Running out of luck

Mercury was up early, or well, he hadn't slept at all but rather stayed inside. It was unlike him to stay in one place all day, especially when it was inside. But he did it anyway. He hadn't felt like he could plaster that same smile on his face again, so isntead of tortureing himself he had decided it was best to take some time for himself. But as the sun was going down he couldn't help but feel itchy, eventually deciding that he could go outside for a couple of minutes.

Those minutes had now become an hour and now he didn't feel like going back inside. Instead, he just walked around the forest aimlessly, listening how the birds were winding down and how a certain silence fell over the leaves. Only a few more hours left and the stars would be out. He could watch them again. But it wouldn't surprise him anymore, knowning that it would look exactly the same like yesterday and the day before and the day before that. No, Mercury didn't need the stars at this moment. He needed company. And what better company than.. a cat!
Mercury stopped dead in his tracks, a soft gasp escaping from his mouth. The poor fluff. Even from this distance, Mercury could see this kitten was not doing alright. ''Hey little guy.. or girl.'' He didn't know what this kitten was and what it was doing here. But it needed help. The vampire crouched down, slowly getting closer. ''What's up with you? Are you hurt? Where are your parents?'' Mercury asked as if this small kitten could answer him. Maybe he could. This world was filled with magic. Who knew?

The kitten hissed. Okay, so it couldn't talk. Scratch that off your list with hopes and expecations. But not all was lost, because the kitten was still hurt. And Mercury couldn't leave it behind like that. That would be utterly barbaric. The vampire stopped in his tracks, even taking some distance. ''Hey, don't be scared. I'm here to help. Don't worry.'' He tried again, reaching out his hand so the kitten could sniff it. ''I would've brought treats if I knew you were here, but you know.. I'm not like Juno. I can't see the future.'' He spoke, rolling his eyes. Mercury was just here to help, seeing this kitten here almost saddened him. No one deserved this, human or animal. ''But I can try and make you feel better?'' He spoke softly, a sheepish smile on his face. Please little kit, just let him help. Mercury only meant well, as usual. But now, now he meant extra well.

Of course Mercury could just grab the cat and make a run for it, but the last time he had done that he had to visit Apollo because his face had gotten all scratched up. Rather not. So, instead, Mercury tried it with words. He was good at talking, right? He could easily push people like Minerva over the edge, so why not try it to lure a kitten out of hiding?

It seemed to work. The kitten wriggled itself out from under the root and immediately, Mercury saw the blood. Worried, he started from the root to the kitten and back. ''Oh no, that does not look good.'' He mumbled to himself, picking up the scent of the blood. He had fed already, so this wasn't driving him mad, but pleasant was different. ''Who hurt you, little one?'' The vampire sounded concerned, a frown laying on his face. Oh, he wanted to help so badly, but only if this kitten would let him.