BitterMint

Chapter 4

Author Notes: I've been away from this story for too long but I am back baby! And with a boatload of chapters typed and ready to go...for the most part. Sen wants a bunch of stuff uploaded, but i still gotta edit lol. So let's go, I do not own Cinderella Phenomenon.

3rd P.O.V

There was no way to tell how long Pepper had been unconscious...but she knew from the moment she opened her eyes that several hours if not most of the next day had past. "What?" Sunlight was peering through a window-which is what awakened her to begin with.

She was back in her tiny, furry glory...and that meant her silence spell was back on. Which didn't matter right now since she was alone. In a place she didn't recognize. Gingerly she tries to stand up, only to wince and wobble onto her fuzzy bum.

"Ow..." Which of course meant she sat on her poor puffball tail. At least the little bundle of fabric underneath her cushioned her fall. But she would worry about that later. Right now she was more concerned about figuring out where she is, who saved her...and inevitably get out of here. "?"

That being said, more carefully she makes it back to her feet. Finding bandages covering from head to toe. A frown forms on her muzzle as she investigates the careful wrappings. Not too tight, not too loose...coated in some form of ointment.

The strange thing however was the scent. She couldn't place it but it smelled familiar, like she's sniffed it before. It was sweet, like pastry goods that Lucette would on rare occasions sneak her from-Pepper freezes in place at the sound of the door opening.

"Oh good, you're awake." Well...that most definitely explains the reason why she thought she recognized the aroma. She's never personally met him, but she's heard enough from her favorite red head to know who he is.

Tall, dark skin with bright white hair and equally bright golden eyes with a warm smile. She snorted, amused...it was no wonder the princess found herself attracted to him, he was certainly easy on the eyes. Even if he had a random bucket of...something(she couldn't see from her position what was in it.)

And if he was as caring and protective about her as the little rabbits been told...well Pepper won't complain if Lucette finds the courage to confess to him. Assuming she actually finds her. Leading to her predicament of trying to move while not hurting her tender wounds.

She takes a little hop, grimacing as she pads around. "Damn...this is not going to work." There was no way she was going to make an escape and search all throughout town like this. But...she has to try. Gritting her teeth she carefully heads to the edge of the soft blanket.

Only for big hands to gently grab her. "H-hey! What do you think you're doing?" Now in all honesty there was no point in her opening her mouth, he couldn't understand her since she didn't cast her telepathy spell on him. But ohhh was she ready to chew him out for startling her.

Doesn't he know rabbits were fragile, sensitive creatures!? Especially when injured! "Easy...I won't hurt you." However his gentle pets soothed the aches so nicely...without even meaning to she became limp, appreciating the tender touches.

Her behavior earned him a small chuckle. "Silly little thing. The princess would be upset if you got hurt further." Now THAT caught her attention. She tilted her head up, narrowing her eyes. Just how did he know about her? As far as Pepper knew, Lucette told no one about her.

"Start talking buddy." She had sharp claws and big teeth with his name on it if he didn't explain himself. He gives her a coy smile. "Oh yes, I know all about you. Pepper right? I remember seeing you the first night I was assigned as the Princess's knight. She didn't do too good a job of hiding you back then." Good boy.

It seems that even without being able to physically talk to him, he understood her loud and clear...guess he was more perceptive than people give him credit for. "I noticed yesterday how tempted she was to get a new little brush and snack that was safe for rabbits...she must love you greatly."

She most certainly did. They were sisters, sisters that would do anything to help one another...speaking of which. "A-ah no. You're not well enough to be moving about." It didn't matter. She would take whatever consequence needed, she had to get out of here.

Swerving and pushing, she struggles out of his light grip. "Success!" Landing gracefully she makes a beeline for the door. "No you can't go out there!" Only to be grabbed again. "Dammit!" She huffed at him, showing him her big chompers.

"Let me go or you become my newest chew toy!" His brows furrow, as if he could actually hear her, but she knew it was impossible. "You...must really be worried about her highness aren't you?" Her mouth slammed shut in surprise.

Honestly...she didn't expect that. "Last night there was an intruder in the castle, and the princess vanished without a trace. But no one remembers her, everyone was looking at me like I'm crazy." He smiles then, rubbing the top of her head.

A small laugh escaping him as he does so. "They'd still think i'm crazy if they saw me talking to a rabbit, but you seem smarter then most if your behavior was anything to go by, you were going after the kidnapper who took the princess didn't you?"

Technically...he wasn't wrong on any of those accounts. Though...it worried her that no one remembered her. Just what did Delora do to her? Obviously she cursed her, but for what purpose? Why now?

"I found you injured on the ground with sword cuts all over so I took you to my home. I have the day off today, so I thought I would clean you up and change your bandages one more time before going out to look for her." Not without her he wasn't.

This actually sounded wonderful. He could carry her or let her rest on his shoulder, preventing the whole moving problem she had. And that meant double the vision in their search for the missing red head. "Then hurry up and change my wrappings!" She lifted herself up.

Using her front pawns the pat his shoulder. Her silent squeaks and movements taking a moment for him to understand. "You want me to take you with me? Perhaps?" She was sorely tempted to roll her eyes.

They would have to work on this charade communication thing they had. Now...theoretically it would be so much easier using telepathy...but there were a few problems with that one. First-the guy would freak out and drop her.

Secondly, after the shock he would automatically be suspicious and start asking questions, questions she most certainly would not answer to him. Next there was the fact that casting spells in her itty bitty form took a lot out of her.

Frankly she didn't want to pass out again just to deal with the previously mentioned first and second scenarios. And lastly...that was a privilege to Lucette and Lucette only. Unless there was a dire reason or emergency...she wasn't going to destroy all of the secrets they had been building.

Nah it was much easier and better letting the knight think she was a highly trained and domestic pet bunny. Which was also still true. "I'm not sure if that's a good idea...you're still injured." At that little mumble Pepper silently hissed, practically smacking his shoulder harshly with her paws.

"If you don't want to get turned into lunch you better do it." Again and again she smacked him while giving him voiceless hisses. It was actually comical seeing his eyes widen in shock and his complexation pale. "Ok ok! Let's get you changed and we'll go." Good boy.

Immediately she stops, acting as docile as a lamb and he carries her to the table in the living room. "Princess Lucette trained you well...you most certainly understand me." Despite his words there was no suspicion in his eyes and he undid her bindings.

Both of them wincing at the red splotches found all over the inner layerings. But then he gives a small breath of relief as he shifts through her fur. "Looks like the wounds didn't reopen. Let's get you cleaned up a bit before patching you." Oh no...when he came in he originally had a small bucket didn't he?

Where did he? "He-hey! No! I don't want a bath!" It was COLD. Ohhhh she takes it back, she hoped this moronic knight gets rejected if this is how he's going to treat her. "H-hold still!" Bath water should ALWAYS be warmer then lukewarm and MOST DEFINITELY WARMER THEN COLD!

"Just wait you bastard...you're getting bitten for sure-EEK!" Her body twitched as he splashes her carefully. "I'm too old for this dammit!" This was the most insufferable thing she's ever had to endure and that speaks a lot considering all the stupid outfits her mother put her in as a child.

It's then that she remembers why she's in this terrible situation to begin with. A particular witch with an irritating smirk...Pepper swears, her claws itching as she gets another cup full of water dousing her frame. Once she finds her princess safe and sound...Delora is going to PAY for this humiliation!

to be continued

Author Notes: Honestly Sen and I were laughing rereading the last bits of this chapter. In general we love my new character Peppermint. I seriously wish I had known about that contest that took place back when they announced the new cinderella phenomenon sequel.

It would've been so cool having her in it-even if she took on a small role. But what can you do-I usually find a good game way late into its release and even then I don't usually get to play them because I'm broke. Anyways I'm ending this for now.

As always my friends thank you all so much for reading. If you like this series please feel free to fav/follow/review as it would mean so much to me. I'll see you all next time! Tchao for now~