I decided to reuse the 'last' chapter of the second version, and modify it. It's originally written from scratch for Dreamland 3's anniversary. However, I decided to use the second version because I think that it's ok as it is.

I did say that I had modified it. So as promised, I did. Well, at the second half, that is.

Chapter 14: Your Birthday

So, we have a problem.

There is that Burning Leo that is following us. He seems to be planning to expose us and get myself killed. So, we made a plan where we just pretend that he didn't exist, and catch him.

Of course, we won't kill him, nor remove his memories. Kirby and I will take care of that. Furthermore, I do not think I am able to remove them.

Zero put down his recorder, and walked to the castle.

Bandana Dee and Zero decided to have a little talk while the Fluffball and the Beanbon play some games in a console named the "Switch".

"So, uhh... do you know what a birthday is?" Bandana Dee decided to ask.

"Of course. It's the day where you are born." Zero answered. "Why did you ask?"

"Umm... do you have a birthday?" Bandana Dee asked.

Zero... never thought of that. He never celebrated nor knew his birthday. He just appeared out of... nowhere—and that's it.

When is his birthday? Is it the day when the universe is born? If it is, then... when is it?

"I... do not think I have one." Zero said.

This made the bandanna wearing Waddle Dee speechless.

"You... don't know your birthday?" Bandana Dee said. "No wonder you're lonely."

The eyeball moaned. "Totally expected for a demon like me." He said depressingly.

They then watch the Beanbon and Fluffball playing some game holding a D-shaped controller for each of them. Kirby has a red one, while the Beanbon holds the blue one.

They are playing a fighting game where you try to knock your opponent off the stage—At least that's what Zero saw.

"So..." Bandana Dee decided to ask. "How about I give you a birthday? I have a birthday—which is at September 29, Kirby had a birthday—which is at April 27, and... I don't know about that Beanbon over there but... everyone has a birthday."

"So... what?" Zero asked, still confused.

"I'm gonna give you a birthday! Well, your birthday is probably someday else, but I don't care!" Bandana Dee said.

"But I don't need a birthday. What is even the point of celebrating it?" Zero said.

Upon hearing that, Kirby agreed with the Beanbon to pause the game. They then listened to the two.

"...Actually, that's a good question." Bandana Dee then thought.

"Well, what we do on a birthday is celebrate it! We do that in a number of ways. The most common one is found in a birthday are cake and presents, but a birthday is a special day." Kirby explained.

"Yeah!" The Beanbon added. "We may not know your birthday, but we can just guess!"

The demon is speechless; He looked around—pondering about it—and said his answer.

"...sure."

And so, the four thought of when it would be.

"Hmm... when is the day when I returned again?" Zero asked.

"Umm... November 27?" Bandana Dee said.

"But... that's the same day when you attacked poyo," Kirby said. "But ten years ago!" He added.

Everybody sweatdropped. Bandana Dee and the Beanbon are now uncomfortable.

"A-are you ok about it?" Bandana Dee decided to ask.

"Nah, it's ok. I'm totally fine with it." Zero said. However, he realized something.

"Wait, isn't that today?"

It made the three laugh, but it's not to make fun of him.

And for the first time in his life, also laughed with them.

Usually, he would feel humiliated when that exact day comes. After all, that is the day where Kirby defeated him, isn't it?

However, Kirby gave him a reason to live. To find true happiness. To find peace—just because he needed it.

For the first time in his life, he felt hopeful for the future, forgetting about the Burning Leo who is still watching them from the window of the castle window.

To be continued...