Bittermint
Chapter 9
Author Notes: It's the new year and that means we're hitting it off with a bang! Chapter uploads up the wazoo~ All of my stories are getting an update. Starting with my bitterest of mints! I do not own Cinderella Phenomenon.
3rd P.O.V
It didn't take long for the sun to descend, but the full moon, much to Peppers annoyance was taking its sweet time reaching the center of the night sky. But after waiting another long month, she could wait a few moments longer.
Quickly she takes a glance towards her left, her ears drooping sadly as Lucette lays fast asleep. In all honesty she wasn't surprised to see the girl clonked out. Though the princess was at this point used to running around the tavern and working, there was no getting used to being tired.
A shame considering the both of them had been looking forward to having the opportunity to actually talk and go raid the kitchen... "Nothing I can do I suppose." That wasn't going to stop her from going downstairs to cook up a little something special for her surrogate sister.
At the very least she couldn't be kicked out this time(if there was anyone downstairs at all. With it being so late, everyone was probably fast asleep.) for her little shedding issue. Taking one last glance, her now human expression softens.
"Get some rest Lucette...if anyone earned it its you." With one final sigh, Pepper quietly steps out, unsure how she feels about how empty it feels without the usual chatter that comes from the daytime.
Well it made it easier to maneuver. There was no one to stop her as she scurried her way towards the kitchen. "We're running out of time." Or so she thought..."What do we do then?" She paused the moment she hears voices, immediately making her hide next to the entrance.
This makes things a bit complicated...here she was figuring all these people at the Marchen would be snoozing away. "Maybe we should just tell the truth?" Now what? She couldn't just walk in and reintroduce herself. Not with what sounded like an important discussion going on in there.
But her face pinched in frustration. There was something she wanted to do dammit and the kitchen was where she could make it happen. Frowning she shakes her head, disappointed. Looks like she'll have to do this during the next full moon.
Because there was no way she was going to be wasting what little time she had in human form on them to wrap up their little talk. However she didn't get far in returning to her and Lucette's room as she felt something pressed against her back.
"Don't move." Now that voice sounded familiar. "I don't know who you are or what you're doing here but it's not wise sneaking around guards." Color her impressed. It seems Garlan isn't some foolish knight after all.
He was actually able to be intimidating. "I have questions that you will be answering." Who knew? "And if I were to decline?" Her smart ass comment made him add just a bit of pressure, the tip of his sword right at the center of her back.
It was cute how he thought THAT would get him what he wants. "It's not in your best interest Miss." And the prick was loud enough to alert the others that were in the kitchen. "Garlan what's going on?" That was definitely Jurien. "Sir Garlan who is that?" And Fritz.
Well...this was a bit of a pickle. "I don't know, but I intend to find out." Three knights were here, along with at least as far as the voices go, Waltz and Karma. "Mind putting down the sword? You're not doing a very good job in convincing me to cooperate."
Pepper couldn't help sounding indifferent as she released a huff. She's been on the verge of death on so many occasions that facing such danger wasn't even a bother. It was why she was capable of recklessly diving to protect Lucette after she was cursed.
If there was anything she truly feared it was losing the young princess. "Who are you?" Pepper rolled her eyes. "Put down the damn sword, I mean no harm." This was so cliched and annoying. She was unarmed, and though a fairy, had shit magic.
Suspicious person or not Garlan should be able to tell that she was no threat. "I'm getting sick of your attitude. Last chance before I actually get serious." Her eye was twitching...she takes it back, a fool through and through.
"Wait...Pepper is that you?" Leave it to Waltz to figure it out. "Waltz what in all of Angielle are you talking about? Pepper is a rabbit!" Her back was still turned so she couldn't see anyone's expression. Let alone the looks they were giving each other.
But she could hear the shifting of fabric. "Lucette told us Pepper was cursed ages ago remember? She didn't tell us the curse but it would make sense that she has a human form. Besides I recognize the outline of magic surrounding her. It's the same."
There was still some skepticism behind her. But she could fix that, no problem. "If you weren't on my shit list before for constantly making a mess of the tavern floors-you most certainly are now." Now THAT got him to freeze in place. Any doubt the knights and Karma had before was gone.
None of them prepared when Pepper swiftly turned around, her eyes blazing as she knocked the blade to the side with her palm before giving a nice punch to the male's cheek. Sending him flying to the ground.
"Well there goes my promise of making nice. Though in my defense there was a sword pointed at me...all's fair I suppose." Jurien was glaring at her now. "A bit much don't you think?" The two women have a stare down even as the blond warrior helps her companion up.
Neither flinch or falter. "No. Again, sword was on my back. I was just going to go back up to Lucette's bedroom when I saw the kitchen already occupied. You got a problem with that?" Apparently Jurien did as she scowled.
Looking like she was ready to start a fight. If not for defending Garlan then because she really wasn't liking this form of Pepper. But she was essentially held back by Karma who was looking curious at this new form. "Pepper dear, I must say you look radiant. Why don't you transform more often?"
She could already see what he was up to. Even if she wasn't reduced to wearing rags, she knew his compliments were empty. No, the cross dresser was trying to make her break her guard and reveal more about her curse.
A bit rude considering how hush hush he keeps his. But considering how on edge everyone here is, they had a right to be weary. "I don't do it because I can't." She had promised Lucette that she would try to get along with these people.
The past month she's seen them more or less as quirky individuals with flaws to be sure, but like she suspected harmless enough. Even if they didn't like her, they at least liked and respected her favorite red head, and that was enough for her. "You can't?"
Pepper nibbles her lips for a moment, turning her gaze to the moon. "I only get one chance each month. On the night when the full moon ascends to the sky." Her raggedy dress sways as she walks to the window. "I was cursed with the Swans fairytale." It was a more obscure story.
It could hardly be compared to The Little Mermaid or Cinderella in terms of popularity. Which made sense since it was one of Hans's first ever pieces...so she wasn't surprised when Fritz asked what happened in that particular tale.
"In the story eleven royal brothers are cursed as swans by their wicked stepmother who was a witch. They changed into humans during the night, and forced into swans at dawn. Their sister risked her life to break their curse by vowing silence and making eleven magical tunics out of a very sharp stinging nettle."
There was far more to it than that. So much was skipped. A bitter smile came to her as she thought about Cocua and how absolutely enraged she would be hearing her short version. If she could the short witch would crawl out of the grave just to lecture her before telling the story the right way.
But that wouldn't happen, and in any case, they didn't need details. They had all they needed to know for the context explaining why she could transform under such specific circumstances. Her smile grew to amusement as she locked gazes with the individuals around her.
"When I was cursed I was forced into a weak, harmless rabbit. I don't need a magic tunic but apparently 'three will set me free'. Until then I only get one night to stretch my legs and make use of my thumbs."
There's a moment of silence as they stared at her. But Jurien was the one to ask. "Why are you so unconcerned about this? Don't you want to break your curse?" That was the reason people flocked to the Marchen after all.
To mingle and find comfort among company while trying to free themselves. "No. Honestly I was fine with my curse. It was my punishment and I had no motivation to do so. But...I'm pretty sure you can guess how I'm able to walk and talk like this with you to begin with." Waltz already knew.
A soft smile forms on his face as realization takes form. "It was Lucette wasn't it?" At that they finally see her relax, resting against the glass as she sighs. Her own expression not so harsh or suspicious. Wouldn't have been able to guess she punched a knight five minutes ago.
"Lucette is often misunderstood because she doesn't know how to act around others. But she was the only one to care for me even after knowing what sins I carry. She was the first and as it stands only one that wishes for me to return to my true form without any burdens."
It was because of the girl that she even came down here tonight. "That girl carries so much insecurities and sadness. But no one really cares, they assume she's unfeeling because that was how she was taught. To hide her weakness so she's not taken advantage of." Within an instant her eyes turn cold.
Revealing a predator. Hidden in yet another innocent looking shape. No one there was sure which version of Pepper was more malicious and intimidating. The fluffy innocent looking rabbit that was the size of a letter.
Or a girl that looks like she's lived in poverty all her life. "For years I have been her protector and unwavering companion, trying my hardest to get her to see the world in a less than pessimistic light. But all that effort was ruined by Delora." Oh yeah, she still held her grudge.
"I don't really care about my life, I don't give a damn if I were still forced onto all fours for the rest of my existence. But that girl's happiness? It means everything to me. And thanks to Delora she more anxious and paranoid than ever. Wondering what sick bastard will ridicule her or try stabbing her in her sleep."
It's happened in the past. The latter being rare instances, especially when Fritz became her personal knight, but it still happened. The hardened expression he wore, showed he knew exactly what she meant. There were close calls, calls neither he nor Pepper ever wanted to see again.
"Some of you may not have any ulterior motivations for interacting with her. But I also know there are some that do-and I KNOW you all are hiding things from her. For your sakes...you best pray that it doesn't bring her harm." If she was ever forced to fight...she'd probably lose.
Oh sure she'd do some damage, but she was no skilled swordswoman or master spellcaster. Still if she's going to die, she wouldn't go easy. And judging from the tension in their frames, they knew it. The question right now however...is whether or not it would come to that.
For now no as Pepper sighs. Fixing her hair so that it didn't block her vision. "Now that this lovely little chat is done and over with can I use the kitchen? Or am I barred from that regardless of what form I take? I only have a few hours...so I would like an answer without me having to wait too long."
to be continued
Author Notes: I have officially given Garlan ptsd-he'll never look at a rabbit the same way again lol. Actually that's probably the whole group as a whole-but he's the most scarred and scared. Bonus.
Sadly for me that is it for now my good friends. Thank you all so much for reading the story. If you like it please feel free to fav/follow/review as it would mean a ton to me. See you all next time-tchao for now.
