It started off as your typical summer afternoon in Downtown City. The annual International Pet Fashion Expo was fast approaching, and young Blythe Baxter was more than prepared for the occasion. In fact, she was just in the middle of getting Minka into her butterfly costume at the day camp. Everyone was in a boisterous mood at Littlest Pet Shop that day. The streets of 72 Oak Street were packed with civilians making their way into the shop, boosting sales for their ever-growing stock. This put them one step ahead of the odious Largest Ever Pet Shop run by the Biskits. They couldn't have asked for anything more.
"And... done!" Blythe said, as she fitted a pair of majestic wings on Minka's costume. "You guys are gonna look great at the Expo today!"
The pets agreed. Pepper Clark, on the other hand, had ideas of her own. "True, but how do we smell?"
Blythe turned to the skunk, her and the pets raising a collective eyebrow. "Smell? What are you talking about, Pepper?"
"I think we need to smell happy!" Pepper elaborated, but Blythe was still pleasantly confused. "I'll explain on the way to the Expo, alright?"
Blythe forced an optimistic smile on her face. "Alright, if you say so."
Pepper took her friend, Penny Ling, by the hand and dragged her to the other side of the room. The panda grew curious as to what she had in mind.
"Hear me out for a moment, Penny Ling."
Penny Ling was all ears. "Shoot."
"If the judges smell happiness on us, it'll seep into their subconscious and make them happy. And who doesn't want a happy judge, am I right?"
"That makes sense!" Penny Ling pointed out.
"Now all I need is someone to help me capture my happiest of happy scents," Pepper proclaimed. "A delicate, peppermint-rosy, freshly-baked cupcake blend."
The very thought of cupcakes was enough to make both their stomachs rumble hungrily. It appeased them that much. But now was not the time to think of food at a time like this. It was time for the Expo!