Phoenix Orikawa

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All the curses that brought us here…

This content is a part of Galvyria.

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Index / Lexica / Timeline

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"Crushed by city-sized boulders. Scorched by hellfires hotter than any other. Drowned under frozen lakes. Limbs rent asunder on an ashy battlefield, the grit seeping into my fading body. Beheaded, detonated, poisoned, shredded, melted in acid, organs shuffled through my body. A million different deaths, each as gruesome as the last. And yet they each only last a moment. Pain only shatters my being for an instant, so why fear it? After that is just a long wait. Just blank nothing for three days, give or take. No thoughts, no feelings, floating formless in an endless expanse. And then I return. This is the power even the Primordials feared, one that gives me the strength to throw myself at death again and again."

As the current Lord of the illustrious Orikawa Family, Phoenix is renowned across Brimstata for his exemplary leadership of not only his own powerful family, but also several of the sieges on the Catastrophes during its most recent cataclysmic event. Those who have heard of his ability to evade death mostly regard it as myth or exaggeration, but the few who have witnessed the young Lord throw himself headfirst into death's maw believe him to be representative of some god or divine being. Still rumored about across the rest of Glawiad for his role in the founding of the Order of the Sun, Phoenix is possibly one of the most widely known people in the entire realm.

Having been crucial to several major events that decided the realm's fate, Phoenix Orikawa has amassed an incredible amount of experience and knowledge about the workings of the Universe. His experiences have made him an expert strategist, but his abilities encourage him to fight on the frontlines. Above all else, above being an overseer or Lord, a strategist or library of the Galvyria's secrets, Phoenix is a comrade, willing to fight and die over and over for those he loves.

Personality and Appearance

Phoenix is just above average height for a Brymasti, though his lanky build may make him appear much taller alone. He sports the characteristically odd Orikawa hair, with his pale blonde hair appearing burnt closer to its ends. His eyes are a clear lavender color, with his pupils taking on an unusual star shape.

Phoenix’s gait is seemingly unsteady, but always regular. His specific style of fighting involves highly accurate stances to pressurize his fire, and training this has led to certain changes in his posture. However strange it may seem at first, Phoenix’s movements are also rather expressive. He will often be seen almost bouncing from location to location.

Phoenix is, despite his extensive record of death, a very upbeat and jovial person. Holding the well-being of his friends and family in his heart above all else, he lives mostly through the experiences of his loved ones. Phoenix is quick to socialize and make friends, which has earned him much respect in his homeland.

The Orikawa family has long been wary of Phoenix’s exploratory nature, but has also been unequipped to stop him. Phoenix cannot be prevented from reaching his goals without great effort. He is stubborn to a fault, though it may not appear as such. He simply changes tactics when force doesn’t get the job done. After failing to push his way through to a destination, Phoenix instead looks for ways to get past obstacles unnoticed. The only matters Phoenix was not able to fight or sneak his way to victory on were those regarding the Orikawa family’s internal decision-making, specifically on his cousin Shu’dai.

Phoenix is a man of his word, almost to a fault. He sticks to his promises without fail, a trait drilled into him by his family during his upbringing. It’s only natural for a powerful lord of a region to have integrity. However, Phoenix extends this to every agreement and deal he makes. Having made two pacts in secret with his estranged relatives, Phoenix kept it in his will to override the precedents set by previous generations in his family and change the core principles of the Orikawa family once he took the throne. Notably, he is physically unable to make conflicting deals, taking on a variety of serious symptoms and eventually falling unconscious if he attempts to do so willingly.

Background

Phoenix was born in the Orikawa Manor, just as all of his family was before him. He was very light and weak, and could barely find the strength to cry out when he first entered Brimstata. For hours, his gentle parents cradled him, hoping to give him just a little more warmth, but it was in vain. The infant Phoenix died the day he was born. His tiny body, cold and fragile, was buried in a clearing just a short walk from the manor. A service was held three days after his unfortunate loss. However, the ground above the grave bubbled and burst into flames, radiating with a birch white heat. A few seconds of outrage at the apparent disrespect began, but were cut off by the cries of Phoenix, newly restored from death. The legend of the undying Orikawa heir had started.

Phoenix's childhood was rather normal for an Orikawa heir. He learned the ceremonial sword dance of the family, to be performed just before dawn on the first day of the year. He received an education greater than most others would have the opportunity to obtain. Most important of all, Phoenix was personally coached in his use of his Echo, as powerful abilities were a priority for the Orikawa family. He grew up with his younger siblings Ranmisu and Kurau'i, who both experienced the tragedy that seems to befall all of Oukimura's descendants.

Phoenix's adventurous exploits began at the ripe age of 10, when a close friend of his managed to connect Brimstata back to greater Glawiad. The two of them travelled together for a long time, eventually founding the Order of the Sun and beginning to work with a goal in mind. From here, Phoenix has undergone countless missions and brutally met his end dozens of times.

Echo

Phoenix's Echo grants him two abilities. Firstly, and most obvious, the ability to resurrect himself after death. While Phoenix doesn't have any sort of unnatural healing factor, dying triggers this half of his ability. A few minutes after he perishes, his body burns away in his signature birch-white fire, leaving not even ash behind. Where Phoenix's body and consciousness go is unknown, even to him. Phoenix describes the experience as a great void where not even thought or perception can take place. Three days after his death, Phoenix's body is reformed, healed from every injury that had befallen him in his previous life. His body reforms in the same place every time, which is the clearing he was first buried at. There is a small shrine to Phoenix there with supplies for him, built after the regularity of the resurrection place was discovered.

The other half of Phoenix's Echo is the Birch Flame, which has the ability to burn away an aspect or concept from whatever it touches. This ability is not perfect, and leaves some trace behind, but it can be incredibly useful. While he doesn’t have the same prestigious level of control over his fire as his father or grandfather, Phoenix makes use of “pressure stances” to maximize his output strength. During his time in the Infinity Tournament, Phoenix used the Birch Flame to keep himself from being eliminated even when fatally wounded. The constant use of the Birch Flame to heal left him covered in pale scars, which were only erased once he died yet again in the fight against Grimm-Feltheous.

Relationships

Phoenix has amassed many friends and foes over his years and across his travels. Now at least somewhat duty-bound to stay on Brimstata, his connections may become more limited, but that does not discount the memories of those who know him.

Hamathe Orikawa

Hamathe Orikawa was Phoenix's paternal grandfather and the previous head of the Orikawa Family. Being two generations before Phoenix's time, a more than century-long dissonance of ideals strained Hamathe's relationship with the younger generation. Phoenix was fond of Hamathe at first, but seeing his draconian rule over the family made Phoenix grow to resent his values. Phoenix was motivated mostly by Hamathe to be the best Orikawa Lord he could.

Hamathe's tyrannical treatment of Phoenix's sibling Kurau'i was a reflection of his older feud with one of his own sisters. Phoenix, still not yet understanding the cycle of violence and abuse, saw the whole affair as unreasonable. Phoenix was irritated by Hamathe's rulership for a long time, but he first expressed true anger and outrage at Hamathe's command to disown Shu'dai. After that day, Phoenix's thoughts on Hamathe were mostly consumed by a wish for him to keel over and die.

After Hamathe's less-than-natural demise, Phoenix ended up taking the Orikawa Family over. Many of Hamathe Orikawa's influences were removed by Phoenix. Although he dislikes staying put, Phoenix's motivation to help those he promised to prevails in his rule.

Oukimura Orikawa

Oukimura Orikawa was Phoenix's father and the eldest son of Hamathe. After discovering three crucial ways to improve use of fire magic, Oukimura was regarded as a prodigy and true successor to Hamathe. Oukimura took the praise given to him and heaped it upon his three children, hoping to one day extend the kindness given to him to all people in the Orikawa family's domain.

Phoenix had almost no bad experiences with Oukimura. But it would seem that Oukimura was fated to meet tragedy after tragedy. An ancient curse placed upon one of the Orikawa Family's ancestors had finally begun to show itself in each heir. With each generation, the activation was faster. Phoenix was consumed by it and died within mere hours. Phoenix, being Phoenix, came back three days later. Once a great doctor discovered the curse, Oukimura was told he had three weeks to live. Two would be fine, but the final week would be in the agony Phoenix had endured. Hamathe had a mere 4 years. Oukimura spent his last two weeks organizing and setting his affairs in order, before throwing one last party as an example. It was also his funeral. Oukimura set himself aflame and burned to death before he could succumb to the agony of the disease, laughing as he left the world forever.

Phoenix's memories of Oukimura motivated him to be a friend to all. He promised his late father that he would spread prosperity to the people in his stead, once Hamathe perished in a few years. Oukimura's death is one of Phoenix's most potent regrets. Every night for decades, his mind would be rushing with thoughts of how he might have saved his father's life.

Kurau'i Orikawa

Kurau'i is the middle child of Oukimura's three, born on the third to last day of the year. Phoenix always held great affection for his younger sibling, though their shared antics got the both of them into trouble very often. Kurau'i's dazzling rainbow flames were one of the few things Phoenix ever envied. The two of them bonded over each other's interests, with Phoenix's experiences of the world and quest to become a strong leader being complemented by Kurau'i's desire to master the arts and wield a sword.

Phoenix was still not independent enough to speak up when Hamathe shunned Kurau'i for claiming their rather unusual birthright as an Ember. Oukimura instead stepped up and argued with Hamathe, even threatening to duel him to protect his child. Phoenix helped Kurau'i from the shadows while Hamathe tried to make their life a living hell. After Oukimura's death, Phoenix became Kurau'i's greatest advocate and protector, taking after his father.

Kurau'i is the first person Phoenix promised to break the Orikawa Family's precedents for. Phoenix vowed to, upon ascending to the throne, condemn Hamathe's behavior and welcome Kurau'i and recognize their existence formally.

Shu'dai Orikawa-Yherovil

Shu'dai is Phoenix's cousin, born to Oukimura's sister Toa'e. Because of his previously very weak Echo, he was told to stay out of Phoenix's way. This, however, did not stop Phoenix from seeking companionship first. Becoming fast friends, the two bonded over a shared sense of exploration and adventure. Shu'dai always kept some distance from Phoenix unless he was sure they were alone, so as to not hurt his own meager reputation in his mother's eyes.

After the Dragon Incident and Toa'e's death, Shu'dai was disowned by the Orikawa family by proxy. Hamathe likened this to cutting a dead branch off a tree that still had one living leaf on its end. Phoenix was openly outraged by this event, and violently fought Hamathe over Shu'dai's exile. Hamathe won their battle, successfully enacting his will.

Shu'dai lived in and around the Orikawa Manor for a long time still. As a Vessel of Dissent, he was still entitled to the Orikawa Family's hospitality, even while having to use his former father's name, Yherovil. Phoenix encouraged Shu'dai's growth, making a deal to add him directly back into the family once he took Hamathe's place. This promise emboldened Shu'dai's will, and he started working up his own newfound strength as the Vessel of the Dragon.

Shu'dai ended up killing Hamathe himself while Phoenix was on a years-long job in the Infinity Tournament, essentially handing over the throne to Phoenix. While Phoenix was uncomfortable with being forced into the spotlight so suddenly, he thanked Shu'dai for finally getting the transfer of power out of the way. Phoenix reintroduced Shu'dai into the Orikawa family during his ascension ceremony, finally fulfilling the promise he made.

Phoenix and Shu'dai still spend a lot of time together. Phoenix is one of Shu'dai's two only sparring partners, being unable to be permanently damaged by the supreme fire Shu'dai wields. The other is Shu'dai's boyfriend Pallodis, who sports enough physical strength and prowess to avoid major harm by even the strongest magics in the universe.

Aaron Neriota

Aaron Neriota is Phoenix's closest friend. They met early in both of their lives, and became friends almost instantly. Aaron's endless curiosity about the world and Phoenix's relentless desire to see new things blended together well. Aaron trusted Phoenix to make up for his shortcomings on their escapades, while Phoenix put his faith in Aaron's intellect and drive to learn to guide them both.

When the both of them were 10, Aaron managed to destroy the million-year old barrier around Brimstata using his particularly unique Echo. Mere days later, Phoenix and Aaron left Brimstata behind to see the greater realm. The two would embark on many adventures together, and while Phoenix continued to add to his death count, Aaron learned how to avoid danger more efficiently.

Eventually, Phoenix and Aaron would be half of the founding core of the Order of the Sun. Cementing their position in the universe as mere teenagers, the Order bound Phoenix to friendships closer than any he had previously experienced.

Phoenix relies on Aaron for advice often. His passion and optimistic nature do not make for good rulership on their own, and so he turns to Aaron for more pragmatic wisdom. Aaron likewise turns to Phoenix for help in emotional situations, as Phoenix has been his guide through that domain for many years.

Felmiras

Phoenix looks up to Felmiras as an example of his potential. Felmiras, being a Primordial with a domain of flame, has supreme control over any and all fire, solidified by the deaths of all other Primordials with the same domain. Phoenix learned much of his technique from Felmiras. Oukimura's three secrets to pyromancy were split among his children, but Phoenix ended up learning the remaining two from Felmiras. The two had a somewhat lukewarm relationship, being colleagues before friends.

Felmiras has come to Phoenix's aid many times, slowly beginning to trust Phoenix as an apprentice. However, Felmiras does maintain a bit of odd bitterness at Phoenix's immortality. Phoenix himself feels strange about Felmiras's mortality, knowing that they were once alike. He serves as a grim reminder to Phoenix that nothing is guaranteed in the eyes of the Galvyria's supreme consciousness.

Felmiras spends much of his free time on Brimstata, finding much joy in the flame-centered culture of the planet. Through interactions with Brimstata's people, Felmiras is slowly getting more acquainted with Phoenix's lifestyle and values. Phoenix doesn't spend much casual time with Felmiras directly, but the two are forever intertwined by the Order of the Sun.

Spiriatus Aesturon

Spiriatus was the first companion Phoenix and Aaron would collect on their journey through Glawiad. The two had great respect for each other's skill in battle, and Spiriatus became a moral anchor for the otherwise trigger-happy Phoenix and the logical but distant Aaron. Founding the Order of the Sun together with Felmiras, Phoenix, and Aaron, Spiriatus was a very close friend of Phoenix's.

Spiriatus and Phoenix would often take jobs together. Working in tandem with mostly hand-to-hand combat styles, Phoenix's pale fire complemented Spiriatus's explosive Astral energy. Phoenix and Spiriatus developed most of the physical aspects of their fighting styles together, becoming battle brothers more than any other members of the Order.

Spiriatus's death at the end of the Wrathmoon is a source of great pain for Phoenix. Spiriatus's remains are buried next to Phoenix's resurrection shrine. Even though Phoenix now fights with the Orikawa Family's ritual sword, he still practices the style Spiriatus and him developed daily.

Kurosejm

Kurosejm acts like an uncle to Phoenix, the same way he does for most of the Order. Despite having spent less time active in the universe than Phoenix, Kurosejm's knowledge of the past age gives him an elderly vibe. Phoenix treats him with tentative respect, as even he fears the brutal methods the curse master uses to dismantle foes.

Phoenix is one of the few people to find Kurosejm's jokes funny, and is the main reason Kurosejm keeps telling them. Humor has become something of a special bond between the two, which has helped both of them through hard times. Kurosejm does know when to be sincere, though, and has been helping Phoenix through Spiriatus's death.

Blumei Altram

Phoenix and Blumei bring a special energy into the room when they are both present. Quickly becoming friends over their shared passionate sense of justice, Phoenix respects Blumei as his junior. While they don't synergize well in combat at all, the two take their jobs on with more fervor than anyone else.

Blumei doesn't interact with Phoenix outside of work much anymore, on account of Phoenix living on Brimstata. Blumei prefers to stay far away from the scorching planet, as Spiriatus's death and the rest of the Wrathmoon was rather traumatic for them. Phoenix understands this, and always makes sure to greet Blumei with a smile when he enters the Order of the Sun's headquarters.

Vyster Indorium

Vyster is a rather cold individual, and Phoenix struggles to relate to him. While the two are on good terms and are relatively friendly at their work, they never seek each other out beyond that. Vyster's particularly unchallenged life and easily inflated ego are points of contention for Phoenix. Phoenix leaves most of the disciplining and training of Vyster to Aaron, unable to muster the patience to tell Vyster how to improve himself.