Rika Tsusawa

**Rika Tsusawa** is a 1st year student at Valencia Academy. She is a member of Mariposa, as well as their primary costume designer. Her attribute is Smile and her image color is Fuchsia. She is a fusion between Ruby Kurosawa and Yoshiko Tsushima.

## Appearance

Rika is a teenager with a short slender build. She has dark mauve hair that reaches past her shoulders, part of which she ties up into two small buns on either side of her head. She has pale skin, and smoky purple eyes that slant downwards.

## Background

Rika hails from a privileged background that has shaped her unique perspective on life. Born into a wealthy family, Rika was accustomed to having her every desire fulfilled. However, her upbringing was far from idyllic. As a child, she was often confined to the confines of her room and instructed to speak only when spoken to, resulting in a sense of isolation and limited social interaction.

Left to her own devices, Rika found solace and companionship in the company of her vast collection of plush toys. Spending countless hours immersed in their whimsical world, she developed a fascination for all things "demonic" and "fallen angel," inspired by the pages of fantasy novels that transported her to realms beyond her own. She carried her beloved plushies with her wherever she went, even during her school days, serving as both a source of comfort and a tangible expression of her unique identity.

Rika's privileged background led her to attend a prestigious academy during her elementary and middle school years. However, her outwardly naive and childlike demeanor set her apart from her peers, making her a target of ridicule and bullying. This alienation further fueled her affinity for her plush companions and strengthened her resolve to remain true to herself, despite societal pressures.

Fate intervened one day when a group of bullies targeted Rika's cherished plush, leaving it damaged beyond repair. In her darkest moment, Himiko Ishida, a fellow outcast with a shared love for plushies, approached Rika with an offer of repair. Himiko's kind gesture sparked a deep connection between the two, as they discovered their mutual hobbies, interests, and shared experiences of being misunderstood by others.

As she entered high school, Rika's vibrant personality began to emerge, shedding the constraints of her sheltered past. It was during this transformative period that she caught the attention of Izumi Nakajima, the leader of Mariposa. Recognizing Rika's larger-than-life persona and her unique perspective on the world, Izumi believed that Rika could infuse Mariposa with a renewed energy and captivate audiences with her enigmatic charm.

Embracing the opportunity to spread her own "gospel" as the self-proclaimed "Demon Empress," Rika eagerly accepted the invitation to join Mariposa. She saw this platform as a means to express her true self and share her love for all things fantastical and unconventional. With her plush companions by her side and her vibrant spirit igniting the stage, Rika embarked on a thrilling journey as a member of Mariposa, determined to leave an indelible mark and inspire others with her unique brand of idol performance.

## Personality

Rika Tsusawa is a unique and charismatic individual with a flair for the dramatic. She embraces her alter ego, the Demon Empress, and sees herself as a powerful figure with a devoted following. However, her followers are limited to her plush collection, and the only true companion she has is her best friend Himiko, whom she affectionately refers to as the "Vice Demon Empress."

While Rika exudes confidence and theatricality during her dramatic "sermons" in the school courtyard, she actually struggles with shyness when it comes to one-on-one interactions with strangers. She finds comfort in the presence of her friends and often relies on their support and companionship.

Among her vast collection of plush toys, Rika's favorite is a stuffed raccoon named Yoru, whom she considers her familiar. She adorns Yoru in frilly dresses and hair bows, adhering to her personal interpretation of Gothic Lolita fashion, which she considers a requirement of the Demon Empire. Himiko is the only exception to this "rule". Ever since Himiko repaired her damaged plushie, Rika has taken an interest in sewing and used her newfound talent to design and create costumes for Mariposa. She serves as the stooge to Himiko's straight man.

## Discography

### Original Songs

* THE VILLAIN'S NIGHT
* Field Trip!
* Elementario de Aimashou!

### Cover Songs

* Ojamajo Carnival!
* Adabana Necromancy
* The World
* Venom
* How to Sekai Seifuku

## Trivia

* Although she hates it, she forces herself to drink black coffee because it's "what the Demon Empress would do."