Chapter 4: Polar Star Dorm
Hey everyone I'm back with a new chapter. This was a fun one to write. Now I hope all of you are doing alright with the craziness from the Corona Virus and you're all okay. I'm fine for now, but fingers crossed this will all blow over. I hope you like what I have planned. Please Review and Enjoy.
Andy walked into his dorm room and laid down on his bed. The room had a small table, a bed and a desk.
Looking up at the ceiling Andy sighs. 'This school is gonna be a challenge, especially with that Erina hanging around. Someone's gotta knock that girl down a peg.' Andy thought when one of the ceiling tiles moves to reveal a teenager with orange hair.
"Hey transfer student!" He said scaring the living daylights out of Andy. "There's a welcoming party going on. Come join us."
"You couldn't just knock on my door like a normal person?!" Andy asks.
"Where's the fun in that?" He said before closing the tile.
In Room 209, Andy arrived to see quite a few familiar faces. For one thing Soma had also passed his test and was living in the dorms not to mention there was Ryoko and Yuki.
"Hey! Who said you guys could throw a party in my room?!" A guy with black hair and glasses snaps. This was Marui Zenji.
"What choice do we have? You have the biggest room." Yuki said.
"Your room's always clean too." Ryoko adds.
"Because I just cleaned it after you guys wrecked it!" Marui snaps.
"But earlier there were books all over the place." A guy with blonde hair said, this was Sato Shoji.
"Because you two kept causing a ruckus!" Marui snaps.
"Hey you should add more chairs." A guy with spiky black hair said, this was Aoki Daigo.
"Like hell I should!" Marui yells when Andy noticed Megumi and a guy with medium aurburn hair that covered his eyes, this was Shun Ibusaki.
"What are the odds that we'd end up in the same dorm too?" Soma asks looking at Andy.
"I just cannot shake you." Andy chuckles.
"Wait does that mean you two passed the entrance exams on your first try?" Megumi asks.
"Yeah I did." Andy nods.
"Me too, I just managed to scrap by. How about you?" Soma asks.
"Uh I did so-so." Megumi said. 'I'd die before I admit it took me 3 months.'
"Here Andy." Ryoko said pouring him a cloudy liquid from a big bottle with a handwritten number on it.
"This better not be beer." Andy said.
"It's just rice juice." Ryoko said.
"Oh." Andy said looking at it.
"Are we okay doing this? We're not gonna get in trouble for partying this late?" Soma asks.
"We're in the middle of the forest. We're fine." Ryoko said.
"What about the dorm lady?" Soma asks when they heard something from the speakers.
"Hey! I'm making some Buri Daikon come get some." Fumio said.
"I love that old hag." Auoki and Sato said walking off to get it.
"Just hurry back before she starts talking about the Elite 10." Yuki said.
"Elite 10?" Andy said remembering that Erina had that title. "Hey what is the Elite 10 exactly?"
"Yeah I'd like to know that too." Soma said.
"You guys seriously came here with no knowledge of that?" Ryoko asks.
"Marui, you better explain." Yuki said.
"Why me?" Marui asks.
"Just do it. They're new." Ryoko said.
"The Elite 10 are a committee of the academy's top 10 students. These students are allowed to run things around here, second only to the director. When they make a decision not even the instructors can disobey them." Marui explains.
"Just what I need, an arrogant spoiled brat running everything." Andy mumbles when Auoki, Sato and the guy from the ceiling walked in. This was Isshiki Satoshi.
"Forgive me for not introducing myself. My name is Issihki, second year. I hope we all can get along." He smiles looking at Andy and Soma.
'At least there are some decent people in this school.' Andy smiles.
"Alright everyone, raise your glasses to welcome in Andrew Grayson and Soma Yukihira to our dorm." Issihki said as they all raised their glasses.
"Cheers!" They all said before sharing various dishes everyone made.
"Here Andy, try some veggies fresh from our garden." Sato said handing him a plate.
Taking a bite Andy smiles. "Wow that's good."
"Hey so what's with the headphones? You like music?" Sato asks.
"Love music, it's how I cook." Andy nods.
"You should see him he cooks to whatever he listens to. It's quite a show." Soma said getting their attention.
"Well Andy got any music for me to dance with this?" Issihiki said coming out wearing only an apron.
"What the?!" Andy said seeing the party just got crazier.
Hours passed by as Andy, Soma and Issihiki were the only ones awake.
"Again, it's great to have you both." Issihiki smiles.
"Yeah, is it always like this?" Soma asks.
"Pretty much. Let me go make you guys something." Issihiki said walking out still in his nude apron.
"Is he seriously gonna cook like that?" Soma whispers.
"I think he is." Andy cringed.
Soon Issihiki walks in with two plates for them. "Here you go, it's Spanish mackerel with Chinese pepper and a puree."
Both of them take a small bite and were instantly blown away as the food fantasy blew away their clothes as the taste had them in the middle of a cherry blossom garden.
"Whoa, how did you make such a dish in only a few minutes?" Andy asks.
"Soma, you said some interesting things at the ceremony. Getting the number one spot may not be as easy as you think. Allow me to reintroduce myself. I'm one of the Elite 10, Seventh seat, Issihiki Satoshi." He declared causing both of them to look in shock.
"You're one of the Elite 10?" Soma asks.
"His rank is higher than Erina's." Andy said.
"Now, I'd like to try both your cooking now. I'm interested to see what you both will make." Issihiki said.
'So this is why my dad wanted me to go here.' Andy thought as Soma put on his headband not knowing Shun woke up.
"Alright to compete against your dish I'll use mackerel too." Soma turns to Andy. "You mind if I go first this time?"
"Knock yourself out." Andy smiles as Soma walks to the kitchen and they high five.
As Soma started to cook Yuki and Ryoko started to wake up.
"I guess I passed out." Yuki said.
"Oops, I guess I drank too much rice juice." Ryoko said when they heard something sizzling.
"Is Soma cooking?" Yuki asks.
"Apparently he and Andy were challenged to a cook-off." Shun said.
"Really? Why?" Yuki asks excited.
"I don't know but Sempai asked for it." Shun said when a few minutes later Soma walks in with his dish.
"Here it is. Yukihira's secret menu item 20, revised. Tea over a mackerel rice ball." Soma said presenting all 5 of them with one. "It's usually made with Salmon but I modified it for mackerel. I made enough for all of you."
"Thanks." Andy said picking it up.
"What did you pour over the rice?" Ryoko asks looking at the liquid.
"Salted kelp tea. It's mild saltiness and flavor are a perfect way to wrap up the day." Soma said.
"Not too fancy. I like it." Andy said.
'Andy's right, this thing practically screams it's from a diner served to the masses.' Isshiki thought as they all took a bite and smiled.
"Delicious." Andy smiles.
"How did you get the mackerel to be so juicy?" Yuki asks.
"Poele." Isshiki said.
"What's that?" Soma asks.
"Wait how do you not know what it is?!" Yuki asks.
"Poele is a French cooking method where you pour olive oil over the cooking so it can evenly brown. Soma how did you learn this method?" Isshiki asks.
"My dad taught it to me." Soma said.
As all of them ate they were all taken to a food fantasy where winter melted away and they tasted spring just as it began to bloom.
Andy finished his bowl first and put it down.
"Well I guess it's time for the last challenge." Soma said sitting down.
"Yep, my turn." Andy said standing up and putting on his headphones.
"So Andy, any chance you can tell us what you plan to make with the mackerel?" Isshiki asks as Andy flipped through the songs on his iPod.
"Something Wild." Andy smiles walking into the kitchen and pressing.
(Play Something Wild by Lindsey Sterling)
Andy looked around the kitchen and grabbed some mackerel, tuna and eggs before mixing them all together in a bowl.
Dancing around the room, Andy spun around grabbing prunes, bell peppers, salt, pepper and onions before cutting them up mixing them into the bowl before pounding them into patties.
And even though you're scared
You're stronger than you know
If you're lost out where the lights are blinding
Caught in all, the stars are hiding
That's when something wild calls you home, home
If you face the fear that keeps you frozen
Chase the sky into the ocean
That's when something wild calls you home, home
In the next room, Soma peeked inside and smiles.
"You guys have to see this." Soma gestures as they all look inside to see Andy dancing around the kitchen as he prepped his dish.
"I've never seen someone cook like that before." Issihiki said surprised.
"It's like a performance." Shun said.
"That's what Andy does." Ryoko smiles as Andy cut slices of whole wheat and toasted it before putting the final touches on.
"Alright guys. Have a taste of my Fish Burger Surprise." Andy said walking in with 5 sliders for each of them. "Figured you guys didn't want to eat something big after all we've eaten."
(Song End)
"A Fish burger? Hey that's what I made to get into the dorms." Soma smirks.
"Small world, but I think mine is a little different. You see I have different thought when it comes to Spring." Andy smirks. "I used mackerel just like you guys, but I pounded it and mixed it in with tuna to give it a little extra juice."
"Even so a fish burger sounds heavy." Shun said as they took a bite but instead it was perfect.
"Mmm so good." Yuki smiles.
"I added prunes to the mixture. Prunes are so dry that absorbed all the excess liquid and made it into an ideal burger combined with the onions and with the bell pepper at the top provides the perfect balance." Andy said taking off his headphones.
As everyone dug in their food fantasy took them all to a lake where a wild Spring Break Party erupted causing everyone to smile and cheer.
"In America we celebrate Spring in a MUCH different way." Andy smiles as everyone moaned in delight.
As the party ended everyone woke up to leave making Andy, Soma and Isshiki the only ones left.
"Well guys, with this party you two are official members of the Polar Star Dorm. If you have any questions just ask." Isshiki said.
"I have one. Can you challenge the Elite 10?" Andy asks getting his attention.
"Hmm I remember you saying you wanted to race to the top. Any reason why you wanna go after the best?" Isshiki asks.
"There's someone on there that I really wanna take down." Andy said determined.
"I wanna challenge them too. Even though our match wasn't official if I beat you would I become the 7th best?" Soma asks.
Both of them look to see a big smile appear on his face. "Wonderful! Oh man you two are so ambitious! This is how students at the Polar Star Dorm should be! You guys are gonna fit in just fine, but it's late. Can we talk in the morning?" Isshiki asks.
"Uh sure." Andy sweatdrops.
"I guess." Soma said.
'Brace yourself you two. You'll come to learn that at this school cooking is everything.' Isshiki thought as they walked out.
The next morning Andy woke up and headed down to breakfast but when they arrived, they saw Soma sitting down with his knives waiting for them.
"I stayed up late trying to table this and I decided I wanna challenge you to a cook off for your Seventh seat!" Soma declares pointing at Isshiki.
"Hmm no." Isshiki said confusing him. "Sorry Soma I guess I should have explained things better about how challenges are run here."
"What do you mean?" Andy asks.
At the main arena on campus a large man with a body that could match that of a sumo wrestler stepped out. This was Godabayashi Kiyoshi, President of the Chanko Hot Pot Research Society. Standing across him was none other than Erina Nakiri.
"Our Chanko Hot Pot Research Society has been around since the founding of this academy. It has a long and famous history. Erina, what do you propose to build by destroying out clubroom?" Godabayashi asks.
"A cooking wing for my personal use. The fifth wing has become cramped, so I need a sixth." Erina states.
"Unacceptable! That building is chock full of history, and the passion of our predecessors sank into their pursuit of food! How do you call yourself a chef?!" Godabayashi declared as the rest of his club cheered him on.
"Is this "passion" you speak of what you call copying your predecessors' recipes and wasting your budget?" Erina asks shocking him. "Over the past few years your group has accomplished little. A research society that only sings praises of its past glory is of little use to Totsuki." Erina glares.
"You abuse your power! I can no longer turn a blind eye! If I win I demand you leave the Elite 10! I demand combat!" Godabayashi declares.
"Then if I win I will proceed with construction as planned. I accept your challenge." Erina declares.
Back at the Polar Star Dorm, all of them were sitting down for breakfast.
"You see, there is an established policy at this academy to settle disputes among the students. There are several rules. Should you both wish to challenge an Elite 10 you must wager something that's equal in value." Isshiki explains.
"Like what?" Andy asks.
"Well if it's an Elite 10…I'm sorry but not even your expulsions would cover it." Isshiki said.
"What?" Soma gasps.
"Seriously?" Andy asks.
"Indeed, the Elite 10 is worth that much. After all they are the highest decision-making board in the entire academy. In the past, this dorm used to produce several members of the Elite 10 every year. In comparison to that you're all pathetic." Fumio insults.
"Well Soma I could accept your challenge but I don't want you to leave. So no cook-off." Isshiki said.
"Aw man." Soma sighs.
"But Andy who is it that you're trying to pick a fight with?" Isshiki asks.
"Number 10, Erina Nakiri." Andy declares surprising everyone.
"Are you insane?! You can't pick a fight with her!" Yuki said.
"She'll destroy you!" Ryoko snaps.
"My you certainly aim high. Any particular reason you wanna face her?" Isshiki asks.
"That girl walks around like the world bows to her, makes good people cry when all they wanna do is cook and I want nothing more to get right up in that spoiled brat's face and give her a piece of mind." Andy growls causing Fumio to giggle. "What's so funny?"
"You are obsessed with this girl. You must really love her." Fumio said causing Andy to do a spit take.
"Love her? I hate her." Andy said.
"There's a thin line between love and hate, honestly if she's as obsessed with you as you are with her she'll be—" Fumio starts.
"Stop talking!" Andy snaps.
'Oh this boy has it bad for her.' Fumio thought.
"Anyway, there are three things you need for an official cook-off. First, an adjudicator to certify that it is a formal challenge. Second, an odd number of judges. Third, an agreement between both contestants about the conditions of the challenge. All the conditions must be met for it to be a formal challenge." Isshiki explains.
"Sounds like a lot of work." Soma said.
"It is but as long as you meet those three conditions you can challenge anyone in the academy. We call it, a Shokugeki." Isshiki declares.
Back at the arena, Godabayashi was on his knees in defeat as Erina destroyed him with an unanimous 3-0 victory.
"And the winner is Erina Naikiri!" The announcer said as the crowd cheered.
"Impossible? I lost? How did my lobster fall short?!" Godabayashi asks as Erina walks past him and tastes his food.
"There were 27 shortcomings in your dish Godabayashi. First the lobster, you blanched it for 2 seconds too long. Second, the oysters produced a slight off flavor that tainted the entire pot." Erina stated.
"Stop!" Godabayashi said.
"As for your vegetables—"
"Stop! Then how could your dish be better when I spent days perfecting mine?!" Godabayashi asks taking a bite of Erina's lobster ravioli and instantly found himself overwhelmed by the flavor.
"Well senpai, how is my ravioli de langoustine?" Erina smirks.
"The steamed raviolis are light and bursting with the flavor of freshwater prawns. This supple elasticity is reminiscent of being overwhelmed by the strength of a Yokozuna. Her cooking flavor is in an entire different league!" Godabayashi said eating the rest of the plate and moaning in esctacy.
Seeing her victory, Erina took out her cellphone. "It's me. Yes. Begin." Erina said as they all looked to the screen to see the Chanko Hot Pot Research Society being destroyed by a bulldozer.
"No! No!" Godabayashi yells dropping to his knees in tears.
Erina smirks as she turns to him.
"You really are a spoiled brat." Godabayashi glares and instantly Erina's eyes widen as she remembers Andy constantly calling her that.
Storming out Erina grinds her teeth. 'Andrew Grayson. Why does everything always seem to make me think of you? I can't stand it. I need a find a way to teach him a lesson he'll never forget.' Erina thought.
At the Polar Star Dorm, Andy, Soma and Megumi walk out.
"Guess you'll have to wait to challenge Erina." Soma said.
"I can wait. I am gonna teach that spoiled brat a lesson she'll never forget." Andy declared.
"You two are so competitive." Megumi said.
Looking down at them Isshiki smiles when Shun walks out.
"You don't really think they could have challenged you? I know you were holding back." Shun said.
"I have no idea what you're talking about." Isshiki denies. 'Andy, Soma, you two are gonna make Totsuki very interesting.'