[video]

[mamalike]

These freaky-necked things really don't let up, huh? I'm starting to think me and Ilex Forest just aren't meant to mix; every time we're ready to start that way, something comes up.

[Eda seems more amused than annoyed as she adjusts her Pokegear to show a battle: A shiny Hisuian Zorua, facing off against a Flamigo. The wild Pokemon is clearly getting frustrated as its forceful kicks keep making contact with Zorua without any results. The Zorua doesn't even flinch, in fact, it seems to be laughing.]

Anyway, this one can't be the smartest bird in the flock. Well, at least it's a good way to train up this new little guy!

...Maybe it's nuts, but I kind of want to catch the guy. I mean, you gotta give him credit for the determination, right?

Comments

[mamalike]

But if I catch it and train it, I can help with that part. Even someone with innate talents is going to need some guidance to hone those skills.

[outofsynth]

I guess...

[He doesn't sound convinced, but hey, if she wants a challenge.]

Maybe it would be better for it if it did have a trainer. It doesn't look like it's doing too well in the wild.

[mamalike]

Could be true in more ways than one, actually.

Y'see, there was a whole swarm of these birds. Everyone but this one flew off pretty quick, so I figure... Well, maybe it doesn't have a place of its own. So why not give it one?

[She has to roll her eyes at her own words, but the sentiment is near to her heart, even if she's maybe projecting a bit.]

[outofsynth]

[Oh. Hm.]

That actually makes me feel bad for it. I guess it's lucky it ran into you.

[mamalike]

I just know what it's like to be a bit of an oddball. And weirdos like me and this guy, we need to stick together.

[outofsynth]

You aren't that weird.

[He does not sound convincing.]

[mamalike]

[Oh it is so hard for not to just laugh.]

Oh, I'm not? Really?

[She shakes her head.]

It's not like it bothers me.

[outofsynth]

[Min's not sure how to take that and it shows in the awkward, uncertain pause that follows.]

It doesn't...?

[mamalike]

Nope. When you're not like everybody else, you have a choice to make-- Embrace that, or change it, if you can. But I think a lot of the time, you really can't. And, sure, some kinds of strange are harder to make peace with... But it feels a lot better than fighting yourself when you do.

[outofsynth]

[That... actually connects a lot more than he'd expected it to. He understands that deeply, especially with how things have been shaping out in the last few months. Prior to that he's not sure if he'd have agreed.]

Yeah. I get that.

[Even if he does sound surprised by it, he gets it. And now he maybe feels a little bad for thinking of her as weird.]

But, like... That doesn't make you weird, right? Just different.

[mamalike]

You have a point, sure. Weird... Depends on who you ask.

[She rests her hooked prosthetic against her chin.]

I like weird, though. I spent a long time doing things what was considered the wrong way. That didn't turn out to be the case, and the only thing that really changed was what people thought. These days, I guess most people back home would say I'm different sooner than weird.

[A shrug.]

But before that happened, I took ownership over the whole "being weird" thing. If it was something I chose, it didn't matter so much, what other people were saying.

[outofsynth]

That's... brave.

[At least he thinks it is. Even reframing "weird" as "different" is something he struggles with. There's a part of him that envies people who are more rebellious. He wishes that came more easily to him. The fact remains though that it's hard to go against expectations whether that's from family, society, or the pressures he puts on himself.

He's getting better at choosing the things that will make him happy, but that doesn't make it easy.]

How did you make yourself believe that? Instead of feeling like it was a bad thing?

[mamalike]

[Eda smiles gently with a sigh.]

I'll be honest with you, Min. A lot of it was the ol' "fake it 'til you make it" routine, and it took time.

...I also met people who felt like I did. Letting myself get close to them took time, too, but it sure went a long way.

[outofsynth]

That makes sense. Thank you.

[Min sounds resigned more than grateful. It's not the miracle answer he'd been hoping for, but really he'd known that didn't exist. If there was something that easy then everyone would know it already.

He's always been good at faking it, but this feels like a different version of it. A more challenging one. It doesn't feel as safe as toeing the line had done even if he knows in his heart being more honest will make him happier.]

[mamalike]

[Eda hesitates, thoughtful, before she nods and smiles a little.]

Sure thing, Min.

And hey, if you want to talk one on one, you can reach out. I'm a bit of an old hat at this stuff by now.

[outofsynth]

Thanks. That's nice to know. I think there's probably someone else I should talk to first though.

[In a way he already has, but it's too complicated to explain the circumstances that had forced his hand there now. The main point is though that the ball is very much in his court right now, and it's up to him to find the courage to bring up the subject again.]

[mamalike]

Hey, well... Whatever it is, good luck.