[Kodachi gives Karla a sympathetic look, though she thinks about it for a moment. She had considered entering herself but what if.. What if she could get Karla to win? Yes, if Karla won, she would easily draw in so much business for the cafe!
The young lady clasps her hands together then pipes.]
Then it is decided! you will be taking part! And with the Black Rose as your coach, victory is all but assured!
Oh you are too cute. Why it is simple, really, a beauty pageant is a popu- Ahh, that is to say, a friendly competition where beauty and honor are the main focus.
[Karla likes the word honor, right? She forgets.]
As you likely know, there is a men's competition as well as women's. Really all you have to do is look good in clothing.
It sounds so very simple, does it not?
[She shakes a finger.]
I do believe you could easily emerge victorious with my guidance.
An excellent question. Well, I suppose we will need to do two things; first we will need to train you properly for this event. How to walk, how to talk, and how to pose.
However the twist is to perform these activities in a winning manner. It will take intense training.
After that, we would need to find three outfits for you. Have you worn high heels before?
[Kodachi presses her fingertips together as she thinks a moment.]
I will need a bit of time to figure out what to get you to wear but for now we'll need to get heels for you to practice in. I am free right now so let us meet at Iris and 10th, try your shoes, then we shall practice at my place after!
[Well.. That was easy! Kodachi couldn't be more proud of herself but now.. Now comes the interesting part. Kodachi throws on a white blouse and long, tan, skirt then makes her way to the agreed spot where there just so happens to be a place that sells shoes.
Karla is simple enough to pick out, so she greets her with wave.]
Karla-dear! So very glad you could make it, come come, time is of the essence!
[She tries to take the swordswoman by the arm to drag her into the air conditioned store.]
[Karla is pretty easy to pick out, with her long black hair and white gown with the long slit that exposed one of her legs, along with her brown boots.]
Oh, hello...um...
[Before she can even protest, she's pulled into the store. "What's going to happen?" she wonders.]
[As if that explains everything. However she has a good idea of what she's working with- Before they had only met over video but in person.. Yes.. Yes, she believes Karla has quite some potential, with just enough awkward to mold into perfect charm. And that lovely black hair, the styling possibilities!
Kodachi seems even more fired up now, as she makes a beeline right toward the appropriate size.]
The way they position your feet will change your stance and balance, so it is essential you learn how to move in them properly.
So why wear them? Because they would place you at an advantage over those that do not!
[For now she just picks up a simple pair that are boots with a zipper on the side.]
[Karla doesn't bother questioning it, figuring that she would just learn from the experience. She slips off her boots and puts on the new ones, carefully zipping them up.]
[That is Kodachi's favorite kind of company: one that doesn't give her lip! This, of course, only make the Black Rose even more confident that she can breed Karla into a beauty pageant champion. Once that's done, she nods her head.]
Hmn. Well, they are not perfect but they will be perfect for practicing. And they appear to fit well, excellent.
Now comes the tricky part~.
[Kodachi takes seven large steps backward, then makes a come hither motion with her hand.]
[Karla blinks curiously for a moment before carefully stepping
forward. The heels are quite high, as she struggles to keep her balance.
She holds out her arms to steady herself, as if walking on a balance
beam.]
Wonderful! It is a mere few blocks away so should not take long.
Ahem.. So you do have the money to buy these, correct?
[Beat.]
Actually come to think of it, I have never told you that Brock and I are opening our own cafe soon, have I! Would you be interested in working with us?
[Kodachi's eyes half-lid. Perhaps... She should have thought this part out a little more. How much are these outfits going to cost?
Hmnn.. Then again maybe there is a way she can work around this..]
I see. Very well then this is what we shall do! I am going to lend you the money for some outfits, and you shall pay me back with just a pinch of 'interest'. There is simply no way we can win with no budget. So all you have to do is grant me a little of your pay once you start working.
[Beat]
'Interest' is the fee that one pays to borrow money. Not right now, of course. How about that?
Oh goodness no, Karla-dear! Only until you have completed the payment in full.
[Kodachi is hardly a loan shark, but since she is far too lazy to work. She'll squeeze out on extra money in whatever way she can, but it'd be silly to trap Karla in 'forever' interest. ... Maybe.
Either way, Nabiki would be proud.]
Once we win the contest, that will be very simple! People in great numbers will come to see 'the waitress that won the beauty pageant' and you will be able to pay me back very quickly~.
[Kodachi's eyes light up upon hearing Karla's question. That is exactly what she wanted to hear!]
Yes! Absolutely! [She claps her hands in an approving manner, then motions for Karla to follow along again once she's placed her boots back on.]
Then let us get these paid for then return to my place. My roomate is coming home and I plan to celebrate her bakery opening so why not stay with us for dinner after our training; I could easily make it a celebration for our alliance as well!
Excellent! Now comes the trickier part- I will have to find the perfect outfits for you. Ones that really bring out your appeal and personality. Ah, and a fitting hairstyle as well- But don't worry, I will not make you cut it or anything like that..
[Kodachi pays for the heels, which are placed in a box then a pretty bag. And with that, they are off!]
Now, I may have asked you this before but.. Do you possess any hobbies? Any special interests?
[It's a relief to hear that she won't have to cut her hair. She rather likes it like this.]
[Her thoughts begin to wonder at the question, though. She would almost say "swordplay," since that's all she knows, but she can't really call it a hobby since she doesn't actually enjoy it.]
[Kodachi needs to get a better grasp of Karla's personality- she's rather quiet and quite laid back but.. She needs to somehow obtain more than that. But how?]
Hmn, I see. So you are truly devoted to your cause, that is quite admirable.. But what about when you and your brother were together? Tell me a bit about him.. Did you two have things in common?
[There's a mildly forced sigh as she shakes her head. Back home, those sort of things show up on the network all the time... Not to mention, it's the sort of event her old school would sometimes hold too, much to her dismay.]
Well...it's true. At least, I've never heard of these...programs. We didn't even have these...devices to communicate. We only had letters, delivered by horseback, or in few cases, winged mounts.
The only competitions I'm aware of are the coliseums, where warriors would duel for sport. I have entered many coliseums during my journey...
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[Video]
Surely you jest!
[Video]
I...don't think so? Or at least I've never heard of them...
[Video]
The young lady clasps her hands together then pipes.]
Then it is decided! you will be taking part! And with the Black Rose as your coach, victory is all but assured!
[That... That doesn't explain anything, Kodachi.]
[Video]
[Wait, what?]
But...what is a beauty pegeant? What do I do?
[Video]
[Karla likes the word honor, right? She forgets.]
As you likely know, there is a men's competition as well as women's. Really all you have to do is look good in clothing.
It sounds so very simple, does it not?
[She shakes a finger.]
I do believe you could easily emerge victorious with my guidance.
[Video]
So, how do we begin?
[She'll probably need a lot of training to win some thing she knows nothing about.]
[Video]
However the twist is to perform these activities in a winning manner. It will take intense training.
After that, we would need to find three outfits for you. Have you worn high heels before?
[Video]
[She has to wonder exactly what this intense training entails.]
[She looks down at her boots. They have some heels, but nowhere near high heels.]
No, I don't think so...
[Video]
[Kodachi presses her fingertips together as she thinks a moment.]
I will need a bit of time to figure out what to get you to wear but for now we'll need to get heels for you to practice in. I am free right now so let us meet at Iris and 10th, try your shoes, then we shall practice at my place after!
[This should be.. Amusing.]
[Video] --> [Action]
[She looks down at her map to locate it.]
Well, all right...
[She'll then make her way over to the designated location.]
[Action]
Karla is simple enough to pick out, so she greets her with wave.]
Karla-dear! So very glad you could make it, come come, time is of the essence!
[She tries to take the swordswoman by the arm to drag her into the air conditioned store.]
[Action]
Oh, hello...um...
[Before she can even protest, she's pulled into the store. "What's going to happen?" she wonders.]
[Action]
[As if that explains everything. However she has a good idea of what she's working with- Before they had only met over video but in person.. Yes.. Yes, she believes Karla has quite some potential, with just enough awkward to mold into perfect charm. And that lovely black hair, the styling possibilities!
Kodachi seems even more fired up now, as she makes a beeline right toward the appropriate size.]
The way they position your feet will change your stance and balance, so it is essential you learn how to move in them properly.
So why wear them? Because they would place you at an advantage over those that do not!
[For now she just picks up a simple pair that are boots with a zipper on the side.]
Put these on.
[Action]
[Karla doesn't bother questioning it, figuring that she would just learn from the experience. She slips off her boots and puts on the new ones, carefully zipping them up.]
How's this?
[Action]
Hmn. Well, they are not perfect but they will be perfect for practicing. And they appear to fit well, excellent.
Now comes the tricky part~.
[Kodachi takes seven large steps backward, then makes a come hither motion with her hand.]
Come this way, please.
[Video]
[Karla blinks curiously for a moment before carefully stepping forward. The heels are quite high, as she struggles to keep her balance. She holds out her arms to steady herself, as if walking on a balance beam.]
[Video]
You see it is not as easy as it originally seemed, is it?
But fret not, I will have you strutting in heels in no time at all!
[She walks forward then pokes a finger out to try and tilt Karla's chin up, then ease her shoulders back.]
Vision straight, shoulders back, you cannot look down, dear.
You are touching your heel down first, and that is excellent. Now, keep your eyes on my finger and let us try again. You may use your arms.
[Said finger eye-level, she becons the other to follow as she steps backward.]
[Action] idk why I said Video. /derp
Well...I didn't really think it would be easy...
[She lets Kodachi position her, then slowly begins to walk again, watching the finger and trying to reduce the arm-balancing.]
[Action] Hehe
I may not look it, but in my original home I am the gymnastics team's leader of my school. But.. I am getting off-topic!
[Kodachi quite gladly works with Karla until she gets a better feel for the walking, however long that may take.]
These are on sale so I believe these will be acceptable for practice heels until we decide upon your pageant attire.
Let us take the rest of training to my place; would that be all right?
[Action]
[She looks down to examine the shoes, particularly the heels.]
All right, it would be fine.
[Action]
Ahem.. So you do have the money to buy these, correct?
[Beat.]
Actually come to think of it, I have never told you that Brock and I are opening our own cafe soon, have I! Would you be interested in working with us?
[Action]
[Having used up all she arrived with, and hasn't found herself a job yet. But an opportunity like this would be as good as any to earn an income.]
Well, I might as well. I have to make an income somehow...
[Action]
[Kodachi's eyes half-lid. Perhaps... She should have thought this part out a little more. How much are these outfits going to cost?
Hmnn.. Then again maybe there is a way she can work around this..]
I see. Very well then this is what we shall do! I am going to lend you the money for some outfits, and you shall pay me back with just a pinch of 'interest'. There is simply no way we can win with no budget. So all you have to do is grant me a little of your pay once you start working.
[Beat]
'Interest' is the fee that one pays to borrow money. Not right now, of course. How about that?
[Action]
[This "interest" thing doesn't sound fair, although paying back what she borrowed does.]
Does this "interest" last forever?
[Action]
[Kodachi is hardly a loan shark, but since she is far too lazy to work. She'll squeeze out on extra money in whatever way she can, but it'd be silly to trap Karla in 'forever' interest. ... Maybe.
Either way, Nabiki would be proud.]
Once we win the contest, that will be very simple! People in great numbers will come to see 'the waitress that won the beauty pageant' and you will be able to pay me back very quickly~.
[Action]
Well...
[That would certainly explain why Kodachi wants her to win so badly. It sort of gives Karla a decent incentive as well.]
Then I'll have to try my hardest to win, won't I?
[Action]
Yes! Absolutely! [She claps her hands in an approving manner, then motions for Karla to follow along again once she's placed her boots back on.]
Then let us get these paid for then return to my place. My roomate is coming home and I plan to celebrate her bakery opening so why not stay with us for dinner after our training; I could easily make it a celebration for our alliance as well!
[Action]
[Karla switches back into her boots and begins to follow the other woman.]
That sounds good to me.
[Action]
[Kodachi pays for the heels, which are placed in a box then a pretty bag. And with that, they are off!]
Now, I may have asked you this before but.. Do you possess any hobbies? Any special interests?
[Action]
[It's a relief to hear that she won't have to cut her hair. She rather likes it like this.]
[Her thoughts begin to wonder at the question, though. She would almost say "swordplay," since that's all she knows, but she can't really call it a hobby since she doesn't actually enjoy it.]
Well...not really...
[Action]
[Kodachi knows that the other woman uses swords so she's hoping for an answer different than that. But she gets worse:]
N- Nothing? I.. Truly? How can that be, dear?
[She raises a hand to her cheek and twists her lips as she then takes the lead to head to the apartment.]
You had no other interests when you were young? Come to think of it, why did you become a swordswoman?
[Action]
I took up the sword so I could search for someone. I've been searching for so long, I haven't bothered with anything else.
[She's just single-minded like that.]
[Action]
Hmn, I see. So you are truly devoted to your cause, that is quite admirable.. But what about when you and your brother were together? Tell me a bit about him.. Did you two have things in common?
no subject
[There's a mildly forced sigh as she shakes her head. Back home, those sort of things show up on the network all the time... Not to mention, it's the sort of event her old school would sometimes hold too, much to her dismay.]
If you ask me, it seems a bit silly.
no subject
[She almost sounds eager to hear the answer.]
no subject
[There's a frown from the girl.]
Real beauty ought to mean a lot more than what's on the outside, don't you think?
no subject
no subject
[There's another sigh as she hangs her head.]
I think I'll be bowing out, personally. Why not go for it, if you're interested? Maybe you'll win something.
[Or at least, that's how it usually goes on those silly network programs.]
no subject
[Except Kodachi is already luring her into it, and quite easily.]
no subject
[She closes her eyes, a mildly reminiscent tone audible in her voice.]
Back where I'm from, they had programs like these too. A lot of people really liked watching them too.
no subject
[Will her curiosity be her undoing one day?]
no subject
[Her tone is mildly confused.]
From the way you talk, you make it sound like you don't have these sort of programs on the network where you're from.
no subject
The only competitions I'm aware of are the coliseums, where warriors would duel for sport. I have entered many coliseums during my journey...
[And she'll trail off there.]