It was quiet in Postwick. Perhaps that's why Gloria loved living there so much. Nothing ever happened there, and the days were easily predictable.

Well, most of the time.

"Gloria! Hey, Gloria, hurry up!" Hop shouted at his friend from her kitchen. He dared not peek inside to see if she was getting ready.

"I'm almost ready, Hop. Calm down." A quiet laugh followed her words.

"But we need to hurry! Lee's going to be here soon!" Hop paced restlessly outside her room. He was getting more and more impatient with each second.

"Leon can wait," Gloria told him softly, smiling to herself as she heard his gasp of shock. "Anyway, I'm done." She stepped out of her room, adjusting her pine-green hat on her head. Her skin was a pale color, and she had cropped brown hair, with the same color eyes. She was wearing a short pink dress, and a light gray coat over it. Around her shoulders was a brown leathered backpack. At her feet were green checkered socks and brown boots.

Hop frowned, looking over her outfit. "Isn't your dress too short?" It only went halfway down her thighs.

Gloria groaned. "It was the first thing I could see. Now do you want me to waste more time looking for something else to wear, or do you want to go see Leon?"

"Go see Lee," he answered immediately.

"Okay, then. Let's go!" The brunette broke off into a run without any hesitation. She rushed past him to beat her friend outside.

"Hey, that's not fair!" Hop chased after her, listening to her laugh the whole way out the door. He eventually did manage to catch up to her, but she was outside already. His Wooloo ran to greet him from his spot outdoors. Hop ran a hand through his Wooloo's wool.

"You're so slow," Gloria teased, moving her hands behind her head.

"That's because you always cheat!" Hop stomped towards Gloria.

"Aw, cheer up." She poked his head. "Someday, you'll manage to beat me. So until then, just keep doing your best, alright?"

"Fine." Hop sighed. He jogged to the edge of the lawn and stepped down the steps before turning back to Gloria. "You coming?"

"Yeah," Gloria followed him more slowly, walking past her mom's garden and the Budew that thrived near it.

"Seeing you with that bag, Gloria, and it looks like it could just pull over!" Hop joked as he waited for her to join him. "At least it's so big that we know it can hold a Snorlax if you so chose." Gloria reached him finally and punched his arm lightly. Hop laughed. "Okay, I'll stop."

Thump.

"What was—" Gloria looked past Hop, seeing a different Wooloo curl up into a ball before rolling down a slight decline and into a gate door. The door shook each time the Wooloo hit it.

"What's Wooloo doing all the way over here?" Hop watched it roll into the gate several more times. "Crazy Wooloo, you can't go through that gate."

The Wooloo glanced at him. "Loo-oo-oo?" Then it continued its job as if Hop hadn't said a single word to it.

"Uh, Hop? Aren't you forgetting something?" Gloria whispered in his ear, causing the purple-haired boy to start.

"What?" He looked at Gloria. Then his eyes widened. "Oh, yeah! Lee's probably already at my house, so I'll race you there!" He ran down the path in the direction of his home. His Wooloo curled up and rolled after him.

Gloria rolled her eyes, watching him run. If she truly felt like it, she could easily catch up to him and even beat him to his destination. As it was though, she wasn't really in the mood to run a whole lot. It was early evening, and she just didn't feel like running a bunch. She had spent a majority of the previous night and this day chatting with her other friend. She was currently living in Kanto, but they still kept in touch quite often.

Gloria hummed a soft tune as she followed Hop. I wonder what Leon's going to bring to us. Hop said something about him having gifts for us. . ? She shook her head. I'm probably mistaken. He probably just has something for Hop, as he's his brother and all. I doubt he even remembers me; it's been five years since I saw him last. She smiled quietly, imagining Leon's face as he gazed at her, knowing enough that she was Hop's friend, but not enough to actually remember her name.

Gloria crossed a tiny bridge and passed several more Wooloo as she made her way to Hop's home.

His house was huge. Every time Gloria looked at it, she felt a pang of jealousy ignite in her. His home was two stories tall, made of gray brick. His yard was quite big as well, and he even had his own battling field. Gloria went to the front door and opened it without even knocking.

"Oh, hello, Gloria!" Hop's mum greeted her from the kitchen. "Hop's upstairs right now, looking for his brother. He didn't listen when I told him that Leon isn't here yet." She sighed to herself.

"Oh." Gloria blinked. "Do you know where Leon is then?"

The woman thought for a moment. "If I were to guess, I'd say he's probably in Wedgehurst at the station."

Gloria nodded. "Alright, thanks!" She walked towards the door to leave. "I'll go down there to bring him here and surprise Hop." She smiled. "Besides, I've heard he's helpless with directions."

Hop's mum laughed quietly. "That's true." She glanced at the stairs. "I'd suggest you go ahead and greet him now, before Hop finds out that he isn't here yet."

Gloria nodded. "Cool, thanks!" She opened the door and went outside.

She walked to the main road beside Hop's home and looked ahead. Straight in front of her was Wedgehurst, about a five minute walk away. She started jogging over there.

She was halfway to the small town when she felt something hit her head. She paused and noticed a tiny Berry seed at her feet. "Who threw—" Another one hit her cheek.

"Skwo-o-o!" A creature laughed at her in a very high-pitched voice. Gloria whirled around, anger lighting up her face.

"Oi, who did that?" She scanned the area around herself. A patch of grass started shaking nearby and Gloria caught sight of a furry gray tail. She growled and took a step towards it. A different creature leapt out of the grass nearby and threw another Berry seed at her face. They both laughed as Gloria yelled in anger.

The two Pokémon ran out of the grass. They were light gray, with big soft cheeks. They had a long tail coming from behind them.

Skwovet Gloria thought, narrowing her eyes at them. They stopped right in front of her, eyeing her every move.

"Leave me—"

"Vet!" One of them screamed, a battle cry. Instantly the two squirrels were upon the girl, chirping and squeaking to each other.

"Ah! Stop!" She tried over and over to grab the tiny Pokémon, but they kept evading her hands.

"Skwo!" One called out, and another Skwovet ran from the grass to join.

"Help!" Gloria yelled out to no one in particular. What a pathetic way to die, she thought. Now she understood why she was told to stay away from the grass.

She fell to the ground, the Pokémon chatting on top of her. There was nothing she could do to stop them. . .

"Wooloo, Tackle!"

Gloria felt the weight leave her back and a small breeze the Wooloo made as it jumped over her. She cautiously lifted her head to see her savior, only to be met with Hop holding his hand down to her.

"We have to leave here fast; I don't know when they'll be back."

Gloria slowly lifted her arm towards him, but apparently she wasn't quick enough for him, as he pulled her up to her feet himself.

"Th-thanks, Hop," Gloria muttered. She glanced behind her, where his Wooloo was chasing the three Skwovets.

Hop said nothing and guided her away from the grass. When they were finally back on the main path, he began to speak up.

"What were you doing?" He scolded. "You could've gotten really hurt back there!" He stopped and looked over her quickly. "You didn't get injured, did you?"

"Uh, no." Gloria laughed nervously. "Thank goodness you were there to save me. Haha. . ."

Her friend's eyes thinned slightly. "That's not the point. What if I hadn't been here when I was? What if I was still at home?" Gloria lowered her head, guilt crawling inside her. "If something ever happened to you, I don't know what I would do. You're my best friend, and I would feel so bad if anything ever happened to you."

Gloria bit her lip. "I'm sorry." If only she had a Pokémon, and then none of this would have happened. She felt a small ping of envy as Wooloo rolled towards them and stopped beside her.

"It's okay." Hop gave her a small hug. "At least you're safe."

Gloria nodded slowly. "Looks like you beat me," she said quietly, hoping to lighten the mood.

Hop laughed. "I guess so. Now come on, I think I can see Lee from up here."

The two ran down the path, side by side, nearing Wedgehurst.

⚔️ 🛡

Champion Leon stepped out of the train station, his Charizard right beside him. Already there was a small crowd of people there, waiting for him. Pride filled him from head to toe and he stopped, grinning at everyone. They all seemed to be anticipating something, he realized.

He swung his cape back with his right arm, and then shot his left arm up. His head was turned to his right arm, which was at his side. This was his signature pose in the Galar region, known as the "Charizard pose."

The small group cheered, and Leon smiled to himself. A few moments later he stood upright, swishing his cape as he did so.

"Hello, hello, Wedgehurst!" His voice was warm and friendly. "Your Champion, Leon, is back!" He gave a small nod, beaming. "I promise to keep doing my best to deliver only the greatest battles for you all to watch!"

A girl squealed nearby. "Leon, I love you!"

"Thank you, thank you." Leon crossed his arms over his chest. "Thank you for your love and support— all of you!" He took a breath. "All of you should train every day, so that you can battle Charizard and me." His Charizard growled softly and lashed his tail.

"Well, I would, but your Charizard is too strong! I can't ever win against him!" A boy frowned, watching Leon.

Leon smiled. "It's true that Charizard here is extremely powerful, but I believe that other Pokémon can be just as strong— if not, stronger than him!" Charizard huffed a puff of smoke, most likely upset that his Trainer said someone else was stronger than him.

"Lee!" A voice called out from the back of the crowd.

Leon froze. He knew that voice! He took a step forward and the crowd parted, allowing him to see his brother. "Hop!" A chuckle escaped his lips. "So, my number one fan has come here to pick me up." He walked to his brother and wrapped him in a bone-crushing hug.

"I've missed you so much, Lee," Hop gasped out as his breath escaped him. Gloria snickered, watching her friend's reunion with his brother. Leon stopped and turned to her, letting go of Hop.

"And you must be. . ." Leon trailed off, biting his lip, as he looked at Gloria.

Gloria smirked. "I'm—"

"Wait, Gloria?" Her mood deflated as Leon said her name. "Wow, it's been so long since I saw you last, five years at least." He went to her, and she stepped back, not wanting to be hugged like Hop was. "Wow, you've grown a lot since you were what, ten?" He rubbed her head.

"Yes, I'm fifteen now, so five years ago I would be ten." Gloria fixed her hair, frowning at Leon.

"Right." Leon nodded, smiling. "If you and Hop were to be rivals, I'm sure that he'd push you to be your strongest, and vice versa." He took a breath and turned around to look at the small crowd. "It pains me to leave you all like this, don't you fret!" He struck his pose. "I'll make sure everyone here in Galar can have a Champion time!" The town cheered at his statement.

"Let's go back home now," Hop whispered, nudging Gloria's arm. Leon nodded, hearing him.

Then, without warning, the violet-haired Champion began sprinting down the path, in the direction of his home.

"Wait!" Hop called out after him, only to realize that his shouts were in vain. He looked at Gloria. "We'd better hurry after him, or else he might get lost. Come on!"

Immediately the two began running up the path, chasing after the Champion.

⚔️ 🛡

"Come on, Lee!" Hop complained, following his brother all around his home. When Leon failed to acknowledge him, he groaned. "Gloriaaaa! Help meeeee!"

"Nope, sorry," Gloria replied to him. "I'm helping your mum make dinner. Besides, I'm sure you can convince him to give you your present."

"Ughhhhhh." He sighed. "You're no help."

"Thanks for noticing." Gloria smiled to herself as she heard Hop's exasperated growl.

"Murrrrow?" Gloria glanced down as she saw Hop's Purrloin run against her leg. "Purrrow?" Her emerald eyes locked onto Gloria's own, and instantly Gloria felt her heard melt. How could she not share some food with such a cute Pokémon?

Sparing a glance at Hop's mum, she saw that the woman was washing some vegetables in the sink. Gloria quickly grabbed a slice of the sausage in front of her and dropped it down onto the floor. She could hear the Purrloin as she purred loudly for her meal.

"Lee, please?! You promised me a present, and I want to know what it is!" Hop's whining made her look up, half afraid someone would notice her feeding the Purrloin.

"Alright, fine," Leon finally caved in. Or maybe he was enjoying his time annoying his brother. His next words caught Gloria by surprise. "But get Gloria too; I have something for her as well."

Gloria stiffened. Leon had something for her? The idea was driving her crazy. Leon, the Champion of Galar, had something he wanted to give to her, out of all people. Well, her and Hop.

"Gloria!" Hop called down the stairs and ran into the kitchen. "Gloria! Lee's going to give us our presents now! He says we need to go outside though!"

"'Us'?" Gloria questioned, pretending like she didn't understand.

"Yeah!" Hop bounced a few times. "Hurry up!" And then he was outside. Leon walked down the stairs and left with him shortly after.

Gloria bit her lip and glanced at Hop's mum. "Miss—"

"Oh, don't worry, dear. I'll fix the rest of dinner. You go along and see what the boys have for you." Hop's mum smiled kindly and walked to her.

"Thank you so much," Gloria told her before heading outside to meet the two brothers. (Thank goodness no one noticed the Purrloin's extra food!)

"Great, so now that you're both here. . ." Leon trailed off, glancing between the two teenagers. A small smirk formed on his face, only caught by Gloria.

"Lee! Tell us, please! The suspense is killing me here, literally!" Hop frowned. Gloria held back a response.

"Okay, okay." Leon took a breath. "Your greatest gift from your greatest Champion!" He reaches behind him, pulling out three shiny red Poké Balls. "It's show time, everyone!"

The moment he tossed the Balls, everything came to life. The balls opened immediately, revealing three Pokémon: a green monkey named Grookey, a white and orange rabbit called Scorbunny, and a blue lizard with a yellow fin on its head, going by the name of Sobble.

They all three landed on the earth, and then began running around. Gloria watched in fascination as Grookey ran towards a tall oak, and Sobble jumped into a pond below. Scorbunny jumped up and down in place, its footsteps creating small patches of embers everywhere but went.

Grookey jumped along the tree and found itself on a branch with a Sitrus Berry. It smiled and pulled the stick from its head, hitting it repeatedly on the berry.

Meanwhile, Sobble was floating in the water, eyes closed and relaxed. It spat out a small stream of water from its mouth, hitting and startling Scorbunny.

The rabbit panicked and jumped around, trying its hardest to get the liquid off of it. It leapt up, hitting the branch with Grookey and the Sitrus Berry.

Down and down the berry fell, landing beside Sobble with a splash. Sobble ran from the water, terrified. Its lip quivered and it began crying from fright. Scorbunny and Grookey quickly rushed to its side, speaking words of comfort. Sobble sniffled and then seemed fine. A smile came across its face.

"Alright, now!" Leon smiled seeing the starters' antics. "Line up, everyone!"

The three Pokémon came forward, all smiling and ready for the journey ahead.

"Which one will you choose?" Leon turned his head to Gloria and Hop. Gloria smiled, seeing exactly who she wanted.

"You choose first, Gloria," Hop told her, stepping back. "I already have my Wooloo, after all!" Even still, she could tell that he was still extremely excited about getting his Pokémon.

"Alright. . ." Gloria trailed off, looking at the three Pokémon. She glanced at Leon, then at Hop, then back again.

If Leon has become so powerful with a Fire-Type, why couldn't she? Besides, Scorbunny seemed to be the strongest out of the three. . .

Gloria leaned down in front of Scorbunny. "Would you like to be my partner?" Scorbunny blinked and bounced up and down, nodding and beaming, making Gloria laugh. "How about I call you. . ." She pauses for a second. "Tuff, after the fiery volcano you and I will become."

"Okay, then!" Leon laughed. "Tuff's all yours! Hop?"

Hop stepped forward. "So you've picked Scorbunny?" He went past Gloria. "Then I'll pick Grookey!" Grookey nodded, running to him. "You and I'll have to do some serious training, if we want to become the next Champions!" Grookey cheered, hitting him on his head with its stick. "I'll call you Nori."

Gloria laughed softly, picking up her Tuff. She looked at the final starter, Sobble, and immediately guilt rushed over her.

Sobble was looking between its two friends, seeing them with Trainers. It closed its eyes and started crying loudly.

"Aw, don't cry." Leon kneeled down. "I'll be more than happy to have you as my partner. Charizard's tough, but he's real sweet too. How about it?"

Sobble hesitated and wiped its eyes. "Ble." It nodded, watching Leon.

"Okay, I think that's enough Trainer nonsense for one night!" Hop's mum walked outside, carrying plates of food. "Dinner's ready, so eat up!"

With the sun setting behind them and freshly made sausage curry, Gloria and Hop ate up their food. It tasted all the better with their new Pokémon with them.

And thus began the story of Gloria Shield.

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Tuff:
A type of volcanic rock made from condensed ash

Nori:
Japanese in origin; means "excitement" or "rhythm." Is also the last part of Grookey's Japanese name

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Hello!!

Yes, I have started yet another story (whydoidothistomyself??). Anyway, I have high hopes for this one, and I know it's going to turn out good.

Which of the three Galar starters would you choose?

At least for me, I'm staying loyal to Sobble (Even if his evolution isn't that good).