[Minato's honestly thankful he has an intact bedroom left after the fiasco a few days back, even if there's scorch marks on some of the walls and a large hole where a wall used to be.
All things considering he's not even surprised to see Saiduq waiting for him when he walks in after getting up for a glass of water. That had been trying, and he's noticeably a little sluggish in his movements as he walks back to his bed to settle down.]
You look well, Saiduq. Something on your mind? [The question's asked inquisitively, as if Minato knows he wouldn't be here without reason.]
[ The property damage isn't new to him, and he surmises that an altercation took place. Things like that happen. ]
You could say that, although it is mostly gratitude.
[ ... ]
First, do you like food?
[ That question sounds like the epitome of Captain Obvious(tm), but there's a difference between liking something and passively ingesting it because it's necessary for your existence. The former is more relevant. ]
[Does Minato like food? Arguably eating is almost the top of the list of his favorite things to do (The others being making friends and sleeping), and Minato's just a little wide-eyed and still in the two seconds it takes his mind to process exactly what Saiduq is suggesting.
He has no clue what he did to deserve this, but he has faith in Saiduq's cooking prowess at least. How can an omnipotent being fail at being a supreme chef?]
When can I start? [Yes, yes he does enjoy food and he's a very hungry boy.]
[ Doing a favor for Hiro is the same as doing as favor for Saiduq (except when it's not), as far he's currently concerned. Hence, reward. He can be capricious like this, destroying demons on a whim or randomly intruding in people's private rooms because he felt like having a chat. ]
Whenever you please.
[ With a snap of his fingers, a box appears one second and neatly opens the next, revealing...oyakodon?
For what it's worth, it smells great. Tastes great too, but that's because he's a cheater who didn't quite cook the conventional, human way. There are utensils as well, of course, and he floats from Minato's seat at his desk (since he took it). He's not that poor of a host. ]
This is... [Minato knows it's oyakodon and that Saiduq must have seen it at least once if he can make it, but he's impressed by the display of culinary skill all the same. He accepts the meal graciously, flexing his fingers before picking up a spoon and tucking in hungrily.
It doesn't take long for Minato to finish his meal, and he sets the empty bowl aside before looking back at Saiduq.] It was delicious. I didn't know you could cook so well though...and thanks for the meal.
Some things can only be learned from bad experiences. [There's some wryness in the way Minato says it, and one wouldn't think he's merely talking about food.]
You could say Hiro and I have something in common there...hearing what he felt about his duty was relieving, in a way. [That and free food is a pretty good deal where Minato's concerned, even if he's still reluctant to fully disclose the circumstances of his situation.]
Kind of. We both did what was necessary and it's something we'll never regret, but I guess it's hard to not have doubts about how you feel about it when you're in a place like this.
[It's not that Minato thinks anyone could save him. He knows he was going to die either way and that the way things played out meant he had no other choice. It's just hard to return to life learning that his sacrifice could have been done for nothing, and he'll have to finish the job again leaving with nothing.]
[ So it's something akin to regret, but not quite. Saiduq can't really understand what they'd been going through, but he can listen. ]
Would you say that the feeling is...bittersweet?
[ Or existential dread and despair. One or the other. Either way, some elaboration might be helpful if he wants to communicate it in the first place. ]
You could say that. ['Bittersweet' is exactly how he'd describe it, that feeling of happiness knowing his friends would live laced with the bitterness of waiting for them to remember so that he can finally go...the joy of making friends once more, only to know that none of them will remember him this time.
It's a tough pill to swallow, and he feels as if he'd choke on it.]
I wouldn't claim to know what you and Hiro have been through together, but he's not alone in feeling sad about not being able to see his friends again.
[ He lets out a small noise of acknowledgement at that. Ironically, it seems that Saiduq can also understand that feeling. Having your existence erased as a consequence of choosing a certain path is just how the chips fall, for him. ]
It is a heavy burden, and one that I would not wish on anyone unless they were absolutely sure about it.
[ Which is why he's pretty sure the Saiduq in that timeline tried to persuade him from making that choice. Without asking for his permission, he moves to try to gently place his hand on Minato's face. ]
I'm...afraid I can do little about it, save for provide some company.
[ He's nigh-omnipotent, but when he isn't, he feels absolutely weak. ]
I wouldn't either. It's a heavy burden...but I accepted it, knowing what would happen. [He smiles wanly when Saiduq places his hand on his face. No matter what pain he had faced he'd never have changed that.]
Some company would be nice. [Being with his friends was nice, but in the end there's some things he can only face on his own and knowing someone who shared a similar fate had brought a weird sense of understanding that felt liberating.]
[ And because Minato mentioned that having someone who kind of understand his plight can be liberating, he...might as well mention his own circumstances too. Minato might be the first person he's ever really told about hailing from a different route choice.
tfw the perfect route seemingly needs you to disappear from existence ]
And more, if you so wish. After all, you mentioned that hearing others with similar burdens can be relieving in a way.
[After everything Hiro's mentioned Minato's sure Saiduq has some interesting circumstances himself, and he nods lightly by way of accepting the offer.]
I'd be happy to hear you out, Saiduq. ...Do you want to have a seat? [It's almost nostalgic in fact, having someone here who comes and goes just like Pharos and who is almost as mysterious.
...that being said he's pretty sure neither Pharos nor Ryoji were excellent cooks, and Saiduq wins some points in that regard.]
[ Does he really need a seat? Not really, but he'll just...park himself on Minato's bed, then, since it's offered. That might make things even more nostalgic for the young man. ]
Thank you.
[ ... ]
Hm...I believe it would be prudent to start off with asking what you know about the system the Shining One is involved in, first.
System? [Minato's finding it a little awkward still having his hands resting on his lap, but it hurts to tuck them in his pockets for too long. He tilts his curiously as if he wants to know more, searching Saiduq for an answer.]
Hiro didn't mention anything like that to me. All I know is that he's called an Administrator and it gives him god-like powers...is that what you're talking about?
Yes. This may be the time to mention that I am also a being from that system, albeit one of a lower rank than he, so to speak.
[ ... ]
Tell me, Minato Arisato. From what you have heard of his plight so far, what do you think of such a system?
[ A system that needs an Administrator to sit at the throne in complete isolation in order to give humanity a chance. A system that can destroy entire worlds to the Administrator's whim. A system so rigid it will erase from existence any irregularities. ]
So, like a moderator? [Forgive him, that's about all Minato knows since he's surfed a few forums in his time.]
It sounds terrible from what I know, but I'm human too. [Which is to say he isn't a god or anything like it, and people generally didn't like knowing they could be crushed at any time.]
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no subject
All things considering he's not even surprised to see Saiduq waiting for him when he walks in after getting up for a glass of water. That had been trying, and he's noticeably a little sluggish in his movements as he walks back to his bed to settle down.]
You look well, Saiduq. Something on your mind? [The question's asked inquisitively, as if Minato knows he wouldn't be here without reason.]
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You could say that, although it is mostly gratitude.
[ ... ]
First, do you like food?
[ That question sounds like the epitome of Captain Obvious(tm), but there's a difference between liking something and passively ingesting it because it's necessary for your existence. The former is more relevant. ]
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He has no clue what he did to deserve this, but he has faith in Saiduq's cooking prowess at least. How can an omnipotent being fail at being a supreme chef?]
When can I start? [Yes, yes he does enjoy food and he's a very hungry boy.]
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Whenever you please.
[ With a snap of his fingers, a box appears one second and neatly opens the next, revealing...oyakodon?
For what it's worth, it smells great. Tastes great too, but that's because he's a cheater who didn't quite cook the conventional, human way. There are utensils as well, of course, and he floats from Minato's seat at his desk (since he took it). He's not that poor of a host. ]
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It doesn't take long for Minato to finish his meal, and he sets the empty bowl aside before looking back at Saiduq.] It was delicious. I didn't know you could cook so well though...and thanks for the meal.
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[ ??? ]
Again, think of it as a token of gratitude.
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Are you referring to what I said to Hiro? I'd be happy if it helped him in any way...he seemed a little troubled at that time.
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I do not understand. Is not having more experience more conducive to higher quality dishes...?
[ That goes against what he's observed for...99.9% of human history. Alas, he does not understand Fuuka's multiple attempts at cooking. ]
But yes, I am indeed referring to that. As you have eased some of the burden on his heart, I wish to do the same for you.
[ Treat his friends right, and he'll treat you (and maybe your friends) right. ]
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You could say Hiro and I have something in common there...hearing what he felt about his duty was relieving, in a way. [That and free food is a pretty good deal where Minato's concerned, even if he's still reluctant to fully disclose the circumstances of his situation.]
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Why? Because you share a similar sentiment?
[ It's not so much "misery loves company" as...knowing there's another one out there who has had similar experiences. Similar to him and Miyako. ]
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[It's not that Minato thinks anyone could save him. He knows he was going to die either way and that the way things played out meant he had no other choice. It's just hard to return to life learning that his sacrifice could have been done for nothing, and he'll have to finish the job again leaving with nothing.]
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Would you say that the feeling is...bittersweet?
[ Or existential dread and despair. One or the other. Either way, some elaboration might be helpful if he wants to communicate it in the first place. ]
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It's a tough pill to swallow, and he feels as if he'd choke on it.]
I wouldn't claim to know what you and Hiro have been through together, but he's not alone in feeling sad about not being able to see his friends again.
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It is a heavy burden, and one that I would not wish on anyone unless they were absolutely sure about it.
[ Which is why he's pretty sure the Saiduq in that timeline tried to persuade him from making that choice. Without asking for his permission, he moves to try to gently place his hand on Minato's face. ]
I'm...afraid I can do little about it, save for provide some company.
[ He's nigh-omnipotent, but when he isn't, he feels absolutely weak. ]
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Some company would be nice. [Being with his friends was nice, but in the end there's some things he can only face on his own and knowing someone who shared a similar fate had brought a weird sense of understanding that felt liberating.]
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[ And because Minato mentioned that having someone who kind of understand his plight can be liberating, he...might as well mention his own circumstances too. Minato might be the first person he's ever really told about hailing from a different route choice.
tfw the perfect route seemingly needs you to disappear from existence ]
And more, if you so wish. After all, you mentioned that hearing others with similar burdens can be relieving in a way.
[ He's hinting at it. ]
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I'd be happy to hear you out, Saiduq. ...Do you want to have a seat? [It's almost nostalgic in fact, having someone here who comes and goes just like Pharos and who is almost as mysterious.
...that being said he's pretty sure neither Pharos nor Ryoji were excellent cooks, and Saiduq wins some points in that regard.]
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Thank you.
[ ... ]
Hm...I believe it would be prudent to start off with asking what you know about the system the Shining One is involved in, first.
no subject
Hiro didn't mention anything like that to me. All I know is that he's called an Administrator and it gives him god-like powers...is that what you're talking about?
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[ ... ]
Tell me, Minato Arisato. From what you have heard of his plight so far, what do you think of such a system?
[ A system that needs an Administrator to sit at the throne in complete isolation in order to give humanity a chance. A system that can destroy entire worlds to the Administrator's whim. A system so rigid it will erase from existence any irregularities. ]
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It sounds terrible from what I know, but I'm human too. [Which is to say he isn't a god or anything like it, and people generally didn't like knowing they could be crushed at any time.]