Disclaimer: I do not own any of the properties that will be mentioned or explored in this story. They are all owned by individuals with a lot more clout than I do. I do not make, nor intend to make any money off this story. It is a fanfic that is for fun and to get myself out there, and not for profit. That is all on the matter.

This is rated as Mature.

Content Warning - As a content warning, there is strong language, strong violence/gore and other potential dark themes including abuse, substance abuse, self-harm/suicide, and possible suggestive themes (although the last one will be avoided if possible). I will provide updates and warnings well in advance both here and in a separate post.

Spoilers - There are unmarked spoilers for the Mystery Dungeon Series, including nods towards other games, especially Generation VII and VIII content. If you want to avoid spoilers on these, now would be the time to turn back.

Chapter Fic - This fic will be divided into chapters as expected, but they were also be compiled into episodes/books, to help compile said chapters into contained packages.

Note from the Author: Alright, this is only my second time writing a fanfic, and my first go at writing a Pokémon fic as well. Feel free to go ahead and rip parts of this to shreds, or in other words feel free to give criticism as you see fit within the bounds of 's rules. I will aim to try and get updates to these posts within around a week if I can. I do have several chapters on hand that need formatting and uploading here. Do note I am actively employed, I run a large RP and am currently working on awaiting responses for my first novel and have started work on a short story, so I can't guarantee rapid replies. I will get round to those updates as soon as possible. Any feedback would be really appreciated!

Also, as a warning. This series will get dark at times. Sure, there are a few laughs and heart-warming moments, but it is a dark setting compared to regular PMD.

Now, without further ado…


The view had been truly spectacular from the sky. Islands stretching out as far as the eye could see, each and every one of them lush with life. Green trees laid out across each landmass, surrounding the grey and brown mountains, topped with snow white peaks. They towered above the brilliant azure seas, the waters of which gently rolled onto the white sands that made up the beaches.

From this bird's eye perspective, one could see that the islands themselves were not devoid of activity. Walking along the beaches, through the forest trails, working on the fields and surfing through the waters, Pokémon of nearly every kind and type went about their daily lives. Most moved across the land, interacting with each other in and around small villages scattered across the islands. They were simple places. Most of the structures were wooden, sometimes mixed in with stone buildings that were placed here and there. One could see the odd cart on the roads connecting the villages on the little islands, whilst on the water, small boats journeyed between them all. Amongst them, most were accompanied by one of the resident water-types that called the sea home whilst flying-types would glide alongside them.

Each of these islands surrounded a much larger landmass that dwarfed the others. But it was no natural feature that dominated that land.

On the northernmost tip of that continent, a colossal fortress sat atop a bluff connected to the mainland by a pair of stone arches. Stone walls rose for dozens of metres around it's base, with towers reaching up even higher beyond that. Flying above the castle, one could see a vast courtyard that seemed to separate the main castle's battlements from a smaller outer wall that secured access to the stone arches that led to it. Dozens, if not hundreds of Pokémon strolled through this courtyard between the gatehouses. Some clearly looked like villagers and merchants, but many had an air of… duty around them. Some stood guard at the gateways, whereas others happily chatted with the locals moving through the courtyard, each one wearing an armband around their arm and many were carrying a satchel on their person. Each conversation was warm, if borderline familial in appearance.

Powerful. They seemed like it anyway.

And yet, very closely trusted.

The world blinked.

The sun was gone. Storm clouds crackled overhead, hiding away the sky. Waves slammed into the rocks with thunderous booms, sending up dark sprays up into the air. The land was shrouded in shadow.

But the castle, and its surroundings, were now in flames.

The outer wall had been thoroughly smashed up, with many gaping holes in its fortifications. Inside the courtyard, what had been a peaceful scene had erupted into chaos. A gigantic force was swarming through the breaches in the outer wall, all of them Pokémon. It was hard to tell who they were. Some looked like they were wearing the attire and gear of the villagers, but others wore dark armbands that looked far more menacing than those of the castle's inhabitants.

At the inner gate, those very same inhabitants with their lighter coloured armbands stood against the massed attackers. Above them all, flying Pokémon duelled above their heads, or launched strafing attacks on the fortress itself with their elemental moves. On the ground, the defenders were outnumbered, either struggling to fend off a massed offensive on their own or forming part of a defensive line. But even with their backs to the wall, they were holding their positions. Each one of the defenders was more of a match for multiple attackers, and even the ones on their own were able to keep most of their threats at bay. Some still fell to the onslaught, but it almost seemed at first glance, they were beginning to push the invaders back.

That was when the dark green ball of energy fell from the sky. One of the defenders looked up, and tried to cry out a warning.

The energy ball slammed into the centre of the defensive line and detonated with a blinding flash of light. Many of the defenders screamed as they were thrown clear of the blast zone, the attackers recoiling from the massive strike, ceased their assault.

A thick ash cloud slowly began to fade away with the moans of the injured defenders, many trying to scramble back to their feet. Others were caught out, set upon by the raging mob of attackers.

Amongst the green flames, the dark Pokémon landed with a thud. Its black fur would have made it invisible without the fire to light it up. Green vines pulsed around its arms as its head snapped up, revealing it's bright, almost demonic red eyes.

The Zarude looked upon the wounded defenders with an almost hungry gaze as it rose to its feet. A few of the defenders, eyes widening with fear started to back up, weakening their defences. Likewise, even the attackers seemed spooked, backing away and clearing a space for the new arrival.

A cold, evil grin formed on the Zarude as it glanced back down towards the ground, watching as one defender, a Machoke, tried to drag himself away from danger. The simian approached, raised its right foot…

And slammed it down on the defender's neck with a vicious crack. The Machoke's eyes widened, a faint gasp escaping as its body went limp. A flicker of intelligence remaining evident before finally, its gaze went blank.

The defenders shuffled back, fear becoming terror as the Zarude's smile grew even more morbid. It started to approach again.

A blue bolt flashed as it struck the ground with a sharp thundercrack, all Pokémon, attacker and defender alike, flinched backwards as the electrical energy sparked across the battlefield, separating the two sides.

All except the Zarude, whose smile vanished completely.

As the electricity faded away, a patch of clouds parted, revealing the untouched splendour of the moon and shining a new light onto the fortress.

Standing before the Zarude, holding position in front of the defenders was a yellow and black Pokémon. Humanoid in shape, its jagged fur glistened in the light as a lightning bolt shaped tuft of fur hung from its upper back. A pair of bright blue eyes glared at the Zarude with untold intensity.

A Zeraora.

The Zarude seemed to hesitate for the briefest of moments.

Then it let out a bestial roar, a green vine unravelling from one of its arms into a whip, pulsing with dark green energy as it snapped round. Air rushed around the Pokémon, tugging at the other Pokémon present who once more retreated.

Unbowed, the Zeraora merely cracked its fists together, blue electricity sparking as its eyes narrowed.

And with that, it broke out into a run, a snarl forming as it charged for the Zarude.

The Zarude, whip still flailing in the air, charged forward, whipping it down towards its new opponent.

The Zeraora leapt forwards, it's fist crackling with energy.

The whip and fist connected.

And with that, the fortress and everyone within it were engulfed in light.


That was quite the sight, wasn't it?

Darkness engulfed everything, from every direction. The voice, intimidating but warm likewise came from all sides.

I do not know what that was, or when it was. But it is a most curious thing, is it not? I only caught a glimpse of it.

But alas… now I have found you… I suppose I must only say one thing.

It seemed to take a breath.

So… it begins.

The darkness seemed… almost inviting.

Come with me, if you will. 'Observer'. Yes. That is what I shall call you for now. I might as well guide you into this world. A new world for you, I imagine. It's one of many. A peaceful world, where individuals belonging to many different species have come together. To work together, for the betterment of all.

Now. I imagine… we should start with a quick personality quiz?

The voice chuckled within the darkness.

I'm joking.

A sigh echoed by.

I shouldn't. In truth, it's not that simple. This world has teetered so close to the edge so many times that… its inhabitants have changed somewhat. They aren't as kind or as noble as they had been decades ago. Or in a couple of years ago even. Of course, some do hold onto those ideals of old. They try and help others, or make new discoveries.

But it is not an easy path. Even before the calamities, it has been like this. But now… it's slowly become worse. Distrust and anger has slowly bubbled to the surface. Every time this world comes closer together, it fractures just as quickly. There has been too much strain. Too much pain for the inhabitants to try and wash away.

Would you be surprised that these inhabitants are creatures called Pokémon?

Do not forget, these are living beings. And I sense they are not the Pokémon you may remember.

Or perhaps you do remember? The way they arrive has always been shrouded in some kind of mystery until the end. Even when the answers are revealed, it's never been an entirely consistent set.

Something has brought you here. Are you here by choice? Or are you lost on this world?

Hmm… until you find that answer, please, come with me. Follow my voice. You may sense me only as a presence at the corner of your spirit. But in truth I'm not actually with you physically. I am elsewhere in this world, working at unravelling a truth that has evaded me for so long.

But I will watch you all from a distance to the best of my ability. I can promise you that.

I see you can sense their arrival. I cannot make certain of who they are or what they may become. Or even what they are here for. But the fact you are… drawn to them. And at such a time when this world has entered another dangerous time cannot be mere coincidence.

We will have to find that truth at another time. Stay close to them. But don't get too close. You don't want them to lose their mind.

Trust me. I know.

And who knows? Maybe there will be more to this world, and beyond… that meets the eye.

POKÉMON MYSTERY DUNGEON

GUARDIANS OF BALANCE


ALWAYS AUDACITY

CHAPTER I: WAKE UP

Initially, he could only see darkness. It was all he knew. Just this inescapable, unknowable blackness.

Then, slowly, little by little, the light began to appear before him. Constantly shifting and evolving, flowing almost like water. The reds shifted into oranges, then yellows and so forth. His mind wandered, wondering what he had to have had in order to get such a vision. Something in the water maybe, he imagined. Then again, his body didn't feel sore.

Wait. I've just woken up; how do I know what water and a body feels like? Wait… yeah, of course I know what a body is! I should have one!

No, this was worse. He couldn't feel his body at all. Legs, limbs, head and yet he still had senses. At least partially anyway. He could see these colours, obviously. And he could hear a faint hum that almost sounded oddly rhythmic.

Okay… is this some kind of dodgy dream?

Even without his body, he could sense himself moving – somehow - forwards. No. He was being pulled onwards. It was strange, he couldn't physically move even if he had a body at this point. Maybe he was just dreaming. But where was he sleeping? In a house? Had to be. He tried to imagine having an actual arm and yet nothing happened.

The colours wavered before him, and a very faint star seemed to blink into view before him. Growing that little bit brighter, that bit bigger.

Am… maybe this is me waking up. Weird way of doing it...

And with that, the star began to blink. Hang on-

"Hello?" came a quiet voice, "Can… can you hear me?".

He felt a strange warmth run through him. Compelling him to move further on. H-Hi? I can… what's going on? This has to be a dream… right?

There was a moment of silence, the little star ceasing to blink for a moment, before it started again… "You can? Great! Listen… I don't have much time…"

The voice wavered for a moment. And with that, he began to feel drowsy… the light and the colours seeming to dim before him. "Oh no… listen to me! You need to save…"

What? I-I can't hear you… I'm…

His thoughts began to blur together, the lights now fading away, the hum ceasing. The star the only thing left he could even see. "Please! All of this… it needs saving…

Save… save what…

He could sense himself slipping away. I… can't…

"You need t-"

The light faded away.

And he slowly, so did he…

"Sam!-"


He moaned as he slowly come to, feeling his body ache in protest. He snapped his eyes open, only to cry out as the light flashed onto his retinas. Nearly blinded, he squeezed them tight again. Was he under attack? No… he could feel the warmth soak through his skin.

The sun? Yeah, has to be. Just like…

When did I last feel sunlight?

Wait! Do I even know my own name!?

"Sam!-"

He shivered. That voice.

Sam?

The memory rushed through him, and with that, it clicked. Sam… my name is Sam! Damn, glad I know that at least!

Sam opened his eyes again, much more carefully this time. Thankfully, instead of being blinded, he slowly gained a blurry view of the world. He could just make out trees around him and blue skies above him. His other senses started to emerge. He felt himself curled up on his side, could smell the fresh grass he was on and heard the sound of leaves rustling peacefully in the wind and the light trickle of flowing water.

Water.

A faint itch worked its way through Sam's throat, forcing him to take a sudden breath in surprise.

Damn. How long have I been out?

If he had even been out at all?

His arms even more blurry than the trees around him, he slowly pushed himself up to his hands and knees. His eyes flickered around and settled on the familiar shape of a pool of water. Vision be damned, he could at least tell that.

Grunting, he crawled over to the pool and, without delay, scooped up some of the water in his hands and gulped it down, feeling the cool water that spilled out drip down his chest.

Seriously, how long was it since I last drank?

He blinked as he stared down at his hands... they remained blurred, but he could make out they were some kind of gloves. Completely white and – Wait. They were very small.

What did he even look like?

Splashing his face with a handful of water, Sam wiped his face clean and with a quick shake of his head, focused his gaze at his hands and at last, his vision began to clear.

Sam's hands drifted back into view. They were white, covered in fur.

But something felt wrong. Deeply wrong. This couldn't be right to him.

I'm human.

And with that, his vision cleared entirely. He realised they weren't hands. They were paws with three little digits. Huh?

He dropped the paws, finding himself looking at a weird rabbit. One that was staring back at him from the water. Covered almost entirely in white fur… save for a little patch of orange across its nose, a flash of reddish orange on the tops of its ears, and finally a pair of eyes with bright orange irises…

Its mouth dropped open, showing a pair of brilliant white buckteeth. "What?"

The realisation hit him like a punch to the gut.

He sprung upright, paws snapping up to his chest, digits running through his fur and past his ears as the instinctively flicked aside. No no! It can't be-

"I'm a bloody Scorbunny!?" he exclaimed, "What the flying!?-"

He stumbled back, crying out as fell back onto his backside. He panted, trying to bring his heartrate down, his breathing under control. "H-How? I'm human! Now I'm a Pokémon? How's that supposed to…"

His voice trailed off. This can't be right. it can't be.

Slowly, he crawled back forward towards the water's edge. And once more found the reflection of that Scorbunny. Of him – Sam - staring back up at him… "I…" he fell silent. All he could do was simmer in the simple, plain fact of reality that happened to be staring straight back at him.