As the Harvest Festival approached, Kosaji Town grew livelier with each passing day.

  Naoki could occasionally spot Pokémon Trainers passing by the ranch, their destination undoubtedly the Shrine of Plenty on the nearby hillside.

  Mayor Thomas and his team took this year’s Harvest Festival preparations seriously. Early in the m, they began decorating the back mountain and tinued until nightfall. When Naoki looked over that evening while feeding the Pokémon, the back mountain was illuminated with bright lights, and it seemed bustling with activity.

  The Pokémon in the ranoticed the lights too. Led by Ogerpon, they gathered with excitement.

  Ogerpon asked eagerly, “Ponii?” (Naoki, are we going there to py tomorrow too?)

  “Of course,” Naoki replied with a smile. He g the Pokémon surrounding him and added, “Not just us—Calyrex is pnning to e along as well!”

  Hearing this, Ogerpon's eyes sparkled with anticipation. It hadn’t attended a festival in years. Ba Kitakami, its former trainer would don a mask and take Ogerpon to celebrate in town. After its trainer passed, Ogerpon could only stand from a distance, wearing its mask and watg others revel in the festivities.

  “Pon...” Ogerpon murmured, a mix of nostalgia aement in its voice. It wondered how this festival might pare.

  ...

  Oember 30th, the st evening of autumn in the 199th year of the Alliance dar, Kosaji Town’s grand Harvest Festival officially began.

  Mayor Thomas led a procession up the brightly lit mountain path to the Shrine of Plenty, where they would offer thanks to Calyrex. The back mountain was abuzz with activity. Trainers from all over had gathered, along with several TV reporters and photographers eager to dot the event and the legendary Calyrex.

  At the base of the mountain, a lively marketpce stretched out. Colorful stalls lihe path, all kinds of wares.

  Some sold souvenirs and wooden sculptures of Calyrex, while others had roasted and other snacks. Naoki even spotted an uncle hawking Magikarp with great enthusiasm.

  “Magikarp! Super-excellent Magikarp with unrivaled potential! Buy one for only 3,000 Poke Dolrs! The more you buy, the better the deal!” the man shouted.

  Hearing the familiar pitaoki narrowed his eyes. “Even here?” he muttered. Upon closer iion, he realized it was the same fisherman he’d entered at the beach.

  With so many people around, Naoki turo his Pokémon. “Stay close, everyone! Don’t wander off.” He addressed Cyclizar directly, “Cyclizar, you help me keep an eye on the Eevee and Alcremie?”

  Cyclizar gave ahusiastiod. “Gaao!”

  Naoki gnced around. “Pawmot, you che Gholdengo? Wait—where’s Gholdengo?”

  Naoki turned and sed the crowd, spotting Gholdengo eagerly running toward a stall selling roasted . The little Pokémon hahe owner a few gold s with its tiny paw, then grabbed several roasted s, leaving the vendor surprised and speechless.

  Naoki: "…"

  The Eevees draped over Naoki looked around with wide, curious eyes, captivated by the delightful sights and smells emanating from the nearby stalls. The most extroverted of the bunch, Freon, leaped down and made its way to a barbecue stand, pointiedly at the sizzling skewers as if urging Naoki to buy them immediately.

  As pedestrians bustled along the crowded festival path, Naoki could feel his headache growing. With a sigh, he moved forward to purchase a few skewers for Freon, thely grabbed it by the scruff of its ned pced it on Koraidon's back.

  “There are too many people here. Don’t wander off!” he cautioned firmly.

  But Eevees being Eevees, their adventurous and mischievous spirits weren’t about to be quelled by mere crowds. In the blink of awo more Eevees had darted away, disappearing into the sea of festivalgoers.

  “Bamo!” Pawmot, ever watchful, spotted the two mischievous Eevees in a er. It called out sharply and immediately flew after them.

  Naoki pressed his temples, now feeling the full weight to manage such a lively group of Pokémon in such a busy enviro. He k was only a matter of time before more Eevees tried to break free. Sighing, he decided to take a.

  To prevent further chaos, he pulled out their Poké Balls and recalled all the Eevees nearby, one by one. Each was enveloped in a fsh of white light before disappearing safely into its Poké Ball.

  After a short while, Pawmot returned, herding the tard Eevees back to Naoki.

  Naoki k aly poked their heads. “You twoing in, too,” he said, exasperated. With a soft hum, the Eevees were also recalled into their Poké Balls.

  Finally, with the eic Eevee squad safely secured, Naoki and the remaining Pokémon could breathe a sigh of relief.

  “Alright, let’s move on!”

  After browsing the market stalls a little longer, Naoki led his group of Pokémon up the winding mountain path toward the Shrine of Plenty, where the festival’s mai was taking pce. The road here was noticeably less crowded, a mueeded reprieve from the hustle and bustle below.

  The Shrine of Plenty, led half the back mountain, was modest in size but exuded a serene, sacred atmosphere. At the shrine’s ter stood a grand statue of the Calyrex. Surrounding the statue were s of freshly harvested crops—, pumpkins, and grai by the townspeople as tokens of gratitude.

  When Naoki arrived, he saw Mayor Thomas and several other townsfolk gathered he shrihe area was alive with activity, as numerous reporters and photographers worked diligently to capture the festival's essence.

  Some reporters stood before cameras, delivering live broadcasts. One of them, a cheerful woman in a bright outfit, spoke with enthusiasm into her microphone.

  “Good evening, everyohis is Kate, rep live from the annual Harvest Festival here in Kosaji Town.”

  “From what I’ve gathered, this Harvest Festival is a cherished tradition in Kosaji Town. Look at the shrine—do you see it? That statue represents the legendary Pokémon known as Calyrex,” she expined, gesturing toward the oratue within the shrine.

  “Calyrex, a Legendary Pokémon revered as the King of Plenty, is said to possess the miraculous ability to make crops flourish and flowers bloom instantaneously. Wherever it desds, the nd bees fertile and brimming with life.”

  She paused for effect, her tone softening as if addressing a close friend. “Some of you may recall this incredible Pokémon from earlier this year when it revived aire forest, bringing it back to life after a devastating drought. Truly a magnifit Pokémon.”

  Just as Kate finished speaking, her cameraman’s eyes widened as he caught somethiraordinary in his viewfinder. High above the shrine, ahereal glow shimmered. A Pokémon with a majestic -like structure on its head materialized, radiating an aura of warmth and grace. Its gaze fell lovingly upon the humans gathered below.

  The cameraman instinctively swung the lens upward, capturing the miraculous sight. Startled by his rea, Kate turo see what had grabbed his attention. When her eyes nded on the magnifit figure h above the shrine, her mouth formed a perfect "O."

  “Oh my goodness!” she gasped, her voice trembling with excitement. “That Pokémon… Could it be? It’s the Calyrex! Calyrex has appeared before us!”

  Her excmation rippled through the crowd. The townsfolk, who had been immersed in their prayers and s, followed her gaze. A collective gasp filled the air. Mayor Thomas, aware that the Calyrex resided at Naoki’s ranch, maintained his posure, but the rest of the townspeople were overe with awe aement.

  The legendary Pokémon itself had chosen to grace their festival with its presence. For many, this moment firmed their heartfelt belief that their s and prayers had reached Calyrex.

  Meanwhile, the live broadcast reached tless homes across the Paldea region. Everyog the evening news withe awe-inspiring sight of Calyrex, its serene and majesti captivating the hearts of viewers far and wide.

  Not far from the shrine, Naoki stood with Koraidon and several other Pokémon, the joyous reas of the people. He could already picture tomorrow’s headlines:

  “Stunniion! Legendary Pokémon Appears at Kosaji Town’s Festival!”

  “A Celebration of Unity: Humans and Pokémon Strengthening Their Bond Through Araditions!”

  Naoki smiled softly, reizing the far-reag impact of what was unfolding. This moment would introduce tless others to the legend of the King of Bountiful Harvest, ensuring its stories and deeds would echh geions.

  In this age of rapid information exge, the sighting of the Calyrex would spread like wildfire. Its tale would inspire faith and admiration, rejuvenating the Legendary Pokémon’s strength and ensuring its p history.

  Naoki felt certain that what happeonight would bee a legeold for millennia—a story of mutual trust and harmoween humans and Pokémon. It would be remembered as a moment when both worlds reached out to one another, creating a bond that transded time.

  He exhaled deeply, his gaze fixed on the glowing figure of the Calyrex. For the first time iuries, the Legendary Pokémon would no longer have to worry about fading into obscurity. Its power would flourish once again.

  It was truly emotional. Who could have imagihat things would develop this way?

  At first, Naoki only inte Calyrex's two favorite steeds to participate in the horse rag event held in town. However, he never expected that his devotion and as would help Calyrex regain His strength aablish a bond of trust with Him.

  Now, standing before the Shrine of Plenty, Calyrex floated gracefully in front of the gathered crowd. His gaze was gentle, full of warmth for those who worshipped Him, expressed gratitude, and pced their trust in Him.

  If someone had told Him a year ago that He would be revived aored to His full strength, He would have dismissed it as impossible. But now, it had bee reality.

  His devoted follower had crossed os to find Him in a distant nd, reunite Him with His cherished steeds, aore His strength and memories. Naoki had invited Him to this new nd, where His legend could flourish, ensuring His existence would never be fotten. Through these acts, not only had Calyrex's strength beeored, but He had transded His previous limitations, reag unparalleled levels of power.

  Calyrex felt a deep sense of gratitude toward Naoki. For the first time iuries, He was willing to trust humanity again, bringing them prosperity and abundance.

  Turning His gaze to Naoki, who stood among the crowd, Calyrex looked at him with gentle eyes. Nothing o be said; everything was uood.

  Naoki noticed the gnd smiled. He turo the Pokémon gathered around him and said, “Alright, let’s head back down the mountain for a walk.”

  The Pokémon nodded in agreement.

  As they desded the brightly lit mountain path, Ogerpon took in the lively festivities around them. The glowing lights and joyous atmosphere remi of a festival it had attended in Kitakami Town, ba its days with the man it dearly missed.

  The memories overwhelmed Ogerpon, and its eyes filled with tears. Before long, it began g softly. “Poni…”

  Naoki and the other Pokémon stopped iracks, surprised by Ogerpon’s sudden sadness. Even Gholdengo, typically so posed, seemed flustered by the sight of its friend g. “Gholde?”

  Naoki k beside Ogerpoly stroking its head. “You’re thinking about the past again, aren’t you?” he asked softly.

  Ogerpon looked up at him, its eyes glistening with tears. “Poni.”

  Naoki sighed and decided not to rush. He led the group to a quiet spot along the mountain path, where they could sit and enjoy the serey of the night.

  The sky was exceptionally clear, with no clouds in sight. The stars sparkled brilliantly, painting a breathtaking tapestry across the heavens.

  As they sat together, Naoki looked up at the starry sky and said, “You know, in human stories, it’s said that when someone leaves this world, their soul asds to the sky and bees a star. That star watches over their loved ones and guides them through the darkness.”

  Hearing this, Ogerpon slowly lifted its head, its teary eyes now fixed on the vast, twinkling sky.

  The stars reflected in Ogerpon's teary eyes as it looked up at Naoki and asked, “Poni?” (Is that true?)

  Naoki nodded gently. “Yes. He’s watg over you from up there, proteg you, and hoping you’ll live a happy life. Maybe it was his guidahat led me to find you and bring you away from that pce.”

  Ogerpon’s expression softened, its tears slowing as it listened. “Poni…” (I see…)

  It wiped its tears with its hands and straightened up, trying to cheer itself up. Then it stood tall, determinedly holding its mask and signaling to Naoki with a cheerful “Poni!” (Let’s go have fun!)

  Naoki chuckled, uanding the message. “Alright,” he said warmly. “Let’s go explore the festival some more.” With that, he led Ogerpon and the other Pokémon down the mountain path.

  The festival atmosphere was in full swing, energized by the earlier appearance of Calyrex. Word of the legendary Pokémon’s presence spread quickly, drawing more and more visitors to the Shrine of Plenty.

  As more tourists made their way to the shrihe stalls below became less crowded, giving Naoki and his Pokémon more space to explore.

  Naoki released the Eevee from their Poké Balls, and they eagerly bounced around, their eyes sparkling with curiosity.

  Freon quickly led the charge, pointiedly at a nearby barbecue stand. Naoki bought it several skewers, much to its delight.

  Vaporeon was drawn to a stall selling fish-shaped treats and wagged its tail eagerly until Naoki purchased a rge bag for it.

  Jolteon, captivated by a Pikachu-shaped nightlight, nudged Naoki until he agreed to buy it.

  Meanwhile, G, Umbreon, and the younger Eevee gathered in front of a stall dispying a tank of Magikarp. The Pokémon swam zily, their scales shimmering uhe ntern lights.

  Gholdengo stepped forward fidently, jingling its s auring that it would buy the Magikarp for them.

  Startled, Naoki quickly intervened. “No, no! That’s not food—it’s a Pokémon!” he expined, pulling the curious Pokémon back from the stall.

  Hearing this, Gholdengo sighed dramatically and gave up its pn.

  Ogerpon, however, seemed less ied iris and food. Instead, it simply enjoyed walking alongside Naoki, basking in the festival’s warm glow and lively ambiance. For so long, it had hidden its face behind a mask, watg festivals from afar, afraid of being seen as Oni.

  Now, Ogerpon could finally participate freely, and its heart swelled with joy.

  Naoki noticed and smiled at its happiness.

  The rger Pokémon, like Koraidon, Dragonite, and Cyclizar, didn’t seem as ied in the festivities, tent to simply watch over their smaller panions.

  Wanting to capture the moment, Naoki pulled out his Rotom Phone. “Alright, everyone, smile! Let’s record this memory.”

  The Pokémon gathered together, and Naoki recorded a short video uhe glow of festival nterns. Their joyful expressions were perfectly captured in the rec.

  As the night went on, the festivities began to wind down. By 9:30 PM, the festival was nearing its end. The Pokémon, full from snacks and exhausted from pying, began to feel drowsy.

  Naoki gently returhe Eevee and most of the Pokémon to their Poké Balls, one by one.

  Only Ogerpoed, shaking its head and tugging at Naoki’s sleeve. It wao walk home with him.

  Naoki was taken aback for a moment, then smiled warmly. “Alright, let’s walk home together.”

  They left the festival, walking down the mountain path uhe starlit sky. The crisp evening breeze carried the faint sounds of ughter and musi the festival behind them.

  Naoki along with his Pokemon, made his way along the quiet try road, leading them back to the peaceful ranch they called home.

  ...

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