Licorice

Licorice (リコリス) is a demon and the son of Satanick and Ivlis. He has been a main character in a number of Deep-Sea Prisoner's Sunahama comics.

Physical Description
Licorice has two known forms: an adult form and a child form. He has raceless white skin and black nails. His eyes are orange like Ivlis', and his straight hair with two longer front pieces is dark just like Satanick's. His horns bear a similiar shape to that of Ivlis' horns and have a similar color to that of Satanick's. They have been described as a half-and-half mixture between his parents, having a texture that is harder than wood.

As a child, he sports a boy's uniform-type outfit that consists of a white dress shirt with a black blazer over shorts and suspenders. He has white knee socks, black dress shoes, and a ribbon around his neck with a red ornament on it.

As an adult, he has a long ponytail that curls on the ends. His adult form is taller than Ivlis. As an adult, he wears a black suit similar to Satanick's and the ribbon around his neck becomes a black tie. Under his suit jacket he has a vest over a dress shirt and wears a large cape with wing shapes at the top and a purple interior.

In some illustrations, he is seen with a tail whose color is a mixture of purple and red. The style of his tail is similar to Ivlis' tail.

Personality
Licorice is said to be at a difficult age. At times, Licorice can be rather stoic and frigid to those such as Satanick, Envi, and Adauchi. To those that displease him, Licorice displays open contempt, vulgarity, and even violence with enough provocation. Usually when in undesirable company, Licorice is in his adult form.

Although capable of brutality, Licorice is surprisingly childish; he bears a strong disposition for candy, accepting sweets from even the likes of his father. When around people he likes, Licorice can be naïve and awkward, a reversal compared to his demeanor used with people he finds to be anathema.

The largest example of his potential for kindness is Ivlis, his mother. Licorice bears a ferocious need to protect his mother from those he deems to be threats, using violence wherever necessary.

Background
Licorice was created from Satanick’s desire of having a child with Ivlis. Throughout his childhood, Licorice acquired a fondness for Ivlis and came to identify the Flame Devil as his mother. His relationship with his father, Satanick, is considerably strained — due to Satanick’s abusive treatment of Ivlis — thus, Licorice chose to live together with his mother in the Flame Underworld.

Major

 * Seaside Dispatches 1 - The origin story of how Licorice came to be.

Mini-Comics

 * Devil-based 1 & 2 - Supporting character
 * Distorted Love 2 – Supporting character
 * Nightmare – Major character
 * Like Mother, Like Son – Main character
 * Dangerous Night – Main character
 * Licorice's Picture Diary - Main character
 * Funamusea's Private Deep-Sea Academy - Supporting character
 * Kenka – Main Character

Ivlis


Ivlis is the father of Licorice, though Licorice identifies Ivlis as his mother, and calls him "Mama" (in his child form) or "Mother" (in his adult form). Ivlis became a lot softer after Licorice was born. Licorice genuinely loves and cares for Ivlis, and he will do all he can to ensure Ivlis' safety, most notably from Satanick. He is very protective toward Ivlis and reacts violently to any who opposes his mother, as seen in his treatment of Satanick, and in a more mild example, his disapproving look to Adauchi. Licorice also seems to like drawing things for Ivlis, as shown in a Mini-Comic and a Sunahama update.

In the Nightmare comics, Licorice has a bad dream and goes to Ivlis' room to ask if he could spend the night there (even bringing his own pillow before knowing the answer). After getting his mother’s permission, Licorice proceeds to sleep next to him. Later that night, however, he wakes to the movement of Ivlis returning back to bed and proceeds to watch. Licorice looks on with wide eyes as Ivlis sheds a tear and immediately moves closer to hug his mother, which Ivlis returns by pulling the blanket (which was discarded slightly) over Licorice’s torso and keeps his son close.

In the Like Mother, Like Son comics, Licorice seems to have slowly developed incestuous feelings for Ivlis and is evidently uncomfortable with how much effort Satanick is putting in to gain his mother’s affection when he watches his father's antics together with a rather disturbed Emalf. While he understands that Ivlis and Satanick’s relationship improving (even just slightly) is considered a good thing for Ivlis’ sake, Licorice has stated himself that he is only "half-glad" about the occurrence, and that he does not clearly understand about "the other half’s feelings." Because of it, Licorice appears to be experiencing internal turmoil throughout the night, and thus, goes to Emalf afterward to confide in his caretaker. Unfortunately, Emalf's attempt at assuring him not to worry only places Licorice into further confusion, as he is generally still too young to understand the reason why.

In the following Dangerous Night comics, Licorice approaches Ivlis in his room with sexual intent in an attempt to understand his feelings. Despite slowly caressing his mother, he continues to go through the same uncertainty he did the previous night in Like Mother, Like Son. Eventually, he decides to discard his thoughts and give in to temptation. It is only until Ivlis begins stirring in his sleep and calling out for Satanick to stop what he is doing that Licorice snaps back to reality and realizes what he has done, promptly fleeing the room after glancing at his hands (now covered in Ivlis' semen) in horror.

Licorice is then seen cowering under a blanket, shivering while apologizing profusely to Ivlis for acting no better than his father, Satanick. In following Sunahama updates, it is shown that while their relationship is not damaged due to Ivlis’ unknowingness of Licorice’s actions, Licorice also hasn't presented any signs of owning up to his mistake and seems to be leaving his mother in the dark about the ordeal, regardless of the consequences.

Satanick
Satanick is Licorice's other father and calls him "Papa" (in his child form) or "Father" (in his adult form). Satanick was the one to have named Licorice. However, their relationship is extremely strained, and Licorice borders on hating Satanick’s very being. Licorice apparently sees Satanick as "that unpleasant, disgusting, and obviously useless thing that dares call itself my father," and nothing less. While in his adult form, Licorice will express disgust when he looks into the mirror and sees how he resembles his father. Satanick, on the other hand, is rather keen on gaining Licorice's favor as he has failed with his first son, Glasses. Unfortunately, Licorice does not seem to want to reciprocate those feelings.

Due to Satanick’s less-than-desirable treatment of Ivlis, Licorice has chosen to live with his mother in the Flame Underworld and acts as a sort of guardian for Ivlis whenever Satanick begins to act up.

In the Distorted Love comics, Licorice goes as far as threatening to take Satanick’s life even when his father is bedridden. But, before attempting to do the deed, he does make an effort to ask for Satanick's consent. When Satanick appears to give his permission, Licorice seems genuinely bemused by it. However, Envi, one of Satanick’s subordinates, arrives and stops Licorice before anything could be done. With the two seemingly ready to cross swords, Satanick calls them out, only to begin vomiting blood, which stops both Licorice and Envi as Licorice looks on with a troubled expression, and Envi goes to Satanick’s side. The event, however, ends with Licorice leaving without a word after his father steadies himself. In the Like Mother, Like Son comics, Licorice grows uncomfortable with Satanick's efforts in gaining Ivlis' affection. While he understands that Ivlis and Satanick's relationship improving (even just slightly) is considered a good thing for Ivlis’ sake, Licorice has stated himself that he is only "half-glad" about the occurrence, and that he does not clearly understand about "the other half’s feelings."

In the Danger comic, Licorice is seen horrified after realizing what he has done to Ivlis. It is then apparent that Licorice fears of becoming like his father. What he does not realize, however, is that by keeping the things he has done a secret from his mother, he threads on being as irresponsible with his actions as his father is. In later Sunahama updates, it is shown that Licorice continues to feel disturbed by Satanick’s presence, as seen in a sketch log of Ivlis, Satanick, and him in what seems to be a family photo. It has been stated that while Satanick is publicly nasty in his desires, Licorice keeps his somewhat nasty desires quiet. On Deep-Sea Prisoner's 17th drawing livestream, it was stated that Satanick loves both Licorice and Ivlis very much.

Lil
Lil is Licorice's step-mother. In a mini-comic, Lil flirts with Licorice just because he looks like his father, Satanick.

Poemi
Poemi is Licorice's half-sister, both being children of Ivlis. They are seemingly on good terms with each other. As briefly shown at the start of the Distorted Love 2 mini-comic, they once went on a camping trip together with Emalf as their chaperone.

Glasses
Glasses is Licorice's half-brother, both being children of Satanick. They were briefly seen interacting in a TEGAKI Draw. Licorice seems to like him, though Glasses is shown to be a little surprised by Licorice's existence.

Adauchi
Adauchi is Licorice's half-brother, both being children of Ivlis. They were seen briefly interacting in a TEGAKI Draw. Licorice doesn't seem to be particularly fond of Adauchi due to Adauchi's hatred towards Ivlis. Adauchi doesn't seem to know who Licorice is.

Emalf
Emalf seems to act as Licorice's caretaker and has been seen coming home from camping together with Licorice and Poemi when the demon childrens’ parents are unavailable. Licorice appears to be close to Emalf. The intimacy of their relationship is best shown in that Emalf is the one who Licorice goes to when he is troubled, and how Licorice appears to feel comfortable enough to confide in Emalf and seek out the older demon’s thoughts on things.

In the Like Mother, Like Son comics, Licorice, after gaining confused feelings on his parents' relationship, heads out at night to find Emalf sitting on a cliff far from the castle, and promptly speaks to Emalf about how he feels himself becoming abnormal; getting a strange feeling in his chest whenever he thinks of his mother, Ivlis. Emalf gawks at him with wide eyes, evidently surprised by the confession, but regains himself moments after to prevent Licorice from being inflicted by worry. Though he lacks in understanding of how Licorice's incestuous feelings for his Devil came to be, Emalf attempted with his best in assuring Licorice that he will be fine, and that there is nothing to be concerned about. After the event, however, Emalf is seen worrying over Licorice’s disclosure to the point of neglecting to answer Poemi’s question.

Envi
Envi and Licorice have been at odds for a long while due to their differing views of Satanick. The two seem to constantly be at each others' throats each time they meet with no visible conclusion. An example is in the Sunahama update I Cannot Rest, where Envi is seen grabbing Licorice's child form by the collar and has chained the young demon’s hands behind his back, all the while Licorice struggles to get free.

In the Distorted Love comics, Licorice comes to Ne-no-Kuni with the intention of killing his father but is stopped when Envi points a keris to his neck, stating that whoever opposes the Devil, be it their own son, shall have no mercy. Licorice arrogantly underestimates Envi, saying that "Envi's sort usually isn’t much against something like a demon..." with Envi retorting that Licorice shouldn't be pushing his luck and is willing to "show how much of a difference experience can make." However, their threats fall short when Satanick calls them out, only to begin vomiting the moment he sits up. Envi runs to Satanick’s side, and Licorice watches with a troubled expression before wordlessly leaving.

When asked if Licorice and Envi could get along, Deep-Sea Prisoner said, "No."

Crea Flankenstein
Although the two have not been seen interacting, Crea and Licorice are said to be friends. Not much else is currently known about the details of their relationship.

Skillset

 * Spear Wielding - As shown in various artworks, Licorice wields a spear.

Natural Abilities

 * Nigh-Absolute Immortality - Being a demon, Licorice cannot die from natural causes such as aging or disease.
 * Light Projectile Summoning - Inherited from Ivlis, Licorice is able to summon a light based weapon.
 * Regenerative Healing Factor - Being a demon, he is able to regenerate body parts, even guts and bones.
 * Genital Modification - Being a demon, he is able to modify his genitalia.

Trivia

 * His name is based on a candy of the same name.
 * Licorice's name could potentially be connected to the Lycoris radiata, more commonly known as the red spider lily. These flowers can be seen growing in Ne-no-Kuni as shown in various artworks and chapter two of Obsolete Dream. In Greek, "Lycoris" means "twilight."
 * Licorice is able to switch from a child to an adult freely. When asked during her third livestream if this switch causes an ill-effect on Licorice, Deep-Sea Prisoner confirmed that it does not; it is safe and secure for him to do so. His internal thoughts and mentality totally changes between each of his forms.
 * Clicking on his full portrait on Deep-Sea Prisoner's CHARACTER page will load up his adult portrait.
 * Despite being young, Licorice possesses enough power to travel between worlds as he pleases—a feat achieved only by powerful individuals, such as gods and devils.
 * Licorice inherited the ability to produce light-based projectiles from Ivlis, who inherited it from Licorice’s grandfather, Siralos.
 * In the Trauma Sunahama update, Licorice states that he "doesn’t even prefer one sex in the first place," confirming his bisexuality as that of most of Deep-Sea Prisoner's characters.
 * An official shimeji for Licorice is available for download on Deep-Sea Prisoner's website. Mogeko, Male Alela Grora, and Ivlis also have their own official shimejis.
 * Licorice may have an Oedipus complex.
 * From June 28 to August 3, 2017, Deep-Sea Prisoner hosted a character popularity poll that let each person vote three of their favorite characters. When the results came out on September 7, 2017, Licorice was ranked 8th.
 * In Sunahama Tsuushin volume 1, in one of Deep-Sea Prisoner's manga that can be purchased, it is said that Licorice was born because Ivlis simply manifested to have Satanick's child in his arms.
 * During Deep-Sea Prisoner's third livestream, she replied to a question about Ivlis being pregnant; she stated the artwork with the maternity clothes was from when Licorice was born. If Satanick was to get Ivlis pregnant again, Licorice would "cut off something important" of Satanick's. It was also stated that Licorice would be jealous of the new baby taking up Ivlis' attention, but he would still be a doting older brother.
 * He will be the main character of the upcoming Seaside Dispatches 3 manga.
 * Licorice takes advantage of his "kid privileges" in being able to share the same bed with Ivlis. Licorice is mentally strong enough so he has no trouble taking advantage of the fact that he's a kid. He does not care how others see him; he just uses the fact that he is a kid to get special privileges.
 * When asked what Satanick's, Ivlis', and Licorice's favorite foods were, Deep-Sea Prisoner responded that they all have a sweet tooth, but that Licorice hates carrots.
 * In the school AU (Funamusea's Private Deep-Sea Private Academy), Licorice and Adauchi both fight for Ivlis's attention.
 * Licorice calls Ivlis and/or his genderbend version (Ivlin) "Mama." This is due to Ivlis/Ivlin having given birth to him.

Quotes

 * "I HATE YOU, PAPA. STUPID. DIE. TRASH. IDIOT. SHIT." (To Satanick, in his drawing of his father – Mini-Comics)
 * "Did that unpleasant, disgusting, and obviously useless thing that dares call itself my father get carried away? It's alright, Mother, I'll protect you..." (To Ivlis – Mini-Comics)
 * "Why are you doing those things with Father! It should absolutely be me... Ahh... I'm coming... Mother..." (To himself, about Ivlis and Satanick having sexual intercourse – AU Roach (Darkness ♂))
 * "Do you think you'll be forgiven for all that you've done to Mother? If you'd like... I could easily finish it here and now, for his sake." (To Satanick – 9-8 Everlasting Love)
 * "Mother and father are better than before... it feels like their relationship has improved... That's a good thing... especially for Mother... But... why is that? To see them getting along makes me half-glad... but I don't clearly understand the other half's feelings. That is... lately... When I think of Mother... my mind gets really fuzzy... My chest feels warm... and it hurts..." (To himself, regarding his feelings on Satanick and Ivlis' relationship – 9-19 Like Mother, Like Son)
 * "...Emalf. I... think I might have become abnormal." (To Emalf, about his feelings toward Ivlis – 9-19 Like Mother, Like Son)
 * "Look at me... Accept... me... MOTHER!" (To himself, about Ivlis – 9-27 Dangerous Night)
 * "Ahh... I... I... What have I done... I'm... The same as Father... Mother... Uuuhhh... I'm sorry, Mother... I'm sorry..." (To himself, regarding his actions to Ivlis – 14 Dangerous Night)
 * "It's okay... This wasn't even my IMPORTANT first time... And I don't even prefer one sex in the first place... That's why it’s okay... Ugh... Mother... I’ve... been dirtied..." (To himself, after getting sexually assaulted by Envi – 12-27 Trauma)