After escaping from the cave, the two friends sat near the exit, Green soon looking at her wound. “It’s gotten pretty bad, Fang.” He said. “We should rest while we can.” Without any objections, Fang let herself be lifted into his arms, smiling softly. “Green… thank you.” She said as he began walking. “I don’t know how I would’ve gotten outta there without you.” Green nodded at her, smiling.

“No need to thank me.” He said. “It’s my job to do so, Fang, We’re partners. We always have each other’s back.”

Fang giggled. “Of course that’s the job, Green. But when you saved me there… you changed for a bit.” She remarked.

“Well… It’s because….”

“Never mind that. We should hide. I hear voices, Green… coming from the caves… I think he came to…”

“No… with a hit like that, it couldn’t be Shiftry. It’s probably Alakazam’s team.”

“So… that’s a yes on hiding, then?”

“Exactly.”

They soon hid behind a layer of dried rock, panting as a sea of other rescue teams saw the mountain. “They must be here somewhere.” One member said. “There’s no way they’d try to go over Mt. Blaze. Ever. Check the Rock Path!” And with that, everyone left. As Fang and Green walked in front of the mountain, they sighed. “I assume we’re going to go through the mountain?” Green asked.

“It’s the only way.” Fang answered, smirking.

“Let’s just hope you’re right.” He said, smirking back.

With that, they soon walked into the entrance to the Mt. Blaze Mystery Dungeon. One in which would change their lives forever.

On the first floor, Fang approached a pool of lava, and touched it. There wasn’t a sign of a single burn on her fur. She instantly knew that this was a Fire-type area, and realized that Green was in constant danger here. He couldn’t last long here. She knew she had to be sure that Green was protected at all costs. “A Fire-type area. Hm…” She mumbled to herself. “Wait… did you say ‘Fire-type,’ Fang?” Green asked, beginning to panic. Fang nodded. “Yeah. But you don’t need to worry, Green. I’m a fire type. I can help you through this dungeon. I still need to pay you back for saving me back in the cave.” She said. Green shivered at the thought of facing Fire-types. He was, indeed, a Grass-type, and thus, he thought that being scared for his life was the ideal choice. But then, he looked at Fang, knowing she wanted the truth about herself. She wanted to know.

He gulped and took 3 deep breaths, sighing. “Look, just get me through here, ok, Fang?” He asked, knowing he had made his choice. “I don’t like it here.”

“I know you don’t like it. I don’t either.” Fang responded. “But you remember why we have to do this, right?”

“Of course I remember.”

“Well, then, let’s do this.” Fang said, holding his hand with both of hers. “Together.”

“Yeah.” Green said, smiling. “Together.”

They soon broke into a run as they advanced further up the mountain.

Minutes later, a Magmortar army appeared before them. Green readied his attack, and Fang crouched, smirking. “Ready, Green?” She asked. “You bet I’m ready, Fang.” He said, smirking as his arm blades glowed. “3…” She began.

“2…” He continued.

“1…”

“GO!” With that, they charged in. Fang spun like a tire being burned out and crashed into a Magmortar, kicking its head downward with her heel as she interrupted her attack. After that, she used the force of the kick to dodge a Flamethrower attack, retaliating with an Ember attack. She landed right on her toes, smirking as she waited for their enemies’ next move. But it wasn’t like what she expected. The Magmortar she faced rushed at her with a kick, and she braced himself. She heard a shout, too. “NO!!!”

She saw Green taking the hit for her. Fang cried out to him, and caught him as well, crying. “This can’t be!! C’mon, Green, speak to me!!!” She screamed, but he didn’t respond. She stood up and scowled at all the Magmortar, stepping up to them. She soon glowed red. Surprised, the Magmortar stepped back, and Fang was about to let loose for real. She screamed loudly before engulfing the area and Green in flames, striking the Magmortar with an unexpectedly powerful Quick Attack. She then went in for a Tackle, but the attack soon changed. She surrounded her foot with fire, and kicked the opponent as hard as she could. The Magmortar were all knocked into each other, with Fang breathing heavily as Green came to. The fires soon went out, and Green was covered in burn marks.

“F-Fang… what happened?” He asked. She turned to him, slowly calming down. “Green… I…” Fang began to speak, but she soon passed out. Green caught her and made his way up Mt. Blaze. Limping up the mountain for hours, he felt weak.

On the mid-section, Green laid Fang on the ground, laying next to her unconscious body. He knew they’d finally be able to rest there after so much. And soon, he drifted off to sleep, with Fang in his arms.

The next morning, Fang woke up to find Green doing this, and blushed as she sat still. She wanted to move, but she never felt this strange warmth her best friend was giving her before. She sighed and smiled. Maybe she felt something for him at this point. She would only find out in due time.