Work Text:
I know how this sounds, but hear me out.
I (43?M) didn't know he was my son. I had suffered defeat after defeat and my body was falling apart. I needed to find my katana, a Devil Arm of great importance to me. We will call it Yam. So I tracked it down, further consuming what little devil powers I had left. I found the blade--an inheritance from my father and my only companion for years, I might add--in this complete stranger's arm. Time was running out, so I took the fastest road. I reclaimed what was mine by tearing the demonic arm with my katana in it, then used Yam's powers to portal away.
Later, I learned that the youth in question was my son. I do not even remember conceiving him!
You have to understand, if I had not taken Yam back, I would not have survived. I needed it to split myself in two and unburden my demonic half of its human weaknesses. How else would I stand a chance to defeat my twin brother?
So, I ask of thee, Reddit: Am I The Asshole?
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UPDATE 1: Many of you seem to overestimate the gravity of the wound I inflicted upon my son. He is surrounded by a loving family and has received medical care. His coma was short lived and he had recovered quickly enough to help my human half fight the demonic one. I, meanwhile, was *dying*. Besides, he is a worthy heir and unlocked sufficient demonic powers to regrow the arm, so ultimately, there is no harm done (pun not intended).
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UPDATE 2: "INFO" means you need information in order to pass judgement. Writing "Are you the asshole who created a gigantic demon tree and devastated Redgrave, killing hundreds of thousands?" implies you have already passed judgement. I am tempted not to answer, as I do not see how this pertains to the original inquiry, which is entirely focused on my relationship with my son. If you must know, however: yes, that was me--or, to be exact, it was my demon half, which has now returned to me.
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UPDATE 3 : A point of clarification: I do love my son. He is a brilliant young man, a deadly fighter, and a powerful demon. I seek to repair what has been broken. As I have spent many years trapped in Hell or dead, I have never been given the opportunity. I am well aware we started on the wrong foot, so to speak, and that I cannot, as many of have put it, "strong arm" him into this relationship (I will have to assume your pun was equally unintended, though I admit I have my doubts).
Many of you have suggested therapy, but I do not think a mere stranger could handle the scope of what I have endured. Furthermore, I do not know what "doxxing" is, but I assure you, sending armed men to my doorstep will only result in their death.
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FINAL UPDATE: The judgement is in. I am the asshole. So it is written.