[Goy] - Mina's Eccentricites

It was a temperate day on Poni Island, with just a hint of breeze cutting through the radiant heat. The water from the erupting geysers on the coast supped the dryness from the air that came from the island’s vast canyon. The pokémon were especially enjoying the weather today, as many were out with their trainers or frolicking through the tall grass.

It had been a few weeks since I became the champion of Alola, and I was searching for something new that would make life in the region a little more exciting.

When I bumped into Poni Island’s trial captain, the oblivious, droll, unenthused, secretly smug Mina, it was the last person I expected to bring me a new challenge.

(Yes, bumped!)

“Oof!”

I fell flat on my butt, and my Azumarill did, too.

Mina fell on her butt, also, but somehow kept the same neutral face, in contrast with her Granbull, who scowled and let out an annoyed snort.

My impulse was to scold her about staring into space all the time, but I had known Mina long enough to accept that it’s just her way of looking at life.

I got up quickly and offered my hand, but Mina had already brushed herself off and was inspecting her Granbull.

“Nice to uh, see you again, Mina. You and your Granbull okay?”

The blonde-haired artist looked at her lavender companion, then at her hands, which were now dusty with the red clay soil beneath us.

“Wow...this stuff could make a great terra cotta paint.”

I could tell she was getting inspired. Her eyes were still glazed like her pottery, but a hint of a smile crossed her lips.

“Thanks for showing me this, Anon. Do you want to go walk together? I need time to think up the mixing ratios for this stuff.”

I nodded profusely. It was rare to get such an invitation from Mina, as she often complained that being with others distracted her from her routines. We started down Poni Grove with our pokémon, though Granbull soon asked to return to his poké ball, still irritated about our encounter. Azumarill stuck out her paws and gave us a determined look. I laughed a little and Mina and I each grabbed a paw, much to Azumarill’s delight.

“Azu-azu!~”

With Azumarill’s egg-like body trotting between us, it was shaping up to be a pleasant afternoon.

“Mina, I’ve always wanted to ask you something...”

“What is it?”

“How do you stay so calm and collected all the time? You’re so strong and talented, but you don’t seem to acknowledge that or show your passion outwardly. You’re a bit of an enigma to us trainers.”

“Oh. You see Anon, I’m autistic.”

She left it at that, but somewhat quickly realized that she needed to explain further.

“Uh...I express my emotions in different ways. I’m really passionate about art and pokémon, so even if it looks like I’m not having fun with those things on the outside, I’m really excited on the inside.”

“Oh, uh...cool! I’m just a little surprised that you were so honest about it.”

Mina gave me a quick glance.

“N-not that you’re not honest about, like, everything! I just didn’t expect you to feel comfortable talking about yourself so freely.”

“What is there to hide, Anon?”

She left me to think about that as we neared the end of the path. I wish I could have said something more, but I was busy connecting the dots of her neurodivergence.

“This was nice, Anon. I figured out the ratios for the paint, I’ll collect a clay sample and get started on a new work tomorrow. You’re a good listener. Stop by my house in Seafolk Village soon, kay? Second one on the left.”

Before I could think of a response, she let go of Azumarill’s hand and gave her a pat, then started back down the path in her usual meandering gait.

An unfamiliar feeling washed over me that I played off as intrigue. For some reason, I found myself not wanting that walk to end.