Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters except for Steph!!!

O and thanxz to OrangeGirlExplosion for correcting me itz Karl Shubaltz.

****************************************** Once back at the base, they dropped off the stuff and took a much needed break by going to Van's house two miles away. After having coffee and cake Colonel Shubaltz began to explain the mysterious call he received back at the ruins.

"It as come to the attention of the Empire that there may be an assassination being carried out the night of a big party for His Highness Emperor Rudolph. His Highness Emperor Rudolph has requested that four parties (A/N thatz four couples, wanted to make sure you understood my English.) be sent to this important party being held at the capital. For his protection, we are to be seated at a talbe located in the middle of the room and act as if we are just part of the crowd. We are to go by a first name basis on this occasion and couple up. This will take place in three days and we are to be there at six O'clock sharp. Any questions?"

"Yeah there are three girls and four guys. How does that work?" said Irvine.

"Good question, well." he was interrupted by Van.

"Oh Maria."

She walked outside with a tray of pastries. "Yes."

"Would you mind tagging along on a mission to help save Emperor Rudolph's life?"

"Sure."

"WHAT, just like that?"

"Yep."

"Well I'll be. I at least expected you too put up a fight. You've become braver."

"I don't think bravery has anything to do with it. I think its boredom at its finest."

Van just gave a forced laugh and looked at Irvine. "Guess that's settled?"

"No now that there are enough people who's taking who?"

"I'm going with Van!!!" announced a giddy Fiona.

"What a shocker!!!" said Stephanie. They all laughed.

"Guess its you and me again" said Moonbay to Irvine. "Guess so."

"I'll take Maria, if that's alright with you of course," said Thomas to Maria. "Ummm." she said a little nervous, "sure."

"Guess that leaves you and me," said the Colonel.

"By the process of elimination, I believe your right Colonel," replied Steph.

"Hey don't forget its Carl!!!"

"Oh right Carl."

"Well now that that's settled you know what this means?" said an excited Moonbay.

All the girls except Stephanie went, "Shopping Spree!!!"

"Oh my God!!!" slumped Stephanie in an unhappy fashion.

They all ran off to town to get beautiful dresses for the occasion. Maria stayed where she was while Moonbay and Fiona skipped off happily towards the stores.

Stephanie walking slowly, but moving turned around to see what happened. "What's the matter Maria?"

Startled she looked up and said, "Oh its nothing."

"Now, now you may think Van is my favorite cousin and you're wrong I love you all the same and because of this love I can tell exactly what's wrong with you. Now come on and get up we have shopping to do."

"But."

"No, buts I'll pay come on."

"What. you will!!!" shocked she looked at Van.

"Of course I will!!!"

"Why? For so many years I treated you like dirt!!! Why would you want to do something for me?"

"Silly girl haven't you ever heard the expression 'blood is thicker than water'." She just starred at her. "I don't hate you for what you did. Heck I don't even know why you did it, but I don't care. Do you understand me. You're my cousin, I don't care I love you all the same." Maria jumped up and hugged her. "Thank You." "Your welcome."

"Hey come on you guys we haven't got all day," said an anxious Moonbay.

************************************* Ok I hope you guys like this one hehehe, getting good isn't it!!! O and I meant to say that I've been looking around at the fanfics and some stuff I want to see isn't there if you'd like me to right something like that stick it in a review, I'll try my best to write something to your liking!!! R&R!!! thanxz