My OTP Is Awesome Because...

[dearheart]

Got this idea after smoothing over a fanwar between me and a tweenage RoyEd fan who kept trolling the EdWin corner in another website (and for some reason, is convinced that the original FMA anime was meant to be the manga's plot, but Arakawa "changed her mind" after it ended and decided to make the manga different. lolwut.)

Anyway, it got me thinking...why do so many FMA fans (or fans of ANYTHING) feel the need to put down other pairings to justify their own OTP? I've seen this on both sides of the spectrum, EdWin nazis and yaoi brats alike. It's so stupid! I can understand indulging in a rant, now and then, but seriously...why can't we just focus on what we DO like, instead of what we DON'T? And even when we do voice our criticisms of other pairings, there's a way to do it without trampling over everyone in the process. >.>

I know I'm preaching to the choir here, and I know we've already got threads for canon pairings and non-canon pairings and whatnot. But I thought it would be cool to have a thread where everyone could share why and what they love about their OTP, with no negative comments or pairing-hating allowed. Sort of a mini-manifesto-free-for-all thingy, I guess. xD Even if I don't like a pairing, I still like to hear the reasons behind it and try to understand why others like it, and it helps me learn to respect other fans all the more.

So here's how it works: tell us what your favorite pairing is, what it's about, and why you like it! And you can do this however you want - silly, serious, whatever. Even crack pairings are welcome. *Kimblee x Philosopher's Stone FTW* xD Also, you will make me very, very happy if you share at least one song (with YouTube linkage!) that "represents" your pairing...basically, what you think their "theme song" is. 'Cause I'm a music junkie. <3

Also, feel free to share more than one pairing if you want! It's hard to pick just one! But I'd love it if you'd limit it to one pairing per post. So that the thread won't die an early death. =P

I'll start! My OTP is Ed x Winry. (WHAT A SHOCK, I KNOW.)

EdWin is about waiting, because love is worth waiting for. It's about pain and promises, tears and joys; knowing the best, the worst and the just-plain-weird about each other and sticking together anyway. It's about friendship, banter, arguments, denials, reluctant realizations, awkward steps, and a few softer, quieter moments of being there for each other.

It's about brokenness being healed, strength filling weakness, conquering the limits of Equivalent Exchange, and discovering that love isn't something you fall into - it's something you grow into.

EdWin is awesome because there's so many different sides and layers to it - way more than people realize. There's a little bit of everything in it: humor, angst, sweetness, hormones... (PERIODIC TABLE. 'NUFF SAID.) On the surface, it looks like your typical "bickering-best-friends-fall-in-love" or "hero-gets-the-girl" cliche; but if you take time to really look at it, a far deeper side comes shining through. It's a diamond in the rough.

They never give up on each other. Winry will always be there to fix him when he falls apart (in more ways than one), to give him a reason to come home. And in turn, he will risk his life to protect her and always comes back to her, no matter what. <3

And here's just one of their theme songs: "Pieces" by RED. Beautiful, beautiful song. Enjoy!



YOUR TURN! (C'mon, Crow...you know you want to...share the rocket love!) ;D

[PuzzleChick]

(I'm rather looking forward to Crow's post...xD)

Why Greed/Ling Is Awesome. (While I attempt not to veer off into headcanon territory, no matter how tempting it is to squeal about bickering and wildflowers. Also since this isn't actually a canon couple, obviously my references to romantic love are my own interpretation as a shipper. One could, however, say that there's a sort of friendship or soulmate bond going on that isn't necessarily romantic. My thoughts work for both ways.)

Because, quite simply, this couple shows the power of love’s ability to change people.

No, I don’t mean in that stupid way where a person gets together with another intending to change them. I dislike that. That’s coercive and bad. What I mean is where people, no matter what their pasts, grow as a result of knowing each other.

It’s cheesy, yes, but in real life I have seen firsthand how learning to love somebody and learning how it feels to live to help another person rather than only helping yourself can change a person for the better. This is why couples like Greed/Ling (or Yami/Yugi! But I could write a 500 page thesis on that couple…x3) appeal most to me. In both fandom cases, a confused person who has done some truly horrid things is able to find redemption by caring for another. In return, the other person matures and his worldview is expanded.

Greed spent his whole existence flailing around in the dark, lashing out, desiring more and more because there was a void he was incapable of filling. It was only upon the realization of how it felt to have a friend that he was able to fill that void. Always living for himself was getting him nowhere; living, at last, to help another was when he found his true self. In the end, he went against his very nature to save the person who taught him that, and it might well have been the first time he was ever truly happy. For the first time, he had “enough.”

In return, Ling lived a mostly pampered life. He had a strong sense of duty but was still quite childish. Over the course of the series he did mature, and in learning to understand Greed’s loneliness and reaching out to him, he took another step to maturity. He thought he needed Greed’s power to be a great leader, but he didn’t, and Greed knew that. In sacrificing himself, it was the final push Ling needed to grow. At the end of the series Ling is ready to take power and change his people’s world for the better, partly because of the inner strength he got from Greed.

They couldn't have changed and evolved without each other. It's an understated couple; they would never have been the kind of people to have a 'normal' romance or to voice any actual feelings. In reality their relationship was doomed from the start, (sacrifice was always going to be Greed's redemption), but that didn't stop them from helping each other while they had time (even if unintentionally). At the point where they parted they didn't need each other anymore. The very ability of them to let each other go was the only way they had to tell each other they cared -- or to thank each other.

It’s tragic and yet powerful at the same time. And I get all sappy when caring is shown through action and not necessarily ever spoken because that's when you know it's strong. (Dramaverse not withstanding. xD)

And here's a song!
In The Blood – Better Than Ezra (I see it from Greed’s POV)

Because the only videos of the song I could find were from concerts and therefore not of the best audio, I've included the lyrics below.

SPOILER: Click to show

How can you be so warm?
How can you know what I feel?
Well, it's the way you move your hands,
and it's the way you understand.

[CHORUS:]
And that's the reason that I'm asking.
That's the reason that I want to know.
And that's the reason that I'm asking,
and that's the reason that I'm...

How can you throw away everything you live for?
Well, it's the way we shake and sway.
Oh, and it's the passion that you play.

[CHORUS:]
And that's the reason that I'm asking.
That's the reason that I want to know.
And that's the reason that I'm asking,
and that's the reason that I'm...

[BRIDGE:]
Too many lost.
Links in a chain passed down through the years,
But ending here, if we just face the pain and the fear.

Who did you love before?
Who did they love before you?
But it's the way you move your hands
And it's the way you understand.

[CHORUS:]
And that's the reason that I'm asking.
That's the reason that I want to know.
And that's the reason that I'm asking,
and that's the reason that I'm...

[taranova]

My OTP is RoyEd. Shocker.

RoyEd is Awesome Because

I suppose I should say that, to me, it's got a lot of different dimensions, and many fans have deeply explored these dimensions already. It's bleak and it's dark and it's violent, but it's also got a softer, more humorous side like FMA itself.

The stories that can be explored are so multi-faceted. Romance can work easily as a subplot and yet intertwine in dark, epic arcs. There are so many themes that can be applied: overcoming temptations, facing past atrocities, fighting both physical and social obstacles (the relationship itself is taboo and I think that's what makes it beautiful, honestly).

I'll start with this. Roy and Ed are, undoubtedly, equals--intellectually, physically, and in some cases emotionally. They've both experienced tremendous amounts of loss and have done terrible things in an attempt to rectify that loss, often making it worse. They know what it's like to hurt and be hurt, and because of this they wouldn't be hesitant to share those inner torments with one another.

They have traumas--real, gritty, dark traumas that few others have experienced. They brought these traumas on themselves through ignorance, and committed them with alchemy, the very tool that they feel is a part of their soul. Ed transmuted his dead mother, nearly killing Alphonse in the process and maiming himself. Roy killed possibly thousands of people with fire. The equality of these crimes is debatable, but applying measurements to such things minimizes the psychological toll.

Before I get into why I like them -together-, let this be kept in mind: alchemy is Ed's first love, and I suspect it's Roy's, too. It's a part of them and I don't believe they would ever be happy without it, just as I don't believe they could love anything or anyone more intimately. To have a satisfying physical relationship with anyone, I think that they would first have to make their love of alchemy very clear. If they had a relationship with each other, they wouldn't have to say anything.

That said, they're imperfectly perfect for each other. It's an unspoken bond. A ripple effect. Only they can understand each other's minds--and if they couldn't, they'd learn. In the manga, alchemy is like an extension of a person's soul, and Roy and Ed empathize in that respect. The know the indescribable empowerment and all of the dangers and temptations that come along with it.

A big misconception with RoyEd is that it's all about sex, and it isn't. Sure, they look good together, but I enjoy the -psychological- implications of it all. It's about control. It's about maintaining that balance, that symbiosis. It's about not being afraid to show weakness in the heat of something so intimately human while maintaining exterior strength. They provide that for each other--sanctuary, a place that's not openly discussed, but which is always there.

In the manga it's clear they really do care for each other. They protect one another even when it's not asked for or even wanted. That would carry into a romantic relationship. They'd save face, of course--mostly on Ed's part. But finding someone who's aware of your fears, your desires, your loves (because they share them) and knowing that they accept you no matter your flaws or sins? It's worth protecting.

Finally, I'm going to get into symbolism and contrasts, because I fucking love shit like that. Obviously there's light/darkness. Fire and metal (one of my favorite RoyEd communities is ironically called "Blacksmith"). Red and blue. Sun and moon. Hot and cold (I especially love this one because although Roy -acts- cold his specialty is fire, and although Ed -acts- hotheaded his specialty lies in his metal limbs). Ed's sin was trying to bring something to life; Roy's sin was trying to destroy.

<3 I've actually skimmed over a lot of what I wanted to say about it. '^-^ So I might add more later.

[taranova]

I'm still waiting for Crow to respond....I KNOW SHE'S GOT SOMETHING TO SAY DAMN IT

[PuzzleChick]

Besides, I figure any second now she'll want to tease me about my selfcest shipping and your RoyEd habit and Dearheart's fluffiness...we're all so predictable. xD;

She's probably trying to cull down her thesis on Ed/Hei into post-size. xD Asking her to write only a post for them is like asking me to explain Puzzleshipping. I feel your pain, Crow. I feel your pain.

[taranova]

I DON'T HAVE A HABIT. I CAN QUIT ANY TIME I WANT.

That said I really wanted to write more but I think my post is already quite verbose. '^-^

[Rainbow-Lord Crowmunculus]

NO MORE NEED BE SAID.


(Actually, lots more need be said. Lots. LOTS! Still writing it up. Puzzle is right, on all counts - we are all too predictable XDD)

[taranova]

CUTE PIC IS CUTE

(I DON'T HAVE A PROBLEM DAMN IT)

Since I can't draw I'm thinking of posting my RoyEd rant on DeviantArt or Tumblr. That would be extremely nerdy, though. I'll think it over. Hmm.

[Rainbow-Lord Crowmunculus]

dude I didn't draw it if you're thinking that - I stole it from here.

DO IT DO IT DO IT.

[taranova]

I'm quite proud of it ^_^

[PuzzleChick]

D'awwwwwwwwwwwwww awesome picture is awesome. xD Ed, why you look so horrified?

[helle is a SLYTHERIN <3]

My OTP... well, I'm actually pretty evenly split between Royai and Havoc/Rebecca. But let's go with Royai, because it's much easier to explain why it's awesome (besides, no one's done Royai already).

It's about devotion. She would follow him until the end of the earth. He has a goal to become Führer , and neither of them will stop until he gets there. She's always making sure that he doesn't stray from the right path, and she drives him to be a better person. There are times when he'd have lost sight of his goal (and let's not forget the time he considered human transmutation) were it not for Riza.
And, granted, by the end of the manga (and the anime), he's not Führer, but (in the manga, at least), he's off making the country a better place. (Besides, who else would Grumman leave the position to?)

They've known each other since they were teenagers. He trained under her father, and she trusted her father's biggest alchemical secret with him because she believed in his dream for a better country.
I mean, would you do that for just anyone?

He burnt the array on her back for her, because she wanted to be able to be an individual, even though he abhorred the idea of burning someone he cared about.

In chapter 94/95, Roy is finally given the opportunity to get revenge for Hughes's death by killing Envy. He goes absolutely mad with rage. Riza is there to keep him in line, holding a gun to his head. She tells him that after she kills him, she'll kill herself, and she means it. She has no intention of living without him. Roy has no intention of letting her kill herself, though he clearly has no problem with dying himself.
Then in chapter 101, Roy goes absolutely crazy when Riza's being used against him. And then there's the EPIC ROYAI SNUGGLE.

And, in Conqueror of Shamballa (which, admittedly, leans more toward RoyEd than Royai), HER FACE when he comes back.
Even if you ship RoyEd or RoyHughes or some Roy pairing that isn't Royai, you can't deny that Riza is in love with him.

Oh, and let's not forget that Arakawa apparently said that the reason they're not together is fraternization laws.

To be less ramble-y (because I had to get my wisdom teeth out today and the pain meds are making me a little loopy):
Royai is awesome because it's about devotion, and loyalty. It's about always being by each other's side and being able to communicate without words. It's about finding something worth dying for and (more importantly) something worth living for.

I'll add a video later, when pain meds aren't making me too loopy to choose a song. ^_^;;
The best song I could come up with, though it's not really romantic. At all. It fits the best, I think.

[Rainbow-Lord Crowmunculus]

As Puzzle predicted, my essay is growing too long for just one post ^^;

CLEARLY THE SOLUTION IS TO POST IT IN SEVERAL DIFFERENT POSTS. I JUST HAVE A LOT OF FEELINGS.

I'm still working on it, but the very first part is done so Imma post that now. This starts as a study on the differences between anime Ed and manga Ed but it turns into HeiEd propaganda eventually I swear.

Eventually meaning in the next post. /ffffailure


i.
So there’s Edward Elric, first anime flavor.

From the very beginning, first anime Ed traveled a lonelier road than his manga counterpart. On October 3rd, both versions of Ed burned down their home, but while in the manga Ed and Al were aided by the Rockbells, in the anime they underwent the ordeal alone and left without telling anyone. The first anime Elrics stayed out of contact with the Rockbells – people close as family – for four years.

When the transmutation failed, Ed decided: we are alone. The manga refutes this belief; the anime confirms it.

In the manga, Ed is forced into caring about something outside of himself and his problems, and learns to accept and even ask for help and support; the Elrics in the first anime exist in their own intense little world and trust no one but one another – they are never given sufficient reason to trust anyone else. Roy is a darker figure - more manipulative and not as supportive, they’ve thoroughly alienated themselves from the Rockbells, and instead of being seen as a hero by the end Fullmetal is a fugitive with thousands of deaths pinned to his name.

Manga Ed has so much more of a support base – in the penultimate chapter, all of the onlookers, whether they know him or not, cheer Ed on as he fights Father. In the first anime, when Ed makes his final stand against Dante, he leaves the people he cares about and when he fights her he fights her alone.

Manga Ed’s journey forces him closer to a great deal of other people, while anime Ed’s journey pulls him away from the few loved ones he has. Manga Ed opens up to the world, anime Ed withdraws fully into himself and his nightmares.

Both versions of Edward Elric matured over the course of their respective series but they did so in wildly different ways. Manga Ed made his ideals into reality, after years of sacrifice and growth; anime Ed’s defining moment of maturity is when he accepts that his dreams are impossible and he sacrifices his ideals for the sake of the task he must complete. “There always is. Something more important than ourselves, and our dreams.”

In the final chapter of the manga, Ed refuses to exchange himself for Al, because it wouldn’t be fair to leave Al alone. In the anime, Ed had no choice. Manga Ed knew that Al was still alive, just trapped within the Gate, and he knew that there were other ways to pull him back. For all anime Ed knew, Al was dead and it was too late to save him anyway, but his desperation led him to what he intended to be a suicide mission. His journey had always been about Al and Al alone, his world was Al: without Al in the world, there was no point. He had no alternatives – in the anime, the only possible way to save Al was to return the life Al bought with his own.

The true irony is that manga Al would never be alone, even if Ed gave himself as the price, because he would be surrounded by people who loved him, but the anime Elrics had always been alone and always would be alone, through their own stubborn determination to be alone.

The movie opens to an Ed who has lost everything. (The worst part of a failed suicide is living with the consequences.) Ed was thrown into a world not his own, a world where everyone and everything he loves is nonexistent, had never existed in the first place. He barely exists himself – his sole purpose for continued existence is to make it home. He gave up everything for Al and he doesn’t even know if Al is still alive. For all he knows, all the people he loves are dead.

Ed spent the whole series convincing himself he and Al were alone and that they had no home to return to, but it’s not until the movie that he is truly alone without even Al, and he only recognizes that he had a home all along when that home is forever out of his reach. He spent his whole life running away from home and when he’s away as is possible, he realizes he wishes he could go back. But by then it’s too late.



Song that fits poor little Munich Ed perfectly:



(lyrics below)

SPOILER: Click to show

Sorrow - Pink Floyd

The sweet smell of a great sorrow lies over the land
Plumes of smoke rise and merge into the leaden sky
A man lies and dreams of green fields and rivers
But awakes to a morning with no reason for waking

He’s haunted by the memory of a lost paradise
In his youth or a dream, he can’t be precise
He’s chained forever to a world that’s departed
It’s not enough, it’s not enough

His blood has frozen and curdled with fright
His knees have trembled and given way in the night
His hand has weakened at the moment of truth
His step has faltered

One world, one soul
Time pass, river roll

(It’s not enough, it’s not enough)
(His step has faltered)

And he talks to the river of lost love and dedication
And silent replies that swirl invitation
Flow dark and troubled to an oily sea
A grim intimation of what is to be

There’s an unceasing wind that blows through this night
And dust in my eyes that blinds my sight
And silence that speaks so much louder than words
Of promises broken

[taranova]

...Okay, Crow wins. She hasn't even really started and she's already won.

[PuzzleChick]

Man, Crow always wins. xD I have a theory that she's not human and is actually made of concentrated win. (Don't worry, I won't tell the government.)