Ellsworth’s Light(mite) through the Void

     Tonight was supposed to be the grand New Year’s Eve celebration, a night when Neopia would burst with light, laughter, and music. But this year, the ‘Void Curse’ loomed over everything, casting an oppressive, Grey haze over Neopia Central. Buildings seemed to sag under its weight. The NeoLodge looked barren. The Rainbow Pool was colourless, and even the Money Tree stood lifeless, its vibrant leaves having long faded to an ashen hue.

     Ellsworth took a deep breath, forcing a smile. To Neopians, he was the face of hope in some of Neopia’s darkest times. When Faerieland fell from the sky, Ellsworth’s warm smile, televised on NeoVision sets far and wide, helped inspire the fallen faeries to sort through the wreckage and rebuild. When the wrath of the Wraiths descended upon Neopia, the comfort of Ellsworth’s laugh helped assuage the panic and fears of many, from the shores of Mystery Island to the peaks of Terror Mountain. But the ‘Void Curse’ that blanketed Neopia was different; it was a pall that drained the spirit from Neopia itself.

     “Sir, we’re testing the lights now,” a production assistant said, hurrying over and gesturing toward the dim plaza, where strings of lights carefully draped from the highest boughs of the Money Tree. The lighting technician flipped the switch on and presto! The lights illuminated the plaza, dazzling like twinkling stars. *Bzzt* However, following that sound, they soon began to malfunction and flicker, before fizzling out entirely. The technician tried flipping the switch a few more times, but to no avail. He shrugged apologetically and the gathered crew exchanged uneasy glances.

     As his team began to troubleshoot the problem, Ellsworth’s chest tightened. Nearby, Uni from Uni’s Thrift Shop shuffled past, her once-vibrant scarf hanging limply around her neck. “Hi, Uni!” he called, his voice overly cheery. She slowed, offering only a weak wave before continuing on her way, her head bowed low. “Don’t you worry,” Ellsworth said softly, more to himself than to her retreating figure. “This year’s celebration will turn things around—you’ll see…” But even as the words left his mouth, doubt crept in. How could he bring light to the hearts of Neopians when he couldn’t even light up the Neopian Plaza?

     Lost in the mire of his thoughts, Ellsworth almost missed the faint flutter at the edge of the stage. A weary Lightmite perched there, its delicate wings quivering. Its tail, which usually glowed with a brilliant vibrancy, was instead dim and cast a pale flicker. Each pump of its wings ended with a defeated stumble back to the ground.

     Ellsworth knelt, his heart stirring at the tiny creature’s plight. Carefully, he cupped it in his hands, its warmth faint against his palms. “Having a rough day too, huh?” he murmured, his voice soft with understanding.

     He lifted the Lightmite gently, exhaling a tender breath to buoy its faltering wings. Slowly, it caught the breeze, rising with hesitant, halting strokes before finally soaring upward. As it ascended into the grey sky, its light swelled, glowing brighter with each beat of its wings until it shimmered like a tiny star.

     Ellsworth watched in silence, his chest tightening. A lump formed in his throat as he whispered, “Well, that makes two of us.”

     ***

     Hours ticked by, and the team scrambled to find alternatives to light the big event. Another string of lights was found, but the bulbs were broken. Ellsworth’s assistant, who moonlights as a live streamer on NeoTube, even offered to use some of her LEDs, but the cables were too short. Candles and lanterns were brought, but the heaviness of the grey air hanging over Neopia Central snuffed out their glow quickly.

          In an effort to boost morale, Ellsworth doled out encouragement and cracked a few jokes. But, as one attempt after another failed, the crew’s faces grew increasingly despondent. The situation was dire and desperate. “Maybe we need to cancel this year’s event,” someone muttered, their voice barely audible.

     “No!” Ellsworth said firmly, though his own resolve was waning. He stepped onto the stage, addressing the crew. “We’re not giving up. Neopia needs this celebration! It’s not about the lights or the decorations; it’s about… hope. As long as we have hope, we’ll find a way…”

     His words rang hollow in his own ears. Retreating to the back of the stage, he sank onto a crate, burying his face in his hands. He thought of the Lightmite again, its faint glow a mirror of his dwindling spirit. How could he inspire hope in others when he was running out of hope himself?

     But, just as Ellsworth’s heart sank, the twinkling of stars began to peek through the Grey haze. In fact, their faint golden glow began to grow in the distance. Ellsworth blinked, thinking it was a trick of the eye. But the glow grew brighter, weaving through the trees and buildings until it reached the plaza. These weren’t stars… it was… the Lightmite? The little Petpetpet had returned and it wasn’t alone.

     A swarm of Lightmites followed, their collective glow illuminating the square in a warm, golden radiance. The crew and scattered Neopians who had gathered watched in stunned silence as the Lightmites danced through the air, their light pushing back the oppressive gloom. The Money Tree seemed to shimmer faintly, its leaves regaining some of their golden luster.

     Upon sight of the phenomenon, Ellsworth’s heart swelled. “They’re here,” he whispered. Turning to the crew, he said, “Quick! Let’s set up the stage. This celebration is happening.”

     As the Lightmites circled above, Neopians began to trickle into the plaza, drawn by the unexpected light. Laughter and music filled the air as the crowd grew, their shared joy pushing the last remnants of the Void Curse away.

     ***

     As the clock struck midnight, the plaza was a sea of light and life. Ellsworth stood on the stage, his bow tie sparkling once more, and addressed the crowd. “Tonight, we’ve seen that even in the darkest times, there’s always a light to guide us. When we share hope, that light burns even stronger!”

     The crowd erupted in cheers as the Lightmites formed a glowing arc above the stage, their light brighter than ever. Ellsworth looked out at the smiling faces and felt a deep sense of fulfillment. This celebration wasn’t just a victory over the ‘Curse’ cast by the Void; it was a testament to the resilience and unity of Neopia.

     As the Lightmites began to disperse, one lingered on the edge of the stage. Ellsworth approached it, his heart full. “Thank you,” he said softly. The Lightmite’s glow pulsed warmly before it took to the sky, disappearing into the night.

     Ellsworth stood there for a moment, the echoes of the celebration ringing in his ears. He knew that no matter what lay ahead in the coming year, hope would be his light.

     The End.