A/N:
The cake and the petites gateaux are taken from the chapter 34 from the 'Yumeiro Patisserie' manga. With a few modifications of the ingredients used.
XOXOKURENOHIKARI;)
"Ah" sighed Amano Ichigo, as she sat on a rock by a beautiful lake next to the palace.
"You know, we should stop meeting like this" a voice commented behind her "You sighing, sadly and me startling you at the end" Ichigo just smiled to herself and didn't bother to turn around. Julian moved towards her and sat next to her "What's bothering you now?"
"I miss home, I miss my family, I miss my friends... I miss..." she started to answer, but then stoped herself when she noticed what she was about to say.
"You miss Kashino-san" Julian ended for her, with a sad sigh of his own "Don't worry, this will end up soon and you'll be by his side soon" he tried to assure her, even if it broke her heart the idea of seeing him at another boy's side.
"I know that... but even then why would he chose me over all those beautiful girls?!" Ichigo exclaimed, a hint of jealousy and defeat on her voice.
"That's not a way to talk! You are Amano Ichigo, the girls who finished Cross-sensei's training, the girl who in a year has managed to become such an incredible patisserie, THE girl who has lead this team to the finals of an international competition with the best patisserie teams- of our age- in the world! Don't put yourself down, you are an amazing girl and Kashino would be an idiot not to notice it. So, don't worry. When you get back to the human world finish with your studies and pass all the tests you have left, so you can be next to your team" Julian encouraged her.
"It's good to have you back... friend" Ichigo told him, making his day- even if they didn't win, he would be happy because he got his friend back.
"Let's get back inside" with that said, they both headed back towards the castle.
Their team, then, began their hard work to make this final battle into their best work... ever. It didn't take long before they had to put down their instruments and face the music. It was no or never, they're could lose everything or win it all... let's just say that they were a bit nervous.
The challenge consisted on making a cake that represents the royal court of the Sweets' Kingdom, and then four petites gateaux- one for each member- that represents them and their relationship with their Sweet Spirit. The royal court and their royal patisseries are going to be the judge this time.
The royal patisseries had such incredible skills that put other to shame, you could see one of their cakes and think they were a beautiful sculpture. Also, 'The tower of royalty', cake made from the French Team had the Japan one very nervous. Specially since they discovered that Shanty was working with them, to end the relationship between the Sweets' Kingdom and the Human World. That broke Julian's heart, after all Shanty was his mentor since he was a kid. But then he shook it off, and made sure to make Shanty regret his decision of betraying him.
When it was their turn- to present the cake- Ichigo was so nervous that she began to stutter. But Julian was there for her, and grabbed her hand in and squeezed it in an supportive action. After taking a deep breath, Ichigo presented 'Together by your side'- made in honor of the beautiful kingdom that brought friends and happiness to the Japan team.
When the petites gateaux match started, Ichigo got even more and more nervous. The royal court adored the ones made from the French team and were singing praises to them. It's been a while since Ichigo felt like this... so weak and new. It was as if only now did she realize the seriousness of the situation.
The first one was Lemon-chan, with her: Sandwich Créme Pastry.
"It's actually green and yellow!" Someone exclaimed.
"That's because we used mint tea and lemons. The two different colors of creme are topped with lemon and mint tea, to represent the vast resources of this country" Lemon-chan explained, almost sighing relieved when people began commenting how good the texture and combination tasted.
Next came Nicholas, with his: Egg Flower.
"If you pour my signature cocktail on top, a beautiful rose will come from within the egg" Nicholas informed them.
"Wow, it is really a rose!" A fairy exclaimed enchanted by it "It is also very convenient for fairies to eat"
"He he, it is not only delicious but rather interesting as well" someone else praised the Japan team.
The nerves were calming down, they began to believe that they could make it. That they had a chance to win.
The third one to present their work, was Julian, with his: White Frosted Cake.
"There are chocolate layers in the cake. Please enjoy the smooth creamy richness of the chocolate" the prince told the judge.
"The texture of teh cake is smooth and seamless... when paired up with the soft and fluffy sponge base, it tastes heavenly!" A woman exclaimed delighted by the delicious treat.
When it came to Ichigo's turn, she was frozen. She didn't know it what would people think about her Swiss Roll, or if it would be good enough. But Vanilla was by her side, so she relaxed a but and began talking:
"Sorry for the wait, but the last pastry is a swiss roll made with strawberries and vanilla. The cake palace you just saw, was made using these swiss rolls. The pink of the swiss roll symbolizes the rosy glow of the sun behind the palace"
They were a bit reclutant to believe it would taste so good, after all it was a simple cake. However, as soon as they had a taste no one could stop themselves and asked for another slice immediately. They loved it!
With that said, it was no surprise to discover that the ones winning the competition was the Japan team...
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Sweet Practice {Yumeiro Patissiere}
Fanfiction{Sweet Tears and Sweet Love, Book 1} After loosing against Tennouji's team and having her ex-team saying that they wanted to part ways to practice on their own, Ichigo is left alone and helpless. Especially once she discovers that they had skipped a...
