This is Nuriko from Fushigi Yugi, a shoujo title by (the incredible) Watase Yuu. I know it isn't in color, but I started sketching a couldn't stop!

Background: I drew Nuriko as she first appears in the anime/manga, as a member of the Emperor's harem. She has strong feelings for the Emporer, who never visits his harem. When Miaka, the chosen priestess arrives, the emperor is enamored. Jealously, Nuriko treats her with cruelty and spite. Through a major display of strength, Nuriko is revealed as one of 7 celestial warriors destined to Miaka. Gradually, Nuriko becomes Miaka's close friend.

In truth, Nuriko is a man who dresses as a woman. His sister died at a young age, so he started cross dressing to keep her memory alive instead of coping with the loss. Eventually, Nuriko faces his past. He stops cross dressing, choosing instead to be himself and accept his role as Miaka's warrior. As a man, he grows to love Miaka, and loses his life protecting her.

Why I chose Nuriko: Nuriko provides comic relief by constantly hitting on male and female characters or through exaggerated feats of strength. However, he transforms from someone going to extremes to avoid facing pain into someone who uses his strength to protect another. His character is dynamic, relatable and endearing.