The Last Unicorn: The Bull's Vengeance

ALTERNATE ENDING (starting from Ch 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 being trapped as the Bull was cornered by horses fueled his fire, and he fought back viciously. He charged his horns at the horses, taking several to the ground along with their riders. The horses who still stood were guided behind the Bull by their soldiers sitting upon them, who still had their weapons out and ready.

The Bull, being blind, could not have any way of knowing what was happening just behind them. Because of this, and in 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. Unfortunately for Ronin, he could not dodge the now disgruntled Bull's attack in time, and fell to the ground. His body lay there lifeless, as the horns of the great beast pierced his body, ultimately killing him.

With the soldiers' fearless leader now being deceased, they felt helpless. Immediately, the Bull started picking off soldiers and their horses one by one, with only a few lucky ones escaping his wrath as he raced off of the beach on their horses. Then, as many brave men lay perished along the beach, the Bull turned towards Molly and Schmendrick. He decided to leave them alone, for now, and turned to the unicorn when he finally discovered her location. Then, he charged the unicorn, giving her little time to react. In an instant, the unicorn was stricken by the Bull's horns, like a spear being pierced through her body. She stood paralyzed for a minute, and then collapsed to the ground. In one last hoorah, the Bull slashed the unicorn one last time, showing no remorse as her shine diminished until it was no more.

At the edge of the beach, Molly and Schmendrick broke down in tears for their beautiful friend. She was so brave, and did not deserve what was done to her. Sadly though, there was no bringing her back. As they wept, the Bull charged the two, though he spared them their lives. It seemed as if the Bull was plenty content letting them live with the trauma of watching their unicorn friend die as opposed to flat out killing them as well. Then, the Bull charged off of the beach, heading out to continue his reign of terror upon the lands he passed through. Traumatized, Molly and Schmendrick shuffled back to Arran to inform King Lir of the horrific news, their heads hung low.

King Lir sobbed upon hearing that the unicorn had passed. He ordered his soldiers that still remained to return to the beach and retrieve her body, so she could be laid to rest. Once her body reached the town, the citizens of Arran, along with Molly, Schmendrick, and Lir gathered around the lifeless unicorn. They spent all day excavating a large enough hole, and then lowered her into it. Everyone said their final goodbyes, then laid the unicorn to a peaceful rest. She fought hard, and showed immense bravery. Now, everyone just hoped she would be at peace, now that she was gone for good.

Once the unicorn's burial and celebration of life concluded, Lir stopped Molly and Schmendrick to speak to them as they passed through the town square. "Please, feel free to take up residence in my kingdom. I will be sure to keep you guys safe and well provided for. I owe it to a couple of old friends, who fought so hard to keep Amalthea safe. Let me know what you decide." Molly and Schmendrick conferenced for a bit, and then responded. Schmendrick said, "We greatly appreciate your offer, and would be happy to stay here. It seems like the safest one now."

Then, as night fell upon the kingdom, Molly and Schmendrick settled into their new home. The sky was glowing an eerie red hue as the Bull wandered the roads long past the kingdom, and the townspeople of Arran and nearby Saida were left to deal with the now indefinite unrest. Everyone wished for a better outcome, but had solace over the fact that the brave unicorn, who liberated her people, could finally rest.

THE END