Heiwajima Shizuo (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
hatesviolence) wrote2017-08-01 03:14 am
hatesviolence) wrote2017-08-01 03:14 am
[ three years of development ]
Today marks the end of Shizuo's stay, and since he was here from the start, I think it's only fitting to have a final "development" analysis. This won't be as long as the one I did for Alvin I lied it wound up being just as long, and it's definitely just as rambly. Anyway, enjoy!
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Shizuo is well known for his violent, uncontrollable temper that's always accompanied by his inhuman, monstrous strength. He's also known for actually hating that side of him and just wanting to live a peaceful normal life.
Well he didn't really get that in Empatheias, and in fact in the early days he was afraid he was going to be more of a threat to the world than any help. With his explosive temper posing actual danger to the environment and other people, his fear over what his anger could do only worsened. However, Empatheias would provide a few things that his own world could not, and they would all help him not only control his anger and strength, but actually redirect it in ways that could actually be useful to others.
Making Friends
One of Shizuo's biggest issues back in his world is how unusual he is to the average human. Who wouldn't be afraid of a guy who could suddenly erupt, wrench up sign posts, and hurtle them like spears? Or punch giant holes through concrete walls with barely a scratch to his own fist? He was definitely feared for most of his life and while things had started to improve a bit by the time he arrived in Empatheias, it still wasn't that great.
But now Shizuo was in a world where people who shared similar strength and capabilities were actually not that uncommon. Well, still pretty crazy for the natives, but fellow Otherworlders? There were people who could throw magical spells, wield huge ass swords, fly, have super strength of their own—if anything, he actually fit right in with everyone else. Even more bizarre, whenever he did have those angry fits, rather than run away in terror (of course some did), people would actually try to help him. There weren't as many people who had his particular anger issue, but there were those who were willing to help him with it.
So while he wasn't the most social person of the bunch, he was able to make a few solid friends in the beginning. He also took it upon himself to try and get to know others and be there if someone needed help. In this way, he opened up more and although he would always worry about accidentally hurting others, he felt like he could live more of a normal life.
More importantly, there were a few people whom he especially grew close to, like Sanae, Lucas, and Hibiki. Hibiki in particular he was very protective over and was a key motivator for him to work on his strength and anger to direct it in a way that could help protect the girl instead. That wish to protect the people he held close is how he was able to turn his emotions to become defensive instead of just offensive.
Controlling His Anger and Violent Strength
Shizuo had a lot of reasons to learn how to control his anger and strength, but it took a while to really figure out how. At first he just tried to actually apply that destructive force in a positive way, such as taking on jobs that actually called for it. This was mostly construction and demolition type of work. It was strange to him at first, but it was also encouraging to see that there can be good uses for his "abilities." Still, it didn't really help in trying to stay calm so his anger doesn't explode elsewhere.
Here he turned to many mentors, such as Roy Greenhilt, Saber, and Freya. These three would actually help him learn how to use his strength in actual combat, useful for hunts and bigger threats. He knew how to fight in general, but this was different than the standard brawls. Plus, it was honing his skills and again help finding ways on how to apply his strength to something useful and positive.
These exercises also helped with applying his anger. Especially after the introduction of dunamis, Shizuo would learn how he could channel his anger so that it didn't just randomly explode and instead come out in a more controlled manner. This could increase his fighting prowess when done right, but more importantly it helped him center his anger and contain it to a degree. A lot of it would still seep out and he still had his explosive episodes, but they were far less than before. He could finally calm himself down a lot more than before.
Although he had a few significant moments, he actually was rather calm for most of his stay in Empatheias, with his crystals usually either trending more positive or at least a healthy neutral.
Dealing with Sosyne
To put simply, he felt sorry for the Arehtei, but she also pissed him off. He tried to be calm around her and to try and help bring in that balance, but her attitude just always set off that fuse and they would butt heads because of it. But it was because of Sosyne that he learned another way to direct his anger, and that's toward "determination." Fuck calm, she needed to be even tempered, sure, but she didn't want to laze around and be complacent, either. So Shizuo would channel his own anger to try and turn it into a drive to help her.
In fact, he was the one to suggest to Edward Elric and Red that they try to clean up one of the newly discovered areas that was part of her domain. He didn't like seeing Sosyne just mope around all the time, especially after she kept dogging everyone else about doing that, and he knew she wanted to see things actually done instead of just singing kumbaya all the time. It was also a bit of a new direction for him, as he was never really one to try to organize or suggest something as important as that. He usually left it up to those with more experience and personality for that and followed directions. However, by this time he had grown enough (and tired enough) that what hell, someone's gotta do it, might as well try.
A Stable Job
This might not seem that big of a deal, but for Shizuo having an actual steady job is huge. In his past he wasn't able to hold one because of his short fuse, and prior to his arrival he had been working with his friend as a debt collector. Although technically he was more like the bodyguard and had to deal with the unruly ones. So although it was a job, it was still one centered around violence, so can't really say it was most ideal. So with that kind of background, what job did Shizuo wind up having?
Coffee barista at the Pleasantea Cafe.
That's right, he worked behind the counter serving coffee and tea at a cafe. Sometimes as a waiter, too.
Sure, he has the looks, but his temper against potential annoying customers? A cafe is definitely calmer than a bar, but they still get their fair share of annoying people. Fortunately, by the time he was employed he had better management over his anger, and oddly enough the staff were happy to have him around. In fact, he was perfect for the job because he could keep the kettles a nice hot, boiling temperature without using much of their own resources. And if they ever did have any customers that were annoying, Shizuo could "kindly" show them out the door. Rare, but it's not hard to scare someone when suddenly the counter starts to crack after slamming one's palm against it (some calm, soothing emotions help patch it up quick).
So not only was this a good way for Shizuo to exercise restraint, but it also provided a relatively "calm" atmosphere for him. Plus, it's a cafe that served cake, tea, and coffee—all things that he liked. Especially the cake. Hibiki also worked there and was the reason why he got the job to begin with, so more pluses! But overall, having this kind of job helped improve Shizuo's general mood considerably, and it helped be another motivator for him to work on his problems.
Mochi
Shizuo did have a pet during his stay—a green female porring named Mochi. He had saved her from being stuck in a tree and she stuck with him ever since. He actually thought Mochi was a boy for the longest time before Lucas told him otherwise. In any case, Mochi was the complete opposite of Shizuo in terms of personality: energetic, upbeat, social, just super cute. It's amazing he managed to handle her as well as he did. But he did, and while Mochi didn't have a huge impact on his life, she did offer that creature companionship, making his what would have been a lonely bachelor life a little less so and giving him yet another "friend" to care about.
And he definitely cared about Mochi. He didn't treat her like a "baby pet," but he did treat her like a "child" when she misbehaved, scolding her and basically treating her like an equal rather than just an animal. But he didn't spoil her, so he was an all around good pet owner.
Final Notes
Most of Shizuo's development was definitely more on tackling those personal issues with his anger and strength, and I'm very happy with how he managed. He had a great support group and he really didn't have much to antagonize him, so there weren't really many opportunities for setbacks. Even the various heavy emotion events only served to help him face his issues and try to wrestle them in ways to be more helpful than threatening. I will admit I kind of wish he did have someone or something that would get under his skin and risk his hard work, if only because it would create more tension and conflict to work with. Otherwise, he pretty much had an easy ride, lol.
I did have a bit of a stumbling block when a lot of his close CR left, so I kind of regret not being able to have time to establish more CR. But Shizuo had always been my more "quiet" character, so it wasn't too much of a problem, especially when he started to get more involved in Sosyne and general Arehtei things. That's probably the direction I would have taken him next, just making him more assertive and involved in things, maybe try to take on a mentor role somehow.
The only thing I really regret was not being able to establish a ship with him, sob. There had been a few attempts and "almosts" but alas. ONE DAY.Voronaaaaa
But he's leaving in a good place, so I can be satisfied with that.
-----------------------------------
Shizuo is well known for his violent, uncontrollable temper that's always accompanied by his inhuman, monstrous strength. He's also known for actually hating that side of him and just wanting to live a peaceful normal life.
Well he didn't really get that in Empatheias, and in fact in the early days he was afraid he was going to be more of a threat to the world than any help. With his explosive temper posing actual danger to the environment and other people, his fear over what his anger could do only worsened. However, Empatheias would provide a few things that his own world could not, and they would all help him not only control his anger and strength, but actually redirect it in ways that could actually be useful to others.
Making Friends
One of Shizuo's biggest issues back in his world is how unusual he is to the average human. Who wouldn't be afraid of a guy who could suddenly erupt, wrench up sign posts, and hurtle them like spears? Or punch giant holes through concrete walls with barely a scratch to his own fist? He was definitely feared for most of his life and while things had started to improve a bit by the time he arrived in Empatheias, it still wasn't that great.
But now Shizuo was in a world where people who shared similar strength and capabilities were actually not that uncommon. Well, still pretty crazy for the natives, but fellow Otherworlders? There were people who could throw magical spells, wield huge ass swords, fly, have super strength of their own—if anything, he actually fit right in with everyone else. Even more bizarre, whenever he did have those angry fits, rather than run away in terror (of course some did), people would actually try to help him. There weren't as many people who had his particular anger issue, but there were those who were willing to help him with it.
So while he wasn't the most social person of the bunch, he was able to make a few solid friends in the beginning. He also took it upon himself to try and get to know others and be there if someone needed help. In this way, he opened up more and although he would always worry about accidentally hurting others, he felt like he could live more of a normal life.
More importantly, there were a few people whom he especially grew close to, like Sanae, Lucas, and Hibiki. Hibiki in particular he was very protective over and was a key motivator for him to work on his strength and anger to direct it in a way that could help protect the girl instead. That wish to protect the people he held close is how he was able to turn his emotions to become defensive instead of just offensive.
Controlling His Anger and Violent Strength
Shizuo had a lot of reasons to learn how to control his anger and strength, but it took a while to really figure out how. At first he just tried to actually apply that destructive force in a positive way, such as taking on jobs that actually called for it. This was mostly construction and demolition type of work. It was strange to him at first, but it was also encouraging to see that there can be good uses for his "abilities." Still, it didn't really help in trying to stay calm so his anger doesn't explode elsewhere.
Here he turned to many mentors, such as Roy Greenhilt, Saber, and Freya. These three would actually help him learn how to use his strength in actual combat, useful for hunts and bigger threats. He knew how to fight in general, but this was different than the standard brawls. Plus, it was honing his skills and again help finding ways on how to apply his strength to something useful and positive.
These exercises also helped with applying his anger. Especially after the introduction of dunamis, Shizuo would learn how he could channel his anger so that it didn't just randomly explode and instead come out in a more controlled manner. This could increase his fighting prowess when done right, but more importantly it helped him center his anger and contain it to a degree. A lot of it would still seep out and he still had his explosive episodes, but they were far less than before. He could finally calm himself down a lot more than before.
Although he had a few significant moments, he actually was rather calm for most of his stay in Empatheias, with his crystals usually either trending more positive or at least a healthy neutral.
Dealing with Sosyne
To put simply, he felt sorry for the Arehtei, but she also pissed him off. He tried to be calm around her and to try and help bring in that balance, but her attitude just always set off that fuse and they would butt heads because of it. But it was because of Sosyne that he learned another way to direct his anger, and that's toward "determination." Fuck calm, she needed to be even tempered, sure, but she didn't want to laze around and be complacent, either. So Shizuo would channel his own anger to try and turn it into a drive to help her.
In fact, he was the one to suggest to Edward Elric and Red that they try to clean up one of the newly discovered areas that was part of her domain. He didn't like seeing Sosyne just mope around all the time, especially after she kept dogging everyone else about doing that, and he knew she wanted to see things actually done instead of just singing kumbaya all the time. It was also a bit of a new direction for him, as he was never really one to try to organize or suggest something as important as that. He usually left it up to those with more experience and personality for that and followed directions. However, by this time he had grown enough (and tired enough) that what hell, someone's gotta do it, might as well try.
A Stable Job
This might not seem that big of a deal, but for Shizuo having an actual steady job is huge. In his past he wasn't able to hold one because of his short fuse, and prior to his arrival he had been working with his friend as a debt collector. Although technically he was more like the bodyguard and had to deal with the unruly ones. So although it was a job, it was still one centered around violence, so can't really say it was most ideal. So with that kind of background, what job did Shizuo wind up having?
Coffee barista at the Pleasantea Cafe.
That's right, he worked behind the counter serving coffee and tea at a cafe. Sometimes as a waiter, too.
Sure, he has the looks, but his temper against potential annoying customers? A cafe is definitely calmer than a bar, but they still get their fair share of annoying people. Fortunately, by the time he was employed he had better management over his anger, and oddly enough the staff were happy to have him around. In fact, he was perfect for the job because he could keep the kettles a nice hot, boiling temperature without using much of their own resources. And if they ever did have any customers that were annoying, Shizuo could "kindly" show them out the door. Rare, but it's not hard to scare someone when suddenly the counter starts to crack after slamming one's palm against it (some calm, soothing emotions help patch it up quick).
So not only was this a good way for Shizuo to exercise restraint, but it also provided a relatively "calm" atmosphere for him. Plus, it's a cafe that served cake, tea, and coffee—all things that he liked. Especially the cake. Hibiki also worked there and was the reason why he got the job to begin with, so more pluses! But overall, having this kind of job helped improve Shizuo's general mood considerably, and it helped be another motivator for him to work on his problems.
Mochi
Shizuo did have a pet during his stay—a green female porring named Mochi. He had saved her from being stuck in a tree and she stuck with him ever since. He actually thought Mochi was a boy for the longest time before Lucas told him otherwise. In any case, Mochi was the complete opposite of Shizuo in terms of personality: energetic, upbeat, social, just super cute. It's amazing he managed to handle her as well as he did. But he did, and while Mochi didn't have a huge impact on his life, she did offer that creature companionship, making his what would have been a lonely bachelor life a little less so and giving him yet another "friend" to care about.
And he definitely cared about Mochi. He didn't treat her like a "baby pet," but he did treat her like a "child" when she misbehaved, scolding her and basically treating her like an equal rather than just an animal. But he didn't spoil her, so he was an all around good pet owner.
Final Notes
Most of Shizuo's development was definitely more on tackling those personal issues with his anger and strength, and I'm very happy with how he managed. He had a great support group and he really didn't have much to antagonize him, so there weren't really many opportunities for setbacks. Even the various heavy emotion events only served to help him face his issues and try to wrestle them in ways to be more helpful than threatening. I will admit I kind of wish he did have someone or something that would get under his skin and risk his hard work, if only because it would create more tension and conflict to work with. Otherwise, he pretty much had an easy ride, lol.
I did have a bit of a stumbling block when a lot of his close CR left, so I kind of regret not being able to have time to establish more CR. But Shizuo had always been my more "quiet" character, so it wasn't too much of a problem, especially when he started to get more involved in Sosyne and general Arehtei things. That's probably the direction I would have taken him next, just making him more assertive and involved in things, maybe try to take on a mentor role somehow.
The only thing I really regret was not being able to establish a ship with him, sob. There had been a few attempts and "almosts" but alas. ONE DAY.
But he's leaving in a good place, so I can be satisfied with that.