Buttercream lazily munched teacake flowers next to the Purple Gltter River. Gumdrop swam across from the opposite bank, her cotton-candy-colored flanks pumping powerfully through the river’s glistening, violet swells. Surrounded by toffee grasses, the two pink unicorns whinnied in friendship and shared a cake flower.

Over the nearest rolling hills of the toffee meadow came a sprinting figure. What could it be? Whatever it was, it had only two legs, and no horn! The simple, gem-encrusted countryside seemed radiant and magical next to this drab, speedy figure. Whatever it was, it had voluminous, white petticoats and some sort of�?well, it looked like a confetti cannon or a blossom blaster, but more utilitarian. Buttercream got the idea this gun didn’t shoot sparkles or flowers.

“Let’s get out of here,�?Gumdrop whispered, and the two unicorns loped anxiously away from the skirted figure and its huge weapon.

Buttercream and Gumdrop were very young unicorns, and the two-legged creature could almost keep pace with their galloping. Over the frosting fields they ran, all the way to Daisy-Chain Ridge, chased all the way by the creature. But here was a dead end!

Gumdrop and Buttercream faced their pursuer as bravely as they could, their tails trembling only a little.

“You have to help me,�?the girl said, panting. “Please.�?/FONT>