Ryokou Shikitei

Despite her small stature, Ryokou is destined to change Earth's fate—but in which direction, better or worse, remains to be seen.

Written by Invader-Roxas

Guardian of Daimtiva, Lady in Red - Shikitei Ryokou

Physical Description

General Physical Condition

The smallest among her friends, she is tiny but mighty, given that she is slowly learning how to control her magical abilities in order to make up for her small size. Still, overall she is very light and tiny, often allowing Orion to pick her up at will and carry her around like a rag-doll if he so chooses. Because of her new-found abilities, she is faster than most, despite her minuscule stride. Recently, she has taken up weight-lifting as a hobby with her father, although she admits she's not fantastic at it. However, when it comes to long-distance running, she takes home the gold.

Body Features

She possesses a tan, warm-toned complexion, which often brings out the blush in her face. Her hair is sometimes compared to a "fluffy lion's mane", and will often fall victim to static electricity. Her shoe size falls somewhere between a US Women's 5-6, making it difficult for her to find the right size shoe as her feet are so small.

Facial Features

Her facial shape is classified as a heart, and she is often teased about her bright, child-like cheeks. Some parts of her face (most notably along her hairline, under her lip, and along her jawline) contain the rosy remnants of acne scars from her teenage years. Despite her eyes being a dark brown, many have still pointed out their vibrancy, and sharp display of her many emotions. Her eyes are monolid, along with a mid-close set.

Identifying Characteristics

Later on, as her Inner Core slowly becomes more and more in-tune with her body and mind, the ends of her hair will turn a deep red, as well as her eyes.

Special abilities

Minor teleportation skills, bursts of propelled speed, pyrokinesis.

Apparel & Accessories

Wears mostly dark or vibrant colors, ranging from honey yellow to deep crimson. She loves wearing clothes with galaxy patterns on them, or anything to do with space/cryptids/monsters. During colder months, she'll wear big fluffy coats, scarves (sometimes multiple), and thick pants to keep warm. When it's warm or rainy, she'll often be wearing graphic T's or tank-tops along with shorts that usually don't go past the lower thigh. Sometimes she'll wear chokers with different rock/crystal pendants, but she isn't a jewelry fanatic. Usually wears scarlet flip flops in the summer time, but year-round she'll wear black combat boots. Her signature hoodie is a deep golden, with a black graphic of Saturn on the right breast pocket.

Specialized Equipment

6' Red and Black Scythe

Mental characteristics

Personal history

Her Past

Labeled as the artist of the family, Ryokou is a creative—but unlucky—innovator determined to positively reshape her future. She dreams of becoming an animator that many will look up to, and in turn change the art form for the better in some way. Despite being somewhat reclusive, introverted, and selfless, she does desire to make a name for herself thanks to her ambitious outlook.
As a child, Ryokou was considered a loner, and was generally afraid of talking to others. Over the years, despite overcoming repetitive bullying, she pushed herself out there, and managed to make some connections—although only a few would stick. In high school, she was the President of the Art & Writing Club, and inspired her friend Miyako to create a Poetry Division within said club. Thanks to her rational thought and intelligent mindset, Ryokou would graduate near the top of her class.
As a young adult, now attending art school, she is often compared to her older brother Valentino, which occasionally dents their relationship. Since they have taken different creative paths (Valentino is a barber and an indie fashion designer), this doesn't affect them as much as it would when they were younger, but they could be closer. Ryokou retains a positive relationship with her parents; it is often said that she takes after her father, who is much more reserved, soft-spoken, and yet willing to speak his mind. Ryokou's mother, a lawyer, inspired her from an early age to take on creative pursuits, as she would often create oil paintings to relieve stress.

Meeting The Viniktarians

While she hates to admit it, Ryokou was the first of the four humans to interact with the Eveiliria brothers. When taking a shortcut home from class, Ryokou accidentally stumbled onto Orion/Daimtiva, who had snuck away from his brother's protective watch in order to feast on human flesh. As it should, this alarmed Ryokou, causing the bewildered Prince to chase after her. This inevitably led to Ryokou, Valentino, Blaire, and Miyako into meeting face to face with Orion, Superior, Terra, and Nova. Thus, in order to prevent word from getting out to the Human population that they were "not alone", and to also avoid death, the eight made a deal; the Humans would protect the Viniktarian Royals from the Erok threat, which was unable to harm a Human in any way, shape, or form. Thus, Humans were the perfect defenders for the brothers. Everyone agreed, except for Ryokou, who proceeded to try and escape once she was paired up with Orion. He caught up with her easily, and forced their Inner Cores to bond, interlocking their fate together until death takes them.
Currently, Orion and Ryokou live together in the Shikitei household; this was established as being Orion's best option, as he would be surrounded by his guardian 99% of the time—much to Ryokou's initial dismay. Terra would join them every so often since Ryokou's brother had bonded with him, but for the most part Orion is the only permanent Viniktarian member of the household in present day.

Gender Identity

Female

Sexuality

Pansexual

Education

Local primary/secondary education in Fukui, Japan. Currently enrolled at COA in the Animation Division.

Accomplishments & Achievements

Thanks to her hard work and extensive drawing and animation portfolio, Ryokou was accepted into COA, an institution infamous for their art students. Currently she is in her junior year of the animation program, minoring in advertising. She will graduate in 2030.
While she doesn't see it in this light, many Viniktarians would claim that her being chosen as Quailar Orion's guardian is one of the highest honors any being could hope to achieve. Considering that she is putting much of her life at risk, Ryokou considers this as more of a curse than a gift, but that doesn't mean that she doesn't appreciate Orion's company. On the contrary, while the two do tease one another, she does admire the "bad boy" Viniktarian.

Failures & Embarrassments

Ryokou has had a handful of crushes over the years, many of them loose but a select few have been strong and meaningful to her. However, despite how hard she's tried, every love interest has either rejected her offers, or their friendship fades before she is confident enough to state how she feels. Ayano Watanabe was one of her most recent crushes, who only rejected her out of fear of being labeled a loner or a lesbian.¹ This amount of romantic rejection has added onto Ryokou's fear of dying alone, along with making her feel like she can't truly love another who will reciprocate her feelings.

Mental Trauma

Because of her quirky, imaginative, and sometimes distant personality, Ryokou was bullied for the majority of her childhood leading up to high school. It has always been hard for her to make friends, not because she is standoffish, but because it has become hard for her to trust others. This lack of trust has increased over the years as friends come and go without explanation, with the only exceptions being Miyako and Blaire. Her seemingly constant state of rejection in love affairs has also taken its tole.

Morality & Philosophy

Above all else, Ryokou is a very loyal person. The best example of this is shown with her eventually self-declared allegiance with The Viniktarian Empire, despite the ever-persistent threat that they could decide on enslaving the Human race at any time. Many wonder—why she would align with them, if not just for her own self-preservation? But in actuality, because all that Orion and his brothers/friends have done for her, she is loyal enough to them that she would risk her life for their cause. Also being in love with Orion kind of forces her to be on his side.

Personality Characteristics

Motivation

Wants to become an innovative animator and renowned artist, despite assuming the odds are stacked against her. Now that she has been forced into helping the Viniktarians, she aims to help defeat Erok while protecting Orion. But above all, she wants to protect Earth from enslavement.

Savvies & Ineptitudes

Great at tech (especially if it's troubleshooting an art tablet or gaming laptop), fast, talented artist and animator, elegant speaker.
Not so skilled yet with her scythe or Inner Core Flame, horrible at strength training, slow swimmer, weaker than most outside of magical properties.

Likes & Dislikes

Likes: Art, red, pink, Japanese and Italian cuisine, cooking, space, conspiracy theories, ghost stories, the internet, her trusty tablet, copic markers, Earth, Orion, her brother and family, best buds, sunsets, art school, coffee.
Dislikes: Erok, green, sunrises, grape juice, dates, awkward introductions, egos, Starr, being controlled, cold eggs, deadlines.

Virtues & Personality perks

Patient when she chooses to be, ambidextrous, caring to all, a peaceful warrior, small and quick, unafraid to take chances, will risk everything for someone she loves, quick-thinking and a strong problem-solver.

Vices & Personality flaws

Easily flustered and angered, quick to call someone out, self-conscious, doubtful of her potential, insistent that even the worst kinds of people can turn out to be good in the end, haunted by her failures and embarrassments.

Personality Quirks

Rocks legs when curious or interested in something, plays with hair, sticks art supplies in her hair/behind her ear, purses her lips when she's upset, cracks knuckles, rolls shoulders, hugs pillows when she's upset/nervous.

Hygiene

Is a cluttered clean-freak; specifically, her room is spotless and vacuumed/dusted every weekend, but she scatters around her art supplies and electronics in every nook and cranny. Often times she will change up their placement based on whatever she is using the most. She does however have a knack for spilling coffee on the walls, so the room smells of a dark roast with extra sugar on occasion.

Social

Contacts & Relations

Orion

Being the first Viniktarian she ever met, Orion and Ryokou's relationship has blossomed from what it was originally. Their values and opposing characteristics originally collided against one another, which was originally troubling, as all of the other brothers/humans involved in Operation Earth VS Erok were getting along. It took some work, forced companionship, and learning much about each other before the two could begin to stand one another, but now they are closer than ever before. Orion is one of Ryokou's only companions (if not the only one) that will defend her to his grave, and she would do so in turn. Despite his flirtatious nature and her reserved attitude, they find common ground in politics, social norms, feelings and emotions, and above all they relate to one another on a spiritual level (thanks in part to their Inner Cores being bound to one another). Even though Ryokou is technically Orion's slave/servant, he does not treat her as such (to her delight and relief), and instead as an equal. Speaking of which, it is obvious to some that the two do have romantic feelings for one another despite the constant tension that remains between them. However, they have yet to act upon them besides Orion's constant flirting.

Superior, Terra, and Nova

When it comes to Orion's other brothers—Superior, Terra, and Nova—Ryokou had an initially positive relationship with each of them. While Superior was commanding and authoritative, he instantly became a wise mentor to Ryokou as she trained to become a proper guardian, as well as a helping hand in times of doubt. Terra became a fast friend mostly because he was bound to Valentino, Ryokou's older brother. Ryokou often complains to Terra whenever Orion is too much to handle, while on the other hand Terra will often mope to Ryokou whenever he has issues comprehending something about Humans/Earth. Lastly, Nova—being the ball of love that he is—is always eager to spend time with Ryokou whenever they're free, and just hang out and have some fun to loosen her up. They have bonded quickly over their similar histories of unrequited romance, and often share what they've learned in life with one another.

Dielkaire

Outside of the main four remains Dielkaire, Emperor of Viniktaria and the eldest Eveiliria. Initially appearing distant and cold-hearted, Ryokou was originally frightened of the leader, being as he was the sole deciding factor of whether or not her planet would become enslaved. However, unbeknownst to her, Dielkaire was fond of Ryokou from the start, partially due to them sharing the same Inner Core, and thanks to the positive things his brothers have said of her. Surprising even his brothers, the icy Emperor was quick to gain Ryokou's friendship, much to Orion's dismay and anger. It was obvious to many except Ryokou, that Dielkaire was originally using her to agitate Orion, but over time Dielkaire quickly developed his own true feelings for the Human. Currently, he aims to make her his bride.

Miyako and Blaire

Miyako and Blaire have been lifelong friends of the Shikitei siblings since they could talk, and have remained friends despite their ordeal with the Viniktarians. Miyako has served as the patient strategist, and would often be Ryokou's sole adviser in time of hardship. Blaire on the other hand is very easy going, and loves to live life to the fullest; there have been times where Blaire has tried to bring Ryokou out into the lime-light, and pull her away from her comfort zone. However, these attempts never ended well.

Family Ties

Valentino

Valentino is Ryokou's older brother, with ~3 years split between them. The eldest of the Shikitei siblings runs his own spa and hair salon on the opposite side of town, although he still lives at home with the remainder of the family. While they do butt heads every once in a while thanks to Valentino's irritable nature, and Ryokou's sparking attitude. However, Valentino makes a point to look out for his little sister, even going so far as to rain on Orion's parade and insist that "he should look for love elsewhere" (not that he listens). Overall, 75% of the time they do get along, thanks to their appreciation for one another combined with their similar values and interests.

Religious Views

Originally Atheist, Ryokou has converted over to the Viniktarian religion of Vaunu, though her belief is still not completely as strong.

Social Aptitude

Usually reserved and shy around newcomers, however upon meeting anyone unkind or egotistical, she won't hesitate to berate them or become clearly agitated. While she does not necessarily like conflict, thanks to their hidden fiery personality, it tends to follow her whether she likes it or not. However, besides this she is overly polite, and tends to hold the comfort of those around her higher than her own.

Hobbies & Pets

Her family cat is Shu Shu: a fluffy grey-white mix Somali who loves to relax in peculiar nooks and crannies of the Shikitei Household. Orion in particular, worships Shu Shu.
Ryokou's hobbies include video games, art (specifically the mediums of watercolor, ink/pen, digital), poetry & writing, stargazing, D&D, long-distance jogging, and tennis.

Speech

Because of her parents, Ryokou's accent is a delicate cross between Japanese and Italian, though is heavier on the former due to Japanese being her first language. When puts enough thought into it, she can hide either heritage and speak exclusively in one accent or the other, though she doesn't care to. Her voice is a cross of a mid-low range, compared best to an Alto. Her dialogue is mostly casual, though she won't hesitate to display her range of vocabulary. She tends to swear in Italian, just so she doesn't offend those around her.

Relationships

Dielkaire

Romantic Interest (Vital)

Towards Ryokou Shikitei

5

Dishonest

---

Ryokou Shikitei

Romantic Interest (Important)

Towards Dielkaire

2

Honest

---

History

Ryokou meets Dielkaire during the second story arc on her first visit to the Mothership. While initially scared of the Quailarian given his status and overall importance (and, oh yeah, Humanity's enslavement is decided by this man), Dielkaire is immediately kind and responsive to her. Terra and Superior specifically note this as odd, being that Dielkaire usually doesn't give most people the time of day, but Dielkaire is quick to argue that he respects Ryokou and the rest of the Humans based on their help towards their cause in the Erok War.
However, Dielkiare's true positive nature towards Ryokou is revealed to be a ruse: he realizes early on that Orion has a true fascination for Ryokou, one that he speculates traverses the span of a love interest. Being that he wants to ruin Orion's life at every turn, Dielkaire attempts to hog Ryokou from him, which is easy to do as Starr is begging for Orion to give her attention instead. As time passes, Dielkaire's plan begins to backfire—but not as one might think. Instead, Dielkaire begins to fall in love with Ryokou, as he realizes that they get along almost too well.
Immediately, Dielkaire attempts to woo Ryokou, although simply so that she doesn't catch on. Orion does however notice this odd behavior, and tries to split them up whenever possible. All the while, Dielkaire is slowly closing in on his scheme to make Ryokou his bride as the next Quailaria of Viniktaria, by any means necessary. Besides, who would deny his hand in marriage? You'd have to be a fool.

Nicknames & Petnames

Dielkaire is fond of the pet name Orion currently calls Ryokou, "Robin". Like everything he does when concerned with Orion, he takes what he loves for himself, and often will reference Ryokou as "Robin" right to Orion's face.

Shared Acquaintances

Orion, Terra, Nova, Superior, Starr, Veil, Valentino Shikitei

Orion

Master (Vital)

Towards Ryokou Shikitei

5

Dishonest

---

Ryokou Shikitei

Guardian (Vital)

Towards Orion

3

Honest

---

History

Ryokou was the first of the main four humans to meet a Viniktarian, who happened to be Orion. While originally disgusted by him and his flirtatious, egotistical attitude, the bonding of their Inner Cores made it so that they could at least stand one another, and eventually care about the other. Once Ryokou defeated Erok (almost single-handedly) and saved Orion's life, Orion immediately started to take their relationship seriously. So much so that he began to see her as a romantic interest, and eventually developed an obsession with gaining the human's affection. While Ryokou still didn't seem to appreciate Orion's interest in her, over time she began to have feelings for him as well, but keeps them a secret due to knowing that he will inevitably marry Starr (or, so she thinks).
Overall, Ryokou acts as the responsible counterpart to Orion's childlike personality, and despite their arguing they care for one another more than anyone knows.

Nicknames & Petnames

Orion originally called Ryokou "kitten", despite this pissing her off. Eventually it evolved to "robin", something she appreciates a bit more.
In order to berate him, Ryokou will sarcastically call Orion "Mr. King of The Universe" in a sarcastic tone, to point out his self-entitlement and selfish mannerisms.

Relationship Reasoning

While Terra and Nova were quick to choose their humans (Valentino and Blaire, respectively), Superior and Orion thought long and hard on who to choose. Originally, Superior wanted Ryokou to be his guardian, as he was put off by Miyako's "slutty appearance". However, Orion threw a fit, and eventually forced Superior to choose Miyako as his guardian, and allow Ryokou to be Orion's guardian. This upset Ryokou, considering that she was absolutely terrified of Orion based on what she had witnessed moments earlier (see First Contact). Ryokou attempted to escape being bonded with Orion's Inner Core altogether, but ultimately failed.

Commonalities & Shared Interests

While they can be drastically different (Jock v.s. Nerd complex), Orion is always intently interested in watching Ryokou work, and will often spend hours of watching her draw, paint, or write in complete silence. Both also enjoy going out together, whether it be for a quick stroll, going to the shore, or having a "coffee date".

Shared Acquaintances

Valentino Shikitei, Terra, Nova, Superior, Dielkaire, Starr, Mr. & Mrs. Shikitei

Starr

Enemy (Important)

Towards Ryokou Shikitei

-5

Subversive

---

Ryokou Shikitei

Enemy (Trivial)

Towards Starr

-5

Frank

---

History

Starr and Ryokou met on Ryokou's first tour of The Mothership, and at first the two seemed to get along as fast friends. At the time, Ryokou did not view Orion as a romantic love interest, and they bonded over talks of fashion, doing each other's makeup, and talking of their experiences on their home planets. However, once Ryokou began to develop a romantic interest in Orion (although she never acted on it out of respect), Starr's attitude towards Ryokou changed from a friendly character, to a jealous fiancé. She slowly began to critique Ryokou's appearance, and eventually Ryokou caught onto the changed behavior and confronted her about it. Despite her insistence that she was only Orion's guardian, Starr could tell that Orion shared feelings for her as well, and insisted that Ryokou stay away from him. Obviously, Ryokou refused, which started their feud. Ultimately, Orion is consistently on Ryokou's side, being that he cares for her deeply and couldn't give a damn about Starr; though, Starr does hold the most power in the quarrel, being that the law is on her side in terms of who Orion will marry. This conflict will often boil down into physical fights, to which they are an equal match. Ryokou has technically won all of their altercations, but only because Orion interfered in order to ensure her safety.

Nicknames & Petnames

Starr will often refer to Ryokou as "Orion's plaything", or "human pet", in order to mock her.

Commonalities & Shared Interests

While being two very different people (Starr being materialistic, and Ryokou ascetic), their one commonality is their love for Orion, although they show and love him in different ways. While Starr often begs for his attention (especially for sexual favors) and tries to entertain him through luxurious events, items, or locations, Ryokou simply likes spending time with Orion and talking with him about whatever is on his mind.

Shared Secrets

Starr has threatened Ryokou's life and safety on several occasions, though Ryokou simply sees this as a bluff. Because she doesn't take it seriously, Ryokou hasn't told Orion in order to keep him from worrying about her.

Shared Acquaintances

Orion, Valentino Shikitei, Dielkaire, Superior, Terra, Nova

¹To be clear, Ayano shared feelings for Ryokou as well.

Alignment

Neutral-Chaotic Good

Current Location

Fukui, Japan

Species

Human

Ethnicity

Japanese-Italian

Honorary & Occupational Titles

Gaurdian of Daimtiva, Lady in Red, The Red Reaper, Queen of Red, Lover of The Terrarrorian-Bound Prince

Year of Birth

2007 22 Years old

Birthplace

Kyoto, Japan

Spouses

Siblings

Current Residence

Fukui, Japan

Gender

Female

Eyes

Dark Brown

Hair

Shoulder length, brown, layered and fluffy

Height

5'0"

Weight

100 lbs.

Quotes & Catchphrases

"I, as someone who has seen its ugly head reared time and time again, can face rejection once more. You, a virgin to even the idea, cannot."

Aligned Organization

The Viniktarian Empire

Known Languages

Japanese, Italian, and English. Currently studying Korean and Viniktarian, the latter of which with the help of Orion.