Happy New Year everyone! This is a one-shot just for the occasion and is a sequel to my first one-shot, Christmas with the Herd. It is primarily DiegoxShira, but mentions some herd members. I know it's a little short, but regardless I hope you enjoy it! Leave reviews please!

It had been a long and eventful year for everyone in the herd, but especially for two certain sabers. Diego met Shira earlier in the year after him and his two friends, Manny and Sid, were separated from their herd, along with Sid's senile Granny. She was a pirate at the time serving under a vicious and cold-hearted ape named Captain Gutt. At first, she had no interest in the golden-furred male. After a few significant events occurred, she realized her true feelings toward him and ultimately decided to join his herd. It was the best decision she had made in her whole life and she never regretted leaving her past behind.

Since then, her life has been nothing but fun and enjoyable. Diego has been happier than usual also since she came into his life. He wasn't bothered by Sid as much anymore because he was with her all the time. Even though he had been with Manny and Sid and the rest of the herd for a while, he still felt lonely inside. That feeling left him though once he met her. They became closer and closer as time went on and by Christmas, Shira was expecting. She surprised everyone on Christmas Day, but no one was as surprised as Diego. Now it is New Year's Eve, and everyone is eagerly awaiting what the new year has in store for them.

They had decided to spend that evening together, away from the herd. It was a special night for them, but every night was special to them as long as they were together. The sky was clear and there was a cool, light breeze flowing through the trees and over their fur. Everything felt perfect, like nothing could go wrong anywhere in the world. They were nuzzled close to each other to keep warm in the chilly winter night. One of them spoke up.

"It's been a long tough year, hasn't it?" Diego says.

"Yeah. It got better when I met you though" Shira says smiling.

Returning a smile, he says "Ditto."

She stares up into the sky, her eyes glistening like the stars.

"I always loved to look at the stars. They made me feel like I wasn't alone, even though I knew I was while on that ship. Deep down I knew I didn't belong there."

Noticing she had a sad look in her eyes, he tried to soothe her.

"Well you never have to rely on them again. You will never be alone as long as I am here. I will do everything in my power to keep you and the kids safe."

She looked back down at him with a loving smile and affectionate eyes. No other saber could ever take his place or ever would. He was a softie, which is what she loved most about him. She knew he would be a great and loving father, willing to sacrifice himself for them. Of course, she would do the same thing without hesitation.

In the distance, the herd was gathered and Sid, Crash, and Eddie were getting ready to set off some homemade fireworks. To everyone's surprise, the fireworks worked perfectly and lit up the sky. Diego and Shira watch them from their spot a short distance away.

"Wow, I can't believe they actually worked. I expected them to either blow up on those three idiots or not work at all" Diego says jokingly.

"I know right? Who knew they could pull it off" Shira says agreeing with him.

Suddenly, a vivid light appeared from behind that caught their attention and they turned around to see something neither of them had ever seen before.

Apparently they were far enough north to be able to see Aurora Borealis – the Northern Lights. They had spent many nights at their new home and had never seen it before, so why now? Neither of them could figure out why, but that didn't bother them. They were transfixed on the lights that were emanating different shades of blue, green, pink and white in the sky. It was breathtaking and neither of them could take their eyes off of it.

"Wow. That's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen!" Shira exclaims with her eyes fixed on the lights.

"You sure are. I mean, wait, uh, THEY sure are" Diego says correcting himself. He felt embarrassed by his remark and started blushing a little.

Giggling, Shira says "Aww, thanks softie. And don't be embarrassed. It was cute."

They soon heard the countdown from the herd.

"5, 4, 3, 2, 1…HAPPY NEW YEAR!"

Of course it wouldn't be the new year if they didn't share a kiss at midnight. They embrace each other for a short time.

"Happy New Year kitty. I love you."

"Happy New Year softie. Love you too."

Both smiled and they cuddled up together for the night, eventually falling asleep in each other's arms. This new year surely would be the best year of their lives.

A/N:

My focus starting now is on my main story 1000 Times. I should have a new chapter out hopefully by Friday. I've just been kinda dry on ideas lately. Anyway, sorry for the delay on that.