"Tell me again why that thing is still coming with us?"

Mid grumbles, cautiously a few good steps away.

"Aww, he's coming because he's a wonderful litt- big guy." I smile.

The Wolf Bat gives Mid a sly look.

Mid scowls.

"You know... I think I know what he is. Though... in this book the idea isnt fully solid yet." Mid says, in thought.

"Well, what is he?" I ask.

"A Vespurtus. A Bat Wolf." Mid replied. "Ah... aggressive, killer beasts who can chew through metal, wood, and... hope?"

I looked back at the Vespurtus, who was walking beside me, tasting the air.

"Well, isnt that interesting." I say.

"You're still going to keep it?!"

"Why not? Vespi is adorable!"

"How is it adorable! Its a killing machine- wait, did you just name it?"

"Yeah."

"Wh...But... bah, whatever."

I laugh at his reaction, and he scowls.

Vespi perks up his big bat like ears, swivelling them in all directions, as if catching sound of something.

He barks, leading us to whatever he's heard.

We emerge from the now silent wood, finding a large river cutting through. The other side lies a roll of fields.

"Well okay, I guess we found our way out." I muse.

"Thanks Vespi." I chirp, scratching his neck.

He gives a toothy grin, looking in Mid's direction.

Mid shakes his head in disbelief. "Okay, well, how are we going to cross? Its at least twenty meters long. And the current is too strong to cross."

Vespi cocks his head to the side, casting Mid a look as he unfolts his leathery bat wings. Really?

"Oh no, I am not riding that thing over this river!" Mid protested.

I look at Vespi and shrug. "Alright."

Vespi bends down, allowing me to slip on, holding my arms around his neck loosely.

With a howl, he beats his wings, taking flight.

Exhilleration fills my being as we glide a few feet above the water.

The speed, the wind blowing my blue hair to the back, makes me feel alive.

He settles, letting me slide off.

We're on the other side.

"Alright, Vespi. Bring Mid over, okay?" I whisper.

The Vespurtus grins, raising his wings and glides back over.

"No no no, I said Im not! Im not riding on that- w...wh...HEY WHAT ARE YOU-"

Vespi doesnt land. He swoops down, grabbing Mid around the arms in my paws and veers to the side, flying back over the river.

"AAAAAAAAHHHHH" Mid screams, legs flailing at sudden flight.

Vespi lets go near the bank, causing him to lamd, rolling lightly, joining me on the other side.

"I said I didnt want to ride your Vespurtus!" Mid whines.

"And you didnt. He carried you over." I smile, turning towards the fields. "Lets go."