The prior secret bases had been a ton of fun - but this one, well... This was going to be an interesting one, and El wasn't sure how to feel of it, as they glanced to the gyarados idly circling around the stage. At the center stood a microphone - set upon a silver table - as well as some pokedalls seated before it. A confessional of sorts - anonymous, but recorded and possibly to be shared as well.

And as they carefully made their way across the walkway to approach the microphone, well... El wasn't all that sure what to talk about at first. Were there things that they could talk about? Sure - there were many things left unsaid by them, be it about their father, about Isaac Merlo, or just the expectations they had on their shoulders. And yet, to decide on one subject felt difficult - especially for the sheer fact of just, how personal some of the things buzzing around in their head felt.

A few times, they'd open and close their mouth - failed attempts to begin speaking, before nerves began to get the best of them. Maybe this wasn't the base for them--...

... Although, Bibidi would place a gentle hand against El's back, feelings of reassurance washing over their mind. Perhaps, it'd be a good idea, to get at least something small off of one's chest?

"... Y'know... Change can be a pretty scary thing sometimes, honestly." El eventually spoke - not sure where this subject was going to go, but wanting to at least follow their heart. When the gyarados gave them a quiet nod in agreement, they'd suck in a breath, before continuing "I... Feel like a lot of my life's thus far been just, having to deal with one change after another. Some slow and gradual, some fast and sudden - but change all the same, change that was beyond my own control. Maybe more change than a kid should have to worry about."

The gyarados grunted briefly, as if to indicate that it was still listening to them.

"The things I love changing or disappearing, the path in front of me being chosen for me by others, the world around me going through one upheaval after another... It's only really recently that I've begun trying to choose things for myself, things that feel like they have a real impact." Briefly, their fingers drifted to the pocket on their bag that they kept their Ranger badge in, bearing the color of a trainee. "But even the change I've chosen, it's... Kinda scary too, sometimes, realizing all of these options in front of me. Options I have to actually weigh and decide on myself. And maybe I've gotten by fine just fine, just following my heart...

... But I probably can't follow my heart for every little thing, either, can I?" Fidgeting, El fiddled with the mic a little - at least, until Bibidi's hand on their shoulder stopped them, paired with another wave of reassurance. Gently, they let out a breath they didn't even realize they'd been holding. "... At least I don't really have to make these choices alone... I... I am honestly grateful for Bibidi. She's been a wonderful source of support from day one, even if having her at my side took a lot of adjusting at first."

And they'll say as much to Isaac, when they got the chance to see him again - not if, but when. They were confident they'd find Isaac - wanted to hang onto that confidence, for the lifeline and excuse alike that it was, with it being the reason why they left home in the first place. He was still out there in Hoenn somewhere - and it was only a matter of time, before they'd be able to see him again, surely.

Josh wasn't sure who this Secret Base belonged to, but the large Pokémon plush collection was impressive. He thought he had a large collection himself, particularly of legendary Pokémon, but this one was enormous! The Gyarados at the interview stage was real, though. As much as he wanted to get the weight of his altercation with Eris Halla off his shoulders, he couldn't. Not here. Much of that information was not public, and for good reason. Instead, his thoughts drifted to the Beast of Thunder.

"...I've been thinking long and hard about these last thirteen years. Is chasing Raikou right? Even for the League, to keep Hoenn's citizens safe, is it right to desire the power of a god?" He went silent for a bit as the aquatic serpent silently shook its head.

"On one hand, given what happened to Raikou, assuming he's still alive, he would almost certainly be League-aligned. But what if I'm wrong? What if I have to make a choice between Raikou and the League? I don't know if I'd be able to... choose the League over Raikou." It was a dreadful and troubling thought that the Gyarados' roar was a sign of disapproval of.

"And yet... even if Raikou were to choose me... could I handle it? Are humans really meant to wield that kind of power? There's this nagging feeling in me that tells me that seeking him out is wrong, and that I should let Raikou come to me. I just don't know, though...!"

With a silent nod, the Gyarados flashed a subtle smile.

"You really think so?" Receiving no further response than being presented a flag, Josh scooped it up and left alongside Raikiri.