Chapter 2

CHAPTER TWO Freya and Isla vaulted on to their unicorns and galloped after the others. Isla was buzzing with excitement and couldn't wait to share the news that Buttercup had found her magic. "Wait!" Buttercup whinnied to the other unicorns. They slowed to a halt. "What's up?" demanded Rosa. A look of alarm crossed her face. "It's not Ms Willow, is it?" "No, it's not Ms Willow," said Freya. "What is it then?" said Violet. "It's Buttercup!" Isla burst out. "She's just discovered her magic!" She told them what had happened.

"It was amazing!" enthused Freya. "A magical arrow appeared in the air and pointed to where the missing screw was." "I'm so pleased, Isla!" Violet exclaimed. "Finding magic's so cool!" said Isla, thinking of all the people she and Buttercup could help. Valentina frowned. "Don't think that just because you've found Buttercup's magic you'll be able to graduate!" she snapped. "You've still got to bond, remember! Come on, Golden Briar. Let's go." "But…" Golden Briar started to protest. "Now!" exclaimed Valentina, clapping her heels against his sides. With a sigh, Golden Briar cantered away. "She's so mean," said Matilda. "She could at least have congratulated you." "Take no notice of her," said Violet. "I bet you'll bond really quickly and be able to graduate after all." "Yep!" Buttercup declared happily. "I bet we will too." Isla patted Buttercup's neck as they rode on. She was very glad that her unicorn wasn't upset

by Valentina's comments but she couldn't help feeling a little deflated. She'd been so excited to find Buttercup's magic but of course they still might not graduate. Oh, I hope we bond soon, she thought. I really do! They all had a great time on the cross-country course and returned to the stables chattering and laughing. Golden Briar was already in his stall, next door to Buttercup's. "Did you have fun?" he asked. Buttercup nodded. "It was amazing! I jumped a huge log pile." "I wish I'd been able to come with you," said Golden Briar. "Next time you must. Tell Valentina it's your turn to decide what you do. Isn't that right, Isla?" said Buttercup. "Valentina often lets me do what I want," Golden Briar said firmly. He turned back to his hay net to show that the conversation was over. Isla suddenly felt sorry for Golden Briar– and

for Valentina too. How would it feel not to have bonded after two years at the academy? "Buttercup!" Matilda called out. "Can you use your magic to help me find my favourite blue pen? I lost it last week." Buttercup lifted her head. "Coming!" She and Isla went to the Diamond dorm aisle. "Stand back, everyone!" Buttercup gave a theatrical bow, clearly enjoying herself. She lifted her hoof, then smacked it down on the ground. "Find Matilda's blue pen!" Everyone gasped as a rainbow of sparks shot up and arched above her head. The arrow hung in the air for a second, then shimmied its tail and darted out through the stable door. "After it!" cried Buttercup. She cantered out of the stable then skidded to a halt. "Whoops! Sorry, Isla! I almost forgot you!" Isla ran up to her and vaulted on. The others mounted their unicorns and cantered after the arrow. It sailed over the stable roof and into the meadow, stopping by the stream. Buttercup trotted over to where the arrow hovered in the air, pointing at the reeds.

"I've found your pen!" she exclaimed. She thrust her muzzle into the reeds. CLUCK! With a flurry of wings a pale blue bird burst indignantly from the reeds. "Whaaa!" cried Buttercup, staggering backwards in shock. Rosa burst out laughing. "Your magic found a blue hen not Matilda's blue pen, Buttercup!" Isla turned hot with embarrassment for Buttercup as everyone rocked with laughter, but Buttercup laughed just as loudly as the others. "Oh dear!" she snorted. "I think I need to practise a bit more."

"Don't worry," said Violet kindly. "Most unicorns find it hard to control their magic properly when they first discover their powers." Matilda's unicorn, Pearl, nodded in agreement. "I found it really hard to hold glamours at first." The other unicorns nodded too. "You get tired easily as well," said Twinkle. "But it gets better the more you practise." "I'll practise lots then!" declared Buttercup. She nuzzled Isla. "You'll help me, won't you?" "Of course," said Isla, leaning in to bury her face in Buttercup's long pink, yellow and green