By My Side

                                    

                                          


The mountain lion took a few small steps forward, its amber eyes fixed on me. I stood still watching it slink forward. What was I going to do? I couldn't run blindly in the dark. I could climb a tree? I mentally slapped myself. Mountain lions were amazing climbers. I decided to go with option one. Run blindly in the dark. 
Without a second thought I turned and started running. There was a answering scream and the Lion gave chase. I heard his paws on the forest floor, swift and soft. Several times I ran into trees and tripped over rocks and tree roots. It was impossible to see. No matter how hard I ran the mountain lion was always a few paces behind me. 
After a few minutes of running I started to run out of breath. Combined with the lack of food over the past few days I started to slow down. Looking around I couldn't tell where I was but it seemed like a clearing. I turned around and found the mountain lion behind. He lay on his stomach, tail swishing back and forth. 
I bent down and groped for a rock. I found one and threw it at the lion. It missed and the lion stood up. I backed away. I could dimly make out the large form stalking towards me. 
Suddenly there was a loud whinny from somewhere behind me. Turning around was a mistake. The moment I turned I heard the lion's scream and a large paw swiped at my shoulder, tearing my shirt and skin underneath. Blood poured from the wound and I gasped in pain. 
Three deep gashes ran down my shoulder. I slid to the ground clutching my arm. The mountain lion was few feet in front of me. I saw the canines gleaming in the darkness. I closed my eyes and prepared for the kill when I heard that whinny again. It was definitely Spirit. He galloped through the trees and reared up. 
The mountain lion backed up, his ears flat against his head. Spirit's eyes had this wild look in them and his teeth were bared as he pawed the air. "Spirit," I whispered. 
Spirit galloped towards the lion who swiped at the air. I grit my teeth in pain as I watched Spirit pound the ground a few feet in front of the mountain lion who had reluctantly backed away.
The lion turned and ran back towards the cover of the trees. Spirit gave chase. I lay against the tree breathing slowly. The pain was terrible. I had to stop the blood from flowing. I ripped a bit of my shirt off and tied it tightly around my arm. I stood up on my wobbly knees and squinted into the darkness for Spirit. 
I heard a few snarls and whinnies but everything was suddenly quite. "Spirit!" I called, my voice hoarse. 
I walked a few more feet before Spirit trotted back towards me. He tossed his head and slowly approached me. His nostrils quivered at the scent of blood. 
I'd never been so happy in my life. I reached out with my good arm and i rubbed his muzzle. "Thank you," I whispered. Spirit gently nudged my injured shoulder. "I don't think I can ride," I said. 
I was starting to feel a bit dizzy so I slowly sat down in the grass. Spirit stood still for a few seconds. Then he lay down beside me. I leaned my back against his shoulder as he put his head against my neck. His warm breath tickled my ear. "Thank you for not leaving me," I whispered. Spirit softly nickered. 

Spirit saved Kate from mountain lion, but she's badly injured. Do you think Kate will make it? Is Spirit going to take her home? I'd appreciate it if u guys voted, it motivates me to write.😊