500 Words 2023: read a finalist's story from the 8-11 category

<500 Words< Finalists< 8-11

This story was chosen as a top 50 finalist for 500 Words 2023.

Remember, spelling, punctuation and grammar are not taken into account for a 500 Words story, therefore all the top 50 stories have been published how they were submitted.

The Unicorn by Ellie R.

Greg was definitely a unicorn, who happened to live with a family of goats. Yes, just goats. 'It's odd, eh, Doug, that everyone says I'm a goat when I'm actually a unicorn!' He mentioned to his brother Doug one sunny afternoon. 'Uh hmm,' Doug responded, 'very odd…' You see, Greg was born with one horn and an optimistic disposition. He believed he was a unicorn, even though he currently lacked magical capabilities. Each morning, he was up and ready for a new chance to try out his magical powers. Today was no exception. Before Doug could even blink his eyes, Greg was prancing around the emerald grass and skipping, thrashing his one horn about. He danced and danced, until he broke out into a rich jump, and then… Skrrrrt, crash, bang! Greg crashed into a trough, tipping it over trapping him inside it with a mouth filled with hay. Doug skidded to his aid. 'Whoa, thanks bro,' Greg said, spitting out some hay. Doug winced and hoped no one was watching.

Greg never listened to him.

The next morning, they woke up to a loud buzzing sound. They looked over the hill to the forest. Greg gasped. Chop. Chop. Chop. The wood creaked. The forest was disappearing. Greg and Doug exchanged looks. Suddenly, Greg jumped out of the barn, running over the hill. 'Wait!' Doug yelled. 'Don't worry Doug,' replied Greg. 'My unicorn magic will save the forest!' Doug rolled his eyes and ran along hesitantly.

They entered the forest. Axes were swinging and chainsaws were buzzing. Doug ducked for cover to dodge the blades but Greg kept running past the trees. 'Wa- hold up!' Doug called but he was silenced by the roar of the blade. Greg must have heard because he swung around and ran to him. Doug gained courage and galloped with Greg until they reached a clearing. Greg began trotting and straining his horn, trying his magic once more.

Then his jaw dropped and his eyes widened. There it stood gracefully, behind a bush, its hooves buried in the grass. Sparkles flew out of its horn and the unicorn did its magic. A rainbow grew over the forest as the trees magically sprouted. They gasped.

"Well that's my job done. You can thank me later, bro…" The unicorn reared majestically and fled into the distance.

When they returned from the forest, Greg was greeted by all the farm animals. They cheered loudly and lifted him up in the sky chanting his name. "Wait, no! It was the other unicorn!"

Nobody listened to him.

They continued chanting his name. They seemed to be blinded by surprise that the forest had grown back.

"I'm sorry I was so selfish." Greg said sadly to Doug.

"You saved my life, and you helped save the forest. I think that unicorn saw something magic in you." Doug replied with a wink.

From then on, Greg started to listen more, and he didn't need to use his 'magic' again, until…

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