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Dec 22, 2015 12:06:43 GMT 7
Post by Gamma on Dec 22, 2015 12:06:43 GMT 7
[googlefont=PT Mono] [attr="class","dissolve"] TO ME A FOOD IS LIKE A PERSON, I LOVE THEM BOTH
Loguetown, it has been quite a while since he was most recently there, about a year, just about, as he attempts to bring to mind. The hometown of the late Pirate King, Gol D. Roger, as well as where his execution took place. The town of beginning and the end. This place is relatively entertaining; there were many ingredients to pick from, to him this place is heaven, he is back here for the annual food competition, which he would like to personally name “food war”. Because of how hectic it was. Anyway, looking at it the weather is the same as it was back then: It's clear and sunny, a good weather to start the day with.
Last year it was such a disorder that they didn’t get to broadcast the champion (which was him), but it became a food fiesta, which to him isn’t a bad thing, where everybody in Loguetown can also revel in the culinary made by the various cooks who took part last year, including himself, of course. “How fun was that”, as he was trying to reminiscence the event. “Surely this year something interesting of the like might happen again”. He was being positive that it would end up well. He hope that so, last year there were some trivial complications, pirates and marine intervention. Although, resolved with haste it still left quite a distaste in the participating chefs, therefore, they did not really feel motivated for the festival. It was a let down.
He snaked through the masses that crowds the execution plaza, looking at the ingredients laid out in the market, one that caught his interest was the Bluefin Elephant. A humongous fish that provides so much healthy nutrients, and when cooked right, with proper serving and side ingredients could give certain taste that would remain on your tongue for a long time, a long lasting impression. This a high grade ingredient that you can never discover in the Four Blues, even if it is possible you probably would not find it for your entire lifetime, it was of such infrequency. It is a trade in straight from the Grand Line. How he wish he could be there and find out more of these rare ingredients that he could only see in book. With his mind adrift, a woman nudged him from behind “C-Chef Yang, it’s really you!” it brought him back down to earth. He is upset by the unexpected appearance of this person.
“Excuse me, who are you?” Yang asked politely, after he composed himself together, since he nearly lost his tranquility due to the shock. “You do not recognize me? It’s me, one of your former rivals from last year, Mr. Champion.” He did not like how she sounded like she was mocking him, but it seemed that it was genuinely out of respect, and to him, heartfelt. “Moving on,” she said, “can I get your autograph first? I know that one day you will make it big! So I will take the chance to have your autograph!” All of this fuss confused yang, so he asserted, “Fine, I’ll give you my autograph, but on one condition, “he responded, “and, what is that condition?” She asked back in an unclear manner.
“I want you to tell me the details of the annual food competition this year, can you do that?” He requested as kindly as possible. “Oh, of course, I’m one of the judges this year! Is that not exciting? To taste your superior cuisine after all this time, I hope you will render me speechless like last year!" She appears to be enjoying this, teasing him and asking of him.
Yang heaved a sigh, “Fine, I’ll do that then”. Yang was by now rubbing his cheek “Can you lead the way to the showground, please?” He smiled faintly. “Certainly, follow me Chef Yang!” It seemed like this will be a grand festival just like last year, everybody are full of activity, organizing himself or herself. It was a busy day for everyone.
From checking out cooking wares, and the ingredients, this is without a doubt the kind of vibe he was looking for.
honey candy @ @ © LAIKA [newclass=.dissolve a]border-top:solid 1px #787878!important; border-right:solid 1px #787878!important; padding: 5px!important; float:right!important; margin-right: -1px!important; font: bold 12px pt mono!important; color:#787878!important; text-transform: uppercase!important;[/newclass]
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Dec 22, 2015 13:18:42 GMT 7
Post by honey candy on Dec 22, 2015 13:18:42 GMT 7
| * Honey stared up blankly at the scaffolding marking Gol Roger's execution, crunching noisily on a chunk of the red apple held in her hand. It was bizarre, she thought, tuning out the hum of activity surrounding her in the crowded market plaza. Her eyes glanced toward the edge of the busy square, settling on the covered booths surrounding it, the shouts of eager salesmen cheering out over the chatter of the villagers and tourists lured there. Slowly her gaze turned back to the stand. The WG had balls, she'd give them that. Keeping this thing standing even when it inspired so many pirates? She scoffed to herself, starting off to the other side of the plaza in search of a better snack, tossing her apple aside for some passerby to trip over. They must have seen themselves as truly unstoppable.
" C-chef Yang! " Quiet footsteps lead her up to a particularly luxurious farmer's stand, and old man sporting a particularly beaten looking straw hat , spraying down the fat watermelons and glossy tomatoes with a pale colored squirt-bottle. Funny. Her gaze drifted over the fruits and vegetables laid out before her slowly. The name sounded familiar.
"Excuse me, who are you?" Asked a polite tone from somewhere nearby, her ears tuning to eavesdrop on the conversation as she casually took a tomato into her hand for evaluation. The drops of water glistening on its smooth red surface made her want to take a bite. " You do not recognize me? " came a snobbish reply. Honey thoughtlessly took a bite of her tomato, the leathery old man caring for the stall giving her a dangerous look. " It's me, one of your former rivals from last year, Mister Champion. "
Honey instantly tuned the conversation out, glancing up from her tomato as she chewed languidly. Catching the staring of the owner of the stall her focus shifted to fall upon him slowly. She could vaguely piece together a request for an autograph, some mention of a food competition being dropped as she continued her bored staredown with the reddening face of the old man at the stand.
"Superior cuisine." The words rang in her ears, causing her to finally turn her gaze to the corner of her eyes to catch a glimpse of the mysterious chef the woman sounded to be fawning over. "HEY," came a shout from the stall owner, a spray of water hitting her face.
Her eyes shut tight as her nose scrunched up. Her eyes opened slowly to glare at the pouty old man, a deepset frown at her lips. In return he rose his squirt bottle, ready to let her have it again. Apparently, that was all the incentive she needed. A hand reached into her shirt to pull out her coinpurse, snapping it open and drawing a single bill into her fingers.
She held out her hand as she snapped the pouch shut, allowing the man to take the beli before tucking the purse back into her shirt. Grabbing a couple more tomatoes to cradle in her arm she took another spiteful bite, staring the old man down as she moved to follow after the amazing chef and his obnoxious rival.
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Dec 22, 2015 14:40:45 GMT 7
Post by Gamma on Dec 22, 2015 14:40:45 GMT 7
[googlefont=PT Mono] [attr="class","dissolve"] TO ME A FOOD IS LIKE A PERSON, I LOVE THEM BOTH “ So is the new plaza to your liking?” the obnoxious woman spoke from behind him, as she was following behind him in silence. “ Hm, so-so, for now… Honestly, this is actually not bad at all; it is definitely better than last year’s. Did they expand on the plot since last time?” He asked her with a strong hint of genuine interest. “ Yes, it’s as you say, Chef Yang. Although, I’m not quite keen on the details myself, but apparently it’s what they did. The budget came from the success of last year’s food competition. “ She was wearing her smile proudly. “ Oho, “was all that Yang mentioned, he did sound a bit impressed by their progress. “ So, when will the competition begin?” Asked Yang after he took a moment to capture the image of the location with his eyes and thinking things through; his participation this year. “ Oh, it takes place later in the evening, so you may enjoy yourself now.” She chuckled, she suddenly pointed at a vacant table in the open area of the plaza, there were many unoccupied tables of reservation, and apparently, she had booked one for him. Although, it seems that there is one more chair on his table that is empty. “ Please, do enjoy yourself. We are serving our chefs and other visitors at this time with the best dishes, or our specialties, the judges, who were once former competitors, can create. I hope you will enjoy the lunch we are providing for you. “ She walked away with a grin left on her face that seemed suspicious to him. The tables are away from the Sun; even if located in the open plaza, they are secure by covers that sheltered the tables from the sunlight at the peak of noon, like an outdoor dining hall in one of the marine base he goes to see in the recent past “ Heh, so they even go this far for this year’s competition”. Yang was looking past the set menu that was on the table, he placed his fingers on the crystal-clear glass in front of him. There was a cloudy white liquid within “ this is white wine, this smells good.” Yang clapped his hand to call one of the waitress on duty. One of them arrived by his side. " Mr. Yang of table 1, I take it?" Yang nodded his head and smiled lightly at her, it was a sight to behold, such a beautiful smile. " Yes, that's me". The Waitress beamed a smile back at him, it was a delightful smile, it seemed that she was trying to hide her blush. " What is it that do you want to order? Sir?" Yang grabbed the menu before him, his long and slender fingers carefully tracing the page in an almost sensual manner, but he is not conscious of this. His hands are exceptionally soft, and doesn't seem like a professional cook's hand. It appears as if he never even saw the labor of a chef, his hands does not show any of it. The waiter looked carefully at his hands. " This is what I want," Yang pointed at the third page of the menu, " Fried Chicken Roll, Chaliapin Steak with Donburi, an Obento for later on, and some more of the White Wine, if you can. " " In addition, could you make some more of what I asked for my friend? I believe, she would probably want to order something similar to me, except the drink". Yang winked at the waiter. " Yes sir, I will take care of your order now". He can see she note down what was instructed of her. Yang's fingers tapped the tables as the waiter moved out of his sight to take care of his order. " So, little lady... Why have you been following me?" Yang is not concerned that he was followed, he's just curious as to why. He's more than willing to spend his time with her if she was more up-front with what she wants. honey candy @ @ © LAIKA [newclass=.dissolve a]border-top:solid 1px #787878!important; border-right:solid 1px #787878!important; padding: 5px!important; float:right!important; margin-right: -1px!important; font: bold 12px pt mono!important; color:#787878!important; text-transform: uppercase!important;[/newclass]
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Dec 23, 2015 2:35:14 GMT 7
Post by honey candy on Dec 23, 2015 2:35:14 GMT 7
| * It smelled good. Honey lifted her head slightly, scanning the windows of the second story windows of the pale-stoned buildings lining the street. It made the tomatoes carried in her arm seem meager in comparison. They hadn't even reached the plaza, and already her soft eyes had begun to burn with a familiar intensity.
The pair she was all-too-obviously following after was just ahead - through she wasn't able to identify their steps against the others clapping against the walkway. Her eyes dropped from the buildings as she took a hearty bite of the tomato still held in her grip, savoring its fresh flavor as her focused gaze fell once again on the chefs guiding her to her destination. With the scent of spices and seared meats weighing heavier in the air with each step forward, she was sure it couldn't have been far by now.
" So, is the new plaza to your liking? " Honey continued forward to the point she nearly bumped into Yang's back, stopping a reasonably uncomfortable distance away as she opened her mouth wide to gulp down the last of her held tomato. " Oho," the sound drew her eyes upward to scan over the plaza thoroughly. It was so -
" So when will the competition begin? " Honey stepped around the two to stand nearby, staring out over the competition grounds with a fiery pair of eyes. Her gaze eased along the edges of the decorated plaza, drawing from the chefs hard at work to the vibrant displays of giant fish, fruits, and vegetables. Taking a tomato from her arm she took another step forward, listening to the familiar clank, chop, and sizzle of chefs hard at work just barely hidden beneath the cheerful conversation of the happy crowd seated at the sheltered tables in the center. She could vaguely hear the pair behind her continue to chatter on, a chuckle sounding from behind her as her lips set in a flat line, taking a moment to scan the surrounding roofs and windows.
After a moment of standing and admiring the view, a clap from somewhere close by caught her attention. " Mister Yang of table one, I take it? " Her focus dropped down suddenly, centering on the bright head of hair she had been following earlier. " Yes, that's me. " As familiar as his name was, she was certain she had never seen his face before. She eyed his smile from her current position, reaching blindly to take a fresh tomato into her hand. Someone with such an irritating smile would have stuck in her mind, she would have thought. " What is it that you want to order? Sir? "
Sharp eyes shot immediately to the menu taken so gracefully into the young man's grip. Honey started forward again, standing a short ways away to try and read the words from a distance. The way he rose his hand to point at the menu, however, made it impossible for her.
" This is what I want, " he started, listing off his order easily for the woman as Honey's eyes slowly drew back to stare intently at his unfamiliar face, trying to place it. She noted too that the waitress seem keenly interested in the man, a tinge of pink just barely rising to her cheeks - growing just half a shade darker at the stranger's wink. So, she noted, listening carefully to his words. Yang has a friend coming.
The tomato in her hand rose a ways into the air as she tossed it upward, catching it easily and sending it back into the air again to catch again. It sounded strange to her, considering he hadn't even known where the event would take place. Her gaze remained locked on the boy as the waitress disappeared from view to place his order, the tomato landing softly in her hand suddenly gripped tightly by her fingers - straining its red skin. What a wimpy looking guy. Maybe she'd throw her tomato at his head for a little fun.
" So little lady... " She knew immediately that she was the one he was referring to, though she didn't recognize his call with any sort of reaction. Her piercing gaze remained locked, a subtle frown on her face, the skin of the tomato in her hand nearly splitting in her grip. " Why have you been following me? "
" That depends, " she responded sharply, relaxing her grip on the tomato to give it another toss and catch it easily in her palm. " Who's your friend? "
She didn't move from her place, watching "Mister Yang" with an unwavering gaze. As obvious as she'd been about her stalking, she would only be half surprised if she was the one he had ordered food for. However, if that was the case, she would have to wonder why he skimped out on the white wine.
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Dec 23, 2015 23:13:12 GMT 7
Post by Gamma on Dec 23, 2015 23:13:12 GMT 7
[googlefont=PT Mono] [attr="class","dissolve"] TO ME A FOOD IS LIKE A PERSON, I LOVE THEM BOTH " That Depends", said the curious young girl before him. " Hm, that's fine. And, what does that depends on? " Yang did not seem to mind her presence either way. It would be better to have a company or two, rather than being on his own. " Who's your friend?" She retorted, she probably meant why he referred to her as such. " Uh, I'm sorry if that was not to your liking, maybe I was being rude, because we're only strangers after all, if you would like for me to, I'll introduce myself. My name is Yang Xiao." " Also, little lady, it's my treat. Please enjoy." Yang looked at her carefully with an electrifying stare that look past her eyes all the way to her soul. It was a powerful stare for somebody so young and childish, at times. As his mature side is more dominant, but some other times his childish side would resurface to take over the temporary maturity. It's the first time for him to be with anybody around his age, and a girl no less, so it's a new experience for him. Yang handed her the menu, if there's anything that interested her in there. Yang then extended his arm for a handshake, he was calm, collected and composed. " It's nice to meet you, miss?" Yang expressed a gentle smile as he looked at her. He noticed the tomato and was like a cat anxious to play with the tomato, but that's not his, so he probably wouldn't get the chance to play with it. He eyed the younger female back, his gaze unwavering. He noticed she was eyeing the White Wine earlier, maybe it was wrong of him to omit that from his second order, he should just ask her in case. " Do you want to try the White Wine? I can re-order it for you, if you want." It was in the middle of the noon, there is a lot of time left until the start of the food competition, maybe she could accompany him longer until the beginning of the event so that he will not be bored by the lack of entertainment in the area. The people are starting to fill the plaza one by one, nearby them. The chefs are starting to gather around in the area, while the waiter are moving about to take orders. It was not a strange sight to him, at least. As he was a witness to the same sight one year ago in this very place. It will not be a long noon as time will pass by quickly. honey candy @ @ © LAIKA [newclass=.dissolve a]border-top:solid 1px #787878!important; border-right:solid 1px #787878!important; padding: 5px!important; float:right!important; margin-right: -1px!important; font: bold 12px pt mono!important; color:#787878!important; text-transform: uppercase!important;[/newclass]
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Dec 24, 2015 13:20:50 GMT 7
Post by honey candy on Dec 24, 2015 13:20:50 GMT 7
| * " Uh, I'm sorry if that was not to your liking, maybe I was being rude - " The apology came as somewhat confusing to the girl, but it hardly showed through the expectant look on her face. " because we're only strangers -after all-, if you would like me to I'll introduce myself. My name is Yang Xiao. " The name clicked for her instantly, her lips remaining in a firm line as she slowly blinked her eyes - the only reaction he'd be getting for his introduction. She remembered now where she'd heard the name. Eavesdropping in the kitchen.
" Also, little lady, it's my treat. Please enjoy. " As friendly as his words were the sudden intensity of his gaze struck her as a challenge. A scrawny kid watching her with such a powerful stare without the soul to back it up wasn't worth her time. She wasn't budging an inch.
Her bored stare dropped down to the menu being held out to her, halfway tempting her to close the distance between them. It was the hand that extended toward her that did the trick, though most likely not for the reason the boy was expecting.
" It's nice to meet you, miss? " The tomato in her hold exploded suddenly as she tightened her grip, a mess of pale red flesh and watery pink liquid spilling through her fingers and dripping down her arm. The hand reached out to grip at the one offered to her, clasping around it just a bit too tightly as she held it there stiffly. " Candy Honey, " she answered firmly, inspecting his gaze with only the slightest bit of recognition before moving to pull her hand back and take the seat across from him.
Tucking her skirt beneath herself with her messy hand she sat down, cradling her last two tomatoes against her chest. " Do you want to try the white wine? I can re-order it for you if you want. "
" No thanks, " came a dull reply, her gaze wandering back over toward the chefs busying themselves with preparations for the rest of the evening. " I know you, " she admitted, resting her cheek on the knuckles of her dripping fist.
" Are you really the wizard you're talked up to be? "
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Dec 24, 2015 22:56:29 GMT 7
Post by Gamma on Dec 24, 2015 22:56:29 GMT 7
[googlefont=PT Mono] [attr="class","dissolve"] TO ME A FOOD IS LIKE A PERSON, I LOVE THEM BOTH " Candy Honey", as firmly answered by the younger lady before him. So that was her name, it sounded " tasty", to him. Either way, she grasped his hand a bit too tightly. At least for his liking. She finally let go of his hand after a few moments, and decided to take the seat across of him. He was a little pleased to see her play with her tomatoes, he was amused, not that he mind, if he were any other chef he'd be upset since she's making a plaything out of ingredients, but Yang is seemingly fine with that. The waiter was about to arrive with his orders. He inquired if she had wanted to have her set of order changed, but it seemed that she doesn't want to " No thanks, " she replied dully, Yang was looking at her intently now. Both of his hands were on his cheeks, and his elbows planted on the table. " I know you", said the young lady, it sounded like she was admitting to him, at least from her tone of voice. " Hm," Yang murmured, his voice sounding more curious now than it ever was. So she had her reasons that she wouldn't disclose, which to him is understandable and he probably won't pry, and she knew of him, apparently. She probably heard about him somewhere, it's not news to him anymore. " Are you really the wizard you're talked up to be?" She was asking him, " Is that what you think of me? From hearing about me?" Yang was now giggling, he was more amused by the question posed by the young lady. " I'm no wizard, but is that how people think of me in general?" Yang shook his head " To answer you question then, I'm not quite sure about that. I honestly never thought of it like that... I honed my cooking abilities ever since my parents left me, it was more like a tradition. A Xiao family member must excel in their cooking, and I cook not for appreciation or recognition--it's so I can serve people delicious food. I don't need appreciation as long as people enjoy the food I make for them. " Yang's left hand wiped the area under his nose, as if he was becoming shy. " Now, if that's what you think, then I might actually be a Wizard. I'll be whatever you want, for you, little lady." He shyly faced down to the table. He was smiling like a kid. The orders are now served and set on the tables before the two, Yang grabbed the eating utensils and offered her the knife, spoon and fork. " So, let's eat?" He asked her. He was staring at her with a smile smeared on his face. " I have a proposition. " Yang looked at the chefs in the area, " later on, in the evening, there will be a cooking competition here where I will have to show-off my cooking skills, and compete against other chefs, and serve everybody in Loguetown. Would you mind accompanying me until later? I'll cook my specialty for you--my magic dish. " Yang giggled happily again. To any other observer he would be the most endearing thing, and he was happy enough to have at least a company. The noon went on better than he ever expected it to be. " Oh, also, these are my favorites, please try them." Yang placed the tip of his spoon to pick up a bit of the rice from the Donburi on the table. He was eating only the rice. " Delicious." Yang was smiling, he was in bliss. The noon is gradually passing to evening. The place is starting to become crowded with audience, staffs and participants of the competition. honey candy @ @ © LAIKA [newclass=.dissolve a]border-top:solid 1px #787878!important; border-right:solid 1px #787878!important; padding: 5px!important; float:right!important; margin-right: -1px!important; font: bold 12px pt mono!important; color:#787878!important; text-transform: uppercase!important;[/newclass]
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