Happy New Year Everyone, finally 2020 is out of the way and 2021 is already looking better. Not for my county unfortunately since the cases are still rising, but on the bright side if another lockdown is on then I have more time to write XD. Work hasn't been too rough, I still manage to write during my free time.

But just a warning: The next chapter will probably be in 11-12 days so bear with me.

Reviewer Corner

FoodWarsJunkie: Thanks for the constant support my G, looking forward to see more your story as well.

IndraAshura: Good to know that I managed to surprise you on the cake part. Damn your prediction, you always manage to guess me out T~T. Just a teaser for you: The Autumn Elections will be way different.

Hopeful Random: Thanks man, appreciate the support. I really like childhood stories, its just so absorbing. The anime ending was better with Erina 'confessing' but I just wanted to hear her say the words. Who say they will reunite at Totsuki hmmm~~~

Nameless: Ah crap, Fate/One piece is two of the major anime that I did not watch so I cant get that reference sorry. I'm planning to finish this story first before doing another fanfic. I have seen a story about Erina and Soma switching roles and about Gender Swap... maybe a rowdy female Soma and a Prince Charming Erina haha. Thanks for your support man.

I'mAlsoAWe: Yes, Erina will be getting a present but when hehe you need to read and find out. Thanks for your support man.

Two weeks have passed by since the memorable birthday party, feelings and thoughts have been expressed, relationships have been fortified and purposes are beginning to take shape. The trio grew even closer as they were glued to each other. They tend to spend time together at the restaurant during the weekdays and Soma would visit them during the weekends.

"Oh, your father's coming back tomorrow Erina-chan? Come to think of it, I have not seen either of your parents" Soma asked curiously.

"Soma-kun, Erina's family is..." Alice tried to stir the topic but.

"Its ok, Alice. Since it is Soma-kun, I have no need to hide anything. Soma-kun, would you please listen to my story?" Erina interrupted Alice.

Seeing an affirmative nod, Erina begun to talk about herself. "You see, Okaa-sama left home just 3 months ago. I don't know why she left but I can feel it is something she wishes for me to know. Otou-sama was severely depressed from her leaving and he decided to take a trip to Europe to clear his mind.

Soma did not give any comment and Erina took it as cue to continue talking: "I always wonder where it had all gone wrong. Although Otou-sama and Okaa-sama were always fighting, they still deeply love each other. Was it my fault? Was me being the god's tongue have something to do with Okaa-sama leaving. Was I a not good enough kid for her? You see, Okaa-sama never once gave me a compliment. She never really praised the food I made, she would always brush it off as ok with a complicated expression. Sometimes she would even stay at bed the whole day and would not come down for food. One day, she suddenly left without saying goodbye and the final look she gave me was sadness. What could have that meant? Sad to have me as their child? Sad to be my mother? Sad to give birth to…"

"Ok, that's enough Erina-chan. Don't ever think about it, I don't know what could have cause your mother to leave but I'm 100% sure that she is proud to have you as a daughter. You being the god's tongue is the blessing that your mum gave you so don't ever said that she was disappointed you. Soma said while reaching out his hand to hold Erina.

"That's right Erina, I'm really glad you are my cousin. Only someone with the god's tongue can be rival, Umu Umu." Alice said teasingly.

"HA?! What about-me Alice-chan? I'm believe I'm both of your rivals as well." Soma said obliviously.

"Mou Mou, that's not what I meant Baka Soma." Alice scolded Soma.

"Pfft, you both really are idiots. Alice, you need to improve a lot more before you can reach me. Soma-kun, you really are dense sometimes haaaa… what am I going to do with you. Erina reciprocate by holding onto Soma's hand and smile wryly.

Erina felt happy and touch that Soma and Alice always tried to make her feel better about herself being the god's tongue. 'Maybe it really is a blessing, Okaa-sama I'm awaiting for your return.'

What Erina did not know was that the encouragement she got from Soma and Alice would greatly help her in the near future about facing the danger of striving away from her own path and being a puppet to someone she close to her.

Flashback

"Welcome back Otou-sama, I am pleased to know that you arrived back safely. By the way, how was your trip in Europe? Erina asked.

"I'm back Erina, its good to see you in peak condition. My trip to Europe was pretty eventful to say the least. I would like to have a day to myself Erina, I need to prepare for my upcoming project. Would you come see me alone tomorrow afternoon." The man said more like a statement rather than a request.

"Wakarimasta Otou-sama, I would come see you after visiting my friend." Erina replied but she did not see the slight twitch on his father's eyebrow.

"That's basically it, maybe Otou-sama found clues about Okaa-sama whereabouts? We never really talked that much so it was a surprise for him to meet me alone." Erina explained.

"I wonder what Oji-sama wants, his eyes always give me the creeps. Its like staring into a dark hole." Alice said while shaking a bit.

"Here's your bento Erina-chan, Alice-chan. Maybe I should go with you girls today? Tou-chan and Kaa-chan will be out later so that leaves me with a boring afternoon. Maybe I could meet your father as well." Soma suggested.

"Ara~ excited to introduce yourself to Erina's Dad, are you? Quite impatient neh Soma-kun" Alice teased both of them again.

Erina just blushed lightly while Soma just gave her his normal grin.

"Ok Soma-kun, go hang out with Alice first. I'll introduced you after I'm done." Erina said while leaving them before walking to his father's room.

"I've been expecting you Erina, you sure took a long time with your friend. You really need ought to spend your time better. Erina's father said coldly.

"I don't understand what you mean Otou-sama. I think spending time with Soma-kun and Alice is the best." Erina reply confusingly.

"How childish Erina, have you forgotten your duty? Have you forgotten who you are? Have you forgotten that you will stand at the pinnacle of the culinary world and bring it to greater heights?" Her father said with vigor.

"I beg your pardon, Otou-sama. I still remember that I am the god's tongue but I believe that they will be many chefs who will be able to stand alongside me." Erina replied confidently.

"How absurd, you yourself have seen how incompetent some chefs are. The dishes they make can only be described as imperfect wasteful trash. Lackluster flavors combine with dismal appearances, how many dishes have you tasted that are not covered with them? Her father asked disgustingly.

Erina was about to retort but her father beat her to it and said: "Now don't' you worry Erina, I have the perfect solution to get rid of the incompetent trash that lingers in the world. However, I need your cooperation. Surely you would listen to what your father would say right, Erina?"

Erina could only shudder in thoughts of what her father was planning, but she mustered some courage she learnt from a certain duo and boldly asked her father: "What is this plan you speak of, Otou-sama? I would only do what I think is right."

Surprise by her response, her father began describing his 'Masterplan' on how to eliminate incompetent food in the world. The plan composed of having herself being the focal point, he would 'train' her to distinguish between 'competent' and 'incompetent' food following his own taste. Then, he would use his authority as a Nakiri to take control of the culinary industry and authorize the closure of incompetent shops. "With you enforcing my plans and me gaining control of Senzaemon's Totsuki Academy, we can bring a cooking revolution to the world. We can remove any filths that exist and remove any imperfect dish thanks to your judgement. Everyone just need to follow you and your perfect way of cooking then no one will be left behind, everyone will be able to cook food that is created by a genius."

"Isn't that splendid Erina? Competitions, Hierarchy as well as Expectation will cease to exist. Chefs will no longer need to compete, no longer need to prove who is better and no longer need to fulfil what lowly mortals expect of their food. Now, won't you come join me Erina" Her father beckoned her to follow.

Erina was speechless after hearing his father's plan, it is true that some chefs do serve dishes that are not up to par according to their profession but it doesn't mean that the dish is not edible for other customers. Some may prefer the overexaggerating of 1 of the 5 tastes while some may prefer what you call the 'chefs flavor'. Before she could voice out her opinion, she was interrupted by a familiar voice.

"Erina-chan…Erina-chan, are you in here somewhere?" The familiar voice asked.

"Soma-kun? What are you doing here? I thought I told you to wait in Alice's room." Erina asked surprisingly while turning to face her friend.

"OHHH, you are in here. We were getting bored so Alice-chan suggested we come and find you. By the way, here is your bento. I thought you will be hungry listening to your father so I brought it with me. Hmm…Where is Alice-chan? She was the one who push me in though."

"Ha…I should have known it would be Alice. I think you have been pranked Soma-kun, I could just imagine Alice giggling to herself. Thanks for the bento though, I was getting a bit hungry. Erina sighed tiredly while receiving the bento.

"Erina, have you fallen so far that you will eat food made by a mere kid? Not just any kid but a commoner!" Her father said with disgust.

"He is not a mere kid Otou-sama, he is my first friend. His food may be common, but the twist he does makes his food unique and interesting. He could may as well surpass me in the future due to his ingenuity, I believe in him that much." Erina said confidently.

"Ridiculous, Blasphemous. Only certain geniuses are able to stand on top of the culinary world. You have the nerve to tell me that this little brat is able to achieve something so difficult with his twist on common food. You've spend too much time with him Erina, it's time for you to follow me and continue your destiny." He said with venom.

"Ano, I just want to say something." Soma interrupted suddenly. "Is it Erina's destiny or your own wicked fantasy? Erina has not say anything about joining you, she has her own life to live. She has her own decisions to make, she has her own time to enjoy and most importantly she is my dear friend. I've already said this before, I won't let anyone forced her to do things she does not like." Soma said while standing in front of Erina.

"You insolent little brat!, you're the one living in a fantasy where everyone looks like they are happy cooking and enjoying it but what you don't know is the cruelty of Society! One chef I knew was DISCARDED for not appearing on a competition, FORGOTTEN for his sheer masterpieces and RIDICULED for being a let-down by mere filths after he disappeared. That's why to prevent even more tragedy from happening, Erina is needed for her ability. You only will be ruining your own dream if you prevent Erina for mastering her ability now." Erina's father replied with hatred.

"I do not know of the chef you talked about, but what I do know is that this plan of yours will hurt Erina-chan greatly. Erina-chan is not a tool for you to use, she maybe a prize jewel for others but to me she is my dear friend and my rival with Alice-chan." Soma said to the surprise of Erina.

"I've decided Erina-chan, I will do all I can to surpass you so that no one will ever take advantage of you again. Remember what I told you earlier? Your god's tongue is a blessing for me and Alice-chan to get even better. Wait for me Erina-chan, one day I'll claim the title of 'Gods Conqueror'." Soma declared cheekily.

"Baka Baka, Soma-kun no Baka, don't say it like that." Erina said embarrassingly while lightly hitting Soma's chest.

"This is just time wasting, get over here Erina." He said as he yanked Erina towards her.

"It hurts, Otou-sama. I don't want to be a part of your plan, the plan you talk about will only just ruined even more chefs." Erina said as she struggled to get free from her father's hold.

"Get your hands off Erina-chan Right NOW!" Soma said angrily as he rushed towards the pair.

"You really are getting on my nerves, brat. This will make sure that you will stay silent for a while." Erina's father said while grabbling the bento in Erina's hand and throwing it straight at Soma.

Erina looked on in horror as she saw Soma holding the left part of his face with blood dripping from his hands. She could only scream as she saw Soma slowly dropping to his knees while facing her with eyes filled with despair.

"SOMA-KUN!"

"SOMA-KUN!"

"AZAMI! WHAT ARE YOU DOING!"

Those were the last three voices that Soma heard before he felt consciousness slipping away from him.

Before you guys start screaming at me: No, he wont lose his memories and he will be ok. He wont be half blind as well, he will just have the scar same as from canon. HEY! Don't grab the pitchforks I'm sorry T~T

PS: Next chapter will be longer and possibly the saddest.