The Dreamy Café (IC)

[Yumetou]

Upon the southern shore of the Misty Lake, there is a building which should not be there. A modest structure, seemingly appeared overnight. While it was not unusual for a Youkai to create a home for themselves so rapidly, few had ever done so to open a business. The woman who owned the shop was certainly no Youkai, even if she was odd for a human...

The name of the café was likewise a mystery. There had never been a sign above the door announcing its name. There had never been an advertising campaign, or anything else which might have given away what the café was called. Yet across Genosokyo, everyone seemed to know it by one name.

 

The Dreamy Café.

 

The Café had only been open for two weeks. But already, stories of the strange little café have spread across Gensokyo. Human and Youkai alike exchanged excited tales of its entrancing food and savory drinks. Of rooms, which seemed to stretch and shift, vivid colors, unnatural geometry and of the...peculiar mannerisms, of its hostess. It is these stories, which drew you to the Dreamy Café…

 

From a distance, the building looked fairly banal. Certainly less imposing than the Scarlet Devil Mansion on the horizon. A small cottage standing on its own. The walls were warmed by the sun and inviting, surrounded by a small but colorful garden garden.

Beyond the door, was a wide room, a varnished mahogany bar forming an ornate oval. Stools set at regular intervals dotted the side of the bar. Empty of customers, save for a trio of fishermen on the far side conversing among themselves. At the center of the room, encircled by the bar, was a large oak tree, its leafy limbs extending to cover the wooden beams overhead. Colored lanterns hung from its branches, giving the space a mellow atmosphere. Against its trunk, there leaned a blackboard set with a menu. Though in lieu of names and prices were only pictures in chalk.

There was no sign of the proprietor of the shop at first glance. Though the moment your gaze shifted away from the bar, the figure of a young woman stood up from behind the bar. With her dark brown hair and magenta dress, she did not look particularly special in a land like Gensokyo. Despite her closed eyes, she seems to look at you quizzically. A pale hand rose, making her twin braids bob, as she gestured to the menu behind her.

 

Spoiler

 

 

[Juuni]

Aya: (hmm… quite the interesting place. I might be able to find some nice bits of news if I just sit and listen. Though it’s quiet now, there’s no telling of what could happen with anybody who walks in.)

*She takes a quick nod to the mysterious bartender and sits down at the bar.*
 

Aya: “Ah, I’m not in the mood for much right now. Thanks for the offer!”

*She opens up for notebook and begins to take in the noise of her surroundings, listening for anything from anybody that could draw someone’s attention. While waiting, she begins to outline articles, like one on the cafe, to pass the time while listening.*

[yankop]

*Kosuzu, after hearing about this "Dreamy Cafe" from all the rumors in the human village decided to check it out herself. As she's getting closer, she starts to move her head around, observing her surroundings*

Kosuzu: (This place seems a lot more normal that people make it out to be)

*She steps inside and sees Aya*

Kosuzu: (Aya looks like she's writing something, maybe she's focused on her work, I don't know if I should bother her right now)

*She ends up sitting at one of the stools, looking for a catalog or a menu to order from, but the closest thing to a menu was a blackboard with nothing but pictures. She kept looking at it, hesitating if she should ask someone for help*

[Juuni]

*Noticing Kosuzu, aya gazes wanders over to her as she sees her being a bit nervous*
Aya:(oooo, that girl always has some kind drama about her, I should keep an ear out. Let’s see what I can do to get her talking…. Ah, maybe I should order something to get another person chatting!)

Aya: “Hello, bartender lady! I’d like the item on the bottom right of the menu, the drink. Please and thank you!”

[yankop]

*Kosuzu after seeing that Aya stopped writing in order to order something, sat closer and decided to start a conversation with Aya*

Kosuzu: "Hello, Aya. How has work been? Bunbunmaru has been selling pretty well recently."

[Juuni]

Aya: “Oh, you know, the usual going about hunting for a good scoop. And we are currently sitting in the middle of possibly nice little extra article to put in. Though I’m a little underwhelmed so far, it won’t hurt to just review the place and leave it there. What brings you here?”

*As aya says this, she jots down another one or two details, like the drinks or the oak tree within the cafe*

[Yumetou]

As Aya declined an order, the arm of the stranger girl dropped to her side dramatically. It was hard to tell on a face like hers, but she almost seemed to be scowling. Before slowly, she sunk behind the bar once more. There, she remained silent, until Aya called for a drink, some sort of pink bottle, marked with a trio of Yen. A single arm lunged out from behind the bar, shooting a thumbs-up from behind the counter, before the proprietor emerged again.

 

As she emerged from behind the bar, walking purposefully towards the two, Kosuzu and Aya could get a better look at the owner. She was short, though not unusually so for a human. Beneath her long braids and the calm expression of her face, she wore a magenta dress, with a dark purple corset around her waist, and a jacket tied at the neck. Around her waist was a checkered length of cloth like an obi, which matched the tights she wore over a pristine set of buckled shoes.

 

Without a word, she placed the bottle in front of Aya. It looked like a pretty standard Japanese soda. Probably strawberry. Its small size (compared to American sodas at least) made up for by its unique taste. The fun sound of a colorful marble bouncing inside added a playful element to the drink. But as Aya looked the drink over, it was hard not to notice something wrong.

Bottled soda like this may have been a novelty in Gensokyo. But now and then, one would see a drink from the outside world. But while the bottle looked familiar, the label was definitely not written in any language of the outside world. The chaotic jumble of lines and curves vaguely resembled Katakana. But the way the logo looped around the label and onto the glass itself resembled no other bottled drink. Were one to turn the bottle around in one’s hands, the lettering just seemed to continue on, with no other writing visible. No manufacturer’s information or nutritional guide. Just the nonsensical name on the drink, looping around, until coming back to the front of the drink. Where the writing was different from when Aya first looked at it...

[Juuni]

Aya:(interesting, quite the set of characteristics for a seemingly normal soda…)

*She takes a furtive and quick sip of it and starts noting it’s characteristics, like the odd label and it’s presumed origin of the outside world, though she doubts it a bit*

Aya: “Thanks for the drink!”

[yankop]

Kosuzu: "How was the drink, did it taste good?"

[Juuni]

Aya: “It’s… something. I cant really put my finger on the taste, but it’s oddly familiar. Wanna try?”

*She slides it over in Kosuzu’s direction, still confused on what to even call the taste in her article.*

[yankop]

*Kosuzu after being hesitant for some seconds, grabs the drink and takes a sip*

Kosuzu: "You're right, it feels so strange yet so familiar. But it's definitely not bad. Maybe I'll order one myself"

Kosuzu: "Barwoman, I'd like to order the same drink please."

[Yumetou]

As the pink, translucent soda passed Aya’s lips, she would be met by the novel taste. It was a soft, bubbly drink. Sugar and strawberries flooding her taste buds. The soft aftertaste of cream with it. But there was something else in the taste. For the barest moment, her body would feel young and joyful again. The smell of fresh-cut grass stung pleasantly at her nostrils, and Aya felt nothing but childhood joy.

 

And then, it was over. The taste of strawberries and cream slipping down Aya’s throat, before it was gone…

 

Kosuzu took her own sip. Her own mouth met with the taste of strawberries and sugar. Though her nose would smell no scent of grass, she would feel a moment of happiness, less strongly than Aya had. As she called for a drink of her own, the proprietor gave her a thumbs-up. Reaching under the table, she picked it up. Walking around the counter. Before she set it in front of Kosuzu. The sound of glass on glass as the marble rattled inside.

 

It only waited to be seen, if the fresh drink would have the same effect on Kosuzu...

 

From behind her back, the matron of the coffeehouse pulled free two menus. Setting them down in front of both Kosuzu and Aya. Like the menu over the bar, the menus were plain. Lacking any descriptions or prices, each marked only with Yen. Instead, each had a pictograph, displaying the item for sale. Ayume knew both menus were identical.

Aya’s eyes however would find a menu sporting traditional Japanese cuisine. Sushi, udon and tempura mingled on the page. Most options were vegetarian, though the the occasional dish of chicken or fish appeared as well. Kosuzu’s on the other hand would display a number of pastries and sweets. Pastries fashioned after cats sat next to chocolate-stuffed croissants and colorful cookies. All begging to be ordered...

[Juuni]

Aya: (Hmmmmmm… many different choices, all the same style though. That’s another thing to note down.)

*She quickly takes a couple more notes and then looks back up.*
 

Aya: “I will have the tuna sushi please. Kosuzu, what are you interested in getting? There so much on here to pick.”

[yankop]

*After thinking about it for a bit, she decided*

Kosuzu: "I'll get some some of these croissants. Oh, and these colorful cookies. All of the seem delicious though."

*Kosuzu finished giving her order and looked back at her drink. She opened the bottle and started drinking, only to be met with a completely different taste. She was really surprised. After looking at Aya's drink and then her own, just to confirm that they were the same thing, she tasted it again. But the result was the same, she felt completely different. Immediately see started seeing older memories of hers, memories like reading books with her grandpa and her first time working at Suzunaan. See felt as if the memories were embracing her in warmth.*

Kosuzu: "Wow, how did this happen? Aya, did you also feel like you were relieving old memories when drinking this soda?"

Edited August 1, 2023 by yankop
bold text

[Juuni]

Aya: “Yeah, it reminded me of skies above youkai mountain, before I was a reporter and just flew above the mountain a bunch.”

 

[The_Trader]

*Yuyuko enters and takes a seat, waiting for someone to take her order

Yuyuko:"My, what a lovely place, its quite a shame Youmu had to run some errands, still I can not wait to see what they offer here!."

[Juuni]

*Aya looks over at yuyuko, smiles, and turns to the barkeep.*
Aya:*quietly* “Careful, that ghost can eat you out of this cafe. Some say she has an infinite appetite.”*as she says this, she giggles a bit.*
Aya:(As usual, I’m gonna keep track of all of this. Who knows, there’s already some interesting characters filtering in as I write.)

[MoeNwe]

Alice: "This must be the Dreamy Cafe, if I'm not mistaken."

Alice said that to herself as she entered the cafe.

[Yumetou]

Aya’s order was met with a nod from the hostess. Kosuzu’s order followed a moment later, acknowledged with a thumbs-up, before Ayume turned. Despite her closed eyes, she had no difficulty maneuvering her way past the tables and chairs. Every step from her polished red shoes giving a playful squeak. As she reached the bar, Ayume leaned over the counter, forced to stand on her tiptoes. For a moment, her feet wobbled as they threatened to leave the ground before she thankfully stood up. Sporting a tray in her arms. Upon this tray was the plate of sushi, lined up upon a linen napkin set with a woodblock print of a tuna. Beside it, a delightful array of cookies. Carefully arranged in a neat pattern. Steaming croissants sat nearby, a smaller plate carrying chocolate, jams, butter and even cheese.

 

Turning, their hostess carefully walked back towards the two. Her face serene and eyes closed, before she set the tray on the table. Kosuzu’s croissants came first, placed before her. Aya’s tuna sushi next, along with a pair of bamboo chopsticks. Before the cookies were placed on the center of the table. Satisfied, Ayume stood. Giving both a polite bow.

Aya’s advice thankfully did not seem to disturb the owner's expression. Though for a moment, a pulsing vein appeared on the side of Aya’s head. Vanishing in a moment as the hostess serenely turned, and made her way to Yuyuko’s table.

 

As Kosuzu bit into the croissant, she would be met with the taste of a fluffy, lightly-buttered pastry. With it, came a sudden flood of emotion. Momentary shyness, quickly replaced by excitement and happiness. Made all the stronger with her additions to the croissant. Aya’s sushi on the other hand gave a rush of authority and respectability, which flooded her body from where the fish met her mouth. There was reason to be frightened, yes, but she also had reason to be admired…

The emotions of both vanished as soon as they came. Kosuzu’s nervousness and Aya’s apprehension went first, leaving them both with only the residual feelings of shy excitement and authority.

 

As Ayume reached the hungry ghost’s table, she pulled a menu from beneath the tray. One which had not been there moments before. Passing it gently to Yuyuko, the noble lady of departed souls could see a line of traditional Japanese faire. Though as she flipped through it, the serving sizes became larger and larger, and the meals slowly more Western. Certainly not food expected at a coffee shop. A twelve-piece bucket of chicken with sides. A seventeen patty hamburger doused in cheese. An entire cooked pig. Those closed eyes stared down at Yuyuko, beads of sweat forming on her brow…

 

The arrival of another customer would normally have been a source of frustration for Ayume. As it was, Alice’s arrival was a rush of relief. The woman turned to face Alice. Eyes closed as she silently bowed in greeting. Ignoring the menu behind her as Yuyuko turned to the seventeenth page of what had been a one-page brochure. Without a word, Ayume gestured to a free table. A fresh menu sprung from beneath the tray, before she passed it to Alice. The food this time would be more European breakfast faire. Teas and coffees, pastries and mixed fruits.

She could only hope that Yuyuko did not notice the other three’s menus. A conversation about such large menus might bring up the differences in their menus, Ayume did not want to hear that conversation between customers again…

[The_Trader]

*Looking tensely at the menu, her eyes fixated on two dishes

Yuyuko:(This might take a while.......)

Eventually Yuyuko decided what her order was going to be be and called out the person who had given her the menu in cheerful and sweet voice

[MoeNwe]

Alice: "Thank you"

Alice took a seat at the free table then looked at the menu.

"And now, let's see………"

"I'll have this mixed fruits, please."

 

[Yumetou]

The room was calm and relaxed, though one would not think so looking at their hostess’s face. In the fine lines of her skin, around her seemingly neutral expression, impatience and nervousness melded together. Then, Alice turned, calling out her own order. In an instant, the spell was broken. Turning to the doll maker, the droopy-eyed owner gave a salute. Before she started for the bar. Attempting to clear it in one jump. With a little more ease than her thin arms implied, she airily did a split-hop over the counter. After vanishing behind it, she disappeared again, only to emerge with her order. The succulent fruits seemed to shimmer in the ambient light. Their hostess primly held her dish in one hand. Walking deliberately towards Alice, before setting the dish down before her. Fruits of many colors seemed to glitter up at her. There was a set of apple, peach and plum slices around the rim. Berries of every description in the bowl. Each with their own unique flavor from the hostess’s memories…

 

Ayume blinked. Or at least, that’s the closest thing a human would compare it to. With her eyes closed, the gesture was impossible. Though with the way her eyes seemed to scrunch shut and then relax, it was the closest comparison. The human leaned in towards Alice. Her closed eyes staring intently at the magician’s face. A single finger rose, before prodding Alice in her cheek.

The touch of skin against skin seemed to confuse her. Though before Alice had a chance to be subjected to any further mistreatment, Yuyuko called for the owner. Anxiety creeping back into the borders of Ayume’s passive expression. Slowly, she turned and inched closer. Though not so close the hungry spirit might grab her if the mood struck her…

 

The door opened with a gentle chime. In the doorway, there stood a young woman in a colorful kimono. Her dark hair accentuated by a flowery hair clip. Her dark eyes traced the room, as though inscribing it into her memory. Something which Kosuzu and Aya both knew, was very much what Akyuu was doing. She did not seem to catch sight of the two yet, giving them a chance to greet her.

[MoeNwe]

Alice was obviously confused for a few seconds by what had just happened. She stared at Ayume for a while as Ayume approached Yuyuko, then turned at the bowl of mixed fruits in front of her.

As she started having the mixed fruits, she was somehow reminded of her memories in Makai. Memories that hasn't passed her mind in years.

Her trail of thought was interupted by the chime, along with Akyuu stepping into the cafe.

[Yumetou]

Youkai Trail, an Hour Before

 

"C'mon, we couldn't have gotten all of them..."

 

A blue-haired figure murmured to herself, ankle deep in a running stream. Her white and blue skirt was hiked to her knees. A large knot keeping it out of the water. Nearby on the shore, a green-haired girl sat gazing at the flowers. Easing their blossoms open with a gentle touch. "We've been coming here for a week, Cirno. The rest of the frogs have probably run away by now."

 

The face of the first fairy scrunched, as though physically rejecting the idea. Before she looked over the stream, and the patches of ice formed nearby. Her mouth had only just opened to admit defeat, when a flicker of movement caught her eye. Walking along the path was a familiar face. A girl dressed in a white shirt and brown dress. Tiny wings fluttered as she strained to pull a wagon. With sudden excitement, Cirno stood up, waving as she took flight. "OI! Mystia!"

 

From her seat, Daiyousei smiled, following after Cirno. Mystia Lorelei raised her head wearily at the sound. Though the sight of her friends made her smile. One hand rose to wave back as she set down the wagon with a look of defeat. Daiyousei gave the Night Sparrow's expression a worried look. Cirno, in her typical fashion, failed to notice. "Heya Mystia!"

 

"What brings you out here?

 

Daiyousei asked, her eyes going to the cart. Mystia reached into her dress. Pulling out a kerchief she used to bat at her forehead. "Well...I'm not sure if you heard...there's a new restaurant everyone is talking about. I've been trying to compete, but this new owner seems to have everything...I've never even seen her come into the village. If this keeps up, I won't be able to sell anything in the Human Village anymore..."

 

"What?" The Ice Fairy gasped. Anger seeped into her face. Her small hands clenching as she did. "You can't give up Mystia! Your food is the best! Everyone says! This new girl? She has to have some dark secret! Humans always do. All we have to do is find it, and you have your Izakaya back."

 

"Its okay, really. I can just go back to blinding humans for grilled eels."

 

"Don't worry Mystia! We will find out what this human is hiding! Lake Fairy Crew for life!"

 

 

Present

 

Alice lifted the spoonful to her mouth, and took a tender bite. Instantly, her mouth was filled with the pleasant taste of fresh fruits and savory cream. At least, at first. For the barest moment, as her hostess turned to Yuyuko, the taste shifted. The fruit grew bitter, and the texture felt rotted. Then in a moment, it was back to the familiar taste. Looking down at her plate, she would see no sign of any moldy berries. But then neither did she see any sign of cream...

 

The window near her table suddenly gave a dull thunk as something collided into it. A flash of blue and white falling away. A moment later, a head of blue hair raised from the window's sill. Blue eyes staring intently inside, with all the subtlety of a frozen frog. Even from where she was seated, Alice could hear frantic whispers from the window. Three voices at least...

[MoeNwe]

Alice: *Mm? What are they doing at the window?*

Alice seemed a little bit puzzled looking at the window. A few seconds later, Shanghai floated towards the window and rested on the windowsill, staring back at the blue eyes.

(OOC: Sorry, I have been inactive for a long time. Life got in my way.)