Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: The End of Arceus

Prologue

Within Heaven's Gate Temple, Arceus did something he had never done before in his existence. 

He hid. 

Trembling with fear, the god looked around the temple, expecting his adversary to appear in any of the open windows or doorways. As he did, he slowly stepped backwards, hoping that he would, by some miracle, be able to escape. Then, out of the corner of his vision he saw a black tendril begin sneaking it's way into the building. Then another. And another. Soon Arceus was surrounded by ink-like tentacles, ready to strangle him at any moment. The sky outside the temple began to grow dark as well and Arceus could hear laughter echo across, well, everything. Where the voice was coming from, the god could not tell. 

Arceus, Arceus, Arceus. You pathetic creature you. The voice said. Look at yourself. Cowering like the lowlife you are. Do you really think you can hide from me?

Arceus shuddered, not having felt this much fear in a long, long time. He stepped back further into the temple and away from the shadows, only causing the voice to laugh again. 

Yes. Yes. That's right, oh great and mighty Arceus. I am fear. I am shadow. I am your end. Cower before me.

The Alpha Pokémon felt his back brush against the wall and he knew he had reached the end of the temple with nowhere left to go. He looked around at the shadows that now covered the building almost completely. He began to speak but was cut off as several of the tendrils grabbed his limbs, mouth, and neck, keeping him in place and from speaking.

You will die, Arceus. I will take your power. I will take your place. I will take your Heart. I will take it all. The voice chuckled with amusement as it spoke. And best of all? You have no way to stop me.  

 Arceus struggled but it was no use. The tendrils began to tighten around him, with more and more wrapping around him and squeezing the life out of him. Everything around was now covered in shadows, the floor being indistinguishable from the ceiling and walls. Normally, no Pokémon would ever be able to damage, let alone kill Arceus, but this. . . .creature, this. . . .being. . . .was different. Now Arceus' vison began to flicker and fade, spots dancing before him. As the god struggled, the shadows tightened, beginning now to drain the power from his body. His breath became labored and slow. The air grew heavier. His head began to hurt and it felt like it might explode, all things he had never experienced before. 

The being's laughter echoed through the Alpha Pokémon's head as he closed his eyes in defeat. 

No. Not. . . .today. 

Eyes still closed, Arceus began concentrating his power deep within him, in his Heart. Something the shadow could sense happening.    

No. No! NO! Don't you dare! 

The tendrils tightened, dark and cold, as the shadow grew more desperate. Arceus ignored everything around him and continued to focus his energy. He had to escape. He had to find help. Then, with an explosion of light, Arceus teleported away, shattering his Heart and leaving the tendrils clutching at empty air. 

No! The shadow roared, the ink-like tendrils thrashing violently. You cannot escape me, Arceus! I will find you, and I will end you! 

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Arceus reappeared in a secluded, hidden dimension—a sanctuary of light untouched by the creeping darkness. He was weakened, his divine energy nearly depleted, but he was safe for now. With his Heart now broken and scattered, he needed help, and he needed it fast. Closing his eyes once more, he reached out across dimensions, seeking a pure-hearted soul, one who could help restore the balance.

Hope this short chapter was engaging enough! And I hope y'all are excited for what's to come with this book! I think it's going to be long, but also really good (hopefully). This is also very much inspired (at least in some part) to PMD: Arceus's Wish, so if you haven't watched that, I'd recommend you go do so! Anyways, I'll see you guys when I see you!!