GM: Quick question before we begin. What do you think of a Phoenix and Starling couple?

Phoenix: Who's Starling?

GM: A girl you haven't met before. About your age.

Phoenix: If I haven't met her before, why should I date her?

GM: Because you need a girlfriend. Desperately. Besides, you'd be good together. You could loosen her up, and she could make you more focused.

Phoenix: I am focused!

GM: Riiiggghhhttt.

Phoenix: Besides, what if Onyx comes back for me?

GM: Dude. She's gone. Not coming back. Too bad Too sad.

Phoenix: You're cruel.

GM: Only to you, 'cause you're my character.

Phoenix: On to the story!

By the time Piper and Aerrow returned to the Condor, Phoenix, Junko, Finn, and Radarr had already returned. They were in the living room playing a racing video game. Stork had joined them, watching in awe as Radarr beat them all (again).

"I can't believe this", Finn muttered, "I'm being beaten by a rodent." He fell off the couch as Radarr decked him with a pillow. Apparently, Radarr didn't appreciate being called a rodent.

Phoenix and Junko were tied for second place (Finn was dead last), and concentrating hard on passing the other, sweat drenching their faces.

Phoenix paused the game when he felt his sister lay a hand on his shoulder. He looked up into her questioning eyes, and knew he was in for an interrogation.

"Where were you guys this morning? Finn was pretty vague in his letter, ass hard as it was to read."

"Uh, well, you see, we…" Phoenix stumbled with an excuse.

"We were getting our clothes for the party!" Finn interrupted.

Aerrow leaned against a wall. "Then how come you didn't take me along?"

Phoenix grinned. "Man, do you know how deep you were sleeping? You never woke up! But I guess that's what happens when you're up 'till four in the morning." He glanced quickly toward Piper, and then winked Aerrow, a knowing look on his face.

Aerrow felt himself blush slightly. How does he do that?

Aerrow wasn't entirely convinced with the hasty explanations, but didn't ask any more questions. Piper, however, wasn't going to let it slide.

"So what did you get?"

Phoenix tut-tutted over his sister's nosy question like she was a little kid wanting to know what she was getting for Christmas. "Piper, Piper, Piper. You wouldn't want to ruin the surprise would you? Don't worry. I made sure that we will not embarrass you tomorrow."

Piper sighed, knowing that she wasn't going to get anything out of her brother. She picked up her bag that she had left at the door, and went to her room. A sigh oof relief escaped everyone's lips except Aerrow's . He looked suspiciously at everyone in the room.

"Okay guys. What's going on? That was the lamest excuse I have heard."

They all looked at each other, exchanging nervous glances. Phoenix sighed and walked over to Aerrow.

"Okay fine. Here's the deal: We've planned a little party for Piper's birthday. But it's a secret. If Piper knew, she wouldn't let us do it. We couldn't tell you, or Piper would get suspicious as to why we're all sneaking around. She would be wondering why we all left her this morning."

Aerrow thought about this and left, finally satisfied. Radarr hopped on his shoulder on his way out.

Phoenix grinned and turned to the other two (Stork having already left during the drama).

"Too bad that was only a part of our plan. He'll have to wait to find out what his part is in all of this."

"Dude, if he or Piper knew, you would be in so much trouble!" Finn piped in.

"Oh, don't worry Finn." Junko placed a comforting hand on Finn's shoulder. "When this is all over, Piper's going to hurt him anyways!"

"Thanks Junko", Phoenix sighed, "That was so comforting."

"You're welcome!"

"Oh Peter, do you think everything will be alright while we're gone?"

"Now Paula, don't you worry. The Court can handle the kingdom for a day or two. Besides," 'Peter' continued "Don't you want to see your little girl on her special birthday?"

Oh, I suppose you're right." 'Paula' agreed. "I just have this odd feeling that something bad is going to happen."

'Peter' put his arm around 'Paula' as they walked down a long corridor. The walls were adorned with decorative rugs depicting past battles. A long red rug stretched the entire hallway. The hall was one of two hundred and fifty that made up the complicated maze they called a castle. It would seem impossible to make your way around the place without getting lost, but these two individuals were experts by now. They made their way to an especially large chamber that led to outside. A chauffer was waiting for them with their Carriage Skimmer. 'Peter' helped 'Paula' inside and climbed in after her, shutting the carriage door. It would be a long trip.

So two more characters have been introduced. I hope I made it pretty clear who they are. If not, here's a tip: both of their names start with the same letter as two other characters. Good tip?

My favorite part of the story is coming up in one or two more chapters. I can't decide which. But it's what the whole story has been leading up to. It's going to be interesting.

Also, like I said in the beginning of this chapter, what do you think of a Phoenix and Starling couple. No? Yes? Please tell me!