With each step their energy faded from them. The chimera couldn't handle anymore. They just wanted to escape from the labyrinth.

Limping through the maze of trees was their only option with running being an impossibility. Their body ached and every part of them was sore. They couldn't take anymore but they had to keep on going. It wouldn't be safe to just fall asleep in the middle of a maze of feral Pokémon.

Their mind was drowsy and started to become a slurry of thoughts trapped inside of a shell but they held onto the part of them that was still awake.

And they walked, and walked, and walked. Through the twisting hallways, the sleeping Pokémon, and the traps ready to be set off at any moment.

They kept on walking until they turned a corner into a small room that contained the stairs. Relief rushed through the chimera as they finally made it to the end of a floor.

As they walked up the stairs the world started to warp and land around them turned to pitch black. It was almost entirely black for a second until they felt a strange force wash over them like a wave. And in an instant the world popped with them landing on their stomach on a woodland forest path.

What? Did I leave?

The chimera examined the land around them. It was the same old path except they seemed to be a bit further from where they were when they entered the dungeon. At the end they could see what was a small opening of grass but not everything in it.

I left? I- I left!

They wobbled up to their feet and began limping to the end of the path. As they soon entered they made sure that it was safe first. The end of the path was a small opening from the trees and bushes nearby a cliff with a small waterfall leading down into a pond. Realizing how exhausted they were they went over to the pond for a drink.

How do I do this? They soon thought after they reached the water. Do I just put my entire face in there and swallow? Or do I just lick it up? Too tired to use critical thinking they just plopped their entire head in the pond and swallowed.

They coughed out a bit of water after realizing that they needed air. "Ack, oh ugh. I shouldn't have done that." It was refreshing though…

Wanting another sip they looked back down to the pond, but saw their reflection. Is that what I look like? They really were right to be surprised… Why am I… this? They stared down to the face that didn't belong to them. Or did it? They didn't know. How could they?

They observed their head. It had the same strange axe thing with feathers on the back, the silver mane flowing down, but they didn't realize how unnatural or metallic they were.

What am I? Who am I? I need some answers… A yawn escaped their maw as they thought. But I think I need to sleep first…

They crawled away from the water and onto the softest bunch of grass they could and curled in on themselves covering their head.

I'm so lost… I just want help… Small droplets of tears escaped their eyes

Episode One Part Four

Tied By a Strand

From the bushes Aaron watched over the subject. He was frankly kind of tired of doing it. They were already drugged- he means already fed a sleep seed earlier. It's not like they would just prance away anyways with that broken leg either.

I really regret taking this job. Well it's not really my fault for taking it, I wouldn't have to if- his thoughts were soon interrupted by the faint rustling from behind him.

What is that? He hid behind one of the many trees and listened. The person making the noise started out as presumably running but their movement slowed down and loud panting came out.

Pants separated her speech as she walked. "Hah… oh wow. Arceus, man. I really need to work out a bit more…"

Oh, it's just her. Aaron popped out from behind the tree facing the panting Salazzle who had her hands in her knees bent over.

"Hey Jezebel."

Without even taking a glance at Aaron she responded. "Yeah, huff, hi. I got, huff, the- the stuff. And also a scone too for ya. And news. Yeah."

She opened one of her jacket pockets and held out a paper box.

"Cool thanks, just put that on the side. Can't really open it."

"Jeez, take the Arceus damned gift. I didn't need to give you it, dumbass."

"Yet you still did." Aaron took the box by twisting his arms and putting the flat sides of his claws on the top and bottom.

"Shut up. I got something way more interesting to tell you than some scone. But first, how is the subject? Have you put the sleep seed in their mouth yet?" The Salazzle asked as she walked over to the bag by the bushes and picked up a flask from it.

"…"

She gulped down most of the water. "Why aren't you saying anything? Say a thing!"

"You said shut up."

"Ugh! Freaking- don't act like such a smart ass!"

"Why? I am smart." Aaron blinked slowly, trying to imitate some kind of innocent cute smile but failing since he's a dragon.

"Just answer."

"It was hard to put it in with the claws," he shook said claws. "But got it in."

"Good. Now I got some exciting news that will make this the best two days of my freaking life!"

"Did you find a new type of rock? Did you eat it? I bet you'll like it."

"What, no! Why are you even asking that? While I was shopping and not spending like thirty minutes in town just sitting, some rescue team popped up."

"Excuse me?"

"That's not important right now. It will be in around the next forty lines or something though. But they came over to Goodra who now had a bandage around his wrist, weird right, and they were talking about the subject."

"What do you mean? Like the Pokémon we are currently watching over?!"

"Yes, obviously, catch up! Anyways the team was made up of some Zoroark chick and an Eevee. The Eevee was going to announce something but the Zoroark brought him to the side and talked about the fact that he's… a… human!"

"THERE'S A HUMAN!"

"Yeah, I know it's super exciting right? Maybe if we watch over him we could experience a world ending disaster first hand!"

Oh no. Oh freaking no. This can't be happening. This shouldn't be happening. I need to think of something. I need to limit it.

"Uhh you okay dude? You're kind of staring into nowhere."

"We are going to have to deal with that human."

"Wow you're actually excited for something I wanna do."

"Is that a yes on watching him?"

"Well of course! This is a once in an almost lifetime occasion! I am so lucky. I deserve a prize." Jezebel said talking to herself in the last part.

"But first we need to know what we could do about the subject."

"Oh shit, did not think that far…"

"They would eventually find the subject, either by coming over here and seeing them, or if we decide to try to move them around and they see us with it since we can't really hide or be stealthy with it."

"They get caught either way. The best option would be to let them take the subject but then we can't do anything with our research…"

"What guild level are they?"

"That's a random question, but it's bronze."

"So they're both inexperienced. Huh."

"What's with the huh? Also why can't we just beat them up? It would be way easier."

"Do you really want to beat them up? If they see one of us we would be put on a board and we are supposed to act like normal random researchers. And even if we do get away with knocking them out and take the subject away it would still be too hard to both watch over them and take care of the subject."

"Why don't I just study the human and you watch over the subject?"

"You're a horrible actor and if you get caught you'll be thrown into one of the prisons before you can finish a sentence-"

"Hey bitch! Watch your tongue!"

"And before you say anything you cannot watch over the subject because you can't really fight them just in case, cause it's around seven feet tall, and I cannot try to watch over since I'm too big of a target."

"You're making it sound like we can only choose one or another!"

"I mean there is one way we could do both but I don't think you'll like it."

"Just cut the crap and tell me."

"First we let them take the subject, then on their way to the guild we walk with them to establish a relationship with them, afterwards we… we join the guild."

"What. No. No, that's stupid! There's no way I'm doing that!"

"Well, do you have any better ideas? Or any ideas that break apart the plan?"

"Yeah I- I have plenty! What if they don't want us to be friends!"

"We could just study from afar."

"Well what if they somehow find out about the crime shit we've done because they recognize us!"

"We were chosen to do this job because they wouldn't be able to find out about what we did since we were never caught."

"Fine! T- then what about the subject?! We just let the guild take them!?"

"Yes, it'll be fine. Since they didn't seem to cause any attention through the town from Goodra we can assume that they didn't do any serious crimes, and that they most likely were arrested for trespassing on Revelation Mountain and assaulting Goodra. Since those are mild crimes they would have to pay back the money and go to the guild prison for a short bit. Since I don't think they have any Pokè since there is no bag on them and no family members from what we know due to their species, we could get them to join the team we make in the guild and we would be able to survey them in a better way."

"How do you know this much about the guild man?"

"Eh. Anyways, do you have any arguments against my plan or what?"

"Fine, we'll do your plan okay?"

"Good now all we need to do is to wake them up. Since they have a broken leg they won't try to get away immediately and will stay there waiting for the team. You got a Chesto Berry?"

"Yep."

"Great."


"That was quick," Adrian commented.

"My stomach isn't feeling too good…" Nathan complained.

"Still not used to the Mystery Dungeons eh?"

"The real question is how in the world are all you guys used to Mystery Dungeons?!"

"I mean over time people get used to things, like how you sort of got used to walking like that."

"I'm still not used to it that much, and also that is called adaptability. I just adapted to it."

"Which is whatever we did with Mystery Dungeons. I don't really get the point you were trying to make with the adaptability thing."

"Sometimes I just spit things out okay!"

"Guess I'll just have to adapt to that!" Adrian did little finger guns to Nathan. "Hehehe, bad joke I know, I know, I am very proud."

I don't know how long I'll last here.

The two had just recently passed through the Open Pass. It was really easy and quite a relief to Nathan from the past two they had to take being a cave with giant Onix's roaming through the halls and a mountain path where anyone could just fall off on the many holes leading to the hard land below.

They were both heading down the path again after being spat out by the Mystery Dungeon. Goodra had told them that at the end of the path was a small clearing surrounded by trees and bushes with a small waterfall leading down into a pond.

"Hey, I think I hear something." Adrian noted. They made it close to the end of the path but they couldn't exactly see the inside of it.

"What? I can't hear anything."

"I can. I think I can hear the outlaw muttering something. Come to the side of the path so they won't see us approaching." Adrian motioned Nathan over to the side.

Stepping away from the path and tippy toeing closer to the end behind the cover of trees Nathan began to hear bits and pieces from a soft voice.

"-again. I can't move -out hurting it."

They began to come a lot closer to the end where they both decided to peek from behind some trees leading them to see a chimera around seven feet tall with a silver mane, an axe and metal framing around their head, a fish tail, black fur, and purple scales on the back legs lying on their belly.

"What is that thing!" Nathan yelled in surprise.

"Nathan!" Adrian loudly whispered.

"Wha- who, who are you!?" The chimera asked due to being alerted by Nathan's scream.

God damnit.

"Shit, what do we do?" Nathan barked.

"Please learn how to lower your voice for once!"

"Not exactly my fault when you encounter something that looks like… that." Nathan said with a definitely quieter voice.

"Don't try to judge people on appearances."

"If you're going to talk about me can you please not do it so loud?" The chimera commented.

"Yeah sorry about that bud!" Adrian replied with a face of instant regret afterwards.

"Huh! Seriously! You just-"

"Okay yeah my bad, there goes the element of surprise."

"Are y-you planning on attacking me?! W-what do you mean element of surprise?!"

"You know what I don't even care." Nathan complained.

"Are we just going to speak normally now?"

"Yeah sure there's no point of trying to hide anymore."

"W-what do you want? I don't have anything!" The chimera questioned still having no idea what's going on.

Yeah me too.

"Are we going to pop out of the bushes or what? We should probably do our plan now, we don't want them to get away." Nathan questioned.

"No let's not be too hasty. I don't think they want to fight. They'll probably cooperate."

"Cooperate with what?" The chimera still asked.

"Are you sure, could be an act."

"Didn't you listen to Goodras account? What would be the point of making an act?"

"Can you please answer my questions…" the chimera kept on asking still being ignored.

"Im just going out. It's better to communicate before trying anything." Adrian stepped out from behind the tree and onto the path revealing herself to the chimera. "Hey."

"H-hello. Is this someone's place I'm sorry if I'm intruding, please forgive me…"

Who would want land right next a Mystery Dungeon?

"Woah bud, why are you apologizing?" Adrian replied.

"I don't know… am I doing something wrong? I know I did something wrong is that why you're going to attack me? P-please don't."

"Why would you think I would attack you? People don't usually attack on first sight."

"I mean you and the other person behind the tree said something about element of surprise. That has to do stuff about getting the upper hand on something like fights, right?"

Guess they know that I'm here. You weren't hiding it very well. Shut up mind Nathan!

God I'm going insane.

"Well you do have a point." Adrian bit the inside of her lip. "But I'm not going to hurt you! Or attack you! Okay? We're actually here to help you."

"H-help me?"

"Here Nathan get out of there." She pulled Nathan out from behind the tree like a cat and plopped him down.

"Hey don't hold me like that!" Nathan yelled at Adrian.

After yelling at Adrian he got a bit of a closer look at the chimera. Although they had quite a big stature they seemed so small due to keeping themself so close to the floor and huddling all their legs together.

"We are a guild team. We are people who try to help out around the world. We took a job to help you from Goodra."

"Wait Goodra?"

"You know about him? He wants to make sure you're safe. He's worried about you."

"T-that's nice… but I don't want to see him."

"Why's that?" Nathan finally said after not helping Adrian at all.

"I just… don't. He's probably going to get mad at me because of me slashing him and if he doesn't then Poliwrath will."

"But I'm sure they'll forgive you. It was an accident after all."

Adrian walked a bit closer to the chimera until she made it into the clearing and was right in front of them. She crouched down to the chimeras height and had a soft smile. Nathan went with her but stayed slightly behind her.

"You don't need to feel bad about this. Let me help you out." Adrian held out her hand.

"You know that won't do much since not bipedal." Nathan commented.

"Oh shut up. If you're going to critique me use proper grammar at least."

"O-okay…" the chimera slowly lifted themself up, wincing the entire time. They didn't stretch out their legs entirely. They tried to bend their legs to seem a bit smaller.

"Wow you are big." Nathan remarked.

"Thank you?" The chimera shuffled a bit trying to move their legs a bit with one of the back ones not being moved as much.

"We need to go back to town and meet Goodra. You're okay with that, right?" Adrian made sure to see if the chimera was okay.

"…right."

"Okay let's go."

They all began to walk down the path with Nathan and Adrian on both sides of them. They started slow though since the chimera was limping.

"Are you okay? What's with your leg?!" Adrian looked worriedly at the chimera.

"It's nothing, I'm fine…"

"Are you sure? You better be okay."

"I am… "

"They said they're fine." Nathan answered with an annoyed face. He was kind of mad since he wasn't able to do his cool plan of the grass knot sleep seed move he made, but he helped someone. A weird amalgamation of different Pokemon someone. But it's nice he helped a person kind of.

If only there was a bit more excitement.

As they walked off Nathan could swear he heard some rustles and voices in the background but he assumed it was just his imagination.

They continued to walk down the path with the chimera still limping.

"Hey." Nathan grabbed the chimera's attention.

"Oh, uh yes?"

"What's your name man?"

"I thought we talked about this a bit, Nathan. Names are for people who you are close to." Adrian corrected.

"Fine, whatever. What are you?"

"I- I don't know…" a small frown went across their face as they went from looking at Nathan to the ground.

"Huh? You don't know?" Nathan asked.

"Is that true?" Adrian had a concerned face as she talked.

"Well yes… There's not a memory in my mind that I have. It's all just… gone."

"Not even a name?" Nathan questioned.

The chimera gave a small nod still staring at the floor.

"Well if you don't have a name then why don't we just give you one for the time being until you find one you want?" Adrian offered.

"Okay, I'm fine with whatever you want for now… but maybe I could change it if I want in the future, if that's okay."

"Jeez man. You act like you belong to someone. Just do whatever you want." Nathan commented.

"O-oh, I'm sorry."

Seriously? They say stuff like that so often.

"So do you have any names you want? We gotta get something to call you and it would be better if you chose them."

For a short pause the chimera seemed to think about it. "I'm sorry but I don't think I have any ideas. Just do what you want."

"Are you sure? Cause this is you. You don't have any particular name you want to be called? It's like a whole part of who you are kind of."

"No, it's fine. I really don't mind. After all I caused quite a bit of trouble, I don't really deserve much."

Adrian tried to hide a disappointed but still very sad look. She really wanted them to choose. But they aren't budging. So with a sigh Adrian tried to help. "That's okay then… let's just think of something you like then okay?"

"Mhm."

"Cool, I don't think I got that many good name ideas but they might work for now. Maybe something like Alb, Rowan, or if you want something a bit basic, chimera?" Nathan suggested.

"Chimera is just kind of a description of their looks. Isn't it kind of weird?" Adrian countered.

"Eh, you're kind of right."

"Actually I think I'll just do it with chimera please."

"Huh?"

"Are you sure? It's like you're objectifying yourself."

"Adrian, you don't need to constantly question them on everything."

"I know it's just that… ugh. I don't know, I just think. Never mind."

"It's okay, Zoroark. It's not permanent, I can change it when I want." Chimera tried to say with a short smile.

Nathan could tell what Adrian was thinking after they said that: But you won't want to will you?