Tasty Tales of Transformation

--Artwork by Minakami -- Kirby, the pink spherical puff with the big smile from Nintendo’s popular game series, wore no smile today as once again he sat idle in the virtual space of Super Smash Bros Ultimate. It had become a regular occurring routine the last half year. His dark-skinned, fit-as-a-fiddle, handsomely groomed gaming master Tyson, who had mained Kirby throughout his entire life with the Smash series, left the game sitting lonesomely on as he went to take care of more life pressing matters. He simply had no time for gaming anymore, which upset Kirby. He missed his joyful times busting heads and sucking up foes with Tyson. All that was left for him now was exchanging blank stares across the stage towards another idle opponent, today’s being another pink puffball named Jigglypuff from the Pokemon series. Kirby had emotionally reached his peak and while staring at the mindless, content Jigglypuff more than happy to just mosey about with a gigantic smirk, he decided to ta...

“Alex Nakiri…” The name seemed to hold a certain refinement to it, at least the last name. It was enough to send the seasoned, well-renowned chef-now-food critic Anthony Batali on one of his fine dining daydreams while at his latest restaurant under review. In his mid 40s, he had lost the drive and energy to keep cooking at a high level years ago. He’d often find himself fantasizing about an apprentice for which he could pass on his knowledge. A tall task, as he was extremely picky and particular—much like the subdiscipline of culinary he was a master in, Molecular Gastronomy. He hated the name personally as it made it sound more science than food. To Anthony it was about mingling with and inspiring the chemistry of one’s soul through food. He felt food should communicate with the patron, fill a void in their gut beyond just an empty stomach. For that reason he couldn’t simply choose any driven wannabe chef. And so he dreamed his pervasive hopes away at the sight of every hustl...