"You've done so much for me, and I've never done anything for you. I truly feel ashamed," said Calyrex.
Naoki just smiled and shook his head, saying, "No, you've already done so much for me."
Sharing the Spectrier and Glastrier, helping him cultivate the World Tree, exploring Giratina's Reversed World together…
But Calyrex felt that these weren't significant to him.
Seeing this, Naoki comforted, "Alright, there's no need to dwell on these things now. Besides, you've helped me tremendously. Helping each other without counting gains or losses—that's what friends do!"
Calyrex was slightly taken aback, then revealed a relieved smile:
"Indeed, we are friends! I understand now, Naoki. I will no longer feel lost!"
Seeing this, Naoki smiled slightly—Calyrex is truly wonderful!
Calyrex also showed a gentle smile, thinking his little follower is wonderful!
At this moment, Calyrex's affection for Naoki surged up, reaching the max and stopping there.
*
The time quickly came to the last day of the year.
In the evening, Naoki started preparing the New Year's Eve dinner in the kitchen with his sister Indeedee.
Grassy Seed and Green Grass Cake, which Gogoat loves the most.
Pan-fried steaks, Koraidon, and Cyclizar's favorites.
Poffins and sandwiches, Dragonite loves these.
Cream smoothies that Glaceon enjoys.
Honey pudding and honey lemonade that Teddiursa likes.
Rice, Pawmot's favorite.
Salted fish and fried soil, Naclstack's favorites.
…
Naoki prepared plenty of each, finishing up after nightfall.
On this day, the Pokemon Tavern stopped its operations. Naoki, along with Koraidon, pushed the food cart and shared the food with the Pokemon on the ranch.
"Happy New Year!" he said to the Pokemon on the ranch.
Though Gogoat and the others didn't know what day it was, their spirits were uplifted by the celebration and the numerous steaming dishes, feeling joy and happiness from the bottom of their hearts, and crowded around the troughs to enjoy the food.
Miltank, knowing the significance of the new year, showed happy expressions.
One of the Miltank mooed loudly at Naoki.
Naoki was a bit surprised, then ate a piece of Translation Nuts Cake.
Then, he heard words of happiness expressed by the Miltank.
The Miltank said they loved it here and were very glad to have Naoki taking care of them, wishing to stay and live with Naoki here forever.
It's impossible not to be moved by such words.
Naoki took a deep breath, patted each Miltank in front of him, and said to them, "Please continue to take care of me next year!"
"Moo~"
In the Underground Cave, Naoki piled up dried salted fish on the ground, all salted by him, Naclstack's favorite food.
The salted fish and salted meat formed a small mound, and Naclstack was thrilled to see it, eagerly nudging Naoki, pushing him onto themselves.
"Stack~"
"Slow down!" exclaimed Naoki, helplessly sitting on Naclstack, and patting each one's head.
Bellibolt residing here looked on enviously.
Attracted by the noise, Diglett came over too.
Seeing this scene, Naoki walked out from the circle of Naclstack, grabbing food prepared for them from Koraidon's small cart.
"Diglett, Bellibolt, this is for you! May you have a Happy New Year as well!"
Bellibolt and Diglett didn't expect to have food too, and sheer delight sparkled in their little eyes.
"Eat up!"
Naoki smiled slightly, then said to a group of Pokemon, "I still need to deliver food to other Pokemon, see you later!"
After leaving the Underground Cave, Naoki arrived at the Berry Garden.
Tinkatink and Greedent saw Naoki and Koraidon coming, feeling quite joyful, and ran out of their small nests.
Koraidon used its large paw to give them food. Naoki, touching Greedent's fluffy large tail, said to them:
"Winter is almost over, soon I'll be able to help you rebuild your homes. Don't worry, the hillside will be restored to how it used to be!"
Hearing this, a group of Pokemon instantly widened their eyes, showing hopeful expressions.
Naoki smiled slightly and then left the Berry Garden, heading to the area where Psyduck lived.
He shared Berries with the silly Psyduck and then turned to go home with Koraidon.
The snowy night was peaceful, and the ranch was enveloped in a warm atmosphere.
Looking at the house with lights on at the snowy end, Naoki felt an unprecedented tranquility and peace inside.
Because he knew, there were a bunch of adorable Pokemon waiting for their return to enjoy the New Year's Eve dinner together.