After a grueling job on a Sicilian bus—fending off a Cosa Nostra Unblooded ambush to protect terrified passengers—Nicoletta, the V7D’s all-loving leader, reflects on her team’s quest for redemption and purpose. In a dingy motel, surrounded by her misfit crew, she’s struck by the urban struggles she’s witnessed: oppressed vendors haggling in Florence markets, starving kids scavenging in Naples alleys, battered fighters nursing wounds in Sicilian dives. These images fuel her ever-working, cinematic mind, inspiring a personal “code” to define the V7D’s fight for second chances. She crafts four “vows” of defiance, naming them Conquest (to rise above despair, hate, and oppression), Death (to end evil within and without), Famine (to starve the opposers), and War (to protect the weak), dubbing them the “Aspects of Defiance.” With a grin, she assigns each vow to her team, turning their quirks and roles into a gritty, street-born mantra, their fights living out her code as they defy law and seek redemption:

Medea — Death

This one is just… undeniable.

Shadowcraft connected to the Underworld?
Control over metaphysical darkness?
Life-drain potential?
The ability to escort souls or sever them?

She’s literally the one who can:

• end

• separate

• annihilate

• guide into the beyond

Death doesn’t need to swing a scythe, Death is the boundary between existence and non-existence.

Medea is that boundary.

And her cold, distant demeanor?
Not unlike Death itself — not cruel, just inevitable.

• We have our main character, the necromancer with a chip on her shoulder, in her quest to become the Nero Angelo. Due to her connections to the Underworld and ability to communicate and control the undead, she receives the codename Death. 
• There is the young draculina, harmless-looking and a little childish but would gladly bite your face off in a second. Her ongoing thirst for blood makes it appropriate that she answers to the codename Famine.
  
• And let's not forget about the cocky boxer dude, coming from the Underground illegal fights and always ready to throw down with anyone who crossed him. Given his background and the fact that he has the combat sports in his blood, it was only natural that he was appointed the codename War.
  
• But the queen of the pack is their leader - the reigning, defending, undisputed front woman, markswoman, and gun-wielding bad bitch who could take down a hitman squad with just one bullet. She steps in her role as Conquest.
  

Bunny-Ears Lawyer: The V7D is like a bag of mixed nuts - each one is different, but they all have their own unique crunch. And when it comes down to it, they're all nuts enough to get the job done.

• Nicoletta may act like a wild and carefree cowgirl with a passion for cinematic adventures, and is incredibly hyperactive and bombastic when something catches her interest, which usually gets her distracted. But don't let her goofy demeanour fool you. When it comes to the battlefield, she's the one calling the shots, and for a damn good reason. She's a sharpshooter with nerves of steel, always going above and beyond to protect her team. She's not taking shit from anybody.
• Miyuuki is a quirky, immature, bratty vampire girl who snacks on her teammates' blood while they're asleep or distracted, oversleeps for work, throws knives at her teammates, has to be reminded to wash her hands after killing someone, and couldn't dress professionally to save her life. She is also the designated hitman of the group and the group's top enforcer, when a target is given to her, you can literally consider that target is already dead.
  
• Quincey is pretty dismissive, is afraid of needles, tends to be the magnet for awful situations, gets drunk quite often and is incredibly full of himself. He's also an incredibly well-trained boxer that used to survive in illegal fight clubs to eat, is incredibly durable for a normal human and is also the first one to step up and throw down with a du Cronos, even though it's obvious he's gonna get his ass handed to him.
  

Because You Were Nice to Me: Nicoletta had a knack for recruiting people when they were at their lowest, offering them the hope and assistance they needed to turn their lives around. It didn't matter who they were or what they'd been through – if they were ready to fight for a brighter tomorrow, Nicoletta was ready to offer them a shot. And so, the V7D was born, a crew of misfits and outcasts united in their quest for redemption. Each member had their own demons to face, their own past mistakes to atone for. But together, they found the strength to face their fears and fight for a better future.

Badass Family: You can't deny that the V7D crew members come from some pretty amazing lineages.

• Quincey’s bloodline is pure fighter material. His grandfather, Shango the Mighty, ruled the wrestling scene in Nigeria, a name whispered with respect. His father? A heavyweight MMA beast, carving his legacy with every brutal knockout. It’s no wonder Quincey’s path was set—boxing was his destiny, like a fire burning through generations, just waiting for him to light it up.
• Nicoletta's family is one full of interesting individuals, going as far as the Golden Pirate Age.
  
• Yuuki's family is quite the blend of backgrounds. Her mother is the High Nun in the Ancient Church of the Divine Duality, and her father is none other than Valentino Michelangelo Strafford, the Italian mob boss who effectively controls Italy with his predominantly vampire criminal outfit.
  
• And then... Medea. Her father/creator, Warren, was a black witch master who eventually ascended to become the most powerful demonic entity in the nine circles of Hell. Her eldest "sister," Emma, who went by the name Ahsmanet, was a formidable demon who resisted exorcism even by holy water. And last but not least, her other "sister," Kiara, possessed one of the most promising healing abilities in the world of magic, with the theoretical capability to resurrect the dead.
  

True Companions: The team always comes first. They’re generally good people; they try hard to do the right thing, but loyalty to each other and to their close friends always seems to come before anything else. They don’t mind bending a few rules, even if it means crossing some serious lines. They’ve defied governments, ignored divine orders, and laughed in the face of authority—all to keep their own safe. After years of spilling blood, facing death, and walking through hell together, they’re more than a team. They’re a force of nature, bound by something deeper than duty, stronger than blood, and more unshakable than fate itself.

Animal Motifs: Dogs. Especially once Medea, the sometimes nicknamed ''Laurel's Watchdog'', joined the team:

• The V7D is basically a pack of attack dogs, and they've embraced it. They even gave themselves the name "Underground Hounds" and call their missions "hunts." It's a pretty accurate description, given how they tear through their enemies like a pack of wild beasts. And hey, if it helps them give some flavour in the fight against the du Cronos Dynasty, why not lean into it?.
  
• Especial mention to the rivalry between Medea and Freki, a symbolic hound and a literal wolf.

WoManChild: Nicoletta's well aware that her crew can veer into goofball territory on occasion. Even Medea, the "stoic" one, has had her moments of acting like a hyperactive punk.

Would Not Shoot a Civilian: They prefer to play it cool and keep things clean when it comes to civilians. They won't lift a finger to harm innocent folks unless they're feeling provoked by them. They abide by the unwritten rule to ensure that no innocent bystanders get caught up in their shenanigans. Or just a moral compass that points them away from collateral damage. And let me tell you, when their targets or opponents start wreaking havoc without any regard for innocent lives, they find themselves dumbfounded, enraged even.

Cool Boat: The Black Arrow. The submarine the V7D acquired using the funds siphoned from Valentino's criminal empire after they disbanded it. While they initially considered purchasing a warship, Quincey reminded Nicoletta that real piracy is far from the romanticized portrayal in movies. Submarines offer greater stealth, making them a safer choice, especially for individuals with bounties on their heads.

Took a Level in Badass: Throughout the story, as time goes on everyone in the V7D starts actively grinding levels in badass, by the time of the Atlantic War, Medea is granted the authority and rank and is titled "The Eye of Laurel.", Nicoletta assumes her position in the afterlife hierarchy as co-ruler of the Underworld alongside Laurel. Miyuuki transitioned from a stronger-than-average vampire to a complete Undead Abomination, and Asura bestows a blessing on Quincey, giving him the tenacity, might, and speed of a dragon. Those were some interesting 6 months for The V7D.

• However, when the War is finished, every member loses these enhancements: The goddesses had to (honorably) discharge Medea as The Eye of the Gods because she had fulfilled her duties. Nicoletta handed Laurel the last of her power since she had opted to live out the remainder of her days as a human woman. Since using her undead power constantly would ultimately convert her into a  mindless Ghoul, Miyuuki was forced to give it up. And eventually, Quincey's body just loses the Asuran blessing.

Enemy Mine: The V7D found themselves in quite the conundrum when faced with the looming threat of Oceanus. In a classic case of "the enemy of my enemy is my friend," they had no choice but to team up with their rivals, The du Cronos Dynasty. Despite their differences, they knew that the only way to defeat Oceanus was to put their grudges aside and work together. It was a reluctant alliance, to say the least.

Almighty Janitor: The V7D crew has been a tight-knit bunch for ages, even before they got any real recognition on the global stage. Back in the early days, law enforcement did all they could to keep their activities hidden through cover-ups and misinformation. So when they roll into different Italian cities and topple corrupt regimes, and monstrous entities they tend to leave people in awe. Nicoletta's perspective is that being underestimated isn't necessarily a bad thing; in fact, she sees some advantages in it.

Sliding Scale of Beauty: Considering all members of the V7D, in order...

• Nicoletta: Common Beauty. She is certainly pretty attractive and one could say there's something 'special' about her looks without being 'head-turning beauty'.
• Medea: Imperfect Beauty. She would be considered rather beautiful if it weren't for the blinded eye, and depending on who you ask, the fact that her body is full of (hidden) scars.
• Yuki: Good-Looking but Uncanny. The blood-red eyes and that fanged maw may make it hard to believe Yuki is not exactly hard on the eyes.
• Quincey: Cool/Special Average. He's an average looking guy with the body of an army tank!

Quality vs Quantity: Quality takes the cake, hands down. Although the V7D is essentially a four-soldier army, they have proven to be one of the most formidable teams globally, all thanks to the individual strengths of their members. When Nicoletta decided to limit her team to just four members, she had a clear vision. She wanted to create a group that could rival or even surpass her in strength. That's why she chose highly specialized members rather than recruiting just anyone. In fact, it took her three years to assemble the entire team.

Desperately Looking For a Purpose in Life: Dissatisfaction is a quiet thing. It lingers in the back of the mind, gnawing at the edges of daily existence like an itch that can’t be scratched. For some, it is a dull ache; for others, an unbearable weight. For Nicoletta, Medea, Quincey, and Yuki, it was the force that pulled them together—a shared, unspoken longing for something more.

• Yes, even Nicoletta. It takes more than boredom to rally a band of misfits and lead them across the country in search of purpose. It took yearning—a deep, relentless yearning to be part of something greater than herself. She told herself that they were just a group of travelers, hired hands doing good work for a price. But deep down, she knew that wasn’t entirely true. Even if no one paid them, even if there was no profit to be made, she knew they would still take up the fight.

Price on Their Head: The V7D's antics, which involve battling monsters, foiling assassins, and antagonizing the Italian mafia, might be considered noble or, at the very least, understandable. However, their pursuit of these goals takes place outside the boundaries of the law, and they are officially branded as wanted vigilantes. Their conflicts tend to leave behind significant destruction, often matching that of their adversaries. Additionally, their history of forming temporary alliances with other criminal organizations, even if they later disband these organizations, further complicates their legal standing. While we have a soft spot for these characters, the presence of a bounty on their heads is unsurprising when viewed from a legal standpoint.

Angry Guard Dog: Anthony had nightmares in which the V7D appeared to be a pack of four ravenous dogs sent by Laurel. Adding to the image of the Four-Soldier Army as a pack of ferocious hounds hell-bent on tracking, guarding, and assaulting.

• This is actually quite subverted with The V7D's pet dog Akira, who is mostly a very friendly American Akita.

Berserk Button: The V7D is like a game of Jenga - take one member out and the whole tower comes tumbling down. And trust me, you don't want to be the one to pull that block and mess with their equilibrium.

Theme Naming: Except for Miyuuki, who I didn't name myself, the three remaining members of the V7D were Named After Somebody Famous:

• Medea was named after Princess Medea from Greek Mythology or the Euripides tragedy of the same name.
• Nicoletta's last name, Argento, was named after film director Darío Argento.
• Quincey Harrigan was named after Quincey P. Morris, a character from Bram Stoker's Dracula, and Mike Harrigan from Predator 2. Even his actual given name, Adewale, was after British actor Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje.
  

So What Do We Do Now?: The V7D were finally reunited after the war, but the joyous atmosphere was short-lived. As they embraced, they couldn't help but notice the destruction and carnage around them. They realized that they were standing in the middle of a battlefield, where countless lives had been lost. Reality slapped them hard in the face. Sure, they survived, but at what fucking cost? It just didn't feel right to celebrate when there had been so much loss. So, they simply agreed to call it a day, head home, and get some much-needed rest.

Smoking is Cool: Three out of the four V7D members are occasional smokers. Usually lighting one after a mission is done. Only Yuuki managed to avoid smoking until the end of Under Pressure, but that's because she was still in college back then. But by the time Under Siege rolled around, all four of them were seen puffing away.

Sore Loser: If it looks like one of them was about to lose—or right after a loss—you could bet the whole group would gang up on the (soon-to-be) winner. Then again, the V7D never pretended to play fair. They actually love having the numbers advantage, whether it's to guarantee a win or get payback after a defeat.

Token Minority: The V7D is a team consisting of three Italians, the fourth and final member is neither Italian by birthplace, upbringing or heritage. Though the three are indeed from different places in Italy:

• Nicoletta da Firenze, as the nickname indicates, was born and raised in the beautiful city of Florence.
• Yuuki took her first breath in the bustling metropolis of Naples.
  
• Though he initially mentioned he hailed from Florence just like Nico, Quincey turns out to have been born in Sicily.
• And of course, Medea, who was born in the outskirts of Alexandria, Egypt, but due to her genetic template being from Kiara Norrington, she also has Australian heritage. She also had a pretty much British upbringing and spent most of her younger days in Blackpool.

Arch-Enemy: The V7D made it a point to make a lot of enemies on the roster, but make no mistake, they did have their favourite targets and/or those that managed to get under their skin at times.

• For Medea, of course, is her loathsome creator and dimensional demon Sokar, better known as Warren Norrington.
• For Quincey, undoubtedly, Freki du Cronos, the Head of the du Cronos Dynasty, who dared to humiliate and defeat him in front of his comrades.
• For Nicoletta, she holds a very intense hatred for Valentino Chevalier for poisoning and controlling her beloved city and for trying to take Miyuuki away from her.
• Miyuuki doesn't have a very plain example as she targets everyone with extreme prejudice.
• As a group, it's safe to say their main competitor is the du Cronos Dynasty.

Good Is Not Soft: The last three members of the V7D are fueled by a sincere desire to right the wrongs of their past and make amends. Their motivations, fueled by Nicoletta are rooted in a genuine pursuit of goodness and justice. However, it's important not to underestimate them; they are formidable adversaries. Unlike Nico, who prefers non-lethal approaches, the rest of the V7D has no issues with eliminating their enemies, often in a violent fashion. This willingness to take lives is often a response to the brutal methods employed by their adversaries, who themselves seek to murder the members of the V7D in equally savage ways.

Attention Whore: For all their altruistic, redemption-seeking goals, the V7D sure love being the center of attention. They’ve got a flair for theatrics, insist on being front and center, and get downright pissy if you don’t know who they are. Even Medea, despite her outwardly detached and too-cool-to-care attitude, isn’t immune to the allure of the spotlight. She just pretends she doesn’t want it as much as the others do. But unlike so many other groups that crumble under the weight of their own egos—where infighting turns teammates into rivals—the V7D don’t just want the spotlight individually; they want it together. Four larger-than-life personalities, each demanding center stage, yet somehow making room for each other, never letting one of their own be left in the shadow.

Fighter, Mage, Thief: Miyuuki is the Fighter owing to her superhuman vampiric strength, Medea is the Mage because of her power of Umbrakinesis and necromancy, and Nicoletta is the Thief due to her reliance on cleverness to keep up with her partners utilizing her gun Whisper.

Town Girls: Dance enthusiast, bass player and florist party girl Nicoletta is the femme, stone-cold violent psycho vampire Yuuki is the butch, and the ladylike walking slaughterhouse Medea is neither.

Vigilante Man: The V7D, whose job is to hunt down lowlife criminals (including non-human creatures), but as they discover the Underworld and its monsters, they upgrade their jobs to include dealing with chthonic baddies as well, until Laurel Nasuka accepts them as members of the House of Laurel, deleting the ''vigilante'' part.

My Suit is Also Super: At a distance, the uniforms worn by the V7D might pass for everyday clothing—leather jackets, hoodies, practical pants, or crisp button-ups. But beneath that unassuming appearance lies a level of engineering designed for survival. These garments are constructed from state-of-the-art synthetic and hybrid materials, offering durability and protection without restricting movement—an essential balance for combat scenarios.

• Yuki, however, is an exception. As the night-immortal among them, her outfit isn’t about defense in the traditional sense. Instead, hers is tailored for practicality: resistant to wear and tear, and easy to clean.

Bond One-Liner: They all have their time to shine and unleash verbal smackdowns on their opponents. Medea is the biggest offender of trash-talking, but the rest of the gang are no slouches either.

Positive Friend Influence: This is what the V7D is to Medea, supporting her in overcoming her self-imposed social isolation and abandoning her rage-fueled path of punishment.

Demon Slaying: The V7D didn't plan on demon-slaying being part of their career path, but when Medea's underworld antics started interfering with their lives, they had to take matters into their own hands. They were drafted into a dark and twisted version of the service industry, but with a new brand of customers, ready to serve up some demon ass-kicking.

Squat's in a Name: When Medea asked Nicoletta what V7D stood for, she replied, "Victory of Seven Deities", but then burst out laughing and admitted that it was just a name she made up on the spot because she thought it sounded badass. 

Nicoletta: ''It's like when you're taking a test and you have no idea what the answer is, so you just write something that sounds plausible and hope for the best.''

Ragtag Band of Misfits: Nicoletta had this uncanny talent for spotting the real go-getters in life. She figured out that those who've been through some rough patches usually have the fire in their belly to make things happen. So, she made it her mission to hunt down folks with shadowy pasts, assembling a team that included a professional killer-sorceress, a bloodsucking vampire with a mean streak, and a former boxer who got dealt a lousy hand by the justice system.

Family of Choice: Despite their individual traumas and emotional scars, the members of the V7D have managed to form a tight-knit family by providing each other with the support and understanding they need. They all have experienced their fair share of pain and have learned to shut themselves off from the world to avoid further damage, but their bond has helped them overcome their pasts and look forward to a brighter future together.

Cloudcuckoolander's Minder: Initially, Nicoletta was Yuuki's go-to for comfort, with her warm hugs and calming presence. However, as time passed, Medea also began to use the same gentle approach with Yuuki, tenderly stroking her hair and face to ease her anger.

Elite Army: The eventually end up becoming something of an elite group of black ops working for the Underworld. The V7D's skills are put on full display in a pretty memorable incident involving the Cosa Nostra, led by Valentino. They decided to send a whopping 100 of their goons armed to the teeth—firearms, blades, and a substantial number wielding enchanted weaponry. However, the outcome was decisively one-sided—not in favor of the goons.

Elite Four: After the other three members of the V7D are accepted as proper members of The House of Laurel, the V7D attains the status of the primary elite enforcer group under Laurel's command, they're basically a pack of attack dogs at the service of the Under World.

Recruiting The Criminal: When Nicoletta was assembling her crew, she didn't shy away from choosing individuals with shady pasts—Quincey, an underground fighter, Miyuuki, a ravenous draculina, and Medea, a necromancer that dances smoothly through the dark arts— These individuals had their fair share of questionable and downright criminal activities in their past. But Nicoletta had a sixth sense about their potential. She knew deep down that with a little guidance and some serious teamwork, these misfits could become an unstoppable force. Turns out she was dead-on! Together, they're like a wrecking crew you don't wanna mess with.

Colour-Coded Characters: The V7D always seem to have a touch of purple in their ensemble, whether it's a conscious fashion statement or just a happy accident:

• Nico has a dark purple vest.
• Miyuuki's jacket is dark purple.
• Medea wears purple eyeliner.
• Purple is the most consistent colour with Quincey.

Bad Guys Do the Dirty Work: When Nicoletta's stuck in a sticky moral situation, she turns to her reliable crew—Quincey, Medea, or Miyuuki—because, let's face it, she's just not cut out for the whole taking-a-life thing. Luckily, Medea and Miyuuki are more than happy to oblige; in fact, they relish the opportunity to let loose and show off their killer instincts. It's a win-win for everyone, except maybe the unlucky target on the receiving end.

Freudian Trio: The 3 female members fit this.

• Id: Miyuuki, when it comes to violence, Miyuuki takes the cake as the most impulsive and instinctual member of the V7D crew. She's not one to overthink things or hold back when it comes to taking down her foes.
  
• Ego: Nicoletta, the leader, manages to keep her emotions in check and always strives to do what's right - even if it means breaking a few rules along the way. She's a total kickass, but she’s also sharp enough to know when to pull back and not go completely off the rails.
  
• Superego: Medea. She's not one to shy away from brutality. However, unlike Miyuuki, she doesn't mind playing the long game—waiting for just the right moment to strike, like a tiger sizing up its prey. She’s cunning to the core, and if she can take someone out before the fight even starts (say, with a sneaky ambush), you better believe she’s going for it without a second thought.

Bash Brothers: Miyuuki and Quincey, most often, but all four of them can and have teamed together.

Nice, Mean, and In-Between: Nicoletta is genuinely cheerful and friendly (nice), Yuuki is a rude and brutal vampire (mean), and Medea is calm, respectful and loyal but also incredibly wrathful and quick to retaliate with violence if she feels provoked (in-between).

Deadpan Snarker: Let's just say they have a lot to say about each other — most of it less-than-friendly.

Balance, Speed, Strength Trio: The V7D had this kind of formation pre-Medea, with Nicoletta as the balance, Yuki as the speed and Quincey as the strength.

No-Holds-Barred Beatdown: They’ve dished out their fair share of no-holds-barred beatdowns to their enemies. Even Nicoletta will admit she’s not entirely above it—though her main priority is protecting people, not doling out punishment.

Date Peepers: The rest of the party will be spying and/or paying close attention to any amorous moments between Medea and Nicoletta.

Power Stable: Initially a Power Trio, but after Medea Norrington threw in her lot with them, they have become a four-soldier army.

Beauty, Brains, and Brawn: The three girls in the crew fit these roles:

• Nico — Beauty. She cares a great deal about her looks.
• Medea — Brains. She's highly intelligent and is the strategist of the crew.
  
• Miyuuki — Brawn. She is the quickest to resort to violence to deal with a problem.