Julie Sykes - Matilda and Pearl

Matilda followed Pearls gaze and inhaled sharply. A figure cloaked in black was cantering towards the clearing on a golden-maned unicorn. Matilda vaulted onto Pearls back but it was too late for them to escape. She gripped Pearls mane. What are we going to do now? she whispered.

CHAPTER ONE

Pearl, you moved! Matilda was trying to draw Pearl, her unicorn, but it wasnt going too well. Your leg is all wrong in my picture now. Pleeeease stand still.

Sorry Matilda. I just cant stop thinking about magic. When do you think Ill get mine and what do you think it will be? Pearl tossed her pink and yellow mane.

I dont know, said Matilda, re-sketching Pearls leg.

Pearl began to pirouette in circles. Maybe Ill be able to make a snow twister, like Crystal! She spun faster until she almost tripped over her hooves. Slowing down, she tilted her head and affected a dreamy look. Or I might get soothing magic like Whisper. Or what about freezing magic? Pearl held the pose like a statue until finally she wobbled. Nah. Freezing magic is boring! I wouldnt mind getting wind magic, though, like Golden Briar. Wouldnt it be fun to have wind magic, Matilda? Pearl blew out through her nostrils with a loud trumpeting sound. She crossed her eyes and blew so hard it made her cheeks wobble. Or flying magic! Imagine if I had wings! She leapt into the air with her hooves pointed.

Pearl! Stop goofing around so I can finish this picture! Matilda tried to look stern but Pearl looked so funny she started to giggle. Her pencil skittered across her sketchbook as she tried to capture the dancing unicorn.

Pearl began prancing around the field, tapping flowers with a hoof then making a popping, crackling noise. Guess what magic now, Matilda?

Fire magic, said Matilda.

And now? Pearl walked very slowly, lifting each hoof in an exaggerated tiptoe.

Stop! Matilda chuckled and dropped her pencil. How can I draw anything when you keep making me laugh? What sort of magic is that supposed to be? Whatever it is, I hope you dont get it. You look like a circus pony!

Pearl trotted over and leaned over Matildas shoulder, nuzzling her dark-red hair. I dont mind what magic I have. I just wish I could find it, she said, blinking her long eyelashes. Its summer already. Were halfway through our time at Unicorn Academy. What if I dont find out before the graduation ball in December? And we havent bonded, either.

All the unicorns at Unicorn Academy were trying to discover their magic power and bond with their rider. When a rider and unicorn bonded, a strand of the riders hair turned the same colour as their unicorns mane. Matilda couldnt wait for a pink and yellow streak to appear in her long, red hair. She was sure it would soon. She and Pearl had been best friends ever since their first day at the academy when Ms Nettles, the headteacher, had paired them up. At first, Ms Nettles had seemed a little uncertain about it.

I hope youre not going to be a bad influence on each other, shed said, frowning behind her glasses. Since youre both quite disorganised, maybe I should put you with someone else? Matilda remembered how shed crossed her fingers tightly behind her back, hoping that

Ms Nettles would let her and Pearl go together. Shed loved Pearl from first sight. Pearls dark eyes seemed to twinkle with mischief and she was perfect for drawing, too. Her beautiful white coat was patterned with colourful and interesting shapes.

Do you think Ms Nettles was right? Are we a bad influence on each other? asked Matilda, straightening her glasses on her nose and remembering the headteachers words. Maybe that was why they hadnt found Pearls magic and bonded.

Definitely not! Pearl declared. Were perfect for each other! She shook her head. Just imagine if Id been paired with Ariana. Nightmare!

Matilda giggled. Arianas not that bad. Shes just a lot more organised than us. Ive been getting on much better with her since our adventure in the woods.

That was fun, wasnt it? I loved playing in the river and solving the mystery Pearl bucked across the meadow as she remembered.

Whoa! Pearl, steady on, Ariana called out as she came running across the grass towards them. Youre going to kick someone if you do that. Matilda! Did you forget that Ms Nettles wants to talk to us about the camping trip and scavenger hunt?

Matilda caught her breath. I thought the meeting was tomorrow.

No, we set off on the trip tomorrow, said Ariana. You never listen properly. The meetings starting soon. Ive been trying to find you.

Wait! Matilda looked at the picture she had been drawing and snorted with laughter. Look at my picture, Pearl!

Pearl trotted over. Youve given me wings! She began to giggle. I look very strange. Why did you do that?

Matilda frowned. I have no idea. I thought I was just drawing what I was seeing.

I didnt have wings last time I looked, said Pearl looking over her shoulder. Nope, no wings.

Come on, Matilda, said Ariana impatiently. Diamond dorm will all be in trouble if we arrive late.

Ill see you later, Matilda, said Pearl. Come and see me after your meeting. She trotted off towards the stables.

Matilda set off with Ariana but halfway across the field, she stopped. My pencils and water bottle! Where are they? Did you pick them up for me, Ariana?

No, why would I? asked Ariana.

Ill have to go back for them, Matilda said, turning around.

Ariana groaned. Why are you so forgetful?

Matilda swept her long red hair over her shoulders and hurried back to get her stuff. But after running a few steps she spotted a bright yellow butterfly flitting from flower to flower. She stopped to examine it.

Matilda! exclaimed Ariana. Come on!

Matilda sighed and left the butterfly. Ariana needed to chill. So what if they were a bit late? The teachers might tell them off but they wouldnt get into that much trouble. She gathered her possessions into her arms and headed back towards Ariana, the pile teetering unsteadily. Here, hold this for me. Matilda handed Ariana a water bottle.

Ariana pursed her lips but she took the water bottle and a packet of pencils as it started to slide from Matildas sketchbook. Youre so disorganised.

Matilda shrugged. Being organised was a lot of hard work and she only liked to work hard at things she enjoyed like drawing. So? she said. It doesnt matter.

Ariana gave her an exasperated look. It does! Its good to be organised. Remember our adventure in the woods when the animals turned bad because the waterfall was blocked? We might not have been able to start the waterfall flowing again if I hadnt been prepared and brought a load of stuff with me.

I suppose, Matilda conceded.

Now, we need to get to the meeting and find out how we can prepare for this scavenger hunt and camping trip, said Ariana. She shook her head. I know its supposed to be a treat but Im very surprised the teachers are allowing it. They still dont know who was responsible for the waterfall drying up. Youd think theyd be doing more to try to find out who it was. What if that person strikes again?