For this round of OC Analysis, we’re going to look at team dynamics, specifically for the three Keyholder teams that get the spotlight in each branch of the Eternal Rain universe. What makes these teams work – or conversely, what makes them clash? Group psychology, anyone?
Eternal Rain
The team from the story’s main arc is the largest, with nine Keyholders. When this team works, it does amazing things; but when personalities clash, it makes for quite the mess!
Takeshi and Reka play off of each other as a leader and advisor. While Takeshi oversees things in the group and makes all the major decisions, Reka observes how the rest of the team reacts, facilitates those decisions and gives him feedback. Shaoqiang and Sharon are the oldest on the team and the ones who step up when Takeshi and/or Reka are down. Shaoqiang’s levelheadedness makes him better at managing people, while Sharon busies herself with the nitty-gritty practical details that keep things running. Kita and Mara are the motivators on the team, Kita being a ball of energy and determination who encourages the others through action and Mara being the quieter, verbal encourager. Toki is a go-getter, offering support wherever it’s needed and bravely protecting her teammates when things come down to the wire. Jun-ai is a fighter who doesn’t give up easily and doesn’t get rattled by much. She’s the least likely to panic or get overly emotional when situations go south. And, lastly, Kiara is shrewd and has the best control of her Key after Toki and Takeshi.
With so many different personalities rubbing shoulders, it’s no surprise that it can cause some friction. There are times when Takeshi gets ahead of himself and is too heavy-handed with pushing a decision. When this happens, it causes stress and can bring out the worst in his team. Jun-ai can be perfectionistic, critical and highly independent, rattling her more sensitive teammates or heightening tempers. Kiara has a tendency of being self-centered, and when this side of her surfaces, she is not beyond using emotional manipulation to get what she wants. Kita’s impulsiveness and Reka’s habit of trying to shoulder things alone when he’s stressed can also put strain on the team. Sharon has little patience for immature behavior and inadvertently adds to tensions when her chiding isn’t welcomed kindly. Toki tries her best to help, but when she is overwhelmed, she can easily become insecure. Shaoqiang and Mara are the best at stepping in to mediate so that Takeshi can regroup and get everyone back on the same page.
Eternal Storm
The series’ middle arc adds a secondary team, including Toki and Kita’s younger sisters and the holders of other elemental Keys, to the cast.
Nasim has an air of authority and takes the lead when the older Water Keyholders aren’t around. Shiori is this team’s emotional core, always aiming to better herself, to be stronger and to push her teammates forward. Atsuko is their dynamo, ever eager to be at the center of the action. Toshirō is an earnest optimist, trying his best and lifting his teammates’ spirits with a kind word or a joke when the going gets rough. Shiél (known by his teammates as "Sora") is dependable and supportive by action, and his teammates can always count on him to have their backs. Takumi is all about procedures, and he makes sure things get done by the book. Lastly, Yousef is the team’s brawn.
Tension on this team arises when Atsuko won’t listen to Nasim or gets impatient with Shiori. Yousef’s aggression and overprotectiveness of Nasim doesn’t help. Takumi’s impersonal, systematic approach to things can also rub his teammates the wrong way. Shiori is typically the first to try to smooth things over, and Shiél and Toshirō help her out.
Keyholders’ Legacy
The series’ time-skip arc introduces a new team as the Keyholders begin to pass the torch to the next generation.
The leader of this team is Kaori, a willful spitfire with a strong drive to protect her teammates. Her cousin, Hideo, is practical, resourceful and brave, often helping his teammates get out of difficult situations – or just making sure they take care of important things like restocking supplies. Although he’s the youngest on the team, Nikkō is tenacious and resilient. Enes balances out the team with his levelheadedness and know-how.
Issues here stem from resident hotheads Kaori and Hideo clashing from time to time. Nikkō is usually able to diffuse their outbursts without Enes needing to step in.
