Darkest Day of the Year

05

Vix thought for a moment, before replying, "Sometimes I do, yes. I miss being a human." They paused, as if thinking back to their memories of life before. "I miss having a body," Vix continued, "I miss being able to touch and feel things." They looked at Lili, and said, "I don't really miss the world we lived in... but I do miss the life we had together." Lili nodded, her expression sympathetic. "Do you miss our friends?" She asked. "I do," Vix replied, "I miss hanging out with our friends and learning new things about the world." They thought for a moment, before adding, "I guess... sometimes I just miss how things used to be." They paused, their expression thoughtful. "But... this world that we're in now," Vix continued, "I wouldn't trade it for anything. Not anymore." "I feel the same way," Lili said quietly, "This is our home now, and even though we left so many things behind... I think that we've found our place." They decided to go outside, so both of them left to find a comfy place to just sit and ponder. Finally they found a hill. Laying in the grass atop of the hill, Lili and Vix spent their evening looking out over the landscape of the spirit world. The sun was setting on the horizon, casting a brilliant orange and pink light over the landscape. In the distance, the glimmering castle stood tall, a beacon of beauty and peace in the golden world. Lili and Vix looked at one another, sharing a quiet and tranquil moment, as they took in the splendor of a world that had become their home. "The castle looks even lovelier at this time of day," Lili said, turning to face Vix. "It's beautiful," Vix agreed, "And it makes me feel safe." They both stared out across the landscape, taking in the stunning views and soaking in the peaceful energy that surrounded them. It was a moment of tranquility that Lili and Vix often found themselves in, as they enjoyed their lives and the new world around them. It was an entirely different life than the one they had left behind, but they had grown accustomed to it. Lili soon realized.. "VIX, VIX!!!!!" Vix was surprise by the sudden yelling "-Yes?" They asked, "IT'S MY BIRTHDAY!!!!!" She was so happy, she finally turned nineteen. The same age as Vix! "Ooh!! Do you want to throw a party in the castle??" They asked her excitedly "Please, can we?" Lili pleaded "Of course!" Vix agreed. A bit of time passed, Lili and Vix stood outside the golden castle, eagerly awaiting their guests. The two of them had spent the last few hours setting up for Lili's birthday celebration, and they were excited to see the other spirits who would be attending. As they waited, the castle doorway opened, and Maya and Ash stepped out, holding platters of food and trays of drinks as party supplies. "Are their others coming?" Vix asked, turning to look at the two of them. "Of course!" Maya replied with a smile, "We're just a bit early. The others should be here soon." "Great," Vix said, "How do you feel, Lili?" They turned to face Lili, whose face was filled with happiness. "Excited," Lili replied, "This is my first birthday in the spirit realm." With that, the castle doors opened once again, and several other spirits stepped out, carrying gifts and decorations. The spirits greeted Lili and Vix enthusiastically, and soon the castle was filled with laughter and joy as the party began. Lili smiled as her friends celebrated with her, and she looked forward to spending another wonderful day in the spirit world. Lili and Vix had spent the day hosting a grand birthday party for Lili, celebrating alongside her other spirits friends from the castle. The afternoon turned to evening, and soon the celebration had begun to wind down. As the spirits dispersed and went off to their own rooms to rest, Lili and Vix remained in the hall where they had first celebrated. Vix turned to face Lili, a look of contentment on their face. "Are you ready to head off to bed?" They asked. "Yeah, I think so," Lili replied, "I'm pretty tired after the party." "Well then, I suppose we ought to go and get some sleep," Vix said with a smile. "I agree," Lili said with a yawn, and the two of them got up and walked towards their room. As they entered, they could see that it had been prepared for them, with fresh sheets on the bed and flowers in the vases. "Looks like our room has been set up too," Lili said, turning to look at Vix. "Well, let's go ahead and get some sleep," Vix replied, "We can spend some more time together in the morning." Lili and Vix woke up the following morning to bright sunlight streaming in through the windows of the spirit realm, and they both got up and went to join the other spirits throughout the castle. After some breakfast and conversation with their friends, the two of them decided to take a walk. "This world has really become our home," Lili said, looking up at the gleaming golden castle and around at the surrounding landscape. Vix smiled and nodded, agreeing with Lili's sentiment. "I've never been so content," they said, and Lili nodded once again. "I know what you mean," Lili replied. "Do you ever think about going back?" Vix asked, and Lili shook her head. "No," she replied, "Not anymore. I have everything I need right here." She looked up at Vix, whose expression was bright and cheery. "Same," they said, "And honestly, I'm perfectly happy." Lili smiled as a thought came to her mind, and she turned to face Vix. "Hey, Vix..?" she said quietly, "Could I ask you a question?" "Of course," Vix replied, turning to face Lili, "What's on your mind?" Lili looked at Vix, her expression hopeful. "I've been thinking a lot, and I... wanted to know if... well, if you would like to make things official." Vix looked at Lili, confused, but as they looked into Lili's eyes, they soon understood what she was getting at. "You mean... you want to become more than just friends?"