Chapter 15 Gather for the Theatre

Chapter 15: Gather for the Theatre

“Alright everyone!” The boss said into a microphone on the stage. “Tonight, we’ll be putting on a short play for you. But here’s where you guys get to help. You guys get to vote which performer plays which character. So, will our lovely actors please take the stage.” She waved her arm with great flourish as she used the other to hold the microphone.

Emi smiled as he walked onto the stage. The cast was rather small. Five to six people so that there were enough servers helping the customers. Shelly smiled, doing a soft wave as she walked up the short stair case. Her bun was neatly done and fixed to the right side of her head today. She squinted her green eyes against the bright lights beating down on the stage. She was dressed as a demon slayor from a popular manga. Timothy came on stage with a spring in his step as he was dressed as a black cat. His contacts had shifted some, so Emi felt bad about the tears in his eyes. Ella had her blond hair in a ponytail. She carried her helmet in her hands. She was dressed as a bounty hunter with a cute little Metroid plush dangling off her hair bow. Emi was always impressed with how she managed to somehow have something dangling from her hair bows. She bowed before getting in line with the others. Sammy was the last to join. He wore a uniform like Emi’s. Emi smiled brightly as Sammy pointed at him.

“Prepare for trouble!” The two men laughed as they posed together.

The boss giggle slightly. “Get the motto out of the way now before I continue.”

The two grinned like cats as they recited the motto perfectly. Emi didn’t mind that he was dressed as first generation and Sammy was around 3rd or 4th. The motto never changed and that was the best part.

The audience clapped and cheered as they went to stand in line with the others. The boss nodded as she turned back to the audience. She beamed a Cheshire cat grin. “So, today’s play is going to be,” she pulled out a stick with a yellow button on it. She pressed it and the tv turned into one of those slot machine screens. Several options went by before it stopped. “The princess and the Pea.” The audience cheered. “Now you each have a tablet on your table. You have 15 minutes to vote which roll each of our actors will be playing as I give them all a copy of the script to memorize.”

Emi, Shelly, Timothy, Ella, and Sammy walked into the dressing room and Boss beamed as she pulled out the scripts. She handed on to each of them. “Now I know you don’t have long, but, try to memorize as much as you can.”

“Well at least it’s a story we all know,” Ella placed her helmet on the table.

“We have the princess, prince, the prince’s mother, and two guards,” Timothy squinted as he read.

“You might want to remove those contacts,” Shelly handed him a tissue. “Your eyes look a mess.”

Timothy smiled meekly. “Yeah, I should.” He pulled out a contact case out of his pocket. He struggled a moment to open one side. A sigh of relief escaped his mouth as he placed the lid on the table. 

Everyone began memorizing the script as he did this. Timothy joined in once he had removed the contacts. 

Boss came after a few minutes. She smirked as she saw them physically acting out the story. Sammy leaning over Timothy proclaiming an undying love of sorts. "I wish I had a camera," Boss snorted as she gained everyone's attention.

"I wish I had a glass slipper that fit Timmy," Sammy stood up straight. Everyone arched a brow at him. "My parents can't say anything if I bring up fairytale logic with them."

Everyone snorted.

"Well, I have the roles each of you will be playing, so listen up." Boss stated as she looked down at the clipboard. "Emi you're the princess, Shelly, you're the prince's mom. Timothy and Ella, you two are guards. And Sammy you're the prince. So you each have 5 more minutes to master your roles before you have to be on the stage.

"Sir yes sir!" Everyone saluted. Boss nodded as she left the room. 

Chapter 14: Busy Busy I'm so Dizzy

Chapter 14: Busy Busy I’m so Dizzy

Emi was rushing to-and-fro. They were a lot busier than they were expecting to be. There were so many people that Emi was curious if there was a convention going on nearby. The café was becoming really popular and many customers came dressed in their own costumes. It made Emi smile as a child dressed as a protagonist from the show he was dressed from. They had a conversation and the child giggled as Emi stayed in character for the child.

The bell above the door chimed as Grey and Symphia walked in. Symphia was still in her nurse clothes. Her black hair pulled back into a high pony tail. Grey wore a simple suit and looked around with a confused look.

“Is it Halloween already?” He mused. “Weren’t we in the midst of September a few moments ago?”

Symphia chuckled. “The sign does say it’s cosplay today.” She pointed to a chalk board that was decorated with several cartoon characters.

“Amusing,” Grey replied dryly as he glanced at the sign.

“Welcome to Café Craze. Is it just you two today?” Emi beamed as he approached them.

“Are we required to play dress up too?” Grey mused as he looked Emi up and down.

“No. All you have to do is be covered.” Emi replied as he led them to a table.

“How are things coming along for you,” Symphia asked as she took a seat.

“Alright. Practicing at night so I don’t have power hick-ups during the day.” Emi replied. “How was your shift at the hospital?”

“Oh it was pretty normal. I helped a soccer player get an x-ray of their foot. He was so nervous.” Symphia giggled.

Emi nodded as he placed the menus in front of them. “Well here are your menus. Can I start you off with any drinks?”

“Water for me.” Grey stated quickly.

“A strawberry smoothie please!” Symphia smiled.

“I’ll be right back with those.” Emi nodded before dashing off into the kitchen.

“You two seem rather chummy.” Grey noted.

“It’s helpful for deities to be chummy,” Symphia smirked.

“For some it might.” Grey responded as he glanced over the menu.

“You can be chummy too, you know.” Symphia looked over the pictures on the menu.

“I am aware of the option.” He flipped through the menu.

“Then why do you sound…” Symphia paused, “Jealous of Emi and I being friendly.”

“Jealous?” Grey snorted. “Jealousy is not what I’m feeling. Hurt maybe. But jealousy? No.”

Symphia tilted her head as she looked at him.

“I am merely upset that he asked you how work went, but he did not ask me.” Grey explained clearly. “I have been friendly to him. I did retrieve him when Carmen kidnapped him after all.”

Symphia hummed. “That is true. Maybe he thinks you would be upset if he asked.”

“Hmph,” Grey turned his gaze back to the menu.

“Here are your drinks!” Emi smiled as he placed the drinks in front of them. He placed two straws in front of them. “Are you guys ready to order? Or do you need a few more minutes?”

Grey hummed as his eyes went up and down the menu. “A Rueben will be fine.”

“The mushroom swiss burger for me,” Symphia beamed.

Emi nodded as he wrote down their order. “Give me a few minutes!”

“He’s really growing into his own, isn’t he?” Symphia beamed. “It looks like I’m on my way to win the bet.”

Grey rolled his eyes. “There are still two days left,” he reminded, “He could kill over in a matter of days.”

“You and your dark outlook on life…” Symphia shook her head.

“It’s my job,” Grey shrugged.

“Do you enjoy that job?” Symphia mused.

“I do. Most of the time.” Grey admitted. “But there are some cases I don’t like having to handle. They get messy.”

Book 3 Cafe Party Chapter 13: Preparing

Emi the Deity

By Krissie Gault

Book 3: Café Party

Chapter 13: Preparing

Emi smiled as he sewed up the outfit he was working on. It was once again that time of year again. September. The time of year where conventions occurred. Comic books, movies, cartoons, anime, tv shows, and video games. All were given emphasis as the conventions began. Fans toured to their favorite conventions with bags packed and cameras ready.

The café was one of a kind in their state and probably in America now that Emi thought about it. So it was quite popular for people to stop by the café during this time of year. It was the café’s busiest time in fact. The café was a cosplay café after all.

Emi hummed as he added the last few stitches into an outfit. A French magical girl show was so popular recently that the boss wanted to have at least one of the servers to be dressed as one of the characters. Tiffany practically begged to be the main character.

Since Emi was a good tailor, he was tasked with making several costumes to the measurements of his co-workers. Emi beamed as he hung the outfit up. Tiffany would love it. The woman loved polka-dots. Emi stretched as he stood up. His spare study room had become his sewing room the pass month. He began plucking the various pictures of the cartoon character off of the boards. He placed them neatly in a folder that he filed under M in the filing cabinet.

He checked the custom off the mental list before humming, “Who’s next?” He shuffled papers around as he searched for the list. It was written in black ink on a napkin from the café. The handwriting was Mindy’s. It was neat and was naturally italicized. Emi found it under a notebook. It took him a few moments to remember why he had put it under such a heavy book. Then the paper nearly flew out of his grasp.

“Oh yeah, the fan,” he hummed as he placed a better grasp on the napkin. His fingers scanned over the names. The next was Stevie. Emi rolled his eyes at Stevie’s request. This was going to be fun. Some ridiculous, laughable superhero from an 80s kids cartoon. Emi would have fun with this one.

Everyone was beaming with excitement. Emi was too as he readjusted his hat. He had made his costume last year in October. He carefully handed out the costumes to his co-workers. He only had to make 10 this year. Last year, it had been nearly 20. Emi felt relieved that he could spend more time on fewer costumes this year.

He smiled as he spun around in the changing room. He was glad he chose this uniform from the series.

“Any chances of you saying that catchy motto?” Timmy popped up from behind.

Emi smiled as he turned to face him. “I don’t have a partner to say it with. I can’t do a motto without my partner.”

Timmy nodded. “Let’s go see if we have anyone dressed like that team today.”

Emi sighed as he left the changing room. “While you do that, I’m going to get the dining area ready.”

There were a few others in the café. They weren’t open yet, but the employees were already dressed in their customs and setting up with an upbeat attitude. Emi was amazed to not see one person dreading the work day. Maybe those that were dreading it took the day off.

The boss bounced down the steps. She was dressed as if she was a pop art painting. Her lips were a bright red. Her hair reminded Emi of the 1920s. Her earrings were long dangles with squares, triangles, and circles at the end.

“Emi! You’re looking well today!” She beamed. “I know we’ve worked you near death the pass month.”

Emi giggled, “The results are great so far though.”

The boss nodded. “It will be fantastic by the end of the day too. I’m really excited for the play tonight. Are you performing again this year?”

“Of course he is!” Shelly chimed in as she placed a sheet on the table. “He’s a wonderful performer. Not only does the audience like him, so does the stage.”

Emi gave a nervous laugh. “I just memorize where everything on the stage is, so I don’t eat dirt. Though I would like a hint as to what the possible play options are.” He beamed at the boss.

She giggled as she walked towards the kitchen. “It won’t be any fun if you know. Surprises are good for the heart!” She disappeared into the kitchen.

Emi tsked. “Well, it was worth the try.” He shrugged as he moved to the next table.

Shelly laughed, “The boss never reveals what the options the customers vote on until it’s time to open the vote. She likes it being spontaneous.”

Emi Line art

A line art of Emi in a waiter uniform.

Chapter 12: Rumbles

Chapter 12: Rumbles

Loud rumbles began to sound off as the ground began to shake. Carmen jumped up and floated above the ground. Grey pushed back on the wheel he stood on. It went down and then jumped into the air. Emi yelped as he gripped onto Grey’s arm.

“Please be careful with the nails,” Grey hissed.

“I’ve never been this high without being strapped into a rollercoaster,” Emi apologized. He wobbled as he attempted to lighten his grip on Grey.

Grey sighed as he placed his hands on his hips. He pulled the young boy into him and wrapped his arms around Emi’s waist. “Just stay close to me then.”

“Stop being so forward with Emi!” Carmen hollered. “It’s lewd.” She held her hands out to Emi. “Come here Emi, I’ll protect you.”

Emi wasn’t sure what to do. Stay on the wheel or float with the crazy lady without any ground support.

Grey answered for him. He tugged Emi back into him. “There’s a thing popping out of your precious field.”

Emi nodded as he saw the head of creature. Flames appeared on the top of it. “It’s on fire!” Emi shrieked back nearly knocking Grey back. Grey locked his knees straight as he stayed straight.

A large creature covered in rose vines and dirt came up from the ground. Fire seemed to escape from its mouth.

“Are dragons real too?” Emi whimpered.

“Yes.” Grey whispered.

“A dragon?” Carmen gasped.

“That explains why your garden was dying. That fire creature was drying everything up.” Grey pointed at the dragon.

It was large and appeared to be coughing fire. It had scaly skin and its horn curved downward. Emi was sure Carmen would throw a fit at the creature.

“There you are Min-min!” Carmen called as she flew over to the dragon.

Emi looked at Grey, looking for answers. Grey looked at him and shrugged. They were both at a loss.

Carmen hugged the creature. “I’ve been so worried about you!”

“I’m so confused…” Emi muttered.

“Oh, you guys don’t worry about Min-Min. She’s my pet,” Carmen explained. “I’ve been wondering where she wondered off to.” She patted the dragon’s head. “Go back to being small now.”

The dragon made a sound of a bark before doing a flip. It turned into a small dog. Carmen landed and held out her hands for the dragon.

“That’s my Min-Min!” She giggled as the dog licked her face.

Min-Min looked like a Shi Tzu dog with black, brown, and white fur.

Grey thought for a moment. His objective was to get Emi. He didn’t have to talk with the flower deity. But now he had questions. He could tell Emi had questions too, what with the way he was leaning forward looking at the ground. Grey landed the wheel in the nearly ruined field a few feet away from Carmen.

Emi hopped off of the wheel and up to Carmen. “This is your pet?”

“Yep! Her name is Min-Min. She’s a fire dragon. This is her everyday form. That other form was her fighting form. Which tells me she was in a fight before taking a nap,” Carmen looked sternly at the dog. Min-Min pouted before nuzzling up to her chest with big puppy dog eyes. Carmen smiled as she patted the animal’s head. “Her body releases nothing up heat when she’s in that form.”

“So that’s why I couldn’t find any water. Or enough water for all of your plants.” Emi hit the bottom of his fist into the palm of his other hand. “Though I don’t think I can fix this,” he said as he looked around the field.

Carmen waved a hand. “Don’t worry too much about it, they’ll grow back. I just have to get water here to refresh the ground. So I’ll have to make a trip to a spring.”

Emi nodded.

“When the fields get back to their wonderful self, I’ll come bring you again, okay?” Carmen grabbed his hands in hers.

“That sounds nice,” Emi smiled.

“Yes, yes,” Grey clapped his hands. “That’s very nice. I’ll be taking the water deity home now.”

“Okay, have a safe trip.” Carmen smiled as Min-Min gave a playful bark in her arms. “And Grey, treat Miss Emi nice.”

“I will Carmen.” Grey stated as he pulled Emi back onto his wheel. “Hold on tight.”

Emi nodded at the court order.

They flew a few yards into the sky before Grey waved his hand in the air creating a portal. They traveled through and Emi found himself flying above his job. Grey landed on the roof of the café and Emi stepped off.

Once Emi was safely off of the wheel, Grey began to chuckle.

“What?” Emi looked at the deity with a ‘what’s-wrong-with-you’ look.

“Carmen still thinks you’re a girl,” his laughing became a loud cackle.

Emi placed his hands on the side of his face. He looked similar to the painting, the Scream. “How could I have forgotten to correct her?” He fell to his knees in distressed.

“I doubt you would be able to correct her ever.” Grey waved his hand. “Just try to stay out of trouble for me.” Grey patted Emi’s shoulder before he flew off on his wheel into another portal.

Coloring Page Carmen

An inked Coloring page of Carmen. Our lovely Rose Deity.

Carmen Sketch