"Hi, I'm Polly and this is Teddy and we're here to cover the Shi/Hir Zodiac Pageant. Previous Zodiac pageants have had some hermaphrodite contestants, but they've only accounted for a fraction of the competitors. Generally, they were grouped with either the Ms. Zodiac or the Mr. Zodiac pageants, whichever they feel they identify more with. But as the years have gone by, herms have started becoming more common."
"And for some reason, snakes have been a common choice for herm conversions," said Teddy, "It may have something to do with the sensual symbolism of serpents, maybe a way of compensating for losing their legs. But this year, there were enough herm snakes participating to warrant their own pageant. Another herm pageant is likely to happen next year with the horses."
"And as with the previous pageants, the contestants will judged on their evening wear, their swimwear, and their talents," said Polly, "And of course, anything sexual or indecent exposure can lead to either point loss or disqualification."
In some ways, the herm pageant was a bit of a repeat of the female pageant. Externally, herm reptiles more physically resemble females due to their breasts and hips. Of course, there are several notable morphological differences besides genitals. Herms tended to have broader shoulders, smaller breasts, and bigger muscles than pure females. This may cause some people to consider their looks 'manish', but Animalians have managed to make this work for them. For instance, it allowed them to expand their wardrobes.
For instance, not every herm snake chose to wear a dress for their evening wear. Some (mainly those who were originally male, like Typhoon) chose to wear a suit. And the suits were surprisingly well-cut for their frames, showing off not just their muscular frame, but flattering their curves. Joanne made several improving comments about their 'power suits' before writing something on a separate piece of paper. Something that might inspire her next line of fashion, perhaps?
The swimwear portion borrowed from both the male and female pageants. There were some who chose to wear a one-piece suit, with varying levels of conservation. There were some who wear 'trunks' like males with separate tops. The tops may range to being design like sport bras to bikinis. The choice tended to vary by personal taste, though also whether they have four arms or not also influenced the choice, as was the case for Silixera.
The talent portion was where they got the chance to truly stand out from each other. Iphis and Ianthe were demonstrating feats of strength. Typhoon was showing the tattoos on hir body as the Illustrated Snake. Waterlily sang a song. Silixera did a belly dance. And Fang showed off the martial art training shi had picked up from Muxing.
"Well, that wraps it up for the pageants," said Teddy, "After all the points are added up, we'll be hearing who'll be moving on to the final race up Zodiac Mountain. Just to remind you, the winner of the race isn't necessarily crowned Mr. or Ms. Zodiac. Sometimes, there's a big enough point difference to not put them in first place even if they win the race."
"But we'll be taking a short break for a few days while they set up Zodiac Mountain," said Polly, "In the meantime, we'll be having a Valentine's weekend. Be sure to look at couple's discounts for various places while they last. So we'll see you later for the final Year of the Snake event and everyone have a happy Valentine's Day."
After the recording was done, Teddy said, "Uh, Polly, speaking of Valentine's Day, I wanted to ask you something?"
"Oh?" asked Polly, giving him her full attention.
"Would you like to go out? Uh, you know, just us?" asked Teddy.
"Are you asking me to go on an actual date?" asked Polly.
"Well, yeah. I understand if you say no. I mean, we had fun during Christmas break, but I get it if you're not that interested," said Teddy.
"I think I would," said Polly, "But it probably wouldn't be much more than dinner."
"Really? You would?" asked Teddy.
"As long as you don't mind me paying," said Polly, "No offense, but I can eat a lot more than you can and you may not be able to afford it."
"Uh, I could at least pay for some of it," said Teddy.
"As long as you show up looking your best," said Polly sweetly.