Chapter 2

Cellie's journey to Stargate Equestrian University was the fruition of not just a passing aspiration but the embodiment of a childhood dream. The air shimmered with possibility when the university launched its Mounted Games program, still in its infancy and yet perfect for Cellie's remarkable talent. Tireless days and sleepless nights culminated in her triumphant try-out alongside her spirited chestnut mare, Shiny Chariot. They didn't just win; they dominated, earning Cellie not only a coveted spot at her dream school but also the title of team Captain.

This new title came laced with a heavy dose of rivalry, especially from Amanda Rosings and her show pony, Shooting Star, who didn't take kindly to the upset. Yet the previous year's groundwork at a local college paved Cellie's path to this prestigious institution—thanks to some academic strategizing and indispensable scholarship funding that made up for her family's financial shortfalls.

On day one, Cellie was enveloped in camaraderie by Charlotte and Susie, her two roommates. Susie might have been a bit resistant at first, but bonds were forming. Friendships forged quickly with Missy and Jasmine as well—Amanda remained the sole complex equation in Cellie's social calculus.

Marching her team victoriously away from the equestrian arena and along an enchanting cobblestone trail, Cellie couldn't help but marvel at the picturesque Stargate Equestrian grounds. Swathes of green splendor opened up around her, pastoral scenes punctuated by ancient trees that were aflame with autumn's vibrant palette—a stark contrast to her homeland of Japan.

The splendor extended to the stables—a marvel of modern equestrian architecture with their imported Irish limestone and mahogany sheen. It was here that Chariot's own private paddock awaited, complete with a luxe automatic (and heated) water trough—a comforting thought for Cellie amidst her homesickness.

The rhythmic clatter of hooves formed a soothing soundtrack as they proceeded down the lane, passing by arenas alive with equestrian discipline—a dressage rider perfecting their piaffe, a girl training a content gray horse in circles, others gathered at a jumping course engrossed in conversation.

Whilst Charlotte and Jasmine enthusiastically discussed an upcoming competition with Appleton College, Cellie found herself absorbed in observing an unfamiliar yet poised rider. The woman's finesse was captivating as she commanded a bay horse into an effortless canter—her gentle touch, powerful legs clad in tan breeches, unwavering posture melding into the saddle's leather embrace. Golden tendrils framed the faces of evident dedication underneath her helmet—a silent testament to focus during their debut week that been filled primarily with logistical whirlwinds and adaptations to this exciting chapter at Stargate Equestrian.

Cellie was so absorbed in her own thoughts that she hadn't realized she had brought Chariot to a halt beside the arena's perimeter fence. Her gaze was drawn to a duo in the ring, moving with such unity over the jumps, they were the very picture of perfect horsemanship.

"Who in the world is that?" Cellie breathed out, awe lacing her voice.

Amanda reined Star in beside Chariot, his restless behavior now settled into stillness. "You're not serious, are you?"

Susie chuckled as she guided Mushroom near the pair, her voice tinged with amusement. "Poor Cellie's been like a mole since she arrived," Susie remarked. "No surprise she hasn't got a clue."

"I have not!" protested Cellie firmly, her glare directed at Susie. "I've simply been finding my feet here! Apart from you all, I've hardly met anyone yet."

"That there is Diana Hitchens," Charlotte informed them from just behind, while Spirit flicked at invisible insects with his flaxen tail. "She's royalty on horseback around here – Stargate Equestrian's crown jewel. And her family's veterinary clinic? It's practically equine aristocracy over in Europe."

As they watched Diana take an oxer with the same ease some tackled basic cross-rails, Cellie caught Diana's gaze briefly – or so she thought – before Diana redirected her focus to the majestic mare carrying her.

Their observation was cut short by a taunt from another rider situated at the arena's core. As two girls approached - one with a fiery braid weaving down her back and another with sleek midnight tresses – they exuded entitlement with their expensive horses.

"What are you misfits staring at?" jeered Hannah, one of the approaching riders.

"Enjoying your hand-me-down wealth, Hannah?" Amanda retorted sharply, Star responding to her rider's mood by scrabbling on the stone with impatience.

The redhead, Hannah, gave an arrogant smile as she checked her chestnut horse. "My family fortune is doing just fabulously," she replied with condescension. "And how is your little budget steed faring?"

"It really is precious how you stick to ponies," sneered the girl with straight black hair contemptuously. "Couldn't handle real horses? Or is 'toy size' all you can afford?" She sought approval from Hannah and both snickered cruelly.

Feeling Amanda bristle next to her and spotting the flush creeping up her friend's face, Cellie decided that it was time to deescalate before Amanda's temper found its infamous spark.

"We're actually Stargate's pioneering Games Team," Cellie chirped brightly, presenting their sport as brand-new and explaining its emphasis on agility which made ponies ideal partners. "I'm Cellie Garcia by the way," she said offering them a genuine grin and sitting tall in her saddle as she introduced herself and Chariot, patting her pony affectionately on the neck.

However, instead of curiosity or respect, Cellie's earnest explanation was met with peals of mocking laughter from the duo.

"The Games group, right?" Hannah's laughter burst through her palm pressed against her lips. "I caught wind of that rumor, but it seemed too absurd to be true," her companion chimed in, "They must be the rejects from polo."

"What a juvenile thing to say."

"I'm astonished that Stargate Equestrian even endorses such nonsense."

"It appears they're throwing open the doors to just about anyone these days."

Cellie felt a fiery embarrassment creeping up to the very tips of her ears while observing the snide conversation.

"Girls," Diana Hitchens chastised, approaching with an air of authority. The bay mare strutted elegantly, her sinewy form showcasing prominent veins under a glossy coat. Even in motion Diana possessed a splendor, yet up close she was nothing short of breathtaking. Cellie caught herself staring, hopelessly wishing she wasn't gaping.

Diana addressed the pair with a frosty glare. "Have you forgotten my words on indulging Miss Rosings's provocations? If your petty exchange is done, make yourselves useful and unhitch. I have a substantial amount of studying ahead tonight."

"Yes, Diana," they acquiesced together.

Cellie could feel Diana's gaze pivot toward her. After a brief examination, Diana gave a sharp nod. "Charming pony," she pronounced distinctly yet impassively before turning away towards the arena exit.

Was that a hint of mockery? A hot flush spread across Cellie's cheeks as she watched the trio depart.

"Can you believe them?" Amanda snapped as they retreated. "The arrogance! Barbara is one thing, but Hannah..." Amanda voiced her irritation. "She takes the crown! And Diana—calling out my 'jabs'? They initiated this! She can be so impossible."

"Who were they anyway?" queried Cellie, calming down as she redirected her gaze to her own group.

"The Hunt Team," responded four voices in unison while Missy merely nodded in agreement.

"We did tell you they're unbearable," Susie whispered somewhat reproachfully. "You never take heed."

True, Cellie mused; their warnings had been clear but dismissed—she preferred firsthand judgments over hearsay. Now it appeared that her team's insights were quite accurate. As they strolled along the cobblestone back to the stables in contemplative silence, Cellie kept her thoughts internalized.

She reflected on the duo—their dance-like leaps over obstacles rivaling Chariot in height and the fleeting glimpse into those dispassionate blue eyes. Despite external appearances to the contrary, maybe there was more than met the eye...

Exhausted from the ride, Cellie gently swung off the saddle upon their return to the barn. With care, she removed the bridle from Chariot's head, and with a tender smile, allowed her to satisfy that nagging itch against her arm. Despite being taught otherwise by her strict instructor back at home, Cellie never saw the harm. If Chariot needed to scratch, Cellie was there to relieve.

Amidst Chariot's fervent rubbing, Cellie cast an envious gaze towards the elite Hunt Team alighting from their steeds by a barn that exuded luxury—one that likely demanded a fee equating more than what one semester's tuition costs. Puzzled as to why when their existing facilities were already top-notch (could there actually be anything better?), Cellie watched Diana expertly guide the tall bay horse, her fingers dancing a soothing scratch across its brow and under the throat latch. A fleeting glance caught between them left Cellie questioning if it was meant for her. But before she could decipher it, Chariot's vigorous head shake sent her tumbling into a thicket.

As she extricated herself from the leafy snare, brambles tagging along as unwelcome souvenirs, Amanda's laughter rang loud and clear. Brushing off debris, Cellie looked around only to find the shadows of the Hunt Team had vanished into their private sanctuary.