Clone Syaoran; what was he to me? For one thing, he wasn't "just a clone". He was Syaoran. He was himself. He was an individual with no ability to control the horrid curse that dictated his existance.
Syaoran was an inspired person, with an innocent heart that he always followed, regardless of temptations. He was the hero, the knight in shining armor who swore to always protect Sakura, whatever the price may be. He defended what was important, and his strong, compassionate character was what drew others to him. People could connect with Syaoran because he had the strength to believe in himself, and the power to make others believe in a brighter future. Syaoran conquered his clouded past, and that is why he was the only one who could retrieve Sakura's scattered feathers.
His death is a heartwrenching memory that I must bear. But to know that his death was not in vain, that he died for the values in which he had so firmly placed his trust-- I am comforted. I know that in the end, Syaoran defied Fei Wang Reed, taking back his identity to insure that his friends might live to see the end of their sorrows. So in his final act, Syaoran changed the future's course and struck down that bleak destiny that would have awaited them all. He saved the original's life selflessly, and preserved the fate of everyone dear to him.
In Syaoran's passing, we must not dwell on the painful memories, but remember the beauty of his life's legacy. We must see his life for the adventure it was, inked into the pages of his story. He was a miracle. Born from the flames of a nightmare, with only half a heart to live on, and he stood tall. Syaoran faced adversity with a passion for justice and a will that was only broken when his soul had all but left him. He was the child that was not meant to be, but because he existed he took on life's responsibilities and lived his life without any regrets. He sacrificed all he had for a higher, enlightened purpose, never faltering for petty greed nor leaning toward an unhonest path. Though his road was a tough one to tred he did so proudly, voulintarily, and he only looked forward with a steadfast determination.
No, Syaoran was not merely a reflection- he was his own entity. We know the experiences he forged were his own, just as the choices he made were his. Circumstance, and how we respond to it make us who we are. Our choices shape us, our ideals give us our core, and our truths define us. That has always been the theme of Tsubasa- different places and different people that are worlds apart are linked to each other through face and voice. Syaoran may have been killed by the unforgivable act of Fei Wang Reed, but no one can make him fade entirely from existance. Not as long as he continues to dwell in the chambers of our hearts.
