Tiger, Tiger burning bright

Kazimir Voronovitch - 135 - Weretiger - Deathrunner - Bodyguard to Ricardo Jimenez

[kazimir-voronovitch]

{ THE ESSENTIALS }

Name: Kazimir 'Kazya' Voronovitch Age: 135 Species: weretiger Powers: Typical were abilities Deity: God of Life Gender, Pronouns, Sexual & Romantic identities: Cis-male. He/they. Pansexual. Panromantic Residence / Years: Bayou / 30 years (on and off for 100) Affiliation / Years: The Deathrunners/ 135 years Job / Workplace: Bodyguard for Ricardo Jimenez / wherever Ric needs him to be Relationship status: Single Positive traits: Resourceful, Creative, Fun-loving, Protective, Loyal Negative traits: Impulsive, Violent, Irreverent, Callous, Dramatic

{ BACKGROUND }

Kazimir was born on November 15 which makes him a Scorpio. He was born to two weretigers that were both members of a group of were's and shifters that worshiped the God of Life. And so Kazya grew up in the same ragtag group. His parents had no other children and Kazya grew very close to a shifter named Lennox who he worshiped as an older brother, following him around and desperately wanting to be like. When Knox took him under his wing he felt such pride. But when he was only twenty he watched Knox die protecting him while half of his world went blurry.

It was his love and guilt for what happened to his brother that kept him in the Deathrunners. He made sure that he became one of the scariest enforcers in the group. Because if Knox didn't get to live a life he wanted to make sure that he lived a life that they could both be proud of. He filled all the empty voids with sex, violence, drugs, booze, danger, whatever would make the pain stop of a little while. All the while his belief in their god dwindled down and down into nothing but embers.

Until Knox was resurrected by Mathias. The religious ecstasy that Kazya experienced when he got his brother given back to him catapulted him into an intense and blind loyalty to the young necromancer. It was that loyalty that sent him to New York to watch and then ultimately bring back Ricardo. The same loyalty that made him stay Ric's bodyguard... along with the love he feels for Ricardo.

{ PERSONALITY }

Kazya has a short fuse and a bad temper. But truthfully he could be worse. His own anger at his helplessness has driven him to become the type of person that doesn't lose others. He will fight until he can't move rather than surrender. In his normal life Kazya likes to enjoy himself, likes music, dancing, being a part of the world at large. He wants to live life to the fullest. Because he knows how fast it can be snatched away by that thief death. He is a living embodiment of an impulse control problem but he is old enough that when really pushed his job will win out. He believes wholeheartedly in Mathias' powers and is undyingly loyal to Mathias and Ricardo. Cross or say something against either at your peril.

{ FAMILY TREE }

Adopted Brother: Knox Marquis

{ HEADCANONS }

His left eye has a scar down the side that splits their left eyebrow. He is blind in his left eye and the eye itself it a milky colour with some red stains in the iris.

His vibes are: Bruised Knuckles, No idea is a bad idea, and the moon was full and I was left unsupervised.

Kazimir still holds a lot of guilt for Knox dying for him when he was only 20. And then having to watch his undead corpse be used for the next century.

Kazimir is covered in tattoos and likes to add to his collection as his fickle moods strike.

{ WANTED CONNECTIONS }

Pack members

People he's beaten up.

People that want his job

[jaxmccartncy-deactivated2025111]

The sight of Kazimir made Jackson ill in the stomach, the two of them had never been friendly and since everything about last month he was on the defensive side. The werewolf had just finished a couple trainings with some clients and was walking towards his office as he heard the comment from Kaz to which he shook his head laughing, shaking his head walking by him no wanting to start anything while gym clients were working out. "How about you stop worrying about my social life and workout or leave the gym, Kaz?" He leaned in when he got closer and patted the back of the male before adding, "Have a nice day!" Inside the gym was not a place to start anything, if they had been anywhere else he would have given the male a piece of his own medicine.

[kazimir-voronovitch]

Kaz’s grin didn’t falter when Jax brushed past him. It only grew. The pat on his back was a mistake, a challenge disguised as politeness, and Kaz felt his muscles coil, the urge to grab the wolf’s wrist and twist flickering for half a second before he forced it down. Not here.

He turned his head just enough to catch Jax’s retreat toward the office, voice cutting through the low hum of weights and music. “Workout or leave, huh? You worried I’ll actually make this place interesting?”

Kaz pushed off the doorway, steps lazy but deliberate as he followed a few paces in Jax’s direction. “Relax, Jax,” he drawled, accent thick. “If I wanted a fight, I wouldn’t do it in front of your clients. I’d wait ‘til it was just the two of us.”

The grin turned razor-sharp. “Why should I not worry? You look like you could use a wingman... I'm very good wingman you know.” He tilted his head, eyes gleaming with mock innocence. “Maybe I will stay for a workout after all.”

[ascnsionismx]

"Yes, they are quite nasty things, aren't they?" Hunters were the friends to no one, even though Mathias had quietly hired one among their ranks. But that was for a different purpose. "Sebastian was always paranoid about them, for good reason I assume. He made sure I knew what to do if I ever encountered one, and made sure I could predict their movements". Mathias opened a drawer in his desk and pulled out an old looking journal with some pages sticking out of it. He handed it to Kaz, "Homework, that's more or less what this is. I want you to study this. It's what hunters do. How they hunt, how they single out specific species and how they do it so well. And most importantly, how they do it quietly". He leaned back in his chair and watched the weretiger closely.

He was going to ask something of Kaz that wasn't small, nor simple. It would certainly cause commotion if anyone found out what he was doing too. "That specific book is how they tracked necromancers. Learn from it, all of it, and then use it. I want you to bring me every necromancer in this city. Alive, but if they don't come willingly that's fine too. But I want them. Because I want to know which one of them is responsible for the tarnishing of my name and the Deathrunners. And when we find them, we will make an example of them. Is that something you can do for me?"

[kazimir-voronovitch]

"Not my favorites." Kaz replied. At the mention of Sebastian Kazya tilted his head to the side and nodded. It had been the same for Kaz growing up. You didn't want to end up on in the crosshairs of a hunter. Best to deal with it as quickly as possible. His good eye focused on the journal and reaching out took the offered book reverently. Homework. Kaz frowned looking at the journal for a moment before looking back up at Mathias. He wasn't exactly known as the most studeious of their lot. But if that was what Mathias wanted, he'd do it. Kaz opened the book and flicked through the pages with their thumb for a moment.

A predatory grin spread across his face as Mathias explained. Kaz would become the hunter that his god needed. The sheer difficulty of some of it thrilled them. "Every single one?" Kaz asked it, his words heavy with the meaning, even the ones that belong to other gangs? The unaffiliated would be easier pickings. The ones that were members of the Nameless or the Lotus Eaters would prove more difficult. Kaz nodded, "I will do it, Boss. Might take me a little while. But I can do it. Or I will die trying."

[thegraveyardshifts]

The humorous suggestions did little to lift Maddox's spirits nor the permanent frown on his features as a robot arm and a rocket launcher were thrown around. He didn't regret helping Mathias that night, glad to have finally been able to have a chance to really show his worth. Losing a limb hadn't exactly been planned...Maddox should've been smarter, should've been stronger, not caught up amongst a hoard of faceless undead.

He took another swig of drink, eyes narrowing just a fraction at the obvious middle finger Kaz gave to him, noting the scars that ran down their face. He figured the weretiger probably liked the look of them, seemed like something Kaz would be into. "Would've liked to have seen it," Though, Maddox didn't elude to whether or not he meant Mathias fucking up the head of the Lotus Eaters, or said boss fucking up Kaz. Maybe the undead would've liked to see both.

"We must find whoever did raise all the dead then, to clear his name,"

[kazimir-voronovitch]

Kaz had already lost a body part that was never going to fully heal in the service of the Deathrunners. A futile attempt to try and save his brother. The weretiger reached up and ran the side of his thumb along the scar over this blind eye. The amount of blood and flesh and bone he had given and would still give to Mathias and the Deathrunners had no limit. What was an arm in service to God? And there was a piece of Kaz that believed that if needed Mathias could give Maddox back an arm.

The scars didn't bother them, they were happy that it had been on their bad side. That they hadn't gotten completely blinded. The Naga had batted Kaz off like a fly. An incredible strength. And Kaz knew he'd been lucky that the snake hadn't been more intent on harming them. Kaz snorted at Maddox's reply, "I bet you would have."

The weretiger nodded his head, "I'm working on it." He took a drink, "You know any non-Deathrunner necromancers in the city that would come if you called?"

[thegraveyardshifts]

There was a singular moment, when the severed hand hit the table with a thump that Maddox only heard white noise, and for a brief moment only saw murderous red, much like when he was in the crowd of zombies with the singular need to get past them. Though, instead of turning off higher thought to complete a given task, here it was to punch Kaz's fucking lights out.

The drink brought the undead out of the temporary little blip, Maddox simply grunted in response, immediately reaching for the glass slid across to him and downing half of it in one go.

"I don't know. They tell me it should do. Nobody's sure," Maddox thought about getting a new arm, having to find an appropriate body, how difficult such a thing could be with everyone on high alert...maybe it growing back would be easier. It sure seemed it.

"Heard you got fucked up,"

[kazimir-voronovitch]

If Kaz had any idea that he had nearly ended up in a fist fight the weretiger didn't let on. They only knew how to do anything with irreverence when it came to others. And his version of blowing off steam was decidedly more... macabre than many. A part of Kaz would have welcomed the fight. He knew that the undead was made of tougher stuff and they were certain that they were both spoiling for something to hurt.

With the drink accepted Kaz drank his own. Good eye glancing at the missing limb. "Maybe we make you a robot arm? Give you a missile launcher? I saw that in a movie once." The statement about their own injuries cause Kaz to bare his teeth in a wholly unamused smile. Pointing at their fading scars with his middle finger. "What this? Love tap from that giant ass Snake that runs all the brothels in town." He turned his head and spit on the floor. Kazya's disdain for the Lotus Eater boss was not a secret. "You should have seen what the Big Boss did to him. I only saw the end but he was not happy with how messed up he was. Probably broke a nail." Kaz paused, "Serves him right accusing the Bossman for all that shit."

[ascnsionismx]

Mathias had been planning this, gathering what he needed, and preparing for what was to come. He hadn't heard any whispers about who was really behind the undead horde during the Jazz festival, all he was hearing were lies. And he was dead set on proving the Deathrunner's innocence. There were many ways to do this, but he knew the best way was to go directly to the source. Find that necromancer. There were many people among the Deathrunners he could have picked from, but only one that Mathias trusted to get the job done.

He smiled as the other came in and spoke of stirring up trouble, "I don't see why not, but I do have something for you to do as well, Kaz. Please take a seat". He gestured to the chair in front of his desk and began gathering a folder he had been working on.

"Kaz, what do you know about vampire hunters and witch hunters? Or just hunters in general? Have you ever come into contact with any in your lifetime?"

[kazimir-voronovitch]

Kaz pushed off the doorway and sauntered towards the chari Mathias gestured to. Lowing himself into the seat, leaning back with an easy casual air, one long leg tossed over an armrest. "Hunters, huh?" Kaz said, voice low, laced with a grin that didn't quite reach his eye. "Yeah... seen a few over the years. Never any of the good ones. The good ones you don't see and then talk about after." He tilted his head, icey gaze meeting Mathias' steadily. "I've got to admit Boss, I don't usually stick around long enough to get to know any. Mostly made sure they regret their profession and move on." He paused thinking for a moment and then shook his head, taking his hands out of his jacket and placing them on this stomach, "Why? You got someone particular in mind, or is this just a little homework before I go make my trouble?"

[kazimir-voronovitch]

Where: Around Deathrunner HQ

Who: @rcppled (Rayaan)

Kaz had been walking the perimeter around the Bayou. Very much like his were namesake. A tiger moving along the boarders of their territory. The weretiger had been spoiling for a fight since the last one. Done what he could not to start a few with other members because he knew that it wouldn't help Mathias. But he'd been far more snappy than usual. His one good eye caught the Captain. And he drawled out, "Rayaan..." voice loud enough to catch the vampire's attention without shouting. He walked towards the other, shoulders and legs loose, but a tension just under the surface. Kazya often found the calculated approach of the vampire stifling and yet the vampire's confidence and quiet menace made him someone that the enforcer respected. "I'm headed out soon. Any news from ours or the city bloodsuckers?"

[kazimir-voronovitch]

Where: Deathrunner HQ

Who: @ascnsionismx

Kaz leaned against the rough wooden doorway of the HQ, eyes scanning the dimly lit room, the smell of smoke and damp wood thick in the air. He let his claws tap lightly against the doorframe, a slow, steady rhythm, before catching Mathias’s eye across the room. He'd been called and waited his turn quietly.

“Boss,” Kaz said, voice low, casual, like he was remarking on the weather. “What do you think about letting me go stir up a little quiet trouble tonight? Nothing flashy… just enough to remind some folks in town who they’re dealing with.”

He tilted his head, grin sharp but playful, letting the suggestion hang in the humid air. “You know I won’t get caught… unless I want to.”

[kazimir-voronovitch]

Where: Deathrunner HQ

@thegraveyardshifts (Maddox)

Kaz leaned against the doorway, blue eyes flicking to Maddox like a predator sizing up his favorite prey. The undead sat at the table, arm stump wrapped in leather, jaw tight, shoulders stiff. Kaz’s grin widened... he couldn’t resist.

“Can I give you a hand with that?” Kaz quipped, voice low and teasing. As he said it he tossed a severed hand on the table next to Maddox, settling himself down next to the other man. Then placing a drink in front of the other bodyguard. "I couldn't resist."

The left side of their face still bore the scars of their own. Kaz had gotten his bell rung hard by the Naga. He'd picked glass out of his face for nearly a week after. They gestured to the stump, "Will it grow back? Mine would grow back but I don't know how it works for your kind.”

[kazimir-voronovitch]

Where: Jax's gym

Who: @jaxmccartncy

Kaz leaned against the doorway, icy blue eyes scanning the gym. One milky and blind. He wasn’t supposed to be here... definitely not in Lotus Eater territory right now. But the thought only made the whole thing more fun. Workouts could wait. Flirting with whoever would flirt with them? That was worth the risk. Kazya had been spoiling for a fight since being knocked unconscious the last go around. They still had a few very faint scars on the 'bad' side of his face from where he'd crashed through a wall during the whole zombie apocalypse but the marks were just superficial now. Injuries cutosy of Jax's boss.

Kaz watched Jax as the wolf moved through his little kingdom. Kaz grinned, low and sharp. “You know...” Kaz said in his Russian accent, "If I were you I would use this place to pick up people. Bet you could. You've got a pretty enough face."

They shifted slightly, leaning just enough to let the tension hum between them. “I dunno... maybe you do already?”

[sanguisxferox]

“Can’t be helped dear brother mine; I’m the one with the better accent. Ain’t no accent sexier than Scottish.” Knox grins back at the younger man, teasing them. Funny enough, neither of them seemed to enjoy a position of command. Some might say that it’d made them great at the job, but that would never interest Knox. Though all that matters is truly to see his brother in a much brighter mood.

“Now works.” Maybe that’s what he’s been missing, spending more time with people like Kaz―who can distract him from what’s ahead by focusing on the present for a moment. Kazimir’s response about everything falling apart without them has Knox barking out a laugh. Sad part is though, that parts of him believes it―to some degree. “Not the same. You and me with a drink on the beach would be a vacation.” A shame that he can’t no longer use the Blood witch for fast travel like he used to. “But this will do―I’ve got the best company after all. Lemme buy the next round.”

[kazimir-voronovitch]

Kaz blew a loud raspberry as his brother tried to explain that the Scottish accent was better than his own Russian. "Stupidest thing you've ever said." Kazya replied with a wide grin. "American's need subtitles to understand you. They don't care about your accent because you have a pretty face and body." Kazya could be a leader of a small tactical group with clear goals. Being a leader leader though? He hated the thought. He was too impulsive. Too quick to lose his temper. He'd be terrible.

All there was, was now. At least that's how Kazya survived most things. How he kept the darkness at bay in his own mind. The future would be here soon enough. He took another drink and leaned his head back, listening to the music and grinning absently as he did so. "There is beach close by here. Why go somewhere far away?" Kaz didn't have the same sadness at the loss. Anyone that crossed the Deathrunners weren't to be trusted or used unless absolutely necessary. He nodded his head, "Yes. You buy. I want another double."

[sanguisxferox]

—Jazz Festival. Frenchmen Street (Faubourg Marigny)

"Alright, I gotta admit, this is nice. But really, the company makes it worth it." Knox tell his brother as they listen to a band nearby. The last time they'd really talked, Knox had realized that he'd been so focused on his own shit that they'd neglected the one person that mattered the most with Mathias; Kaz. Though, both of them hadn't been doing well, but now, with Ric's return, it has obviously brought a lot of joy to his brother. "It's been too long." Everything but family had come first and Knox finds themselves regretting that. Everyone around them seems to settle into something that they're unable to achieve—or unwilling to; they can't figure that one out.

But none of that for now. For now, they'll focus on just the both of them and enjoy the day. "You know, maybe WE should get a vacation!"

@kazimir-voronovitch

[kazimir-voronovitch]

Kaz made a scoffing noise in his throat as he reach over and slapped Knox on the shoulder affectionately. "Of course I know I am right. I am always right. Just no one ever listens to me because of the accent." But Kaz had a grin on their face because he was happy. Happy here with his brother. Happy that Ric was back in the city. Happy that he felt like he had not just his purpose but his calling back. He had wondered if Mathias keeping him closer with Knox had been a way to keep an eye on the tiger. But he was flattered that god thought about him much at all.

Kaz took a big gulp of the drink in his hand and nodded, "It has. But I don't want to talk about past. I want to be here. Now. Long time, short time. Doesn't matter." At the comment about a vacation Kaz took another big drink of his beverage and laughed, "It would all fall apart without us. No vacation. Also..." He gestured to the music, head bobbing to the sound, "This isn't exactly work, brother."

[ascnsionismx]

Mathias was panting from the exertion. Kaz had done a great job at making him feel alive. It was why he would make sure the enforcer was at his side if they ever had to go to war. The power all of them had could make them the biggest threat in the city, if only they would all trust Mathias as much as Kaz did.

The staff was there for defense, whatever power Mathias put through it would be lessened, which was better than him actually touching Kazimir. He had to be careful to not hurt the weretiger, even if Kaz was clearly fighting to win. Mathias could appreciate that. All it took was his forgiveness, and the other was giving it his all. Mathias did have much time to react as he was grabbed and lifted off the ground. He didn't think about letting go of the staff, not wanting to land on his back again. When the staff was crushed, the magic dispersed and went back into Mathias. A lot happened next, and Mathias wondered if it were all instinct. Kaz had been doing good about not getting too close, because he knew what would happen if Mathias touched him. They were in very close quarters now.

Mathias could have moved, but instead he stayed where he was. He could feel his ribs give slightly and the pain. He'd most likely have a big bruise to show off in the morning. But Kazya was closer now, and within Mathias' reach. He didn't think twice before grabbing Kaz's arm, and the decay instantly started to eat his flesh. Mathias let go though, not wanting an extended time of exposure on the weretiger.

"I yield" He said loudly with pride.

[kazimir-voronovitch]

Kazya’s claws stopped just shy of Mathias’s ribs, the intensity of the moment, the heat of the fight, and the dangerous proximity of Mathias's magic sparking through the air like a lightning strike. The sound of the shattered staff, the splintering wood scattering in all directions, rang in his ears like an echo. His senses were on fire, each part of him vibrating with the awareness that this wasn’t just another fight. This was about proving something... about showing Mathias that he was worthy, that he could match his strength with strategy and willpower.

But then it happened. Mathias, grabbed Kazya’s arm before he could land the blow. The instant Mathias's fingers wrapped around him, a wave of decay surged through Kazya’s arm, like ice sinking into his flesh. The pain was instant, raw and sharp, and the feeling of his skin and muscles beginning to break down under the necrotic touch shot through him like a scream. It was all Kazya could do not to jerk his arm away, to try and fight through the excruciating sensation.

Mathias’s touch burned with a cold, unnatural hunger that went straight to the bone. Kazya’s body reacted before his mind could catch up, instinctively pulling back—but it was too late. His arm felt as if it were rotting from the inside out, the searing pain almost too much to bear. He growled through clenched teeth, his vision blurring, but Kazya wouldn’t let himself fall. His good arm closing the distance and he put a constallation of claw tips onto Mathias' body. Just deep enough to draw blood. To show that he could still rip the man's liver out if needed. That he could bare down through the mind numbing pain.

As soon as Mathias released his arm, Kazya staggered back, still fighting to keep his focus. Curling the withered limb against his body. He didn’t trust his body in this moment, but he forced himself to stay standing, the sheer will to prove himself making his every movement shaky but determined. The pain in his arm was overwhelming, but it didn’t stop him from staring at Mathias, his tiger eyes blazing, his breath heavy. His lips curled back in a grimace, but there was no retreat in him. Mathias’s voice rang out, the pride in his declaration of yielding cutting through the pain like a sudden break in the storm. Kazya didn’t move for a moment, his claws still extended, still in that ready stance, as though the fight wasn’t over, as if the battle hadn't ended with Mathias’s words. But then the weight of it hit him. The acknowledgment that Mathias had actually surrendered. Kazya’s chest heaved with ragged breaths, the adrenaline slowly ebbing, leaving a tremor behind in its wake. His arm still felt like it was on fire from the necrotic magic, the poison of it sinking deeper. His mind, however, cleared with a sudden, odd sense of pride. He had done it.

“You yield?” Kazya’s voice was a rasp, a mixture of disbelief and something darker, more dangerous. He let out a short, sharp laugh, though ti sounded more breathing than he intended. Kazya gave him a cocky grin, despite the pain still roiling under his skin. But beneath the bravado, there was a quiet relief. A weight lifting off his chest. He stepped forward and let himself sink to his knees in front of Mathias, his god. Cradling his arm and bowing his head against Mathias' stomach. "Good fight, Boss," he muttered, though there was still an edge to his voice. “Next time... try not to rot my arm off. I work better with two." Kazya’s lips twitched as he looked up at Mathias, holding himself steady despite the lingering effects of the decay.

[cassjthompson-deactivated202511]

The only plans that Cassidy Jo had once she was officially done with the fundraiser for the day all she wanted to do was to get really good roast beef Po Boy along with a tall drink. As she text messaged one of two of her employees who was coming to working the closing session of the night she smiled when they promised to bring her one of her favorite mocktails from one of the booths down the street from the one Lucky Charms Events was running at the event. Looking up at him she smiled, "I am in the mood for a foot long roast beef Po Boy sandwich and a very tall drink, other than that I really have no plans for the night?"

The female cleaned up the messy photo booth collection of props as she watched him trace his fingers along the envelopes of the words on sticks that were apart of the ones brought for the fundraiser. "Oh is that so? You definitely got my attention and I am interested in what you in mind."

[kazimir-voronovitch]

Kazya’s eyes never left Cassidy’s as she spoke, watching the way she smiled, how her lips curled just enough to show she was intrigued. He liked the way she seemed to let her guard slip when she responded, how she let herself get drawn in, even for a moment. It was a kind of quiet victory for him. Something so simple, but it fueled his confidence. Kazya couldn’t help but let out a low laugh, his grin widening as he leaned in just a little closer, one brow lifting in playful challenge. "A Po Boy, huh? You really know how to treat yourself." His voice was smooth, almost teasing, like he was savoring the thought of what else might be on the menu for her tonight. His Russian accent frosting his words. "That’s a fine choice, but you’re missing out. You should try something a little more wild. A little more... adventurous."

He let the suggestion hang in the air, giving her a mischievous grin before he gave her a wink. "Not that I’m saying that’s all I’m good for tonight. But how about we make that sandwich and drink a little... memorable. If you want. That’s what I had in mind," he added, his tone soft but heavy with implication. Kazya’s hand still lingered over the envelopes, though he was no longer really touching them. His fingers traced the edges again, slowly, almost distractedly, before looking back to Cassidy, his gaze now more intense.

"You know," Kazya started, letting his voice drop a little, like they were sharing a secret, "I don’t usually go for things I can’t control, but I’m willing to make an exception tonight. For you. That is... if you think you’re ready for what I’m offering." He wasn’t trying to be serious, not exactly. But in that moment, the air between them felt thick with a heady mix of flirtation and the promise of something a little wilder. Kazya wasn’t the type to wait for an invitation. He liked the way Cassidy reacted, the way she let herself lean in just a little, like she was willing to see where this could go. He let the tension build before breaking it with another grin. "But don't worry, I’ll let you lead the way. For now."

[ascnsionismx]

The difference between how Kaz moved and how Mathias moved was stark. A trained fighter versus someone who just knew how to not die. A true fight really, and the crowd was eating it up. Mathias was keeping himself contained, as this was also a lesson in control for him. The swipe at his ribs made him wince and grunt in pain as he kept trying to get away from Kaz.

When the weretiger moved back, Mathias was able to catch him breath. Kaz was a lot faster than the opponents Mathias was used to. Usually the higher ups had him fighting other magic users who moved like him. This was something different. Mathias frowned and got to his feet, using the staff to steady himself. "Okay" Mathias said. He knew the chances of him winning were low, so he might as well make it difficult for Kaz. The ground around him crackled with an energy that seemed to be coming from Mathias. It was dirt, so the signs of weathering were subtle. The staff in Mathias' hand started to change too. The wood becoming bleached and gnarled and infused with his magic. The alone took some effort from Mathias. He was never really trained on how to sharpen it to a point, his magic was very explosive and big. The precision was hard to maintain, but he was doing it for now. He slammed the staff down on the ground, and smiled at Kaz, "Come on, Kaz".

[kazimir-voronovitch]

Kazya’s eyes narrowed as Mathias steadied himself, the sharp, crackling energy swirling around him. Kaz could feel it in the air... there was power there, raw and untamed, crackling like the spark before a storm. The staff in Mathias’s hand transformed under his influence, becoming something more dangerous, more deadly. He could feel it. Mathias was holding back. Overly cautious because of how Kaz fought. How the weretiger moved. Kazya could see it in the way Mathias moved, in the way he waited for the fight to evolve. But Kazya couldn’t afford to wait. He couldn’t let this drag on longer than necessary. He was fast, but Mathias had the advantage of raw power. But Kazya wanted to win. To show Mathias his worth.

The ground beneath him shifted with the crackle of Mathias’s magic, and Kazya saw the change in the staff. Kazya took a slow breath, letting the heat of the moment burn away any hesitation. A low rumbling growl rippled out of Kazya's throat. His gaze locked on Mathias’s, feral and intense, daring him to make a move. Blind eye and ice blue. Kazya lunged forward, closer than he had been before, too close for comfort, but just far enough to let Mathias’s staff swipe near his side. Wickedly clawed hands and brutal strength grabbed the staff and lifted Mathias off his feet and onto the ground. Kazya holding the staff between their bodies. His mouth opened, a maw of tiger teeth and he bit down on the wooden staff. Shattering the wood. And sending a shower of splinters and saliva across Mathias' face and chest. He knew he was exposed now, vulnerable, but Kazya’s instincts roared to life. His arm, partially shifted now, surged forward like a blur. His claws extended, and he shot in, low and fast. With a swift motion, he aimed for Mathias’s ribs. An attack he knew would land if Mathias didn’t move in time. But that wasn’t the point. Kazya wasn’t just trying to wound Mathias. He was trying to force his hand, to make him surrender.

“Do it,” Kazya growled, teeth bared, his voice a deadly whisper as his claws neared Mathias’s body. It was a play, one Kazya had been planning for this whole time, but he had given Mathias the chance to break him. Kazya’s tiger eyes glittered with determination.

[thegraveyardshifts]

He couldn't think of anything to say back, completely lost for words at Kaz's commitment to being vulgar and instead just decided to laugh at how ridiculous the whole thing felt. The more he drank, the more everything didn't really...feel real, like instead this evening with the two of them drinking and talking was just some weird, half-baked fever dream. A small, still oddly rational part of the undead gently reminded him that he'd regret all this in the morning, probably so much so that he'd never drink again.

But, the promise of tequila, the lime wedges and salt quickly drowned out such a thing.

The hand on his forearm pulled all attention away, staring at it for a few seconds, noting how warm Kazimir was through just a thoughtless touch, compared to his own naturally tepid temperature.

"What? I'll be fine. Pass it off as freestyle or something," Maddox waved off the weretiger's question. "Stop being a little bitch and just do the shots with me, Kaz,"

[kazimir-voronovitch]

"Oh, I’m the bitch now?" He gave Maddox’s arm a playful, almost affectionate squeeze. It wasn’t something he normally did, but tonight the alcohol made everything feel like it was just a game. They were both at the same level of out-of-control, and Kazya figured that if there was ever a time to push boundaries, it was now. He couldn’t help but be a little relieved by the way Maddox’s rigid demeanor seemed to be softening in the haze of drunkenness. "Come on, Maddox. I’m just sayin', I got to look out for you, make sure you're still good to play. You can't go screwing up the band's vibe just ‘cause you're busy tossing back shots with your favorite weretiger." Kazya’s grin widened as he pulled back from Maddox’s arm, ready to get the tequila. His movements were slightly uncoordinated, but in that way that made everything feel a little more thrilling—like when you’re on the edge of a cliff and the wind's pushing you forward, daring you to jump. "But hey," Kazya added with a wink, turning to look at Maddox over his shoulder. "If I get you drunk enough, you might just forget how to play and be stuck with me all night. That wouldn’t be so bad, would it?" Kazya’s voice had a playful, teasing lilt to it, but it was also tinged with the truth of the night. He didn’t want to think about the guilt or the weight of his failures right now. Tonight, it was about the shots, the laughs, the brief moment of forgetting everything that was broken between them. It was about living in the now, not letting anything pull him out of this rare, carefree space he had with Maddox.

He tossed the shot back effortlessly, the burn of alcohol settling in his throat, and then slowly set the glass down. “You know what I think,” Kazya asked, his voice low, and full of purpose. He leaned in just a little closer than necessary, eyes locked on Maddox’s face, watching for that telltale flinch, the small twitch that meant he was starting to get under his skin. He let the silence hang between them for a beat, just enough to make the air heavier. Kazya’s smirk was all teeth. “I think you might enjoy a little rough handling every now and then. If you want to admit, I will not tell.” His tone was teasing, playful, like he was just joking. But there was something in the way his eyes lingered that suggested he wasn't joking as much as Maddox might hope. Kazya tapped his fingers on the bar, making a show of it, not hiding the fact that he was thoroughly enjoying the discomfort he was causing. He leaned in again, the edge of his grin turning just a little bit sharper. “You’re one of those who likes it rough, aren’t you? Just haven’t found someone who can handle it.” As he pulled back, Kazya could feel the heat of the alcohol and the slight rush of excitement in his veins. His voice dropped lower as he teased, “Maybe you like being the one in charge. I do. Sometimes.” He leaned back casually, sipping at his next shot, his gaze never leaving Maddox’s. There was no real seriousness behind the words—Kazya wasn’t interested in crossing any lines, but the thrill of making Maddox shift in his seat, of getting him to feel something he’d prefer not to, was more than enough for tonight. Kazya couldn’t help himself. It was just too much fun.

[sanguisxferox]

Knox sighs; everyone―including themselves―are so fucking angry. All of them for different reasons and some similar to each other. They let their brother speak first, ‘cause obviously, Kazimir needed to and it’s hard to find someone you can be so opened and vulnerable around these days. Mathias used to be that person for them, but now, it’s harder. They don’t wanna burden the necromancer with more things like the anger they have over the position they’ve been put in. And the physical distance is taxing on them too, but they keep it to themselves as much as possible ‘cause they want Mathias to enjoy their vacation.

“What do you need from me, brother mine?” Even if currently not at their best, if Kaz needs to hit someone, they’ll offer themselves, or maybe find people to kill and add them to the body count needed. “I’m truly sorry for scaring you again. Believe me Kaz, I don’t wanna die, but I couldn’t let that happened that day either.” Couldn’t risk that blast becoming bigger and losing everyone they cared about. Though, they really feel awful for how their brother is feeling. “Also, wasn’t my intention to tell you how to feel.”

[kazimir-voronovitch]

Kaz’s breath was still ragged from the scream, the adrenaline still buzzing in his veins like a live wire. He could feel the anger in his bones, a heat that wouldn't burn out no matter how much he tried to shove it down. The air in the woods felt thick, oppressive, like it was pressing in on him, smothering the small slivers of calm he tried to hold on to. The world had never been louder than it was in these moments. His heart was still hammering, the blood in his chest loud as it rushed to his ears. Knox’s voice broke through the buzzing, and Kaz’s shoulders stiffened. His brother didn’t pull back. He never did. Kaz let out a slow breath. "What do I need from you?" Kaz repeated the question, his voice a little quieter, though it still had that razor-sharp edge. Kaz shook his head, lips pulling tight. "I’m fucking tired, Knox. Tired of everyone dying on me. And you... you were ready to die, weren’t you? You were ready to that day, like it was just the way things might go. Like you don’t give a shit about being here with me..." His voice dipped into a growl, dark and rough, "...with us." He knew that wasn't fair. That Knox was tied to Mathias. That Mathias had needed him. But Kazya was past the idea of fair.

Kaz stopped, chest heaving, the rawness of it all starting to choke him. The last thing he wanted was to start breaking down again, not here, not now, but everything was coming back. The feeling of helplessness. Kaz felt the tears pricking at his eyes, but he kept his gaze locked onto Knox, half blind and unflinching. Kaz took a deep breath, trying to get himself back under control. His hand tightened on his arm, nails biting into his skin as he fought the feelings threatening to break free again. “I just need you to see it, see how this is chewing on me. I don’t care about being right. Don’t care about fixing it. I just need something to make sense of it.” He finally lowered his gaze, swallowing hard. "I don’t need to hit anyone. I just need... to know you’re still here. And I need to know I’m not just gonna watch everything fall apart again." His shoulders finally relaxed just a little, though the anger didn’t fully leave. Kaz knew it was going to stick around for a while. He just hoped his brother understood. "Don’t fucking die on me. Not again. Not like that." Kaz’s voice was low, but it carried a plea in it. One he’d never said out loud before. "I can't keep being the only one... It's not fair."