Well, after last the two chapters we enter into the final parts of the story. I realize there hasn't been much of the Food Wars! usual candor in the last few chapters so i'ma do my best to add some filler. I'm so excited to get over this last hurdle, because the final chapters are what i've been dying to write this whole time. Hope you like the direction, and with enough encouragement I believe I have a continuation story lined up that's not as serious, and more of the Food Wars shenanigans we all love. Let me know readers!
Chapter 11: On The Chopping Block
Yukihira finally arrived outside the dorm where Nikumi usually resides at. Surprisingly he's never been to her side of the campus. Yukihira felt flushed with anxiety, nervous as to how the impending conversation would unfold. If he could just figure out exactly what he did wrong, he'd certainly be able to fix it and make amends for upsetting Nikumi. The thought of seeing her again, sparked a rush of excitement and motivated to knock on her door in the strong hopes she would be available to talk to him.
Yukihira approached her door and prepared himself one last time before he knocked. He stood there riddled with guilt and nervousness, but he knew that his friend was upset and he needed to make things right. He just prayed to God that she didn't ask him to cook. That would be embarrassing.
The door opened slowly revealing only a small crack while Nikumi peeked half her face out to see who it was. It was Yukihira! She was still feeling hungover from the night before, but her emptiness felt even worse as she too was distraught over her feelings for Yukihira. However, this slight moment seeing his wide goofy grin eased her emotions just a little bit; reminding her that she still wanted to be with him despite his relationship with Erina.
In her mind, she was convinced that Erina had confessed to Yukihira her adoration for him. It caused her to be jealous because how could a she, stack up to the great Erina Nakiri! Erina was world class in both cooking, prestige, and beauty. Any guy that had even the slightest chance of being with her, would undoubtedly be at her whim. Nikumi thought that she couldn't even stack up to Erina and that Yukihira deserved to be with someone incredible. She knew that he'd be happy with someone like Erina as his partner. On the other hand, she couldn't bear the thought of Yukihira being with anyone else but her, and it caused her heart to break. She was so close to confessing herself to him, only to be upstaged by the great Erina Nakiri. (Teenage girls man, this is really how they think. True talk.)
"Hey Nikumi! I... uh..." Yukihira started strongly, only to get choked up on what to say.
"I... Uh... I just wanted to check up in you haha. Fumio was worried you might've been sick or something, and I was worried too because you're my friend haha. And... uh... I just hope I didn't upset you or anything... because if I did I'm sorry and... uhh... what i mean to say is... haha... uhm..." Yukihira rambled out.
Yukihira's mind was completely non-functional at this point. He had never really known how to approach feelings with other people. His whole has been consumed with cooking and competition, he never really knew how to show friendliness to people with words. He would always cook his friends something, and that would make them feel better. Unfortunately this time, he's greatest talent was not at his disposal.
"Oh? Yeah. I'm fine. Things are fine. I just felt really sick, and got super embarrassed I might've thrown up haha." Nikumi lied, embarrassed that it was all she could think of as an excuse.
"You could've used the restroom at Polar Star, nobody would've minded." Yukihira smiled back, relieved that she was just sick.
"I know. I just didn't want anyone to worry or anything. They were all having so much fun, I didn't want to ruin the night." Nikumi said with a red face, clearly lying.
"Oh? Well I see. You're feeling better right? I was afraid I did something to upset and it's been bugging me since you ran off." Yukihira said, trying to be comforting.
"Yeah, i'm fine now. Good to go!" Nikumi exaggerated, explicitly lying at this point.
"Hey, well it's Sunday. The rest of the gang are out for Ice Cream. Did you maybe want to go?" Yukihira asked, feeling infinitely more confident now that Nikumi expressed she was okay.
"Yeah, hold on and let me change real quick." Nikumi said, feeling a small spark of hope. Being around Yukihira made her feel better, though her mind and feelings were still in great conflict.
Yukihira stood outside her door patiently, finally feeling an intense amount of relief fly off his chest. He was glad that he didn't upset Nikumi, and was even eager to see what she might wear while they walked for ice cream. As all the negative emotions left his body, he felt a warm feeling that he felt last night. When he touched Nikumi's hand, he felt a warm calmness within; and without all the negativity clouding his mind, an interesting thought popped into his head.
Yukihira imagined that night again. Instead of her running off, she leaned in and kissed him. The very thought of Nikumi kissing him, sent a wave of giddy excitement throughout his entire being. He felt a surge of ecstasy and even started to smile harder than he ever thought possible at the idea of Nikumi and him sharing such a moment. His heart fluttered and his mind was etching her pure beauty in the moonlight. He envisioned the angel he saw when he fell down, that gently reached out to him. She, the beautiful Nikumi, kissed him softly and that sent his mind in a daze. His aura beamed with joy, and his entire body started to feel hot.
The door opened wide and Nikumi stepped out in her attire. Yukihira twisted his head slightly and was amazed by her outfit. Nikumi was wearing a dark green long-sleeve shirt, with the ends customarily rolled up past her elbows. The neck was low cut, as usual, which revealed her tan cleavage pronounced seductively. She wasn't exposing her midriff though, and instead of shorts, opted for black jean pants tucked inside her customary brown heel boots. She was wearing a black belt hanging slightly at an angle across her waist, and the top part of her jeans were unbuttoned, but fully zipped up. It was a modest look, but it fit Nikumi perfectly. The jeans outlined her amazing lower half, while her upper body was still enhanced by the low cut shirt. It looked badass, and Yukihira was captivated nonetheless.
Seeing Nikumi look like this, paired with his previous thoughts, instantly shot fear into his core. Nikumi was breathtaking, and now Yukihira feared she couldn't like someone like him in that way. This thought clamped down into his heart, and the doubt it cast over him suddenly forced him to clam up in her presence. He didn't know what to do. He wasn't feeling awful like he had been all morning, but now he had no confidence whatsoever to be found. Nikumi was way out of reach for him, and this caused his heart to despair. Still, being in her presence made him feel good enough to not want to leave and he faked a smile, while the headed out the dorm.
The two young teens walked down the sidewalk, nearing the town market. Neither of them said a single word to each other, as both felt unworthy of each other's company. They walked in silence reinforcing their misguided ideas about each other, not realizing if either of them opened up; the entire situation could be resolved. Luckily for them, the Polar Star Gang was walking in a pack and Satoshi recognized Yukihira and Nikumi immediately. He waved them over with a large smile, hoping Yukihira felt better about everything.
"Hey you two! Enjoying the crisp air of first winter?" Satoshi said happily, hoping to elicit a positive response.
Both their faces became flushed with embarrassment.
"Yeah! Just hoping to catch up with you guys haha." Yukihira said nervously with a smile.
"It really is a nice day. Looks like Ryō is still hungover though. Is he okay?" Nikumi stated, trying to deflect the conversation off them.
"Who Ryō? Oh yeah, that's his normal look ahaha! Lousy bum always looks like a zombie." Alice said jokingly, trying to rile him up.
"Did you figure out your problem yet Yukihira!?" Yūki blurted out.
"Eh!?!!" The group exclaimed in shock.
"What problem Yukihira?" Nikumi asked, looking at Yukihira with a concerned look.
Yukihira's face started to flush red with embarrassment.
"Nothing ahaha, just had a little hangover sickness this morning; that's all!" He smiled widely, trying to hide the truth.
"Yukihira made the most bland breakfast this morning! He can't cook anymore!" Yūki stated bluntly.
The group all fell down comically in shock.
"What? We all tasted right?" Yūki asked, unaware of how rude she was being.
"Yukihira! You can't cook anymore!? Why!?" Nikumi asked, staring at him with deep concern now.
Yukihira was frozen with shock and embarrassment. His entire body was bright red, and his dreams of getting a kiss from Nikumi shattered.
"Why didn't you tell me Yukihira!?!? This is serious! What's going on?" Nikumi panicked.
One of things that Nikumi loved about Yukihira was his ability to cook impressive meals. If Yukihira had a problem in that department she would do anything to help. Unfortunately, Yukihira's simple mind couldn't comprehend her expression for concern and mistook it for disappointment.
"I... I... don't know. Something is locking me up inside and I can't cook properly. I don't know why and I'm trying to figure it out." Yukihira said, sour that any hope that he might have had with Nikumi was fading.
"It's okay Yukihira! We'll help you out! We are all here for you!" Ryōko stated, trying to make him feel better.
Sitting outside a café table across the sidewalk from them, were two familiar figures that were hiding discreetly behind newspapers.
"Yukihira Sōma has lost his ability to cook?" Mitsuru whispered softly to his partner.
"Oh boy! Tsozin will love to hear about this! This is absolutely perfect!" Hayami whispered loudly, almost letting her presence be known.
Two started to cackle quietly behind their newspapers, as Hayami whipped out her phone and began to relay the news to Tsozin immediately. This fit into his plan perfectly. Overwhelmed with intense confidence, the got up from their table quickly and decided to take advantage of the opportunity.
"What are you Polar Losers doing out here? Shouldn't you be preparing for your shokugeki tomorrow!? Are you not taking the challenges in this school seriously?" Mitsuru instigated loudly.
"How dare you scrubs try insult our match by not taking it seriously!" Hayami said in a sharp insult.
"The two dogs come out to bark before they bite hmmm?" Ryōko mocked.
Hayami's face started to steam.
"What did you say scrub!? Insulting your superiors!? How dare you!" Hayami sharply replied.
"You guys are being superior jerks!!" Megumi loudly spoke, tired of hearing her friends be insulted.
Everyone snapped their heads at Megumi, while she had an aggressive face. The innocent Megumi was really starting to express her thoughts more apparently.
Hayami flung herself back in utter shock. Her face filled with horror as she was insulted by lower class-men. Her rage started to burn inside her.
"You bitch! How dare you! How dare you! How dare you!.." Hayami hysterically said, raising her aggression and frustration as she was at a loss for words.
Ryō instantly turned from a dull, zombie like expression to a fierce demonic fury at the sound of Hayami's insult towards Megumi. The mad dog was infuriated.
"HOW DARE YOU insult the honor of this academy with your cheap underhanded tactics reserved for swindlers and street thieves. You are nothing of superiority to the likes of anyone here. Even the weakest student chef at this academy has more substance than you two frauds, and your slimy leader Tsozin!" Ryō raged darkly, spreading what seemed to an aura of pure malice and darkness.
Hayami's mind snapped in fury. Steam flushed out of her head, and her antics became hysterically embarrassing as she began to spaz out.
"It seems this is getting nowhere. Regardless of your insults to the integrity of Elite Number 6 and Elite Number 7, we still expect you to perform your best tomorrow at our private shokugeki! Good luck with that haha." Mitsuru said calmly, trying to ease the tension before Hayami has another aneurysm.
"Oh we'll be ready! Don't you worry!" Zenji stated confidently adjusting his glasses.
"Oh? Is that so young man? Perhaps YOU may be ready, but are your friends?" Mitsuru said goadingly, eyes locked specifically on Yukihira.
Hayami realized that yet again, they have gotten under the skins of the Polar Star chefs, and it was clear they knew of Yukihira's issue. She recomposed herself, almost miraculously.
"Well there you have it then. Tomorrow at Nine, be ready to give it your all. I know we will. Ahaha." Hayami chuckled, as her and Mitsuru left the crew to stew in their riled up emotions. As they walked out of sight, Takumi spoke up angrily.
"Everytime! Everytime they come around, they always get to us!" Takumi said with a clenched fist.
"Why are they so headstrong about challenging us all the time?" Alice asked.
"Because we're the best of our first years. If they find a way to defeat us, what hope do any of them have to succeed? This school is notorious for having such high standards for excellence, that most of the applicants will never graduate. Still, this system Tsozin plans to implement will further dwindle the number of incredible applicants and hopefuls. We give the others hope to do better, and if we fail. How can they hope to beat him?" Satoshi said wisely.
"That doesn't sound too comforting, and now they know about Yukihira! We have to help him figure out a way to get his cooking back." Nikumi stated assuredly.
"Yes, troubling as this may come; it may again prove for Tsozin to overplay his hand. If he believes he has an assured victory, we may be able to convince him to wager something that would ruin his plan for sure!" Ryōko stated, thinking about the situation.
"In our match tomorrow, we'll be able to get a glimpse of what those two can do. We will also see if there is any way we can exploit details of Tsozin's real plan and find a spot to attack it." Zenji added, adjusting his glasses.
"The fact still remains, I can't cook. Tsozin will definitely want to jump on this opportunity quickly. Plus, with his victory tomorrow he will surely have something to do with Polar Star." Yukihira said sadly.
"Indeed! We have to get you back in cooking spirits! You can't be defeated!" Nikumi said confidently.
The rest of the group agreed, but they first decided to put forth all their effort into helping Zenji and Yūki prepare. Although their loss was assured, they couldn't give the impression of feeling defeated. Tsozin's arrogance would lead him to eventually stretch his reach far, and there will eventually be a weak spot to exploit.
Everyone was anxiously awaiting Zenji and Yūki to return from their private match with Hayami and Mitsuru. Hopefully they gained valuable insight as to what was going on. Alice, Takumi, Ryōko, Satoshi, Yukihira, Nikumi, Megumi, Ryō, Akira all awaited quietly at the table. Several of them eagerly awaiting to see how Tsozin's plan will unfold. The Dormitory's main door opened, and two figures stood in the doorway.
Yūki and Zenji both looked defeated. Their spirit was insurmountably crushed by their private shokugeki, and they also had in their hands a formal manilla envelope with the stamp of the Elite Council. The group quickly expressed their concern, and motioned for them to sit down so they could talk about what happened.
"It... it... it was horrifying; I've never seen such a display!" Zenji said coldly, as if life was fleeting from his soul.
"They were monsters! Vicious... vicious monsters!" Yūki whimpered.
"Are you guys alright? What happened?" Alice asked sympathetically.
The rest of the group listened in carefully.
"Mitsuru Kobayashi and Hatami Miyamoto; the twin devils..." Zenji began.
"The contest was to prepare a flambé meal for the judges. One dessert, and one main course meal. With only 15 minutes for collaboration and acquiring of ingredients, then forty-five minutes to complete the task, Yūki and I had to start right away. Yuki suggested she knew a quail recipe that could be turned into a flambé and I remember in my studies about making a bananas foster. Our first hurdle was getting quail for Yūki. They were able to get it right away, but Yūki had to prepare it as it was still alive! She knew how to prepare it, but removing the rib cage would take time. So it was on me to get the rest of the ingredients." Zenji continued as he adjusted his glasses.
"Of course their ingredients were practically already laid out, and they were casually cooking while the judges eyed our every move. I quickly prepared a marinate for my quails as I quickly feathered and gutted them. The judges showed unease at witnessing me do this portion in front of them. I paid them no attention as I poured into a large bowl, a mixture of fish sauce and oyster sauce, a marinade for the quail. While the quail was marinating, I quickly fired up a frying pan, and tossed the quail bones in. I added white wine, sultanas, chicken stock, shallots, and garni."
"I figured the best chance at beating them, was to create a complex and intricate dish of flavors. Straining out the gross stuff that bubbled up, I strained it and collected the liquid and put it back into the pan to thicken the liquid into a sauce. The quails were done, and it was time for fire so I fried up another pan and placed the quail in until they browned. After they were finished, I poured Cognác over them and they burst into flames. Once the flames died down, I added the sauce mix from the other pan. After cooking it a little bit longer, I transferred them to a plate and added more sauce and waited to sprinkle more Cognác on it to serve to the judges. By that time Zenji was also complete." Yūki explained.
"I knew a bananas foster didn't take long to prepare or cook, so I used this time to observe carefully around the room. I couldn't recognize the judges, and I assumed they were all from the bureau. Interestingly, a man entered in the middle of our shokugeki to deliver a message in the judge's ears. He had very strong identical look to Tsozin, and I can only assume that it was indeed his father. To cover up my prying eyes, I was manually extracting vanilla from vanilla beans to make the bananas foster and to make the vanilla ice cream."
"You see, I figured it would impress the judges if I made the ice cream from scratch by making the cream with creamed milk, sugar and vanilla extract. I then used a liquid nitrogen cooler to flash freeze the cream. To prevent it from becoming a giant block of ice, I set it in a thermal box to warm the ice cream evenly for a few minutes until is was rich and smooth, but still cold enough to retain it's ice cream appearance. I fried up the butter, rum, and cinnamon in a frying pan and dipped my bananas into it until they were fried. At the same time Yūki was finishing her dish as well. With precise timing, I was able to plate the mixture and sprinkle it with rum and together we lit both our dishes to create the flambé dishes." Zenji explained, adjusting his glasses.
"The judges praised our meals for being presented nicely, and especially Yūki for making the quail perfectly after having to manually feather and gut it." Zenji continued.
"Don't short yourself, your made-from-scratch ice cream also wowed them; and your technique for extracting vanilla straight from the beans really impressed them. They loved our dishes, and gave us a lot of praise." Yūki said, with a sad undertone.
"However, the two devils were done almost instantly after ours were done. They presented the chefs with Steak Diane and something Hayami called Bombe Alaska. They judges were absolutely floored with their creations, they taunted us profusely with their techniques. Like how Hayami also used the liquid nitrogen cooler to freeze the ice cream mold she made for the Alaska desert, that way it maintained it's shape until they were finished with the Steak Diane. Mitsuru boasted about how he made the sauce first, then pounded the sauce into the steaks by coating them in salt to dry them out, then allowing the steaks to absorb the unthickened sauce." Zenji stated, adjusting his glasses once again.
"One of the judges was an American, and was absolutely blown away by their dish. Another judge was entranced by Hayami's Alaska Bombe dish, and couldn't get over how 'cool' it looked. We lost without a single vote in our favor; which we expected. But I do believe the judges praise was honest, but they were clearly hand picked for Hayami and Mitsuru. I'm not sure we could've beaten them either even if it was a fair match. We tried their dish, and you can tell they have a devilish way with their cooking styles. Both were incredibly packed with flavor, that it overwhelmed the taste buds entirely. There was an intensity to the dish that you could almost feel their obsession in each bite." Yūki added.
"Unfortunately, they revealed the results of the Shokugeki and that's when things got bad. As we walked out of the privatekitchen, Tsozin was waiting with an entourage of men in suits. They were all wearing the bureau pin on their lapels. Tsozin wanted to add insult to injury, and he managed to do just that." Zenji said angrily as he clenched a fist.
"Well well well, it seems it's the two side characters who had the chance to shine. Not too bright are you?" Tsozin said condescendingly, eliciting a chuckle from his entourage.
"Hey! We did our best, and actually managed to impress the judges even.though they were in your pocket the whole time!" Yūki snapped furiously.
"Oh..? Accusing me of being dishonest again? How droll. You brats are nothing but a testament to failing standards from the Polar Star Dormitory. In fact, because you lost today, Polar Star Dormitory is under academic review!" Tsozin boasted.
"Yeah, well it doesn't matter. Cheaters never win, you'll see!" Zenji snapped.
"Oh...? Ooooh." Tsozin cooed, before chuckling.
"What's so funny!?" Yūki shouted.
"It's interesting you mentioned cheaters little one, because as it turns out; Polar Star is the one with cheater's isn't it?" Tsozin mocked.
"Why! How dare you! Nobody in Polar Star ever cheated! How dare you say that about our Dormitory!" Yūki snapped furiously.
"Don't impugn my honor little brat, facts are facts. I happen to have an official investigation report conducted by the Shokugeki Bureau on behalf of the Elite Council, because I assumed you'd both lose and Polar Star is under academic review, and there are some interesting inquiries on two of your residents. Yukihira Sōma and Megumi Tadokoro! Cheating is not tolerated in Totsuki Academy! See for yourself" Tsozin bellowed as he tossed the manilla envelope to Zenji.
Everyone in the room was completely shocked. Everyone's mouths were wide open. Everyone quickly eyed the envelop in Zenji's hands, and quickly started to draw conclusions.
"This is bogus! There is no way either of them cheated! Tsozin is just flat out lying. We can take this to the board right now, and catch him red handed!" Ryōko stated, slamming her fist on the ground.
Zenji looked down in shame. Yūki also looked away as he passed the envelope on the table in front of them. Everyone was scared to open it, and Zenji's expression did not help the situation. How could Yukihira and Megumi be accused of cheating? Satoshi quickly grabbed the envelope, frustrated at all the games Tsozin was playing.
"It's another trick! It's all part of this stupid game!" Satoshi said angrily, as he pulled out the files. What he read, changed his attitude instantly.
"Well, what's it say! Read it Satoshi! Now!" Ryō yelled.
"After considerable investigation, the deputy investigator Hitori Īto has concluded that Yukihira Sōma and Megumi Tadokoro are guilty of academic ethical violations of conduct within Totsuki Academy. Yukihira Sōma's admission into Totsuki was ruled invalid due to failing the entrance examination administered by Erina Nakiri, overseer of transfer applicants into Totsuki Academy. The Totsuki Academy director, Senzaemon Nakiri, neglected to review Miss Nakiri's valid assessment of Yukihira Sōma's application and violated the Totsuki Academy constitutional bylaws (something legal sounding). Due to Yukihira's false admission, Megumi Tadokoro was able to lift an academic suspension in which, should she have received another E rating, would result in immediate expulsion. Yukihira's involvement in Instructor Roland Chapelle's classroom on day one, allowed Megumi Tadokoro to sidestep an automatic failing grade. Several students of the class went on record to verify that Megumi had added way too much salt mixture to her dish, and would've certainly received an E grade. Although this was a team challenge, Yukihira's admission into Totsuki is not a valid admission and therefore hindered the appropriate measures of Totsuki's educational methods for evaluating students. It is the belief of this investigator, that Yukihira Sōma and Academy Director Senzaemon Nakiri worked in cohorts with each other to surpass entrance requirements. Yukihira Sōma's legal guardian: Jōichirō Saiba is a known associate of Senzaemon Nakiri. It is further advised by this investigator's recommendation that Yukihira Sōma be immediately expelled from Totsuki and Megumi Tadokoro to undergo a formal expulsion board trial to determine her continued eligibility into Totsuki. Signed Hitori Īto, Deputy Investigator to the Shokugeki Administration Bureau: Totsuki Academy Division."
The room was in complete bewilderment. Megumi's eyes swelled up with tears, as she immediately ran off into her room as fast as possible. Alice gave a hard nudge to Ryō indicating that that was his cue to do something. Ryō still in shock from the news, slowly got up and went after her calmly while still filtering through what Satoshi has just read. Yukihira was frozen in complete shock. Everybody was floored by the news.
"But... but... this doesn't make sense! Senzaemon Nakiri is the director of the academy! His word is law. So what if he allowed Yukihira to enter the academy?" Nikumi asked, still reeling from the news about her friend.
"It doesn't matter. The director still has to follow the rules set by the constitutional bylaws. In this event, Yukihira's application should have gone under review by the Elite Council where Erina would've voiced her decision and we would put it to a vote. This was not done however, and even Senzaemon Nakiri cannot overstep school rules." Satoshi said calmly, clenching his fist.
"Wow! My cousin royally screwed you over Yukihira! I'm so sorry." Alice said vehemently, pulling out her phone to message Erina right away.
Because of you, your Grandfather and Yukihira are being accused of cheating!
Alice texted angrily, as she mashed the buttons on her phone.
Suddenly, there was a knock on the dormitory door. Zenji got up quickly to see who would be knocking on their door at such a time. It was Erina Nakiri! As he opened the door to reveal her standing there, the entire room glared at her in contempt. Erina flinched back in confusion as to why everyone was staring at her with such contempt. Had the match between Zenji and Yūki gone so horribly? She wanted to visit Polar Star to see how things turned out, because despite her icy exterior, she still cared about her fellow students especially if Tsozin is involved.
"Is something wrong guys?" Erina said innocently, still scared of everyone's expression.
"Why did you fail Yukihira's application into Totsuki? Why!? What reason!? Why! Why!" Nikumi stood up and shouted at her. Nikumi was greatly disturbed by the news, and her emotions towards Yukihira were manifesting strongly.
Erina's face turned to one of horror. She remembers that day, when she had to review transfer applicants into Totsuki. She remembered how cold she was to Yukihira, and how she lied about his dish because of her proud. That moment for her was now one of shame and guilt, knowing that he was the son of her idol chef. The mere memory caused her to feel nauseous with guilt. Unsure of how to answer she fumbled out her response.
"I... I... I just didn't think he was Totsuki material at the time. Clearly he proved my initial assessment wrong." Erina stammered, trying to save face.
"You said it was disgusting. I poured everything into that dish, and made it perfectly and you said it was disgusting!" Yukihira said angrily, bitter that he now knew the truth about how he got accepted into Totsuki.
"Disgusting!? Disgusting!!! What!?!?!" Alice shouted furiously.
"Erina Nakiri you should know better and be ashamed! Because of your stupid arrogance and pride, your Grandfather and Yukihira are being accused of cheating! Even worse, poor Megumi is suspected of cheating too! Look what you've done!" Alice continued, insulted that her own blood could've done something so horrid.
Erina felt gut punch of guilt. Her entire body wanted to collapse, and her heart felt weighed by grief. Her dishonesty had come full circle now, and two people she respected are now being looked at with negative views. It was too much to bear, she tried desperately to hide it; but tears started to well up in her eyes. Her pride had given way to a much more insidious crime. Erina fell to her knees in weakness, and began to cry.
The room's frustration quickly turned to sympathy. Ryōko stood up and rushed over to comfort her.
"Guys! Can't you see what is going on here! Tsozin is tearing us apart! He has once again gotten under skins, and now we are all being emotional and not thinking clearly!" Akira stated, no longer able to deal with the situation.
"Come on! You guys are chef's! World class at that! Times are stressful, but you keep saying how you will each help each other out. Damian said we have to watch out for each other. All of us. Now I may not be the most invested, or open in the group but we got to pull it together! We can figure a way out of this. Yes Erina made a mistake, but who are you to place blame! We all make mistakes, but we also make good decisions too! Let's all take a breath, and come back at dinner and formulate a strategy. We're on the ropes right now, but we gotta find a way to win." Akira stated, realizing how much he actually cared about his friends.
The room nodded in agreement. Yukihira was at a breaking point. He couldn't cook, he doesn't believe he's good enough for Nikumi, and now he's accused of being a cheater. He wanted to call his Dad, but given the circumstances it would just make things worse. He needed to get away and clear his head. He got up and headed towards the door. Nikumi noticed this and went after him, sensing he was troubled.
Erina and Ryōko went into the living room, along with the rest of them as they went to strategize about their next move.
Ryō quietly opened the door to Megumi's room, to see tear drops on a picture frame of her family she was holding in her lap. Ryō felt something akin to sadness, and couldn't help but compel himself to sit down next to her. After all she comforted him the night before, and he still needed her to help him find his way. He sat down softly next to her and placed his arm around her shoulder. Megumi instantly buried her wet face into his shoulder, and began to cry softly.
Ryō felt her tears on his shirt, and his heart felt soft and hurt. His inner darkness was being thrown into turmoil as he felt angry, and terrible sadness for his friend. Ryō didn't know how to be comforting, and wondered what he could possibly say to relate to her. Unbeknownst to him, his presence was enough. Megumi felt her sadness slowly dissipate as she felt Ryō's warmness on her body. She was crushed by the accusations, but even more by the insinuation that she wasn't good enough for Totsuki. She started to sniffle, as her tears dried up, and Ryō's warmth felt better and better with each moment.
Ryō tried his best to sympathize, and dug deep within himself to say something meaningful. He felt a strong urge to connect with Megumi, and noticing her light aura was dim, decided to speak. From seemingly nowhere a wave of insight entered his mind and without his knowing, found the right words to say.
"Megumi, you are good enough. They say I'm a mad dog in the kitchen, and I've cooked everyday of my life for as long as I can remember. Each day forced me to be better than the last. I've worked so hard, so passionately towards my craft; I even got lost in it. When we battled in the elections I barely won against you. At the time, I brushed it off in arrogance; but now I see you are great chef. Anyone who can match me truly has to do it with equal amounts of dedication and care that I demand of myself. Who cares what others say? They don't know you, and they didn't know me. I was always just another stepping stone for someone else. To even be considered that, drove me into a dark rage. I wouldn't ever be someone's stepping stone!" Ryō said.
"Megumi, I got lost in my world; absorbed in some sort of dark trance where cooking was all I knew how to do. If I ever let up for a moment, someone might snatch it right from under me. I treated you the same way, like an enemy come to take what I earned. I realize now, you were just a friend eager to witness my best and test it with yours. You have incredible talent as a chef, and to be so unsure of yourself is a discredit to you and your opponent. Likewise, I've learned from you that to dismiss your opponent is a disservice to yourself and them. I don't think you deserve to go, and I'll stand behind you one hundred percent; because I believe you are a good chef." Ryō said, softly as the words of insight pierced Megumi's heart.
Megumi had almost completely forgotten about everything. Hearing Ryō say something so insightful, so perfect melted away the darkness that was dimming her inner light. For so long she was hesitant about her abilities, to humble to acknowledge her own skill. Yet, she was battling titans in the chef world and was nearly their equal. She was good enough to be in Totsuki, and she felt an inner wave of energy surge through her body. She looked into Ryō's eyes, and for the first time she knew she felt something special. There was a flush redness in her cheeks, and her current position seemed embarrassing if anyone else saw. She saw in eyes a man covered in a darkness, as someone she wanted to give her light too. With Ryō's belief in her, she felt she could do anything; and that sparked the seed of love in her heart.
Megumi felt a warm soothing feeling overtake her. Time was nonexistent, and it was just two souls standing together on the line between darkness and light. Ryō would be her confidence, and her strength to overcome her obstacles. His raw, furious, mad passion the flames to her light that she carries within. She didn't have to guess anymore what this feeling was. It was love. With this new found confidence, she lifted herself from Ryō and stood before him with her head held high. Both of her fists were balled up, and she exhibited an aura of enlightenment. Pure light. Ryō witnessed this, and for the first time; he had a soft smile in his face.
Megumi looked down at Ryō, who was still sitting on her bed, and she blushed for a moment before taking his hand.
"Ryō, you've endured many trials in your life. For so long you've walked alone, and fought to stay on your feet. You entered a world of darkness, and not even Alice could bring you out of it. You saw everyone as an enemy, and your goal was out there; but you could never see where. I think I know where your passion is Ryō. It's not just to be the best, with others to bow down and grovel at their lesser selves. You cook so fiercely, because you want people to find you. You cook with unbridled passion, darkening the world around you in hopes that others will find you and stay for your cooking." Megumi started to say wisely.
"I think you've felt lost because you spent so much time in a dark place, you forgot to turn on the light and see how much people love your food. I think you've stayed in darkness too long, to see your goal is not that far away. Know this Ryō, even if you can't see the others that love your cooking; know that I Love your cooking. Let me be your light Ryō." Megumi ended softly, locking eyes with him.
Megumi's words pierced the inner darkness within Ryō's heart. As he looked at her gentle beauty, and listened to her words, he felt drawn to her. The truth of her soft words, and newfound confidence behind them, only made him realize how right she was. His passion was for others to find him. He was so dismissive of others, only now did he realize that people didn't want to just battle him. They wanted to eat his creations, and thank him for his hard work and dedication. A giant swirl of pleasant emotion overcame him. It was as if he was all alone in a cold dark cave, only to be illuminated instantly by a warm light. He stood up, looking deep into Megumi's eyes.
"If you will be my light, i'll be your darkness." Ryō said softly.
Without hesitation or fear anymore, Ryō leaned in closer. Megumi, feeling confident and self assured leaned in with him. Together their lips locked, both heads tilted slightly in opposite directions. Light and Dark, coming together in beautiful harmony. Time completely stopped, the weights and troubles they had seemed lost entirely. There was nothing between them, except themselves. As they shared a long passionate kiss, Megumi wrapped her arms Ryō and Ryō returned the gesture and embraced each other with a warm hug completely.
Yukihira walked out the door in a swirl of conflict and emotion. His mind was overwhelmed with confusion. All he ever wanted to do was to become a better chef, and ever since his father closed down the diner, Yukihira's world had flipped upside down. He was losing everything that meant anything to him, and even his attempt at romance was in complete disaster. Yukihira started to grow more angry and rage started to boil in his blood. He never felt this kind of anger. Even when his father antagonized him and teased him, he never felt pure wrath. Everything crumbling before him he wanted to scream out loud.
Yukihira felt a soft hand on his shoulder. It was Nikumi. Nikumi could sense from her touch, that Yukihira was distraught. She too was angry, but it wasn't for her but for Yukihira. As much as she felt inferior to Erina, she still wanted to be there for him. After all, how could she try to be with a great man like Yukihira when she boldly lied about the one thing that mattered most! This is what drew out Nikumi's anger, but she had to set aside her frustrations for now because her friend was slipping away. She had no idea what to say or do, and her emotions took hold of her. She had followed him quietly for quite a distance, and they were in the park not too far from Polar Star.
Her emotions charged within her, and she couldn't hold back anymore. She quickly grabbed Yukihira's arm, and spun him around aggressively and gave him a tight hug. Yukihira was caught off guard by this sudden gesture and didn't know what to do. His confusion went into overdrive trying to make sense of everything. Yukihira had no clue what to think, and despite all his emotions; he physically felt warm. Nikumi's large breasts were like pillows for his head, as his left cheek rested on them softly. This was the closest a woman's chest has ever been to his face, since the time of his mother. Yukihira was slightly hunched over, as he was taller than Nikumi by a small amount. He didn't mind. His mind wasn't at all calm, but everything did seem to be irrelevant at the warm feeling he felt being held tightly against her.
Nikumi smiled softly, as she held Yukihira close. She confirmed her feelings for him were true as she was deeply satisfied cradling his head on her bosom. Still, she could feel the discord in his body and couldn't help but feel empathetic towards him. She didn't want to let go of him. She tried so many times to get this close to Yukihira before, she wasn't about to let go anytime soon. For Nikumi, it would take the devil himself to pull her away from Yukihira. Everything was silent around them, and Nikumi tried her best to convey her comfort to Yukihira without uttering a word.
Footsteps were heard off in the distance, and Nikumi quickly released Yukihira with a hint of fear in her posture.
Great oogly moogly I am feeling it! Gosh, I hope you guys are liking the direction of this story. I literally am salivating at the ending now. The stage is finally set, the end is nigh. I'm so excited to finish this I want to continue writing some more. I know I'm reaching a little bit with the "cheating" thing, but I couldn't figure out any other way to increase the pressure on Yukihira. So suspend some disbelief a little bit. And Ryō and Megumi!? What!? Did you like it? Please say you did. I know it seems way out of character for both of them, but I'm not a manga writer and anime clichés are for the cannon. This is how I see romance. But damn, damn, it's gotta be good right? Anywho, I believe the next two chapters will be the ending. Contemplating on a third for the Epilogue, or to set up a sequel if there is enough fans that want to read more of the story I wrote. A lot of things are coming into place, and the last part I've thought about since the beginning. Let me know what you think! Get excited! Thanks for reading.