doctoral journey

A Turning Point

At the age of five, Echiko would sometimes accompany her mother to her small office, when patients weren’t around. She was fascinated by her mother’s work but was too young to be fully exposed to the anatomical subject of her mother's practice. As she grew older, her curiosity deepened. By the time she was a teenager, her interest in healthcare blossomed, and Ryoka began to share more of her knowledge with her daughter. She taught Echiko about the medical practices she used with her patients and even showed her how to prepare Eastern remedies and general medicines.However, life took an unexpected turn when Ryoka fell seriously ill. She was diagnosed with a poisonous neoplasm on her ovaries, a condition that could have been fatal had it not been caught early. Fortunately, with prompt treatment and care, Ryoka’s prognosis improved. During this difficult period, Echiko worked tirelessly alongside other doctors within her parent's syndicate, using the skills she had learned from Ryoka over the years to help create medicines to aid her mother’s recovery. Her dedication paid off when the mass shrank enough to be safely removed, and Ryoka survived. The experience left a profound mark on Echiko, who became resolute in her desire to pursue a career in gynnecology and related medicine. If she could help her mother heal, she realized, there were countless others she could assist as well.By the time Echiko turned 18, she had completed her general education and was ready to take the next step. She chose to continue her studies in Old Sharlayan, the renowned center of knowledge that had long captured her imagination. For a Raen like Echiko, it was a dream come true—Old Sharlayan was famous not only for its vast libraries but also for its unmatched opportunities for scholarly growth. She spent the next ten summers immersed in her studies, excelling in her field. She graduated with a high rank and, what is equivalent to, a doctoral degree in female anatomy and eastern medicine.Echiko’s expertise quickly gained recognition, and she began offering remedies to her Western colleagues, even teaching them how to craft medicinal teas from fresh Othardian ingredients. These informal lessons often took place after seminars, typically over a warm cup at the Last Stand. Echiko was well-loved by many for her intelligence, warmth, and willingness to share her knowledge, though her success also made her the subject of envy among some. But regardless of the admiration or jealousy, Echiko knew her path—she was committed to helping others heal, just as she had helped her mother.

Coming to Eorzea

After Echiko's long studies, she traveled the Western lands and fell in love them. Just enough to purchase an apartment within the Lavender Beds, so she could come and go whenever she pleased. A true, home away from home. Conveniently, there were occasional free-lance opportunities at Eorzean clinics, who needed a differing perspective or help. This is how she would make her gil in the west and continues to do so when she is actually visiting. In her moments of leisure, such as week's end, Echiko indulges in the nightlife Eorzea has to offer!Starting out as a patron to many of these nightclubs and scenes, Echiko has found herself assisting in venue support for a few western friends she has become loyal to. In eastern culture, loyalty to family and friends is everything, especially those who have helped get her where she is today!

Origin

Echiko Ono was born in the bustling city of Kugane, the vibrant heart of Hingashi and a land brimming with opportunity. Known as the face of the east, it was a city where the rising sun illuminated the hopes and dreams of its people. Echiko was the middle child of Eiru, a renowned katana smith, and Ryoka, a skilled medical doctor. Eiru and Ryoka, deeply devoted to their children, shared their knowledge with them whenever they weren’t busy with work or enjoying the lively city life.When Echiko’s older brother, Rinto, was born, the family was still in its humble beginnings, struggling to establish themselves. At the time, Eiru’s reputation as a blacksmith was just beginning to grow. His craftsmanship caught the attention of Kugane’s elite, leading to prestigious commissions that allowed him to expand his business and eventually purchase a larger plot of land for his growing family. This success came at a pivotal moment, as it was after this achievement that Eiru and Ryoka decided to have two more children. First came Echiko, followed three years later by Ea. It was a blessed time for the family, and they felt the favor of the Kami on their side.As the family continued to prosper, Eiru was offered a full-time position with a shadowy yet prestigious organization. The work earned him significant gil, though the ties to the syndicate were delicate, and Eiru had sworn an oath of silence regarding what he saw and heard. His loyalty to his superior ensured the safety of his family, and in return, the syndicate looked after them. This connection proved pivotal when Ryoka sought to expand her career. Once their children were old enough, she set her sights on finding work, but Kugane, like much of the East, remained steeped in conservative traditions that made it difficult for the small raen woman to find opportunity.It wasn’t until Eiru mentioned his superior’s wife, who was about to give birth, that Ryoka’s chance arrived. Specialized in Eastern medicine and with particular expertise in female anatomy, Ryoka offered her assistance. She helped safely deliver the child with care and skill, earning the admiration of her husband's boss. As a result, Ryoka was appointed as the syndicate’s personal medic, specializing in gynecology—a field often overlooked by many. It was a turning point in her career, marking the beginning of a new chapter for both her and her family.

Dossier

About:

Name: Echiko Ono
Age: 30 Summers
Race: Hingashi Au Ra, Raen
Orientation: Bisexual, Ambiamorous
Occupation: Obstetrician/Gynecologist and Eastern Medicine (MD), Part-Time: Venue Support

description:

In contrast to her parents and siblings having dark hair, Echiko was born with recessive genes. She has long blonde hair and like many eastern women she has fair porcelain skin with luminous marble scales. These scales tend to glow in the moonlight, giving Echiko a very ethereal appearance. Her eyes are honey brown with glassy iris and prominent pupils. Echiko has always been lithe, though after childbirth, she retained motherly weight in her bosom and hips, leaving her small frame with more curves. Echiko is short in stature, standing at about four fulms and nine ilms. She has a round and youthful face, making others think she is younger than her real age.

Likes: Spicey eastern food, Burgers, Nightlife, Reading, Art, Animals, Plushies.
Dislikes: Nonauthentic eastern food, Lack of Empathy, Sparring, Cold Weather, Pollen.

Personality:

Echiko tries to do right by everyone initially, until they prove undeserving of her kindness. If this is the case, she does not usually make a scene when provoked, but quietly distances herself from the issue. She is timid and can be jumpy, but pushes through this to assist others. Not to mention, meditates to regulate her daily anxiety.Though she will not be swayed under lawful oath within surgical and medical practices, behind the knife, Echiko is under Neutral Good Alignment. Outside of her medical career, she tends to not act out of kindness just because there might be a law in place, yet out of the character she possesses. Once Echiko forms a deep bond with something or someone, she becomes quite apathetic toward any laws against protecting it. This is ONLY IF the laws do not involve harming any innocence or maliciously killing someone under her medical care. She will not; no matter what may become of her. Though, like any conscious individual, she will defend herself for her choices.

Other parts of her upbringing:

While Echiko spent most of her time interested in her mother's work, she and her siblings were taught how to wield a katana and spar to protect themselves if faced with trouble. Eiru ensured each of them were well-skilled in the art of self defense, something vital to a sense of independence. Though for Echiko, this was merely a hobby she didn't want to consume too much time with.