Lingering

"Lingering"
Key illustration

"I looked into your eyes, and all I saw was my own weakness.  And your sapphire eyes saw everything— Crystal clear.
I just wanted to be stronger. To be worthy of your love. To protect you.  Like you protected me.
Can you… Can you grant me your strength… One last time? …"

The first new key illustration in a while, I can't talk about too many specifics for this one from a story perspective. Just know there's a lot of reasons for the composition that translate to metaphors of their place in the story.
Since my other pieces from this line used either blue or pink undertones, I figured these two are removed enough from their connections to merit their own unique look.

January 30, 2020
Sakura Pigma pens, pencils, Prismacolor Markers, colored pencils, and POSCA paint pens
on 14x17" smooth bristol stock.

Fated Sword Dual Balance ©Studio OZKai

Zephyrus

Zephyrus
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The sullen widow. Wielding a sword he found in tragedy's wake, he recklessly vows to avenge his fallen lover, no matter the cost.

Zephyrus Tulrric
Age: 20 / Height: 5' 6" / Weight: 166 lbs.
Birth Date: December 27 / Zodiac: Capricorn / Blood Type: O
VI: Yuri Lowenthal

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[Illustration Info]

Zephyrus (Ver.2019)

This was one of the characters I've not touched since 2006, and while the general feel of the character is the same, a lot has changed, especially in how he fits in the narrative. I had considered some pretty drastic changes for his look but actually ended up pretty close to how he began, only with his expression and attitude different (and name).
The colors were pretty set since my first iteration, and I'm glad I was able to keep with them here. His weapon (or weapons, depending on how you wish to interpret it) had rough drafts from forever ago but finally got true form here. It's an ambitious weapon that I'm going to wish I never designed like that. lol
 
July 23, 2019 
Micron pens, Sakura Pigma pens, Prismacolor Markers, colored pencils, chalk pastels, and POSCA paint pens
on 14x17" smooth bristol stock.
 
Fated Sword Dual Balance ©Studio OZKai