Hello everyone.
This chapter does not have so much action, but I want to give the feeling of
things moving (at
their own pace, maybe, but still moving) and that although the center of
attention of the story
will be Rémy and Ukyo, several things outside their control are happening. So,
if you feel like
C&C-ing this, I would very much appreciate your thoughts on this and whether
this chapter achieves
it.
-WD
The Secret of Ukyo: Food and Love
Chapter 2
By Wanderer D
So
where did you go last night? Nabiki asked as her friend zombied her way
through the streets.
Needed walk
took a long air. Ukyo mumbled.
Right
incoherence aside
Nabiki sighed and walked inside a building,
followed blindly by Ukyo.
This is our first stop. Nabiki motioned around. It has a nice view of the
Seine, and space for
tables outside.
Ukyo groaned and shook her head, awakening a bit as she took stock. Well
we
have enough space
for around twenty tables in here
plus around five or so comfortably outside.
She walked out into
the street and looked across the Seine. Hey, is that La Ratatouille over
there?
Nabiki looked across the river. Yep, thats it. She looked at Ukyo, noticing
the small smile and
faraway look. U-chan
Uh? Oh, yeah
it looks good. What about the second floor? Ukyo made her way
inside the building.
I thought youd never ask. Nabiki said, guiding her to the stairs. This is
office space,
mostly. The previous owners used to live here, much like you live over the
Uchans back in Japan.
Hmm, it does have enough space to live while we set up the restaurant.
Nabiki nodded. Yup, but dont get too excited yet, we need to go see the other
two places
-o-
Damn that Linguini and his stupid rats! A short, balding man with a goatee
watched through the
windows the lanky waiter as he and Colette arranged tables and joked together.
How can they open
a restaurant with rats in the kitchen without the Health Inspector saying
something?
He started walking away from La Ratatouille, muttering to himself, when he
stopped in front of a
news stand. Amongst several newspapers one caught his attention. Chuckling to
himself, he pointed
at it and gave the vendor some money.
Now, Linguini, we will see how you can keep your restaurant
Skinner laughed
as he walked
earning a few amused glances from the people he crossed paths with.
-o-
Hey, Little Chef! Linguini started piling dishes in the heater. You didnt
come to the flat
last night. I was kind of worried!
Colette smiled from the door. Alfredo, he probably spent the night out with
that cute little
mouse of his.
Linguini turned to look at Rémy, a slightly surprised look on his face.
Getting serious, Little
Chef?
Rémy smiled and shrugged.
Hmm, just let him be, Alfredo, remember how you were when we started going
out.
That was different!
A tap on the counter made them look back at the rat. Rémy motioned for the
oven, the plates and
the freezer.
See? Everything is under control Alfredo. Colette said, smiling as she went
to the freezer to
take out food. Little Chefs head is on the job, and nothing else.
Linguini had already bent down to check the oven, but he didnt miss the
faraway look and smile
Rémy allowed himself for a moment.
-o-
How was it Émile? Django asked as his son skittered into the nest.
Well, they want to talk. Émile said, sitting down and reaching for the first
available piece of
trash to eat. They want to know how were getting food from La Ratatouille,
and why they
shouldnt sack the place. They say that as far as Rat rules say, its open for
the take.
That conniving little cretin. Django sighed, disgusted. Didnt you tell him
that it was out of
boundaries?
Émile nodded, chewing on the remains of an apple. Yeah! But he said that we
had been seen leaving
the place with food and if we can get it, so can they.
Django pierced his sons eyes with his, stopping him in mid-bite, a look of
slight panic in his
face. That idiot Joan has to understand
he stopped. Ill talk to him
personally, I cant have
him jeopardizing Rémys dream.
Are you sure that is a good idea? Émile looked at his father a little worried.
Ill be fine. You and Git come with me. Well sort it out.
-o-
Well, that was the last place I had considered. Nabiki said as she and Ukyo
left a larger former
restaurant. This place is by far the more expensive. It used to be Gusteaus
but it was
cancelled because of
A rat infestation, I heard. Ukyo said.
Nabiki arched an eyebrow. Well, how did you know that?
Ukyo smiled sheepishly. I met a guy last night, Rémy, and he told me about it.
Nabiki shook her head. If I didnt know for a fact that you can smash through
solid stone walls I
would tell you to be a bit more careful
what am I saying? Be careful! This is
only a short stop!
Ukyo smiled at her friend. Okay, okay, I get it. I just happened to connect
with him, okay? Now,
how about we get some food?
Nabiki looked at her askance. I gather you want to go to La Ratatouille?
As a matter of fact
I have another suggestion. Nabiki said. We can have dinner there, but, as it
is, we need to get
to know our opponents better
Ukyo sighed. Where do you have in mind?
-o-
As Skinner walked down the streets of Paris contemplating his plan, he saw two
girls walk past him
talking about getting to know their business opponents better and then walk up
to a restaurant.
Not believing his luck he looked down at the newspaper, then, making up his
mind, he followed them
inside.
-o-
Nabs, I think that short man in the corner table has been staring at us ever
since he walked in.
Ukyo whispered as she took a sip of her wine.
Nabiki didnt turn. Well
two attractive Japanese young women, obviously
tourists in Paris
I thought so at first, but he keeps looking at us, then at the newspaper.
This gave Nabiki pause. Well, well see what he wants when we finish dinner.
Hows your boeuf
bourguignon?
Ukyo nodded. Its good, but I think they could have used a different red wine
for the sauce.
Nabiki smiled. Do you feel like finishing off with a tarte tatin?
Sure.
>From his table, Skinner compared the picture in the newspaper for the
>umpteenth time. One of the
many food critics to go eat at La Ratatouille had recognized the Japanese-born
chef, Ukyo Kounji
and her business partner, Nabiki Tendo as two guests at the restaurant the last
evening.
Skinner fumed, skipping her glowing review of the food, then, the critic had
mentioned that the
Japanese chef had even stayed behind to talk to the chefs in the restaurant.
The critic finished
her piece by adding a speculation on whether this was simply a social visit or
a calculated stop
to scout for possible problems in a future Paris installment of the Uchans.
Skinner considered the critical look that Ukyo had taken the moment of her
first bite, before
collecting herself and eating further. He was sure that she had noticed the low
quality of the
wine used for the sauce. Her partner, Nabiki, was easier to understand. She had
taken a critical
and calculating look at everything, from the uniforms, to the decorations, to
the costs of each
item in the menu.
He had seen her calculate everything. And with a cook of real skill, like Ukyo
with her
they were
a force to be reckoned. But, if they had been impressed favorably by Linguini
and that traitor,
Colette, how would they react when they found out that the real chef was a rat?
He doubted that Linguini or Colette were stupid enough to risk antagonizing an
internationally
acclaimed chef like Ukyo by pretending that a rat of all things was an
appropriate cook to feed
humans.
Seeing that they had ordered desserts, he motioned for the waiter.
Waiter, check please! Nabiki said as the waiter approached her.
Ladies, the gentleman in the corner table has asked to be allowed to pay for
your meal and asks
if you would permit him a few minutes of your time. The waiter said.
The two women looked at each other, then over at Skinner, who smiled at them.
What do you think, Nabs? Ukyo asked, turning slightly away so that the short
man wouldnt see
her grimace.
Nabiki shrugged. Well, we were wondering what he had in mind, right? Lets
find out. A free meal
is a free meal after all.
Ukyo smiled and shook her head. Fine. Lead the way.
Nabiki was the first to talk to the man, who had stood up next to the table.
Thank you for paying
for the meal, Mr. ...
Skinner, Mrs. Tendo. He motioned for the seats as Ukyo also approached. Im
also a Chef, and
when I recognized you, Mrs. Kounji, I just had to talk to you.
Ukyo frowned, remembering the name from somewhere, then it clicked on her.
Werent you the Chef
at Gusteaus?
Skinners smile almost slipped. Why, indeed, I am honored that you should know
me by reputation.
It was indeed a sad day when such a famous and respected restaurant fell into
disarray. He pulled
back the chair for Ukyo to sit down. Would you ladies care to share a drink
with me? They dont
have much, but for a casual conversation we could always have a Magnum Château
Ausone, 1985,
perhaps accompanied by some Roquefort cheese.
That
sounds good. Ukyo said after a slight nod from Nabiki.
I must say, both of you ladies speak excellent French! Skinner said, helping
Nabiki to her seat
and motioning for the waiter. He had noticed Ukyos eyes when he had mentioned
the Roquefort
cheese. Add to the cheese plate a cut from your finest Bleu d'Auvergne. He
told the waiter, who
nodded and skipped off to the kitchen.
Ukyo smiled despite herself. Maybe this man wasnt as bad as Rémy made him
sound.
After a long talk about the cooking business, promoting, innovating and
handling staff, Skinner
felt much more at ease. At first, being foreigners, he had feared they would be
too aloof and ill
prepared for such a deep conversation in French; but both women had an amazing
ability for
languages, barely even stopping to translate the odd recipe or word, and unlike
that cretin
Linguini, they both knew how to properly appreciate wine, from nursing to
sipping.
Their delight in French cheese, or rather Chef Kounjis, was almost endearing.
Almost. But he had
a plan to put into action.
and that is when Horst said, Wait, did you just say kidney? and almost
knocked down Mustafa
as he went out into the dining room.
Both girls laughed, earning a smile from Skinner. With a deep sigh he took a
sip from his wine.
And that brings me to todays problem. I have been trying to talk to Linguini
and Mrs. Tatou,
about setting a bigger business than La Ratatouille.
Ukyo nodded, although a silent alarm in the back of her head reminded her of
how ruthless this man
could be according to Rémy. Yes
we were there last night, and the dishes are
amazing. I am also
surprised they havent attempted to claim back Gusteaus.
Skinner spread his hands. I know! But, as long as they keep pet rats in the
kitchen, I am afraid
that it would be impossible, but they refuse to listen to me!
Nabikis eyes widened and Ukyos became weary. Skinner could have almost
shouted in glee.
Rats? Nabiki asked. In the kitchen? she slowly looked at Ukyo, a
calculating look on her face.
Ukyo turned the slightest shade of pink and took a quick sip of her wine.
T-thats, um. Not good
at all.
Skinner, who was busy pretending to be sorrowful, did not notice the exchange,
further than the
gentle stammer of the obviously struck chef. Indeed, it is, hardly appropriate
of chefs of Mrs.
Tatous level to risk the quality of food by letting rats wonder about the
kitchen.
Nabiki nodded, and kicked Ukyo in the shin, from under the table. Ukyo winced,
and glared at her,
before adding, Youre quite right, Chef Skinner.
It is a saddening thought. Skinner said. If the Health Inspectors or media
got a whiff of this,
La Ratatouille would be destroyed. I would hate it for an opponent of
Linguinis to hear of this
disturbing revelation, so I must ask you to keep this between us.
The girls nodded and Skinner mentally patted himself on the back. Secure in the
knowledge that
Nabiki and Ukyo would take advantage of this piece of information, he could now
wait and see.
Nabiki Tendo seemed to be the type who knew how to repay a favor, and Ukyo had
seemed to like him
well enough. Perhaps after all was said and done they might need a Chef of
considerable experience
to take good care of their restaurant.
Well, ladies, I have taken enough time from you both, please, enjoy the rest
of the wine and
cheese, and dont hesitate to call if you need anything. He slipped a card to
Nabiki, who took it
with professional stoicism and, after paying for the bill, he went out of the
restaurant.
That little guy is good. Nabiki said with a shake of her head. He rushed the
plant in the end,
but it was very effective.
Ukyo sighed. Its too bad, I almost liked him by the end of it. Hes a little
too ambitious for
his own good
and he knows how to carry a grudge.
Nabiki smirked. Like someone I know
Ukyo took a bite of cheese and a sip of wine, pretending not to have heard her.
So, Ukyo
Nabiki slowly traced the edge of her wineglass with her finger as
she gazed into the
ruby-like drink inside. This Rémy you were talking about
he wouldnt be a
certain rodent Skinner
was referring to, would he?
Ukyo took another sip.
Because if he was, then that means that you knew all about this already
and
you didnt tell me.
Nabiki deadpanned.
Um
didnt you already know about Ré- I mean, the rat in the kitchen? Ukyo
asked a bit too
hopefully. It was unlikely, since her partner didnt have the same resources
here as she had in
Japan.
Of course I did. Nabiki shook her head. But you shouldnt keep secrets from
me. I am your
business partner after all.
Ukyo was nodding and feeling guilty when she suddenly looked up, eyelids
lowering dangerously.
What do you mean you knew? Who told you?
Nabiki smiled and stood up, having finished her wine. A little black bird,
now, lets get going.
Ukyo almost jumped after her. Wait! What bird?! Nabiki!
-o-
Ukyo walked back to the hotel by herself. Nabiki had eventually led her to
Notre Dame, where she
had met with some contacts of hers, a German man with an eye patch and two dark
haired twins at
his side. They had stared at her for a moment before Nabiki had introduced the
twins as Hudin and
Munin. After the quick introduction, Nabiki had asked Ukyo to meet her later
that night at La
Ratatouille, which left her with a lot of free time. Or not.
As soon as she was out of sight, Ukyo quickly ducked to a deserted side street
and made her way
back to Notre Dame.
Seeing her friend still talking with the German man, she stepped back into the
shadows, when
suddenly, she was splashed from above with soapy water.
Glaring at the old woman that had thrown out the water, Ukyo sighed and pulled
her clothes into
subspace.
She slowly circled around the area where Nabiki was, and got past the watchful
yes of the twins,
skittering next to the table where her friend was seated.
I do not know if this is such a great idea
opening something like that in
Paris? Nabiki asked a
little doubtful.
I do not pretend that it is absolutely safe Badb, but
the man stopped. I
think we should carry
on our conversation somewhere else.
Nabikis body stiffened. Then she stood up. Right. Lets get on the bus. I
have to see my friend
Ukyo in the hotel soon, anyway.
What about
the man started, as he also stood up. Ukyo pressed herself
against the legs of the
table, trying to avoid being seen.
Its okay
Badb
Nabiki. And it is okay, I swear.
The man sighed, then laughed, motioning to his twin bodyguards to lead the way.
Fine, Nabiki. I
knew I liked you when we first talked. I like the way you talk. Well leave it
at that if that is
what you wish.
As the two moved away, Ukyo was struck with a feeling of shame as Nabiki smiled
and looked over
her shoulder down to where she was hiding, before carrying on her way.
-o-
After a few minutes debate, Ukyo decided to head back to the hotel. Still
filling a little bit
guilty, she started walking away from Notre Dame. As she walked past one of the
sewer entrances,
she stopped. She had seen some movement.
Curious, she made her way into the sewer, looking about for what had caught her
attention. When
she saw nothing, her thoughts slipped back to the bits of the conversation she
had heard between
the strange man and Nabiki. Something was going on, and Nabiki was hell bent on
keeping her out of
it for some reason.
Still, it was not a good reason to spy on her, I guess
Ukyo muttered. A
sudden sound stopped
her.
She followed what she now could make as agitated voices to the edge of a
waterfall in the sewage.
Looking down, she could see a gathering of rats around four of them. She
recognized Django, Rémys
dad and the really big and muscular rat. Next to them was a rather fat rat with
brown fur, whom
she didnt recognize.
They were facing off against a slim rat with a bitten tail. It was lanky and
his fur was patchy as
if he had been sick and lost fur at some point.
Django, Django
how many times do I have to tell you? We Paris rats have
rules. Rules that you
and your peasant clan have to adhere to. The slim rat said. Didnt we talk
about this when you
first arrived?
Django looked straight at Joan. I know the rules! But it is not about that.
The rules dont say
anything about setting a place out of boundaries for looting.
No. Joan said, glaring at Rémys father. But then, if a place is out of
boundaries, it is out
of boundaries for everyone! he pointed at Django, Émile and Git. Your clan
declared that place
out of boundaries, and we all respected it! But what have you done? You have
taken it for
yourself!
The surrounding rats started shouting and pointing. Above the roar Djangos
voice made it through.
We are not stealing or looting, I swear! behind him, Git was getting ready to
fight, as Émile
looked around fearfully.
You lie! We have seen you get out from the back of La Ratatouille carrying all
sorts of goods!
Joan shouted back. We demand to know what you are doing, and how you are
getting the food!
We
Django closed his eyes, the effort of confessing evident on his face
helped calm down the
crowd as he finally said
We
worked for it.
There was silence amongst the rats present. Finally, after almost a full minute
of silence, Joan
glared at Django, almost shaking with fury. Are you trying to make fools of
us?! Your clan is
banned from Paris! You will reveal the entrance to La Ratatouille before we
expel you from this
city!
But Im telling the truth! Django said, looking around as the rats surrounded
all three of them,
making threatening gestures and preparing to attack.
Get behind me, Django
Git said, his massive frame intimidating a lot of the
angry rats.
A whooshing sound made everyone stop, and suddenly, with a clang, a spatula
embedded itself by one
of the corners between the three rats and their aggressors.
What
Joan started to say when a small brown figure landed in front of the
trio.
With a casual flick of her hand Ukyo pulled the spatula out, holding it in
front of her.
What do you want, mouse? Joan said, his eyes narrowing. This is amongst us
rats.
When you threaten friends of mine, it becomes my problem. Ukyo said, twirling
the spatula
expertly. If you intend to fight them just because they said the truth, youll
have to fight me.
Joan looked around as some of the rats smirked and other looked slightly
confused. The threatening
air had disappeared. Fine. So be it. They are still exiled until they tell us
what is really
happening.
The rats started to disperse, some shooting dirty glares at the mouse and trio
of rats.
-o-
I dont know what youre playing at, but that was a bad move. Django said as
he, Émil and Git
walked alongside Ukyo towards the rats nest. But I guess I have to thank you.
Ukyo shook her head. You dont
I made friends with Rémy last night, and you
are his family. Its
the least I could do.
That brought a smile to Django. Well
how about we celebrate your friendship?
We still have some
wine and food from yesterday.
Um
I dont know if I should
I mean, Im supposed to meet Nabiki and
Aw nonsense! Git exclaimed, his massive frame bending over her. How long do
you have?
Um
I should be at the Hotel de Siene, in about two hours.
Im sure we can have a really quick party then
Django said.
But what about La Ratatouille? Ukyo persisted. Dont you have to find a way
to resolve this
situation?
Dont worry about that, girl. Django said to Ukyo, patting her on the back as
they reached the
nest. Well protect Rémys dream and sort this out.
Ive got a bad feeling about this
Émile muttered as Django proceeded to
introduce Ukyo to the
clan. He looked over his shoulders, where imaginary shadows moved in the sewers.
-o-
Nabiki lied on the bed, head propped on the pillow, reading a book. She heard
the door rattle and
looked up from her novel to gaze placidly at Ukyo, who was just making her way
in.
Had fun?
Ukyo nodded as she made her way to the bathroom. I just need a shower. I got
dragged into an
impromptu party just as I made my way into St Germain de Pres
Nabiki shrugged, but just as Ukyo was about to close the door, she heard her
again. Nabs?
The middle Tendo daughter paused her reading but didnt look up. Yeah?
Im sorry about earlier.
Nabiki smiled, still hidden by her book. Its okay Ukyo. Ill tell you about
it later.
Ukyo closed the door behind her and Nabiki could hear her turning on the
shower. Still smiling,
she settled down to read her book again.
End Chapter 2
____________________________________________________________________________________
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