Phoenix

A **phoenix** (/ˈfiːnɪks/; Ancient Greek: φοῖνιξ, *phoînix*) is a long-lived bird that cyclically regenerates or is otherwise born again.

Associated with the Sun, a phoenix obtains new life by arising from the ashes of its predecessor. According to some sources, the phoenix dies in a show of flames and combustion, although there are other sources that claim that the legendary bird dies and simply decomposes before being born again. There are different traditions concerning the lifespan of the phoenix, but by most accounts the phoenix lived for 500 years before rebirth.

## Etymology

The modern English noun *phoenix* derives from Middle English *phenix* (before 1150), itself from Old English *fēnix* (around 750). A once-common typological variant is *phœnix*. Old English *fēnix* was borrowed from Medieval Latin *phenix*, which is derived from Classical Latin *phoenīx*. The Classical latin *phoenīx* represents Greek φοῖνιξ *phoinīx*.

## Appearance

These legendary birds of fire come in at least two forms; a hatchling state and the signature adult form.

In the hatchling form, they appear as a creature strongly resembling a generic, cartoonish chick, with a chubby body, head, small legs, wings, and black button-like eyes.

In the proper grown or adult form, the Phoenix's appearance is completely different. Unlike the hatchling form, the true, grown form of the phoenix is that of a graceful, majestic, fire-covered bird of tremendous size, strongly resembling a swan in shape. However, notable differences include two long feathery streamers coming off the back of the head, and fiery, glowing eyes. In addition, they also possess a long, graceful tail, and long, dark, powerful legs.

## Powers and Abilities

This legendary creature possesses tremendous physical strength, speed, endurance, and stamina combined with fearsome Demons, which is appropriate considering that this monster is considered one of the strongest Demons in existence. This renders this species as being firmly in the S-Class category of Demons, which is shared with the Japanese Youko and the two most powerful monsters, the Werewolf, and the strongest of monsters, the Vampire.

As legendary birds of fire, Phoenixes are covered in Demon-generated flames, which is also their primary weapon, much like the Kitsunebi (Fox Fire) of the Japanese Youko. This makes the Phoenix one of two known monsters associated with and generating supernatural fire, though the Phoenix appears to be the stronger of the two. Given that Tsubaki is a Shinso-class Vampire, this would place the Phoenix species as a whole being a second monster capable of matching up against a Vampire in battle, the other being the legendary Werewolf.

Though not shown to possess specific, full-power special attacks, a Phoenix is capable of attacking with a formidable diving, piercing attack issued beak-first into the opponent. This attack is notable because the Phoenix has channeled its full demon power level, mass, strength, and speed into the technique, which is so powerful, that it can cause even an individual in possession of Vampiric strength some trouble.

Whether or not a full-fledged Vampire would have trouble repulsing this attack is unclear. A mature Phoenix would be far more successful in battle against a Vampire, and could prove to be a worthy opponent, though this would vary depending on the individuals involved.

The most powerful weapon of the Phoenix is their ability to unleash tremendous blasts of fire and kinetic energy, primarily issued forth from the mouth. This attack is easily capable of obliterating most opponents in an instant, and in top-ranked, mature Phoenixes, is even capable of destroying mountains.