Xuli's POV:

I opened my eyes to see that Ubercorn and Kyan were gone. I was all by myself in the dark ward, which was only lit by the faint light of the setting sun outside. I prepped my elbow on the mattress, sat up, and looked around. The room was just the same as it was before I fell asleep, apart from the fact that it was empty of people.

I remembered that Ubercorn and Kyan had come to visit me after they heard about what happened, and asked me for what was wrong. I had some sort of mental breakdown and started ranting everything that was troubling me all in one breath. Soon, Ubercorn seemed to drag Abigail outside, and that was the last I saw of them before I fell asleep in Kyan's arms.

I felt so...empty. Kyan wasn't cuddling me anymore, and Ubercorn wasn't standing here, with the worried gaze in his eyes.

"You okay in there, Xuli?" 

The voice that spoke gave me quite a fright. I looked up to find a figure standing on the doorway. The girl looked at me with concered black eyes.

"I'm okay, Hillary...for now.." I mumbled back.

"You're not upset about Kyan and Ubercorn not being here, aren't you?" she asked, "they left shortly after you fell asleep."

"N-no, it's not about them..." I answered, "It's about that I was dumb enough to forget my own birthday! How could I be so daft..?"

"Now, now," she said, "scolding yourself isn't gonna get you anywhere. It's only gonna make you worse."

I said nothing but fiddled with my fingers. I know that scolding myself wasn't going to get me anywhere, but I couldn't help it. I felt horrible about worrying my friends for no reason.

"Excuse me? Hillary, can I talk to Xuli for a second?" 

A second voice cut my train of thought. I looked up to see Abigail, standing by the door, phone in hand, indicating she's been called recently.

"What is it, Mum?" Hillary asked, "And...who called you just now?"

"Ubercorn." Said Abigail simply, "he wants to see Xuli at the Academy at dusk."

"But...she's still mentally unstable," Said Hillary, "are you sure it's safe?"

"I dunno. But Ubercorn said it's urgent."

"Alright...I'll get Xuli dressed."

Abigail walked out of the room. Hillary turned to me.

"I know it sounds silly, but Ubercorn wants to see you at the Academy at dusk." She looked at her watch, "And there's only five more minutes, so we'd better get you dressed."

*A few minutes later...*

"You okay back there, Xuli?"

"I-I guess..."

Sarah, who had offered to take me to the Academy on Ubercorn's request, acknowledged my answer with a little nod from up front. Turning the wheel, she advanced towards the Academy 

"How much longer will it take?" I asked, laying my head on the armrest near the window.

"Till we get to the Academy? Just a few more minutes." She answered simply.

I nodded, sighing, and looked out of the window. The sun was on the brink of disappearing over the hilly cliff side. The sky around it was turning from orangery-red to purplish-indigo, and early stars were scattering the sky. The sight was very satisfying to look at. I allowed my eyes to sink deep into the wonders, and more than ever, I wished I had my camera along with me; this would've made great photography material.

"Come on," Sarah's voice snapped me out of my daydream, "We're here."

I lifted my head from the armrest and looked outside. There was the blue Academy Dome, which looked pretty empty at this time of day. The only person present was Ubercorn , who stood by the entrance, arms folded, looking occasionally at his watch, obviously waiting for me.

I hopped out of my seat and followed Sarah toward the dome. "I've got her here, Ubercorn," she said, beckoning at me.

Ubercorn smiled as he ran over to me and gave me a tight embrace.

"How are you feeling?" He asked me once he let go.

"A bit better..." I said, "But...they said in the hospital that you wanted to see me?"

"Oh, yes," he said, "I have a surprise that can probably help sort you out!"

"Is that so..?" I said, "What is it?"

"You'll see, follow me!"

I grabbed his hoof and walked next to him, hoping I'd get at least a little clue of what he had planned.

Soon, I followed him to the edge of the Academy woods. The space there was getting darker and darker, and I could've freaked out if Ubercorn didn't have his flashlight. The trees were becoming more and more dense as we went further and further. I thought we weren't gonna stop walking until we reached a small clearing illuminated by the early moonlight.

"Where are we..?" I asked, gripping onto Ubercorn's hoof.

"Where I've planned you to be," He answered.

I didn't like where this was going. Sure, I trusted Ubercorn, but the dark areas and creepy scenery made my anxiety kick in.

"M-maybe we should head back to the Dome..?" I squeaked.

"Just a little more, Xuli," He said, patting my head with his other hoof.

When things started to get really scary, and I started tightening my grip on the hoof, Ubercorn stopped . Why'd he stop here?! I thought, I wanna get back to the Academy!!

"I-I wanna go.." I said quickly, trying to get away. I tugged away from him, but he grabbed me again.

"What's wrong?" He asked me, looking at me with worry in his eyes.

"I don't feel safe..." I mumbled.

"Don't worry, we're almost there." He assured me, "Now, where are they..."

Where are who? I thought

The silence went on for a few seconds.

"Now!!" Ubercorn yelled suddenly.

It all happened so fast. Next second, bright lights shot open. Gold in little lanterns and gold and purple in little hanging decorations, revealing purple and yellow decorations hanging from string. A disco ball hung from the center of the decorations hanging from the trees, and speakers were piled up next to a DJ table in the corner.  A little food buffet was sitting in the middle of the clearing.

While I was taking in what was happening around me, there was a sudden yell from around me.

"S U R P R I S E ! ! !"

A/N: LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, IT'S PARTY TIME!!!!!!!