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Prema Kannagi is the future head of her prestigious shrine, which has secured an interview with a famous family of reporters. In the process, an issue she knows she must eventually face head-on gets brought up. How will she handle it?
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The tenth or eleventh in a metaseries despite the notable handicap of 3-9 not existing yet. Also known as Trainers of Fanfiction DX. If you noticed that my interview in this year's ToF had a bit of a narrative to it and how I mentioned after that it was canon? Well, in the interest of not having it be orphaned to there and to follow through on some things, I had this up my sleeve. This is a two-chapter fic, the first being an expanded version of the interview there into a narrative form (e.g. showing Prema's thoughts) with added bits before and after, and the second dealing with the aftermath.Expect part 2 in a few days. It's done.
Prema Kannagi was seated on a small beige sofa. It was her first time being a newsroom in-person. Across from her was a matching single person seat, presently unoccupied. A table was between, glasses and coffee mugs adorned with the Veilstone City News logo atop it. Behind was a backdrop which looked like the interior of a modern house. Wires, microphones, and more cameras were set up around the studio. There were many people running about and talking, though Prema could not make out any individual conversation.
In the darkened room in front of the set, a woman with wine-colored hair in a simple blue suit was speaking with a cameraman. There was not a single strand of hair out of place on the woman's head, and her similar-toned red eyes held a steely determination in them. Akari Schrader, a woman Prema had personal history with.
When Prema had been offered to do this interview on behalf of the shrine, no one told them - or at least her - it would be Akari conducting things. She cursed herself for not anticipating such a possibility. The Schrader family was third only to the Joy and Jenny families across the world.
The reporter made to sit. At once, thoughts flashed through her mind. She had to go over it all one final time. Keep things professional, particularly given her. Do not disparage anyone. Talk about the good points and be honest about the bad if questioned on them. Do not be too pushy. Do not say too much. Be inclusive. Make sure she had proper grammar and capitalization. Wait, no. The latter was nothing to worry about. Not in a verbally spoken interview at least.
Did she look presentable? Was she maintaining a good expression? No, certainly not. She was nervous about this! This was her chance to shine and bolster their shrine's waning popularity. But if she messed this up, it could ruin everything!
She took a deep breath to compose herself. She forced her posture and expression straight to hide her nerves. She was wearing her shrine's traditional outfit: a violet robe with floral pattern inspired by traditional attire that fit her form, which had golden trim to indicate her position as future heir. She even wore her tiara in her forest green hair, a blend of wood and steel that even an empress could be proud of. This was fine, it was going to be all right. What would her nearest, dearest friend say?
<i>"Nothing to do but do it!"</i>
Yes, that was right. She had to stop worrying about how this was going to go, and just go into this. She was a talented public speaker. An interview was comparable. She went over in head some of the points she would need to hit upon here in the time she had to prepare.
"You ready?" the cameraman eventually asked. An average man in a red hat and business casual slacks and shirt. Prema nodded. As ready as she would ever be. "Starting in three, two, one..."
"This is reporter Akari Schrader, bringing you an exclusive interview with a certain person of religious background today. Lady Prema Kannagi, of the prestigious Kannagi Shrine." She breathed something of a sigh of relief. So far, so good. She even used her formal title of Lady. "Now, before we get into the real meaty questions, would you mind introducing yourself and your shrine?"
"Yes, of course," she said, looking into the camera. "My name is Prema Kannagi, the future head priestess of the Kannagi Shrine. My family dates back to the feudal period of Japan." She was silent for a moment, before the producer behind Schrader held up a card. It read, explain the history of the Kannagi Shrine. A fair enough request.
"For how it came to be, in those times, people were often unsure what to make of powerful Pokemon now commonly dubbed Legendary. Two types of religions were founded around them: those who worshiped out of reverence or fear, and those who promoted understanding. Our shrine was the latter, with my ancestors Yuku, Agnis, and Emu founding it after encounters with the essences of soul. Oh, more commonly known as the lake gods." Prema took a sip of water before continuing. "Throughout our history, we - along with our contemporaries, the Mitsutri Clan - have aided many leaders of our country and region in spiritual and Legendary Pokemon related matters. Though that role has waned in the last 70 years, we continue to use our faith as a means of encouraging unity with Pokemon and each other."
The Mitsutri Clan. She had words for their counterparts. Yet this was not the time or place for that. Besides, bringing up war and state religion on an interview was not necessary. It was a subject that any person with a junior high education would know.
Schrader nodded. "How did you get into your profession? And, was it something you'd planned for?"
"This is a role I was born into. Members of our family have headed the shrine since the very beginning, most often through blood, but at rare times through marriage as well." There were times when the spouse of a head stepped in if others were unable to perform their duties. She continued, "As my father and I are the sole remaining members of our shrine, it falls upon me to become the Master of the shrine someday."
Schrader asked the next question. "The Kannagi Shrine was traditionally based out of Celestic Town. Why did you move to Veilstone City?"
"Well." Maybe she would have to bring at least one of those points up. In an indirect fashion, of course. "It is no secret that we have been losing prominence over the past 70 years. It was not only the move to free religion across the nation, but more people are becoming non-exclusive practitioners or turning to Isuean-style religions." The monotheistic ones such as Ceutholism. "My father thought that we could advance our faith forward expanding out, even if it means leaving the town we essentially founded. So far, this move has been going modestly well for us."
"Do you have any plans for further expansion?"
"You will have to ask my father about that." He still left her in the dark on many internal decisions related to the shrine. Priestess Satomi might have known, but she was not telling.
Schrader nodded. "What would be your advice to anyone looking to get into your line of work?"
Prema smiled warmly into the camera. "We are always welcome to new people who wish to join our shrine." The girl paused. The interviewer nearly took it as a chance to ask the next question, before she realized something critical. She quickly spoke up to clarify, "Though there is something I must stress to those who may be hesitant. The Kannagi Shrine is not focused on worship, as some of our contemporaries are. What comes first to us is promoting living life with virtue and respect to the natural world, as well as fellow people. We welcome anyone, even if they have other beliefs."
It was no different from back then, with how beliefs varied from each other. By saying their shrine was inclusory, they might attract more people to it. Prema spoke on, "If those qualities befit you, or you simply wish to help others with charity work, then that is all it takes to stand as a member of our shrine. We use ancient stories, like those in <i>Sonzaitoku</i> - also known as <i>The Virtue of Existence</i> - as a means to teach lessons about life. And for those who do wish to delve into the spiritual side, our senior members and myself will assist in the necessary tutoring and training to become an acolyte." She had done it before, particularly with her friend Nariya.
Prema huffed under her breath. She turned to look, only to see Schrader was staring at her, perhaps mildly unimpressed. That got her concerned. Did she come across well there? If not, what did she do wrong?
Nevertheless, the interviewer continued on with the questions. "What is a typical working day like for you? Are there many shake-ups?"
"My days at present often consist of training to fulfill my future role as head priestess. As for..." She trailed off. That was a term she hadn't heard before. Shake-ups? Like, different things, maybe? "‘Shake-ups’, there are times when my father calls upon me to put some of what I have learned into practice. For instance, giving speeches and lessons or performing exorcisms." As Akari Schrader well knew. The woman smirked, but had no other reaction. "Just recently, I had to help plan the city's New Years' festival as well. While work around the shrine is often done by acolytes, even my father and I perform tasks such as tending to the gardens or counting donations." There was more to it, but she decided to leave it at that.
Schrader moved onto the next question. "What do you like most about your profession, and why?"
That was a difficult one. There were many things. For the sake of brevity, she decided to go with one of the top candidates. "I suppose that would be opportunity to meet so many different people and Pokemon, and aid them with their problems. If you can do something to improve matters, even if it is a minute contribution, then you have done something worthwhile. As we say: though you cannot make the world perfect, you can make it better."
"What do you not like about your job? Are you in a position to change it?"
The natural follow-up. She had been asked what she enjoyed the most, now it was time to say what she enjoyed the least. "I lament that many of those people I do meet have negative traits such as selfishness and greed. It is far more common than you might realize. I suppose at times as well I can frustrated by..." By how few of them were willing to change. By how restrictive her position could be to her social situation. By all the demands and expectations put upon her. But she could not say any of that, so she just waved the question off. "No, never mind. It is nothing that can be helped."
Schrader leaned in. It was only slightly, but Prema felt more than a little uncomfortable from that small gesture. "What frustrates you?"
The reporter was demanding an answer. Prema stayed quiet. Schrader continued to look expectantly at her. "Well." She had to come up with something. "I can say this. The thing that frustrates me the most are those who do not respect Pokemon at all. I do not mean those who use them for power, as even they appreciate them in ways such as their strength. I am speaking of those who simply view them as a means to an end, and nothing more than that."
"Have you ever run into many of those people?"
"Unfortunately, a few." They were out there. She in fact personally encountered one not even a week after she had moved to Veilstone. It was an incident she didn't like to publicly speak about, however. "May we get off this subject?"
To her relief, Schrader acquiesced. "What qualifications are required to do what you do? Did you have to do some kind of study or training?"
"As part of the requirements to head the shrine, I must do regular spiritual training. In times past, I had to study our family's history, books like <i>Sonzaitoku</i> and <i>Densetsuki</i>, and myths not just from our culture, but others as well."
Schrader cut in. "What other myths have you studied?"
"All kinds." That should have been obvious. Was she looking for specifics? "As an example, I studied the legends of the heroes from Unovan myth." That involved a trip to ruins in the desert. She had even met one of her Pokemon while she was there, although to say she personally captured it would be untrue. "There are a lot of parallels between cultures. To understand this is to be able to understand each other."
Schrader bounced right to the next question. "What does your spiritual training entail?"
Prema narrowed her eyes. "That is secret," she firmly stated. When the reporter did not even flinch from this, she changed her approach. "Can I continue with the question from before? I had not finished answering before you interrupted." When the reporter nodded, she did so.
"It is not just limited to the training of the mind. Public speaking is of course something I have had to learn. Moreover, in ages past, members of our family were expected to become adept with the blade and Pokemon." By that, she of course was referring to times before the Meiji period. "Though learning how to use a weapon is unnecessary in these times, we continue to practice the raising of Pokemon, and still practice kendo for ceremonial purposes."
"Have you ever had to be in any Pokemon battles before?"
A nod. "Yes, sometimes." It was typically sparring to keep her friends' talents sharp for when they were necessary. For example, pacifying aggressive Pokemon when words would not reach them.
"Are you any good?"
Prema looked at Schrader in disbelief. "I just stated that we raise them extensively." Did she truly have to explain everything explicitly? Evidently so. With a resigned sigh, she went into detail, "While engaging in battle is not something we need do in modern times, we nevertheless do learn. So yes. I have done so with some success in the past." From that aforementioned incident a week after moving to Veilstone in particular, battling a member of a certain youth activist group. Prema did not battle often, but as that person found out, she knew how to.
"Of course," she added, "It cannot be overlooked that training is another way to bond with Pokemon. I speculate that is why the tradition has held, even though the original intent was a means to defend our lords and ourselves." This was only a guess, of course. It could well be for no reason but tradition. As she learned in her studies, many cultures kept up obsolete customs, even those that were questionable by today's standards. This one had valid justification going for it, at least.
"Fair enough," said Schrader, taking a drink of water. "Is there anything else to your training?"
"Yes. There is one final thing I will have to do at some point to complete my training, known only as The Rite. This is a tradition that all heads to the shrine have underwent for over 600 years." She recalled the exact words. "As it is written: ‘With one's own feet, travel far to the lakes of Sinnoh. To each, in solitude, make a prayer in the cavern. Then venture to the center between and leave there an offering.’ This is often performed after the person has turned at least sixteen, and has completed all other training."
She would be sixteen when February 25th rolled around. Nevertheless, Prema was considering not heading out straight away. She wanted to be as prepared as possible before doing so, and preferably not do it during the winter. There was not a rush. That was just the earliest time it was permitted.
Schrader nodded, pausing briefly before speaking again. "A bit of a different question for you now. Is there any truth to the rumors about you and the Demon Tamer, Nori Carino?"
Prema tilted her head. "There are rumors about us?" Nori Carino was her closest friend, whom she had met in August of last year. He was the Pokemon Rehabilitator, a special type of trainer working for the Officials.
"Are you seeing each other?"
Seeing each other? What kind of a question was that? "Well, we meet often, which involves sight of one another. So I suppose yes."
"I meant, are you dating?"
"W-what?" Dating?! "...no, no. That's not..." She shook her head feverishly, trying to stave off her discomfort. "Nori is simply a close friend. It is nothing like that, no. Furthermore, my father would not approve of someone who has no interest in joining our shrine." It was to her relief that she managed to compose herself adequately. By her standards, at least.
"But if he did approve, would you?"
Prema closed her eyes. She should have known Akari Schrader would ask something unprofessional. When she had agreed to do this interview, it was to help their shrine. Not to help fuel celebrity gossip. While she did not doubt it would be published anyway, her flustered reaction and all, she could still put her foot down. It was time to do so.
"...Ms. Schrader, this is going far beyond the intended scope of our interview. I answered your previous inquiry out of politeness. However, if you are going to persist in asking personal questions, and I mean that in general, we will end this here." She punctuated this with an empty stare to show she was serious.
"All right, no further questions in that case." Schrader turned to the camera. "This has been reporter Akari Schrader, having brought you an exclusive interview with Lady Prema Kannagi. Will this shrine with deep roots in our country's history finally sink, or will it once again soar?"
While that was not a question directed at her, she answered anyway. "I intend to see that it soars, thank you very much."
"And...cut."
As soon as the cameras had stopped rolling, Prema wasted no time rising to her feet and walking away. She knew there was nothing wrong with feeling anger. One of the many expectations upon her was to conduct herself with grace, which included not outwardly showing extreme emotion. She was doing her best to remain composed, yet part of her wanted to scream about this.
"Lady Kannagi, is something the matter?"
Yes, there was something that bothered her a lot. Much as she would have liked to walk out without giving the reporter an answer, she was aware enough to know would be improper. The green-haired girl turned and made her grievance perfectly clear.
"Ms. Schrader, with all due respect, I believe it was highly unprofessional for you to ask a question about my personal life."
Schrader smirked. "It was a question that was on the public's mind," she defended, her tone aloof and unashamed. "Asking it was my duty."
Prema closed her eyes. "Your family may hold a lot of influence. But remember that mine does as well."
The reporter paused. "Freedom of the press exists, Lady Kannagi," she forced out, visibly forcing an arrogant smirk. "We have a right to air this interview, and might I remind that you signed a contract as well."
"I am aware. However, this does not mean we cannot take action if you skew things to portray me in a biased light."
Schrader paused a moment. No doubt recalling the scandal she survived. "It will be presented with no alteration."
No alteration. She had seen a number of reports where media bias was blatant. Much of it negative in attempt to dramatize an event or demonize someone. Presenting the report in that fashion was the best she could ask for at this point.
"Very well."
"It was good to meet with you properly this time." Schrader extended a hand.
Prema accepted it without hesitation, if only to be polite. "I have to get back to the shrine now. I hope you can understand."
"We won't keep you, then."
She departed without a further word. The future head priestess was still frustrated. This made for the second time Akari Schrader had done something like that to her. She did not want to believe all of them were harsh journalists with a ruthless lack of bias who would do anything to expose the truth, but it appeared that stereotype held true in this instance.
With that in mind, Prema intended to watch this interview to see for herself how it turned out. If it turned out she lied about presenting it as-is, they would have to do something. And perhaps while she was at it, she could get another's opinion of the matter...
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The tenth or eleventh in a metaseries despite the notable handicap of 3-9 not existing yet. Also known as Trainers of Fanfiction DX. If you noticed that my interview in this year's ToF had a bit of a narrative to it and how I mentioned after that it was canon? Well, in the interest of not having it be orphaned to there and to follow through on some things, I had this up my sleeve. This is a two-chapter fic, the first being an expanded version of the interview there into a narrative form (e.g. showing Prema's thoughts) with added bits before and after, and the second dealing with the aftermath.
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The Interview
The Interview
Prema Kannagi was seated on a small beige sofa. It was her first time being a newsroom in-person. Across from her was a matching single person seat, presently unoccupied. A table was between, glasses and coffee mugs adorned with the Veilstone City News logo atop it. Behind was a backdrop which looked like the interior of a modern house. Wires, microphones, and more cameras were set up around the studio. There were many people running about and talking, though Prema could not make out any individual conversation.
In the darkened room in front of the set, a woman with wine-colored hair in a simple blue suit was speaking with a cameraman. There was not a single strand of hair out of place on the woman's head, and her similar-toned red eyes held a steely determination in them. Akari Schrader, a woman Prema had personal history with.
When Prema had been offered to do this interview on behalf of the shrine, no one told them - or at least her - it would be Akari conducting things. She cursed herself for not anticipating such a possibility. The Schrader family was third only to the Joy and Jenny families across the world.
The reporter made to sit. At once, thoughts flashed through her mind. She had to go over it all one final time. Keep things professional, particularly given her. Do not disparage anyone. Talk about the good points and be honest about the bad if questioned on them. Do not be too pushy. Do not say too much. Be inclusive. Make sure she had proper grammar and capitalization. Wait, no. The latter was nothing to worry about. Not in a verbally spoken interview at least.
Did she look presentable? Was she maintaining a good expression? No, certainly not. She was nervous about this! This was her chance to shine and bolster their shrine's waning popularity. But if she messed this up, it could ruin everything!
She took a deep breath to compose herself. She forced her posture and expression straight to hide her nerves. She was wearing her shrine's traditional outfit: a violet robe with floral pattern inspired by traditional attire that fit her form, which had golden trim to indicate her position as future heir. She even wore her tiara in her forest green hair, a blend of wood and steel that even an empress could be proud of. This was fine, it was going to be all right. What would her nearest, dearest friend say?
<i>"Nothing to do but do it!"</i>
Yes, that was right. She had to stop worrying about how this was going to go, and just go into this. She was a talented public speaker. An interview was comparable. She went over in head some of the points she would need to hit upon here in the time she had to prepare.
"You ready?" the cameraman eventually asked. An average man in a red hat and business casual slacks and shirt. Prema nodded. As ready as she would ever be. "Starting in three, two, one..."
"This is reporter Akari Schrader, bringing you an exclusive interview with a certain person of religious background today. Lady Prema Kannagi, of the prestigious Kannagi Shrine." She breathed something of a sigh of relief. So far, so good. She even used her formal title of Lady. "Now, before we get into the real meaty questions, would you mind introducing yourself and your shrine?"
"Yes, of course," she said, looking into the camera. "My name is Prema Kannagi, the future head priestess of the Kannagi Shrine. My family dates back to the feudal period of Japan." She was silent for a moment, before the producer behind Schrader held up a card. It read, explain the history of the Kannagi Shrine. A fair enough request.
"For how it came to be, in those times, people were often unsure what to make of powerful Pokemon now commonly dubbed Legendary. Two types of religions were founded around them: those who worshiped out of reverence or fear, and those who promoted understanding. Our shrine was the latter, with my ancestors Yuku, Agnis, and Emu founding it after encounters with the essences of soul. Oh, more commonly known as the lake gods." Prema took a sip of water before continuing. "Throughout our history, we - along with our contemporaries, the Mitsutri Clan - have aided many leaders of our country and region in spiritual and Legendary Pokemon related matters. Though that role has waned in the last 70 years, we continue to use our faith as a means of encouraging unity with Pokemon and each other."
The Mitsutri Clan. She had words for their counterparts. Yet this was not the time or place for that. Besides, bringing up war and state religion on an interview was not necessary. It was a subject that any person with a junior high education would know.
Schrader nodded. "How did you get into your profession? And, was it something you'd planned for?"
"This is a role I was born into. Members of our family have headed the shrine since the very beginning, most often through blood, but at rare times through marriage as well." There were times when the spouse of a head stepped in if others were unable to perform their duties. She continued, "As my father and I are the sole remaining members of our shrine, it falls upon me to become the Master of the shrine someday."
Schrader asked the next question. "The Kannagi Shrine was traditionally based out of Celestic Town. Why did you move to Veilstone City?"
"Well." Maybe she would have to bring at least one of those points up. In an indirect fashion, of course. "It is no secret that we have been losing prominence over the past 70 years. It was not only the move to free religion across the nation, but more people are becoming non-exclusive practitioners or turning to Isuean-style religions." The monotheistic ones such as Ceutholism. "My father thought that we could advance our faith forward expanding out, even if it means leaving the town we essentially founded. So far, this move has been going modestly well for us."
"Do you have any plans for further expansion?"
"You will have to ask my father about that." He still left her in the dark on many internal decisions related to the shrine. Priestess Satomi might have known, but she was not telling.
Schrader nodded. "What would be your advice to anyone looking to get into your line of work?"
Prema smiled warmly into the camera. "We are always welcome to new people who wish to join our shrine." The girl paused. The interviewer nearly took it as a chance to ask the next question, before she realized something critical. She quickly spoke up to clarify, "Though there is something I must stress to those who may be hesitant. The Kannagi Shrine is not focused on worship, as some of our contemporaries are. What comes first to us is promoting living life with virtue and respect to the natural world, as well as fellow people. We welcome anyone, even if they have other beliefs."
It was no different from back then, with how beliefs varied from each other. By saying their shrine was inclusory, they might attract more people to it. Prema spoke on, "If those qualities befit you, or you simply wish to help others with charity work, then that is all it takes to stand as a member of our shrine. We use ancient stories, like those in <i>Sonzaitoku</i> - also known as <i>The Virtue of Existence</i> - as a means to teach lessons about life. And for those who do wish to delve into the spiritual side, our senior members and myself will assist in the necessary tutoring and training to become an acolyte." She had done it before, particularly with her friend Nariya.
Prema huffed under her breath. She turned to look, only to see Schrader was staring at her, perhaps mildly unimpressed. That got her concerned. Did she come across well there? If not, what did she do wrong?
Nevertheless, the interviewer continued on with the questions. "What is a typical working day like for you? Are there many shake-ups?"
"My days at present often consist of training to fulfill my future role as head priestess. As for..." She trailed off. That was a term she hadn't heard before. Shake-ups? Like, different things, maybe? "‘Shake-ups’, there are times when my father calls upon me to put some of what I have learned into practice. For instance, giving speeches and lessons or performing exorcisms." As Akari Schrader well knew. The woman smirked, but had no other reaction. "Just recently, I had to help plan the city's New Years' festival as well. While work around the shrine is often done by acolytes, even my father and I perform tasks such as tending to the gardens or counting donations." There was more to it, but she decided to leave it at that.
Schrader moved onto the next question. "What do you like most about your profession, and why?"
That was a difficult one. There were many things. For the sake of brevity, she decided to go with one of the top candidates. "I suppose that would be opportunity to meet so many different people and Pokemon, and aid them with their problems. If you can do something to improve matters, even if it is a minute contribution, then you have done something worthwhile. As we say: though you cannot make the world perfect, you can make it better."
"What do you not like about your job? Are you in a position to change it?"
The natural follow-up. She had been asked what she enjoyed the most, now it was time to say what she enjoyed the least. "I lament that many of those people I do meet have negative traits such as selfishness and greed. It is far more common than you might realize. I suppose at times as well I can frustrated by..." By how few of them were willing to change. By how restrictive her position could be to her social situation. By all the demands and expectations put upon her. But she could not say any of that, so she just waved the question off. "No, never mind. It is nothing that can be helped."
Schrader leaned in. It was only slightly, but Prema felt more than a little uncomfortable from that small gesture. "What frustrates you?"
The reporter was demanding an answer. Prema stayed quiet. Schrader continued to look expectantly at her. "Well." She had to come up with something. "I can say this. The thing that frustrates me the most are those who do not respect Pokemon at all. I do not mean those who use them for power, as even they appreciate them in ways such as their strength. I am speaking of those who simply view them as a means to an end, and nothing more than that."
"Have you ever run into many of those people?"
"Unfortunately, a few." They were out there. She in fact personally encountered one not even a week after she had moved to Veilstone. It was an incident she didn't like to publicly speak about, however. "May we get off this subject?"
To her relief, Schrader acquiesced. "What qualifications are required to do what you do? Did you have to do some kind of study or training?"
"As part of the requirements to head the shrine, I must do regular spiritual training. In times past, I had to study our family's history, books like <i>Sonzaitoku</i> and <i>Densetsuki</i>, and myths not just from our culture, but others as well."
Schrader cut in. "What other myths have you studied?"
"All kinds." That should have been obvious. Was she looking for specifics? "As an example, I studied the legends of the heroes from Unovan myth." That involved a trip to ruins in the desert. She had even met one of her Pokemon while she was there, although to say she personally captured it would be untrue. "There are a lot of parallels between cultures. To understand this is to be able to understand each other."
Schrader bounced right to the next question. "What does your spiritual training entail?"
Prema narrowed her eyes. "That is secret," she firmly stated. When the reporter did not even flinch from this, she changed her approach. "Can I continue with the question from before? I had not finished answering before you interrupted." When the reporter nodded, she did so.
"It is not just limited to the training of the mind. Public speaking is of course something I have had to learn. Moreover, in ages past, members of our family were expected to become adept with the blade and Pokemon." By that, she of course was referring to times before the Meiji period. "Though learning how to use a weapon is unnecessary in these times, we continue to practice the raising of Pokemon, and still practice kendo for ceremonial purposes."
"Have you ever had to be in any Pokemon battles before?"
A nod. "Yes, sometimes." It was typically sparring to keep her friends' talents sharp for when they were necessary. For example, pacifying aggressive Pokemon when words would not reach them.
"Are you any good?"
Prema looked at Schrader in disbelief. "I just stated that we raise them extensively." Did she truly have to explain everything explicitly? Evidently so. With a resigned sigh, she went into detail, "While engaging in battle is not something we need do in modern times, we nevertheless do learn. So yes. I have done so with some success in the past." From that aforementioned incident a week after moving to Veilstone in particular, battling a member of a certain youth activist group. Prema did not battle often, but as that person found out, she knew how to.
"Of course," she added, "It cannot be overlooked that training is another way to bond with Pokemon. I speculate that is why the tradition has held, even though the original intent was a means to defend our lords and ourselves." This was only a guess, of course. It could well be for no reason but tradition. As she learned in her studies, many cultures kept up obsolete customs, even those that were questionable by today's standards. This one had valid justification going for it, at least.
"Fair enough," said Schrader, taking a drink of water. "Is there anything else to your training?"
"Yes. There is one final thing I will have to do at some point to complete my training, known only as The Rite. This is a tradition that all heads to the shrine have underwent for over 600 years." She recalled the exact words. "As it is written: ‘With one's own feet, travel far to the lakes of Sinnoh. To each, in solitude, make a prayer in the cavern. Then venture to the center between and leave there an offering.’ This is often performed after the person has turned at least sixteen, and has completed all other training."
She would be sixteen when February 25th rolled around. Nevertheless, Prema was considering not heading out straight away. She wanted to be as prepared as possible before doing so, and preferably not do it during the winter. There was not a rush. That was just the earliest time it was permitted.
Schrader nodded, pausing briefly before speaking again. "A bit of a different question for you now. Is there any truth to the rumors about you and the Demon Tamer, Nori Carino?"
Prema tilted her head. "There are rumors about us?" Nori Carino was her closest friend, whom she had met in August of last year. He was the Pokemon Rehabilitator, a special type of trainer working for the Officials.
"Are you seeing each other?"
Seeing each other? What kind of a question was that? "Well, we meet often, which involves sight of one another. So I suppose yes."
"I meant, are you dating?"
"W-what?" Dating?! "...no, no. That's not..." She shook her head feverishly, trying to stave off her discomfort. "Nori is simply a close friend. It is nothing like that, no. Furthermore, my father would not approve of someone who has no interest in joining our shrine." It was to her relief that she managed to compose herself adequately. By her standards, at least.
"But if he did approve, would you?"
Prema closed her eyes. She should have known Akari Schrader would ask something unprofessional. When she had agreed to do this interview, it was to help their shrine. Not to help fuel celebrity gossip. While she did not doubt it would be published anyway, her flustered reaction and all, she could still put her foot down. It was time to do so.
"...Ms. Schrader, this is going far beyond the intended scope of our interview. I answered your previous inquiry out of politeness. However, if you are going to persist in asking personal questions, and I mean that in general, we will end this here." She punctuated this with an empty stare to show she was serious.
"All right, no further questions in that case." Schrader turned to the camera. "This has been reporter Akari Schrader, having brought you an exclusive interview with Lady Prema Kannagi. Will this shrine with deep roots in our country's history finally sink, or will it once again soar?"
While that was not a question directed at her, she answered anyway. "I intend to see that it soars, thank you very much."
"And...cut."
As soon as the cameras had stopped rolling, Prema wasted no time rising to her feet and walking away. She knew there was nothing wrong with feeling anger. One of the many expectations upon her was to conduct herself with grace, which included not outwardly showing extreme emotion. She was doing her best to remain composed, yet part of her wanted to scream about this.
"Lady Kannagi, is something the matter?"
Yes, there was something that bothered her a lot. Much as she would have liked to walk out without giving the reporter an answer, she was aware enough to know would be improper. The green-haired girl turned and made her grievance perfectly clear.
"Ms. Schrader, with all due respect, I believe it was highly unprofessional for you to ask a question about my personal life."
Schrader smirked. "It was a question that was on the public's mind," she defended, her tone aloof and unashamed. "Asking it was my duty."
Prema closed her eyes. "Your family may hold a lot of influence. But remember that mine does as well."
The reporter paused. "Freedom of the press exists, Lady Kannagi," she forced out, visibly forcing an arrogant smirk. "We have a right to air this interview, and might I remind that you signed a contract as well."
"I am aware. However, this does not mean we cannot take action if you skew things to portray me in a biased light."
Schrader paused a moment. No doubt recalling the scandal she survived. "It will be presented with no alteration."
No alteration. She had seen a number of reports where media bias was blatant. Much of it negative in attempt to dramatize an event or demonize someone. Presenting the report in that fashion was the best she could ask for at this point.
"Very well."
"It was good to meet with you properly this time." Schrader extended a hand.
Prema accepted it without hesitation, if only to be polite. "I have to get back to the shrine now. I hope you can understand."
"We won't keep you, then."
She departed without a further word. The future head priestess was still frustrated. This made for the second time Akari Schrader had done something like that to her. She did not want to believe all of them were harsh journalists with a ruthless lack of bias who would do anything to expose the truth, but it appeared that stereotype held true in this instance.
With that in mind, Prema intended to watch this interview to see for herself how it turned out. If it turned out she lied about presenting it as-is, they would have to do something. And perhaps while she was at it, she could get another's opinion of the matter...
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