“Whose Story is it Anyway?” - A Pokémon Rejuvenation Nuzlocke (Part 39: Labyrinth of Lore) (2024)

After everything with Ren, what choice do I have now? I must pass through the mirror to face Narcissa.

It folds, and ripples, and pushes me through a waiting space.

To peaceful music, and the most elaborate stage setting yet. They even brought real trees in here.

"It's something we all want, but fear."

And here is Narcissa, who is likely monologuing through the speakers.

"Do we fear the consequences it may have on us personally? Or maybe how our family or friends will be affected."

What right does she have to lecture people about accepting change? After what she did to Ren?

"In fact, we must embrace it, because that's when we truly will be free!"

Still, she's at least convincing. Normally, I'd support everything she says. But, now...

"Thank you, thank you!"

The crowd applauds her costume change.

NARCISSA: "I believe it's time for our warrior to make their appearance! Our little town hero! Show yourself!"

And suddenly –

- They're cheering for me, too.

How is that possible? Aren't I just an outsider to them?

NARCISSA: "Sky, we're ready to begin whenever you are. The crowd is waiting."

*gulp*

H-Here goes. A crowd of people, just like in Sheridan.

I can't let my teammates down again...

Whoa. This feels heady!

Sariah even has a front row seat. Then there's Aelita, and oh god, Ren...

Normally, I'd be terrified of fighting a Gym Leader. But now, I just look at this with grimness. Because, well, what options are there left? If I don't beat her, this town may never change.

Ours, yes, but Ren too. It's not like his trials meant nothing.

And if I fail, will you keep Goldenleaf as it always was? Just so long as you're in charge, right?

By all means, I have to. It's as if, once more, I am a marionette dangling on strings.

And they point me to attack.

Battle music:

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZ2MYVuieeI

My small Pachirisu Nuzzles the giant blimp. How many times must I make her risk her life?

But still, she pushes through. Her cheeks flare and her eyes narrow, sticking her tongue at the audience as she fires into the balloon.

And she makes it through! Next up is a Mismagius. Does everyone in the town use these multi-coverage monsters? This'll just be another –

-Dear lord, what is that?!

That's super neat, but it looks like she's hitting hard! Lime, get in there!

O-Okay, this is doable! Also I love the jewel on this 'mon's body, it's so pretty!

0____0

That hurt, especially given how bulky Lime is. He looks up at me, gasping, and I realise I keep putting him in situations like this. But we trust each-other. He's my oldest friend, and I know he can do this. And he knows I won't push him too far.

Yessss, that was masterful! Lime smiles up at me as I return him.

Oh, this is the Gym Leader's signature move. Spectral Scream is 60 Base Power, increased to 90 on this field because of course it is, and it raises the user's Defence or Special Defence by one stage. Perfect, then, for a team of tanky Ghost types. At least the Grassy Terrain and Berry Juice help Zip heal.

The phantoms of the theatre are pushed away, revealing a much more familiar terrain. The Forest Field, which we've fought so many battles on, and which may boost Grass moves – but not Ghost.

My AI friend is left confused by the whirling and shifting of the spirits. But the Forest Field does something useful. It boosts their Signal Beam attack, meaning that although Ghosts resists it, it has enough power to be somewhat spammable.

But even a crit isn't doing much. Poor, poor Zip is put in a cycle. They Recover, Narcissa eventually heals, the Polteageist tries for Will-o-Wisps. How long will this take?

*A long time, it turns out...*

Finally, finally, the teapot is on their knees. So to speak, anyway. Our new 'mon Cirrus floats serenely over the fight, using Heal Bell to cure Zip of yet another burn.

Fortunately, the multiple Flashes have kept this thing blinded and missing attacks. Zip relaxes a little, using their familiar tricks to keep themselves healthy.

And the teapot's down! I like that this 'mon is included on the team, I think it suits Narcissa well hdsjkfhdsj

I don't know why Flash is still on the field after three turns. I think, because the Haunted Field has been replaced by the Forest Field, it's not triggering the "wait there's no field here the Haunted Field must come back" event. This is a development in my favour!

Wait, am I actually doing this? Am I really stalling out a Mimikyu – a terrifyingly strong 'mon - with a Porygon's weak, non-STAB Hidden Power?

Wait, but I am! You go, Zip! I didn't know you had it in you!

And the 'mon is down! Zip whirrs, staring down at their appendages with wide eyes. Who'd have known that they would have this much power?

Next up is Narcissa's ace. The Dusclops, who called people to other worlds. They seize my poor contraption, using Pain Split to suck the health out of them. But I have a plan to make use out of this mean trick.

Aaaaand that worked as planned! Lime stares in disbelief as the health flows through him. Thank you for healing him, Narcissa! ~

When it comes to these fights, it's my ace against hers. And Lime knocks this thing out of the air, proving why he is the best Starter.

"time."

Narcissa, didn't you step back from the stage before all this? Though you did come back, so maybe you could have a career revival?

Either way, it's time once more for my anti-Ghost friend to take the stage. I remember when this was an intimidating Chandelure. But whether a Chandelure or Lampent, my furry friend counters him completely. You can do it, Cerberus!

Yesssss, that just seals it! We beat her!

But after all she's done, can I really call Narcissa a friend?

…

I don't know anymore…

This feels... hollow. Staged, ironically enough.

I won because of a nerfed fight, a weakened field, and by treading on the dreams of a friend. Though perhaps the field problem makes up for all the times the game bugged out to stop my Berry Juices from working, so...

...Honestly, Narcissa, Ren was more difficult than you. That means that, maybe, he would have been able to beat you.

Perhaps that's why you put up the mirror. So he never could.

NARCISSA: "Please take this as well."

But hey, we got an easy Gym fight! And our fourth Badge! In any other game, it'd mean we were halfway through them all. However, of course, we're actually less than a quarter. 14 more Badges to go!

And we get Shadow Ball! Finally, an amazing TM! Ah, that feels good...

The music turns, optimistically, and I can't help but smile a little.

Hey! Ren! I hope you're okay!

Aelita bounces up and down.

Awwww, thank you Aelita!

"So what, I'm supposed to respect these creeps now?"

...Oh dear. Hi, Sariah.

Excuse me? Like saving your town from Geara? The guy that you made a deal with?

"If I'm not mistaken, you were the one who let Team Xen within our town. And if it weren't for Sky's effort, the town would have been destroyed."

Oh, that feels good. You tell her, Narcissa!

SARIAH: "A-Ah, that's..."

In fact, that may have been what I was looking for. A concrete reason why outsiders like me can be trusted! This is what the play was missing, but this time Narcissa has an example up her sleeve. It shouldn't have to take that to convince the townsfolk, but hopefully that cold truth will persuade them!

"miserable girl. At this point, you're no better than any 'outsider' you so despise."

Oh, this is cathartic. Sariah, you've needed to hear this for a long time.

AELITA: "And she's gone!"

So long, farewell, it serves you right, goodbye ~

"To do so."

The piano turns strangely sweet.

Whoa, hold on-?

"For the little time humans are given..."

O-Okay, she's not actually threatening to exile anyone this time. But if they want to go, they can see the world around them and learn how it is. That's... kinda smart of her to say.

I... I can't say "you're welcome". I'm still not sure whether to trust you, Narcissa. And maybe it'll always be that way. But by the end, I think the performance all turned out more convincing than I expected. The music is cheerful, showing how we helped make things better.

Except, we didn't bring that hope to everyone, did we?

As the crowd cheer for me, I flush bright red. Feeling sorry for Ren, who is just sitting there...

W-Wait. What is that?

...Mom?

W-What... how...? Team Xen have...

Am I just seeing things? H-How can you be here?

But before I can ask, the stage fades away…

GEARA: "You've got to be freakin' kidding me. First I had to be humiliated by Sky and their idiot friends... Then Narcissa gets the final word and throws me into some dimension."

Hey, I recognise this place. This is where I fought Nim... and where Blink, my Voltorb, passed away.

"And does this path ever freakin' end?!"

Pffffft xD After everything you've done, Geara? Wandering around forever is the least of what you deserve.

ZETTA: "..."

GEARA: "Zetta?! Professor Jenner?! What are you two doing here?!"

Oh hey! It's the Team Xen school reunion! And isn't it interesting to see that Crescent and Narcissa have magical access to the same area?

"be swell."

He then stops. Starts. Recognises the voice.

GEARA: "No, another rag-tag team of rejects did. If Crescent put you here, then that explains quite a bit."

ZETTA: "Welcome, I guess. There's not much to this place."

If you geniuses see shards of a Voltorb shell, you see nothing, and move along.

"You and that sorry professor are helping me get out of here."

ZETTA: "Good luck. We've tried escaping this place for too long."

JENNER: "..."

Guess it sucks, huh? Maybe that's what you get for being involved with Team Xen?

"are."

JENNER: "..."

Isn't that right, Jenner?

GEARA: "As it should've. Things would've been different if he just cooperated with the plan. Maybe Madame X will go easy on you if you figure out a way to get us out of here. So stop being useless and stand up."

JENNER: "...? You're telling me to stop being useless when you were also useless enough to be sent here? Give it a break."

Gettem, Jenner kshfksJKASHDKA you know what? Maybe I'm gaining some respect for you.

"Why don't you –"

???: "*Crunch*"

Hm?

"Next time I see Sky I gotta - Ehhh???"

...Oh no.

Poor Nim dkjfhksd I hope you're okay. You can just jump out of there, right?

…Right?

"It's a gigantic route that was formed as a result of the calamity over half a century ago. Goldenleaf Town and Akuwa Town have made a pact to ensure that it is protected and safe."

Oh, this is new information! But by "pact to protect" you mean "shutting people out", right? And doesn't Akuwa Town have, like, a Gym in it?

Unfortunately, I don't think it explains anything. Because the train shut down, Route 4 is the only way to access the town. At the very least, Goldenleaf and Akuwa both should have looked for alternative routes. Besides, who's to bet Narcissa was blocking it in some war against "outsiders"?

"Goldenleaf... You are all my beloved friends. So I suppose I can make an exception."

Oh? So what happens to the rest of the Trainers, at least some of whom were waiting to go through?

I suppose they're still stranded? Do we ever get to do much about them? Why is the Aevium League so terrible?

Narcissa pushes something on the statue, and it caves to form a tunnel.

AELITA: "! Wow, I never would've guessed that Route 4 was through here."

Neither, most likely, would the Trainers who Narcissa never blessed with this wisdom.

"But that should be easy enough for both of you."

AELITA: "Ren, what are you going to do now?"

...

NARCISSA: "Perhaps you can help me out around town? We've started a new ordinance, but like you said, it's going to take a lot of work to get things right around here."

Hm, I appreciate Narcissa's offer here. Helping Ren get involved in the change.

"You'd be part of the gang! We'd love to have you!"

REN: "Ah... Sorry, but I think I have to figure out what to do on my own. I think it's back to Route 3 for some more training... At least for a little while."

Wait, what? Why?

NARCISSA: "You're always welcome home, Ren."

REN: "Yeah, thanks everyone. Guess I'll head off now."

...Ah, I think I get it. Maybe, after everything, you don't want to go anywhere near Narcissa.

Or, even me...

"Whenever your journey is finished, I would be happy if you two visited."

AELITA: "Gotcha! We'll meet again, Narcissa. Thanks for everything!"

Thank you for the offer, Narcissa. But I agree. I think parting ways with you is best.

AELITA: "Time for us to head out again, Sky. Let's do our best!"

Cheerfully, Aelita leaves through the tunnel. But I...

I try to find Mom again...

But there's no-one here, so...

All that's left is to say my piece, though no-one's listening. A summary of what this chapter, and game, have put me through.

I...

I'm totally not still mad about anything in this chapter, absolutely not kjhdshfdsjkh

Anyway. I can't believe that once more, in-game me never healed up my team.

Of course, we need to fix that before anything else.

Some people in Goldenleaf are cautious, in spite of the new ordinance. But I tried my best, even to the detriment of people like Ren.

And besides, we did it. I can't believe that we survived yet another chapter.

And we finally get a good TM!

In the end, I forget Flash and give Zip Shadow Ball by way of replacement. You go, my little ducky friend! Cirrus gets Hidden Power Fairy instead of Fire Spin.

"Maybe I should just head out for now..."

Back in the Pokémon Center, word has spread around. Some people are, however quietly, optimistic.

"-other."

There is hope in the air. And it's this which causes so much conflict in my head. Because we may have helped the town. But it came with the cost of working with someone I still can barely look at, to sabotage one of my closest friends.

The push-pull of my heart is back again...

...

And right now, Ren is nowhere to be seen. I can't apologise. I can't tell him anything positive about what is to come.

I... I really can't do anything, can I?

Thank you, I...

...

...

In a daze, I end up stopping by the cemetery. I could honour my fallen friends here, now that the city no longer hates me. But it doesn't seem quite right to, after hearing so much about this town. This place is for them, and their dead, not for mine. Sooner or later, I think I should just go, too.

"... Misdreavus seems interested in battling you!"

Still, I realise that I haven't caught anything yet.

"Misdreavus began to charge towards you!"

Everyone in the area had one of these. Maybe I'm being adopted into the fold, huh?

Urgh, this thing takes so many Poke Balls to capture. But we finally managed it.

Fun fact about Misdreavus: when I was young and playing Pokemon Diamond for the first time I occasionally saw Trainers with these 'mons, and I thought that the red jewel things were its real mouth. It was weird honestly dsklfdsjk

Check out those IVs and that moveset though! Nasty Plot is a great Egg Move, Mean Look would be helpful against all the 'mons who keep being switched out.

Also, check out how pretty these Shinies are! These are so beautiful, it's almost cheering me up. Misdreavus is this lovely sunny cloud…

I also do what I should have done a while back. I take the Link Heart that I brought from the Kecleon Shop and use it for my friend over here.

This would have made the Crobat fight much easier, I realise.

Besides, Golem's Shiny is interesting. The blue isn't that bad! It may not be everyone's cup of tea, but I like the contrast interesting.

"SO! Fun fact about Narcissa... When she was still active in the Goldenleaf Theater scene, she had a rival named Margaret."

Meanwhile, I stumble around and bump into this waste of a salary. Hi, League Scout Amanda. Where were you when Narcissa was barring Trainers from fighting her or going near Route 4?

"nowhere. But some people says [sic] they've still seen her around Grand Dream City. Who knows... Maybe you'll find her yourself some day!"

Well, that's not at all suspicious! "This person had a rival, who then ~ mysteriously ~ vanished!" Still, I don't want to blame Narcissa until I have more evidence. I'm mad at her enough right now.

Speaking of mysteries, we may as well check what's behind here.

Ohhhh, this makes sense. Though I'm surprised that these old ruins can detect Badges. Just how old is Aevium's League Challenge? How could such an incompetent League have lasted for so long?

The door yawns open...

...And a strange sound, almost ice-like, rings from the box.

And the music turns... statick-y. Oppressive. Ominous, with organ notes. Like when we faced Madelis...

...Griselda?

Hm. Something about that name rings in my ears...

"She was born first of three children to the Queen and King of the East Kingdom. Her younger sister became the Queen of Time, and her youngest sister became the Queen of Space."

0____0

A Queen...?

"Long ago there existed the Queen of Aevium. She was revered by her people and respected by the smaller kingdoms that existed under her wing."

Is it the same Queen that is mentioned here? The one who, in the library in Chapter 3, used swords to fight her enemies?

Space and Time... the sisters are Dialga and Palkia, right? So who would Queen Griselda... Oh.

Oh no.

I am so stupid. How did I not see this...

"down for long."

I was so mad at Geara, I didn't realise. Legendaries like Mewtwo are often called "them" or "it". Who'd call Giratina "her" without good reason?

They can't have been. Because the creature that Geara set on me, who held the Griseous Orb...

That Giratina must have been Griselda.

GEARA: "Don't just stand there you dumb ox! Attack back!"

Was she always like this? Geara called her an ox, Mosely compared her to a chicken, so maybe she was changed into some bestial form...?

And some things are strange. Is this the same queen that held two swords, "Benevolence" and "Malevolence?" What do they mean in the context of Giratina?

Are they Cresselia and Darkrai, or something...?

So, let me think this through. Geara was wielding one of these queens as a weapon, and she was perfectly willing to fight us at that. And we first heard of a queen at Indriad's mansion, which had a bunch of stuff in storage like two rusted swords.

In fact, Geara and Narcissa used magic which had the same animation as Indriad's. And both Geara and Indriad were trying to use a Dusknoir somehow. As much as I don't want to admit it, there are significant connections between Indriad and Team Xen. So, poor Marianette may have been in even more danger than I'd anticipated.

At least, until I came along. Now that Indriad's dealt with, the kid is finally safe.

But just because he's been defeated, and the Wispy Tower has been cleansed, doesn't mean I can be complacent. Team Xen are still out there. And I'm digging up connections within connections…

"Please visit again sometime."

A-Anyway. Back to Goldenleaf. On a heartwarming note, people have listened to the ordinance. Already, somehow, it seems to have had an impact on some of them. It's even realistically portrayed because some people around the town are more convinced than others. For example, this lady gives me 3 Dusk Balls by way of recompense.

But this guy is the same as before.

"I know he's got a more stoic side, but I like, neeeever try to pull that out of him. This place hasn't felt like home ever since my husband died... Poor Ren... Maybe leaving this place was likeeeee, the right thing to dooooo."

I still feel for Ren's mom, though. I hope her kids can come back. Here's hoping that everyone can be reunited someday.

...

Yeah...

This person gives me a Full Heal, which I appreciate. I hope she's as nice to the other Trainers, who have been spat on for goodness knows how long.

"I know it isn't much, but please take this as our apology."

And this guy even gives me a Super Potion.

"But I'm going to become a better person, so please take this!"

He gifts me a Revive. I may not be able to use it, but I appreciate the gesture all the same.

Oh gee, thanks. Though honestly, that's still a much better response than before.

TRAINER: "Hey, are you interested in taking that Snubbull? I can't really take care of it anymore.

• Yes <-
• No

Thanks!"

...You know what? Sure. Some good may as well come out of this update.

Besides, this could be an excellent 'mon - with Intimidate, Charm and Close Combat.

In the meantime, this 'mon can rest in the box with the rest of my catches.

As for two of my other friends, Halo and Oxygen...

...I'm so sorry about this.

Halo, you have all the techniques needed to sweep, and you did so well against Team Xen in chapters past. but I'm nervous after your fight with C. I think things are starting to outspeed and overpower you. So I'm putting you here for your own safety, okay?

And Oxygen... I'm sorry to box you, my brave little Floatzel who is one of my earliest catches. I'm just a bit worried about you. I don't think you're getting a Physical STAB move that's stronger than Aqua Jet, at least not anytime soon, and you're still quite frail. Thank you for all your help against Team Xen and Amanda.

So, this is it. I'm finally done with Goldenleaf. I mean, I still feel uneasy about the whole situation. Narcissa has secured her leadership against all threats. Ren had his motivation blasted to bits in front of him. But while the play was not convincing, the reveal about us saving the town from Team Xen was. So, with all that...

...Did we get everyone their happy ending…?

Either way, don't you think we've done enough?