Interview with Team Shenkuu (Follow Up)

     Hey everyone! I don't suppose you remember me, but I interviewed you guys a few years ago and now I am back for more! This year, I’ve brought along a long-time fan who just returned from a break; they’ve been talking about the press conference non-stop and we can’t wait to learn more.

     Mirsha: I do remember, we all do. It was quite an enjoyable interview. I believe that was also the day Xana couldn't come because she had her jitters!

     Right yes, the jitters. Xana this first question is for you. Have you overcome your nerves and jitters?

     Xana: Well, yes and no. I still occasionally get nervous but it has gotten better! I have practiced all year and I am ready for the Cup. Shenkuu's herbal tea and dried roots definitely paid off!

     That's great, Xana! I am so happy to hear you're better, you look better too. I’m glad to see that training regimen in the mountains didn’t take too much of a toll on any of you. Would you mind sharing anything fun or memorable that happened during your practice in the mountains?

     Timu: Most memorable thing for me was when we had to practice with a Yooyu that feared heights. I didn't think Yooyus could fear heights. So, it just sat there, in the middle of the practice arena and didn't even move. Whenever we tried to grab it, it just ducked us. We sent the Yooyu back to Altador shortly after.

     Larcy: That was a young Yooyu, it will learn in time. For me, the most fun part was tackling my teammates and using my underhand tactics. Not all teams play clean, so my team needs to know how to deal with unorthodox strategies.

     Xana: Hmmm.. Most fun and memorable? Well, it's not really related to practice, but it helped me become a better player. I tried Shenkuu River Rush for the first time. Speeding down the mountains of Shenkuu with nothing but a River Rush board between you and the cliff sides is awesome. It helped me shut out everything else and just focus on the moment. It helped my reflexes too.

     Antola: That Yooyu was definitely memorable. I mean we have to practice with all kinds of Yooyus, so this one time we practiced with a robot Yooyu, but it was only after some time that we noticed it was a plushie! Who packed our Yooyu bag, I wonder?

     Mirsha: As much as I love practise with my team, the most fun was getting home after practise ended. You can all guess why (wide smile).

     Speaking of which, my next question is for you Mirsha. For the first time ever, we got a peek at your personal life when you told the news that your girlfriend kept you motivated during rough times. What made you share that?

     Mirsha: Well, we’ve been together for a while now and I wanted everyone to know how great she is of course! She has been my pillar of support, really. Her letters were definitely something that kept me pushing forward, even during the hardest of times. The thought of seeing her at the end of the training season was everything to me.

     Larcy: I have not seen Mirsha so focused before.

     Timu: The effects of love really work miracles! Mirsha has changed to an even better version of herself thanks to her girlfriend.

     Antola: We have met her, too! They look so cute together. Mirsha's positive glow has motivated us as well! We want to do better than ever before.

     That's great to hear. You mentioned you two have been together for a while now – I’m surprised we haven’t heard about her sooner.

     Mirsha: I’ve wanted to tell Neopia how incredible she is for several Altador Cups, but it was more important to me that she felt comfortable. The amount of publicity surrounding the Cup isn’t everyone’s cup of herbal tea. We sat down after I returned from training and discussed if she wanted to hold off attending in person for another year.

     Timu: And she really gave you an earful for that, didn’t she? Only thinking about what she wants; you know she can handle herself just fine! Let me tell you - our captain is the best around, no question about it, but can be a bit over-protective. Like a Krawken with treasure!

     Mirsha: It wasn’t like tha-

     Larcy: It was more like a loyal puppyblew that won’t leave its companion’s side!

     Antola: No way! She’s much cooler than a puppyblew! Maybe more like a Quilin?

     Mirsha, do you wish to comment further?

     Mirsha: *sigh* They aren’t wrong. My first time at the Altador Cup was nerve-wracking to say the least. It’s so different from Shenkuu… I was more worried about what could go wrong than what she might really like about the experience. My girlfriend made a good point; we’re a team. We have to pick a strategy that plays to everyone’s strengths while also taking into account what they want. And, that strategy right now is to make the news public on our own terms and navigate what comes next together.

     She sounds like quite the inspiring leader herself! Tell me, Mirsha, do those future plans involve a reveal at the podium, perhaps?

     Mirsha: I won’t promise anything right now, but say that she is here at the Cup with me, rooting for me. And I will do my best to make us proud!

     Timu: We all want to make her proud, she is almost part of the team!

     Well, I am certainly happy for all of you! Speaking of happy, you seem much more energetic than last time, Antola. Did that mountain air make all the difference, or does it have anything to do with your published pronouns?

     Antola: I suppose it’s partially to do with that. At first, when we were asked what pronoun to use in the "teams" section of the Cup, I wasn’t sure how to answer. Ever since that incident with a Strange Potion, it has been really hard to define myself. I learned recently though that it’s okay not to have the exact answer, and that going with what’s right to me at the time doesn’t mean it’s any less valid. It might sound silly, but I feel like that took a lot less pressure off the decision to try male pronouns. Everyone has been really supportive too, which has made the transition much easier. It’s a relief I can just focus on the tournament and not be so worried about interviews!

     Timu: All that matters is that you give it your best on the field! I am so happy that I joined such a great team.

     Xana: We have bonded a lot more and it really shows! I think this was our best practice season yet!

     Larcy: We actually might even have a shot at winning this year, that's how good the practice season was.

     Fantastic to hear! So, you guys have practiced a lot as I can tell. What are your expectations for this year’s Cup?

     Mirsha: To win the cup!

     Timu: I will hold that cup this year. First place, baby!

     Larcy: We are done playing games, this year Shenkuu will show you what we are capable of!

     Xana: I am so ready to win. I have worked so hard and will keep working hard to win!

     Antola: Win. Simple as that.

     I am loving the team spirit! Our time is almost up, anything you want to tell your old and new fans?

     Mirsha: We want to thank everyone who has chosen us and has supported us! New or old, we hope you find a community here. We will do our best! Also, we love you as you are!

     Timu: Spread love not hate!

     Xana: Team Shenkuu for the Cup!

     Antola: Love will always win and we have so much of it in our team!

     Larcy: We will win, the rest is history.

     And there you have it folks! We're here, we're queer and we're here to win the Cup! Team Shenkuu is being open with us so let's show them some love! Hopefully this will be their best year yet, we don't want to let down Mirsha's girlfriend and all the fans. Could this be the year when Shenkuu wins and takes home the magnificent Altador Cup? Let the games begin and may the odds be ever be in our favor!