Firefly Night

While Naoki was sleeping, a group of Pokémon played outside, enjoying the peaceful evening.

Koraidon, however, sensed something was wrong. Naoki didn't seem like his usual energetic self, almost as if he were coming down with something. Worried, Koraidon frequently snuck into the house, checking on Naoki in between teaching Dragonite and Cyclizar. Only when Koraidon heard Naoki snoring did it finally feel reassured.

As dusk fell, Naoki still hadn't woken up, and the Pokémon, growling with hunger, exchanged glances. None of them wanted to disturb him. They knew their caretaker needed the rest. So they tacitly agreed to let him sleep a little longer.

Koraidon tiptoed into the kitchen, carefully opening the refrigerator. It pulled out several large glasses of juice and Moo Moo Milk, then rummaged through the cupboard for the large bag of Berries Naoki had purchased from town. With its arms full, Koraidon handed the milk and juice to Dragonite and Cyclizar, who had followed it inside.

The trio snuck back out of the house, making sure to close the door softly behind them.

On the soft, dewy grass outside, Koraidon held up the Berries and called out, "Raao!"

Butterfree, Glaceon, and the other Pokémon playing nearby perked up and quickly gathered around. Koraidon, with the help of Dragonite and Cyclizar, began distributing the Berries and drinks, explaining to everyone that this would be their dinner for the night. They'd let Naoki rest, and he wouldn't have to worry about cooking today.

The Pokémon eagerly agreed. Although it was a simple meal, they savored the delicious Berries.

Unlike regular fruits, Berries were packed with nutrients and energy. For Pokémon like Butterfree, two Berries were more than enough to fill their bellies.

As the sky darkened, Koraidon, like a responsible guardian, took the leftover Berries and the empty milk cups back into the house. When it returned, it saw Dragonite and Cyclizar sitting by the riverbank, mesmerized by the fireflies flitting over the water. Every night, these tiny insects emitted a soft glow, gathering by the river and creating a breathtaking scene as their light reflected off the flowing water.

Suddenly, an idea sparked in Koraidon's mind. 

'If they caught these fireflies and brought them inside, they could enjoy this beautiful glow all night long!'

Koraidon grabbed a Berry sack and called over Butterfree, Glaceon, and Pawmo to help catch the fireflies. Hearing the plan, the other Pokémon's eyes lit up with excitement, and they eagerly joined the mission.

However, in their excitement, the Pokémon got a little carried away. Butterfree unleashed Gust, Glaceon fired off Ice Beam, and Pawmo summoned a surge of electricity. The fireflies were caught—but none of them were glowing anymore.

Koraidon held its forehead in disbelief. "...Raao…" it sighed.

Gently taking the Berry sack from Cyclizar, Koraidon decided to personally demonstrate how to properly catch fireflies without knocking the glow out of them.

Koraidon slowed its pace, focusing intently as it held its breath, its golden pupils locked onto a single, quietly floating firefly. The delicate glow flickered in the evening air.

The next second, Koraidon sprang into action. It leaped forward, cupped its claws gently, and trapped the firefly within its palm. Dragonite, Glaceon, Butterfree, Cyclizar, and Pawmo crowded around, their eyes wide with anticipation.

Carefully, Koraidon opened its palm. There, glowing softly, was the firefly, its yellow-green light flickering gently. 

"Raao," Koraidon murmured with satisfaction, the demonstration complete. With the precision of a master, it delicately placed the firefly into the bag.

The Pokémon watched with bright eyes as understanding dawned on them. They had learned the trick.

Excitedly, they spread out along the riverbank, now catching the fireflies with the same careful touch. It wasn't long before the bag began to fill with shimmering fireflies, each one gently glowing. They worked together quickly, but their enthusiasm soon startled the remaining fireflies, which flew off into the night, their lights fading into the distance.

Koraidon, now proudly carrying the bag filled with tiny glowing creatures, was eager to share its accomplishment with Naoki. With the fireflies in tow, the Pokémon hurried back into the dimly lit house, their excitement bubbling over.

They closed the doors and windows, sealing the room in quiet darkness. Then, Koraidon opened the bag.

One by one, the fireflies floated out, filling the room with their soft, glowing light. The faint luminescence turned the dark space into a starry sky, creating a gentle galaxy of shimmering fireflies that illuminated the faces of the Pokémon in awe.

"Pawmo..." Pawmo whispered, mesmerized by the sight.

"Raao…" Cyclizar breathed, its eyes reflecting the beautiful glow.

It looks so beautiful!

When all the fireflies entered the room, Koraidon excitedly rushed to Naoki's bed and woke him with an enthusiastic lick from its wet tongue. 

Although there were more conventional ways to wake Naoki, Koraidon was so overwhelmed with joy that it opted for the more affectionate approach. 

When Naoki blinked awake, still drowsy, his eyes were greeted by a room filled with softly glowing fireflies. The sight resembled a starlit sky.

For a brief moment, Naoki was bewildered, his tired mind trying to make sense of what he was seeing. Then it dawned on him—these were fireflies, not stars! 

"What's going on?" Naoki croaked, his voice hoarse. He felt a little chilled and realized he might have caught a cold from not drying off properly after the swim earlier in the day.

Koraidon grinned, its expression filled with pride. "Raao~"

Naoki glanced around the room, seeing the eager faces of his Pokémon gathered near the bed. "Did you all do this?" 

Dragonite nodded enthusiastically, its wings flapping slightly in excitement. "Awoo!"

The Pokémon gazed at Naoki with anticipation, clearly hoping he would appreciate their glowing display.

Though he couldn't speak their language, Naoki had lived with them long enough to understand their emotions through their body language and expressions. Right now, their faces were filled with hope and warmth, awaiting his approval.

Naoki took in the twinkling lights in the room and realized this was a gift—a thoughtful gesture from his beloved Pokémon.

"Thank you," Naoki said with a wide smile. "I really like it."

Hearing this, the Pokémon's faces lit up with joy, their happiness contagious. 

"Raao~" Koraidon beamed proudly.

"Oo~" Dragonite chirped in agreement.

Naoki glanced at the clock. It was late, and knowing his Pokémon might still be hungry, he began to rise from the bed, ready to make dinner for them.

But Cyclizar shook its head, and Koraidon quickly pointed to the bag of berries and bottle of milk on the table, indicating they had already taken care of their meal.

"You've already eaten?" Naoki asked in surprise.

All the Pokémon nodded in unison.

Naoki eyed the group, his gaze settling on Koraidon. He had a strong suspicion that this plan was Koraidon's idea.

"Is anyone still hungry?" he asked, preparing to cook a meal for himself and potentially anyone else who needed more food.

The Pokémon shook their heads, content and full after finishing the berries.

Naoki smiled to himself, realizing he'd need to stock up on more berries tomorrow. Since everyone was satisfied, he went to the kitchen to prepare something simple for himself.

He quickly fried an egg, boiled a pot of noodles, and garnished them with chopped green onions and a drizzle of sesame oil before topping the dish with the perfectly fried egg.

After dinner, it was time for bed.

Koraidon, with wide, eager eyes, squatted beside the bed, waiting expectantly. Naoki had promised earlier in the day that it could sleep in the bed with him tonight.

"Come on up!" Naoki patted the space next to him, and Koraidon wasted no time. It hopped up onto the bed, settling in like a big, content golden retriever.

Cyclizar, seeing this, looked on with envy.

Sighing with a smile, Naoki called to it, "Alright, you too. Come over here."

Cyclizar beamed and quickly jumped onto the other side of Naoki, curling up happily.

"You all go ahead and sleep. I'll watch TV for now," Naoki said, still feeling too awake to join them in sleep just yet.

Koraidon nestled on his left, Cyclizar on his right, and Pawmo had somehow found a cozy spot on his belly. Naoki, now squished between his Pokémon, found himself with little room to move.

The room was quiet, except for the soft hum of the television and the gentle flicker of the fireflies they had caught earlier.

Naoki glanced up at the glowing insects hovering in the dim light, then looked down at his Pokémon companions, peacefully drifting off to sleep around him. A soft smile spread across his face.

Moments like this were simple but filled with warmth.