The Last Unicorn: The Bull's Vengeance

Chapter 7

   As the front line of men charged the Bull, this gave the unicorn enough time to flee to safety in a nearby brush. She hoped to remain here for the entire fight, and watched as many brave men took on the beast who had enslaved her. Immediately, ten men who were on foot were trampled by the Bull, and laid lifeless on the beach. Seeing this loss of life, many men had new anger sparked in them, and came at the Bull weapons in hand.

The great beast was met with many swords and spears, though his flames sent many of them flying out of the soldiers hands. Now weaponless, the men surrounded the Bull with their horses, trying to corner him like a helpless steer. He stood in the center of the circle, angered that he could not escape. For the Bull typically did not fight, and only conquered. However, something changed in him that day. The feeling of helplessness as the Bull was cornered by horses fueled his fire, and he tried to fight back. He charged his horns at the horses, taking a few to the ground. The horses who still stood were guided behind the Bull by their riders, who still had their weapons out and ready.

The Bull could not have any way of knowing what was happening just behind them, which gave the soldiers to his rear a great advantage. With one swift movement, Ronin plunged a spear into the hind of the Bull, disarming him for a second. He bellowed, half in anger and half in pain, then swung around in an attempt to attack the man who just pierced his body. No man or creature had ever harmed the Bull, so he was taken by surprise. However, Ronin dodged the now disgruntled Bull's attack, and quickly charged around him again, ordering the other men flanking him to draw their spears. They all took aim, and plunged their spears into the Bull in unison, hitting him from all angles. This attack gave the Bull no time to defend himself beforehand, as there were men at all angles.

As the spears plunged the body of the great Bull, he stood frozen in pain. Though they had not slain him yet, the Bull was losing power. His flames began to die out as spears and swords penetrated his body even further. "Surely this should have killed him," Ronin thought to himself. "What is it going to take to bring this beast down?"

Molly and Schmendrick sat on their horses at the edge of the beach, watching the battle and periodically checking on the unicorn. She had not been physically harmed, but was distraught that the Bull had come so close to defeating her. Her spirit was broken. Then she remembered her battle on the beach, and all of her fight came rushing back into her. She could not let these men take on this Bull alone, for no mortal could defeat such a large creature on their own. No, it would take a brave immortal to finish the job once and for all.

As quick as a flash, the unicorn charged out of her hiding place onto the beach. Her horn shone like a plume of lighting upon her head. She danced madly, her hooves slashing the sand below her like razors. Her mane flowed wildly as she galloped, seemingly floating across the earth. She stormed past the soldiers, many making way for her to come through. "This is destiny," the unicorn thought to herself, her mind racing. "I must finish this, once and for all. For me, and for my people." She approached the Red Bull, with soldiers following, and began her challenge.

The Bull, still standing, attempted to swing his horns at the unicorn, but missed. For he was growing incredibly weak as a result of many weapons piercing him. Following his weak attack, the unicorn slashed his abdomen with her horn. He shuddered, then came stumbling to the ground. The unicorn and soldiers barely had time to jump away before he hit the sandy beach. "Run! Run quickly, as you can do no more!" the unicorn hollered to the men, knowing she needed to finish the job, and seal the Bull's fate.

As he lay on the ground weak, his flames continuing to extinguish, the unicorn approached the Bull. She stood over him for a second, making sure he would feel her presence one last time, and get the last laugh as the Bull tasted defeat. Then, the unicorn dipped her horn onto the Bull's mighty head, and there was a sonic boom that swept across the land as she touched him. With the boom came a clap as loud as thunder, and the sand on the beach swirled wildly. Then, just seconds later, his flame went out. The Bull closed his milky white eyes, and was vanquished. The unicorn had won, all thanks to help from the brave soldiers who came to her rescue. The Bull was no more, never to terrorize the world again.

The soldiers, as well as Molly, Schmendrick, and the unicorn paused for a few minutes to ensure the Bull was no longer living. As soon as they knew for sure he was gone, all rejoiced. The soldiers, as well as Molly and Schmendrick, cheered and hugged in celebration. The unicorn whinnied wildly, rearing in celebration. The Bull had brought grief upon the world for far too long, so everyone felt a huge sigh of relief to see him finally defeated. Molly rushed up to the unicorn and embraced her, proud that the brave white beast defeated what once held herself and her people in shackles.

After many minutes of celebration, many men wept joyous tears for the unicorn, rejoicing knowing that that beautiful creature was safe. They deemed her a hero, since she raced in to finish the job when the soldiers could not continue any further. Once everyone gathered themselves and were ready to head towards the kingdom, the soldiers threw ropes around the Red Bull, and assembled a team of horses to drag his body back to Arran. With the Bull loaded up, the group headed back towards the kingdom. The unicorn led the parade, with Molly and Schmendrick flanking her on each side atop their horses, and the soldiers following behind. They marched on foot and on their horses triumphantly, eager to return to Arran, and soon Saida, to celebrate their victory and defeat of the Bull.

Back at Arran, the townspeople caught word of the Bulls defeat, which caused them to rejoice. "We shall gather for a celebration in the town square this evening upon the soldiers' arrival, for the Bull is no more and order has been restored!" King Lir proclaimed to his loyal citizens, who began preparing for the celebration immediately. Celeste and the women prepared the meal, while the men of the kingdom started a bonfire and set up seating areas throughout the town. The kingdom, and many more surrounding realms, had not seen peace like this in years. They were prepared for a great celebration, and watched in anticipation as the unicorn and brave soldiers approached the entrance to Arran.

As the group, headed by the unicorn, Molly, and Schmendrick entered the town, the townsfolk broke into a deafening roar, cheering for the heroes who took down the great Bull. They were paraded through town, along with the soldiers who were still dragging the lifeless Bull behind their horses, the citizens of Arran celebrating as they passed through. As the last of the troop of soldiers paraded through the town square, they dismounted their noble steeds, and the celebration feast officially began.