Bittermint

Chapter 15

Author Notes: Long time no see~ Been a busy bee so I have come in this time of mystic and magic to update a long overdue chappy. Let's get started. I do not own Cinderella Phenomenon.

3rd P.O.V

What the hell was she thinking? "You ready Pepper?" Rather what were the both of them thinking? "I still say this is a terrible idea." The furry mammal could only nod in agreement. It would only figure that the one time her and Fritz would agree on something-they would be doing it regardless.

Still, she couldn't back out now. Not when this was something she could do. "Fritz is right, Lucette. As much as I appreciate you wanting to help me, there's too many things that could go wrong." Waltz wasn't wrong either. However, the two of them were the only ones who could do this.

Plus, it technically wasn't the most stupidest thing they could've done nor was it overly complicated. Have Rod sneak them through the underground passageway that only he knows (which would explain how he was able to meet Parfait in secret) then Lucette and Pepper search her room for Neverland.

By doing this Waltz would be free of his curse once and for all. Honestly, it was no wonder the witch hadn't had any luck in finding it. This whole time it was in the palace, specifically in Lucette's room.

It was kinda crazy how overall that tidbit of knowledge came to be...as well as the fact that Waltz was more familiar with Lucette than previously believed.

"You've said your apologies, great...but you wouldn't bother isolating me if that was all there was to it." All three were looking at her with wide eyes. As funny as it was how she was constantly startling them, she was not only tired of people underestimating her, but also wasting time.

If by some chance it was just for an apology, then she would leave. Frankly she would prefer being wrong just so she could end this quickly. However, her instincts were right on the ball as Waltz offered her a small smile while the two adults sighed.

Parfait took a step forward. "You're right. On top of an apology, we were wondering if we could ask you a few questions." Pepper crossed her arms, reluctantly taking a couch seat. "What do you want to know?" She would hear them out, but she promised nothing.

"Who are you?" The cursed fairy rolled her eyes. "I've told you time and time again who I am Delora, try again." She saw the brunette's eyes flash in irritation, only to be held back by Pepper's mother. She offered both sides a smile, easing the tension.

Meanwhile Waltz sat down next to Pepper. She was blaming him for all of this. "They want to know your background history. You're a fairy that was cursed. Though Delora would never admit it, both her and Parfait want to help you break it and reunite you with any friends or kin you have."

No. She didn't believe that, even if he did. "I have no one from my past to go to. I am Lucette's loyal companion and that's it. Even if that was the reason for being so noisy about my past, it is still my business and mine alone." Her gaze met his.

Her defiance shimmering through her orbs. "What if there was a tradeoff?" Confused, she raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?" The two adults were temporarily forgotten as Waltz led the conversation. Albeit his confidence waned for a moment as he shrugged.

"If you reveal your past...I'll reveal mine. You've been wondering what everyone's motivations and intentions are with Lucette right? How to better protect her? Well if Parfait or Delora cast a truth circle, there would be no chance of lying. Both of us could ask any question and the answer has to be truthful."

That was a risky thing for him to offer, for both of them. Arguably out of all the people at the tavern, he was the best one to go to for information. Maybe minus Karma on a good day, or Rumple when he wasn't flirting, Waltz was the most sociable.

He knew everyone and vice versa. She could ask him anything and he'd have a sincere answer for her. That...would also meant that she'd be in the same boat. If he asked anything in relation to her past, there would be no getting around it.

She would be in such a vulnerable position. "Very well." In the end, she would do whatever it took to help Lucette. "Really?" She would shove all of her concerns, reveal all her burned bridges and sins if need be to move things forward. "Yes. Let's get this over with."

Delora wasted no time setting up the circle. Pepper felt a tingly sensation as she sat in it, as if static was coursing through her veins. "So how do you want to do this? I'm assuming you've been thinking about this for awhile and have an idea in mind to make this not so awkward." The boy laughed at her before sitting across from her.

"We can go back and forth, asking each other questions and go from there. In all honesty I'm surprised you agreed to do this." At that the fairy sighed. "The way things were going, I wasn't getting far in answers. I've long run out of patience."

His smile grew. From the corner of their eyes, they saw Parfait and Delora getting comfortable. "Do they have to be here?" Waltz shrugged. "Is that your question?" His response came with a deadpan stare. "Was that one yours?" This was going to be a long conversation if this was how it would start.

The cursed male snorted. "If they make you uncomfortable, they don't have to. But Delora no matter what has to stay to keep the truth circle active." Lucette's adopted sister twitched her nose at that. She agreed to it.

"They make me uncomfortable for a lot of reasons. However...i've no doubt they'd learn what we've shared regardless. You may begin." No going back now. "Alright. Do you have any living kin or friends who you can go to?" Dammit, he had to start off with arguably the hardest of questions.

This was not going to end well. "Yes. My mother, but I have no desire to burden her with my curse." Waltz's mouth was open, more than likely going to continue, however Pepper raised her hand, stopping him. "My turn."

And she wouldn't be mean asking either. "Is there anyone you feel suspicious of or find it difficult to trust when it involves Lucette?" He smiled, one that failed to reach his eyes. "Yes, but I'd rather not say as of this moment since I have no proof." It was a fair answer, though still unsatisfying.

"Why don't you want to break your curse?" She hated this. Everything about this. Her lips trembled as she took a breath. Her words were, despite being the truth, were hard to force out. For her thoughts to come out properly.

She tried. "Because it won't fix me. It's easier, knowing people won't have to look at me-know me for who I was before my curse. I'm able to better focus on those close to me." That was the best answer she could give without going into full detail.

Next question-she continued with a breath. "Is Lucette safe at the Marchen to where I don't need to take her away or guard her?" Her next set of decisions relied on his answer. When they reunited-when they casted the curse on Lucette, she was too weak to protect her.

Even now she couldn't say she could fend off an army or a strong enemy. Still, there was no point in continuing this silly question answer conversation if the Marchen was no longer safe enough for them to stay.

"No matter where you go—danger will follow. Though I cannot guarantee that everyone here has good intentions, there are more allies than enemies here. We care about both of you. This is the safest place available." She accepted that.

She already knew it, but it relieved her that the others were aware of it. That they understood that her concerns weren't unwarranted. Perhaps...she could rely on them just a bit longer. Long enough for her to actually come up with a plan.

Time would tell. "Have you or Lucette seen a special box with a lock and key?" Huh?

to be continued

Author Notes: Gonna end it there. Ladies and gents I know it ends abruptly but if you know this game-you know exactly why this is important and it's the end of this little flashback that brings us back to the beginning.

Next chapter we'll be in the present, ready to continue onwards and...hopefully upwards. But that is it. Everyone thank you all so much for reading. If you like please feel free to fav/follow/review as it would mean a ton. Tchao for now