Between The Pages

Chapter 24

Natsu wasn't sure how long he could stand traveling in this God forsaken bog. He was certain that if he had to inhale the stench any longer he would throw up or pass out.  

"I can't take this." He said. "How much further?"

"Not much." Lucy said. "We just have to get across this bridge and we'll be out of the bog."

"What a relief."

But when the three reached the bridge they were intercepted by something that came flying out of a tree. It was a small blue cat with wings.

"Stop!" He said. "Stop I say!"

"Wow a talking cat." Natsu said amazed. "And it has wings too. Does it fly?"

"I am not an it." The cat said. "I am a him and will be addressed as such."

"Sorry if we're intruding but we have to get across that bridge." Lucy said.

"Without my permission no one may cross."

"Oh come on man, have a heart." Natsu said. "We have to get out of this stench."

"Stench? What stench?" The cat sniffed. "I smell nothing."

"You're joking." Natsu said in disbelief.

"But I live by my sense of smell." He said. "The air is sweet and fragrant."

"You're nose blind." Erza said.

"So you say but even I was it wouldn't change anything. None may pass without my permission."

"Get out of the way." Natsu move toward the bridge but the cat blocked his path.  

"I'm warning you. I'm sworn to do my duty." Said the persistent cat. "If you do not heed my word I will have to use force."

"Yeah right." The young man laughed. "I practically tower over you. I'm twice your size and I lift weights. What could you possibly do to threaten me?"

But those proved to be a very poor choice of words because in that moment the winged feline leapt on to his face and started scratching and biting him all over. He started running about the area in a panic while Lucy followed after him and tried to pull the cat off. 

"Ahh! Get it off! Get it off!" He shouted.

"I'm trying to! Hold still!" Lucy said trying so hard to grab the cat but it moved too quickly for her fingers to even touch it. "Erza aren't you going to help?"

"Why would I help? I'm enjoying the show." The fairy said with an amused grin on her face. 

"You fairies can be so nasty!" Lucy scoffed before proceeding with her attempt to end this brawl between man and cat. "Here kitty, kitty. Come to Lucy. If you get off the nice man's face I'll give you a tasty fish."

"Really?!" The cat said excitedly and while he was distracted, Natsu knocked him off and sent him flying into the hollow of a tree.

"Are you okay?" Lucy asked Natsu. 

"I'll live. Stupid cat!"

"To be fair he did warn you." 

"But did he have to maul my face?"

"He did not maul your face. You're not even bleeding."

"Still I'm going to teach that furball a lesson." He said cracking his knuckles. "Where is he?"

"He's stuck in that tree over there." Erza said.

The hollow of the tree was very small and when the cat was thrown into it his head got stuck. His body wiggled and squirmed to escape but it was no use. He just couldn't get out on his own. So he started to whine and mewl in sorrow.