There was quite a bit of excitement built up for the next Chinese New Year. Starting next month, it will be the Year of the Tiger. Tigers are held in high reverence in most of Asia and it's considered the second most auspicious sign to be born under (after the Dragon, of course.) As such, Animalia's Lunar New Year Festival was going to be well-attended, especially since many more people have been vaccinated against Covid then last year.
As such, the various tiger Animalians were training hard for the Mister and Miss Zodiac competition. And tigers were hardly an unpopular choice when it comes to conversion. Though not nearly as numerous as the dogs were, there were still more than enough tigers to create some serious competition.
It was a bit hard to say who the favored tigers were at the moment. Though quite a few people are expecting it to be Heracles and Megara. Technically, they're only half-tiger, but they were allowed to compete as well. But they didn't stand out too much. As a Siberian Tiger, Shelly was about as big as the ligers. Duke, also a Siberian tiger, was also considered having a good chance of winning. There was some debate whether or not Diego and Patty would be allowed to compete. Despite being commonly called sabre-toothed tigers, Smilodons weren't closely related to tigers, or any other big cats for that matter. And there were still plenty of other tigers like Steve, Ava, Durga, and Shiva.
And that wasn't even considering what was happening on Heiya Island, where Asian influence was strongest. Everyone was wound up for the Year of the Tiger. Considering the high levels of excitement, it made one wonder what will happen in two years when it's the Year of the Dragon. There were a few tigers who lived on Heiya Island, but everyone there who would be the likeliest tigresses to win.
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While it was unlikely that there was going to be any actual fighting during the Miss Year of the Tiger competition, Tuxing and Liao were sparring with each other regularly. Not only was it a good way to stay in shape, but it showed how much they've been progressing with their martial arts training.
Eventually, the two tigresses stopped to rest. "You're doing well with your form," said Tuxing after taking a long drink from her water bottle, "There's not much else I can teach you."
"Are you worried I'm going to surpass you, old woman?" teased Liao.
Tuxing raised an eyebrow. "Old woman? You do remember that you're chronologically older than me, right?" she pointed.
"Only by a few months," said Liao. It was only because Tuxing was double-dosed that the two tigresses didn't look the same age. And Liao was growing into quite a lovely tigress.
"So, how are your friends?" asked Tuxing, "Has Indira decided what kind of Animalian she wants to be?"
"Indira doesn't have to convert," said Liao, "There's no reason she can't stay human."
"It could help her get over her trauma," said Tuxing, "But you're right, we don't have to make every human join us. But have there been any cute boys that have caught your eye?"
"You know, actually, I think we should be asking that question about you," said Liao.
"Me?" asked Tuxing, "I haven't been seeing anyone."
"Exactly," said Liao, "I've been talking a bit with the other Elements. Some of them are a bit concerned about you."
"Ah, I see how it is," said Tuxing, "Shuixing gets married and now everyone's wondering why I'm still single. The other Elements are married yet either, you know."
"Well, they are at least making progress," said Liao, "Huoxing is seeing Fang right now, Jinxing has cultivating some attention at her Interpol training. Not while she's working, when she's off-duty. And Muxing, well she says that she's sworn off men and would rather be interested in women. We don't know if she means it, but she's obviously going to be the last one to hook up with everyone. But what about you?"
"Well, I've busy taking care of-" started Tuxing.
"Exactly. You're more concerned about everyone else than you are for yourself. And that isn't a bad thing, but there is such a thing as being too selfless. You've been a wonderful support for everyone, a strong foundation for others to build off of," said Liao.
"I suppose that's why I'm the Earth Star," said Tuxing.
"Yes, but that doesn't mean you have to play maiden aunt while everyone else is moving along with their lives. Leave that to Muxing, if she doesn't become involved with someone. We want you to be happy with someone when you don't need to support us anymore. Just...promise me you'll try to look at some of the other tigers who are competing, the available ones," said Liao, "Or have a look at any of the guys who'll be admiring you."
"And how would I know they wouldn't just be interested in me because I'm famous?" asked Tuxing.
"It worked for Shuixing and Nate, didn't it?" asked Liao pointedly.
Tuxing sighed before saying accusingly, "I suppose you'll also be using this time to flirt and tempt some guys yourself."
"I'm a teenage girl, that's what I'm supposed to be doing," said Liao, "And you're still a teenager too."
Tuxing had to admit that she had been neglecting herself a bit in that regard. As an Animalian, she had a healthy libido, but asides from some 'alone time', she didn't do much for it. "I'll look around a bit," said Tuxing, "But don't expect me to fall for the winner of the Mister Year of the Tiger just because we're both crowned."
"Oh, you don't have to worry about that," said Liao with a competitive smirk, "Because I'm going to be wearing that crown."