A shadow fell across the cat's vision, and far too late, Luna's fur bristled with apprehension. Then a foot caught her across the middle and she heaved for air, the wind knocked out of her. The foot was withdrawn with just as much speed as it had flown at her, and two small, soft hands latched around her stomach, lifting her up. Oh, Luna hated it when people picked her up.
She forgot her irritation as she took in the apologetic face in front of her. It belonged to a teenage girl who had blonde hair done up in that familiar, distinctive style. Her blue eyes were wide and worried. No, it couldn't be! The princess?
The girl kissed the distracted cat, and Luna wrinkled her nose as the scent of morning breath assaulted her senses. Instinctively, she lashed out. As the girl squealed, she stopped, knowing if she started crying, Luna would never get anything done. She switched tactics, beginning to gesture frantically at her forehead, hoping the princess would pick up on her meaning.
"Oh, you want me to take the band-aids off? Okay!" she exclaimed, pulling them off with a flourish.
Thank the stars, she thought as her mind cleared. Her full mental and vocal capabilities were back. Luna jumped from the girl's grasp, ignoring her continued squawking and general panic, something about getting to school on time. She'd been hoping that the princess would be a little more responsible in her second life. Clearly that hadn't happened.
This mission was going to be more difficult than she thought.