Chapter Text
The Mission, One-Shot
The Evenshire Camp was in a fitful state. Although the talking animals overran things there, as well as at the Terrabay Camp, the main heroes were allowed to stay. However, things had changed, and even sidekick heroes were coming to the Evenshire Camp. The hard work that was put into keeping both the Evenshire and Terrabay Camps as they should be was now for not. Some of the crazier talking animals were turning both camps into a circus, instead of a working facility.
When Reepicheep first set foot at the Evenshire Camp, he shook his head in disbelief. He could not understand why talking animals would want to take over the camp. Still, he admitted he was a talking animal himself, but at least he wasn't as mad as the rest of the lot. Reepicheep followed Edmund, Lucy, and Eustace to the food pavilion where they were served food. It was the least he could do with his time. However, he was called over by Aslan, who wanted to speak with him.
As Reepicheep walked with Aslan, the anthropomorphic mouse could sense something was on Aslan's mind. "I trust everything goes well."
"As well as I can make things," said Aslan. He turned to the mouse, "Reepicheep, I have a task that I would like for you to perform for me. Call it a favor."
"Yes Aslan. Anything," said Reepicheep.
"The kitchen pavilion runs smoothly, but we are sorely lacking a chef. If you would, find the appropriate chef and bring him here. If he is skilled and can handle the work orders, then I will consider taking him in and allowing him to stay. If not, then the cooks are on their own," said Aslan.
"Yes Aslan. I will search far and wide to find this chef," said Reepicheep.
Aslan chuckled. "I knew you would."
However, Aslan and Reepicheep's conversation was overheard by a group of talking animals. The small group met and arranged things. When Reepicheep left his small tent the next morning, he heard the talking animals make an announcement. Aslan was gathered there as well, along with the heroes assembled. The cat with the parchment paper announced:
"Listen up: because we lack a chef, it's time we had a contest. Whoever finds the best chef will bring him or her here for a contest to see who will earn the title Professional Chef and gets to stay at the Evenshire Camp to fill our work orders."
"What?" asked Reepicheep, stunned.
Aslan growled.
Reepicheep told Aslan, "Aslan, I think some animals were eavesdropping on our conversation."
Aslan snarled. "Yes, it appears that way. They make an effort to not care about what they heard. These animals are cursed, and are going about things the wrong way."
Reepicheep looked confused. "What do you mean, Aslan?"
Aslan shook his head. "It is of no importance, at least for now."
The cat, while standing on the stage, asked the crowd, "So, who would be willing enough to go seek out some of the best chefs from many worlds?" She saw paws or hoofs raised, allowing her to write down the name of the animals picked on the parchment, resting on the clipboard.
Reepicheep spoke up. "I shall go. If there must be animals making a contest, then I won't rest until I find the best chef there is."
The cat chuckled. "Reepicheep, you've only just got here since… yesterday." She asked, "Are you sure you want to go on a quest, such as this?"
Reepicheep unsheathed his sword. "I have been on many missions throughout my mouse life. If there is a task here that needs to be done, I will do it."
The cat shrugged. She added his name to the list. She announced, "Okay, if no one wants to go look for the chefs, then I say this meeting is done. We'll meet again in a few weeks. Be sure you've found the best chefs by then."
When the crowd parted, Reepicheep walked with Aslan. Eventually, Aslan spoke. "Reepicheep, I want you to go to Paris, France."
Reepicheep looked up, stunned. "I thought the world where the Kings and Queens of Old were cut off from Narnians."
"That depends, Reepicheep. I am asking you to go there and find the chef rat named Remy," said Aslan. "He may not warm up to the idea, at first, but he has a brave heart; much like you."
"When do you want me to leave?" asked Reepicheep.
Aslan looked ahead. On the white sandy beach, a light portal opened. Aslan turned to Reepicheep and said, "When you're ready to come back, I will open the portal. Then you and Remy can pass through."
Reepicheep saluted. He scurried towards the portal. Following him were his mouse allies, who charged after him through the portal. Once the mice were gone, Aslan closed the portal. Aslan would be watching Reepicheep and his mice, but also the inhabitants at the Evenshire Camp. He had hopes that Reepicheep would find Remy and bring him to the camp. He would not lose the camp altogether to the talking animals, no matter how cursed they were.