The Five Elements were particularly happy to be celebrating Chinese New Year in Animalia. They had rescued and brought to Lyre after last year's celebration and it was the first time they were celebrating the holiday here in Animalia. Though they heard that this festival wasn't as exciting as last year's, it was still very enjoyable for them, especially with the Martial Arts Showcase. For the occasion, they were dressed up in bright red Chinese dresses, with their hair tied up in a bun and held in place by pins. Except for their martial art demonstrations where they changed into more practical wear.
"While I did like to use my urumi with those pig carcasses, I can't help but think it was a little in bad taste," said Liao.
"What makes you say that?" asked Tuxing.
"Well, this is the Year of the Pig and there were plenty of pig Animalians watching," said Liao.
"Don't worry about it," said Tuxing, "The pigs know we're trying to be offensive to them. Just as long as we don't eat pork in front of them, it's not that bad."
"Speaking of which, is is appropriate to eat pork when we're celebrating the Year of the Pig?" asked Liao.
"Appropriate? It's good luck," said Jinxing, "Though not all the animals in the zodiac are particular edible. I don't think anyone would want to eat dog or tiger."
"Thank goodness," said Tuxing and Liao.
"And I don't know how anyone could eat dragon," said Huoxing, "I wonder what will happen with the Year of the Dragon?"
"I hear they're just going to showcase the other Zodiac members for that," said Muxing, "But I bet the Dinotopians are going to be the main focus of that, even if they aren't actually dragons."
"Well, we still have the Rat, Ox, Tiger, and Rabbit before that," said Jinxing.
"We all know who's going to be Miss Year of the Ox," said Huoxing, looking up at Shuixing who had come after uplifting the dairy cows.
"I wouldn't be that sure," said Shuixing, "There's bound to be a lot of competition."
"Don't sell yourself short," said Muxing, "You're probably the most popular choice already."
"Especially since you're the only one of us with a boyfriend," said Jinxing.
"Speaking of whom, what are you two going to do for Valentine's Day?" asked Huoxing.
"Probably just a webchat," said Shuixing, "He can't really come to Lyre for every occasion, not when he has to work on the farm."
"Hopefully, with those uplifted cows working at the farm, that'll give him more freedom to visit," said Tuxing.
"That's too soon to tell," said Shuixing.
"Not if he becomes a buffalo," said Jinxing.
"That's way too soon for that," said Shuixing, "Why do you girls have to focus on me? Get your own boyfriends."
"I think that requires a bit more careful selection," said Muxing, "You were lucky enough to meet your perfect match. The rest of us will have to search more extensively."
"You really think he's my perfect match?" asked Shuixing.
"Do you have four stomachs?" asked Huoxing rhetorically.
"Er, do I?" asked Shuixing.
"Not important. Just make sure he comes next year, human or buffalo," said Tuxing.
"Maybe we'll have our own guys by then," said Huoxing.