"Hey everyone, it's JC and Pauline here at the Dino Dome where we're doing the second physical competition for the Year of the Dragon: the Sea Dragon Competition." During this show, both JC and Pauline were wearing their swimsuits. There were quite a few comments on how Pauline looked in her bikini, but JC was also receiving attention for his trunks.
"Dinotopians don't just include your classic dinosaurs, there are other prehistoric lizards that are a part of it. This is what Dinotopia Aquatica is about," said JC.
"That's right, we have plesiosaurs, icthyosaurs, and mosasaurs of various kinds here," said Pauline.
"I tell you, Pauline, it gets pretty annoying not having a blanket term to cover ancient marine reptiles," said JC.
"Yes, but let's not forget how different they are from each other," said Pauline, "Pterosaurs are at least in the same genus, though some species are more distantly related than others. But all those different sea monsters have their own superorders. The only things they have in common are they're in the reptile family."
"Maybe, though an informal name would at least be easier," said JC, "Like how 'pachyderm' was used to describe elephants, rhinos, and hippos until it was discovered they weren't that closely related at all."
"I'm sure there's plenty of scientists who would disagree with you," said Pauline.
"But anyways, we're not here to talk about classification, we're here to see a competition," said JC, "I assume it's going to be a swimming race."
"True, though it would be too easy if it was only that," said Pauline, "That's why the competitors also have to handle these." She held up two large white balls. The fact that she held them close to her breasts got quite a few comments.
"More heaviness to weigh them down?" asked JC.
"Quite the opposite," said Pauline before tossing one to JC.
He caught it very easily and felt it over. "Oh, it's just a big inflatable ball," said JC, "Only it feels a good deal denser than your usual ball."
"Well, considering the claws we Dinotopians have, we require thicker rubber to keep from popping these balls," said Pauline.
"So the competitors have to carry these balls while they swim?" asked JC.
"That's right," said Pauline, "In Chinese art, dragons were often depicted as carrying a large pearl in their claws. Some say the pearl is the source of the dragon's weather control powers. Others say that the pearl is actually the dragon's egg. In any case, Asian dragons are a lot more heavily associated with water than the fiery dragons of Europe. They are said to have magnificent palaces beneath the seas, particularly the four Dragon Kings, one of whom is the namesake for Animalia's newest resort: Ao Guang Island."
"And swimming with these 'pearls' isn't as easy as it sounds," said JC, "The competitors need to keep a good grip on them as it's easy for them to slip away. Which means that their hands are occupied and they'll have to rely on their legs and tails to swim."
"So we'll have to see who's better at using their lower bodies," said Pauline.
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Instead of being held in the stadium, the Sea Dragon competition was being held at the Dino Dome's pool. Which meant most of the audience were watching the race via screens instead of being there in person. And considering there were far less aquatic Dinotopians compare to the land-based ones, there was no need to split it up into divisions this time. The basic rules were the same as the Land Dragon competition: five laps back and forth while holding the pearl. Of course, since the pearl was an inflatable ball, they could not diving underwater with it, which forced everyone to swim on the surface. Not only would the audience be able to see all of the action, but it should keep the playing field even.
There was some disappointment from the viewers that the competitors were wearing practical swimwear for this race, namely one pieces. Nobody wanted a wardrobe malfunction in the middle of the race. There were still too many tongues waggling about Shyra's sports bra sliding loose and exposing her breasts during last year's Lunar New Year competition. And they didn't want anyone's trunks getting loose either, though it seemed less likely.
The race was still pretty intense. There was certainly a lot of splashing going on as their tails moved a lot of water. The pearls were a bit tricky to hold onto at higher speeds, so they certainly slowed some swimmers down. However, there were plenty of strong swimmers that weren't too slowed down. One of them was Ty. The only problem he had was turning around to swim back, but he managed that pretty well. Kumiyo was cheering loudly for him, or at least she would be if she weren't also swimming. She managed a respectable speed, but Ty was obviously better than her. Regina did well in this race too, her paddle-like tail and webbed feet helping to propel her through the water. With her doing well here and in the Land Dragon competition, Regina was looking to have the best chance to win so far. But there were still other competitions to do and it will remain to be seen if she maintains her lead.