Chapter 6

CHAPTER SIX Cherry was the first unicorn to discover her magical power. The news spread through the school like wildfire and everyone buzzed with excitement. Apart from Valentina, of course, who just scowled and said it had been a fluke. Sophia ignored her and wondered who would be next. One morning, after a grooming lesson, Ms Rosemary asked her class to line up with their unicorns for an inspection. Rainbow's coat shone in the winter sunlight and he arched his neck, proudly showing off the ribbons that Sophia had plaited through his mane.

When Sophia and Rainbow joined Valentina at the start of the line, Rainbow tickled Golden Briar with his tail. "Look at me," he said proudly. "Don't I look smart?" Golden Briar whipped round and nipped Rainbow sharply on the neck. "Keep your horrible tail away from me!" "Ouch, that hurt!" cried Rainbow, shocked. Tossing his head, Golden Briar turned his back on Rainbow, aiming a kick at him for good measure. Valentina put her nose in the air. "It's your own fault, Rainbow. You shouldn't stand next

to a unicorn like Golden Briar. You haven't got any gold on you anywhere and everyone knows the best unicorns have to have gold. You should go to the end of the line where you belong." Her two friends giggled. Valentina smirked at them. "In fact, if you don't move away from me and Golden Briar right now, I shall speak to my parents. They're governors here and they'll make sure that you know your place." "Excuse me!" Sophia was so cross she spluttered out her words. "How dare you speak to Rainbow like that! He's brilliant!" Valentina laughed meanly. "Brilliant at being stupid." Sophia lost her temper. "You're the stupid one, Valentina!" she snapped. "You think you're so great and so important but hardly anyone likes you! Maybe you should go to the end of the line?" There were a few whoops and cheers from the rest of the group.

"You tell her, Sophia!" called Billy. Valentina's eyes narrowed. "Why you…!" "Whatever is all the commotion about?" said Ms Rosemary, hurrying over with her unicorn, Blossom. "It was all Sophia's fault," said Valentina quickly. "She's been really mean to me!" Her voice rose into a fake wail and her two friends quickly put their arms round her. Ms Rosemary frowned. "Sophia?" she said questioningly. Sophia hesitated. She didn't like telling tales. "It wasn't Sophia's fault," Ava said, stepping forward. "Valentina started it. She insulted Rainbow." There were a few murmurs of agreement from the other girls. "Hmmm." Ms Rosemary looked from Sophia to the loudly sobbing Valentina. "Well, I think we should all just get on with the lesson. Valentina, the ribbons are coming loose in Golden Briar's mane. Stop crying now and go

and sort them out. Rainbow looks lovely, Sophia, but would you like some of my silver polish for his hooves as a finishing touch?" "Yes, please," said Sophia, glad not to be in trouble. Ms Rosemary turned to her unicorn. "Please could you magic it here for me, Blossom?" "Of course," said Blossom. Her powers let her transport objects from one place to another by magic. "The silver hoof polish from the storeroom!" she declared, tossing her long pink and purple mane. A few sparkles floated up into the air but then they winked and went out. No hoof polish appeared. Blossom looked confused. "The silver hoof polish from the storeroom!" she repeated with another mane toss. But this time there were no sparkles and the hoof polish still didn't appear. Blossom looked at Ms Rosemary. "My magic's not working."

Ms Rosemary frowned. "How odd. Last week, Ms Lavender's unicorn was struggling with his healing magic. This is very strange." "Is something wrong with the unicorns, miss?" Layla asked anxiously. "Don't worry. I'm sure everything's fine," said Ms Rosemary. She patted Blossom. "You're probably just tired, or coming down with a bug or something." "But what about Ms Lavender's unicorn?"