The master spy or Puss in the boot adventures

The way of the ninja 5, Part 97

The journey to the giant's cave was long and treacherous. Mer-mer and Shadow-cat trekked through dense forests, scaled steep cliffs, and crossed raging rivers. As they drew closer to the Rocky Mountains, the air grew colder and the landscape more barren.

At last, they spotted the cave in the distance, just as the witch had described. Piles of bones littered the entrance, a grim warning of the giant's savage appetite. The cats approached cautiously, their hearts pounding with fear and anticipation.

Inside the cave, they found the giant fast asleep, his thunderous snores echoing off the stone walls. And there, nestled beside him, was the magical pot they sought.

"We must be quick and quiet," Mer-mer whispered to Shadow-cat. "If we wake him, we're done for."

Stealthily, they crept towards the pot. Shadow-cat kept watch while Mer-mer gently lifted it, praying the giant would not stir. Inch by inch, they made their way back to the entrance, the pot growing heavier with each step.

Just as they thought they were in the clear, a massive hand shot out and grabbed Shadow-cat by the tail. The giant had awoken!

"Thieving cats!" he roared, his voice shaking the very ground. "I'll grind your bones to make my bread!"

But quick-thinking Mer-mer had an idea. "Oh great giant!" she called out. "We were only borrowing your pot to make you a delicious soup as a gift! If you let us go, we'll return with a feast fit for a king!"

The giant paused, his tiny brain struggling to process this unexpected turn of events. "Soup, you say? I do love soup..."

"The finest soup you've ever tasted!" Shadow-cat chimed in, catching on to Mer-mer's plan. "But we must hurry, for the ingredients are rare and quick to spoil."

Finally, the giant released Shadow-cat. "Very well. But be quick about it, or I'll have you both for my supper!"

The cats scurried away, the precious pot in tow. Only when they were far from the giant's cave did they allow themselves a sigh of relief.

"That was too close!" Shadow-cat panted.

"Indeed," Mer-mer agreed. "But we have the pot. Now to deal with that wretched witch and put an end to her evil once and for all..."

The ground shook under their feet, and Mer-mer and Shadowcat exchanged worried glances.

 "Do you feel that?" Shadow-cat asked, her voice trembling. "It's like a storm is coming our way."

But as the rumbling grew louder and closer, they realized it wasn't a storm at all. It was the man-eating giant, wearing his fast-walking shoes and hot on their trail.

"We need to find a place to hide," Mer-mer said, scanning their surroundings for any possible options.

 "Or maybe we can disguise ourselves somehow." Shadow-cat nodded, her heart racing with fear. "We have to hurry before he catches up to us."

They took off running, their hearts pounding in their chests as they desperately searched for a way to escape the approaching Giant.

They both darted their heads left and right, searching for a place to hide. Mer-Mer spotted a large tree with thick branches and quickly climbed up with Shadow-cat close behind her. She peeked through the leaves and saw the giant approaching, his massive feet pounding the ground with each step. 

"We have to disguise ourselves," Mer-Mer whispered urgently to Shadow-cat. 

With shaking hands, they used leaves and twigs to cover themselves, hoping it would be enough to fool the giant. But as he drew closer, they knew they had to think of something else before he caught them...

The giant's footsteps thundered ever closer. Mer-mer and Shadow-cat held their breath, hearts pounding, as he stomped right up to their tree.

"I know you're here somewhere!" he bellowed, his voice shaking the branches. "I can smell your fear!"

Shadow-cat glanced at Mer-mer with wide, terrified eyes. The leaves and twigs provided flimsy cover at best against the giant's keen nose. They needed a new plan, fast.

Mer-mer's mind raced. Then it hit her - the magic pot! Carefully, she lifted the lid just a crack. The mouthwatering aroma of stewed vegetables wafted out.

"Look over there!" she cried in her best giant voice, throwing it to sound far away. "I think I see them running through those bushes!"

The giant perked up, sniffing the air. "Aha! Good nose, me!" He turned and charged off in the direction of the phantom scent.

Mer-mer snapped the pot shut. She and Shadow-cat remained perfectly still, hardly daring to breathe until the giant's footfalls faded into the distance.

Finally, Shadow-cat spoke. "That was brilliant! I can't believe he fell for it!"

"He may be big, but he's no genius," Mer-mer said. "Now let's get out of here before he realizes he's been tricked. We have a witch to stop."..