WARNING: HUGE CHAPTER. If you don't want to go through it all, in summary, Pierre joins the island posse. (this sorta wants to make me cry since I'm repairing the story)

Chapter 14: Bon A petit

-x-

"My, and this young man is a descendant of the Gourmets' no?" An old man marveled at the work of edible art before his eyes. "The food looks exquisite." His wife, which sat across from him at the table nodded. "Yes, dear. Of course that is to be expected of Pierre."

A large purple top hat rose, revealing a satisfied smile from the cooking prodigy. "Why I am at appreciation for your sincere commentary. I hope you enjoy your food." He then turned to walk away, knowing that his pumpkin pie was going to create a wonderful awakening to their taste bu-

"MY GOODNESS?" A high pitched voice screeched. "IT'S SPOILED!"

-x-

It was another sun shiny day for the crops of Castaway Ranch. It was a good day to tend to the animals as well. And that's why we find Chelsea within the newly built chicken coop along with her two young chicks scampering about.

Taro had come in earlier this morning to give a tutorial about how to care for chickens. Chelsea would have declined, believing it would all be common sense, but before she could say anything, Taro had already judged by her expression that she would decline and immediately began scolding her. The tutorial took much longer than expected, but it was worth it in the end (excluding all the yelling and telling off).

Chelsea smiled admiringly at her chicks. They were truly adorable, tumbling over one another. As her cousin requested, the one that he got her (she couldn't really tell which though) was given the name, Sir Camelot, Camel for short. The other took her a while to think of… but the name finally hit her once she had a good look at the face. And thus, Chichi was its name. Sir Camelot, who was given a red bow to be tied around its left leg to see the difference, thundered from one side of the coop to the other, Chichi closely following. At times, Camel suddenly stopped, making Chichi bump into her and both falling over. Chelsea would always come though and set them up right, watching them zoom around again.

She couldn't wait for them to grow. Then.. More moo-la would come in.. to her great liking.

Eggs. Yummy good ol' eggs. that meant breakfast, the smell of yummy sunny side ups. (But then it occurred to Chelsea that she was a horrible cook.) Perhaps they may lay those Golden eggs…Then she would have tons of money.

She prayed a little prayer over them before heading out. She took one look at them before she left and felt quite satisfied. And now she looked out upon her field. She wondered if it was normal for the field to be glowing. And it was REALLY glowing. She thought that it must be of the profit she could get from it…

…..

…..

"MAN."

……….

She frowned. "ALL I AM THINKING ABOUT NOW IS MONEY. WHAT WAS THE WHOLE POINT OF THE CHAPTER BEFORE ANYWAY?"

"Who knows…" A small voice appeared upon her shoulder.

"Egh! Noe." She was about to flick him away, but he had evaded her action, jumping up to her hat. "Don't sneak up on me like that."

"You said that this Island changed you.. That it is GOOD to be here…?" Noe repeated her words. She frowned, her nose scrunching.

"And it is…" Her voice dragged. "Its… just … taking longer…"

"Right. But you seem to be doing well on your farm now." He smiled. "I heard you had shipped over 75 pumpkins."

"Yeah." She answered, walking through her field. "They were huge things. Heavy too. I wasn't sure if I could carry them all. Thank goodness that Elliot and Denny helped me out. I would've broken my back!"

"That's good." Noe then twinkled away, leaving Chelsea at the middle of her field.

"He could've at least said good-bye." Chelsea murmured, musing at her field of crops. Then she spotted something not too far off. It was purple. And it wasn't swaying the way the crops were in the wind. "What the hey is that?" She then began to creep over toward it, careful to not step on her tomatoes and corn.

Once she hovered over it, she found that it was in fact… human…. And that it was looking at one of her tomato crops intensely. "May I help you?" The purple (soon to be figured out) top hat lifted, revealing a rather cute face with large light lavender eyes that burned with intensity.

They both stared at each other, one not knowing the motif of the unknown being. She couldn't really make out whether it was a boy or a girl, but she did conclude that it was a rather cute… it. Well, until it lashed out with the fury of oblivion.

"YOU?" The boy yelled out, pointing with his almighty finger.

"Uh… yeah?" She was caught off guard by his French accent.. Or was it British?

"Your crops! The pumpkins!" He yelled, stamping on the ground. "DETESTABLE!"

Chelsea stared at the young boy (or at least that she decided to call him a boy judging by his clothes) who was just an inch or two shorter than herself . "Well, I can't blame you, little guy. I used to hate pumpkins too, but after a while my taste buds adjusted. It's really healthy for you tykes anyway." She grinned.

"I am no boy. " He replied, crossing his arms. "I am as the same age as you, perhaps even older."

"Really?" Chelsea's eyes grew with interest. Sarcastically she added, "I'm sure one day you'll grow up to be like me!" She suddenly had the instincts to quickly move away from the little guy and jumped a little backwards to find that he had lashed out a frying pan at her.

"Master Pierre." Another voice spoke out, an young man in a suit who seemed about the same age as Chelsea, appeared behind him. Chelsea had never seen such a good looking butler in her life. "You shouldn't smack people with your 100,000 G frying pan that was handmade in Germany by one of the best brands."

"Fine…" The pan dropped, clanking against the ground. " Where's my Pot of Careless-Farmer-Smashing?"

"Master Pierre. You shouldn't put that to use either." The young man said gently. "We are boiling newly fresh potatoes within that pot."

"Then give me my Perilous Knives of Death."

As the two went on with such deadly cooking utensils, Chelsea was scared as surprised. From a cowboy, to a fisherman… now a cooking prodigy. She also didn't think that such random names could be given to … all cooking utensils. But that wasn't the point.

"Hey, what does the little guy have against me?" She asked the butler.

"Excuse me…" He was handling the small prodigy as he turned to face her. "Master Pierre is no boy. He is about your age, though his stature is …" whispering, "small." She leaned a little to the side to have a good look at him again in his fury. Then she looked back at the butler and nodded. "Please don't say … small… before him. The word delivers him into a rampage." The butler whispered.

"Sure… but why is… Pierre… angry at me?" She asked.

"Your impudent pumpkins had ruined my superbly exquisite pie. It was rotten and mauve!" Pierre answered.

"My pumpkins?" Chelsea rose her brows. "I checked every one of them. None of them were rotten. I shipped them fresh and clean."

"Sure they were, dearest farmer." Pierre seemed to regain himself as he ordered his butler to let go of him. "Tell me, peasant, tis what is your name?"

"My name is Braden. Not peasant."

Pierre smirked happily, raising a paper to her face. "I hereby say that you, Braden the Farmer, art thou being sued."

Chelsea grabbed at the paper and gawked at the amount of zeros of the sue clearly bolded on the paper. Pierre was laughing maliciously before her, but the laughing died down as he found two shiny and beady eyes staring across the rim of the paper.

"YOU CAN'T SUE ME BECAUSE OF THAT?"

"Oh yes.. Yes I can." Pierre smiled. "I have much power behind me. I can do whatever I please. And no one dares to make me disgruntled."

RIIIIIIIIIIIIPPPP RIP RIP RIP -paper bits scatter-

Chelsea smiled with approval of the ripped document. "Ahahah…"

Pierre flashed another one at her face. "Don't worry. I have copies."

The butler moved forward. "Ah, Master Pierre.. Don't you think you should rethink about this decisio-"

"Dickon, please don't say such superfluous things. This farmer earned to be sued for budding such putrid crops." He said defiantly in a curt tone.

-x-

"So there's this guy…" Natalie started. "Our age. Totally doesn't look like it due to his (as you say) small stature and cutie pie face. He has a French accent, uses big words you don't understand… And… he's suing you."

Chelsea nodded. "Yup… Tons of the words he used I had no idea what it meant.. But I'm sure they weren't all very nice…He said that my pumpkins from last week were spoiled. "

"No they weren't." Elliot's voice chirped in, appearing from their room. "We checked every one of them. None had spoil marks. And plus, they weren't completely ripe yet."

Felicia agreed, turning away from the dishes. "It's best to ship things crops like those right before they are completely ripe, that way, when it hit's the shelves, they would be completely ripe and fresh. Nothing should've have been wrong with those pumpkins at all."

"Yeah… Braden." Natalie added her fake name strangely, but quickly added. "You shouldn't worry about it."

"Right. But what about this?" She flashed the documents that Pierre had flashed at her face. "These are the obligations for him to sue me." Chelsea saw that both Elliot's and Natalie's eyes grew wide, probably due to the many zeros of the sue price. Natalie scowled deeply and snatched the paper.

RIIIIIIIIIIIIII IIIIIIIIIIIIIII IPPPP RIP RIP RIP -paper bits flying-

Natalie smirked with victory.

"He has copies, Natalie…"

She frowned again. "What? Awww that's so wrong…"

"And he says that with his power and wealth…" grimacing, "He can do A-N-Y-T-H-I-N-G." The family knew of "Braden's" hatred for things as such. They all sweat dropped as they found a red flame appearing around her, blazing.

-x-

"Master Pierre, I'm sorry to intrude…"

"Dickon, it's just us out here.. You don't have to inform me as such when it's just us." Pierre was busy studying a plant that had caught his interest.

"Ah but.. I could not Master Pierre. It would be rude…"

The chef sighed and picked out the plant, chucking it into a basket his butler held on too. "What is it that you would like to inquire about?"

"The plants and grasses around here are rather perplexing ingredients." The butler answered, shifting the large basket full of grasses and other foods into a better position.

"Yes, indeed they are, but they shall make a fancy for my cuisines." Pierre bent down, marveling at a mushroom. He then tossed it into the basket and began to search for another area that may have good ingredients.

After a while, Dickon spoke again. "Master, do you believe it is of approval for us to wander in such unknown territory?" The butler looked around anxiously as the trees and undergrowth looked all the same to him.

The cook stopped abruptly. "This, Dickon, is a trial for me as an apprentice cook. I must train hard and remember my surroundings as well as being able to trace my way through -" His voice stopped as he spotted something shuffle behind some bushes. He signaled his butler to remain silent and flashed his Perilous Knives of Death. "Who's there?"

Vaughn pushed away a branch in his way and found Pierre standing there in his stance with knives poking out between his fingers. At first he didn't say anything, then he saw the butler, He wasn't one to start conversations but… "What are you doing here? It's dangerous for kids to be out here."

Pierre snapped. "I AM NO CHILD!" He began to make his way toward Vaughn, but his butler stopped him. Just as before, Dickon explained to Vaughn about Pierre. Vaughn looked at Pierre again and stared at him. Pierre made no movement, staring back with his eyes. The butler made no movement either.

"Okay… " Vaughn pulled out a slip of paper from his pocket. "This is how to get out of this forest. Don't get lost." He threw it toward the cook and left.

"How rude." Pierre grunted, shoving the paper in his pocket, not planning to take a glance at it.

-x-

Julia and Mirabelle heard their back door ring and found Vaughn slipping through. The animal dealer found it strange that neither of them said nothing to his arrival and that the house was rather silent. Walking over to the table they were seated at, he asked, "Is something up?"

"It's …Braden…" Julia muttered.

Vaughn instantly looked up at the ceiling thinking, 'What is it this time? That stupid girl is getting into way too much trouble lately."

"He's being sued." Julia continued. "And he doesn't look very happy about it.."

Mirabelle brought a hand to her cheek. "I'm worried. Braden had shipped many pumpkins last week that he even had given some to us. It was truly delicious. But the person who is suing him is blaming poor Braden for them pumpkins since it made his cooking bad."

Vaughn recalled the pumpkin dinner they had last week. Though it was orange, it was far from carrots so he handled them pretty well, but he even knew that they weren't spoiled. "Wait… do you happen to know who is suing him?" Both of the women looked at him with their eyes flickering with surprise, which didn't make sense to him.

"From what Felicia told me…" Mirabelle answered, "She said that it was a prodigy cook who looks somewhat younger than his own age. She even told me that he was on the island.. Along with his butler."

Vaughn grimaced in his thoughts. He had just met up with the same people not too long ago. And also not too long ago, he had convinced a certain farmer's cousin to let her stay here on this island by swallowing his pride. That took enough out of him. He surely wasn't going to butt her out of this one. After all, he thought as he walked away from the table, 'It might be interesting what she would do this time.'

"You know.. I just noticed." Julia's voice came out with a hint of delight. "It's the first time I've ever heard Vaughn ask of a situation with someone."

"You don't think…?" Her mother's voice questioned.

"I believe Vaughn has finally considered a friend!" Vaughn thought he could hear Julia smiling. "I knew Braden was the right person to ask!"

Vaughn glared at the both of them, lowly replying, "You two are dead off."

"Aww… Vaughn doesn't want to admit he's worried." Julia started.

"Just shut up…"

-x-

Chelsea wandered about, going wherever her feet led her. She definitely knew that she shouldn't go tell both Lanna and Denny about this situation, especially after the trauma last time with her cousin prepared to make her leave Sunny Island. When she thought she was finally out and free, another problem has to come running immediately.

If there was a table nearby, she would be banging her head on it.

"What should I do?" She groaned loudly.

"Is something of matter, Braden?" A gentle voice asked.

Chelsea blinked a few times, seeing that she found herself in the Café in East Town. She realized it was Madelynn who had questioned her. The farmer seated herself against the counter and ordered for a cup of water. Madelynn pulled out a paper cup from under the counter and filled it with water from the jug, also adding a lemon on the side.

"It's strange for you to stray in here groaning. Has something perturbed you?" Madelynn inquired, handing the farmer the cup. "I can't really do much for you other than provide you with food, but the least I could do is help you out. Anyway, always talking with the same subject of food with Nicole gets somewhat tiring after a while."

Chelsea tried a smile, seeing that Nicole wasn't too far off, sipping at her tea. "That's very nice of you, Madelynn… I guess I do have a problem. Care to listen to my life story?" She swirled her water, waiting for an answer.

"Why not?" She smiled, her cheeks wrinkling slightly.

"So… there's someone… who's trying to sue me."

Madelynn wasn't expecting a straight answer, but she should've expected it from a boy. "Oh dear. That's not pleasant at all. For what, my dear?"

"My pumpkins. He said they were spoiled."

"But your pumpkins were delectable. I had made a casserole with your pumpkins within it. It was rather succulent with much nutrients." She reassured, nodding.

Chelsea then came to notice something. Madelynn also had a French accent and also used such wordiness as Pierre did. Probably she could ask her a thing or two…. Hoping it won't be too intruding.

"I hope you don't me mind me asking, but did you happen to come from Europe?" She hoped.

"I did live in Europe before. In the heart of France." She answered, reading the farmer's expression and smiled. "Please go ahead and ask any questions."

"Umm…" Chelsea began to think. "In France.. Or Europe. Do you know how they would handle disagreements and that whatever the outcome of that would be the decision?"

Madelynn paused at what she was doing then nodded slowly. "Yes.. There was a way… A DUEL." She emphasized the word greatly. "But it was quite different. Fencing."

Chelsea repeated. "Fencing?" Standing up, she took a stance as if she was handling a sword and poking it through the air. "You mean the one where they where that mask thing and all these other clothes and say 'Huwaa', 'Hyaa', and 'Touché!' "

"Yes.. That." Madelynn nodded. "But from what I remember.. Duels were bloody and gore, a sport for men to get what they sought. Perhaps you could associate with that sensation, Braden, but I wouldn't want to envision you to take such curiosity in combat."

Chelsea stayed silent for quite a while. She wouldn't want to see herself getting involved either as she did before … But standing as a male, it is expected for "Braden" to stand as a man. "Is Fencing the only way to duel?"

"For most scenario cases, yes, but it could range to other things as well, most likely in the area of expertise for the one being challenged."

"The one being challenged?"

"Correct. The challenger who proclaims the duel cannot choose what kind of duel it would be. It would be up to the one being challenged."

"Well that's stupid. You'd lose."

"But that's the point right?"

"But I'm horrible at cooking!"

Madelynn raised a brow. "Oh really?"

"Yes." Chelsea admitted. "Sure I could muster some scramble eggs and omelets (that would be burnt and pitch black at the edges and the bottom side), but I'm far from making a cuisine… Probably I could get him to do a challenge I want…?"

"That would be cheating."

"Begh…"

There was a silence between them for quite a while. The constant sipping of tea from Nicole was heard. Then Madelynn had another question to ask.

"Would you tell me who this person is that you want to duel with?" The old lady asked.

"His name is Pierre. I'm suspecting he's from France or whatever other European country is since he has a French accent." Or was it British?

Madelynn's eyes flickered. "You don't mean… Pierre .. Of the Gourmets?"

"Does a bit purple top hat ring any bells, Madelynn?"

"Yes, it's the sign of him being one of the descendents of the Gourmets, a sign of status." She informed.

'More like it's a huge hat that is probably as tall as his small body.' Chelsea thought grimly.

"I've known Pierre back when he was a teen. He was a sickly boy and hated to go outside. But his mother, who was like any other normal at-home mother, would always make delectable homemade snacks that were made of the simplest of ingredients. Pierre wouldn't eat any other food then; he absolutely loved them, though they were plain, and it had helped him to grow out of his sickness, though his stature is small." Madelynn smiled. I am sure he still hasn't forgotten the taste, but the Gourmet law says that using such plain ingredients is a disgrace."

Chelsea straightened herself up to face the old woman. "How exactly do you know this?"

She chuckled. "Good question. I used to live in his mansion because of how kindhearted the Misses was. Though it was a short time, I was assigned to be in the cooking area of the mansion and everything was to be made precisely."

Chelsea thought that she must be dreaming , being this lucky. It was an odd coincidence to her that Madelynn would have such a connection. "Which means.. You would know the recipes!" The farmer's eyes glowed.

Madelynn smiled. "You have a small kitchen at home right? … I could teach you some of the favorite homemade delicacies that the Misses made for Pierre. All I want you to do is do your best and help that boy."

"Help?"

"His mother died when he was teen, around the time I was getting ready to leave. He grew to become spoiled and that's what triggered his cooking." She held her small, fragile hands together. "If you could show him, or open that boy's eyes, I believe it would be enough to repay this favor I'm giving you."

Chelsea thought about it and nodded, fully understanding the situation. "Of course. I'll do my best!"

As Madelynn led the farmer to her kitchen, she couldn't help but murmur, "Braden, I can't help but think you perform much like a girl at some certain points. Perhaps your calling upon your feminine region?"

-x-

The Next Day…

Pierre rapped at Chelsea's door repeatedly. His patience was on the verge to break the door down and barge himself in, but being raised with much manners and respect, he was willing to wait, even if it was him standing out there for thirty minutes. The door slowly creaked open to portray a mental image of a non-morning person with panda eyes, bruises and thin cuts running through the arms and wrist area and bandages wrapped around all fingers.

Pierre looked quite astonished by this act. "Don't tell me you could not handle such actions that you decided to take on the committing of suicidal?"

"Hunh?" Answered half asleep. "Ah.. These.." She lifted her arms slightly. "Yeah.. Pierre… I'm not going to accept you trying to sue me anymore…" her voice dragged.

The Butler's eyes lightened up, looking at the dismal figure to his own master .

"I challenge you… to a… Du… Du… Du…" Chelsea's knees collapsed, making her butt meet the floor. She grinned, looking up at the cook with slit eyes. Pointing, she slowly proclaimed, "Duuuuueeeellll…."

Pierre looked down at the farmer quite shocked over the announcement of a Duel. He had never taken part in a Duel, nor has he ever touched a sword.

Chelsea's dragging voice continued. "The Defendant.. Which is you… Gets to choose what type of duel you waaaannnttt…."

Pierre stooped over the half-unconscious body and tried to yank it up by the arm. "WAKE UP!" Once he managed to pull the farmer's head over his shoulder, he found "his" two eyes looking past his rumbled bangs. "So.. What's the challenge… shorty…?" At that instant, rage got the best of Pierre and he flung Chelsea away.

"How dare ye call me a … short being! It's A CHALLENGE! This afternoon at 6! At the Diners'!" He furiously demanded, pointing at the half-awake body. "A cook off! Bring your finest cuisine to the table."

Chelsea turned her head and grinned. "It's on… buuuuuttt…"

Pierre stopped, narrowing his eyes. "But?"

Chelsea grinned, her eyes sparking under her bangs. "If I win… The document to sue me is off."

Pierre looked up at his Butler, a questioned look on his face. "Is that probable Dickon?"

He nodded. "If it is a duel, many things are promising, this being one of them."

The chef then turned to stare at the now sitting up figure, propping itself with his thin, damaged arms. "Very well… But don't push yourself okay?" His voice seemed much gentle than before. "….Seeing a mental image like this is disgusting. I wouldn't want to ever see you like this again." He then turned, cape swirling behind him as he began to leave.

Chelsea was surprised and offended at the same time. She wasn't sure whether it was a nice comment or just plain rude. She then noticed that his Butler was still waiting for her to recognize him. "Yeah?"

"Master is actually a very nice person." Chelsea stared at him thinking, 'Isn't that what the always say? … I could guess what he would say next.' The Butler continued. "Truthfully, he was adopted by the Gourmet family. He's always been treated as an outsider, but he's truly a kind person."

Chelsea didn't see that coming, Pierre being adopted and treated like an outsider, especially being told from his own personal butler, but she then decided to ask, "He picked you off the streets like a stray cat right?"

"Ah…" Dickon appeared surprised. "Yes, that's correct. How did you know?"

"Farmer's Intuition." She lied; she read a story that had the same sort of thing. She would've also added that Pierre had a sick younger twin brother whom he was acting as for know BUT let's not get into details. (Referencing to a manga called "The Gentleman's Alliance")

Dickon looked at Chelsea and sighed. "I know that it may not be right of me to share such information… and I know that this may be quite a request I shouldn't ask of you… but please win against Master Pierre."

Chelsea smirked. "That's what I was planning to do at the very beginning."

"DICKON? Are you coming? " Pierre's voice rang out from a distance. "If I don't see you hear in the next fifteen seconds, I'll abandon you to that peasant farmer!"

Chelsea frowned. "You better hurry up before your kind master abandons you to me."

"Yes, good luck, Sir Braden." Dickon sprinted away, following after Pierre.

-x-

Chelsea's POV

I was walking down the road heading into West Town, secret weapon in my hands. It was ready for its debut. I was ready to kick some butt and get myself out of this mess. This… was WAR! …. Well not really (since it excluded the bombs and machine guns) but I think we get the point.

The silver stainless steel container of the delights sparkled albeit the dawning sun. But those freakin' delights weren't the easiest to make! I mean… I could understand that seventy-five percent of the things I was doing to make such devilish tasties were the wrong things to do (which made most of the cutting and bruising), but I never thought they would have to be that perfect! And also, a note about Madelynn… The old woman isn't what she seems… She's a cruel dictator when it comes down to food. I could be expecting to see Luke at the Diners to be as graceful as a ballerina when he's chopping up his sushi.

I looked at the steel container again to find the reflection of Natalie and Elliot. I sighed at the sight.. Once again, another fight has come up between them… That is until my presence silenced the both of them from whatever they were fighting over.

"Braden!" They said on cue. Then simultaneously, "Did you really challenge that prodigy cook?" Then they glared at each other. Seeing this totally had proved that they surely were twins.

I looked at my work then at them, answering as I continued walking, "Yes… Yes I did."

"You're joking!" Natalie gawked, walking in rhythm beside me. "And that's what you made?"

"Yes.. Yes it is…"

Elliot, who was trailing on the other side of me, blinked at my container. "I'm impressed, Braden.. Being able to rise to the challenge like that. Truthfully, I think I would be scared."

"Like always?" Natalie inputted.

I looked at Natalie with a 'Don't add a comment like that.' She just shrugged and smirked at her feeble older brother.

Elliot continued. "And I'm guessing there's no way we could stop you…?"

"None… unless you WANT me to get sued?" I smiled mischievously. "I see how it is, Elliot, hating on me."

"No! No.. I didn't mean it like that!" He quickly defended, raising his hands before him.

And it was a good thing he did too. If he hadn't raised his hands, he would've been smooching with the ground as Denny and Lanna ran over him.

Both fish fanatics were desperately searching for air. Once the caught their breath as we paused for them, they clearly yelled my ears out saying, "WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING?" I had just realized at that moment that everyone was yelling and screaming at me (or so it seems). It was rather queer to understand this fact as my ears rang.

"Ah, so you guys heard too…" Natalie murmured.

"Of course!" Lanna replied. "Of course I'd know! I dunno about this idiot, but…"

"Hey! Who're you to call me idiot?" Denny growled. "There's no one living upon this earth that can call me -" Vaughn suddenly appeared behind him and smacked him on the back of the head. "Idiot, you're being too loud." Natalie, Lanna, and Julia, who had appeared behind Vaughn, stifled a laugh as they watched Denny stagger a little before jerking himself up again to face Vaughn. A little laugh escaped from my lips too.

Julia then placed her delicate and newly nail polished red fingers upon my shoulder. "We too heard about the … duel you were having…?"

Well it seems like the world already knows, Julia. But it did mean something since it meant whether or not I would be sued (which I won't… hopefully). BUT it doesn't mean they will go all out and throw a big fiesta, making us all wear costumes and stuff right?

….When we hit the Diner though… I was proven wrong.

There was banners everywhere cheering for Pierre. The whole Diner was completely decorated in such expensive furnishing, flowers blooming everywhere. The chairs weren't the normal wooden chairs with their simple red cushions, instead they were all embroidered and had lace flowing beside them in such difficult patters. There were two tables neatly decorated in the center of it all. And on Pierre's side, I could see a group of young women, as well as some men, cheering him on as if they were his fan club (and apparently… they were).

I'm sure that all of us just stared at the whole shin dig for a complete thirty seconds before a "WOAH" escaped each of our lips. It was just too good and too expensive for our own good and mentality. And for me, I thought it was whack.

Then Pierre appeared, Dickon closely following behind him. The cook's look was defiant and overwhelmingly confident in his rather …how should I put this? … unique get-up. He wore a cape with white fluffs at the end and his suit was white, with purple perfectly complimenting it nicely. And of course, His trademark… the purple hat. He then nicely greeted all his adoring fans, completely ignoring us.

All I could say was, "What the hey is this?" Like seriously, this is something I would see in some drama that I used to waste my life on when I was a teen. This was messed up.

Madelynn appeared from the crowd on my side (I'm surprised I even have a crowd). "Braden!"

As a gentleman should always do, I extended my hand toward the old lady, her gladly accepting the help. "I would hate to say this, but am I missing something?"

"Yes, your outfit…" She then looked at all of us.. "All of you need to change."

"Why?" Denny asked, trying not to sound as if he apposed It (which I'm sure he did, obvious hints due to his expression to it all).

"It's apart of a duel for everything to be formal and official. Wearing your normal garments such as this… You will be disqualified."

Natalie turned around to look at all of us, her eyes convincingly determined. "Well, if it's for Braden here, I guess I wouldn't mind dressing up in some stupid , itchy dress."

Lanna smiled. "I've always wanted to wear one of those formal dresses I'd always see in Paris." Julia agreed along with her.

The boys were a different story though.

Elliot seemed quite dizzy. "Oh, my. Would I have to wear those tights?"

Denny was completely against it. "BUT.. For my little bro… I agree with Nat."

And Vaughn, like always, stands there, looks handsome, and says nothing.

In any case, to not get disqualified, I found myself being forced into the men's room with three other true and complete men. I, apparently, wasn't a true and complete man since … I distinctly didn't have the… elements to prove that. One can't blame me for being against this… and that it was amazingly nerve-wracking the whole way through. But I decided it was best to play casually; any hints would totally screw me.

But the guys weren't the only problem; the other was my own clothes. I had no idea how to put it on. And now, I was staring stupidly at my clothes hanging on the hook within the stall.

"Crap. What is this thing?" Denny's voice spoke from outside the stall.

"Uhh.. Frills?" Elliot answered.

Vaughn sighed. .

I began to unclip my overalls, taking off my shirt until I heard Denny's voice say, "Bray? Why aren't you changing out here? It doesn't sound like you're taking a dump in there."

"Ahhh…" It's not like I was scared of stripping in front of men (And I don't mean it THAT way). Heck, I even started taking off my shirt in the hallway when I was in middle school… you know.. Puberty time. But this was a different story.

I slipped on the fleece that went under the main attire as I answered. "I just… thought that it would… be better for me to change in here." I hoped my unconvincing tone would take the gold.

"Oh hey, the fleece has buttons on the back." Elliot informed.

I raised my hand to my back and rolled my eyes. Crap. He's right. "Man, I can't reach it…" I mumbled lowly.

"Ah, let me help you then!" Denny said cheerfully, his feet stepping up the front of the door.

I faced the door, putting my hands against it. "Ah, no. It's okay, Denny. I got it…"

"Just leave him alone." Vaughn spoke out, his feet also appearing below the door.

"Why? He'll need help. I can't even reach mine!"

"Then work on yours first, stupid."

"Are you not listening to me? I. can't. reach. it." Denny's feet suddenly turned around and he began yelling, "AH! VAUGHN! MY BACK! STOP PINCHING ME!"

"There… It's buttoned. Now do Elliot's… He's having trouble too." Vaughn ordered, his feet still standing there in front of the door as Denny's scurried away.

By this time, I had already slipped on the pants that was strangely comfortable though they were kinda big on me. The only thing which me feel the cold breeze was my unbuttoned back. I had already buttoned up until the third button , three more left. I wasn't sure whether my chest protector was visible or not, but I don't plan to risk this… Probably I could ask Chen or Gannon (who were already out there dressed to my surprise) to help me button this up, even if it is awkward.

I bent down to see if Vaughn, Denny and Elliot had already left. I couldn't see any pairs of feet. I grabbed my remaining clothes and unlocked the bolt of the stall, tugging on it.

Tug. Tug…. Tug tug tug…

What the crap… It won't open. I did a harsh pull on it again, nothing happened. I let go staring at it for quite a while. Then slamming my hands against the handle, I pulled with all my might.

"Why. Won't. You. OPEN?" I growled, finally letting go and sitting on the commode.

I then see feet stepping up on the other side of the door, which slowly began opening itself. It was Vaughn on the other side, already dressed up in his get-up. He looked like a butler in black… One of those really good looking butlers from a drama I've watched (Reference to Mei-chan no Shitsuji). But that wasn't the main point… I still have a shirt to button up here and why hadn't I seen his feet?

"You're supposed to push the door." He informed me, demonstrating the fact by closing and pulling open the door.

I stood up boldly. "I believe I get that, Vaughn. Thank you for telling me such important information."

"…You haven't finished dressing." He said quickly.

I nodded and decided to quickly pass him, slipping on the vest to hide the unbutton shirt, but a large hand grasped on my shoulder, pulling me back. My ves slipped down my arms and dangled at my wrists. Then a pair of warm knuckles pressed against my back, pulling on my fleece shirt.

"Vaughn?" I muttered, wondering what he was doing.

"You shouldn't go out there…" His hands moved higher. "With your shirt undone… It'll slip off at a single large movement…" Moving up again. "…And you will be moving.. A lot."

A silence fell over us as the only sound was the rustling of my shirt. Once he was done, he slipped the leather vest over my shoulders and moved to stand in front of me, buttoning the jacket's few golden buttons up. After, he tied the thin tie strap around my collar and fixed the collar itself. He then stepped back and looked at me again.

It was weird. Really weird seeing him study me as if he was inspecting for lice. "Vaughn… I didn't know you had a sense of style in you." I laughed, teasing him.

"I don't." He replied, then paused thinking about what to say next obviously. "I was just surrounded with clothing such as this… Anyway, it would just bother me to see you look foolishly dismantled out there in such expensive brand clothing. These clothes may have cost a lot so don't be disrespectful and wear it in such a way." OF course it would be about money.

I saluted. "Yes, Father!"

His gloved hand suddenly slapped down on my head. "Don't call me that. And you wear the hat. I don't want to wear something as girly as that. It suits you better." His hand lifted from my head and he pushed me in front of the mirror.

It was a cute feathered cap that was seated upon my hair. I smiled, smoothing it out, then suddenly jolting. "But hey! I'm so not girly."

"Right... You better hurry up." Vaughn opened the door. "The prince is waiting."

As he stepped through the door, I quickly followed after him to see that everyone was waiting, even the Cuisine Prince sitting upon his royal throne with a smug little smile on his lips.

"And he finally comes out…" Pierre muttered as I took my position before him, across the table. Vaughn had scooted away within the crowd as I did so.

"And now… we shall start this Duel by -"

Pierre's hand suddenly shot up. "Wait." His eyes daggered toward me. "Is there anything you want to say before we begin?"

I thought about it. I thought about it hard. No… not really. Smiling like an over confident idiot…

"Be prepared to lose." Is what I would have said since it seemed fitting. I mean, it's always like that for the main character of the story right? And apparently, this motive that we got going here completely encourages it. But instead I had said,

"I hope you gain something from this, Pierre."

He looked at me queerly. Though my stupid smile faded away, my eyes just stared at him. If what Madelynn had said was true…

"What over confident words…" He mumbled. "Let's begin!"

"Now… we shall start this duel." It was Dickon who was the MC for tonight. "Both competitors have brought their weapons correct?"

"Yes." Pierre had said boldly, his face unchanged. I looked at the butler and nodded, "Yeah…"

"Will you please bring the weapons to the table."

I then see on Pierre's side that there was many nicely dressed maids to put his ultimate cuisine among the table. I thought the trail of sparkling silver containers would never end, and before I knew it, his whole red table was filled from left to right. A hand laid upon each of the containers and at the same time, the covers lifted to show so many varieties of food I had seen before in my life, and I'm sure they tasted wonderful, especially the steak. Mmm… steak.

"I see that you have taken delight to my dishes." I looked at Pierre with his proud smile upon his face.

I nodded, staring at each dish, smiling. "They all look delicious. And considering the style… You went Italian today?"

"Indeed I had." Pierre then began naming each of them. "Gnocchi di semolina, Pandoro, Tortelloni alla zucca, Bistecca Fiorentina, Annisette, Risotto alla Milanese, Zuppa di Valpelline, Carne cruda all'albese, Stecchi alla Genovese, Pita, Maccheroni con Trippa."

I kinda felt bad. I had no idea what the words meant. All I knew was Pita… with cheese and some beef on top.. Looking behind me, everyone who also had no idea had impressed and confused looks on their faces, Madelynn and Lanna's eyes glistened with beauty, Vaughn still had the same look on his face (but I know he's impressed). Looking back, I sighed.

"Now, where's you dish?" The prodigy cook asked. "Unless… You don't have one…?"

"No… I do…" I answered, looking toward Madelynn who was holding my single weapon. She brought it to me and I set it upon the table, looking at my reflection hard. Pierre has got a lot of food on his table, mine looks so empty. Could I really win with just this?

"Is that it?" He inquired again. "Is that your only cuisine?"

I blinked a few times. Could I really win? …

No POV…

Denny gripped his gloved hands. "Bray… what's up?" He whispered. Vaughn who stood beside him continued looking on. Elliot hadn't realized he was holding his breath until Natalie knocked it out of him by nudging his side. Gannon looked over to Chen who shook his head. Eliza and Charlie were standing before the two men, Eliza squirming in anxiety for Braden, Charlie marveling at the delicious food. Madelynn wasn't far off, holding her aging hands against her chest. Lanna and Julia were standing nearby the table, worried for the farmer. Lanna whimpered, "What's wrong with Braden?" Julia shook her head, blue eyes firmly on Braden.

"Pierre…" Chelsea finally spoke out. "I want you to open it." Picking up the container, she looked at the chef defiantly.

Pierre raised a hand toward one of the maids, but Chelsea refused to give it to her. The farmer walked over to his side on the chair and lifted it to his face. "I said YOU."

Pierre was baffled by the seriousness from the farmer. He slowly reached for the handle and picked it up. Everyone just silently stared at the delicacy that laid within the container.

"Crème Puffs?" The Pierre questioned.

Everybody else must have been thrown off as well. Who makes crème puffs as their weapon to take down a might chef?

"Yeah… it took me forever to make them last night though…." Pushing the container toward him, she insisted, "Please.. Try one."

He frowned. "What's the point? Simple crème puffs like this wouldn't beat what I've laid before you here."

Chelsea looked down at her crème puffs again. "Well, I know that it might not be that good, but I'm sure.. It would mean some sort of significance if you at least tried it."

Pierre still grimaced. "I hate crème puffs."

Madelynn stepped up. "Lies. You wouldn't say that if it were your mother."

Pierre blanched. "Mother?" He suddenly stood, making Chelsea step back a little to make sure the puffs wouldn't fall. "Why…?" Then he turned his view to the crème puffs. "Impossible. No matter how much people tried… Even I tried… I could never make the same batches as my own mother had made. There's no way.. That even you.. Who had helped out with the recipe before with mother could have figured it out."

Chelsea's eyes turned to Madelynn, who nodded slowly. "Seriously?"

The old lady caressed her hands softly. "Yes, Braden… That much is true. I had lied. I never had found out the exact way, but apparently, last night as you continued to tamper around with the taste, you had found it."

Pierre's eyes shot toward Chelsea. "Impossible… Give me one." Once Chelsea stood next to him, he reached out and grabbed one. He studied it harshly and slowly sunk his teeth into it's shell, slowly succumbing to it's taste.

Chelsea pulled one of her crème puffs out too. "I had made these myself. I don't even know if it's good since I hadn't tried it myself. Ehehe."

Everyone tipped over.

Vaughn rubbed his temples. 'What are you - Stupid?' Denny made a weak laugh.

Elliot and Natalie sweat dropped. 'Your supposed to taste your food first!' Chen and Gannon sighed.

"No…" The chef mumbled, taking another bite. "It's.." He suddenly looked up at Chelsea, his eyes glossy with tears. "It's overwhelming."

"Geh. Why are you crying?" Chelsea freaked, placing the container on the table. "Is it that bad?"

Pierre frowned. "Are you that horrible in vocabulary?"

Julia laughed. "He must mean it's good then." Walking over, she took one herself and bit into it. "But… It taste so … normal..?"

Chelsea raised a brow. "Is that supposed to be a good thing?" Pierre tugged at her sleeve. "Tell me… how? How'd you make this?"

Chelsea smiled. "Madelynn is the one to thank for teaching me how to make them. And I just thought that since your mother was just like any other normal mom, she would go for the simple home ingredients, even if it isn't the best quality, as long as it wasn't spoiled. Your taste buds had been accustomed to the high quality and fancy products, but your mother.. I guess that she didn't really mind that… as long as she was able to feed her hungry son as soon as possible. After all, simplicity can be best."

"I.. I see…" Pierre took another one and bit into it. "But how did my mother make the crème taste much different?"

"She had used pumpkins…." Chelsea answered, handing out some to the younger kids and others. "I heard pumpkins was your favorite… a good reason why you hunted me down like a rabbit to sue me when you found out that my pumpkins were spoiled." She smiled.

"Ah…" Pierre flushed, now feeling guilty. "And these are the same pumpkins?"

"That is correct." Madelynn answered. "Braden had given me some pumpkins to use when he had some left over, but I hadn't used them since I didn't know what to make with them. I am assuming that you may have gotten the ones that would rot quickly…"

Dickon stepped next to Pierre. "That… is wrong. Actually… I meant to say this earlier, but…" He seemed rather nervous as his feet shuffled under him.

"Please go ahead Dickon…" Pierre insisted as he handed his butler a crème puff.

"The pumpkins that were shipped to us weren't from Sir Braden… It was a mixed up order.. We were sent the wrong ones with a much lower quality, on the verge of rotting…"

Chelsea blinked. "So - you mean…"

Denny yelled out, pieces of crème puffs flying out of his mouth. "Braden's Not To Blame -" Vaughn quickly appeared and stuffed some steak in his mouth, watching the fisherman choke it down. "Don't talk with your mouth full."

Pierre smiled warmly for the first time which surprised everyone. "…That's good." Pulling out a paper, the real document to sue Braden, he ripped it straight within the middle. "The winner… is Braden. I lost fair and square. And the sue was null and void to begin with. I'm glad."

"Heh?" Chelsea choked in disbelief. "But earlier, you you you - you blamed me with a fiery passion to sue me. Why are you glad?"

Pierre took another crème puff. "When I entered your farm and had a good look at your crops, I was wondering why such horrible made pumpkins had come from a farm that had such healthy and well tended for crops… It confused me, but I believed that maybe the thought was wrong."

"And considering that pumpkins is his favorite." Dickon added.

Natalie mused. "I'm surprised. Braden… I thought you told us that Pierre here used vocabulary that was mean and hard to understand?"

"I know." Chelsea smiled. "I actually understand you!"

Pierre laughed which also threw off everyone. "Hmm, I didn't really like using all those big words.. They tell me future Gourmets should be able to have a large range of vocabulary… but even if I try, I still have a great disdain for it."

Vaughn, now patting Denny's bent over figure, mumbled, "So you were playing plastic on us?"

Pierre frowned. "Yeah… I'm sorry… you know… for the whole act.. I guess I'm not all that good with the high and royalty stuff.."

Everybody stared at him.

"Pierre…" Chelsea started bluntly. "Seriously, you don't know how many times I wanted to yell 'conceited' at you."

Out of nowhere, a large grumble roared from a hungry stomach.

"Charlie!" Eliza gasped. "Shhhh.."

Charlie scratched the back of his neck. "Eheh… I'm just hungry."

Chelsea stomach squirmed too. "We.. We should probably eat now..

Pierre looked at all the food set out. "That's is a good idea.. After all, we can't let the food go cold. Yes, let's all eat."

It was kind of fast, how everyone suddenly got along with Pierre from him first being so conceited and snobby to suddenly being an easy going fellow. Was it is his face? His actions? Or maybe that even simply made crème puffs just could instantly change a person from a lion to a lamb? We don't know, but we do know that the sudden change would not happen normally in a place we call … reality.

And now everyone was delighted about the food… that is - all except Chelsea herself.

"Braden… you should really eat." Julia urged.

"I know… I'm hungry.. I seriously am!" She rubbed her tummy. "But I can't eat…WHY? THIS IS LIKE A NIGHTMARE!"

Natalie swallowed her piece of steak. "Oh yeah. Braden would eat anything, and he's like a bottomless pit. He loves food. "

Vaughn nodded. " So of course he would consider this … as a nightmare…"

Denny, who sat across from Braden, frowned. "The victor has to eat to his fill. Come on, Bray!"

Pierre then walked over from talking with Madelynn. "Is anything of matter?"

Lanna answered him warily. "It's Braden… he won't -"

THUNK

"BRADEN!"

-x-

Chelsea's POV

How many times have I suddenly woken up from bed with a roaring stomach? … Ever since I started farming. How many times have I woken up from this bed from either falling asleep and fainting? … Approximately… three times. So how many times have I woken up with the smell of food wafting around my house and continues clatter and chattering as my alarm clock? Once… Right now.

I rubbed my eyes and sat up on my bed, wearing boxers and a t-shirt. The smell of curry wafted in the air and lots of yelling wasn't far off. I stood out of bed and threw my blankets in a bundle on my bed. Stretching, I felt my muscles ease out nicely until my elbows popped. Then it hit me.

I had this weird dream last night… There was this kid who was suing me. We had a duel that was in a diner. Everything was way too extravagant and expensive looking for our mentality… And I had to wear these amazingly tight and itchy clothes. I don't remember how I hit the hay… Perhaps I went to sleep early…?

Walking toward my bedroom door… hunh? Stepping back a few steps, I stared at the wall and the did I have a wall and door? Also to add… I never asked Gannon to make me an extension. I clearly remember my house being a one room house. The kitchen being there. The living room and couch just sitting nearby.

I was pleasurably confused.

Suddenly, my door swung open, missing my face by centimeters, but even so, I fell back to my wooden floor, feeling as if it was a huge blow to my whole body. When was I this weak?

"Ah. Your awake." The familiar kid in my dream who was trying to sue me said, holding a bowl in his hands.

I stared at him, breathed, then continued staring at him again. "Who.. Who are you? What?"

Out through the door, Lanna flew out and screeched. "NO! BRADEN HAS AMNESIA!" She quickly fell to my side and grabbed my left arm tightly.

Denny then appeared behind… the kid… Pierre? "SERIOUSLY? NO WAY!" He then was knocked in the head by Natalie with a book in hand. "Could you be quiet?"

I then stood up, staggering a bit, but Lanna helped me with support and I thanked her with a small smile. Looking at the other's who were yelling/scolding at one another, which also included Julia and Elliot, I raised my hand, "Please.. Could you all be quiet? You're yelling is like an earthquake in my head." No one heard me. Lanna latched on to my arm and yelled, "SHUT UP!"

Now everyone was quiet, my ears ringing from Lanna's high pitched voice.

"Braden … you okay?" Elliot asked gently, soon to be smacked by Natalie and her book. "Does he look okay to you? He even needs Lanna to hold him up."

Pierre, who looked as if he was not really used to being around with so many people, decided to speak up. "We should bring him the table. He needs food."

And they did so, surprisingly ever so gently. My head was done ringing by now and my senses cleared up. I realized, with proof standing before me, that that dream was no dream. It was real.

My table looked different too.. It was round like the other.. But larger than the one I had… I don't remember changing my furniture at all.

And I finally muttered out, "What happened?"

Denny placed his big hands on my shoulders and began massaging them properly. It felt really good. "You passed out, Bray… Like… a whole day ago.."

Julia nodded. "Yes, you gave us all a scare. We all didn't know what to do."

Pierre placed the bowl of soup before me and sighed. "You haven't been taking care of yourself…"

I agreed with that. I barely eat breakfast.. And I barely can cook "edible" food.

"Madelynn had told me that you don't eat much, especially that night when you were making the crème puffs. You were starving and exhausted." I took a sip out of the soup to find it very refreshing in my stomach, as it slid down easily tasting wonderful.

"The soup is good. I would stuff it down my throat but wouldn't that be rude." everyone gave a little chuckle.

Elliot then inputted. "I guess you were so focused that you forgot to take care of yourself." Natalie's face looked disappointed. "We should've noticed sooner."

"No.." I took another spoonful with some beef. "It's my fault I shouldn't have to make you guys worry like that.. I should be sorry."

Pierre, who stood across from me, pointed a finger at me. "Yes, you are to blame."

Lanna frowned. "Pierre!"

"And that why, I'll be making you lunch until you can make your own."

Lanna refused. "No no no. I am going to make his lunches." Natalie teased, "But it will all be fish." Lanna glared back at Natalie.

HEH? … He was joking right?

He continued on quickly. "From now on, I'll be living on this island because I had told the family head that there are interesting ingredients here. He wants me to study here and try out the ingredients. As well, he believes it's best that I stay here as it is quiet here. And that I'll be living near a farm, I need you to grow me good crops."

I blinked. "Wait. Your moving here?"

"I already have."

I choked on the soup. That quickly?

Pierre, looked around the house, then flipped his hair, looking back at me with a smile. "Also, since you had won duel, I decided to do more for you because of the destruction I had caused. I had refurnished your house as well as made it larger to separate your room from the rest of the house. It's better that way."

I abruptly stood up. "Pierre.. This is way too much. You didn't have to - just take it all back."

He then snickered. "I figured you'd say that. That's why I already threw out your old things and transferred everything to the new things. If I take all these things back, you'll be left with nothing but clothes."

My eyes grew wide with realization. I turned toward Natalie and grabbed her by the arm. "I'll be borrowing Natalie for the moment."

Once we were over to my new living room, I asked her in a rush, "My clothes?" Natalie smiled and placed her hands on my shoulders, "It's fine. My mother and I did it for you. We insisted on it greatly, though Lanna was being a pain saying she wanted to see your "manly under garments". We also made sure that anything that could blow your cover would be put to place with the help of Gannon and Chen. It's all under your bed in the drawers" She laughed reassuring me.

Being dragged all the way back to the table. I sat down again with my bowl of egg drop soup. "Thank you for the soup.. It's really good. And thank you Pierre for all of this.. I could never -"

He raised a hand. "No, you surely will be able to pay me back. Just make sure you eat up and get well rested. Make me good crops to work with since I'll only be using your crops from now on (thus you need to be in good shape for that). Also.. I'll need a bottomless pit to taste my dishes… I hear that you're the best for that position… hee hee." His "giggle" was queer… no… kinda creepy. But it worked…

I smiled widely. "So… All I have to do is eat food?" IT WAS A DREAM COME TRUE!

"For now, yes. Madelynn asked of me that as a favor. In exchange for the crème puffs of course. Also, she told me at how horrible you are at cooking. You could make my taste buds wilt in my mouth, crying for desperation, as she makes it sound. I guess I could add the lessons in. Also, I won't guarantee I'll give you food every day though. Especially AFTER you are able to cook."

Right after I ate to my fill, training was quickly under way, for me… including everyone else. Pierre was a much more horrible and merciless dictator than Madelynn. "Do this. Do that! You're doing it wrong!" Before I realized, my kitchen was a mess. But it looked like all of us had fun, especially Pierre.

Pierre wasn't all that bad after all. He was only a few centimeters shorter than me, but he was no different from any other guy. He was obviously a good addition to our group.. Our "family", and I'm happy with that…

But After five minutes of ACTUALLY meeting him. I realized one thing.

This guy was someone who I would be choking right now. Too sarcastic to be alive. Too mischievous at every little thing. One huge devious little mind. No wonder they call him a genius, since it's not only in cooking anymore. And apparently.. I entertain his boredom. Whatever that means.

-x-

OMO. You, yeah you reading this right now… props to you. That's amazing. I wouldn't want to read ALL of this truthfully. What the heck was I thinking? It has a little of everything... i think. :|

- Do Jo