Hi again!

This one was a change-up from the others, as it features two characters who weren't on the protagonists' side, but instead, they worked with the antagonists. And they're in a city from the Deserts Domain, so this is the first appearance of anywhere in that kingdom!

Characters Featured: Flygon, Garchomp

Additional Cast: Darmanitan

Genre: Friendship, Romance

Timeline Placement: Prior Events - - - Bluebells Are Forever - - - Melting Gelid Roses

Our story begins below. Enjoy reading!

...

Traveling through a cloud of sand, a green dragon drifted across a desert trail. He swirled around as he studied outside of the sandy cloud, studying the shadows of the surroundings. Coming up to a dark pillar, a smile came to his face as he flew upright.

"Ha, finally! Found it."

Whipping his wings out, the dusty cloud dissipated as the dragon blankly stared ahead at a broken down tower. He groaned and covered his eyes, dropping to the ground and kicking at the sand.

"Not these stupid ruins again!" The green dragon dragged on the red covers against his eyes. "This is the third time I've come here!" He slouched and smacked a pebble with his tail. "How did I lose the outpost's path? I didn't go that far out!"

Twisting around, the dragon scanned the surrounding area, but found little past dunes of sand and scattered slabs of ruins and rocks. He groaned as he lifted his head skyward.

"Yikes. Someone sounds pretty frustrated."

Whirling around to face the trail, the green dragon gawked at a shark-like blue dragon that stood before him. They blinked at one another, as the blue dragon's tail swayed around, while he shifted a package and bag between his arms.

"Uh…hi?" The green dragon tilted his head, as his wings lifted up. "Who are you?"

"My name's Garchomp." He smirked and lowered his eyes. "Though, you kind of swiped my question away." Garchomp straightened back up. "What's your name, and where are you going?"

"Oh, sorry. I'm Flygon, and, uh…" Flygon lowered his wings as his tail curled around his waist. "Um…I'm lost."

"Ah, that explains the frustration." Garchomp glanced around them, checking at the path's diverging forks. "There's…a lot of ways to get lost." He shrugged and returned his attention to Flygon. "You think they'd add signs or something, but I guess that's not a priority out this way."

"It's all kinds of embarrassing," murmured Flygon. "My kind are referred to as 'desert spirits,' and yet here I am, getting lost in one." He sighed as his head drooped. "And it's even worse because I live nearby, but I just…I can't seem to navigate myself out here."

"Ah, that's no big deal." Garchomp smiled. "The only reason that I know where I'm going is because I have to travel these route weekly. Otherwise, it's a maze of it's own."

"Weekly?" Flygon tilted his head. "Where do you go? Are you some kind of royal guard or something?"

"What? No way." Garchomp chuckled. "Then again, I guess I still seem kind of intimidating, so it makes sense to see someone imposing as one."

"Sorry, that's not how I meant it." Flygon gripped his arm, staring at Garchomp's claws. "Uh…though, now that you mention it, you do have a point…"

"Well, I'm not one."

"No, I know. Or, now I do."

"Since I told you."

"Obviously!" Flygon sank down. "Bah. I'm just…what do you do then?"

"Shopping!" Garchomp held up his package. "I go out for supplies to work with, and I can't find them in my city, so, I travel out to other places for them."

"That makes more sense than what I suggested," murmured Flygon.

"Obviously," echoed Garchomp.

"Hey, come on!" Flygon sulked. "I don't know many traveling jobs. Explorers, guards and knights, uh…archeologists…"

"Merchants, performers, bandits, all kinds of mages looking for knowledge, any noble or royal that has far reaching business, and probably mercenaries," listed Garchomp. He grinned as Flygon lowered his eyes. "Those were just off the top of my head, by the way."

"You know what? I think I'll go get lost for another few hours," decided Flygon as he turned away. "Maybe the next traveler I encounter will be less of a jerk."

"If you really want to risk it, be my guest!" Garchomp started onward, but then came to a halt. He glanced over his shoulder at Flygon. "…You were just going to follow me back, weren't you?"

"Huh?" Flygon smacked the side of his head. "Crap, that was actually a better idea."

"Ha, you're oh-for-two with me," teased Garchomp.

"Forget it," snapped Flygon. "If I just stay out here and waste away, that gets to rest on your conscience, not mine."

"That's…a very poor way to look at it," determined Garchomp. "You still lose in the end."

"But you'll feel bad, so that's good enough!"

"Aw, come on, I was only teasing, and that's not…" Garchomp hesitated and clamped his mouth shut for a moment to think. "…Well…I mean…"

"Do you or don't you have a conscience?"

"Everyone does!" Garchomp growled but deflated with a sigh. "Fine, fine, I'm sorry." His tail flopped down on the ground. "I battled a lot when I was young…well, younger, but I'd hate to have anyone die by my claws, directly or not."

"Battler huh?"

"Was," corrected Garchomp. "I'm not much of one anymore." He paused as he tapped a claw to his chin. "Well…I do some training to stay sharp, but nothing like I used to."

"Sounds kind of like how I used to be," observed Flygon. "Nowadays I spend more time getting lost in the desert." He smirked as Garchomp laughed. "I don't think I'd have the guts to be a knight or bandit or anything like that."

"Yeah, that's the same for me." Garchomp gently swung his supplies about. "That's why I do this instead! I like sculpting."

"Oh wow, that's pretty neat!" Flygon tugged on his pack. "Do you have anything that I could buy? I might, if you've got good products."

"Wait, what?" Garchomp blinked and pulled his head back. "Aren't you lost? You'd rather just spend money on some sculpture from someone you barely know?"

"It was a two-fold strategy," grumbled Flygon. "Buy something nice, and get you chummy to help me back home."

"But I'm already agreeing to that because I don't want you to die out here alone," reminded Garchomp.

"…Oh yeah."

Dropping his head and wings, Flygon heavily sighed as Garchomp stifled his laughter. He lowered his supplies and tapped Flygon's shoulder.

"Don't worry about it! Even if that is a bit more embarrassing than getting lost," joked Garchomp. "I do appreciate the support though."

"Sure…"

"Come on, come on, let me help you get back home," insisted Garchomp, setting along the path. "Going up this way should lead to another fork that will take you either back around this way, or to the next city." He smiled as Flygon started up behind him. "That's where I live, Longtao City."

"Where you what?"

"Live?" Garchomp blinked and raised an eyebrow at Flygon. "I…do have a home."

"No, it's just…that's where I live."

"Huh?" Garchomp tilted his head. "You live in the city too?"

"Yeah! I live along the southern side by the deserts that way, though," detailed Flygon. "That's why I get lost out here quicker, because I don't go out east much."

"Ah, that makes a lot more sense!" Garchomp nodded. "Different parts of the city end up not intersecting much. They do mention that it's big and crowded enough that you'd never meet everyone there."

"Right! That's why I try to leave every now and again, to get some space," revealed Flygon. "It's just nicer out under the sky."

"That I can't argue with." Garchomp smiled as they continued along. "I'm from the northwestern end, near the caves."

"So that's why I've never seen you," realized Flygon. "I almost never go up north either."

"And I can't recall going south specifically, since more markets are out eastward." Garchomp chuckled. "That's pretty funny. We would've never met if you hadn't gotten lost out here."

"Hey, I thought you weren't going to make fun of me over that," complained Flygon.

"I'm not! It's just amusing that it took us leaving the city to meet," pointed out Garchomp. He led Flygon along the right path for the fork, and waved him along.

"Guess that is pretty funny…"

"It is! Anyway, we should probably hurry back before it gets too dark out," advised Garchomp, quickening his pace a bit. "Not that we'll come across anything we can't handle, but I heard it was supposed to be chillier than usual tonight, perhaps for the rest of this week's nights."

"Really? That stinks," mumbled Flygon. "I wanted to come back out later."

"To get lost again?"

"No!" Flygon huffed and folded his arms. "I wanted to go stargazing! That was my whole point for coming out here, to find a good spot."

"Is that what you were looking to do?" Garchomp blinked. "Wait, is that what you do for work too?"

"Oh, no, just a hobby." Glancing behind him, Flygon sighed. "I've just worked various odd jobs to make money. Haven't stuck with anything."

"Hmm."

"But, it's fine," insisted Flygon, following Garchomp again. "As long as I'm managing and making enough to have time out some nights, that's good enough."

"Do you want to study stars or something?"

"Astronomy?"

"Excuse me?"

"That's what it's called."

"Ah. Well, sure." Garchomp tapped his chin with his free claw. "Would there be a way to work toward that?"

"Maybe, but I'd have to find the right avenues, and this isn't the most ideal location for stars," reasoned Flygon. "Sure, we can see a lot, but it's freezing most nights, so I can't stay out for long. Plus, it's not great to stay within the city's borders either…"

"I see, I see…"

"At least it's still something that I can enjoy," decided Flygon.

"That's true, definitely good to find something that keeps you going." He pointed down the next path. "Should be a little further along that way."

"Wow, that seemed a lot easier than I realized." Flygon slouched and rubbed his arm. "Um. Thank you for helping me."

"Of course!" Garchomp winked to him. "You just had to twist my arm the right way!"

"Nah, I don't think so," determined Flygon. "You would have anyway, wouldn't you?"

"Hmm…maybe…"

"All the same, thank you."

"You're welcome."

Ambling along the remainder of the trail, the pair eventually reached a hill overlooking a city with a heavy cluster of dark buildings. The spiral shape gave off a serpentine appearance from above. Several spots divided the city along its outskirts, with caves located above, ruins further out west, while deserts were located elsewhere. The sand further south varied between amber and reddish colors.

"There we go." Garchomp pointed ahead, further down the city. "You live in that area, right?"

"Yep, closer to the south."

"Huh, ok then…" Garchomp nodded as they made their way down toward it. "Well, it was nice meeting you!"

"Likewise, and thank you again." Flygon blinked and reached for his bag. "Oh, wait, I think I've got some money…"

"What? No, you don't need to," insisted Garchomp. "I was happy enough just helping you, honest."

"But—"

"Nope, that's the end of it."

"How do I buy a sculpture from you then?"

"Wait, you're still on that?"

"Sure!"

"Well, I do have—wait, you're just trying to pay me anyway."

"This will end in you getting money, whether it's for your guidance or for your products," persisted Flygon. "Your choice."

"Neither."

"Come on!"

"Look, I don't have anything on hand, so, you've got nothing to purchase from me anyway." Garchomp smirked. "Just take the kindness of a stranger and be happy that it worked out nicely for you."

"Ok, fine. I'm following you to your home until you take some kind of payment."

"Seriously?"

"Yes!"

"There have to be dozens of ways that I can lose you out there," warned Garchomp.

"Then you won't have helped me get home after all," taunted Flygon. "Your kindness will have been wasted."

"My pride can handle it."

"But can your heart?"

"Huh?"

"It's a conscience thing again."

"Will you quit that?!"

"Never!"

"Ugh." Garchomp sighed and deflated. "There has to be a way to get you to give up."

"In your dreams."

"Wouldn't you like to be there?"

"Pfft."

"Hmm." Garchomp scratched his head as they approached the city's eastern gates. "Ok, well, how about, uh…tomorrow—"

"Today or I follow you back."

"Damn."

"Ha!"

"But I've got to get my materials back…" Garchomp shook his head. "Look, give me your address, and I'll give you mine. I'm insisting on tomorrow, and then…I don't know, buy me lunch or dinner?"

"Are you just going to give me a fake address?" Flygon stuck his tongue out. "I'm not falling for that."

"If I do that, you'll just go harass someone else," teased Garchomp. He dug a book from his back and swiped out two pages. "Here, I've got a pen…somewhere…"

"Give them here, I've got one out already."

"Oh, all right."

"This…is how you get to my place!" Flygon quickly scribbled his down and slid it into Garchomp's bag. "Now, what's yours?"

"Ok, if you go up north, you have to take left at the temple—"

"For the sand dragon or the behemoth?"

"Sand dragon."

"Would that be the earth temple or the sand steeple one?" Flygon snapped his fingers. "Oh, or is that one with the freaky giant gargoyle that looks like—?"

"Hey, hey, listen for a minute!"

"Sorry."

Laughing a bit, Garchomp detailed the directions for his home, as Flygon jotted them down. They chattered a bit more, as Flygon wandered toward his home and Garchomp followed him there. Blinking as they arrived to a small house, Garchomp glanced back to road behind him.

"Um…now I have to see which way I go back from here," he murmured.

"Aw, are you lost?"

"Nah, I'll manage."

"Hmph."

"Ha, I'll come back to you," promised Garchomp. "In fact, now that I'm here, it'll probably be easier."

"You better!"

"Yeah, yeah, I will." Garchomp stepped back, still looking to Flygon as he waved off. "Ok, so, I'll see you tomorrow then."

"All right." Flygon waved back. "Thank you again!"

"Sure!"

Pivoting back around, Garchomp wandered back along the streets they took, and Flygon watched him until he disappeared around the corner.

The next day, Flygon waited outside of his home, scanning the streets while trying to sort through the faces that bustled by. He rolled a rock around with his feet while he sat on a stone bench. A round red orangutan pushed a cart along, but slowed as he reached Flygon.

"Can I interest you in buying anything, Gon?"

"Huh?" Flygon blinked and shook his head. "Oh, sorry Mister Darmanitan. I'm trying to save up for something else today."

"Something else?" Darmanitan's eyebrows sizzled. "What's got your eye better than my merchandise?"

"Food, actually."

"You don't need to eat, you're plump enough," weighed Darmanitan.

"What?!"

"Relax, so am I!"

"That doesn't make it better!" Flygon growled but heaved out to settle. "It's going to be for myself and someone else."

"Ooh, got a date, did ya?" Darmanitan chuckled through his sharp teeth. "Anyone cute?"

"Are you crazy, you old ape?!" Flygon shook his head. "It's not a date, it's just to repay someone that was nice to me."

"Right, right, ok," murmured the unconvinced merchant. He rubbed his chin and studied Flygon. "So…when are they getting here?"

"Um…hopefully soon." Flygon batted the rock with his tail. "It was either for lunch or dinner, and now would be a good time for lunch, so…"

"Didn't you two agree to a time?"

"Not exactly…"

"Ah, so you're getting stood up."

"It's not a date!" Flygon groaned as he threw his head up. "Don't you have somewhere to roll that cart to?"

"Bah. Might as well be on my way, rather than sell to the rudest dragon of the city!"

"You wish I was the rudest," mumbled Flygon.

"Actually, yeah, I do." Darmanitan sighed as he scratched his back. "At least you listen to this old ape's gripes and babbling."

"Well, you listen to me too," reasoned Flygon, eyes fixating on passing clouds. "So, anyway, I guess I should apolo—"

"Oh, oh, hey there Gar!" Darmanitan waved. "You're a bit far from the north today!"

Jerking his head down and ahead, Flygon looked ahead as Garchomp approached. He smiled and waved, as he came up to the two.

"Hello Mister Darmanitan, I am far down here."

"Anything you want to buy?" The orangutan dug at his cart. "I'm sure that I've got a few gems that could fit a statue or something you're crafting!"

"Actually, I'm supposed to be going out to eat."

Pulling himself back up from his cart, Darmanitan blinked, shifting his attention between Flygon and Garchomp. His eyes lowered as his grin widened, while Flygon's face burned.

"Don't—"

"Definitely a cute choice," quietly teased Darmanitan.

Swinging his fist and bopping the ape over the head, Flygon strode to Garchomp as Darmanitan fumbled back. Nervously chuckling, Garchomp tapped his claws together.

"Uh…what was that about?"

"Nothing."

"Didn't seem like that."

"Just shut up and come on." Flygon marched off. "Good luck with your sales, you crazy old ape!"

"Rotten dragon!" Darmanitan shook his fist. "You're lucky I like you, Gon!"

"Yeah, yeah."

"Gar, you fix him up good, will ya?"

"Um…sure." Garchomp waved to the merchant. "See you around!"

"Cheers."

Garchomp hurried after Flygon, who wings flapped as he stomped onward. Dust whipped up, as another green dragon coughed and hacked while they passed one another. Chasing after him, Garchomp tugged at Flygon's arm.

"Maybe don't engulf the city in more sand than we already get?"

Whipping back around, Flygon blinked, as the other dragon coughed and brushed his fangs, wandering down another road while glaring at the two.

"Hum…good point," he relented.

"Also, good afternoon!"

"Huh? Oh, yeah, hi again." Flygon settled down and smirked. "I was worried you weren't going to come."

"Told you that I would!" Garchomp smiled. "Were you waiting long for me?"

"Long enough to have that old grump repeatedly pester me," grumbled Flygon.

"Darmanitan can get a bit annoying, but he's at least nice enough to listen when you need him to." Garchomp scraped his claws together as his shoulders rose. "But you seem to have a bit different of a relationship with him?"

"Yeah, a bit."

"Ah-huh…"

"Just pick somewhere you'd like to eat."

"Oh, I've got a good spot!" Garchomp perked up, but then his shoulders slumped. "Actually, I was wondering about something."

"Hm?"

"Well…do you, um, have any other plans for today?" Garchomp rubbed behind his neck. "Because, uh…I don't. And, if you're free, maybe we could do lunch and dinner? And, um, something else besides eating too?"

"Wait, what?"

"Only if you're free!" Garchomp twisted away. "You know, if you're not, that's fine, I just, uh…" He glanced back as Flygon blinked at him. "Well…I haven't really had anyone to spend the day with in a while." He pointed back down the road. "Mister Darmanitan is about as close as I can get to a friend lately."

"Oh gods, you poor thing."

"Hush up!"

"No, that is serious," insisted Flygon. "He can't be the best you can do."

"How about you?" Garchomp waited as Flygon's eyes widened and he held his breath. "…He's the best you've got right now too, huh?"

"What?! No!"

"Ok, then who?"

"…Look, I've just been busy."

"Getting lost in deserts?"

"Yes." Flygon huffed. "Besides, I get carried away with work sometimes."

"Sure, right."

"Hey, that's actually a valid excuse." Flygon folded his arms. "What's yours?"

"Uh…" Garchomp blushed as his tail flopped to the ground. "So! Are you free?"

"As it just so happens…yes."

"Great!" Garchomp gestured further south. "Why don't you show me the desert down that way after we eat?"

"Really?"

"Yeah! And then maybe we can go watch fire breathers?" Garchomp blinked and shook his head. "No, that sounds dull, and almost anyone can if they can use fire."

"We'll think of something." Flygon shrugged. "We could go flying or something."

"Oh, yeah!" Garchomp waved his arms. "I haven't gone in ages!"

"How do you not fly all the time?"

"It's just not something that comes to mind," admitted Garchomp. "Walking just comes a bit more naturally for me. Or digging underground, but that's different."

"Gods, you need company desperately."

"Hey! I didn't make fun of you that much yesterday!"

"No?" Flygon scratched at his cheek. "Sure felt like it…"

"You're just a little evil, you know that?"

"Maybe I can be," joked Flygon. "Anyway, come on; now I'm getting really hungry."

"Right, let's go!"

After finding a spot to eat, Flygon and Garchomp ended up watching fire breathers first before going out to fly through the southern deserts. While flying around, they crashed into one another four times and rolled around the sands, laughing as they fooled around. Their day flew by as they shared a late dinner.

The next day, Flygon ventured up to the northern end of the city, and after getting lost down several streets, finally found his way to Garchomp's house. A bit bigger than his own, Flygon marveled at the home for a bit, and then watched Garchomp prepare small sculptures of kings and knights. He showed Flygon the variety that he worked on, including statues, pottery, chests, and mugs. Picking out a small statue of sand dragon god, Flygon argued with Garchomp until he accepted the purchase.

As the week carried on, Flygon dragged Garchomp to various shops as he collected maps and books on stars, trying to explain the stories that their ancestors would tell through depictions of the stars overhead. Though most of it went over Garchomp's head, he listened along as Flygon rambled on to detail constellations about bears and serpents. At one store, Garchomp picked up a pamphlet on stargazing locations in kingdoms outside of the Deserts Domain. Later that night, they went out for Flygon to point out the few constellations that he could find in the sky, just outside of the city border.

Two weeks later, the pair wandered along the market streets, chomping at apples they purchased. Though Flygon had convinced Garchomp to try some sweet flavors, both preferred the sour apples they collected. They slowed as they approached Darmanitan's market stall, and he struggled to entertain other citizens, who ended up wandering off on him. Groaning, the ape turned as the two dragons ambled over.

"Well, well, if it isn't Gar and Gon again." Darmanitan leaned against his cart while propping his face up with his hands. "It seems like you two go everywhere all the time now. I can't even figure out where you'll pop up next around here!"

"We don't go everywhere together," countered Flygon, as he glanced to Garchomp, who puffed out his cheek and looked away. "…Have we been all over already?"

"Just about!"

"Wasn't asking you, old ape."

"Bah!"

"Um…we have been around a bit," admitted Garchomp. "Actually, have I been taking up too much time for you?"

"What? No way!"

"Tell us about your latest job then," mocked Darmanitan. He grinned as Flygon glanced down and kicked at the ground. "Well…?"

"Flygon, have I been distracting you?" Garchomp rubbed at his arm.

"No! It's fine, really," insisted Flygon. "Just…uh…" He twisted around to Darmanitan. "Ok, you lousy monkey—"

"Orangutan!"

"Whatever." Flygon folded his arms. "How much would you pay if I helped you out a few days a week?"

"Are ya joking? I can barely afford for myself!"

"Crap."

"Unless you help me pull in thrice as many customers, then maybe we can work something out!"

"Three times zero is still zero."

"You rotten chubby dragon!"

"Who are you calling chubby, tubby?!"

"Guys, guys, come on," pleaded Garchomp. "Fighting doesn't solve anything." Garchomp blinked and studied Darmanitan's cart. "…Actually…would you be willing to sell some sculptures here?"

"It took ya this long to think of that?"

"Apparently."

"Don't bully him! His work will make you rich!"

"Ha, we'll see." Darmanitan lowered his eyes. "Cute how you stick up for him though."

Flygon slammed his fist over Darmanitan's head, and Garchomp sighed as the two broke out into a fight that attracted a bigger crowd than Darmanitan gathered all day.

Five months later, after making a new batch of sculptures for Darmanitan's well-established market stand, Garchomp knocked on Flygon's door. The mystic dragon quickly threw it open, as Garchomp fumbled back.

"Gar!" Flygon grinned, but then frowned as Garchomp stumbled around. "Are you ok?"

"Yeah, yeah, I'm fine, Gon." He steadied himself and rubbed at the fin on his arm. "How are you doing today?"

"Not too bad, better seeing you now."

"Ha, ah…thanks."

"Hey, anytime." Flygon wandered inside, tugging Garchomp in after him. "Selling your sculptures at Mister Darmanitan's stand was a great idea! …Even if he is still a pain in the neck…"

"True, but uh, he makes for a pretty easygoing boss, all things considered." Garchomp paused as Flygon lowered his eyes. "Look, even if he's a little, ah, on my back over the supply for the demand, he isn't that hard on me, or uh, as he probably could be."

"…Maybe not…"

"So, uh, I was hoping we could avoid a little bit of work talk today," confessed Garchomp. "Since, um…we do that a lot."

"Right! It's our first day off together in ages," realized Flygon. "…Huh. That's depressing to think about." He slouched as his wings lowered. "You'd think that we'd get a lot more time together." As Garchomp reached forward, Flygon perked up and clasped his hands together. "Oh! I forgot that I made some tea. Want me to get us some cups? I still have that really cute set you made."

"Sure, that would be great!"

After Flygon fetched the tea, the two dragons sat at his dining table; it was smaller than average ones, but quite comfortable for a familiar pair. Both waited as their tea sat, still a bit hot from the pot. Garchomp watched as Flygon gently twisted the cup around, admiring the swirling patterns of the dragon duo design.

"They almost look like they're dancing," observed Flygon as he rotated the cup.

"Yep, that was what I was going for, sky dancing," elucidated Garchomp. He tapped at the table, lightly tracing a circle in the air just above it. "So…what did you get to see last night?"

"Oh." Flygon sank down. "I, uh, didn't."

"Huh?"

"Well, folks at the restaurant around the southeast end got a real fire going," explained Flygon. "Several houses decided last night was good for staying out late by their fires in the southwest side. And near here, well, the taller buildings near the gates kind of get in the way of the view." Flygon sighed. "I didn't really have enough time to go to the other parts of the city, but it didn't make a difference by the east gate last week, or the west before that, so I figured it wasn't a big loss in the end."

"That…sucks, actually."

"Being in the city is really annoying sometimes," brought up Flygon. "It feels like there's never a clear night to watch the sky…"

"About that, actually." Garchomp tapped on his chin. "I was wondering, if you're really that passionate about your stargazing—"

"Astronomy," corrected Flygon.

"Right, right, whatever you call it," teased Garchomp. "Anyway, there are probably better locations if you go up north more, towards the Mountains Monarchy." He waited as Flygon listened, and then carried on. "There are still a bunch of cities and probably more activity in a lot of places up there, but I…may have heard about a few spacious places to live. Dimmer lighting, lots of sky to view, stuff that's up your alley."

"Really? You found out about that for me?" Flygon beamed as Garchomp nodded. "That's great!" Flygon hopped up for a moment, but sank back down. "But…I can't."

"Huh?" Garchomp blinked. "Why not?"

"Can you even imagine me alone in the mountains?" Flygon shook his head. "I get lost easily enough in the deserts as it is! If I go out there, I'll never find my way around." He curled his tail around himself. "Besides, living alone just…sounds really hard."

"Well, that's…kind of why I was thinking about going with you," suggested Garchomp.

"Wait, what?"

"There are a lot of rocks and other materials to work with sculpting in the mountains," divulged Garchomp. "Sand and the stones down here can only offer so much. They've probably got gemstones up by them, along with other kinds of marble and clay, more metals, wood, and even ice if I'm crazy enough." Flygon shuddered and Garchomp chuckled. "Yeah, maybe not that one too much. But, it's an idea. You can go up to map stars, and I get more material to work with. And…we could, um, live togther." He softly smiled. "So…does that sound like a good plan?"

"Actually, yeah! It does!" Flygon zipped over and gave Garchomp a tight hug. He smirked as he pulled back a bit. "It does kind of sound like you're making an excuse so that I don't go alone or because you want company to move away with."

"Not entirely…wrong," caved Garchomp, pushing up from his seat.

"Uh-huh." Flygon giggled and embraced Garchomp again. "But still, it is a great idea, and I'd be happy to go with you. So, thank you."

Blushing as he slowly hugged Flygon back, Garchomp nervously chuckled and gently patted Flygon, muttering a low, "You're welcome…"

"Oh, and obviously, let's do it!" Flygon tugged back as Garchomp blankly stared at him, his mouth parting open a bit. "…Moving, that is. Let's…do it, move." Flygon shrugged and pulled away, twisting away to hide his flushed face. "Um. I'm going to go see what I should pack!"

For a moment, Garchomp mindlessly nodded with a smile stuck on his face. He blinked hard and shook his head. "Shouldn't we see what we can afford first?"

"…Oh yeah, that would be important."

After a year, the two dragons finally saved enough to move off to the Mountains Monarchy. Neither had many reservations about leaving home, but when it came to breaking the news to Darmanitan…

"What do you mean you're both leaving?!"

"It's so that Flygon will be able to get a better view," reasoned Garchomp. "That'll allow him to better follow his passion in astronomy."

"Astro-what?"

"Studying stars and relations," simplified Flygon.

"And why would you want to do that?!"

"Because it's just something that I've enjoyed researching for years," defended Flygon. "There are so many stories that we tell using the stars, and there's so much that we don't know about them, or comets, or the cosmic events and anomalies—"

"What in the hell are you even talking about?!"

"The one thing that really livens me up in life's offerings." Flygon folded his arms. "That keeps me going when I ask myself about the more that I want to do in life. You had other dreams that you wanted to follow, didn't you?"

"Yeah, but I settled with this!" Darmanitan gestured to his cart, but when he turned and glared at it, he sank down. "And…this wasn't even close to what I wanted…"

"…So…?"

"Not like I can actually stop either of you from leaving," admitted Darmanitan. "It's just going to horrid going back to square one."

"Come on, you've got more products and business with help from the outreach we helped you provide," countered Flygon. "You got to go around more to grab customer attention while I watched your stall, and nowadays you don't need me to do that for you anymore."

"Plus, I'm leaving you with some solid sculptures to sell," piped up Garchomp.

"But you're taking the skill away with you!" Darmanitan sank down. "What do I do when I run out?"

"You'll have to order more from Garchomp and be patient until they're sent to you," suggested Flygon. "So you can still do business with us, but it'll just have waiting time included."

"That's a horrible trade-off."

"Hate it and us all you want for it, but that's how it goes," concluded Flygon.

"…As much as I could hate you, I suppose I don't." Darmanitan laughed. "Even if we got on each other's nerves all the time, I think I actually got used to you more than I did before." He smiled at the two dragons. "You two take care of each other, and come back to visit some day before I'm too old."

"Of course we will," promised Garchomp. "…It might be a while, but we will eventually."

"Don't miss us until then," mocked Flygon.

"I think I do already."

"Hey, don't tell us that," complained Flygon, tears lining his eyes. "You're only going to make it harder!"

"Ha, sorry." Darmanitan folded his arms. "Go on, we're done for today, so, be off, both of you." He smiled. "And take care."

Glancing at one another, Garchomp and Flygon nodded, and swept down to hug Darmanitan before they left.

Two months later, on a mountain ridge overlooking a lake, Flygon tugged Garchomp from their home to go look at the night sky. He beamed as they found an opening between trees, pulling the blue dragon closer to him. Flygon took his arm and helped him trace the stars above.

"See, right there, that's what they use for the third month symbol, which traces out to shape like Alomomola," pointed out Flygon. "But, now that we're out here, we can find the harder to spot shapes, so the ones nearest to that would be—"

"The two Luvdisc?"

"Yes!" Flygon whirled around as he wrapped Garchomp's arm into his. "Oh, you remembered!"

"Ha, uh, that story was kind of cute…their legend, anyway." Garchomp blushed as his tail swatted a pebble. "Not that it's a big deal or anything, just some lover story romance thing. And…" He trailed off as he looked to Flygon, who smirked at him. "Uh…I'm still talking."

"I noticed."

"Please stop me."

"No."

"Ugh."

"Ok, fine," relented Flygon. "If you look over this way, you'll see two swirling shapes from the stars, and for the longest time, people argued over which legendary dragon duo they represented." He blinked and rubbed his cheek. "Actually, I think they still do."

"Folks arguing over their gods and which is the best among them," murmured Garchomp. "Always fun…"

"For all we know, it could be any pair of dragons," assessed Flygon. "It could be a storied duo, or it could be a simple pairing between even—"

"You and me?"

"…Sure, actually."

"Hmm…" Garchomp tapped at his chin, and nodded. "I think that'll help me remember that one a little more for next time." He grinned and winked to Flygon, who hesitated as he smiled to him. Blinking, Garchomp tilted his head. "Look, it helps me a bit better, ok?"

"That's fine, I just…" Flygon tapped his fingers together. "I need to tell you something. Or, uh, better express something to you."

"What is it?"

They both quieted as they turned to face one another, as the night air gently rustled a few bushes, but nothing more. Flygon's hand quaked as he stroked back against his face, rubbing his neck a bit. Garchomp's tail swayed a bit, his attention trained on his partner.

"Thank you again for helping us get here."

"Hey, you helped too!"

"But it was your idea," reminded Flygon. "And, I…I don't think I've ever been this happy, or not in ages. So, again, thank you."

Leaning forward, Flygon pressed his lips against Garchomp. He jolted but quickly moved into the kiss. It lasted a moment longer, but Flygon pulled back and covered his mouth.

"Sorry! Sorry, that was…" Flygon nervously chuckled and sank away from Garchomp. "I have no idea why I did that, and I didn't even ask, that was so wrong—"

"Actually, it was completely fine," insisted Garchomp. His eyes lowered as he smirked. "More than fine for me."

"Uh, yeah, but I…um…" Flygon shifted his eyes around back and forth to the mountainside, and he quickly spun away. "Well, this air's been refreshing, but it's late, so now's probably a good time to head back! Ha, uh, let's go before it gets too cold!"

As Flygon marched off, Garchomp paused for a moment and gazed at the ground. He lifted his head and studied the stars in the sky above.

"Should we…not share the bed tonight?"

"No, no, we can definitely do that still," insisted Flygon. "Especially because we only have the one, and, uh…I like cuddling into you." His wings lifted out and Flygon smacked his head, while Garchomp returned his attention to his blushing companion. "I have no idea why I even mentioned that. Come on!"

Grinning as his face flushed over, Garchomp followed after Flygon, closing the distance between them as quickly as he could.

The next morning, Garchomp picked at an amethyst, cutting it into smaller and rounder shapes. He sighed as he carefully placed two into a miniature dragon sculpture, giving the statue shimmering eyes. He glanced at the teacups that sat between him and Flygon, who drummed at a star map he had recently sketched.

Turning the statue around, Garchomp waved his claw before it. Flygon kept his attention on his map, until Garchomp cleared his throat. Picking his head up, Flygon blinked as Garchomp smiled and gestured again to his new creation.

"Pretty cute," noted Flygon. "Did you make the other one of the queen yet?"

"Already did that one," confirmed Garchomp. "Hopefully I'll get orders for her regal likeness, and then buyers will line up for commissions and products!" He paused and blinked before lowering his brow as he glowered back down to his statue. "Is it too cute? I was aiming for something cooler this time…"

"Even still, we're going to run out of money unless we're both chipping in," brought up Flygon. "I'm going to get a new job in a few days." He gazed down at his sketch. "Hopefully doing something that I really love, if they'll have me…"

"They'd be crazy not to," determined Garchomp, and he beamed to Flygon. "No one matches your energy for astronomy. Not in the deserts, and not on the mountains."

"I don't know about that," doubted Flygon. "Pretty sure I've got some competition up here, especially since folks here actually have the space to see the sky."

"You'll be fine, and I'll help you find something when you're ready to head out," he promised. "But, for now, I'm going to go get some more supplies." Garchomp got up and grabbed his bag. He paused and turned back to Flygon. "Then maybe later, um, we can talk more about us?"

"What do you mean?"

"Well, I, uh, wanted to figure out what we are."

"Roommates?"

"Besides that, because I…" Garchomp hesitated and shook his head. "Nah, we'll talk about it later tonight."

"Was I too weird last night?" Flygon gripped at the table. "I know that under the stars I was bad, and then after when we were in bed—"

"No, no, that's not it at all," insisted Garchomp. "Actually, yesterday was fantastic." He blushed and slung his bag around his shoulder. "But, um…I'm hoping we can talk it out more." He smiled to Flygon. "It'll be a good talk, I'm pretty sure. But, that's for later, and it'll be fine." He glanced back to the door behind him, and then returned his gaze to Flygon. "Um…unless you want to get started now?"

"Hmm…no, you're going to want to get out there, before they're done digging and selling for the day," realized Flygon. "I can't keep you forever."

"Sure you can."

"Gar, go on." Flygon stuck out his tongue. "I've got nowhere to go today, so I'll be waiting until you're back. No need to worry about me getting lost out there."

"Fine, ok, I'll pretend I'm not excited or anything," relented Garchomp. His toothy grin took over again. "Even if that's impossible." He nervously chuckled as he backed up and bumped into the door. "Uh! Right, that's…there. Anyway!" He pushed it open and paused, turning back to Flygon once more. "…I'll see you tonight, Gon."

"See you later."

They waved to one another as Garchomp slowly stepped outside of their home, and lingered as he closed the door, looking as Flygon waved and watched him until the door was shut and he was gone.

Neither realized how long later would be.

...

That last line is an odd tease if you haven't read the main stories, but if you have, boy, does that pack a punch.

But anyway, yeah! That's a cute one-shot that works for quasi-canon building on Flygon's relationship with Garchomp, which is almost a relationship, but they just never quite got around to bringing it forward. Reminds you of another couple, perhaps? I'm sure you know the one.

If any antagonists were to get layered background to their story, however, I had these two at the front of the line. Lucario is likely to get depth added to the main story arcs, so I'm saving him up for that. Given Flygon and Garchomp's role in the main series, well...they had the best material to elaborate on.

Also, I don't think I was using a Darmanitan for the fanfics before, so, now I have one that I got to use. Didn't really bother thinking out the Zen Mode part, but, I think he was a cute option. Annnd he's how they got their nicknames for each other. Everyone go "aww" for a second.

There was definitely "artistic interpretations" on both sculpting and astronomy here, since I know absolutely nothing on both topics. Though I don't think I detailed either, I apologize for inaccuracies or poor representation. But, at least that adds to the diversity to the interests of the cast!

Anyway, that should wrap this one up well enough. Hope you enjoyed it! Thank you for reading!