*OUTSIDE - VENUS FORT - ODAIBA - TOKYO*
AKI: "It's... It's finally the big day..."
KARIN: "Why are you getting nervous?"
AKI: "I've never been to a modeling event before...
KARIN: "Is that why you made the effort to get a haircut?"
AKI: "Probably... It's not the same as a school idol event."
KARIN: "I guess. They are similar in some ways, though."
AKI: "Really?"
KARIN: "Like how wonderful everyone involved is.
And every girl here is just as dedicated as I am. Some might push themselves even harder than I do...
They're all glowing with confidence."
AKI: "Yeah, these girls are all pretty cute. Hot even. But you smile brighter than any of them, though."
KARIN: "I'm flattered, but I think you may be a little biased."
AKI: "So what? I'm not their fan, am I? I'm yours."
KARIN: "Well, I've done all I can at this point. I've got to just go for broke!"
Ah yes, my grandpa liked to use that line back in his war days.
Even so...
AKI: "You've done all this hard work and now you're talking about taking chances? That doesn't sound very Karin to me.
Get out there and put it all on the line!"
KARIN: "......"
AKI: "Do it!"
KARIN: "Pfft. Ahaha, you're so..." *Giggle*
AKI: "Eh?"
KARIN: "All right. Just stay put and keep your eyes on me!"
CHIZUKO: "Wow!"
From behind us, we heard a voice that sounded slightly familiar. We couldn't put our finger on it.
Until we turned around and our eyes met with its owner.
CHIZUKO: "Long time no see, Karin! It's been so long! How have you been?!"
KARIN: "...Who are you again?"
CHIZUKO: "Aww... That's not very nice. I just came swinging by to wish you luck!"
AKI: "Chizuko Sakamaki, member of 'DISCIPLINE'."
KARIN: "Oh. Wait, aren't you-?"
CHIZUKO: "Yeah, I look different when I'm not getting locked in a janitor's closet.
Though I appreciate the alone time I got to spend with Jin. That was fun!"
AKI: "Cut the bullshit. I know what you did to Setsuna and Shioriko.
I'm not going to forgive and forget something like that. Get lost."
CHIZUKO: "Wah! You're such a meanie... I'm here to spread the love!
I'll even admit that Jin went too far. If Karin here hadn't have shown up, I would have stopped her myself."
KARIN: "Keep telling yourself that."
CHIZUKO: "No, it's true! Sure, 'DISCIPLINE' are all about enforcing the rules.
Jin tries to enforce them through force, but me? I prefer a more benevolent approach.
Like...this!"
*HUG*
KARIN: "Eh?!"
What's even happening right now?
She's supposed to be our enemy and yet she's hugging Karin.
CHIZUKO: "I've waited a long time to stand on the same catwalk as you.
Now, I'm going to push you off it, and become the new Miss Venus."
KARIN: "Hm?"
CHIZUKO: *Nuzzle* "Oh you have such smooth skin! Tell Lanzhu to watch her back. Jin is very pissed off."
KARIN: "?!"
AKI: "Get off of her!"
I pulled Karin back, out of Chizuko's clutches.
Geez, talk about a Jekyll and Hyde moment.
AKI: "We won't be intimidated by you. Karin is going to wipe the floor with you!"
CHIZUKO: "...My eyes are up here."
AKI: "?!"
KARIN: "Boss!"
AKI: "Sorry..."
CHIZUKO: "All those judges are going to receive my own brand of love. I'm going to make them fall for me.
Let's see whose brand of love is better, Karin Asaka!"
KARIN: *Chuckle* "I don't need love. Not when I've got spice. This isn't the kind of savory business you find love in.
I've got all the assets, and I'm going to use them."
CHIZUKO: "We'll see about that, when I take their hearts!"
Things are getting heated up...
The Miss Venus Contest begins now!
...
*CATWALK - VENUS FORT - ODAIBA - TOKYO*
Many hot girls have rocked the catwalk today, but none of them compare to Karin's level of spice.
Next to enter is Chizuko Sakamaki. Let's see what a member of 'DISCIPLINE' can do on a stage like this.
I-I'll admit, that she is pretty hot...
Sure, I'm a producer, but I'm also a man! I can at least admit that!
If Karin wasn't entering this contest, Chizuko would have this in the bag.
But once again, that's hypothetical. NOT REALITY.
Time for Karin to show this two-faced harlot who's boss!
AKI: "WOOOOOO! KARIN! WE LOVE YOU!"
Ack... I told myself I'd maintain my composure for this event. It's not like a school idol live show where I can yell out my chants of support for each performer.
This is a more formal affair.
Though, judging by that smile on Karin's face, she appreciates my support.
...
*LATER*
It all comes down to this... After several names from places tenth to third were announced, the final two members left were Karin and Chizuko.
One of them was going to walk away with as Miss Venus, the other will be nothing but second-best.
After Kasumi lost to Natsumi back at the Edogawa Spring Festival, I'd hate to see another repeat...
HOST: "And the winner of the 17th annual Miss Venus Contest is..."
Please... Please... Please...
HOST: "...KARIN ASAKA!"
CHIZUKO: "Huh?"
KARIN: "I-I won?!"
SHE DID IT!
AKI: "YOU DID IT! YOU WON! KARIN! KARIIIN! CONGRATULATIONS! WOOOOOOOO!"
...
*SYMBOL PROMENADE PARK - ODAIBA - TOKYO*
Heh, heh, heh...
Finally, we've got one over on Golden Calf!
Suck on that, Kamijou!
AKI: "Oh, you looked so beautiful out there. Your dress was so gorgeous, and you killed it with that walk..."
KARIN: "Hey."
AKI: "I'm so glad I took all these pictures. I need to show these to the other girls. I still can't believe how amazing you-"
*GRAB*
AKI: "Eh?"
KARIN: "Hellooo! Stop staring at the photos. Look at me!"
AKI: "Whoa! Y-You're pretty close to my face..."
KARIN: "Because you just keep staring at the photos! If you want to stare, you can stare all you like at the real deal right here!"
AKI: "Yeah, I guess so... Photos like these and the Photoshop jobs in the magazines never compare to the real you."
KARIN: "Y-You really have a way with words, you know that?"
AKI: "I just say what's on my mind."
KARIN: "Here. This trophy is for you."
AKI: "...What? Why?! That's yours! I can't take that."
KARIN: "We worked together as one to win this, so it's yours as much as it is mine."
AKI: "But I'm not the one who trained, made your dress, or captured the judges' hearts with my killer catwalk strut.
That was all you."
KARIN: "Then, how about we each take turns showing it off at home for a day at a time? That'd work, right?"
AKI: *Chuckle* "I'll admit, it would be nice to admire the results of your hard work as much as I want."
KARIN: "Then hush. Take the trophy."