Nanako was born as the first child of Ryotaro and Chisato Dojima. From what we can gather, her young childhood was ideal. She was raised by a loving mother and a stern but protective father; Ryotaro worked as a detective for the Inaba police department, and the family made a comfortable living. However, this ideal family life fell apart when Nanako was four years old. One day, on her way to pick up Nanako from Preschool, Chisato was killed in a hit and run accident. From that day forward, everything seemed to fall apart. Unsure of how to raise his daughter on his own, Dojima became distant and buried himself in his work. He had decided that until he could catch his wife's killer, he wouldn't be able to face his daughter. So Nanako was forced, essentially, to raise herself and take care of the household. While her father was away all day working, Nanako took on the responsibility for things like cooking, cleaning, and laundry. However, she enjoys those jobs in her own way, the keep her from feeling too lonely while she's home alone. Other than that, she spends her spare watching TV or doing homework. This lonely life continued on for two years, until her older cousin arrived.
His parents were working overseas, so it was agreed that his uncle Doijma would take him in for the year. At first their relationship was cordial at best, but Nanako is a shy young girl and had a difficult time opening up around this stranger. However, as the two spent every night together, Nanako slowly began to open up. While she still didn’t feel completely comfortable around him, she was able to speak more than five or six words at a time to him. Dojima even decided that during the long weekend, the new family would take a trip together. Nanako quickly became excited over the prospect of spending time with family and eating homemade boxed lunches, but sadly things didn’t work out. Once again work took priority, and Nanako only had a weekend home alone to look forward to. But out of the blue, Souji invited her to Junes (her favorite local department store) so that she could spend time with him and his friends.
They had a wonderful day together, and Nanako was finally willing to open her heart to her cousin, bit by bit. Over the coming year the two of them spent many nights talking, and he helped her understand her father and his actions. She learned that even though he chooses work over her all the time, it’s not because he doesn’t love her. Instead she realized that he was just as lonely as she was, he just showed it in a different way. So she vowed to do a better job to be someone that her father can rely on, and do everything to make him happy.
And as time passed, she kept her promise and grew closer to her father. The two attended local festivals together, and were even able to have fun at her cousin’s school festival. Dojima was still constantly busy at work (especially with a case of serial kidnappings and murders in town), but Nanako still regarded those days as happy days. However, this all came to a crashing halt. Tensions were rising between Dojima and Souji, Dojima believed that Souji was somehow getting himself involved with this murder case, and Nanako fretfully prevented anyone from actually talking about it (she was insistent that there be no fighting in the house). But when Souji got a mysterious letter telling him to stop looking for the murderer, Dojima could no longer ignore the situation. He took Souji down to the police station and left Nanako home alone.
Souji tried to tell Dojima that they needed to return home, because he had reason to believe that Nanako was in fact the next person to be kidnapped by the attacker. However, by the time they returned home, it was too late. The house was dark and Nanako was nowhere to be seen. Dojima quickly chased after the van that had her, but it ended in a car crash. The kidnapper quickly stuck Nanako into a nearby television, and jumped in after her. Souji and his friends followed after him, and managed to rescue Nanako before the TV world killed her, but it was not without cost.
No one so small and fragile had ever been thrown into the TV before, and while most people find themselves tired, or woozy for a day or two, Nanako became gravely sick. She was taken to the hospital but the doctors couldn’t determine what was wrong with her. So she simply lay there for a month in terrible pain, drifting in and out of consciousness. At the end of that month, her condition suddenly became critical, and after saying a few words to her father and Souji, the doctor declared her dead. Full of rage, Souji and his friends confronted the kidnapper who threw her in the TV, and while at first they wanted him to meet the same fate as Nanako, they instead were able to learn that he wasn’t the true culprit behind the murders after all.
With this information, they returned to Nanako’s room to find that a small miracle had occurred… Nanako was alive. No one knows if it was due to her willpower, or some mysterious force beyond anyone’s control, but she was alright. Her condition was still unstable, but the doctor said that there was a chance for her recovery. Souji and his friends went on to defeat the real killer (Dojima’s partner, Adachi) and Nanako was able to go home by Christmas.
Reunited and happy again, the small family spent their last three months together until Souji finally had to return home. Nanako fiercely tried not to cry, and admitted that when she was grown up, she wanted to marry Souji. Dojima joked around and said that was a great idea, but gave Souji a certain ‘look’…. There was no way that was happening.
The next day Souji boarded the train and Nanako returned to life with her father. However she was happier for it, had gained new friends in Souji’s companions, and was now ready to face anything that the future held.
When you first meet Nanako, it would be easy to assume she’s a shy and serious young lady. She has a tendency to hide behind the nearest trusted figure in a situation of crisis (such as meeting a complete stranger) and stay silent as long as possible. She’ll still be polite, speak when spoken too, but she is not a girl who trusts others easily. This shyness can probably be attributed to being raised by a police officer, and because of his wary nature she also views strangers with extreme caution.
However, if you are to break through her shell, she will trust you without question. There is little middle ground with Nanako, you are either her friend whom she care deeply for, or you are a stranger. This black-and-white mentality is very telling of her age, and as a child she still hasn’t developed a sense of moral gray. The world is very simple to her, there are good people and bad people. Good people are polite, nice to others, do their homework and eat their vegetables. Bad people hurt others, lie, break promises, and act like bullies.
While she is slowly coming to terms with complex ideas like people who do good and bad things, she is making this mental leap with the help of her family members. And it is also important to note, that despite being a child in many respects, Nanako is also extremely mature for her age. Despite her child-like view of the world, Nanako is extremely responsible, and won’t shy away from unpleasant work. She thinks deeply about all of her actions, and doesn’t do anything without significant purpose driving her. She also has an acute sense of empathy that isn’t always common in children her age, and is able to make personal sacrifices for the good of others. She loves helping people, and loves to be useful more then anything else.
This comes from her very unique upbringing. Ever since her mother passed away, Nanako has gained the mentality that she is only as valuable as the things that she does. So, for example, even if someone tells her this isn’t true she would still be afraid that if she didn’t do the laundry, her father might not value her anymore. She doesn’t have a very strong innate sense of self worth, and is therefore surprised whenever people think of her, or invite her to things. She used to the idea of being ignored by adults, and assumes that’s the way that most adults act. This does not mean that she has no sense of self worth, she just has a certain expectation when she meets anyone who is teenager or older; that they don’t have the time of day for her, and she shouldn’t really expect anything from them.
But this doesn’t mean that she does things like chores only out of a sense of obligation, she genuinely enjoys doing things for other people. She likes to see people happy, and has more sense of responsibility than most people twice her age. However she’s not perfect, she can only cook simple things like toast and sunny side up eggs, she’s bad at arts and crafts, and I think she’s generally not very good at things that take finer motor control skills.
The most important thing to remember is that while Nanako is extremely mature, she is still a child. She was raised in a small village, and will always find new experiences that might seem mundane to some, but delight her to no end. She can still be judgmental, and will likely frustrate others when she refuses to condone lying (even if it is a while lie for the other’s sake), or bullying of any kind. It’s this combination of mature and innocent that makes her such a special little girl, who only wants to be loved and accepted.
Ryotaro Dojima→ Daaaaaaad, for years he was her only family, and he's the most important person in her life. Even if he isn't always at home, and doesn't really know how to talk to her all the time, she loves him unconditionally. When it really counts, she knows that he'll be there for her. They really bonded during the last year, and she realized that he's been just as lonely as she was after her mom's death, so she's going to do everything she can to make sure that he's not lonely. And now that he's back, she's ready to keep her promise to the fullest! He was asleep for a long time, but now that he's awake she wants him to meet all her friends (and hopefully approve of all of them). She's lost that chance now that he's gone home, but she'll do her best to be strong and wait until she can go home to him.
Souji Seta (Big Bro)→ Her cousin who came to live with her and her Dad for a year. At first he was just a weird stranger who ate dinner with her, but over the year he was a rock for her. He taught her a lot of valuable lessons about family, and helped her grow tremendously. He was also simply there for her during a very lonely year. He means the world to her, plain and simple. In Paradisa she's tried hard to make sure that they spend a lot of time together, although their time hasn't been without turbulence. He tempted by a terrible demon and decided to sacrifice her and Chie so that he could protect everybody. She still doesn't entirely understand, and a part of her mind deny it deep inside. Either way, she's decided to forgive him, and she still loves him dearly. She misses him, but she pushes that feeling down with the logic that he doesn't have to be hurt by the castle. And for that, she's glad.
Lilith Sahl→ The most elegant, regal, kind, wonderful lady that Nanako has ever met. She almost reminds Nanako of a queen in a lot of ways. They talked for a good while, and the more that Nanako got to know her, the more she wondered if being with Lilith was like having her mom back. She's always kind and wonderful, and Nanako adores her. They lived together for a while, and whenever Nanako is feeling sad, or lonely, or just wants to see her, she goes to visit her right away! She loooooves Lilith hardcore, and wants to be just like her when she grows up. Even though she's gone home, Nanako will never forget her, or the influence that she had.
Abel Nightroad→ At first he was just Lilith's derpy boyfriend, and then he moved on to be Lilith's derpy husband! However, as the rest of Nanako's support structure fell away (her Dad, Ms. Lilith) he was a constant. He was always there, wanting to eat cakes together, spoiling her silly, and showering her with time and attention. It was strange at first, her own father and Abel are polar opposites, and she just didn't know what to make of his actions. But she eventually came to understand, everything he did stemmed from love. She's seen how much he cares about everyone, and how much he gives to everyone. So she became determined to give back to him, and make sure that he would always be okay and smiling. They've gone through trials, and one thing is clear- he is family. He's not related by blood, but Nanako considers him a father without actually realizing it. She loves him unconditionally, and would do anything to make sure he's happy. I'm frustrated writing this, because there's no real way to put into words how much he means to her, just know she really really really loves him. Him leaving was extremely difficult for her, but luckily her Dad was there to help her at her lowest. She thinks about Abel extremely often, and is determined to keep making herself a better person, so that if he comes again she'll be able to help him like he helped her.
Cain Nightroad→ If Abel is her Father figure in Paradisa, than Cain is her Uncle. He's Abel's twin brother whom Abel loves very dearly, and he moved into their little home pretty soon after arriving. At first she was a little nervous around him, he quickly proved himself to be a very kind and dependable person! He can be a little silly, in a different way than Abel, but Nanako is very fond of him. It wasn't long before it felt like he's always been there, and she started to consider him family. He's stable in the same way that Abel is, always there to read her a book, or take her out to ice cream, or tickle her until she cries. She loves him very much, and wants to take care of him! He went home with his brother, and in a way Nanako is glad. She misses him terribly, but hates the idea of them being apart, so she just hopes they're happy back in her world (oh, how little she knows...).
Sora Koudou→ The final member of their weird little Paradisa family! At first Nanako felt a little awkward, and wasn't sure what to make of him. However, even though he's older than she is, Nanako quickly appointed herself the older sister. He's incredibly innocent, and never seems to think that he's worth anything. That makes Nanako really sad, and she wants to make sure that he's happy. So she pretty much... does everything that she can to look after him, and take care of him any way that she can. Anyone who wants to mess with her little bro better watch out! Her protectiveness has also gone up to 10 since the rest of the family went home, and in a way she feels like she's responsible for him. He's gone home now, and she hopes more than anything that he's happy there.
(you're not a stranger, but she doesn't really feel comfortable around you)
Emil→ They talked at length about growing up and aging, and he was a nice guy. Se'd be interested in knowing him better.
Gold→ They also talked about birthdays and aging, and they've been in Paradisa for around the same amount of time! She is comforted by this, and thinks he's a pretty cool dude.
Pharos→ He's kind of a creepy little kid, but they talked when they were kidnapped by Slenderman, and he made her feel better. She feels grateful for that, and generally likes him, although she can't shake the feeling that she barely knows him.
Tohru Adachi→ DIS IS COMPLICATED, he was her Dad's partner, so for a long time he was a trusted adult figure by default. But then it turns out that he, you know, committed murder. Understandably she avoided him for a while because of this, but circumstance forced them to talk to each other. And he seemed... apologetic, derpy, exactly the same as he was when he was a 'good guy'. A lot of this is beyond Nanako's ability to understand so she's just sorting this out. BUT HE HAS MOVED BEYOND AUTOMATIC CREEPER STATUS, good job bro /thumbs up.
Buffy Anne Summers→ They were comrades during the Vampire loss, and while Nanako doesn't have the firmest recollection of what happened during that time, the loyalty and trust remains. She doesn't know Buffy well, but she wants to.
Lady Bernkastel → Has amazing magical powers, and has been really kind to Nanako (as far as she's concerned, /sob). She granted Nanako's wish to be better at cooking, and when all the world went to hell, she helped protect Nanako so she wouldn't have to be a danger to the people around her. She's a little.. blank? I don't know, her lack of true emotions kind of unnerves Nanako, but she trusts her pretty much completely. She's gone, and Nanako is a little sad that she never really got to know her.
Lady Lambdadelta → Another amazing witch who has made it clear that she and Bern aren't always this nice to people, but they like Nanako, so it's cool. She's a little easier to related to, what with her emotions and all that. Lambda also came to Nanako's rescue a few times which has gained Nanako's trust. However, she said that her friends shouldn't cry, so Nanako feels a little pressured whenever she's around her. Is also gone, but Nanako will remember her.
Rika Furude → A little girl who is around her age and looks like Bernkastel? They bonded during high school plot, and were on their way to becoming besties, but then Rika went home and Nanako was sad.
Roy 'Arsenal' Harper→ Mr. Roy! He's a really cool dude, with an adorable daughter. They've struck a nice friendship, and Nanako likes him a lot.
Casca→ Hardcore roomie who was just... such an awesome inspiring woman figure! She likes Casca a lot, and she beat up a boy once, which was awesome.
Caterina Sforza → A friend of Mr. Abel's and soooooo very cool and professional! She likes her a lot, and definitely wants to get to know her.
Jacob Black → Was a werewolf but she never really knew that... bUT HE WAS COOL, AND A TOTAL BRO, and they made pudding together and it was really awesome.... He also gave her Nicole the kitten, so she always thinks.... of him when she plays with her kitty.
Jun → Supah badass goth lady who was kind of a BAMF but she was nice to Nanako so Nanakins was like 'okay we cool'. Jun was cool auntie lady, end of story.
* In the game Nanako uses honorifics for Rise-chan and... that's about it. So here she doesn't really use Japanese suffixes because I'm lame, and not Japanese, and I don't think I would use them properly for a girl her age :(
She has a kitten named Nicole who was given to her by Jacob for Christmas 09
Wears a butterfly charm as a necklace under her clothing. It's actually a charm for good fortune given to her by Beatrice. She also has a pink and purple bead bracelet that she always wears that was given to her by Lilith.
Added by Soopagrrl
EditAdded by Mimii
