as they worked side by side, each one bringing their own unique talents to the table. Even Rarity herself couldn't help but smile as she watched her students and Pokemon work together, their enthusiasm infectious. As the final moments ticked away, both Rarity's group realized that they had run out of time. Despite their best efforts, they were unable to finish filming the last part of the film. However, as they looked around at the unfinished sets and props, there was a sense of satisfaction in the air. "Ah...It is what it is." Rarity shrugged it off. "Adagio wins this one, I'm afraid." "Aww...!" Sweetie Belle pouted, actually wanting to win this one. "Okay! I'm ready to-" Wearing a mask that gave her a voice filter, Smolder finally emerged, ready to act. But she was far too late since time was up. So much for that. "Oh, no way..." "Charmander..." Across the studio, Adagio couldn't help but overhear the excited chatter coming from Rarity's group. A smile tugged at the corners of her lips as she listened. In that moment, she realized that there was no need to continue the competition any further. The joy and camaraderie that had been fostered between the two groups was far more valuable than the words of some judges. "Let's go," Adagio said to her sisters, ready to depart. She could leave here with a warmer heart than before. But more importantly, so could Rarity. The lesson was over and all students had to return home. But some decided to stick around a bit longer here at PokeStar Studios, wanting that enjoyment some more. And Rarity would gladly indulge. As the journey continues. Chapter 438 End.