The master spy or Puss in the boot adventures

The way of the ninja 14, Part 106

"You little pests!" she shrieked furiously as attempts to breach their barrier failed time after time.

"Okay, okay I admit it, you beat me. But remember you have one more task to complete... and then I will release you..."

"Can we trust you?"

"Oh, yes! You can. Give me the flower!"

The witch's lips curled into a wicked smile as she reached towards the flower. "Well done, my little furballs. You've managed to impress me—this time." She grasped the crystal flower with long, bony fingers, and for a moment, it shimmered brighter in her hands.

"But do you really think you're free now?" she continued, her voice dripping with malice. "Oh no. You still have one last task to fulfill!"

Mer-mer's heart sank once again. "What more can you possibly want?" he asked desperately.

"Tonight marks a sacred lunar eclipse," the witch explained gleefully. "To complete your service, you must gather moonlit dew from an ancient tree deep within this forest��a tree that only blooms under the light of an eclipse! And don't take too long; if you fail to return by midnight, your fate will be sealed!"

The witch cackled as she waved them away like pesky insects. "Off you go then! Tick-tock!"

With their spirits dampened but resolute, Mer-mer and Shadow-cat darted back into the forest. They recalled Kira's teachings about perseverance and teamwork; failure was not an option.

"Okay," Shadow-cat said urgently as they ran through the trees, moonlight filtering down through the leaves above. "We need to find that ancient tree before it's too late! Do you remember what Kira told us about tracking things in nature?"

"Yes! We should look for signs," Mer-mer exclaimed as they paused briefly to observe their surroundings.

They scanned the area for any clues, keeping their ears perked for sounds of life or anything unusual. Suddenly, Shadow-cat spotted an unusual flower growing at the base of a gnarled tree trunk nearby. Its petals glowed faintly in response to the moonlight—a likely sign of magical properties.

"This has to be it!" Shadow-cat cried out joyfully. "Can you feel that? We're close!"

Following her lead, they approached the ancient tree covered in shimmering leaves that sparkled like stars against darkness.

"There!" Mer-mer pointed excitedly at small droplets forming on its branches like diamonds waiting to fall.

"We need to collect them carefully." Shadow-cat nodded as she pulled out a small pouch from her satchel.

Together they set to work—Mer-mer deftly climbing up to gather dew while Shadow-cat held the pouch open below, her eyes wide with determination. As Mer-mer climbed higher, he felt the cool night air brush against his fur, invigorating him. Carefully, he caught the dew drops on his paws, letting them fall gently into Shadow-cat's waiting pouch.

"Just a little more!" Shadow-cat encouraged as she peered up at him, her green eyes sparkling with excitement.

But just as Mer-mer reached for the final drops, a sudden rustle in the underbrush sent a chill down his spine. He glanced downward to see a dark figure creeping closer—a lurking shadow of a creature known for its mischief, the infamous forest trickster.

"Beware of the Gremlin!" he shouted, instinctively arching his back in warning.

The gremlin's eyes twinkled with mischief. "What brings two little kitties to my domain during such a magical night?" it taunted, its voice high-pitched and mocking. "Naughty little creatures should not disturb ancient magic!"

Mer-mer scrambled down from the branches while holding tightly onto the last drops of dew. "We'll have no trouble if you let us pass! We just need this dew!" he pleaded.

The gremlin smirked mischievously, advancing towards them. "Ah! But that's where you're mistaken! I could simply take it for myself and use it to play tricks on your dear witch."

Shadow-cat stepped protectively in front of Mer-mer, her tail flicking defiantly. "You wouldn't dare! If it gets back to the witch that you stole from us, she'd make you into her next potion!"

The gremlin paused, considering her words with crafty eyes. "Very clever! But I'm not worried about that old hag," it sneered. "However, I would propose a little challenge instead—a riddle!"

Mer-mer's heart raced; another test would put their already limited time in jeopardy. Still, he nodded cautiously. "Fine! What is your riddle?"

"Listen closely!" The gremlin said with glee.

"I have keys but open no locks,

I have space but no room,

I have answers but no questions,

I sometimes make you laugh,

And sometimes I make you fume.

What am I?"

Shadow-cat's mind whirred as she thought rapidly. "A... a mirror ?" she guessed tentatively.

"Close! But not quite right!" The gremlin taunted further as it bounced around them playfully. Suddenly excited by its own antics, it hopped closer, grinning wickedly.

Mer-mer frowned thoughtfully. "Aha! It��s a clown!" he shouted suddenly.

"Wrong again!" The gremlin chuckled triumphantly.

Frustration bubbled within Shadow-cat as time slipped away from them. "No! Think simpler—think about something everyone uses!" She pondered aloud.

"A chest ? A book?" Mer-mer called back desperately as ideas raced through his mind.

Then suddenly it hit her—the trickster was playing with words and cleverness! "A joke book!" Shadow-cat exclaimed confidently.

The gremlin froze mid-laugh, its expression morphing into one of shock and grudging respect. "Clever kitty," it said slowly as a sly grin returned to its face...