Oz the (ex)war-hungry kraken

The de facto leader of the recently acknowledged demon territory that borders the oasis of the blessed lands. He is cunning, calculating, and values results above all else. While charismatic as a leader, he struggles with connecting interpersonally with anyone. He dislikes acknowledging his loneliness.

Vix's counterpart and the love interest of the story, Oz (he/they). While Vix may be a bit more ambiguous and roundabout with their nastier behavior, Oz is less inclined to hide it. He cares primarily for utility, be that in people, places, or things. He just gets away with it because he's both that strong and that competent. While a great deal of that is a result of his upbringing in a vicious world of survival of the fittest, it's also a part of his personality too. He does just enjoy fighting and pursuing dangerous situations to test his limits. He likes being victorious, simple as that. Combined with a short temper, you get a loose cannon that even other demons are nervous around.

It all culminates in a mistake that nearly costs them their life. Being saved becomes a pivotal moment for them. While the constant fights decrease, they don't ever really lose that combative, domineering attitude. They're meant to lead and lead they do, though this time around it's not to the detriment of those around them. Well, for the most part. 

It's genuinely hard to tell whether Oz really cares for those under his protection. He isn't necessarily an indifferent ruler, but he's certainly not altruistic. Really it seems like he's become a more apathetic guy in general. He clearly enjoys fights and arguments and any sort of conflict, he clearly still likes to win and make progress in whatever he puts his mind to, but there's a distinct coolness that's replaced a good bit of his fiery temperament. Maybe almost dying just does that to a guy? 

But for as infamous as he is, and for as many people admire and serve him, he strikes a rather lonely figure. Even his right-hand man doesn't quite know what to make of him at times. He can't read his mind--hell, he can hardly read his moods. With this more... domestic? Retired? version of Oz, his lack of deeper connection with anyone has become much more apparent. Who can blame him though? How can you guarantee someone won't stab you in the back in a moment of weakness if it's already happened before? And even if you do vow your loyalty to him, you're less a friend and more a pawn (or maybe a co-worker of sorts if you're lucky).

That's why Oz's interest in Vix may seem... a bit strange to those around him. For all they know, the two have never met and if they had, surely it couldn't have been a good experience. Present-day Oz is already a lot to deal with on the best of days but in the past? Getting out of a conversation alive as a non-demon would be a miracle. The strangest thing to all of them is the way he seems to relax around them ever so slightly. It's like he's actually letting his guard down. In turn, Vix seems to take things in strides, bantering and acting (what should be) out of line fearlessly. Oz hadn't shown much interest in getting to know people personally before this, let alone pursue something that appears genuinely romantic. Seeing him maybe, actually flirt is one of the most shocking things to those who work for him. His smiles aren't nearly as vicious, his laughs not quite mocking. And if you asked Vix what they did to him, they'd shrug and say they didn't know either. 

They make an odd pair together, to say the least.

Also, I did in fact keep a shirtless version of one of the drawings because I liked the anatomy, sue me.