So, we've seen alliances and friendships starting to form, but is there any negative consequences to this merging of worlds? Let's find out as we head into this next chapter…
Someone's in the Kitchen with Remy
Paris Pavilion, Epcot
Out of all the realms that had emerged, Epcot was definitely the most unusual. A futuristic world of innovation and imagination was juxtaposed by a hodge-podge of locations from around the Earth centered around a large lake. In one of these places known as the "World Tour" was the French city of Paris, where the restaurant La Ratatouille was busy with all the new customers.
In the kitchen of the restaurant, a blue rat was hard at work making dishes for the increasing number of customers. If Remy was being honest, it was a bit overwhelming having to cater to so many different people and animals that were coming in through the door.
"We've got more orders, Little Chef," said Linguini, skating into the back and setting down more orders.
Remy nodded and sent some of the other rats to start on those orders (but not before washing off, of course). "The lunch rush isn't going to slow down, people. Let's get these dishes out as soon as possible," Remy ordered.
Linguini leaded against the door and let out a sigh. "Today was not the best day to let Colette have a day off," the human said. "Just hold in there, Little Chef."
As Linguini left to get orders out on the main floor, Remy's ears perked up at an odd noise. He scampered over to the fridge, jumping on the door handle. "Emile, did you lock yourself in the fridge again?" Remy asked. "You know you're not supposed to eat when on duty."
When he opened the door, the blue rat was surprised when a frog came hopping out of the fridge instead of his brother. "Thank you for that," said the frog, her voice having a southern ring to it. "The cold is not good for a frog, that's for sure."
"Well, happen to help, mam," Remy said, sliding down to the floor to greet the frog. "I don't know how you got in our fridge, though. We didn't get a shipment of frog legs this morning."
The frog gagged. "Yeah, I'm not sure how I ended up in there either. One moment I was freaking out about being a frog again, and the next I'm whisked into a dark, cold room."
Remy titled his head. "Uh, what do you mean by being a frog again?"
"I used to be a human, but after kissing a frog prince I turned into one myself," the frog explained. "Oh, I haven't even introduced myself. I'm Tiana."
"Remy," the rat introduced, shaking her hand. "Welcome to La Ratatouille."
Suddenly, Emile, Remy's brother, came scrambling down from above, landing with a thud between the two. "Hey Remy. Who's you're friend?"
"Emile, this is Tiana. She's currently lost and wound up in our restaurant," Remy explained. "Tiana, this my brother, Emile. He's got a good heart, even if he keeps eating our ingredients."
"I can't help it. We always get the best food," Emile groaned, pulling out a piece of cheese and stuffing it in his mouth. "Anyway, I came to let you know that those special guests of yours are here and are ready to order."
"What!? They're here already!?" Remy exclaimed. He rushed back up onto the table and ran over to the sink, quickly washing his hands and grabbing his chef's hat. "There's not time to waste! Everyone, we're on the clock now, so let's go, go, GO!"
"Here's the special order, boss," said one of the other rats, handing a scrap of paper to Remy.
The blue rat studied the order, then set it down in confusion. "'Taste of the South?' Do they mean something from southern France?"
"Well, they are Americans, so they might mean something from the southern United States," Emile said, joining Remy on the table with Tiana.
"Hm… I know that we decided to expand the menu to more exotic dishes, but I thought they would order something from our main menu," Remy said. "Emile, get the cookbooks out. We'll need to work fast to find a suitable southern dish."
"I could help with that," Tiana said. "Back home I run my own restaurant in the heart of New Orleans. If anyone knows southern cooking, it'll be me."
"I'll take any help I can get," Remy said. He looked at the order once again. "I'll get started on the side dish, and Emile will help you get everything you need for you dish. Let's do this!"
After a quick dip in the sink to wash off, Tiana got right to working on her famous gumbo while Remy started making his own ratatouille. Tiana was surprised to see how advanced the kitchen was compared to her own (seeing as she was from the 1920's while Remy's kitchen was from the 2000's) but got right in the swing of cooking despite her size. It wasn't long before the two were done with their dishes and ready to serve it to their very special guests.
"Your dishes are ready, Madame and Monsieur," Remy said, setting the two dishes down for a pair of mice: one wearing a fur coat, and the other wearing a newsie cap.
The female, named Bianca, took a dainty bite of her ratatouille and let out a light hum of approval. "This meal lives up to all the talk around it, wouldn't you say Bernard?" she said to her fiancé.
"O-oh yes, it definitely does," Bernard replied with a stutter, happily taking a bite of the gumbo. "C-c-compliments to the chef, Mr. Remy."
"Well, I didn't do it all by myself," Remy replied. "I had a little help today preparing you meal."
"Oh, it was nothing," Tiana said with a faint blush. "It's the best I could do to repay you helping me."
"Well, I hope you both enjoy your meal," Remy said to the two mice. "If you need anything, just ask one of our staff members."
As Remy and Tiana headed back down to the kitchen, the rat couldn't help but think of what other dishes he and Tiana could whip up together. Having another food enthusiast in the kitchen could be helpful, especially one that knew how to cook herself.
Meanwhile, over in the human side of the restaurant, a certain fiery haired warrior was glancing around the room, occasionally glancing at a table where a trio of people in black coats were sitting. Axel didn't know what Organization Thirteen was doing here (nor why he was he either), but if they were still around then he needed to tell the other Guardians of Light as soon as possible.
Author's Note
This was one of those chapters that I've wanted to do since I started this story. Remy and Tiana cooking together just seems like a thing that would happen if Disney movies collided.
I've also set up the main "Arc" of the Epcot world with the Organization snooping around the place.
Also, tomorrow is the release of Kingdom Hearts 3! I'll be playing the heck out of the game once I pick up my copy, so the next chapter might take a while so that I can play through one of the most anticipated games ever. Until next time!
Characters that premiered this chapter:
Remy, Linguini, Emile (Ratatouille)
Tiana (Princess and the Frog)
Bianca, Bernard (The Rescuers)
Colette (Ratatouille) mentioned only