#termina rambles

something about how utterly HEROIC it is, ESPECIALLY at the brief calmer section starting from 1:37 then the epic build up, makes me feel So Many Things.

This is the theme of a man who had lost everyone, and burned with a completely understandable desire for vengeance, yet controlled that raging flame into a gentle, melting fire that brings warmth, and the capacity to mold others into their better selves. This is the man who risked so much to defend the place that had essentially forsaken him, and for what- to prevent needless suffering? This man saw people killed and their killers, and despite everything, believes in the inherent goodness of humanity, and seeks to change the system and improve life not with violence, but benevolence wherever possible.

This is a hero of a story, a journey, a growth that we never got to see- but one who guides our own path onto one of humanity and righteousness. And for the reborn jade, it was that exact path that he needed to walk with his own two feet.

Guys. Can you tell. I might love Jia Qiu.

[...This is also the guy who was first introduced to us with some utterly terrifying music, dark visuals, carrying around a severed head. Ah, subversion of expectations.]

[I could go on forever. Also about the music, but I won't. Please it's just so good.]

Originally from discord messages I sent so it's not an essay or even points, just me noticing things, but i might write something eventually if I have time?

This is mostly about fire, wrath, Jia/Kong Qiu and some of Hong Lu and some small linking to Hohenheim :)

OKAY, SO! Quick preface that I do like and am open to basically any Hohenheim ship (with one exception that we shall not name). Even if I don't think about it much/ship it myself I still appreciate and like it. Now:

I do see the LCE trio as platonic myself but I like the romantic interpretation too!! Either way there is absolutely so much angst potential here as well as so much fluff potential, with Hohenheim basically taking them in from the Backstreets and helping them realize their potential as assistants... the assistants taking care of their chief and also each other when the workload gets high... going out for smoke breaks together... fun workplace shenanigans... the obvious events of Canto IX and the mourning, the wrath, the connection tested... AAAGGGHHH!!!

I really REALLY love their relationship actually, whether it's platonic or romantic. They also look super cute together. I still can't believe they killed Marton but not Alyssa.

Now, this one i DO ship romantically! It's not my OT3 or OTP but it IS one I really like!!

I think the biggest thing that I love about their relationship is emphasized in the Distorted Hohenheim observation log. How he is genuinely open, listening, and accepting to Heathcliff, how he doesn't treat him as 'stupid' for his more spontaneous and out-there ideas or suggestions or alternative way of thinking. I think Heathcliff really needs that, especially after the Sinners' judgements of him after the canto due to the effect of erasing Catherine making C6 look... well, kind of odd to them. Even/especially outside of the Sinners it's how he's been treated his whole life. It's why Heathenheim IS my favorite Heathcliff ship. Heathcliff was genuinely so happy in this intervallo with Hohenheim respecting and understanding him and giving him the fun opportunity to be his assistant, it was great.

Also, Hohenheim continuing to call Heathcliff his Assistant and placing him in higher esteem than other Sinners is really cute, I love his attachment to Heathcliff so much.

Speaking of his attachment, now I do think that it is crucial to view Heathenheim (and most Hohenheim ships, really) from a lens of past Joheim. That is, Hohenheim's feelings towards Heathcliff are of course influenced by his feelings for Johann. Hohenheim being reminded of Johann and the lessons Johann taught him are after all why he picked Heathcliff as an assistant. I don't doubt Hohenheim loves Heathcliff as his own person as well, but there is definitely some coping mechanisms in here as well. I've seen some interpretations that some of Hohenheim's traits could remind Heathcliff of Cathy as well. (Hence them making each other worse.)

The Dusk of Amber walpipi had really cute moments too. "Oi, you ain't half bad, specs… You're goin' up in my list." I was absolutely like Fuck Yeah Heathenheim Crumbs

Oh, also. Heathcliff quit your job join the LCE we love you here you can be happy with us!! And all that.

✅️ PROS

• can confidently say you're likely within the top ~1200 fans. nobody gets it like you and your 1199 homies do.

• seeing the character appear is not a buffet, yet remains a rare, delectable treat. not every idea has yet been seen. the sky remains the limit.

• not much readily available merch to shred your wallet on. it is safe for another day. potentially another year.

❌️ CONS

• spending 77 years waiting for The Character to appear again. you scour every slice of dialogue. their name is mentioned once. 10 more years until another crumb. that or they tease you by having them appear everywhere but never playable. never recognized in the eyes of the common masses.

• there are 5 pieces of merch available shipped for $60 from the depths of hell. you can only know about it by collecting 13 hidden runes to find a secret shop on Twitter. pre orders ended last week