Unicorn Academy

It's time.

Attagirl!

Hyah! This way. Let's go.

Last jump. Let's make it a good one.

Aw, man.

Mom's gonna freak when she finds out you took Mary Lou off the ranch.

Just guessing since she said,

"Don't even think about taking Mary Lou off the ranch."

Luckily, Mom never has to find out.

She's making dinner. You know lasagna always gets the better of...

...her.

It did. I ordered pizza.

Which I will bring inside.

Hey, Mom. Whoa!

Uh-uh. No, don't "Hey, Mom" me.

How many times have I told you not to go riding off the ranch?

But Mary Lou needed to stretch her legs.

I just took her out on the trail. Dad and I used to ride it all the time.

Sophia, I'm just trying to keep you safe.

I'm a good rider, Mom. You don't have to worry about me.

Really? Last week you rode in a thunderstorm

to catch a chicken that got out.

The week before, you played tag with a bull.

Fair point.

Why can't you ever do some non-dangerous, typical teenager stuff?

You could make some friends, go to the movies, have sleepovers.

Friends are overrated. I'm more of a likeably rebellious loner

with a love of adventure that drives her mom nuts.

You've got that right.

Oh, and about you sneaking out?

Grounded?

- Yep. - I figured.

Morning, Dad.

I got it.

Hello?

Huh.

Better hurry if you want pancakes. Your brother's a flapjack fiend.

What's that?

I don't know.

Oh!

“We are pleased to invite you to attend Nuncior Academy,

the world’s leading school for promising equestrian riders."

A school where I get to ride all day?

It looks amazing. Can I go?

Can I have her room?

What about your school here?

They don't let me bring a horse to class. And it's not like anyone would miss me.

But I would miss you. Marco would miss you.

The new bedroom would heal the pain.

I'll go finish my pancakes.

Mom, I know you worry about me,

but I just have this feeling that I'm meant to do this.

I'm sorry, but I don't think this is a good idea.

Wh... what? Seriously?

Mom, this is a riding academy.

This is my dream. Dad would want me to go.

- If he were here, he'd-- - But he's not.

Our family has lost enough.

I don't want you leaving, Sophia.

I hope I didn't get you in trouble yesterday.

Mom doesn't get how much we need to run sometimes.

Remember our rides with Dad?

He always said I was destined for something extraordinary.

I just wish I knew what it was.

Do you ever feel like there has to be more out there?

Like there's something inside of you that's bursting to come out?

You too, huh?

I know. It sounds strange.

Oh.

Uh, uh...

Hi.

Hi.

I miss him too.

I can't believe it's been five years.

He'd love that you still wear the necklace he gave you.

You were his shining star.

He'd also get a kick out of you wearing his old shirt,

but it's definitely due for a wash.

When we'd ride together, it felt like I could do anything.

Like the whole world was there in my reach.

Sometimes I just want to try and feel that again.

He loved you so much, Sophia.

He had so many dreams for you.

He would tell me you were destined for something...

Extraordinary.

You remind me so much of him.

Do you know your dad also went to a riding academy?

Really? Wait.

What do you mean "also"?

Better get some sleep.

We've got a lot of packing to do tomorrow if you're going off to a new school.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

We're here.

There's my ride!

Whoa!

Your school bus is a boat?

Lucky!

Sophia, we're going to miss you.

So call. A lot.

I promise.

Now, it's all on you to get into a little trouble while I'm gone.

Bye!

Thanks for the lift. I'm Soph--

Huh?

I've heard of driverless cars, but driverless boats?

This academy is fancy.

Huh?

Huh?!

Uh... Whoa!

Uh...

What is happening?

Whoa!

Whoo-hoo!

What kind of school is this?

Whoa.

Okay, Sophia. You fell asleep, and this is totally just a dream.

- Hello! - Ah!

Oh, it's no dream. But what a delightfully dreamy day.

Sunshine with a crisp breeze. Did you have a pleasant trip?

It was great. Thank you.

But, uh, quick question.

Where am I? Who are you? And when did they invent flying fairy-winged boats?

Oh my! The tock is ticking.

If you would please follow me.

Uh, h... hey!

I'm Fernakus. Welcome.

- Sorry. - Huh?

We dwerpins have been assisting the day-to-day at the academy for generations.

Dwerpins? What... Sorry.

Uh, w... w... wait!

Look, Fernakus, my brain's about to explode.

I thought I was going to a riding academy. You know, horses, a stable.

I have the invitation right here. "We are pleased to invite you to attend..."

"...Unicorn Academy"?

Whoa!

Come. Come. Orientation will begin in a few wiggles and a shake.

Uh, s... sorry. Uh, unicorns?

No. No way.

Oh, I see. You're one of those goof-maloofs

who grew up believing that there's no such thing as magic,

that unicorns aren't real.

Well, because they're not.

Ha! Next you'll be telling me that dwerpins don't have two left feet.

Wait. Do they?

Mum's the word about this place.

But magic is real as you or me.

And Unicorn Island is the source of it all.

- Excuse me. - Oh. Oh!

Oh! Ow.

Ooh, I love your shirt.

- Purple is one of my 19 favorite colors. - Uh...

I'm Ava. It's so nice to meet you.

Um, okay.

I'm Sophia.

Ooh, I have loved unicorns for literally forever.

Can you believe we're actually here?

Uh, no. I... I don't believe any of this.

Oh, you're not a legacy.

My brothers went here, and when I got my invitation,

they secretly told me everything.

You must be totally confused and weirded out.

Uh, just a little.

Those are... unicorns.

Real unicorns?

Welcome all to Unicorn Academy.

Pinch me!

Hmm. It should look a bit more festive on such an important day.

Don't you agree, Ethera?

Whoa!

That's more like it.

I'm Ms. Primrose, head teacher at Unicorn Academy.

And this is Unicorn Island.

All the world's magic comes from here.

And unicorns are its protectors,

the only creatures mighty enough to keep the island safe from danger.

You have all been invited to join a long history of unicorn riders.

Huh. Definitely not the kind of riding academy I expected.

Some of you have been chosen for your extraordinary skills and talents.

Others follow in the footsteps of a family member

who was a unicorn rider before you.

All of you have the potential to bond with a unicorn.

Now, get settled. Your journey begins tomorrow.

Wow!

- Yay! - Can you believe it?

Wow.

Oh, this place is...

Incredible.

New students, gather for room assignments.