Character Profile Name: Nikki Manson Birthday: October 31, 2002 Blood Type: B Hometown: Lynchburg, Virginia Current Residence: Seattle, Washington Nationality: American Occupation: Record store employee (day job), independent musician & freelance artist (side work) Languages: English Pet(s): Luna – Black Bombay Cat Hobbies: Writing dark poetry, journaling, writing and composing music, singing, playing bass and electric guitar, drawing and painting, sketching tattoo and patch designs, listening to goth and punk rock music, thrifting vintage clothes, customizing jackets, exploring cemeteries, and collecting obscure zines and vinyl records Biography Nikki Manson was born on October 31, 2002, in Lynchburg, Virginia — a town deeply rooted in evangelical tradition. Named after her mother’s late missionary sister, Nikki was expected from a young age to follow in her footsteps and dedicate her life to spreading the Gospel. Nikki’s father, Richard Manson, was a high school principal and a respected authority in both education and the church, where he led youth programs and sat on committees. Her mother, Deborah, worked as a behavioral therapist focused on children and families — a role that, at home, created a tightly controlled environment where Nikki’s emotions were often picked apart or dismissed. Their household revolved around strict evangelical practices: frequent church services, Bible studies, and rigid adherence to scripture. Nikki was expected to dress modestly, avoid secular influences, and only engage in creative expression that aligned with Christian values. Any deviation was treated as defiance, leading her to suppress her identity and conform to expectations. Everything began to change in middle school when Nikki met Mandy, a quiet, thoughtful girl with a similarly strict religious upbringing. They bonded over shared frustrations, and Mandy soon became Nikki’s closest friend — the one who first introduced her to goth music, poetry zines, and darker aesthetics. Through thrifted clothes, burned CDs, and late-night conversations, Nikki discovered a world that embraced emotion and individuality, offering a sense of belonging that rigid perfection never had. By the time they reached high school, Nikki and Mandy were practically glued together. Nikki started writing poetry, sketching whatever she was feeling, and building a playlist of bands like Bauhaus, Siouxsie and the Banshees, and Joy Division. She kept it all secret from her family. At the same time, she was thrifting black clothes and messing with patches and pins, customizing everything by hand and hiding it in a box under her bed. Mandy was the only person she didn’t have to pretend around — the only one who really got her. At home, things continued to escalate. Nikki was constantly clashing with her parents over politics, religion, music, her friends, and her future. They pushed Bible college and missionary work, while she wanted to pursue art and music. Any time she tried to explain how she felt, they either dismissed it or shut it down. Around this time, she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder — another mental struggle layered on top of everything else. Her moods swung between bursts of energy and creativity and periods of emotional exhaustion, which only added to the tension at home. Her parents didn’t try to understand it and wrote it off as typical teenage behavior, calling her moody or dramatic. Nikki turned to her art and music to cope, staying up late to draw, write, or play guitar just to clear her head. Over time, she felt more isolated, like she had to be one version of herself to keep her parents off her back and another when she was finally alone or with Mandy. The final break came on the day of her high school graduation. Nikki had assumed, if nothing else, her father would be there — he was the principal, after all. But when the vice principal handed her the diploma instead, something sank in her chest. She scanned the crowd, looking for her mother, hoping maybe at least one of them had come to support her. Despite everything — the constant fights, the judgment, the silence — part of her still wanted their approval. Some part of her had hoped they’d show up and be proud. But the seats where they would’ve been were empty. What she didn’t know at that moment was that while she was crossing the stage, her parents were at home, tearing through her room. By the time she got home, her parents had gone through her room and thrown out anything they didn’t approve of. Her black clothes, zines, burned CDs, art prints, and poetry books were all gone. Even her sketchbooks, journal entries, and small gifts from Mandy had been tossed or destroyed. When Nikki walked in, the room was completely cleaned out — like someone had moved out. The shelves were bare, her closet was empty, and none of her things were left. She stood there in silence, overwhelmed, and then broke down. That evening, not long after she saw what had been done to her room, Nikki was called downstairs. Her parents stood over her at the kitchen table and began listing off a series of new house rules. She was forbidden from wearing dark colors. Her internet use would be closely monitored. She was no longer allowed to see Mandy or several of her other friends. Daily church attendance was now required. And the final blow — she would be attending a religious conversion camp over the summer, meant to “correct” her behavior and bring her back to the daughter they believed God intended. Nikki sat in stunned silence, the words hitting like bricks. Then came the outburst — anger, heartbreak, disbelief. She shouted at them, demanded to know how they could do this, but they refused to back down. Furious and shaking, she stormed upstairs and slammed her door behind her. For Nikki, that night was the breaking point. After seeing her room cleared out and being handed a list of new rules, she packed what little she had left — a backpack of clothes, her guitar, a sketchpad, and a few keepsakes Mandy had helped her hide. Before walking out, she left a letter on the kitchen counter — blunt, angry, and filled with everything she had never been allowed to say. She accused her parents of caring more about control and appearances than her well-being, made it clear she wouldn’t come back unless they accepted her for who she was, and then left without saying goodbye. That same night, she went straight to Mandy’s house. The two had talked for a long time about leaving. The idea started after they watched Thelma & Louise at a mutual friend’s house. At first it was just a joke between them, a way to cope. But as things got worse at home, it became more serious. Thankfully, they didn’t have to plan much. Mandy’s aunt Betty, — a laid-back, free-spirited woman living in Seattle — had always said they could stay with her if they ever needed to. When she found out what happened, she told them to come right away. With nothing holding them back, Nikki and Mandy packed their belongings into Mandy’s old car and left the very next day, eager to escape and put distance between themselves and their families as quickly as possible. After leaving home, Nikki and Mandy used the money they had quietly saved for gas, snacks, and cheap motels as they made their way to Seattle. During the trip, they stopped at a gas station in Montana and found a stray black Bombay kitten hiding under a dumpster. The kitten climbed into Nikki’s lap and refused to leave. They named her Luna and took her with them. When they arrived in Seattle, Mandy’s Aunt Betty welcomed them without hesitation and let them stay in her home for several months while they got on their feet. Eventually, they moved into a small, affordable studio apartment. At first, the space was nearly empty, but over time they slowly filled it — with thrifted finds, donations from Mandy’s aunt, and whatever they could afford. Nikki started working part-time at a local record store and began performing at underground shows, writing music, sketching, and creating zines and patches. She also sold her artwork online and at local markets, much of it reflecting her past, her inner struggles, and her goth-punk style. Though she’s still processing everything she went through, Nikki has come a long way. She now lives in Seattle with her best friend Mandy and their cat Luna — who, like them, came from a rough place before finding a new start. Life isn’t perfect, but it’s hers, and she’s been doing a lot better. It’s been a few years since she last spoke to her parents. They still try to reach out now and then, but she doesn’t respond. As far as she’s concerned, that chapter of her life is closed. These days, she focuses on living honestly, creating without pressure, and continuing to build a life that finally feels like her own. Personality Nikki is a sharp, emotionally intense ambivert who balances dry humor and sarcasm with deep sensitivity and loyalty. She often appears detached or unbothered, but underneath, she feels things deeply and is fiercely protective of those she trusts. Living with bipolar disorder, she cycles through bursts of energy and creativity followed by periods of withdrawal and exhaustion, relying on art and music to stay grounded. Her independence and distrust of authority stem from a strict, controlling upbringing, shaping her rebellious streak and making her quick to question anyone in power. Though highly intelligent and emotionally perceptive, she often hides her intellect behind a laid-back, disinterested attitude. She’s outspoken, unfiltered, and unafraid to stand up for others, yet struggles with vulnerability and connection. Politically left-leaning and unapologetically atheist, Nikki values authenticity and has little patience for pretense or hypocrisy. Her identity is rooted in self-expression, and her creativity isn’t just an outlet — it’s how she navigates the world. Interests and Hobbies Nikki’s life revolves around creative self-expression. She writes dark poetry and journals often, using her words to process emotions she doesn’t say aloud. Music is her strongest outlet — she sings, composes, and plays both bass and electric guitar, often blending goth and punk influences into raw, emotional songs. She also sketches tattoo concepts and patch designs, draws and paints, and creates handmade zines that reflect her inner world. Thrifting and customizing vintage jackets is a favorite pastime, allowing her to craft a look that feels uniquely hers. When she’s not working on art or music, she’s digging through obscure vinyl bins, wandering cemeteries for inspiration, or adding to her growing collection of underground zines. Social Circle Nikki is emotionally guarded by experience, but not completely withdrawn. While years of strict religious control taught her to keep her true self hidden, she isn’t naturally shy or anti-social — just cautious. She’s an ambivert at heart: quiet and reserved in unfamiliar settings, but bold, expressive, and even mischievous around people she trusts. Her closest relationship is with Mandy, the one person who truly saw and accepted her when she was still figuring herself out. Their bond runs deeper than friendship — forged through shared trauma, rebellion, and escape. Together, they form the foundation of a small but loyal circle of outsiders: local artists, musicians, and other creatives who live on their own terms. Nikki doesn’t seek popularity or approval; she values authenticity above all. While she may come off as distant or sarcastic at first, those who earn her trust find her deeply loyal, quietly compassionate, and always ready to show up when it matters most. Her friendships are built on depth, shared values, and unspoken understanding — not surface-level chatter or social convenience. Lifestyle and Habits Nikki’s life revolves around freedom, creativity, and personal meaning — all things she was once denied. She works part-time at a local record store, a job that keeps her connected to the music scene and gives her space to breathe. When she’s not working, she’s usually writing poetry in her journal, composing music, sketching patch designs, or customizing thrifted clothes — all in the comfort of her small apartment that she and Mandy made their own. She’s most alive at night, whether performing at underground shows, wandering cemeteries for inspiration, or simply getting lost in the quiet. Her wardrobe is entirely secondhand, layered in black, adorned with hand-sewn details, and unapologetically personal — a statement of identity reclaimed. Nikki doesn’t live by strict schedules, diets, or trends. Her approach to life is intuitive and defiant: if something feels controlling or fake, she rejects it. She eats what she wants, dresses how she feels, and avoids anything that reminds her of the repression she left behind — with the rare exception of the black cross she wears, which she’s reclaimed as a reminder of what she survived. Her days are stitched together by instinct, artistry, and a quiet refusal to ever let anyone tell her who she’s allowed to be again.