Ace Vasquez's Story

Ace

"Some one has to come soon right?"

standing upright from her position Ace had been kneeling putting away some glasses when Nwella plopped down on of the bars seats. holding a glass in her hand she pointed to a clothe that was just out of her reach indicating she wanted Nwella to give it her.

if he did she would have began drying the glasses that she set up on the bar table, her eyes closed meaning she was either deep in thought or she simply felt like keeping her eyes closed. after finishing that she put them away and decided to make herself coffee, turning over to Nwella when it was done and she had poured herself some. leaning on the bar she watched him over the brim of coffee mug her orange eyes glowing faintly, as she looked up to see Mokoto enter the café with cold flourish.

Ace

nodding her head she passed the sake bottle and a small cup to Mokoto and went to wash out her coffe mug. drying her hands she looked over towards where the two customers sat Nwella was already dealing with the man in the corner but he had yet to say anything to the demon girl. drapping the dry cloth over her bare shoulder Ace walked to the back room to get upstairs and change out of the clothes she had worn yesterday.

entering her room which was nicely furnished but it was rather plain. going to a large oak wardrobe she looked through and found just what she wanted. Ace now wore a tube top that was cut low to show a lot of clevage as well as show off her flat stomache. she wore tight grey jeans and as she left her room Ace put on a few silver bangles and a ring on her finger as well as getting a small green jar. closing the door Ace walked back downstairs and went straight behind the bar.

placing the jar on the counter she went to grab a small tea cup and put some water to boil to make some tea. sprinkling the needed ingredients the water turned a shade of pink and Ace poured it into the teacup with flourish. placing it on the tray, along with a sweet bun and the jar she walked out from behind the bar and headed towards the demon girl. Ace looked graceful as she walked almost like she was gliding her hips swung back and forth in a rhythmic pattern until she stopped next to the girl, placing the silver tray gently in front of her.

"here this should help" a light smile on her face as she placed the food and drink on table along with the jar she brought with her.it was considerably unusual for Ace to actually got o a customer and serve them let alone interact with them. which only meant one thing Ace had taken a liking to the girl, the smile still on her face when she walked back to stand behind the bar leaning on it.

Ace

“I got the groceries!”

looking up she saw Ellie enter the café a large paper bag in her arms. "in the back Ellie" shaking her head Ace pointed over towards the entrance to the kitchen to indicate where Ellie should put the bag. Ace was feeling rather sociable today more so than usual and that was saying something as she was known as the Silent Bartender of Black Lotus Café. a male werecat came inside all prettied up with red and purple colors but what really caught her attention was the large fluffy boa he had around his elbows 'haven't seen those for a while' shaking her head once more.

Ace had been living for an incredibly long time to the point where she didn't even now how much time had passed since she last stopped ageing, she was most likely older than Mokoto and that was saying something. looking over at Mokoto who would take puff on her pipe every now and then in between sips of her sake, her gaze slowly going up towards the ceiling that now had a permanent stain from the smoke always going to that one spot no matter how many times ace tried to clean it, it never went away.

Her blue eyes found the typically silent ‘tender, and with a smile and nod at her directions, Ellie moved around the tables in the café and made toward the kitchen. She pushed the swinging door open, and with a surprised gasp, watched as a bag filled with teabags toppled from her paper sack and dropped to the floor. Her cheeks turned a deep crimson; gaze lowered to the ground, as she slowly crouched down and picked up the unopened bag.

“I got it… heh.”

She slowly pushed into the kitchen, and quickly dumped the brown bag contents on the counter, before placing them neatly in their rightful places. Moments later, with the groceries packed and stored away for later use, Ellie rushed back up to the top floor and quickly changed into her preferred uniform, before coming back down to the kitchen. She grabbed her apron, quickly tied it around her petite waist, and picked up a black tray before stepping out into the café.

“Everything’s stacked up, Ace…..”

Her words drifted off as her blue eyes immediately landed the demon that had dropped from the building; the same demon she had followed to find her way back to the tea shop. How pretty…

With a soft sigh, Ellie watched as Nwella returned back from taking the colorful demon’s order. She quickly stepped towards the young looking creature with hoves, and with a smile plastered on her face, leaned over the edge of the bar.

"Nwella, has everyone been served? And who's the person in the pink and purples?"

Ace

"good" nodding in the general direction of where Ellie was standing. she looked up at the mention of a person in pink and purples and assumed Ellie must have been talking about he werecat. Ace shook her head when Nwella gave the tray to the girl to serve to the newcomer, almost smiling. 'ive been shaking my head to much that's no good' a slight frown on her face as she watched the others do there business.

Kaleidoscope had been off in her own mind when a very kind seeming woman set down a cup of tea right in front of her. Opening her mouth to protest she realized it was too late. As fast and cooly as she'd walked over she'd walked away. Blinking slowly she looked at the tea. It smelt... Nice and it was warm not cold. She stared at the cup awhile not sure if she should if she was allowed. After thinking about it for awhile she let go of her arms revealing the darker of her bruises and grabbed the cup.

She sniffed it curiously... It smelt different. She lowered it to her lips and took a sip letting the warmth and taste fill her mouth. She practically purred at the taste and her eyes widened. Taking a large gulp she turned to peek at the dark haired girl who'd given it to her and smiled thankfully.

Kaleidoscope sipped her tea slowly and watched as people walked it. Each as colorful or intriguing as the last... But none like her.... Well the was someone with deer legs and antlers but he had no horns or ears like her own... There was another person with cat ears... And an array of others...A girl who came in a smelled like a human... She'd only ever been near one human in her life time but either way... Blinking and diverting her eyes back to the table she sipped the tea shyly.

“No, wait I-I, Nwell—“

Her fingers clutched at the tray. She glanced down nervously at its contents, then back up as the creature made his way towards the kitchen. Eyes wide with surprise, Ellie looked over at the bartender with a shocked expression.

“I don’t… I mean, I was just curious…”

Seeing her attempts as futile, Ellie turned nervously towards the awaiting customer. She held the tray close, and reached one hand out to smooth back her ruffled bangs.
It was just curiosity. Since she had never seen him before, she had just been wondering who the pretty male was, and nothing more. Yet her blush made it seem as though there was more too it, and Nwella making her serve the unknown were-feline didn’t help the situation.

With a strained whine, Ellie professionally moved over to the awaiting table, and with a small smile, carefully placed his tea order on the table.

“Your pie should be right out, Sir. Is there anything else you would like?”

With the tray clutched in her arms, Ellie, waited patiently for the customer’s decision, her eyes focuses on his ears.

At his first comment, Ellie colored a dark red, her eyes wide as she finally focused her gaze on the male’s eyes instead of his ears. What exactly did he mean by that, she wondered, as she struggled for the correct words to say to him. But that was all short lived as his ears flicked. The gasp of delight parted her lips before she had a chance to stop it.

They are real!

She had never met a creature like him. Vampires, she’d met and hid from, wolves, she’d met and avoided –especially those with a short temper- but a werecat had never crossed her path until now. She found him interesting; not only because he was prettier than most females she had associated with, but because of his choice to go about it. With his bright color clothing, and friendly manner.

“It’s rude to stare you know.”

Smiling to herself, Ellie blinked out of her daydream, and focused confused eyes on the male for a moment. Her cheeks flushed a dark pink once realizing he was directing the comment towards her.

“Me? Oh- right me. Sorry. I didn’t mean to stare.” She glanced back at his ears with a chuckle. “That’s a first for me that’s all. I’ve had a lot of firsts here, actually... But I'll just go make sure your pie is ready.”

Offering the customer a friendly grin, Ellie turned on her heels and practically bounced back over to Ace, setting the tray on the countertop. Her smile never faltered as she turned her attention from the bartender to the kitchen door.

"Nwella isn't back with that pie yet?"

Ellie frowned slightly before shaking the confusion off, and settling down on the empty barstool.

"Should I ask the girl with the horns if she wants anything else, Ace?"

Ace

shaking her head yes she sat up straight as two new customers came in. but she immeideatly recognized the werewolf as Vincent who had commercialed his delivery business here. but the other young man she didnt recognize him, her eyes narrowed as she looked him over while he quietly got out of the doorway only to stand there staring at the other night creatures. "ahh Ellie please go seat the genlteman at the bar please while your at it,we have a human costumer"she said quietly to Ellie.

Ace grabbed a clothe quickly wiping down the bar before placing it on her shoulder. she went into the kitchen to grab a few things and went into the kitchen to tell Nwella about the human customer. after Ace told him she went back to the bar and waited patiently for him to be seated.

"Ah, excuse me, can I order?"

Her blue eyes followed Ace’s gaze that landed on the wolf that had entered. He seemed familiar enough to her, though Ellie had rarely spoken to the man, on his regular visits. Her eyes widened, however, at the sight of another unfamiliar male that entered. He was human. It was obvious in his eyes and stance. Her lips curled up in a large grin as she watched him curiously glance around the café at the others. She angled her head to the side, ash waves brushed against her shoulders with the sudden movement as she listened in to the soft whispered order from Ace.

“Ahh, Ellie, please go seat the gentleman at the bar while you’re at it, we have a human costumer.”

With a nod, Ellie, grabbed her forgotten tray, and smoothed her free hand through her hair, before making her way towards the awkwardly placed male.

“Got it. And Ace, could you please take care of him...” Her gaze shifted toward Renier before focusing back on the bartender. "While I seat the other guy?"

With a smile of thanks, Ellie walked towards Vincent’s seat, and greeted the exhausted male with a slight wave and smile.

“Hello, Vincent, I’ll be right back to take your order.”

She walked around the café until she stood in front of the silent girl with red horns. The girl looked no older than fifteen, but Ellie had soon learned, in the café, that looks could very much be deceiving. And with her pad in hand, she greeted the young girl.

“Hi, my name’s Ellie. I’m gonna give you a few minutes to decide if you want anything else all right? I’ll be right back after I seat the gentleman by the door.”

With a short nod toward the girl, Ellie turned on her heels and moved for her main destination.

It was very rare and incredibly exciting when new human faces made their way into the café. Most assumed that the individuals around them were in some sort of game or play that required them to “dress up”. That bit of information always made Ellie chuckle and shake her head.

If only they knew…

But she was always disappointed when they never returned; claiming that those around the café were odd for constantly dressing up and playing a character.

Once she stood in front of the other only human, Ellie’s smile only widened.

“Welcome to The Black Lotus Café, my name’s Ellie. Would you prefer the bar, table, or booth?”

Ace

nodding her head Ace walked kut from behind the var and iver to the Reiner taking out a pen and a small notebook. standing at the end of the table, her eyes closed "what would you like sir"her voice emotionless. after she had taken his order Ace would have walked back to the bar telling Nwella who she belived was still in the kitchen what Reiner had ordered. turning her head forwards she set the pen behind her ear, ripping out the piece of paper with the order on it placing it near the kitchen in case Nwella didnt hear her.

“It is a pleasure to meet you, Ellie.”

He didn’t seem to exactly know what he wanted to say. His words, much like his actions, seemed hesitant and new; as though learning them in his mind’s eye for the first time. The thought made Ellie smile, and as she waited patiently for him properly express which seating arrangement he better preferred, Ellie allowed her eyes to scan his figure without seeming obvious about it. He was tall; taller than her petite self but then again almost everyone surpassed her in the heights category. And he was built; a fighter maybe, she wasn’t too sure. But with his pronunciations, she immediately knew he was American. The realization caused her smile to widen.

When he was through speaking, she offered a short nod and turned on her heels.

“Great! Well, if you’ll just follow me, I can get you to a lovely booth.” As she spoke, she curved around tables and moved toward the booth area, before stopping at an empty seat. “Here we go. Now, would you like to start off with something to drink or do you need a moment?”

Whichever he chose, Ellie was completely happy with, as long as she was able to move around to her other customers and help them as well. The unfamiliar girl with horns –A pixie, an elf?- seemed content with simply sitting back and sipping at her tea, so that meant Ellie would circle around and take Vincent’s order, hand it back in the kitchen to Nwella or the bar to Ace, before moving over to the were-feline, then the human male, and finally the silent girl.

Yup, that sounds about right, she mused with an inward chuckle.

“If you serve sweet tea, I would like that. And I will think about the rest of the order as I look at the menu. Thank you very much.”

Ellie smiled at the customer’s slowly spaced words. The poor guy was obviously struggling to remain in proper conversation with her, and that made her smile. Her first arrival from home had been much the same; with struggling to understand what was said and reply back with respect. Eventually however, thank goodness, she had gotten and her job at the cafe, and slowly but surely she learned to communicated with others around her. She nodded her understanding and quickly placed a rectangular shaped menu in front of the man.

“One sweet tea, coming right up.”

With a smile, Ellie turned away from the customer and started towards Vincent—only to stop short at the soft spoken quiet girl began talking to her. Blue eyes widened in surprise, and with a slight head tilt, Ellie moved to sand beside the girl to hear her better.

”But, thank you, it’s nice to sit here. If I need to pay for the tea in any way, I’ll gladly work.”

With that oath spoken, Ellie carefully looked the shy girl over, her lips pursed in a thin line as she ran through the possibility of the girl walking out of the cafe without paying her bill.

Slim to none...

“Well that's great to know. I could use an extra set of hands around here anyway. I hope you have some steady arms, because you'll be lifting a few times today.”

Glancing back over at the bar, Ellie nodded towards Nwella and Ace before focusing her attention back on the girl still seated.

“Now, I want you to go over to the lovely woman behind the bar, that’s Ace, and I want you to tell her you’re looking for a little job to do around here. Either she or the beautiful Nwella should be able to help get you set, if they agree to hiring you. I see no issue with trying you out.”

She nodded, and then smiled warmly at the girl before finally stepping away, only to stumble over a scarlet coloured cat that sauntered past.

“Oh! I’m so sorry.... what is a cat... I don’t want to know.”

Shaking her head, Ellie moved over to Vincent’s table with her tray under her arm and her pad at hand.

“Sorry about that Vincent. Now, what would you like to start with?”

Kaleidoscope looked up shocked at how kind the woman was and smiled brightly. "Thank you! Il do my very best." Bowing her head she stood and dusted off her blue dress.

Walking carefully being sure to keep her bruises hidden she weaved behind the bar and gently poked the woman behind. "Ummm Hello... I was told you were Ace?" Kaleidoscope felt her voice waver as nervousness washed over her. "I would like to do something... For the cafe... I mean... I don't have anything to repay the tea I was served... And I can work so I gladly will." Kalei's cheek's flushed. "But I'd prefer a job not to close to unfamiliar people... I'm not use to everything yet...It's all so strange."

Kaleidoscope made sure to keep her head lowered submissively only once glancing up and the woman. Aside that she tried to stay submissive. She was not sure who or what these people were or were like... So she used the same policy as with the guests that use to pop by the master. To stay submissive, quiet, head down and just keep going.

Ace

the young demon girl walked up to the bar asking if she could get a job but the way she spoke, so submissivly Ace didnt like it much. her eyes did a quick look over and she noticed that she had even more bruises that she had been covering before. her eyes narrowed slightly at the thought someone had been abusing a possible customer but she pushed that thought away as it was none of her business.

"i am her" Ace reached out and lifted the girls head so she was actually looking at her "girl, i cant hear a word your saying if you want a job here you need more confidence and not be so submissive, if someone gives you a problem i will deal with it so theres no need to act all shy" it was the longest sentence Ace had ever said in a while and she never liked talking to much. letting go of her chin Ace stepped back and folded her arms across her large chest looking the girl over again. 'she looks strong but those brusies wont do her good here' thinking of all the possible outcomes of her working at the Black Lotus Cafe.

looking over at Mokoto who ahd taken the scarlette cat onto her alo with a mini tornado she shook her head just thinking kf what the wonan might do to were cat. but she was glad Mokot had dealt with it Ace didnt approve of the night creatures viving for human attention and makin them run

Kaleidoscope kept her blue green eyes away from Ace's as her chin was lifted but nodded. "Il do my best..." She bravely let her gaze drift over to the girl and tried on a small smile. "Is this to your liking?" Kalei really was trying but it was hard. "No! No one has been mean to me here... There all very kind its just... It's hard to explain is all... I've never left master garden I really don't understand things here... But I will learn."

Kalei pulled her sleeves down to cover her bruises. "And see... No one needs to see the bruises that way it looks fine." Smiling a little more she dipped her head slightly to look at her bare feet. "But... Maybe a job involving less people interaction would be best to start..." Wiggling her toes she looked over at the scene around the bar. Everything was calm and people seemed kind... It was strange but a nice strange.

....I’ll just have a coffee thanks.”

While he spoke, Ellie neatly and efficiently wrote down his order next to the previously odered lemon tea.

“One coffee, got it—“

But she was cut off when he suddenly remembered something.

”This may be a strange question but, do you like cats?”

Cats?

Ellie frowned down at the wolf, mind deep in thought as she reconsidered his question. She had never thought about animals before. Sure she loved dogs, and was capable of keeping a fish alive, but cats?

The overfluffed ones are always so prissy... Emily thought with a frown. She glanced over at the bar, studying the coloured cat seated on lady Mokoto’s lap, and she shrugged.

”I guess I do. I prefer when they’re kittens though...” Ellie stuffed her pen and pad back in her apron pocket, before glancing back up at Vincent with a smile. “That way they aren’t sassy with me from the beginning, ha. But I’ll be back with your order ok? We can talk more about cats.” She giggled and turned away from Vincent, smiling as she made her way back to the bar.

Blue eyes focused intently on the two females behind the bar as Ellie dropped down on a stool. She sighed, and placed her tray on the countertop before reaching into her pocket and pulling out her pad for Ace.

”One lemon tea, and one coffee please.”

After giving her two orders, Ellie turned her attention towards the red horned girl with a smile as she leaned forward in interest.

”So...” she started, ”Are you hired?

Ace

taking the notepad from Ellie she started making the order and was almost finished when Ellie asked the young demon girl if she was hired yet. "Yes she is hired but it will be one with little to no interaction with people" setting down the orders on Ellie’s tray. "Can you cook ah and your name what is your name girl?" turning her attention back to the demon girl.

Kaleidoscope smiled. "My name is Kaleidoscope. I don't have a last name... But if you want... You can call me Kalei." She smiled gratefully at the two girls. "I can serve, cook, clean, carry, sing, sew. And Il learn anything else you need me to do~" Her voice let out a strange tune at the end of her words showing she was happy.

Turning to the other girl who had told her to come to Ace she smiled. "You never told me your name madam may I inquire... As to what it is?" Tilting her head to the side curiously Kaleidoscope also noted that this girl was very strange. She was no demon... Certainly not a werewolf or vampire... Or a mixed breed... So what was she then? Thinking back Kaleidoscope remembered only ever meeting one person like her... One of the masters guests who had not stayed long. But she had not idea what they had been either...

”Yes, she is hired bit it will be one with little to no interaction with people.”

Ellie could only nod in understanding. For the girl’s outer appearance and characteristics, one could plainly tell she was the shy and submissive type. That thought made Ellie smile as she gracefully balanced her made orders on her awaiting tray and lifted it flat in one hand.

”Can you cook ah, and what’s your name girl?”

The pale-haired female giggled softly as she rose from her seated position on the stool. She too was curious about the name of the awkward yet adorable standing girl. Knowing her name would definitely help Ellie to stop randomly walking over and standing there until she was noticed. She turned away from the pair and paused in her steps as the girl spoke.

”My name is Kaleidoscope.”

Well, Ellie thought with a slight frown, that’s different. She inhaled a soft breath and rebalanced the tray in her hand as she caught on to what Kaleidoscope was saying once meeting the girl’s gaze.

”Oh! How rude of me, I’m Ellie. It’s nice to meet you and welcome.”

With a courteous nod, Ellie turned away from the pair and moved towards the other human in the café.

”I think she’d work great in the kitchen. Those pies and cakes won’t make themselves you know.”

Ellie called over her shoulder as she neared the male.

”Here you go Sir, one lemon tea just like you asked.” She stylishly placed the order on the table top before looking over at the customer, making sure to keep her words evenly spaced and without any unfamiliar expressions. ”Do you still need some time to think things over, or…?”