The master spy or Puss in the boot adventures

The way of the ninja 15, Part 107

The gremlin's eyes twinkled with a mix of surprise and newfound respect, but its mischievous nature lingered just beneath the surface. "You are indeed clever, little kitty," it said slowly, conceding the challenge. "But don't think that will save you; I do owe you a reward for your wit."

Mer-mer and Shadow-cat exchanged a hopeful glance, their hearts still pounding from the near encounter. "Will you let us pass?" Mer-mer asked cautiously.

"Indeed! But I cannot simply allow you to leave empty-handed," the gremlin replied, scratching its chin. "You may take your dew, but you must also promise to tell me a joke in return!"

"A joke?" Shadow-cat asked, her brow furrowing in confusion. "We don't have time for that!"

"Ahh, but that's the price of safe passage through my domain," the gremlin insisted, crossing its arms defiantly.

Mer-mer sighed, knowing they had little choice. "Alright, we will do it," he said reluctantly. "Just let us gather the dew first."

With a wave of its hand, the gremlin stepped aside as they quickly collected the final droplets into Shadow-cat's pouch. The moonlight shimmered against the dew like liquid silver, and their spirits lifted knowing they would soon be one step closer to freedom.

"Now then!" The gremlin clapped its hands together eagerly. "What joke do you have for me?"

They exchanged glances once again. Mer-mer thought hard—he had never been particularly good at telling jokes. But then an idea sparked in his mind. "Alright, how about this one?"

"What did one wall say to the other wall?"

The gremlin raised an eyebrow skeptically. "I don't know."

"I'll meet you at the corner!" Mer-mer finished with a grin.

At first, the gremlin stared blankly before bursting into laughter that echoed through the trees. "Oh, that's a good one! You two are amusing little furballs."

"Now can we go?" Shadow-cat urged impatiently.

"Of course! You've passed my test and entertained me," said the gremlin with a wave of its hand. A path illuminated before them as if guiding them back toward where they needed to be.

"Thank you!" Mer-mer called as they rushed past the delighted trickster.

As they sprinted away from danger and back toward the witch's lair, adrenaline surged through their veins. Finally arriving at the barn just as shadows began stretching ominously against twilight's descent, they could feel their hearts racing.

The witch was already waiting by her cauldron when they stepped inside, her eyes narrowing as she caught sight of them clutching their pouch filled with dew.

"What took you so long?" she snapped impatiently.

"We faced challenges along the way," Shadow-cat replied defiantly though her voice trembled slightly. "But we gathered what you asked for!"

Mer-mer held out the pouch carefully. "Here is your moonlit dew."

The witch peered inside with narrowed eyes before breaking into a wicked smile that sent shivers down their spines. "Very well! You have done well... but don't think I won't test your limits again."

Both kittens exchanged worried glances but nodded resolutely nonetheless;

they knew they had endured much worse and could face whatever the witch had in store next.

"Now, as promised, you are free from my service," the witch declared, her voice dripping with mockery. "But the price for your freedom will not be forgotten, little furballs."

Mer-mer felt a knot tighten in his stomach. "What do you mean?"

"I have seen your bravery and wit, but I am a witch of my word," she said, waving her hand dismissively. "However, should you ever find yourselves in need of magic again... remember this moment."

With that ominous warning hanging in the air, the witch turned on her heel and vanished into a cloud of smoke, leaving behind an eerie silence.

"Is it really over?" Shadow-cat whispered, her voice filled with disbelief.

"I think so," Mer-mer replied slowly, still clutching the pouch tightly as if to anchor himself in reality. "But we mustn't let our guard down; she may return when we least expect it."

Just then, a soft, warm light began to emanate from the Heartstone resting close to Mer-mer's chest. The light pulsed gently as if responding to their relief and newfound freedom.

"Look! It's glowing!" Shadow-cat exclaimed with wide eyes. "Maybe it has power left to share with us!"

Mer-mer nodded thoughtfully and held it out before them. "What if we use it to protect ourselves? We can harness its magic to keep us safe from the witch."

As they stood there, channeling their hopes and wishes into the Heartstone's radiant glow, they felt an overwhelming warmth wash over them—a bond stronger than any spell or enchantment.

Suddenly, the barn doors creaked open at the slightest breeze, revealing a night sky filled with twinkling stars and a shimmering moon overhead. The surreal beauty of the night seemed to wrap around them like a comforting embrace.

"We did it!" Mer-mer laughed joyously. "We're finally free!"

Shadow-cat jumped up excitedly. "Let's leave this place behind! Kira is waiting for us in Twilight Valley!"

They made their way outside into the cool night air, hearts racing with triumph and anticipation of reuniting with their friend. With newfound energy coursing through them from the Heartstone, they dashed through the woods toward home.

As they journeyed further away from the witch's lair and into familiar territory, laughter bubbled between them like sparkling water—each moment felt like pure magic.

But deep in those shadows left behind by their trials lay whispers of something still unfinished—a lingering promise that echoed within Mer-mer's heart.

"Do you think she will come after us again?" Shadow-cat pondered aloud as they reached a glimmering stream.

"I hope not," Mer-mer replied thoughtfully as he gazed at their reflections dancing in the water. "But if she does... we'll face her together."

With renewed resolve shaping their path ahead, they crossed the stream beneath shimmering moonlight—two brave souls united against whatever darkness may still threaten their newfound freedom.

And so continued their adventure—one marked by friendship, courage, and an unbreakable bond forged through trials that would forever change them both.