Thoughtful fangirling - Tsubasa

[maderr]

I'll admit straight up that I'm a *huge* fangirl of Kuro/Fai. That aside, I love Tsubasa to bits. I would go on about that, but this post is more my thoughts on Fai



Okay. So we all get the "Fai is badass, acts like an idiot, is running for his life from Ashura."

I'll make note here I've only read up to volume six (in english) and though I read many a (bad) fic I don't really know any spoilers beyond that (nor do I mind being informed, the next volume doesn't come out 'til october *sigh* and I get sick of waiting through the two month gaps).

But volume six was interesting - not only because of the profusion of slashy undertones b/t Kurogane and Fai (and I'm totally not imagining things).

I was largely concerned with Fai, and the scene in the bar. My impression, up 'til that point, was that Fai really was running in fear - though you can also see a deep melancholy to it. But the bar scene, where he gets all sad listening to her song? And tells Kurogane "I was a guy who always waited for the one who would take me along."

Which is an interesting angle and one I'm surprised I've never seen portrayed in fics (and granted a lot have only now read as much as me, but I know bunches of them had the scanlations well before it got licensed so they're way up to speed). Nearly every Fandom Fai I've read, OC or otherwise, portrays silly, goofy, runnig for his life and won't use magic not matter what Fai. But not this sort of sad, forlorn Fai. That's depressing, because it lends something more to his whole running away thing - it makes me think he's finally given up. Kuro said something similiar earlier in the book - that he loathes guys who have lives but don't live them. Again with the giving up. Fai's totally given up on living, on hoping. He's running from Ashura, from what he did...and probably from what he always hoped for but never got. I want to see more of this is fiction; it's such a cool angle to work from. Why was he the sort that always waited? What kept him from simpyl up and leaving? Fai more or less stated that he wanted a prince charming (slashy snerking aside...) - why? He's obviously capable of kicking everyone's ass and then some. Confident, capable - why the waiting? Why the giving up (though I feel "Ashura" is the answer there) ?

I'm not explaining myself well, I think.

Anyway, that's my scary over-obsessive fangirling for the week. I'll stop over analyzing and attempting to explain myself now. Now to go read volume six again.

Comments

[cairnsy.livejournal.com]

Did you ever read the translated 'character guide' for Fai that was floating around LJ a couple of weeks back? Most people were generally not fond of it, because it was basically a rehash of the series so far. However, there was one thing that was said in regards to the exact scene you mentioned that really through me into a loop, and I was never sure why it didn't at least register with someone else. I won't say it here in case you haven't read it and don't want to know something that could possibly be a spoiler eventually (although it's far from a direct spoiler, no names or anything like that are mentioned, the comment was meant to get people thinking as opposed to providing the answers ^^), but it makes the scene in question even more interesting, in my opinion.

[maderr.livejournal.com]

Tell! Tell! And while we're on the subject of Tsubasa, I loved your fic with the snow.

[cairnsy.livejournal.com]

*grin* Ok, so as I said in the first reply, the character bits were generally useless, they basically just said this was what what happened, and wasn't that sad/funny/cute etc. However, with the Fai scene in the bar, they comment on the things he said about the song, then also add something like (paraphrasing like woah):

So who was this mysterious person that Fai was waiting to come and save him?

Except the way it was said really implied that Fai wasn't speaking (as I'd always thought) in a sort of figurative way, but that he had been physically waiting for a certain someone.

Which, ooooh. That puts a totally different spin on things.

And the latest scans of the Tsubasa manga are chock full of little Kuro and Fai moments, just so you have something to look forward to in about a year or so ^_~

[maderr.livejournal.com]

Heee, that's awesome. So a particular someone, eh? That's really interesting. Completely different spin on things. That's going to make me twitch with curiousity forever now.


I HAVE TO WAIT A WHOLE YEAR? *SOBS* Why are they so slow here...

That's it, time to polish up the ol' Japanese...

[cairnsy.livejournal.com]

Have you thought about reading the online scanlations or buying the Japanese versions and using the online translations to help out? Another option is buying from the Singapore publisher, which publishes it in English a lot faster. There are shipping costs involved, but the Singapore volumes sell for about $7.90 Singapore each which would be about $5 American? They've already published the first 8 volumes, and the only started on Tsubasa a fairly short while ago.

[kiyoshi-chan.livejournal.com]

Hello! I'm assuming you have up to volume 8 yourself? ^^;; Would you mind helping me out with all the names?

[kiyoshi-chan.livejournal.com]

If you want the Singaporean ones, drop me a note and I'll pick them up and send them along with the Garth Nix books. ^^;

[maderr.livejournal.com]

Temptress. But I wouldn't be able to read it. I guess that's what you're for? XD XD

If you're willing to get them, I'll send you the money. Just let me know.

And I've written more of Michael and Met for you, just need to write another chunk in the morning and I'll send it to you.

MISS YOU.

[kiyoshi-chan.livejournal.com]

I think cairnsy meant the English translations. The Chinese ones are already up to 10. ^^;;;;;;

SQUEE. *adoreslikemad*

I miss you too. ;_____;

[maderr.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I should read comments in order >_< That would rock.

Hee ^_^

:(

[kiyoshi-chan.livejournal.com]

*grin* I always have that problem too. XD;;;; Want me to pick up the English volumes for you?

*hearts madly*

*hugs* ;_;

[maderr.livejournal.com]

Please? Like I said, I'll pay you.

*loves*

[kiyoshi-chan.livejournal.com]

Nah, no need. Do you want the Chinese versions of 9 and 10? I almost SCREAMED when I got to the end of book 8, myself, and I REFUSED to read 9 until I got my grubby paws on 10. :P

[maderr.livejournal.com]

I want whatever's available, no matter the language. I rarely fangirl this hardcore and so it will be indulged ^_~

[kiyoshi-chan.livejournal.com]

^_____^ Cool. I'll start translating then.

Hmm, will need help with the names though. You have up to volume 6 right? What do they call Yuuko? I'm too used to the Chinese names and titles. x_x;;;