The Shield of Galar

Catching up with Gloria

Interviewer: We are here to day with our beloved Champion, and Hero of Galar, Gloria

Cheers from the audience in the studio in Wyndon as Gloria walks into the chair across from the interviewer.  A cheerful smile is on her face, as she waves gleefully to everybody in the crowd as they call out her name, begging for autographs or training tips.  

With a slight adjustment of her normal pink dress, she takes a seat.  After a few more waves she turns to the host.

Gloria: Thank you everyone, and of course thank you for having me.  

The host nods and smiles, then turns to his postcards.  After flipping through a few he sits back in his chair a bit.  

Interviewer: So Gloria, it's been five years since you have become a household name here in Galar, so most people here probably know more about you than you do.

He laughs a bit, prompting the studio audience to do so as well.  After a light chuckle, Gloria joins the more hearty laughter as well.

Gloria: It can certainly seem that way sometimes. (chuckles again) Though I suppose it comes with the territory.  I just wish I could handle it as well as Leon does.  

Interviewer: Speaking of the former champion, I assume you are still in constant contact with him. Especially ever since Macro Cosmos was formally handed over to him.  

Gloria: Yeah, I probably talk to Leon more than anybody else.  Now that he is in charge of all the advertisements, and the Gym Challenges themselves, we rely on each other quite a bit to make sure things stay going smooth.  

Interviewer:  Staying on that same train of thought, Rose and Oleana.  Leon and you are the reason that they still walk free today, making sure that Galar is ever improving.  Any regret in your decision to influence that case.

There is a sudden silence of the crowd, and a grimace appears for a moment on Gloria's face.  After that second though, her normal cheery demeanor returns.

Gloria: I feel like Leon gives me far to much credit in the decision making of that. (she takes a long pause and sighs) That being said, their talents are well known, and even since the incident five years ago, they have worked to push our whole region toward a brighter future.  So regrets on that, no.

Applause spills forth from the crowd at her response, and she turns back to them to give a few more waves before turning back to the host of the interview.  

Interviewer:  Now tell us about the aftermath of Darkest Day.  It obviously was quite a mess to clean up afterwards.  

Gloria: You have no idea. (she chuckles and nods)  Obviously we got the main stadium here in Wyndon fixed up in just a few days, but Hammerlocke basically needed to be reconstructed from scratch after the incidents that took place there. (she takes a deep breath before continuing) Then just as we got everything cleaned up, and start to prep for the coming Gym Challenge, two odd men show up and start a path of destruction.  Hop, Piers and I traveled all of Galar in order to handle things, but certain locations were once again unusable.  That of course led to my first full year as Champion seeing no new Gym Challenge.  

The Host nods as he listens, having naturally heard the story prior.  

Interviewer: That event is what led to your capture of the legendary dog Zamazenta though.

Gloria: It did, and of course Hop's capture of Zacian.  

Interviewer: Of course.  (The interviewer looks to his note cards again)  Tell us more about the year following.  Finishing up training at the Isle of Armor, helping Leon establish the battle tower, and of course your first time being the Champion of the Gym Challenge. 

Gloria: Well, for those who knew me well at the time of my gym challenge, they would know I spent a lot of time training with former Champion Mustard at his battle dojo on Isle of Armor. He was the one who gave me Orion, though at the time he was just a Kubfu, not the Urishifu people saw me use during the championship match.  (she pauses, watching for the cue to continue) As for the Battle Tower, I had very little to do with it besides it's promotion, and being one of the battles for the earlier entries.  The Gym Challenge though, I don't think I have ever been so nervous as I was the first time I had to defend my title.  

Interview: Really? You took on a legendary threat, and took on the Unbeatable Champion Leon, and yet your first time defending your title was your most nervous moment?

Gloria: (shrugs) Eternatus is a special circumstance since in that moment, I had to win.  There were no nerves, cuz there could be no other outcome besides saving Galar.  The battle against Leon, was coming off the heels of that.  Having saved Galar, becoming Champion seemed like the next step. My first defensive match though, well I swear I was sweating buckets until I stepped out onto the field.  Once I was on the pitch, the nerves left, and I was ready to go.  Ever since then, I haven't looked back.

Once again a roar erupts from the crowd of applause, eliciting  a chuckle from the Champion. 

Interviewer: In the years since, you moved, took on the Crown Tundra, and started yet another new event with Leon known as the Galarian Star Tournament.

Gloria:  Well the move was necessary, since my mother was leaving the country behind for work abroad.  With my collection of Pokemon ever expanding, I bought a ranch just outside of Turffield where a bunch of my Pokemon roam freely.  (biting her lip she squints a bit, the constant lights being in her eyes starting to cause a bit of a headache) As for the Crown Tundra, I was sent down there after Rose's brother, former Gym Leader Peony.  What I ended up getting was a wild adventure capturing a variety of Legendaries due to my assisting both Peony and Sonia with research in the freezing cold.  What was supposed to be a quick trip saw me trapped down there for months, leading to a slightly displeased Leon upon my return.  

The crowd cheers at her mention of the many Legend Pokemon she obtained during her time in the Tundra. Her chasing of the Legendary Zapdos across the Wild Area, was well documented, much to her dismay.  

Gloria: As for the Star Tournament, you once again give me far too much credit.  I was literally the last person on the event roster to receive an invite.  And believe it or not, that was the first time Leon bothered to get my phone number.  Prior to that, he would just find his brother and talk to me through Hop's phone. 

The crowd laughs at her comment, and the Host joins in as he once again turns to his note cards for guidance.  

Interviewer: So with you having just defended your title once again, and the gyms having seen a bit of a shake up, what are your plans for the coming months.  

Gloria: Well, I plan to spend some down time on the ranch.  You know, just having fun, playing with my Pokemon.  I believe Leon already has me signed up for a Star Tournament for a couple months out, so I am going to enjoy any relaxation I can get. 

Gloria smiles and the crowd once again laughs, and Gloria's facade almost shatters.  

Interviewer: Well, we all of course wish you the best of luck going forward.  Of course, we also want to thank you, both for being here today, but for also being a wonderful Champion that boys and girls all over the region can look up to.  

He stands up and offers his hand.  Gloria then stands up as well and shakes it.  

Gloria: Of course, thanks for having me.  (She then turns to the crowd) And remember, anybody can be a Champion.  (Gloria is then escorted offstage to the sound of thunderous applause)

This is my first real time trying to write something like this.  I hope you all enjoy!