Transmutation - 001

[hoboheim]

My sons are arguing about my presence at a party that's supposed to be celebrating a holiday that promotes peace on Earth and goodwill toward men.

How terribly ironic that in wishing to spend time with my family, I've only served to further drive them apart.

I'm a terrible father...

Comments

[Video] Spreading Holiday Cheer.

[material_guy]

[Greed crosses his arms and assures Hohenheim in his hour of need quite matter of factly.] You're a shitty father, a shitty husband, a shitty lover, a shitty guy, a shitty everything, you piece of shit.

[Video] Yeah, the depressive kind!

[hoboheim]

Well, that's certainly true, though you needn't express such sentiments so vulgarly...

[Video] There's depressive cheer?

[material_guy]

Vulgar he says. Tch! Vulgar words're there to describe vulgar things, right? You're such a fucking lowlife that yer a vulgar thing yerself.

[Video] Look at Hohopapa. He's a happy melancholic!

[hoboheim]

Yes, I know. I am sufficently aware of that fact.

No matter what I do, I'll end up hurting one of them. If I show up, then Ed will be angry, and if I don't show up, then Al will be angry...

I just want them both to be happy...

[bornsnarky]

Sorry to hear it. Holiday time tends, in my expert opinion, to suck ass.

[hoboheim]

Really? This is my first time celebrating Christmas. Everyone made it out to sound so... joyous.

[bornsnarky]

I think in some families it is.

I believe these families to be mythical.

[hoboheim]

Why do you say that?

[killerbaseball]

If I am remembering our last conversation correctly, I completely understand their situation.

[hoboheim]

Our last conversation...? When did I...?

Oh! Wait. Wasn't that when I was... virused...?

[killerbaseball]

... Was it, now?

[hoboheim]

During our last conversation, did I appear to be somewhat cruel and crazed? Going on about some sort of vendetta against the Homunculi...?

nooo don't be sad friend :(

[nopodbaydoors]

The actions of your sons does not necessarily indicate your capabilities as a parent.

He's always so melancholy, though...

[hoboheim]

All I've ever done is caused them suffering... I suppose I really should have expected no less...

HAL likes his human friends alive and happy though :(

[nopodbaydoors]

As you said, this is the season for forgiving among most cultures. I would hope that compassion is part of their personalities in this particular case.

Hohopapa's happiness doesn't matter! It's his sons he's worried about!

[hoboheim]

Alphonse has already forgiven me for leaving him behind. Or, at least, he's come to understand my reasons for doing so, and he doesn't hold it against me.

But Edward... he won't listen to what I have to say. How can I explain myself to him when he won't even talk to me?

[Locked]

[hands4healing]

They've fought before, sir.

[...never to this extent, but....]

[Locked]

[hoboheim]

Somehow, I don't think this is one of those typical sibling squabbles...

Am I doing the right thing by not showing up? Ed will be happy, but then Al will be upset. And if I do show up, then Al will be happy, but Ed will be angry.

Is there nothing I can do that can appease them both?

[Locked]

[hands4healing]

I don't think anything will make both of them happy at this point, sir. I've...never seen Ed like this. And Al.

I don't know what to tell you.

[Locked]

[hoboheim]

...Was it really that bad? Their fight, I mean? What happened?

Perhaps I'm just being selfish. Maybe it would be for the best if I... didn't try to pursue a relationship with Edward anymore. But... there are things I need to tell him, regardless. Things concerning the Philosopher's Stone... And, perhaps, a way to restore their bodies...