The Second International Animalian Convention was just around the corner and everyone was getting prepared for that. But before that, there was the Worldwide School of Animalia's Junior Prom, which had its own set of preparations. Despite it being WSA's second semester, it was its first prom. Last year had been a bit of a mess with school zoning, faculty organization, and students who were unfamiliar with proms. But considering WSA is a more integrated school this year, there would be a prom happening. Some may wonder why the prom is being referred to as the Junior Prom when students of all grades will be attending. It might be because this was WSA's first prom. Though a very popular theory is because several of Animalia's most noted students, namely Animalia Ambassadoria, would be having their prom this year.
==========
Speaking of whom, the girls were eager to get their prom dresses. It was something that every teen girl looked forward to. Only a few years ago, Abby was worried she'd never get to go to her prom because she had become a horse woman. But all of her friends were Animalians now so there was no shame in not being human. She had wondered how she'd ever fit into a prom dress, but she was delighted to hear that Sora and Yuki were willing to make her and her friends their dresses.
"Now, you should understand that this isn't something we usually do," said Sora.
"We most do more practical clothes," said Yuki, "Exercise clothes and such."
"But I think we have the basic idea for these big dance dresses," said Sora, "What do you think?"
Abigail looked down from her seafoam green dress to her reflection in the mirror. "Isn't it a little...poofy?" she asked. The dress was a ballroom gown, which meant it had a very voluminous skirt that looked like something out of a fairy tale. It made her hips looked like they were much wider than they already were. Her shoulders were also very puffed out and her arms were encased in long gloves. What her dress did leave uncovered was a very large amount of her upper chest, exposing almost all of her cleavage.
"That's the point of these dresses, isn't it?" asked Yuki.
"I don't think it's going to be that formal," said Abby, "Where did you even get the idea for this kind of dress."
"We looked on the internet," said Yuki.
"There's a surprising amount of pictures of big horse women wearing dresses like yours," said Sora.
Abby rolled her eyes and said, "This is really what a modern prom dress is like. This skirt is too cumbersome and all this padding is going to make me overheat. I need something more practical, but stylish."
"Oh, that's a relief," said Sora, "We were worried we'd have to make more dresses like that."
"It's elegant, but it just doesn't mesh," said Yuki, "We'll have something much more form-fitting."
==========
Meanwhile, Sarah, Malice, and Jessica were looking at a catalog for dress ideas. "There are just so many to choose from," said Malice.
"Well, pick something that won't go out of style," said Sarah, "Because we'll probably be wearing it next year."
"What? Why should we?" asked Malice.
"Budget mostly," said Sarah, "Besides, we'll still be the same size next year."
"I won't," said Jessica. The husky sisters turned to look at her. "Well, I'm not fully grown yet. And Shyra thinks I might get more...stacked before I'm finished." She didn't want to say precisely what Shyra said, but at the same time, she was eager to see how big she would get. Not disproportionately big, hopefully, but she wouldn't mind be one of the bustier Animalians of her size range.
"Well, they could do alterations for your dress next year," said Sarah.
"Sarah, this is no time to be stingy," said Malice, "This is a night where we're supposed to have a lot of fun."
"You're still no good with money," said Sarah in a deadpan tone.
"And you're still too held-back," said Malice in a teasing tone.
"Makes me glad I'm an only child," said Jessica.
==========
Their boyfriends were having a considerably easier time. "I feel like we're cheating," said Samson as he looked at the various tux shirts. These were the kind of t-shirts that had a tuxedo design on the front.
"Well, it's not a really formal dance," said Simon, "If it were, we'd be getting real tuxes."
"Yeah, but we have so little to do and the girls have so much," said Samson, "It's almost unfairly easy."
"Women always have more difficulty with getting ready for big dances than men," said Simon, "It's always about getting their hair, makeup, jewelry, and other things ready."
"Who do they need all that anyways?" asked Samson.
"I'm not sure I can really come up with a real answer," said Simon, "But I guess as society progressed, men felt like they didn't have to put on as much of a display and women had to more to get their attention."
"Animals have it so much easier," said Samson.
"Yes, but there are benefits with being sapient and civilized," said Simon.
==========
The owners of the Kat's Klub were also getting ready for the prom, but not like the students. The after-party would be here and they wanted to make the club's first big party a great one. "Ok, we got the decorations, the caterers, and all the plumbing and electricity working. What else?" asked Ella.
"We got a band to play?" asked Simone.
"Not on short notice," said Ella, "But we do have a DJ. It's not the same as live music, but at least it'll have more variety."
"What kinda music is he playing?" asked Simone.
"Oh, the modern stuff that kids dance to these days," said Ella, "Fast pop songs and slow dance songs. The usual."
"We need to have one funky disco song," said Simone, "Something groovy so we can show the kids how we danced back in the 70's."
"Let me guess, 'Shake Your Groove Thing'?" snarked Ella.
"What? It's a classic," said Simone, "The kids still listen to it these days, right?"
"I think so," said Ella, "Thanks to retro albums."
"They haven't seen retro yet," said Simone smugly.