Tsubasa Predictions and Crack!Ideas (Before 148 is published)
With the chaos of the recent TRC chapters, I feel compelled to jot down some ideas before CLAMP blows it all up in my face.
Mostly of Kurogane, Fai, and Ashura...
The fandom seems to be worrying about Fai (and Watanuki for those following the xxxHOLiC end) but from a character/story standpoint, I say we should keep a close eye on Kurogane.
Out of the gang he is the most stable, the most 'complete.' His journey was to find 'strength' and he found it in his resolve to sacrifice selflessly for his companion. He is not just the paragon of physical strength that we were introduced to, but an individual that can shoulder other's emotional burdens. In a sense, he's done. Barring the technicality that he's not physically in Nihon, his character's journey is complete. And what can throw the TRC gang into total chaos? The loss of Kurogane.
It would force R!Shaoran to step up and lead, reconcile his own identity as Kurogane had from the beginning. A sacrifice from Kurogane would either embolden Fai, or destroy him utterly (you know Kuro won't kick it without some last zen words of wisdom that will throw Fai into more mental turmoil). It would also keep the time clock on Fai if they don't retrieve the stolen eye. For Sakura, she'll be affected by how the other are affected, and perhaps help her see her selfishness in light of his selflessness.
Because, let's face it, nothing dramatic about the group dynamic and story as a whole would change if Fai died. But if Fai is who CLAMP has pegged as their next victim, it's going to be a fantastically action-packed and emotion-filled moment.
If Fai were to die...
It may be suicide.
I have a crazy idea in my head that won't leave, but there's no way I could write a fanfic before CLAMP dashes this idea, possibly tonight when the next chapter comes out (ch. 148). But what if Fai is a creation, like Chii and C!Shaoran? (This could explain why Fai insisted on suppressing C!Shaoran's seal throughout their journey and to risk death to return C!Shaoran's heart: Fai is partially trying to validate his own existence.) He was created as a weapon, but Fei Wong Reed convinced Ashura to give Fai a heart (and with it, free will) as well. Fai proved to be a failed creation (like Xing Huo, he rebelled) so Fai's afraid Ashura will want to take back the heart (along with whatever magical properties it possesses) and this will effectively turn Fai back into a soulless vessel and back to the controllable weapon he was meant to be. Fai values little of himself and thus threatening Fai would be ineffective - instead, Fai suspects Ashura may harm others precious to Fai to get to him. This is why Fai chooses not to get close; they will be used and it's painful to think he may someday hurt them himself if Fai ever lost his heart.
So, (this is where the fanficky stuff comes) Ashura appears in Infinity. Fai gets bloody and makes Kurogane remember his promise about killing him if wants to die. Kill me before he can touch me (I'm imagining that Fai's heart/soul will be removed by Ashura actually sinking his hands into him like what happened to Doumeki in xxxHOLiC). Kurogane valiantly tries to protect Fai, but eventually Ashura gets his hands on Fai anyway. With a weapon (or maybe even his vampire claws), Fai (unable to kill his maker) stabs at his own heart - destroying any chance that Ashura will use him as a weapon again. Much of the information theorized above will be revealed/implied with some monologue/comments by Ashura. Fai's overcome his cowardice to take his own life (or his programming to not self-destruct if I really want to stretch my Fai-as-creation theory): the fool has finally found something to protect.
In the end, Fai is a real boy.
Now let's watch CLAMP blow these thoughts up to smitherines.
Mostly of Kurogane, Fai, and Ashura...
The fandom seems to be worrying about Fai (and Watanuki for those following the xxxHOLiC end) but from a character/story standpoint, I say we should keep a close eye on Kurogane.
Out of the gang he is the most stable, the most 'complete.' His journey was to find 'strength' and he found it in his resolve to sacrifice selflessly for his companion. He is not just the paragon of physical strength that we were introduced to, but an individual that can shoulder other's emotional burdens. In a sense, he's done. Barring the technicality that he's not physically in Nihon, his character's journey is complete. And what can throw the TRC gang into total chaos? The loss of Kurogane.
It would force R!Shaoran to step up and lead, reconcile his own identity as Kurogane had from the beginning. A sacrifice from Kurogane would either embolden Fai, or destroy him utterly (you know Kuro won't kick it without some last zen words of wisdom that will throw Fai into more mental turmoil). It would also keep the time clock on Fai if they don't retrieve the stolen eye. For Sakura, she'll be affected by how the other are affected, and perhaps help her see her selfishness in light of his selflessness.
Because, let's face it, nothing dramatic about the group dynamic and story as a whole would change if Fai died. But if Fai is who CLAMP has pegged as their next victim, it's going to be a fantastically action-packed and emotion-filled moment.
If Fai were to die...
It may be suicide.
I have a crazy idea in my head that won't leave, but there's no way I could write a fanfic before CLAMP dashes this idea, possibly tonight when the next chapter comes out (ch. 148). But what if Fai is a creation, like Chii and C!Shaoran? (This could explain why Fai insisted on suppressing C!Shaoran's seal throughout their journey and to risk death to return C!Shaoran's heart: Fai is partially trying to validate his own existence.) He was created as a weapon, but Fei Wong Reed convinced Ashura to give Fai a heart (and with it, free will) as well. Fai proved to be a failed creation (like Xing Huo, he rebelled) so Fai's afraid Ashura will want to take back the heart (along with whatever magical properties it possesses) and this will effectively turn Fai back into a soulless vessel and back to the controllable weapon he was meant to be. Fai values little of himself and thus threatening Fai would be ineffective - instead, Fai suspects Ashura may harm others precious to Fai to get to him. This is why Fai chooses not to get close; they will be used and it's painful to think he may someday hurt them himself if Fai ever lost his heart.
So, (this is where the fanficky stuff comes) Ashura appears in Infinity. Fai gets bloody and makes Kurogane remember his promise about killing him if wants to die. Kill me before he can touch me (I'm imagining that Fai's heart/soul will be removed by Ashura actually sinking his hands into him like what happened to Doumeki in xxxHOLiC). Kurogane valiantly tries to protect Fai, but eventually Ashura gets his hands on Fai anyway. With a weapon (or maybe even his vampire claws), Fai (unable to kill his maker) stabs at his own heart - destroying any chance that Ashura will use him as a weapon again. Much of the information theorized above will be revealed/implied with some monologue/comments by Ashura. Fai's overcome his cowardice to take his own life (or his programming to not self-destruct if I really want to stretch my Fai-as-creation theory): the fool has finally found something to protect.
In the end, Fai is a real boy.
Now let's watch CLAMP blow these thoughts up to smitherines.