//------------------------------// // Coffee of Derps // Story: The Chef's cafe // by vincent789 //------------------------------// --------✴--------✴--------✴--------✴--------✴--------✴--------✴ Intermission --------✴--------✴--------✴--------✴--------✴--------✴--------✴ With Twilight so busy in Canterlot and with little to no time to work on her cafe. We turn our attention to the current duo that are now running her cafe. Ditzy Doo and Spike. Twilight has been away for little over a week now. And by then, Ditzy had plenty of time to relearn some of her old coffee tricks. But not only that, Ditzy's ability of selling the drink and food became better by the day. But due to the lack of their boss, the amount of ponies that visited were restricted to only those within Ponyville. And because the tourists only came for Twilight and nopony else. It made the days for Ditzy and Spike that much more relaxing. They would only get their regular guests and sometimes an outsider. Which was just perfect. Today however, marked the eight's day that Twilight was in Canterlot. And the rumors on her actions within Canterlot had finally made their way to the cafe. As the truth behind Twilight's disappearance finally came to light. "Wow." Ditzy said as she looked over the newspaper from Canterlot. The Canterlot Daily news agency hadn't released any news to other cities in years. But Twilight had requested their aid, so they also published outside of Canterlot because of it. Inside the newspaper, Twilight's actions inside the Lower Income district were highlighted and the actions inside the Industry District were also brought to light. This also included the Lunar Guard's unwilling involvement, and the mysterious Industry army of guards. Due to lack of information on the latter, there was not much on them. Other than their symbol. "I knew Twilight was strong..." Spike commented, "But this is something I didn't expect." He looked in shock at the actions that Twilight took. Ditzy then noticed one of their regulars approaching. It was Rarity. She immediately placed the newspaper away as she put a tray on her back. She placed a lunch and drinks menu on it and walked towards Rarity. "Good morning Rarity." Ditzy calmly welcomed. Rarity smiled at Ditzy as she took a seat on her favorite spot. "Good morning." As soon as Rarity took a seat on their chair and brought out an Canterlot Daily newspaper. Ditzy approached her once more. "How may I help you?" "Hm... Today I want an espresso with a small cup of clotted cream." "Very well. The designer special?" "Yes please." "Okay. It will be ready in a moment." Ditzy said as she wrote it down. She then calmly walked back to the machine and began making their designer special. While Ditzy was busy doing that. Rainbow Dash joined Rarity at her seat. And only moments later, Trixie also joined. And finally by the time Ditzy was done with Rarity's drink, Applejack also took a seat at the same table. "Good morning everyone." Ditzy welcomed. While the group replied to Ditzy's welcome, Ditzy placed Rarity's drink on the table in front of Rarity. "Could I see the menu?" Rainbow asked. "Of course." Ditzy said as she grabbed the menu off her tray and placed it in front of Rainbow. "Haven't ya seen the menu enough time by now, Rainbow Dash?" Applejack asked with a southern accent. "I have. But I know that this menu sometimes likes to change. So I keep my eye on it. What is the today coffee special?" Rainbow asked. "In favor of Twilight's actions in Canterlot. We have the Canterlot special. Which is a triple layered hot chocolate, white, milk, pure. With clotted cream on top." Ditzy explained. "That one sounds delicious. Let's go for that." Rainbow said. "I agree." Applejack said. "Mhm." Trixie said as she too agreed. Her nose was still deeply looking into books. But she overheard Ditzy's explanation. "Alright, three times the Canterlot special. Would you like anything else with that?" But everyone shook their head as they went back to chatting. Trixie gave no response. Satisfied, Ditzy went back to quickly begin constructing the special hot chocolate. While she did so, out of nowhere, Octavia suddenly made her way to the stage. As Ditzy was finishing up all three, she looked up, and was stunned in place when she saw Octavia sitting on the stage. A smaller bag next to her, her cello nowhere to be found. "Octy?" Ditzy asked confused as she used her nickname. "Yes, Derpy?" Octavia calmly responded in kind. "Why are you here so early? And why did you bring a violin instead of a cello?" Ditzy asked, Spike now also looked up as confused as Ditzy. "My cello... broke yesterday. Normally that would mean I would retire for a bit. But... I have been anxious to play some music." "Has it something to do with the industry district in Canterlot?" Spike asked. "Smart question. Yes. My... family is from Canterlot the industry district. Back when it was... popular. Nowadays they live in the noble district. But I hold that area close to my heart. When I heard of the trouble, it woke up some old memories. Good memories and bad ones." Octavia said, her eyes glossy as she looked into the distance. Ditzy smiled, "So you came to release some tension, right?" Octavia nodded, "Back in the industry district days, I was not a cellist but a violin player. Since a cello was simply too expensive, I practices on the violin first. Seeing Twilight's attempts at rescuing the district has made me anxious. So I will play a bit of my violin this morning." "Which song are you playing?" Trixie suddenly asked. "That song." "Ah! I recently learned that on piano, let me help." Trixie said as she took a keyboard out of nowhere. Trixie and Octavia then began playing the song that conveyed her current emotions over it. It was early so not many expected this to be played. But as it was played, the surrounding birds and ponies grind to an halt as they listen to the song. The only overlapping sound was Ditzy making more hot chocolate and Spike chopping some vegetables. These two were also listening, but their jobs took priority. Ditzy was still making lots of hot Chocolate and Spike was still very busy preparing sandwiches. Nonetheless, after the song ended, most ponies watching decided to take a seat at the cafe, resulting in an even busier day for Ditzy. Luckily for her, she has lots of experience with busy days. So for her, this was go time. Spike meanwhile finally finished making the mise and place for the kitchen. And just in time too, the cafe's lunch menu opens exactly at eleven O'clock in the morning. And it was one minute before that moment. He put some breads in the oven to preheat the breads. And he waited for the first order. Spike heard the crickets and birds again, since the song had ended. People on the streets were walking around again and he was waiting as per usual. Then the expected first order came in. Trixie had ordered a triple stacked grilled cheese sandwich. Which is basically just a hot sandwich. Which on the menu was called a "Tosti", which basically means the same thing. Just easier to put on the menu. This particular order he gets a lot, so he knew at this point on how to make it. First, he made two cheese sandwiches and put them into a tosti maker. While that is on-going, he prepares the plates. On the plate, he places a little gem* and a tissue to prevent the tosti from sliding on the plate while it is being transported. Spike watched as Ditzy effortlessly move from table to table. The cafe was full, and yet she felt no pressure. I suppose that is the difference between Ditzy and Twilight. Twilight was more of a leader, a pony capable in lots of things, but not a master in all of them. Ditzy meanwhile specializes in cafe work. From operating the bar to serving guests. She did it all truly effortlessly. It was really surprising to Spike, despite her poor eye-to-hoof handling, it's like a fish in the water. She just knew what and where without hesitation. Spike presumed this was due to Twilight's influence. Because that is what Twilight hadn't truly realized yet. When Spike looked at Twilight, he sees a leader and natural born one. One capable in leader a cafe such as this one to a great future. While her skills on the work-floor was lacking, her ability to move capable people around on the work-floor fast and efficient was her skill. Oh and cocktail master, that too was Twilight skill. It was then that he himself realized why he followed Twilight so easily. Not only does make friends really easily, but her ability to decide her own path was truly astonishing. It made him want to follow Twilight, because he realized whenever she is around, work is both fun and rewarding. But also curiously enough, adventuress somehow. Regardless, his focus returns as soon as his timer for the tosti maker goes off. He then quickly places a fresh piece of easily meltable cheese in on one of the two tosti and then places the second hot tosti on top, squeezing the cheese in between. This caused it to melt a little. He then placed the stack on the plate and hit the bell, signaling that the tosti was done. Spike then watched Ditzy grab the plate and quickly placed it in front of Trixie. Trixie lowered her book and placed on her back as she dug in. Ditzy meanwhile finally could rest a little, everyone has gotten something to drink and/or eat. She then turns around to Spike. "Spike can you grab another fresh apple pie? The one in the display is gone." "Will do." Spike replied as he quickly went to the back. As soon as Spike returns, he places it into the display. "Wow. That was something else." Ditzy admitted, "And our usual guests are still seated. Which is somewhat surprising." "Is it though?" Spike asked curiously. "You and I both know. They tend to sit there for about three hours before heading home. It's been..." She looks at the clock, "Five hours." Ditzy was about to chat more, when Applejack raised her hoof to signal her. "One moment." Ditzy walks over to the table, "How may I help you?" "Normally I would be home... But... Is there anything on the menu that you recommend?" "Depends on what you want. We have the special pony burger. A burger made for ponies. We also have a goat cheese with honey salad. That is also quite popular." Ditzy explained. "That burger sounds delicious. I want that one." Applejack replied. "Alright. Is there anything else I can help you guys with?" "Actually..." Rainbow Dash said, "Give me my favorite." "The rainbow greens salad. Alright." "Um." Rarity said, she was still seated oddly enough. Normally she would be home by now. "Give me the Shy special." "The carrot parade? Or the coffee variant?" "The carrot parade please." "One creamy carrot salad. Very well." "Uhm." An unexpected guest suddenly shows up. The group, Ditzy included, turns to see this new guest. It's Fluttershy. Fluttershy looks at Ditzy, "Ditzy... Is Twilight still...?" "I am afraid she is still in Canterlot. You have seen the news haven't you?" "No... I have been busy." Fluttershy said dismissive. "Here." Rarity gave Fluttershy her news paper, "I was done reading it." Fluttershy then quickly glanced over it all, until Twilight's name was on the paper. She quickly read it and smiled. "That's..." "Hm?" Rainbow Dash asked confused. "Sorry everyone. I will head to Canterlot. I think my services are required there." Fluttershy said, she quickly gave the news paper back and galloped home to get ready. "Am I missing something?" Ditzy asked confused. "Fluttershy is going to go and assist Princess Luna." Trixie spoke up, "She is her personal adviser. So, I think Fluttershy wants a word with Twilight. She has done some... work for the industry district in Canterlot. So she want to help her most likely." "Ditzy, can I get my night espresso please?" Trixie asked. "Okay. Anyone else want some drinks?" Ditzy asked and received head shakes. "Alright. It will all come in a moment." Ditzy typed the orders into the computer and begun to make Trixie's caramel double hot espresso with a hint of pepper in it. Spike meanwhile began making the cold dishes first while making the burger last. The carrot salad and greens salad got priority. Meanwhile the special burger was made on the sideline. As soon as Ditzy was done, she looked at the clock and realized, it was one hour before closing time. Ditzy immediately stopped taking orders. As this drink was the last. She then moved to deliver it. "This is the last drink and Spike's last order. We are going to close in an hour from now." Ditzy said to the group. There were the last. Most were done and got the tab while Ditzy was making Trixie's special. Making this group the last for the day. "Alright." Trixie answered on behalf of the group. "I wish you guys were open longer." Rarity admitted. "Without Twilight, that simply isn't possible." Ditzy admitted. "I know." Rarity gave Ditzy a smile. "She was in charge of the night time bar. I am aware." "Exactly. Well the food-" Spike's bell could be heard in the distance. She cut herself off and grabbed the plates and moved it to the table. "Is done and do eat calmly. After you are done, please head to the bar to pay." Ditzy heads back to the bar and begins to clean it up and lock up most of the chairs and table, while waiting for the last group to be done. She then just happens to look outside to see Fluttershy galloping to the train station to catch the last night train to Canterlot. After that she turn off the lights in areas of the dinning floor with no purpose. And assisted Trixie as she was the first to pay the tab for herself. She then waited some more, cleaning the glasses and emptied the display and giving the content to Spike, he put it all in the cooler in the back. Then the rest of the group was done and began paying their tabs for themselves. Ditzy then locked the terrace up. She closed the front entrance. Turned off the rest of the lights. She walked towards the kitchen to meet Spike. Spike meanwhile was done with all the closing up. "Here." Spike gave Ditzy her salary, "The money for the past week. You performed very well. I gave you a small ten bits bonus for that. I will see you tomorrow." Ditzy gratefully accepted her first salary income. "Thank you and of course. See you tomorrow." Ditzy then left the establishment and headed home. As soon as she was home, she made dinner for her two children. Put them both to bed. Before ending up alone at home, she headed to her bedroom and grabbed a bottle of spiced rum and poured some to herself. "Thank you Twilight. You have changed my life."