章節 238: Autumn Thanksgiving
September 29, 198 of the Alliance Calendar – the penultimate day of autumn.
The air was crisp, and the ranch was starting to show signs of the changing seasons. Yellowed grass stretched across the pastures, and the once-bustling orchard was now carpeted in a layer of fallen leaves.
That morning, Naoki set out to inspect the ranch, preparing for the cold season ahead. Winter was on its way, and with it, the first snow of the season. He knew he had to ensure everyone was ready before the snow began to blanket the land.
As Naoki walked through the pasture, a chilly breeze swept by, causing some of the Pokémon to shiver. The fur-less Pokémon huddled together briefly for warmth before resuming their playful antics on the grass, unfazed by the cold. Meanwhile, the fluffier Pokémon seemed unaffected, their winter coats already beginning to grow thicker in preparation for the cold months ahead.
Naoki chuckled to himself as a group of mischievous Pokémon sprinted past him, enjoying the last traces of autumn.
"The temperature's dropped to 15 degrees already," Naoki thought, pulling his jacket closer. "According to the forecast, a cold front will sweep through next month, and the temperature's going to plummet."
By late October or early November, snow would start to fall, covering everything in a white blanket that would linger for two months. During this time, Ice-type Pokémon would be more active, adding a bit of excitement to the season.
Naoki was glad they had harvested the last batch of crops a few days earlier, now safely stored in the cellar. Since winter wasn't ideal for planting, he decided to skip sowing even frost-resistant winter wheat this year—he had other plans for the season.
He now turned his attention to how each Pokémon would spend the winter.
The Miltank had their cozy Pokémon House. Naoki chuckled at the thought of the carefree Miltank, cozy indoors all winter.
The Gogoats, with their thick wool coats, were naturally suited to the cold, but Naoki had plans to move them in with the Miltank if temperatures dropped too low.
Naclstack and Diglett had burrowed deep underground, where the earth would insulate them from the harsh cold. Glaceon, on the other hand, needed no extra care—being an Ice-type, it thrived in freezing temperatures.
Koraidon, along with his Cyclizar and Pawmot, would stay inside the house with him, snuggled up by the fire. The wild Pokémon Naoki had rescued now lived in specially built cabins, shielded from the cold winds.
But there was one group that still worried him: the Psyducks who lived on the other side of the river.
Naoki crossed the river and found the group of Psyducks gathered in their usual disorganized huddle. As he munched on a few seed crisps, he asked, "Winter's coming soon, and it's going to get cold. Would you like to come stay with me on the ranch?"
The Psyducks tilted their heads in unison, blinking at him in confusion.
"Quack?" one of them asked. (Winter?)
Naoki sighed. "Yes, it's going to snow soon. The river will freeze, and you won't be able to swim in it."
Suddenly, one of the Psyducks jumped up and down excitedly.
"Quack!" 'Psyduck's not afraid of the cold!' it declared with glee.
Another Psyduck chimed in, patting its feathers proudly.
"Quack!" 'We have feathers!'
Naoki paused, realizing they had a point. Psyduck, being a Water-type Pokémon, was naturally resistant to cold and Ice-type moves.
"Fair enough," Naoki conceded with a grin. "But at least let me give you all scarves for the winter."
The Psyducks quacked in cheerful agreement, bobbing their heads eagerly.
"Alright, see you soon then!"
Naoki waved goodbye to the Psyducks, watching them waddle cheerfully back to the river. Satisfied with his preparations for winter, he turned toward the beehive. Calling Koraidon over, Naoki asked for help moving the hive to the glass greenhouse.
The greenhouse, already stocked with flowers and pre-purchased honey, would provide the perfect winter sanctuary for the Combee. The trio of bees buzzed merrily behind them as Naoki and Koraidon carefully set the hive inside the warm space.
"The weather's getting colder, and the flowers outside are withering. From now until next spring, this will be your home," Naoki said with a smile.
"Bzzz~!" The Combee hummed happily, their little wings fluttering.
Pleased to see them content, Naoki called over Butterfree, who also adored flowers. "You'll stay here too, okay?"
Butterfree flapped its wings gracefully in agreement.
Once everything was in place, Naoki returned to his room and sat down at his desk to review the year's finances. With more Pokémon under his care, the ranch's expenses had grown considerably. Between building facilities, upgrading furniture, and stocking supplies, he had 680,000 Poke Dollars left in savings.
"That's not bad," Naoki mused, flipping through his account book. A plan began to form in his mind. "Maybe soon, I can ask Kelly to build a multifunctional greenhouse. Then I won't have to worry about seasonal planting."
The idea excited him. With Gogoat's natural ability to nurture crops, he could experiment with growing rare fruits and vegetables all year round—maybe even ones with unique properties.
"But there's no rush," Naoki thought. "I'll save that project for spring." After all, he had a trip to the Galar region planned, and he wasn't sure how long he'd be gone.
...
That evening, Zack came by to pick up supplies.
As soon as he spotted Naoki, Zack grinned. "Hey, Naoki! Are those pumpkin cookies ready? Thanksgiving's tomorrow and the kids are gonna swarm you for treats!"
Naoki chuckled. "Of course. I've been baking all month. There'll be plenty for everyone!"
"Good to hear! I'd hate to see any disappointed kids," Zack said, clearly relieved. "Oh, by the way, has Mayor Thomas dropped by yet? He's been running around town, getting everything ready for tomorrow."
Naoki shook his head. "Not yet."
"Huh, weird," Zack mused. "I just saw him heading this way, so he'll probably be here soon. Anyway, I'll leave the details to him."
Naoki nodded. "Alright, see you tomorrow!"
After Zack left with his bag full of goods, Naoki stayed at the ranch for a while. Just a few minutes later, Mayor Thomas arrived, wearing his usual warm smile.
"Good afternoon, Naoki!" the old mayor greeted cheerfully.
"Good afternoon, Mayor Thomas!" Naoki replied with a smile.
"You probably know already, that tomorrow is Thanksgiving!" Mayor Thomas said enthusiastically. "We're gathering everyone—ranchers, farmers, and townsfolk—in the celebration square to enjoy the holiday together. You should definitely join us!"
"Of course, I'll be there," Naoki replied warmly.
"Great! The event kicks off tomorrow morning and lasts until noon. Feel free to bring your Pokémon along. We'll have a stew pot going in the square."
Mayor Thomas continued with a grin, "Everyone will bring their own food—farmers, ranchers, and locals—and at noon, we'll throw everything into the pot and enjoy a big communal meal. If you have any ingredients you'd like to share, bring them along too!"
Naoki paused for a moment, a curious look crossing his face. Something about this process felt oddly familiar. After a moment of thought, he asked, "Any ingredient is allowed?"
Mayor Thomas chuckled, though his expression turned slightly serious. "We prefer crops from the land. Just... no poisonous or odd ingredients, please. There was one year when someone added wild mushrooms, and both people and Pokémon got sick."
Naoki. "I undestand."
The mayor's face brightened again. "In the past, we celebrated Thanksgiving to give thanks to the land that sustains us." His voice softened. "But lately, folks have also been giving thanks to the King of Bountiful Harvests. Ever since they began believing in Him, harvests have been better than ever!"
Naoki nodded thoughtfully. "The King of Bountiful Harvests is a wonderful Pokémon."
Mayor Thomas let out a wistful sigh. "I'd love to meet Him one day. But Pokémon like that… they're like myths. Hard to come by."
Naoki smiled inwardly. 'Not necessarily,' he thought.
Mayor Thomas shook off his reverie. "Well, enough of that. I'll see you tomorrow at the festival!"
"I'll be there," Naoki assured him.
The mayor gave a warm farewell wave before turning and heading down the path.
Naoki watched him disappear into the distance. Once the mayor was gone, he turned toward the shrine of the King of Bountiful Harvests nestled in the pasture.
It was an unexpectedly touching sight.
Initially, Naoki had only been interested in the two steeds of the King—Spectrier and Glastrier. Yet, somehow, he had helped spread the influence of the King throughout the Paldea region.
It felt as though the spirit of the King of Bountiful Harvests could sense the gratitude flourishing here.
With a reflective smile, Naoki approached the shrine. Standing before it, he clasped his hands together in a gesture of respect and whispered a quiet, heartfelt prayer.
"...O great King of Bountiful Harvests, I will soon be traveling to the Galar region. I hope to meet you there."
At the same time, far across the sea in the Crown Tundra of Galar.
On the vast, snowy plains, the King of Bountiful Harvests, Calyrex, stirred from his slumber. A familiar prayer echoed in his heart, pulling him gently from the depths of his dreams.
"My little believer..." Calyrex thought to himself with a fond smile.
A glimmering blue light sparked in his eyes. With this light, he reached through the threads of time and space, his vision soaring across distant lands to see his young follower.
Naoki stood before the shrine, hands clasped in quiet reverence.
"...O great King of Plenty, I will soon travel to Galar. I hope to meet you there."
Hearing this, Calyrex's drowsiness faded instantly, replaced by excitement.
'What?!'
'My little believer is finally coming to me?'
Joy bubbled up in Calyrex's heart—a joy he had not felt in many long years. It reminded him of the days when the people of Galar flocked to his sacred grounds to offer their thanks and devotion.
His once-quiet heart now brimmed with anticipation.
'Finally... I have waited for this day.'
Thanks to this devoted follower, Calyrex's strength had slowly begun to return, bolstered by the power of faith that Naoki carried with him. Though he was far from his former glory, his restored strength was enough to awaken a small flicker of hope.
Yet Calyrex knew it would not be enough to reunite with his two loyal steeds, Spectrier and Glastrier. To do that, he needed the help of this young believer.
After basking in the joy of the moment, Calyrex reined in his emotions, donning once more the dignity and elegance befitting a king.
He whispered softly into the stillness, "I will be waiting for your arrival here."
...
September 30 – Thanksgiving Day
Naoki awoke early and headed to his cellar. He carefully selected two large pumpkins, preparing to bring them to the celebration square for the festival.
This was his first time attending a town-wide Thanksgiving celebration, and he was a little unsure of what to expect. After all, this wasn't Stardew Valley. He couldn't just bring something odd—like the mayor's purple shorts—and throw them into a stew, as if this were a lighthearted game. That would be in terrible taste.
After some thought, Naoki decided the pumpkins would make a good, safe offering. Simple, honest, and from the heart—just as Larry often said, simplicity is truth.
At nine in the morning, Naoki set off with his entire Pokémon family toward the celebration square.
He brought along almost everyone from the ranch: the trusty Gogoats, the cheerful Miltank, the playful Pawmot, Alcremie, Glaceon... practically any Pokémon that could walk, hop, or float beside him tagged along.
As they ambled along the path, Naoki thought it over—maybe bringing everyone was a bit excessive. After a moment's deliberation, he returned to the ranch and asked Koraidon to help carry two barrels of barley beer, just in case.
When Naoki finally arrived at the celebration square, he realized he wasn't the only one who had brought along his Pokémon family.
Though it was still early and the square was only halfway set up, a bustling crowd of townsfolk and Pokémon had already gathered. Laughter, excited chatter, and Pokémon cries filled the air, giving the whole scene a vibrant energy.
In the middle of the square sat an enormous cooking pot—so massive it looked like it could belong to the Big Bad Wolf himself!
Naoki stood there, completely stunned by the sight of the pot. "This... this is way over the top," he muttered.
Just then, Ivan, who was taking a vacation from his duties, appeared by his side.
Seeing Naoki's shocked expression, Ivan chuckled, "Heh, not used to it yet, huh? Don't worry. There are a lot of people, sure, but it's just one bowl of stew per person. It's always like this. Oh right, this is your first time celebrating Thanksgiving here!"
Ivan then glanced behind Naoki. "Wait... where is your Cyclizar? Don't tell me you only brought Koraidon?"
Naoki grinned and gave his backpack a playful pat. "They're all in here!"
The backpack was stuffed with Poké Balls, each containing one of his cherished Pokémon.
Still, Naoki hesitated. Could he really let them all out here? What if someone got lost or wandered off into the bustling crowd? Or, worse, what if someone with bad intentions tried to snatch them?
Sensing Naoki's concern, Ivan gave him a reassuring nod. "Yeah, I get it. No need to rush. Just wait until the party kicks off. The town's got food and snacks specially made for the Pokémon—you'll have an easier time keeping track of everyone then."
"You're right," Naoki agreed with a relieved smile.
Ivan clapped Naoki on the shoulder and grinned. "Come on, enjoy it! This is the liveliest day of the whole year!"
每周推薦票狀態
-- 推薦票
榜單 
-- 推薦票