Maria's Initiation:

"Come on, Maria. We're almost there." Paulina encouraged as she led her little sister somewhere.

"What's the surprise? You've gotta tell me!" said Maria, who was excited and blindfolded.

"You just have to get there first." answered Paulina.

After a few seconds of walking, Paulina stopped Maria.

"We're here." she said as she took off her sister's blindfold.

They were in Maria's bedroom, but there were also other mice in there. Nicky, Pamela, Violet and Colette were there. Seba was sitting on the end of her bed.

"Maria, you have proven yourself as a worthy mouse!" declared Seba in an over-the-top booming dramatic voice. "For these past few days, you have proven yourself to be selfless, loyal and courageous!"

"Seriously, what is the point of this?" Violet whispered to Paulina. "She's a Thea Sister already. Is this really necessary?"

Paulina smiled. "Just let him have his fun. Besides, Maria's into it."

Indeed she was, as the young one had a look of awe.

"In order to complete the initiation, you must take the oath of friendship!"

She gasped. "What is the oath of friendship?"

Seba took out a book, which was actually his sketchpad. "Place your paw on this book."

Without hesitation, she placed her paw on the top of his sketchpad. The Thea Sisters actually giggled at her eagerness.

The human placed his hand on her paw. "Now we shall commence the oath."

He looked into Maria's eyes. "Will you swear to keep this bond of friendship sacred?"

The little mouseling nodded. "I will."

"Will you share the secrets within your sisterhood?"

There was slight hesitation, but she nodded. "I will."

"And will you swear that you will watch our backs as we will do for you?"

No hesitation was needed. "I will."

Seba gave a sagely nod. "By the order of the Thea Sisters, I will officially declare you a Thea Sister!"

Maria was extremely elated.

"You may now rise, young one. For you have earned it."

As she stood up, the rest of the Thea Sisters congratulated and celebrated with her. Paulina went up to Seba.

"Will this really be a thing?" she asked him.

He smiled as he dropped his dramatic voice. "Well, being this over-the-top is fun. So, if you want to."

Paulina giggled. "We'll see. So what next?"

He looked at everyone else. "How about some ice-cream?"

There were no qualms against that offer.