"That's what you're getting out of this?" Derek lets out a scoff consisting of something between humor and irritation. He'd only meant that, in stark contrast to the rest, Katherine was kind of a bitch. Of course, there had to be those whose face she didn't rub her heels in. "It's more like she's the one who could help me the most, being that she was there to deal with Regirock. That among other things..." Not to mention the way she so casually accused Derek of trying to become some kind of avatar. That he was trying to use her to do so. As if it were so easy. Maybe for her. But it made him wonder...

It crosses his mind to share that conversation in great detail, though for the time being Callan preoccupies himself with the capture of a Tinkaton. Did...did he choose that line of questioning to distract Derek from his find? Whatever. Not like his name was on it.

There was a Druddigon he could claim, or at least battle for the experience. But Derek chose to pursue the conversation instead. "Yeah, I know." The interview was...well, it was a weird hurdle to put in the way. But he understood why. "Not sure who will be conducting mine." Or if it mattered which of them took up the task. "Probably not you. Not that I think you'd be biased, but I would want to know for myself that I did it on my own." Best to keep things professional and only seek Callan out when the challenge was underway.

"If I had to choose, it'd probably be between Matias and Katherine." Derek didn't know them well enough that any potential for bias would fester. Well, not in a manner that would be of benefit to him during the interview. He'd rather the person be working against him. It would make the victory that much sweeter. "Unless there's some kind of reason you'd rather handle it?" This inquiry is likely to be fruitless, but he wonders if Callan might say anything to shed some light on the nature of this interview.

SKIPPING!

Callan Young

☉

"Yeah, but I don't plan on giving them any credit." Not the individual they currently spoke of, at least. Unless of course she proved helpful with the intention of doing so. But there was little reason for Derek to believe as such.

He overlooks the rest, allowing Callan to operate without distraction. Seems he'd gotten hold of another rare catch. "Hey, when are you gonna let me get one?" Letting out a small chuckle, Derek ignores the wild species he'd taken notice of not far off.

Best to leave the local population as undisturbed as possible. It's only Callan's mention of worry that brings his attention back to the topic at hand. "I'm just tired of being treated the way I am." Years ago the league looked different. People weren't raised on a pedestal, only to patronize those finding themselves in a position they were once familiar with. "With the champion's title, it becomes a lot more clear what you're looking at."

Derek didn't need to be looked after or saved from disaster everywhere he went. He'd seen more than his fair share of tragedy. The only thing they had was titles. Or worse yet, trophies. "Maybe it's a cycle, but I feel like Hoenn's been on a steady decline as of late."

SKIPPING!

Callan Young

☉