[ 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.]
no subject
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. ]
no subject
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.
no subject
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. ]
no subject
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.]
no subject
[ 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. ]
no subject
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.]
no subject
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?
no subject
[ ... ]
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. ]
no subject
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.]