Waifu Wars: A Food Wars Fanfic

Ch. 56 A Skirmish with Another School

(Author's Note: This chapter ended up being a lot longer than I intended it to be; it's a little different, and I introduced some original characters)

After the usual routine of attending Azami's after school review and then stopping by Polaris to leave his notes with Erina, Torrey found himself with nothing to do. He offered to stop by the market and pick up some things for the dorm, looking to atone for the failed shopping trip the day before. Although Erina and Hisako had obtained most of the essentials from various cooking halls around campus (it wasn't really stealing; the Nakiri's basically owned the school), they were still missing some uncommon ingredients.

            Soma's ears perked up when he heard the market being mentioned. Perhaps BECAUSE of the failed trip, however, Erina was reluctant to let anyone else go with Torrey.

            "Please! Aww c'mon, Nakiri. I promise I'll get right back to my studies!"

            "Yukihira! I'll admit, your work ethic thus far has been pleasantly surprising. I expected to be constantly reminding you to attend my review's and remain on-task. However, leaving now will undo all of your efforts!"

            "But I'm a peacock! You gotta let me fly!"

            Torrey turned to Yuki, who had a book open on the table. Her attention was also focused on the debate; it was much livelier than her studies.

            "Can peacock's even fly?" asked Torrey, trusting her knowledge of wild game.

            "They can, though their large bodies and small wings make it tough for them to do so for long periods of time. It's usually just a reaction to danger, a literal 'fight or flight' response," explained Yuki.

            "Huh. That's pretty interesting."

            "I think so, too! I've always dreamed of roasting one for dinner...during times of chivalry, only a lady of the most distinguished beauty was permitted to carry a prepared peacock to a banquet, serving it to the master of the house accompanied by inspiring music."

            "I've never even thought about eating one...I wonder if it tastes like chicken?"

            "I'd imagine that the flavor is much more robust. You can stuff it with truffles, mushrooms, fowl liver, bacon, salt, spice, thyme, breadcrumbs, and bay leaf," said Yuki, her mouth watering.

            "Sounds delicious! We should catch ourselves a peacock. Then you can prepare and serve it for a feast!"

            "Let's do it! W-wait, a-are you implying..."

            Yuki stopped and turned toward Soma and Erina, who'd been arguing while she was speaking with Torrey. Erina's voice had just reached a new octave.

            "Fine! Go! I did what I could to help you pass your exams, but if you stubbornly insist on wasting away your progress, far be it from me to stop you! God knows I tried!"

            "Thanks, Nakiri! This won't take long," said Soma, who took a step towards Erina as if to hug her.

            Hisako instantly appeared between them with a whistle, blowing it loudly. Soma recoiled.        

            "That's close enough! Don't you dare lay a hand on Miss Erina!"

            "And you shouldn't be thanking me; I'm allowing you to go, but I still don't approve," said Erina.