Free-assocation musing about the end of Fullmetal Alchemist; series-ruining spoilers and a poll behind the cut.
Springing in tenuous ways from untrue_accounts's drabble "Gold", I found myself wondering: Al chooses to sacrifice himself to bring Ed back. He makes a point of saying that it's his choice to do so. He's given Ed back his life, at the cost of his own.
Did Ed, by then giving up his life in favor of resurrecting Al, fail to respect Al's choice? Did he have an obligation to not squander Al's gift?
I don't think I have an answer or opinion on this just now (and I don't think I'm expressing myself well, because I'm very sleepy), but it struck me as an interesting thought. I'd love to teach FMA and assign it as a final essay. =>
In lieu of that, a poll:
Al brought Ed back to life; Ed then offered up his life to bring Al back to life. Besides being worryingly circular if continued, this was: