New Year

As the New Year approached, the town became increasingly festive, with streets adorned in colorful decorations. Many people who had been away for work, traveling trainers, and more returned to Verdanturf Town, bringing liveliness to the town.

Finally, the highly anticipated New Year arrived. Early in the morning, Yuga was awakened by Wigglytuff's enthusiastic "Double Slaps." He stood by the window and saw that every household was busy with preparations.

In this world, there was no tradition of setting off fireworks for the New Year, but the joyous atmosphere was palpable on everyone's faces.

However, there were still fireworks, but they were typically set off in the evening.

Passing through the kitchen downstairs, Yuga noticed his aunt and Audino working busily inside. In the Pokémon world, there was no tradition of having breakfast on New Year's morning. Instead, they made a snack called Pokémon Round Cakes using flour. It was said that when people came to visit for the New Year, these cakes would be served as a treat. The family that made the best cakes would gain prestige and have a smoother year ahead.

"Awake!" Yuga's aunt, wearing a smile, noticed him standing at the door.

Yuga's aunt and her family had come to celebrate the New Year with Yuga. After all, they were Yuga's only relatives, and with their small families combined, it made for a more festive celebration.

Audino, upon seeing Yuga, also appeared very pleased and greeted him with hands covered in flour.

Following Yuga was Wigglytuff, who entered the kitchen to assist Yuga's aunt. Although it couldn't cook, it had no trouble assisting. Of course, it didn't offer to help Audino!

"Need any help?" Yuga leaned against the doorframe and asked.

His aunt, with a smile, replied, "You'd better stay out of the kitchen. Take a look; can this kitchen fit another person?"

"Alright!" Yuga shrugged helplessly and left the kitchen entrance.

After a quick tour around, Yuga saw Suzuki Koen decorating the windows with decorations, accompanied by Dian. The mother and son were having a great time and didn't want Yuga, the "outsider," to interfere. Windy, on the other hand, rarely left his room and was unusually idle, diligently cleaning every nook and cranny of the house.

Muya, on the other hand, had disappeared from the store, and Yuga hadn't seen her until the evening.

But her absence was not unwelcome. Yuga didn't care where she went; as long as she didn't stay in his house.

With everyone busy, Yuga headed to the Ecopark. Since it was New Year's Day, the Pokémon deserved to enjoy it as well.

Today, Yuga allowed all the Pokémon to enjoy themselves without any training or tasks. He had secretly bought a bunch of delicious food from the supermarket a few days ago, loaded them into his system's backpack, and brought them to the Ecopark. He planned to gather everyone and host a Pokémon party on New Year's Day.

Now, everyone had gathered in the Grassland Sub-Ecopark, actively preparing, and the atmosphere was extremely lively.

As night fell, fireworks lit up the sky with their colorful splendor. It was truly beautiful.

Audino placed the final dish on the table, and Yuga addressed everyone, saying, "Alright, the dishes are ready. Let's dig in!"

His aunt also cheerfully invited everyone, "Yes, yes, all the dishes on this table were prepared with great effort by Audino and me. Enjoy your meal, everyone!"

Watching everyone raising their glasses and sharing joyful moments, Yuga felt somewhat sentimental. This was his first New Year since he had crossed into this world, and being able to celebrate it in such a lively manner was truly a rare experience.

"Come on, Aunt, Uncle, I'll raise a toast to both of you. Thank you for taking care of me all this time."

Yuga suddenly stood up, raising his glass to his aunt and uncle.

Yuga didn't usually drink, but today, he generously filled his glass.

"You silly child, sit down quickly, sit down," his aunt replied.

Aunt and uncle raised their glasses simultaneously, their eyes filled with contentment as they had witnessed their nephew's growth all along.

After downing his own glass of wine in one gulp and refilling it, Yuga turned to Windy and Suzuki Koen.

"Also, I want to thank Sister Koen and Windy. Without both of you, the shop wouldn't be running so smoothly, and our business wouldn't be thriving. Come on, let's have a toast!"

Windy wasn't much of a talker, just raising his glass somewhat awkwardly.

Suzuki Koen, on the other hand, smiled and said, "It's what we should do, and besides, you do pay us a salary!"

Lastly, Yuga shifted his gaze to Beidou, saying with a smile, "Thank you, Beidou, for joining YoYo Day Care. Let's continue working together."

Beidou happily raised his glass and said, "Of course!"

"Of course, we also need to thank Audino and Wigglytuff. Thank you for always accompanying me!"

Of course, Yuga didn't toast Audino and Wigglytuff with alcohol; instead, he prepared Moo Moo Milk for them.

"Wigglytuff!"

"Audino!"

Audino and Wigglytuff had big smiles on their faces.

Looking at the joyous scene before him, Beidou, who had been alone for a long time, felt like he finally had a family. He was touched and ended up drinking a few more glasses of wine.

During the meal, the eight of them gathered around the table and enjoyed themselves immensely.

Unknowingly, Yuga had been encouraged to drink a considerable amount of alcohol by his uncle and Beidou. When he realized it, his head was already spinning.

In his uncle's words, "How can a man not drink?"

After dinner, Aunt and Suzuki Koen helped tidy up the table, while Beidou and Yuga's uncle chatted. Yuga and Windy took Luna and Dian outside to set off fireworks.

Audino and Wigglytuff had already gone to the Ecopark after finishing their meal. It was time for the Pokémon inside to celebrate, and Yuga wanted to make sure everything was okay.

Yuga and Windy, both inexperienced with fireworks, were cautious when lighting them, fearing they might accidentally hurt themselves.

In contrast, little Dian, who usually appeared obedient, turned out to be quite energetic when playing. Not only did it light its own fireworks, but it also lit Yuga's and Windy's.

Watching the fireworks burst in the sky, Luna teased Yuga, "Big bro Yuga, you're so useless! Even Dian is better than you!"

Yuga raised his hand and gave her a smack. "Mind your own business!"

Windy watched in silence, holding Dian in his arms. He looked up at the brilliant fireworks in the sky and couldn't help but smile brightly.

However, due to the dark sky, Yuga and Luna, who were caught up in the commotion, didn't notice Windy's rare, radiant smile.

"Wow, Big bro Yuga, there's a ghost!"

At this moment, Luna suddenly pointed to the rooftop and shouted.

As the fireworks illuminated the area, Yuga successfully recognized the figure on the roof.

"Muya?"

Luna finally saw the person on the rooftop clearly, patted her chest in relief, and said, "Oh, it's just Big Sister. You scared me!"

Muya didn't pay attention to Yuga and Luna, she just sat quietly on the rooftop, lost in thought, watching the fireworks bloom and fade.

"Big Sister, do you want to come down and play with us?" Luna suddenly called out to Muya.

Yuga hurriedly gave her a slap on the head. She was meddling again; after all, they weren't that familiar with Muya!

Luna covered her head, not understanding what she did wrong, and looked at Yuga with an accusing expression.

Fortunately, Muya didn't react to Luna's words, which relieved Yuga.