Lelouch's AU twin?

[nayami.livejournal.com]

Mods, you can delete if you think this veers a little off-topic.

So a friend and I were having a random Clamp/Geass conversation the other day and it got me thinking. I know how people love comparing Lelouch to X's Kamui because of his looks. I've done it too numerous times. And some have even tossed in Seishirou and Subaru comparisons recently. But this time, my strange mind went an entirely different direction. Thus, I give you Lelouch's true AU clamp twin. Needless to say, major spoilers for both X and Geass. Oh and long. :(



MONOU FUUMA.

Now I know some of you may be thinking WHAT? But Lelouch and Fuuma are actually surprisingly similar. But before I go on, credit goes where credit is due, and I owe much of the following interpretation to ideas bandied about by the original X fandom, specifically Murasaki. I'm going to refer to this interpretation as a loose translation of their theories since my memory is bad and for all I know, I may be butchering them horribly. Also, this ignores both X the movie and Xtv because both were owwie -- they had nice music though. So manga only, folks.

Let's start with the easy points of similarity between Fuuma and Lelouch. Dearly beloved sisters? Check. Lost mothers? Check? Mothers who are crazier than junkyard dogs and a little too friendly with the ladies? Check. Adorable childhood friendships? Check. Best friends turned rivals? Check. Flare and smile? Check. Cocky bastards? Check. [Read: Fuuma and Seishirou vs. Lelouch and every royal ever.] Sexy bitches? Check.

Enter the tough point. We all know that Fuuma goes a little crazy somewhere into the story after Kamui decides to become a Dragon of Heaven, thus becoming a Dragon of Earth and Dark Kamui. Oh yeah and he also kills his sister Kotori, tortures Kamui endlessly, decapitates people Kamui knows and generally causes chaos in his wake. Now, canon's claim or rather the claim of the characters is that Fuuma is possessed by Dark Kamui and never again to be himself. This is, after all, what Kamui seeks to reverse. But some interpretations say that Fuuma is not possessed at all and is merely forcing Kamui to act because it is not in Kamui's nature to do so. Kamui, for all his snark and defensiveness, is a kind person. And nobody knows this better than Fuuma.

It is worth noting that despite everything Fuuma does to hurt Kamui, he never kills him. It is almost as though Fuuma is pushing him, as though Fuuma has become the villain so Kamui will choose the right side. And here, I'm going to be twisted and say this is done out of love. Fuuma is focused on wishes, giving everyone what they wish for, but what does Fuuma wish for? Fuuma is more than Kamui's enemy, more than his friend; he is his destiny, his Twin Star. And I sometimes wonder if Fuuma does it all for Kamui. There is more than enough evidence to support it.

Is this that much different than Lelouch's endless spilling of blood as the demon emperor? As his cruelty to his sister and his former comrades? As his suspicious failure to capture Cornelia or the other leaders of the new rebellion, although they could pose a potential threat? As the way he must ultimately hurt Suzaku to give him his wish? As his wish for Nunnally to live in a better world? As his wish for Suzaku to live? As his wish for a future?

Dark Kamui and Emperor Lelouch may very well be clever disguises from two men, who cannot risk the truth. Who care too much about everyone beyond themselves.

Under this interpretation, it becomes possible to compare two loving persons who are willing to demonize themselves for the sake of another, for the sake of a better world. Though, it gets tricky in X since the choices are: a.)Save the world; humanity dies or b.)Save humanity; the world dies. But the mere notion of becoming the villain to protect those most important to you is so beautifully tragic. And so perfect for Clamp.

That said, there are significant differences between Lelouch and Fuuma. Fuuma is generally more mature than Lelouch, as evidenced by his understanding of wishes. Fuuma actually does consider how others feel; it matters to him. Whereas Lelouch is always about wanting what's best, no matter what. Fuuma also made the choice Lelouch never could. Fuuma sacrificed his sister for his purpose and because it was her wish. Fuuma is much less selfish than Lelouch and quite possibly the most selfless character in the story. Also, Kotori is like Euphie and Nunnally combined, but that's another essay. And just so we don't skip the obvious difference. Yes, Fuuma can run two feet without getting winded. Still, I'd argue Lelouch is smarter.

But I think one of the most interesting similarities between the two, and one that requires no interpretation, is the connection with the innocent. Though both have no qualms about killing, this killing is kept to fighters, those who have taken a stand. Despite this, Lelouch will still resort to smoke and mirrors and scaring the bezeebus out of lolis, while Fuuma seemed to be merely following a little girl's wish.

And there you have it. Lelouch and Fuuma: Twin Stars of Another Dimension.

Clamp influence or just mere coincidence? You be the judge.

Comments

Very delayed response, but...

[ryuugazaki.livejournal.com]

I've always thought that this was the most accurate X-Clamp comparison in terms of Lelouch. Glad to see it well-thought out/written out! Kudos.