NICOs TROPES (Nicoletta da Firenze)
Hime Cut: Nico has parted blunt bangs, shoulder-length sidelocks, and waist-length straight hair. Rocking a hairstyle that says "I'm in charge, and I'm still cute".
The Kirk: She keeps the emotional balance with The Spock Medea and the violent McCoy Miyuuki.
Statuesque Stunner: She's a towering beauty at 6ft tall, leaving her gal pals looking like cute little dwarfs next to her stunning presence.
The Heart: Nicoletta is the heart and soul of the crew, radiating a kind of energy that lifts everyone around her. She’s always upbeat, with a smile that feels like sunshine, and she's not afraid to be vulnerable, which makes her even more relatable. Her warmth isn’t just an act—she genuinely cares about the people in her circle, and that sincerity is what makes her magnetic. People are naturally drawn to her, not just because she’s a great leader, but because she makes everyone feel seen and valued. Her team doesn’t just follow her—they believe in her, admire her, and trust her with everything they've got.
Strong Family Resemblance: Nicoletta's actually biologically related to her parents, but you'd never guess it by looking at her. With her pink hair and eyes, she's about as far from her mom and dad as you can get! But here's the real kicker - turns out she's a total dead-ringer for Laurel Nasuka, the goddess herself. Guess when you're the human incarnation of a deity, family resemblances don't mean much, huh?
Chick/Dude Magnet: Both Medea and Miyuuki have developed romantic feelings for Nicoletta, while Quincey still seems to hold a torch for her and hasn't fully moved on from their past relationship.
Academic Athlete: Not only did she excel in her college studies, but she was also a volleyball superstar, and has kept both her brain and body in tip-top shape ever since.
White Sheep: of the women in the Argento family. Her biological mother is a total trainwreck, a neglectful jerk who can't keep it in her pants, her first cousin is a selfish con woman, and her grandmother is a cold-hearted bitch who doesn't even try to redeem herself. But Nicoletta? Despite her trolling and occasional immaturity, she's still a principled and selfless person. She may not be perfect, but compared to the rest of her family, she's practically a saint!
Wrong Genre Savvy: Nicoletta may have a love for action movies, but sometimes she needs a reality check when it comes to actual mission protocols and strategies. It's not uncommon for her to get a little carried away with her Hollywood-inspired plans, but thankfully Medea is always there to set her straight. Case in point: when Nicoletta suggested storming into the du Cronos Dynasty's base like a boss, Medea quickly shut that idea down, reminding her that they were up against an entire army and not just a few bad guys.
Family Theme Naming: She's the fourth ''Nico'' in her family. Nicoletta's dad is Nicolo and her big bro is Nicolás, and eventually we meet her grandma, Nicola, making it clear that her family was really into that name, or perhaps just ran out of ideas.
Significant Birth Date: Nicoletta is thrilled to have hit the birthday jackpot by being born on October 31, which means Halloween is always her birthday party! She gets to dress up in costumes and have twice the fun while everyone else is just getting started.
Beware the Nice Ones: Nicoletta may not have the same killer instincts as her girlfriend, but don't be fooled—she has her own unique brand of punishment. Irritate her enough and you might just find yourself wishing for a quick and painless death. At least with Medea and Miyuuki, you know what you're in for. But with Nico, it's a surprise every time!
Indy Ploy: When discussing her foes' intellectual strengths, Anthony singles out Nicoletta for her exceptional talent in "reflexive thinking," which proves to be a valuable asset for her role as a leader. While acknowledging that the entire V7D is comprised of intelligent individuals... to a degree, she emphasizes that Nicoletta's forte lies in her ability to think quickly and adapt in the heat of the moment. While Mia is known for her meticulous planning and preparedness, Yuuki for her manipulative and threatening lies, Quincey for his analytical skills, and Medea for her... being all of the above, But Nicoletta? She’s the queen of spontaneous thinking. Her talent for making split-second calls and crafting strategies on the fly makes her an irreplaceable asset in high-stakes situations where hesitation just isn’t an option.
Competition Freak: When it comes to volleyball, Nicoletta is an absolute beast - and not in a good way. Back in college, she had a winning streak that would make The Undertaker proud. With a record of 29-0, she was known as "La Palla Demolitrice del Campo," and trust me, that's not a nickname you earn by playing nice. Whether she's spiking the ball or spiking your drink (just kidding, don't sue her), Nicoletta is not someone you want to mess with on the volleyball court.
Colour-Coded Characters: Pink.
Good Is Not Soft: Despite being full of kindness and compassion—and always prioritizing protecting innocents over beating the crap out of criminals—don’t mistake her for a pacifist. When push comes to shove, she’s not the type to stand idly by. She won’t hesitate to unleash a storm of bullets from her gun, Whisper. While the shots themselves aren’t physically lethal, the enchantment on them makes the target feel every bit of the pain as if they were.
Awesomeness by Analysis: Nicoletta's managed to pick up her skills in martial arts and certain sciences just by devouring books like a madwoman on the topic. When she goes toe-to-toe with the Master Swordsman, Valentino Michelangelo Strafford, she holds her own. But of course, Valentino—being the cocky showoff he is—calls her out for not having that refined, flashy technique you only get from real hands-on practice. And she can't even argue with him. Nicoletta eventually admits that this was her very first swordfight since she's more accustomed to kicking ass with firearms.
Crazy Enough to Work: Nico has this crazy habit of willingly diving headfirst into danger, risking her own neck just to give herself or her crew a shot at taking down their enemies. I mean, seriously, she's like a total adrenaline junkie, always looking for that rush of putting it all on the line.
Women Prefer Strong Men: Nicoletta's taste in men, evidenced by her past relationship with Quincey and her evident interest in Freki's abs, enough to distract her, demonstrate her preference for a more robust, masculine type rather than the delicate, fair-skinned, long-haired fellows:
Nicoletta: ''I just love them brawny, rugged guys. I like a man whose appearance practically yells, "I could carry goats up a mountain." If I'm gonna be with a man, I'll need a man who can wolf down a hefty serving of stew and veggies, father countless children like it's no big deal, spend the entire day chopping wood, and still have enough energy to give me a sweet goodnight kiss.''
Foil: Akane and Nicoletta serve as foils to each other in their stories. Both have light-colored hair and hold the position of deuteragonists, receiving only slightly less focus than the main character, who also happens to be their love interest. One common trait is their unwavering protectiveness towards their beloved, leading them to unleash brutal violence upon those who dare to harm them. Additionally, both Akane and Nicoletta hold the position of the youngest child in their respective families, also assuming leadership roles within their groups despite not being the central protagonist. Another intriguing connection between them is their mysterious association with the goddess Laurel.
- Let's delve into the contrasting aspects of Akane and Nicoletta's characters. Although they both hold the role of deuteragonists, their paths diverge significantly. Akane embodies the role of a villain deuteragonist, gradually influencing Anthony towards darker traits such as greed, pride, and an insatiable thirst for power. On the other hand, Nicoletta takes on the mantle of a hero deuteragonist, guiding Medea on a transformative journey towards compassion, companionship, and genuine heroism.
- The contrasting dynamics of their protectiveness can be also understood in context. Akane's fierce protectiveness stems from the fact that, despite Anthony's superior physical strength, he often displays cowardice, making her feel compelled to protect him instinctively. In contrast, Nicoletta's protective instincts towards Medea stem from their deep bond as teammates and eventual lovers, where her role extends beyond mere defence.
- Akane initially presents herself as standoffish and exhibits tsundere tendencies towards Anthony, while Nicoletta consistently displays kindness, warmth, and an affectionate nature towards Medea, even before their romantic feelings develop.
- Furthermore, while Akane's connection to the goddess Laurel is rooted in her wolf nature, serving as a link between them, Nicoletta holds the unique role of being a human incarnation of the goddess herself.
- Akane's limited social skills can be attributed to a laryngeal injury that renders her mute, making verbal communication sometimes challenging for her. This physical limitation forces Akane to rely on alternative means of expressing herself and connecting with others. On the other hand, Nicoletta possesses an innate charisma that shines through her words alone. She effortlessly captivates others with her eloquence and persuasive abilities.
- Akane is clearly a tomboy with a girly streak. She embraces her inner tomboy by displaying qualities such as being adventurous, independent, and unafraid to get her hands dirty. However, Akane shows a love for dresses and has a natural talent for interacting with children, with the implication that she'd like to be a mother again. On the other hand, Nicoletta is a girly girl with a touch of tomboyishness. While she exudes a more feminine and graceful aura, Nicoletta also possesses a competitive spirit and a talent for engaging in athletic endeavors. She's got the moves and the skills to outplay you any day, whether on the field or with a gun.
Birthmark of Destiny: A peculiar diamond-shaped birthmark on the nape of Nicoletta's neck bears a striking resemblance to the pendant worn by Medea. This subtle connection serves as the initial hint of her deep connection with the goddess Laurel Nasuka.
100% Adoration Rating: Because she is a kind person yet willing to be pragmatic and efficient when she has to, she is respected by other members of her family and receives Undying Loyalty from the members of her V7D.
Upbringing Makes the Hero: Nicoletta didn't need the tragedy of losing a loved one or witnessing a traumatic event to become the hero she is today. She was simply raised too well to not stand up and fight for what's right.
Affectionate Nickname: She never stopped referring to Medea as Nero Angelo once she started. That is, until she started calling her Il Mio Nero Angelo. She does not give one to Miyuuki since she adores the significance of her name. (美幸, lit. ''beautiful happiness'').
Ensemble Dark Horse: Originally was gonna go into minor character appearances, casually revealed by Medea to be an ex and that would be it, also her first design was quite too generic for my taste that I was sure I wasn’t gonna use her again after her debut. Cue an unexpected redesign with a bubblier personality and being repackaged as not only Medea's love interest, but also as a Deuteragonist and the Leader of The V7D Squad, gave her a new air and the approval of many of my friends.
Dork Knight: On one hand, Nicoletta is a skilled and dangerous gunslinger, someone you wouldn't want to cross paths with. Yet, on the other hand, she's a cheerful and lighthearted woman who loves to dance, party, and play bass.
Amicable Exes: Despite the ups and downs they've encountered, Nicoletta and Quincey have remained surprisingly amicable throughout their relationship.Their bond, though transformed from romantic to platonic, remains strong, rooted in genuine care and concern for one another. They've overcome their fair share of challenges and decided that their friendship is what matters most.
Pink Means Feminine: Nicoletta's got pink locks that perfectly match her girly, sweet, and graceful demeanor.
Underestimating Badassery: At first, Anthony dismissed her as just some annoying brat getting in the way of his plan to launch a Siege on the House of Laurel. Little did he know, Nicoletta would turn out to be one of the biggest thorns in his side, constantly standing in his way. In fact, she was the first to outsmart Anthony’s Crawling Snake Emperor ability, dodging and moving through his lair without succumbing to her fears. She even got close enough to point her gun at the dragon god by finding a loophole in his fear-inducing power.
Calling Parents by Their Name: This is a justified case with Nicoletta and her estranged mother Claudia. She just keeps disappointing and abandoning her.
You Are Not Alone: Nicoletta holds this belief close to her heart, regularly offering comfort to those who have experienced loneliness or find themselves without a strong social network. This is somewhat how she found her V7D teammates.
Thou Shalt Not Kill: Nicoletta used to have the usual stance on killing—she’d say it’s not up to her to decide who lives and who dies. Even though Whisper can fire seriously destructive bullets (the kind that could blow someone’s forearm off with a single shot!), she always stuck to using the Ghost Bullets, which let the target feel like they’ve been shot without actually causing any harm. But as time went on, she started to realize there are times when it’s just necessary. And once she’s crossed that line, she’s felt the heat but not the remorse. And when it's gone down that road, she's felt the burn but not the remorse. But let's not get things twisted—she's not waving the flag for a full-on massacre as the go-to fix, not for her or anyone else. She still stands by her principle in the V7D: resorting to lethal force only when all other options have been exhausted.
Gentle Giant: Despite being about as tall as your average Italian stallion (and that's without her heels on!), she's sweeter than a cannoli and kinder than Nonna's Sunday gravy.
Messianic Archetype: Of course, not to the extent of Medea. But if the words of Laurel are something to go by, she was not ''simply'' created to be her avatar on Earth:
''Embrace the world, Nicoletta, and find where your compassion and kindness can make a difference. Remember the unique gifts and strengths you possess. The people around you have the potential to be extraordinary if only they had a guiding light. They simply need someone to illuminate the path. It is for this purpose, their inherent goodness, that I have entrusted them with you... my sweet girl.''
Hard-Drinking Party Girl: She admits to enjoying a drink fairly often, but it’s more for socializing than for any addictive reasons. She’s never seen completely drunk, maybe just a little tipsy at most. It’s possible she’s gotten so used to drinking that she can handle it without getting too drunk. After all, she proudly claims she can knock back 7 daiquiris in one sitting.
The Anti-Nihilist: While she can be a bit idealistic at times, she’s far from naive. She doesn’t buy into the idea that love and peace can magically solve everything, especially after reality starts hitting hard once Medea’s constant chaos begins to mess with the V7D. It’s a tough, unforgiving world, and she gets that now. But even as she faces brutal battles and the relentless challenges of fighting demons, she never backs down. Each fight leaves its mark on her, both physically and mentally, but she refuses to let it break her. Despite everything, she believes it’s better to stand your ground, to fight for something—even when it feels impossible—than to just sit back and watch the world crumble.
Humble Hero: She's the kind of person who doesn't like to brag about her skills or achievements. She's so humble, in fact, that even when everyone around her knew she was the perfect candidate to lead the Underworld legions during the Atlantic War, she refused. It wasn't until she was convinced that Medea had died and she had no other option that she finally stepped up to take charge.
Agent Mulder: Nico is easily convinced that there are plenty of demons wandering the mortal realm, making a "demon-hunter" profession seem unusual but not unheard of, unlike the rest. It's likely she thinks this because Nico's brain is wired to adapt to anything related to the Underworld, given who she is.
Deuteragonist: Medea is the main hero of the story, and her actions drive both the plot and Nicoletta’s goals. However, both of them get equal screen time in Under Pressure, and for much of the story, it's actually Nicoletta who's calling the shots on the missions, often delivering the final blow to their enemies. She also pulls off major feats worthy of a main character, including, but not limited to, bypassing Anthony’s Crawling Snake Emperor ability.
Action Girlfriend: Medea seems to have a type with colourful ladies who can make her feel protected.
A Big Sister to Her Men: She consistently proves her willingness to go above and beyond, even risking her own life for her comrades. She doesn't feel the need to take credit for their achievements, letting them enjoy their own glory. It’s clear she’s had plenty of practice, as she’s incredibly friendly with the people in her community, who trust her deeply.
Tomboyish Ponytail: Downplayed; when she is leading the action, she wears her hair in a ponytail to keep it out of the way, but she wears it loose when she is not fighting. Personality-wise, she's more of a Lady of War than a tomboy.
Supporting Leader: Medea may be the protagonist, but as the leader of The V7D, she calls the shots on the field.
Nay-Theist: Heavily Downplayed. Nicoletta is well aware of Laurel and Anthony's rank, powers, and their status in the hierarchy, but she doesn't see them as gods. They're exceptionally powerful beings who happen to control both the Upper and Under Worlds, but to her, that doesn't make them any different from a CEO.
Genki Girl: An adult example. When she's not commanding the hunt, or blasting her firearm Whisper, she's a bit of a spaz, bouncing around like a kid hopped up on pixie sticks.
Improbable Aiming Skills: Nicoletta can control both the trajectory and speed of Whisper's bullets after firing them. Mid-flight, she can adjust their speed, making them as fast as a regular speeding bullet or slow them down to a crawl, usually as an intimidation tactic. She even enjoys firing a dozen slow-motion bullets in front of an opponent, telling them that no matter how slow they seem, once they hit your skin, they’ll pierce you just like a regular bullet—only slower, making it hurt more.
Supporting Protagonist: Nicoletta is mostly a realized main character from the get-go; her personality and her moral compass are basically complete and on track. Nicoletta's meaningful development currently is moving forward with her protection of Italy and caring for and helping her more fucked up V7D teammates, especially Medea, she is the one in need of several developments as the girl has a lot of problems and issues to be dealt with first before Nico actually succeeds in her quest. She is the V7Ds guide in moving forward towards growing as a character, slowly but surely eliminating her issues.
One Head Taller: They say good things come in small packages, but when it comes to Nicoletta, good things come in tall packages! At 5'5'', Medea is practically a shrimp next to her, struggling to even reach her neck.
Rose-Haired Sweetie: In contrast to her black-haired girlfriends, her pretty pink hair highlights her joyful, nice girl nature.
Battle Couple: With Medea, her girlfriend. Although the human does the more "physical" part of a battle.
Shout-Out: The way she spins Whisper while sheathing it is a reference to the movie RoboCop.
Light Feminine and Dark Feminine: Nico is a sweet-tempered and archetypal Beware the Nice Ones, making her the Light Feminine, while Medea is an aloof and imposing Lady of War, making her the Dark Feminine.
Red Oni, Blue Oni: The red to Medea's blue. She's passionate and energetic, while Medea is calm and cool.
Pink Heroine: Nico has pink hair and serves as the leader as well as most unambiguously heroic member of The V7D.
Action Girl: She's a talented gunslinger who has often saved Medea's life throughout the book. Sure, she might not have Medea's angelic grace from the Underworld, but she's got skills, precision, and a trigger finger that never misses. When shit hits the fan, Nico's the one you want by your side, guns blazing and enemies dropping.
Heroes Love Dogs: She was happily surprised to know Medea had adopted Akira, the American Akita that used to belong to Emma Norrington, Jr..
Did You Just Punch Out Cthulhu?: Nicoletta, a young woman with no (born) powers, made Freki du Cronos bleed thanks to Whisper's bullets.
All-Loving Heroine: Downplayed. She’s the team leader, and while she’s incredibly kind, empathetic, and even offers pity to the most terrible villains because of their Freudian Excuses, she is still capable of expressing hatred. She’s also not above using Whisper to make people feel the pain of a bullet to the heart or head, especially if they’re Beyond Redemption. The bullets are magical, so while your body remains mostly unharmed, you’ll still experience the sensation of a gunshot—painful, but not fatal.
- While Nicoletta will fight to protect others, her goal is rarely to hurt the villain; it's to stop them from causing harm. She always tries to end conflicts with minimal violence, using as few bullets as possible, even when her opponent is beating on her. She’d rather take the pain herself than cause unnecessary harm, and she’ll save the villain without hesitation if it’s possible. That said, push her too far, and you might just see a side of the V7D's Conquest that’s a lot less forgiving...
Conscience Makes You Go Back: Medea ordered her to leave her and the Underworld to handle the siege of the du Cronos Dynasty. She returned to aid the Underworld, which promoted her and The V7D from simple allies to legitimate members of the House of Laurel.
Proud Beauty: A downplayed example. In a society that often places excessive emphasis on superficial qualities, she embraces the notion that true beauty extends beyond the surface. While she acknowledges the allure of physical attractiveness, she firmly believes that inner qualities such as kindness, compassion, and intelligence are equally important. She thinks it's totally cool to have the whole package, inside and out. Who says you can't have brains, hearts, and killer looks all at once? Embrace it, folks!
Fastest Gun in The West: If we consider Whisper to be a magical gun, then Nicoletta is probably the quickest magic user in the series when it comes to casting or summoning. Even seasoned opponents struggle to defend themselves when they're staring right at her, because they can’t even catch her preparatory movements. It’s a huge advantage when you can summon the gun to your hand whenever you want.
The Fettered: In stark contrast to her beloved Medea. Nico tries really hard to be like this, although her teammates (especially Medea herself) have pointed out that there are situations where it just isn't practical and could lead to even bigger problems later on. She's learning to loosen those chains a bit and is willing to compromise when it's going to pay off in the long run.
Big Eater: Nico likes to eat a lot, especially sweets and junk food.
Puppy-Dog Eyes: Despite putting up a tough front, Medea can't resist the power of Nico's puppy-dog face. No matter how tough Medea acts, that irresistible expression just breaks through her defenses. One look from Nico and Medea's resolve crumbles like a house of cards.
She's Got Legs: Skirts and skimpy dresses highlight her long legs.
Technical Pacifist: Nicoletta may stick to her no-kill policy, but don’t get it twisted—she’ll make sure you feel like you’ve come face-to-face with death. Whisper has a "ghost bullet" mode, where the shot hits vital pressure points, enough to stop blood flow or even scramble your body’s electrical signals. It’s as if you’ve been hit with a real gunshot, but when you look down, your skin is perfectly fine. The catch? That "ghost bullet" can still make your heart stop—for a moment, anyway. It’s the kind of pain that makes you seriously reconsider your life choices. Sure, it’s nonlethal, and your heart will start up again before any real damage is done, but that doesn’t make it any less excruciating.
- She also doesn't like to kill somebody herself, but she usually has no issue with her teammates delivering the killing blow.
Magnetic Hero: She's the leader of the V7D for a reason, and it's not just because she's got killer moves. It's her heroic aura that really just makes her. She's got this uncanny ability to inspire and rally the troops, making you feel like you're part of something epic. She's the one who got the whole crew, even someone as hard to deal with as Medea, to believe in second chances and fighting for a shot at redemption.
Opposites Attract: With Medea. She is spontaneous, quick-tempered, and passionate, whereas Medea is analytical, pragmatic, and premeditated.
The Gunslinger: of The V7D. She is never seen during a mission without her summonable gun Whisper.
Disappeared Mom: Nicoletta's biological mother, Claudia, bailed on her when she was a wee little thing. But thankfully, her dad Nicolo remarried a total gem of a woman who became the mother she deserved.
Affectionate Nickname: She is usually called ''Nico'' by almost everyone... except Medea, who prefers to use her full name, Nicoletta.
Daddy's Girl: She has a close and loving relationship with her father, and wants to live up to his standards as a leader.
Weapon-Based Characterization: Nicoletta’s signature weapon is Whisper, a magical gun that can shift into any kind of handgun, though she typically shapes it into a variety of flintlock pistols—the kind used in the pirate days. This isn't just a stylistic choice, Whisper was created after Nicoletta inherited a family heirloom, a real miquelet flintlock pistol that once belonged to her ancestor, pirate captain Giovanni Adolini. When Nicoletta touched the pistol, the gun responded by literally fusing with her hand, as if it were being absorbed into her. This transformation turned it into the magical, summonable weapon we see today.
Badass Family: Her girlfriend is the Eye of Laurel, her adopted son is the heir to the mantle of Nero Angelo and her whole family is full of big military names.
Special Person, Normal Name: She's the human incarnation of Laurel Nasuka, having technically a very privileged position in the Underworld, as well as being the leader of the V7D in the mortal world. But even with all that importance, she's still just a girl with a pretty common Italian name. I mean, "Nicoletta" sounds like a fancy pasta dish or something. But hey, at least it's memorable!
Even the Loving Hero has Hated Ones: It requires a great deal to make Nicoletta truly despise someone. However, despite the effort it takes, it's possible to reach that point, and there are at least two individuals who succeeded in pushing Nicoletta's limits.
- Interestingly, it's not Medea who truly hates Mia. Even though Mia's obsession is directed towards Medea rather than Nicoletta, it's Nicoletta who can't tolerate Mia. The fact that Mia is the only character who has almost pushed Nicoletta to break her no-kill policy speaks volumes, with Nicoletta having her finger on the trigger, the gun pressed against Mia's forehead, and a look of intense fury in her eyes.
You Gotta Have Blue Hair: Despite having brunette parents, Nicoletta's hair is naturally pink, which is quite unusual. The reason behind this anomaly lies in her unique identity as the human Incarnation of Laurel, a goddess. Rather than inheriting physical traits from her human parents' DNA, Nicoletta's body serves as a perfect reflection of the goddess herself, resulting in her distinctive pink hair.
God in Human Form: Laurel created Nicoletta because she wanted to experience the thrill of world-travelling and living free, without the responsibilities of being a goddess, though there might also be a different reason. She's the embodiment of Laurel's deepest dream, living out her vida loca.
Past-Life Memories: She sometimes has memories of being Laurel, but mostly as dreams, therefore she forgets again.
Last Kiss: Nico gives Medea what seemed to be their last kiss before Laurel and her merge into Asura and she becomes the acting Ruler of the Underworld.
Ideal Heroine: Heart of Gold? Check. Nice Girl? Check. The Fettered? Check. Nicoletta has some flaws but nothing that'd make her jump to an outright anti-heroine. Yes, she may stand by and look away as her teammates slaughter all of their foes in often horrifying ways, but none of that takes away from the fact that she is working to make her whole homeland (and eventually the mortal realm itself) a safer place.
What the Hell, Hero?: When Laurel is first introduced to her, she treats her in this way. She confronts her about how she neglected Medea throughout her four years in the Norrington household rather than being awed or terrified.
Curtains Match The Window: Her hair and eye colors are both pink, much like Laurel's when she is tapping into her true dragon form. Although different shades of pink, with her hair being bright, almost lavender pink, and her eyes being almost magenta.
Humans Are Flawed: Nicoletta's views on humanity change throughout the story. Her perspective evolves from believing there's something special in humans to recognizing the monstrous aspects within our own kind. However, by the end of the Atlantic War, she acknowledges that our race is inherently primitive and prone to violence. Yet she keeps her commitment to protecting it, driven by the resolve that there are still a precious few who exemplify the noblest qualities our species has to offer.
Shooting Superman: Justified. Nicoletta keeps firing shots at Sokar, even though she knows very well that bullets won't do a damn thing to him. Sokar himself even mocks her about it after the second bullet. But it's her way of venting frustration, of saying, "Hey, I may not be able to hurt you, but I'll be damned if I don't try!". It's kind of cathartic, actually.
Clones Are People Too: Subverted. She is not Laurel's clone; rather, she is her mortal Incarnation, basically what Laurel would’ve been if she’d been born human. But despite the obvious connection, both Medea and Laurel always treat Nico as her own person. They never look at her and think, “Oh, she’s just another version of Laurel.” Over time, as they all grew closer, the goddess and the leader of the V7D decided to define their bond, settling on calling themselves "sisters."
Identical Stranger: Nicoletta and Laurel might as well be long-lost twins, separated at birth! They look almost identical, except for Nicoletta's different hairstyle and eye color. And the reason for this "doppelganger" situation? Well, it turns out Nicoletta is the human incarnation of Laurel herself.
Gun Fu: Nicoletta's combat prowess hinges heavily on her mastery of the firearm Whisper, so this is no surprise. With her signature blend of Gun Fu and Combat Parkour, she’s not just some gunslinger; she’s an acrobatic whirlwind. Imagine her flipping through the air, rolling across the battlefield, and leaping off walls, all while taking down hordes of enemies with pinpoint accuracy, barely breaking a sweat.
In-Series Nickname: As the first member, she decided The V7D would have chess-themed nicknames, but once the Power Trio became a Four-Soldier Army, she ditched the idea and instead decided to use the Horsemen of Apocalypse codenames, hers being Conquest.
Bunny-Ears Lawyer: Magnificent at missions, but it comes so naturally to her that she doesn't have the patience to actually work through hunts when she isn't instantly successful. She tends to goof off and play around at work, particularly reenacting her many favorite cowboy films.
Boisterous Bruiser: Downplayed compared to Quincey, but still there. She's got an amazing vibe, is always full of energy, and can kick some serious ass.
Cool Gun: Whisper, an elaborate, ornately-designed Hand Cannon Flintlock pistol that Nico can draw to her hand so fast that it looks out of nowhere (in the manner of a Quick Draw), and with bullets she can directly control in flight.
Tomato in the Mirror: She reacts poorly to realizing that she is Laurel's human incarnation. She went through this phase where she started questioning everything—her own choices, her purpose in life, even her own damn emotions. She got better, fortunately.
The Lady's Favour: Nicoletta hands over her favorite belt to Medea before she embarks on her trip to find Warren Norrington. She's worried that either Medea won't make it back alive or she'll have to leave for good. So, Nicoletta tells her to hold onto the belt and return it when she comes back, as she's really afraid that the when becomes an if.
Morality Pet: Acts as this throughout the series. Honestly, if it weren't for Nicoletta, Medea, Miyuuki and Quincey would be a lot less sympathetic. She’s the one who constantly pulls them back from the edge, reminding them of their humanity when they’re ready to lose themselves in their darker impulses. Without her steady hand and unwavering compassion, it’s hard to imagine any of them making the personal changes they did.
ND10s TROPES:
Freudian Excuse: It's strongly implied that the death of her child had a serious effect on her, which explains why she didn't accept Donatello as her son for quite some time.
Mama Bear: Seeing Donatello being chased by demons or threatened by muggers makes her instinctively draw Whisper and prepare to shoot, even if she’s still figuring out her feelings towards Donatello as a son. Because he knows how much he means to her wife, and that’s enough to ignite a fierce desire to keep him safe.
Good Parents: With Yoru, Nicoletta is the ultimate doting mom—always there to offer advice and support whenever she needs it. She’s also the one who reminds Medea that she needs to build a bond with Yoru, stressing that the little girl isn’t to blame for what Mariya did to her.But with her adopted son Donatello? Well, let's just say things were a little more complicated. When Medea brought him home out of the blue, she was understandably hesitant to get too close to a boy she doesn't know. But as time went on, she started to warm up to the kid and even provided some motherly guidance - because let's be real, even if you didn't give birth to them, kids are still gonna be kids, and they'll still need their mom's help every once in a while.
Outliving One's Offspring: When she and Medea lost their biological child, Gerard, during childbirth, it left a massive hole in her heart. That experience was devastating, and it made her hesitate to fully embrace Donatello as her son. Every time she looks at him, she can't shake the feeling that loving him would somehow be like trying to replace Gerard, and she’s not sure she’s ready for that kind of emotional leap.
- Interestingly, she found it easier to accept Yoru as her adoptive daughter because, with Yoru, Medea didn’t have a choice in the matter—unlike with Donatello.
That Thing is Not My Child!: Nicoletta, still reeling from the loss of her stillborn child, couldn't bring herself to accept Donatello as her son. When Medea brought him home without even consulting her first, it felt like a fresh wound was torn open. Nicoletta understood that Medea’s intentions were good, but that didn’t change the fact that the topic of children was still far too painful for her to handle.
- That being said, while she may have felt distant, Nicoletta was never cruel or dismissive towards Donatello. She never raised her voice at him or took out her frustration on the kid. Instead, she just needed her own space to process her feelings. Still, she didn't want any harm to come to him and gradually started to warm up to him.
Break the Badass: Downplayed. Nicoletta is by no means a wide-eyed, gullible person who has no idea what she's getting into, but she is much sweeter and more gentle at the beginning of Under Pressure, and as the series progresses, she grows more sober and pragmatic.
- Despite the hardships and trauma she endures throughout the story, Nicoletta's heart remains pure and compassionate till the very end. However, the brutal deaths of countless innocent beings, the sacrifices made, and the disturbing situations she's been through have taken a toll on her, leaving her and her comrades feeling undeserving of a celebration during their parting scene. This highlights the lasting impact that the War has had on Nicoletta's emotional state.