Chapter 1

Before time and space existed, there was nothing. Only Arceus dwelled in a dimensionless world.

It was Arceus who created two pokemon that shaped the universe, and utilized time

and space to create life as we know it. It wasn't long before solar systems were born, and

planets became the birthplace of life. Pokemon were born, and they have lived in happiness

since the beginning of time. Arceus was content with what he had created, and lived in harmony

with all the pokemon that existed.

It was one day that Arceus had stumbled upon a clearing in a forest during a casual stroll

through vacant land. He felt a presence of small amounts of energy in the center of the clearing,

and proceeded to investigate. It was then that he noticed a small portal in the middle of the

clearing, and was bewildered. It seemed to be a portal to an alternate universe that even he

did not understand. So he entered the portal and was amazed at what he saw.

It was a universe like his, with land and water, planets and moons. He traveled around amazed by

all the uncharted land, eyes wide open while he stared at all the natural scenery. He quickly

noticed that no one had ever stepped foot in this universe, that he was the first pokemon to

ever discover it. Yet he felt that something was oddly energetic about it. He looked around

until he came across what he deemed unbelievable.

He had found a huge tree, the size of a Giratina, if not larger. It was emanating a huge force

of aura, unlike any he had seen before. Its branches glowed with brilliance, and it's stature

was superior to any tree he had ever seen before. He could feel the energy that it gave off, an

energy that he knew he could harness. He blazed back to the portal, and traveled quickly to

his home to inform his fellow pokemon of the discovery he had made.

Little did he know that another pokemon was watching him. He was able to avoid detection, and

had used his mastery of disguise to hide from Arceus as he entered the portal. This pokemon was

none other than Ditto, who had waited for Arceus to leave the strange portal before entering it.

Ditto discovered the tree as well, and by transforming into Arceus he was able to feel its

energy. He felt that he too could harness it for his own purposes. He began to scheme as Arceus

grew closer to reaching the other pokemon.

Arceus reached the center of all pokemon activity, which was none other than Lake Muziek. The

lake was where all the pokemon would go to enjoy themselves, and they would create music and

dance until their heart was content. It had a subtle flow of water that ran through, coming

from the infamous Rhythm River. The name was given to this river as far back as any pokemon

could remember, due to the strange phenomenon that occurs within it. It has the odd tendency

to flood the land around it exactly every 365 days, and drench the ground around it with rare

nutrients that encouraged the growth of plant life around it. It was as if it was somehow

connected to time, keeping its own internal rhythm and enriching the soil every year since the

beginning of life.

He announced to all the pokemon that he was holding an emergency meeting at the peak of

. The pokemon had gathered at the aforementioned mountain without a clue of what was

going on. With everyone gathered, he began to relay the series of events he had witnessed.

He began to describe the tree he had discovered, and the energy that it exhibited.

He proposed that they explore it as well so that they could see the tree with their own eyes. He

had expressed his amazement when a pokemon interrupted him to ask a question.

"Arceus, what do you plan to do with this portal? We have never heard of any portal to

another universe, and quite frankly, it sounds dangerous. I am happy here, and see no need to

explore an area I have never heard of."

With much hesitation, the group of pokemon agreed, their faces filled with doubt and concern.

He assured them that the portal was safe, and that it included land very similar to theirs,

without any of the inhabitants. He encouraged them to follow him so he could show them himself.

So he led them to the clearing he had found, and showed them the portal. They were afraid to

enter it, but he insisted it was safe and there was nothing to worry about. So all the pokemon

who had followed entered the portal, one by one. After everyone was transported to the alternate

universe, they took a brief moment to gaze at the land, astonished by the untouched beauty that

Arceus had seen moments earlier. Arceus brought them to the location of the tree he had seen

before, and couldn't wait to show them his discovery. He was only a minute away, and he was

giddy and anxious, though he tried to seem humble and proud. He arrived at the tree and received

the surprise of a lifetime.

Standing in front of him was an Arceus identical to him. All the pokemon looked at this second

Arceus, and then to their Arceus, and back again. After a long moment of silence, the real

Arceus had spoken up.

"Who are you? Why do you look exactly like me?"

The fake Arceus looked up, with a smirk on his face. He quickly wiped it with a face of disdain

and shouted back.

"Don't play games! I found this portal to an alternate universe, and you found me and trapped me

here! It's a trick! He created this universe and lured you guys here so he can get rid of you

and try to create the perfect universe! He's not a trustworthy pokemon!"

All the pokemon shot their eyes at the Arceus standing next to them, and Arceus was speechless.

He knew that their hesitation to come to this universe had only helped feed the fake Arceus'

accusation. He stood helpless as the pokemon that once trusted him got closer, their faces

wrought with revenge. He quickly turned and fled as far as he could.

From that day on, Arceus began to look for other pokemon in the vast land that was untouched.

It had to be only a matter of time before he might find something. Or at least he hoped.

End of Chapter 1

Chapter 1 Analysis

After providing some imagery. the plot already starts to unfold when Arceus finds a you

don't know already, Arceus is the one and only Dutch_com. This portal is, in a literal sense,

a symbol of a network connection. In a deeper sense, it's what brings the world of SMO together.

After looking around Arceus finds a tree that gives off energy, specifically energy he could use.

It's here that the pokemon Ditto is revealed. Ditto is a made up pokemon and doesn't represent any

specific person (really! what, you don't believe me?).

Arceus travels back to his friends to tell them about it. The sense of music and rhythm play a big

role here in setting the tone. It is also symbolized that these pokemon are the ones Arceus Dutch_com

talked on an old stepmania forum (I never figured out which one it was). I also want to make it clear

that Lake Muziek and Rhythm River were only fillers to help set the mood. They will never be visited

again. Though I will point out that Muziek is Dutch for Music.

Arceus calls them to and encourages the others to venture through the portal. After a

pokemon questions the idea (a little bit of foreshadowing there) they decide to travel back to the

portal and enter it.

When they get to the tree they see a duplicate Arceus (Ditto in disguise). Ditto turns the tables on

Arceus and Arceus flees.

End of Chapter 1 Analysis