I flinched. I usually did not receive very many visitors to my house on Jewel Junction. I was even more startled when I found who of all Unicorns? Starhopper!

" Hi Lady. So, how are you?" asked the Sparkle.

"Well, I am fine! Had a hairy experience, er, incident with those gossip queens, though," I peered around Starhopper's dark green form. "You better come in."

Starhopper scurried in as I closed my pinkish colored door.

"I have a bad feeling about this Lady. What is it?"

"Bad news. Some of the Unicorns are getting suspicious. Especially the gossip queens. Moonstone doesn't think you are here all the time. You know Unicornia Laws. What is going on? I am suspicious too now," I asked.

Starhopper sighed. "I'm afraid I can't tell you, Lady. I'm sorry."

I let out an un-Princess Pony-like snort. Princess? Ha! Not anymore! "That is all I seem to hear now. Secrets! You and Crystyl Tear are the most secretive Ponies in Unicornia! Why will you not tell me? I know you can, but you refuse to."

"I wish I could tell you! But I won't, 'cuz I can't."

Oh boy, I thought. How many times have I heard that?

"Look Lady. I would if I could but I can't."

"All you have to do is exhale while moving your tongue, jaw, and stretching your vocal cords!"

"I'm tellin' you no!"

And with that, Starhopper went a winking out.

"GRUNDLENUMPH!!" I shouted out of frustration.

I winked out of my house, across the path, to Starhopper's doorstep.

Starhopper's house was a cylinder with the top cut off at a 45 degree angle. It was made of reflective rainbow crystal. Six large jewel frames were windows, and two giant rainbow streamers hung down from a jeweled gold crown. Had this house came from a design in Star Castle, I did not know. But not even the wildest imagination I knew could have came up with it.

I thumped on the door with the jewel knocker.

"Took ya long enough," said Starhopper from behind me.

I turned to face the elusive Sparkle.

Behind her stood seven other Unicorns: Boysenberry Pie, Cocoa Berry, Crystyl Tear, Hula Hula, Pinwheel, Powder, and Sparkler. All lined up in alphabetical order too. What in tarnations?

"It's time you heard the truth. And nothing but it," Starhopper said seriously.

The other Unicorns were not looking at me.

"Go girls. Usual meeting place. I'll get Lady there," Starhopper ordered.

All seven disappeared, leaving me alone with Starhopper.

"Come with me if you want to know the truth, Lady. But let me warn you now: you come with me, and you'll have to join in with the secrets."