There were many people coming from around the world to see the IAC in Lyre. While tickets for the IAC weren't extremely expensive, travel plans were pricey enough to make unfeasible for everyone to go. Those who could not afford it would have to be invited by someone who could.
A very good example were Elly's parents. Being middle class people in Russia didn't leave them much money to travel, not to mention the trouble of getting out of Russia. But because Elly had made such great progress in Animalia, not to mention signing up for track-and-field events, the people that ran the IAC had got her parents a half-price Platinum Premium Preorder Package, which included travel plans to the US. Elly was really happy that her parents were coming. She was also very eager to introduce her friends to them.
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"I'm not saying I don't think Elly should introduce her friends to her parents," said Abby, "I'm just surprised there aren't more of us here." Currently, Abby was waiting with Sarah and Marcy while Elly was getting reacquainted with her parents.
"She told me she didn't want to overwhelm them at first," said Sarah, "She wanted them to meet her biggest friends first."
"I can understand me and Abby being her biggest friends," said Marcy, "But what makes you so big?" The horse and the polar bear were both noticeably taller than the husky.
"Maybe it's because I got the biggest bust," said Sarah teasingly.
"Get real," said Abby, "I'm much more stacked than you."
"Is that so, little pony?" asked Marcy jokingly.
"But in all serious, I think we're close because my grandparents are Russian and I get her better than most people here," said Sarah.
"I just hope that nosy Striker guy stays out of this," said Marcy.
"I don't really get what his deal is," said Abby.
Before they could continue, the door opened and Elly and her parents came in. They had heard that Elly was taller than her parents before she converted. Now she towered over them in just about every way. If it wasn't for their blonde hair and blue eyes, one would hardly think of them as Elly's parents at all.
"Mama, Papa, these are my closest friends. They are Abby, Sarah, and Marcy," said Elly.
Mr. Nozdrin looked up at Marcy and said, "You are wery big bear."
"I'm a polar bear," said Marcy, "Were you expecting a brown bear?"
"Vell, yes," said Mr. Nozdrin.
"Oh, I just love huskies," said Mrs. Nozdrin, looking at Sarah, "I bet you vere wery cute as puppy."
"I was born human," said Sarah, "But you should see my baby brother and sister."
"Do you have borzoi here?" asked Mrs. Nozdrin.
"Borzoi?" asked Abby.
"She means Russian wolfhound," explained Elly, "I have vondered if you have one here."
"Not that I know of," said Sarah, "I'm not sure if every bree of dog has been uplifted. I think I would have remembered that at the Year of the Dog competition."
"I thought it was pigs," said Elly.
"Dogs were last year," explained Sarah, "Before you came here."
"And you are horsewoman who helped Elly adjust in school?" asked Mr. Nozdrin, looking to Abby.
"I helped when I had the time," said Abby, "She's doing pretty well in school."
"And vill do well in games too," said Mr. Nozdrin, "Vhat vill she be doing?"
"Shot put, discus, hammer throw... Pretty much all the track-and-field stuff that involves throwing," said Abby.
"You'd think she would be doing the running stuff too," said Marcy. Rhinos were pretty fast, given their bulk. They could run up to 31 mph and Rhino Animalians were able to move very fast.
"Running is easy, turning is hard," said Elly.
"Might not be as hard as you think," said Abby, "Anyways, I'm sure you'll want to show your parents around town."
"Da, am hoping you three could help," said Elly.
"I have time," said Sarah.
"Me too," said Marcy.
"Then let's get this started," said Elly.