The Bare As You Dare competition attracted a lot of attention and not just because of the sex appeal. There were quite a lot of young men and women participating in it, and it wasn't just all humans. Animalians had less modesty than humans. It helped that furrier ones could keep their private parts better covered. As such, there was a healthy number of Animalians in the competition. Though not everyone was actually in the contest. Some just dressed more loosely just for the fun of it and showing support for the contest.
Though there was the occasional objector to the contest and it was rather rarely an Animalian. For instance, it was hoped that the Five Elements would also be part of the contest, but only 4 out of 5 were interested. Muxing was setting her foot down, so to speak.
"We should not be in that contest," said Muxing firmly.
"We don't have to be in the contest," said Jinxing, "The people in the crowd won't be wearing much either."
"That's not encouraging in the least bit," said Muxing.
"It's not like anyone's going to notice you in particular," said Shuixing.
"As if. We're the Five Elements, one of the centerpieces of SAMAS. No one is going to not notice us at this so-called contest," said Muxing.
"It's not like you haven't dressed loosely before," said Huoxing, "Remember that swimsuit you wore back at Mieni Atoll?"
"A swimsuit on the beach is one thing. My underwear in public is another," said Muxing.
"Muxing, you aren't still hung up about what that cult made us do, are you?" asked Tuxing.
"How could you all not still be? They humiliated us, made us do depraved things, and you're all just shrugging it off," snapped Muxing.
"I'm still dealing with it," said Shuixing a bit morosely.
Muxing sighed and said, "I didn't mean to snap like that. But this kind of contest is just pointless and stupid."
"Maybe you should try letting loose and having fun," said Jinxing.
"Yeah, you might represent Wood, but you don't need to go around with a stick up your...uh..." said Huoxing, not quite sure where one could shove up in a snake woman.
"Personally, I think she would have more fun if she weren't so wooden," said Tuxing, getting a snicker from the others.
Muxing rolled her eyes and said, "Oh, we're making jokes now? You don't hear me making cracks about how Huoxing is a hothead."
"But I'm not," said Huoxing.
"We're not a typical representation of the five elements, at least as westerners see them," said Jinxing.
"I'm certainly proof of that," said Shuixing.
"If you don't to take part, you don't have to," said Tuxing, "But you need to unwind. Our health may be better, but stress can still kill you."
Muxing gave a huff. She wasn't that tightly wound. She just didn't have the same idea of relaxation as the others.