I watched, eyes wide as both beasts collided. The force of Vespi's dive knocked both of them down, rolling in a screeching ball of claws as they disapeared beneath the ledge.

I listen closely and am slightly relieved to hear them still fighting.

Still alive.

I turn to Mid, who struggles to have his dirt bits of his leg piece together.

I grab him and with great difficulty, manoevure him up the wall.

I plop him on the ledge and fall back as well.

I peer down, seeking for Vespi's red figure and green wings.

I see glimpses of his scythe like tail dart at moments beneath the clouds.

Then I hear the roar again.

"Vespi! You can do it!" I called.

Then I saw them.

They gathered on a way lower ledge.

Vespi lay on his side, sides heaving, drained of energy.

The lion like beast approached him with claws unsheathed, ready for blood.

"Vespi, get out of there!" I screamed. "Vespi, you have to! Please!"

Vespi barely budged before falling back in a prickly heap.

The predator gave the equivalant of a smirk and he placed a clawed paw on Vespi's throat.

He dug his talons in, causing Vespi to yowl in pain.

A sound I haven't heard before. And I never want to hear it again.

Vespi wailed as the monsterous beast ripped at him, arks of scarlet splaying through the air.

"VESPI!" I shrieked. "Vespi... no no no..."

Mid held me as I cried, preventing me from toppling off the mountain.

"Vespi... why..?" I choked.

Then a familiar howl pierced the clouds.

Vespi stood, victorious over the lion like beast. The monster was splayed on its back, gashes raked all over its now bloody hide.

For once I was happy to see such a gory scene.

"Vespi! You..! How?" I smiled as he soared towards us.

"Hopelessness. Vespurti feed off hopelessness. So they often protect those often in danger." Mid snapped his fingers as the knowledge suddenly occured to him.

As Vespi settled beside me, I wraped my arms around the creature.

It was official.

He would come with us through the Publish button.