Unity

Ch.23: Part Boogaloo

My mouth was agape, my mind stunned. Pinkie beamed as she walked over, having taken a drive to Twilight's after the present opening. Now I knew why. She smirked, putting a rainbow-colored hat that said the words "birthday boy" on my head. I took a deep breath.

"Well... you really did not have to do this" I reasoned. A girl that looked like she enjoyed a good party named Berry Punch shook her head as Pinkie led me forward into the kitchen, and to the table, where a plethora of presents sat.

"You only get one 16th birthday. What, afraid Aria's gonna tie you up for this?"

"Nah, she'll steal his soul" another snickered. It was clear that some wounds from the Dazzling's being evil were still there. I turned to the commenter.

"Just because she's a siren means you can demean her like that?" I asked, clearly upset. AJ walked over, grabbing the offender and frog marching him outside, AJ coming back in and slamming the door in a huff.

"Yeah, sorry about that," said a frowning Lyra.

"Things happen" I said simply, as I began to open presents. On the counter was several fruit, veggie, and meat and cheese trays. Apparently, the big meal was to be at Sunset's later, and a private affair.

I could only smile at the presents- A sports jersey from Rainbow Dash, A taco making kit from Sonata Dusk, A personal Keurig from Twilight, etc. However, the greatest gift of all was still to come.

I remember that I was standing at the counter, chatting with Snips and Snails, two somewhat bumbling but good-natured boys. Some comforting nineties pop tunes were playing, and I remember being confused as Sunset had disappeared.

"Hey, did Sunset get called into work?" I asked, turning to Rarity.

She shook her head, eating a carrot. "In time, darling."

I would shrug, Twilight then coming back downstairs from "powdering her nose." She could only smile, happy that her friend was having a great day.

The way I was positioned, I could not see anyone enter the room. Quietly, one did, and I soon felt what I assumed to be Sunset's hand grasp my left shoulder.

But then the hand turned me to her, and everyone there gasped, as I stared into the face of Daydream Shimmer.

My mind went blank. Was I dreaming? On some sort of trip? Had someone spiked my Cherry Coke? Rainbow Dash soon ended the silence.

"Sunset? The heck did you do to Sunset?!" She exclaimed.

There were other murmurs too. Of course, no one was afraid. Daydream had been good in the one time she had appeared to Pandestria.

"Out of the blue like this? Why Daydream? Is something the matter?" Juniper Montage asked.

She smiled and motioned for everyone to be silent.

"I have come to day to speak to David. Your friend will explain more tonight. I must be brief here, as you are not permitted to see too much of me for now. First, Happy Birthday young man! You have done so well here, but I recognize that a voice has penetrated your mind."

There were whispers at this. "Is he going to get nightmares like Twilight has had?" a terrified Fluttershy asked.

Daydream shook her head. "I can assure you that Midnight has changed her ways. Those nightmares were always assumptions created by Twilight's subconscious. But, Twilight, if she does attempt anything, get ahold of Sunset at once."

"Okay" Twilight agreed.

"What I have to say here is that I do not want you to worry. Every step within a book of life has a purpose. In time, the reason he is with you will be clear. Rest assured if he ever tried to hurt you, he would deal with me, among others."

"How long has Sunset been able to transform like this?" I asked.

Daydream smiled, pressing her lips to my cheek. "A while now. She has never wanted her friends to be afraid, so she hid it, until now."

"Don't worry I'm okay!" we heard then from somewhere inside Daydream.

Daydream nodded. "Happy birthday" she nodded, receding to reveal Sunset.

"That was weird" Cloud Chaser said.

"Agreed" I said, needing to sit down.

It was not long before I was walking with Twilight down to Sunset's. Her and Flash had gone ahead to start on dinner, and Lyra and Bon Bon were behind us. Pinkie was taking my presents home with the assistance of RD and AJ.

During this, Twilight could only blush and giggle at something Midnight said.

I chuckled, us turning right now onto Sunset's Street.

"What did she say?"

Twilight blushed. "She asked if you were poly."

I shrugged. "I have no clue where I lie on any of that" I admitted.

In her mind, Midnight grinned. All things needed a little push.

Dinner... oh, my Lord! Was it fantastic! The crispy fried chicken, the creamy and buttery mashed potatoes, the amazing stuffing, all of it! I could only lean back in satisfaction.

"Just be lucky she did not have you as dinner" Lyra said. We all looked at her in confusion. Lyra would explain that in old stories, demons and angels tended to eat whole, or vore, humans and mortals.

At this, Bon Bon dragged Lyra out the door, the two saying goodnight. I would blush at the idea, secretly wondering if Daydream had thought about it. Sunset shook her head.

"Sorry David. She gets weird ideas" she said blushing. Flash chuckled. "To be fair, it would be hot. If it was safe" he said quickly.

Flash and I soon departed, as Pinkie wanted me up early the next morning. She wanted to help me put together the entertainment center Twilight's parents had gifted me.

Twilight sighed. "That was a close one, Sunset."

"How long until he can know everything?"

"Aria didn't say when I texted her" Sunset said. "He's still terrified of Midnight. I can see it. Before anything else can be done, that needs to be handled."

As the two got into a discussion, I looked forward to that Sunday.

For Rarity, her glue had been faith. And I was happy to join her.