A new level. And it was like most of the others. Abandoned, and with muted gray of the concrete used to cut down on costs. It all blended together and looked the same. But…
"Chi, look!"
A building stood out. Amiss all the muted colors, there was a building with a bright blue on it. With words that Yuuri couldn't read on the front. The windows were covered by white curtains with blue stripes in an unknown pattern.
"This building isn't like the others! What does it say?"
Chito stopped the Kettenkrad to look at the building.
"It says 'Mannerheim Coffee Shop'"
"What's coffee?"
"A beverage made from coffee beans. It keep you awake."
A noticeable look of wonder dawned Yuuri's face.
"How does it do that?"
"Something inside the beans called caffeine."
"Woah. And, what's up with the curtains?"
"I don't know. It's a pattern, but I don't know why it's like that."
Then, the door opened.
"It's the Finnish flag."
The two girls turned to look at the new human. He was a pale adult male, looking like he was nearing his 40's.
"Finnish?" Chito asked
"I'm from Finland, these curtains have their flag on them. But enough about that, would you like to come in?"
"Do you have food?"
"Yuuri!" Chito exclaimed, before smacking Yuuri in the shoulder. Appalled by the fact that was the 1 thing she asked.
The man smiled. "Yes, I do in fact."
Yuuri smiled. Chito sighed. Both entered the small coffee shop. It was clear time wasn't kind to the shop. The two sat down at a table with 2 chairs facing each other.
"Would you two like some coffee to go with the food? I have coffee beans growing in the back, so it'll be fresh."
"Yes!" Yuuri exclaimed with glee. Happy that she would be able to try a new beverage.
"Well, since we're being offered this, yes."
The man hummed, and went behind the counter. Giving the two a bit of time to themselves.
"Look at this place Chi."
"Yeah, this stuff seems to be from that Finland place. So much culture."
"We talked about culture before right? How people fought over it?"
"Yeah...I wonder if this Finland ever got into conflict."
Then, the man came back.
"I can answer that for you, but I think some introductions are in order. I'm Veikko Mannerheim."
The girls nodded.
"Chito."
"Yuuri."
"And about that question, the Finns fought the Russians back in 1939 to 1940 in a defensive war."
The two looked on in wonder.
"That long ago?" Chito asked.
"Yes, that long ago. But I think it's time you try the coffee."
Veikko threw down some creamer and sugar packets.
"What are these?" Yuuri asked, not being able to read them.
"Creamer and Sugar packets. They make the coffee more sweeter, since coffee is naturally bitter. But I did use condensed milk to make it less bitter too."
The two naturally used a couple of packets, and stirred before taking their first sips of coffee. And both...had their reactions.
Chito's eyes opened. She felt wide awake now. It was a sweet beverage with all of the additives, and it felt… Comforting.
But Yuuri on the other hand…
Yuuri felt energy she never had before. And began running all over the walls!...Okay, she didn't actually do that. But for Chito, it sure felt like it.
"Yuu! Stop moving!"
"I can't help myself!"
"Get down from there!"
Veikko chuckled at the sight, before he gripped his heart.
Chito noticed.
"Are you okay sir?"
"Heart troubles…"
The man sighed. "Yes, yes. But, with you two here, I don't mind."
Yuuri finally calmed down. "What do you mean?"
"I kept pushing through because I thought I was alone in this world. But with you two here, I can die knowing I wasn't alone." He sat down, gripping his heart.
"...Can we loot the place when you die?"
"YUURI!"
Chito yelled, and socked her in the cheek.
"What?!"
"Why are you asking such a thing?!"
Veikko just smiled. "Sure, I don't mind. But don't destroy anything. Please."
Chito let a drop of sweat run down her face, but nodded.
"O-okay then, Veikko…"
"I shall drink your coffee with the utmost diligence!" Yuuri said with as much seriousness as she could muster up in the moment.
"Yuuri, I'm not letting you drink anymore of the coffee."
"Oh come on Chi!"
"No, I don't want to deal with you shaking the Kettenkrad around."
"Aw come on! Veikko, tell her she's wrong!"
…
"Veikko?"
The two looked over, to see he was now sprawled on the ground, not breathing.
"Is...I-is he?"
"Yes Yuu, I think he's dead."
"J-just like that?"
"Just like that…"
The two had a moment of silence. Out of respect for this man they barely knew. And then they proceeded to loot the place, since he had given them permission too.
Chito discovered books on growing potatoes and coffee beans. And how to turn the coffee beans into coffee grounds to be used for drinking.
Yuuri discovered military rations galore, and some guns.
But after it all…
Chito still wouldn't let Yuuri drink any coffee. It was something Chi did not want to deal with.