Interview
Phoenix Rising
Written By shockandlockPhotographed By Mirayladraws
2024-05-06
There is nothing quite like the tense atmosphere ascending up the gangplank of the Moby Dick, the infamous flagship of the Whitebeard Pirates. Today, this ship –more specifically, one of the offices nestled inside– will be the backdrop of today’s interview.
They are careful with who they allow aboard, but they’ve graciously permitted my presence. Today’s interviewee does not meet me at port, but one of the crew’s commanders, Izo of the 16th division, escorts me to my destination: the infirmary. While I’d love to recount what I see of the ship, I’m more interested in one of its inhabitants.
Marco the Phoenix sits at a desk in the infirmary, scribbling away at some papers on his desk. What I see is a far cry from the man that took the fashion world –the entire world– by storm at the World’s Power Gala a mere few nights ago. He glances up at me with a polite smile and directs me to sit. I expect to wait as he finishes whatever work he has in front of him, but instead he insists I start. After a brief round of introductions, I lead in with my first question.
“It wasn’t my first choice to attend the Gala,” the Phoenix answers honestly. He doesn’t miss a beat with his answer, not even looking up from his work. His flawless ability to multitask is not a surprise. Such a skill must come in handy when acting as the First Mate of such an infamous crew. He wordlessly commands attention even just sitting behind his desk. The Phoenix continues, “The crew, on the other hand, thought it would be a perfect opportunity to force me to take a break of sorts. Pops –Whitebeard– agreed. It worked out that my presence would make quite the impression.”
And what an impression it was. The Phoenix was not the only Whitebeard Commander present the night of the Gala. Though violence was prohibited at the event –not that this rule was followed to the letter– the presence of Whitebeard’s First Mate as well as the Second Division Commander, Fire Fist Ace (who unfortunately was absent from the ship at the time of this interview), sent a clear message: We cannot be touched.
“I chose to wear the dress. It wasn’t some dare like some people may think,” the Phoenix says when inquired about the design he wore that night, the most pressing question on everyone’s minds. “We belong to one of the strongest crews in the world. Everyone expects us to present ourselves a certain way, especially at an event like the World’s Power Gala. What better way to show my power than defying the expectations?”
I’m sure I’m not the only one who remembers the wave of silence that overtook the red carpet when the Commanders appeared in a flash of fire. The crowd was stunned still until they started to pose for the cameras, every reporter rushing to get the best pictures.
No photo compares to seeing it up close in person, which I have the privilege of doing so. When I ask to see it, the Phoenix so graciously offers to don it once more. Simply put, it’s gorgeous.
The dress, designed by Whitebeard’s very own Izo of the 16th division, is made of an iridescent fabric. As Marco the Phoenix shifts, the color seems to change between deep blues and greens under the light. Of course, he would never dream of hiding his mark, which is proudly on display thanks to the plunging neckline. The outfit is accented with his signature blue sash, which he instead wears around his neck like a choker.
But the true wow factor is the larger-than-life cape that trails behind him as he walks. The cape is made up of hundreds of handcrafted peacock feathers which, like the main body of the dress, catch the light with movement.
“In some cultures, peacocks are a symbol of wealth,” the Phoenix explains. He does not disclose the material cost, but he surely does look expensive. “The feathers were my idea. Rather fitting, wouldn’t you say?”
The ship rumbles under our feet, and as Marco the Phoenix rushes out of the room, I know our interview has been cut short. He’s still fully dressed in his gala attire, but he does not hesitate once he sees the ship’s assailants. It’s a blessing to witness the moment he transforms into his namesake, shimmering fabric and peacock feathers igniting into bright blue and golden flame.
Dear reader, if you’re wondering if the Phoenix is as powerful as he looked on the night of the gala, I’m sure that I don’t have to answer that for you.
