Power Play Read Online Free PDF Page B

movement from the next bed, and then Bimi appeared at her side. ‘It’ll all be fine,’ she whispered, slipping her arm through Twink’s.
    Twink let out a breath. ‘Oh, Bimi, I hope so. But – but it just hasn’t been easy so far, being the Games Fairy.’
    She had told her best friend some of the problems she’d been having, and now Bimi gave her a little shake. ‘Twink, don’t let what Romi said get to you! You do have what it takes, I’m certain of it.’
    Twink slumped her chin on to her hand. ‘So how come it all feels like it’s going so wrong?’
    â€˜You just need time to find your best wing stroke, that’s all,’ soothed Bimi. ‘You’ve only been doing it for a few weeks – why, I bet even Madge wasn’t perfect at first!’
    Twink sighed. ‘Maybe.’ Straightening up, she squeezed her best friend’s arm. ‘Thanks, Bimi. Will you be at the game this afternoon?’
    â€˜Try and stop me!’ laughed Bimi.
    As Twink skimmed on to the Fledge field later that day to meet the Sparklelight Games Fairy, she saw that most of the school had turned out for the game. The grandstand – made up of hundreds of tall mushrooms – was almost completely filled, packed with excited fairies looking forward to the first game of the year. ‘GO GLITTERWINGS!’ sparkled several fairy-dust banners.
    Twink gulped as she flitted to a stop. She was used to playing in front of crowds, but not when she was the one in charge of the team. How on earth could she play well today, with everyone watching her every move? For a moment she was tempted to put Kym in the game as well, and coach from the sidelines!
    The Sparklelight Games Fairy was a tall silvery-haired girl named Tasha. She gave Twink a friendly smile as she joined her on the field. ‘Congratulations, Twink! I’d heard you were the new Games Fairy – that’s really glimmery.’
    â€˜Thanks,’ said Twink, trying to smile. If Tasha only knew all the difficulties she’d been having! The older fairy gave her a curious look, but there wasn’t time to talk. Their two teams were hovering on the sidelines, waiting to begin.
    Visiting players always brought their own Flea, and now Tasha held up the cage. ‘Well, shall we get started? I think the Flea’s getting restless.’
    Twink nodded, and drew the casting pebbles from her pocket. The pebbles each had a white side and a black side, and whichever Games Fairy called the right colour got to choose whether her team would Guard or Steal.
    â€˜Is that a new Flea?’ asked Twink. The hairy little insect had bright orange spots on his legs, and was bouncing up and down like he could hardly wait to get started.
    Tasha nodded with a grin. ‘We just got him a few days ago. He’s a tricky one – you’ll have to watch out!’
    Twink won the casting, to enthusiastic cheers from the crowd. ‘We’ll be Stealers first,’ she said promptly. Fledge was played for the best of two out of three matches, and being on the Stealer side was seen as having the advantage.
    Tasha shrugged good-naturedly. ‘Two minutes,’ she said, flying off to her team.

    Twink swooped over to where her own team was gathered. Poor Jacki looked terrified! Summer seemed nervous, too, though she managed a shaky smile as Twink flew up.
    â€˜Right, everyone,’ said Twink. ‘They’ve got a new Flea, so they’re not really used to him yet. Keep your eye on that Flea! Don’t let him out of your sight for a moment.’
    The new players were watching Twink intently, nodding as she spoke. Vera and Zayna just looked amused. ‘Oh, Twink, we know how to play!’ said Vera with a confident laugh.
    Twink bit back her response. ‘They’ve got a new fairy playing Guard as well,’ she continued. ‘That girl with the short blue hair. Summer, I want you and