Welcome to The Duality of Man, an original animanga role-play that features numerous supernatural creatures. Unfortunately, these various species have distanced themselves because of the war that occurred thousands of years ago, plaguing some with eyes that only see their dualism. While others meddle themself with their differences, two groups fight, each attempting to eliminate the other in for their definition of worldly peace. These two groups of the Terror Response Syndicate (TRS) and the Assembly of Phantoms (AP). With individuals fighting merely over their differences, it brings uncertainty to the outcome of this war.
We happily accept all role-players as long as they obey the rules and are capable of meeting our word count of 50. This does include those who are unfamiliar with this style of role-playing. The staff of The Duality of Man are willing to happily help those who are new to the role-playing world so they feel comfortable on site. Feel free to message the staff if you need help, they can be found here or in the site Discord and will gladly answer questions alongside calm concerns. If you have any suggestions we would love to hear them; guests may use the support board as a suggestion area as well. Should you decide to join, may I say welcome to the site and we all hope you enjoy your time here.
Yours Truely,
The Staff
season
Summer 2022
Heat has broken through into a glorious summer. The snow has entirely dried through the spring, leaving to the brilliance of the warmer months. Terror activity has risen as people are brought out of their homes, leaving the TRS in a position of consistent work. Each are attempting to maintain victory in the endless struggle for power.
With April, an activity check has arrived for members to do! Please post on the AC and tag all your accounts, including WIPs and OOC accounts. Failure to post on this AC will result in your accounts being marked inactive or deleted. Please note, due to a late start, the due date for this check has been adjusted for one time and one time only.
Gordon couldn't help but feel slightly shamed that he was giving Baxter such a hard time, they were mates after all. He should have thought about them being together becoming a problem if he wasn't planning on staying in the woods with him but Baxter... He had thought he would come with him, who wanted to live alone anyway? Though he did, he just thought it would be a nice change to have his mate with him. Though neither were willing to sleep in the others chosen location, so splitting up ended up happening. It isn't like I haven't slept outside before but.... He felt frustrated, he wanted to lay on his couch but he didn't want to part from Baxter. There were moments as he was walking away that he had almost turned around to go back to him. It had taken a lot of effort to keep walking forward until he had wandered into the outskirts of the city before walking into the city towards his apartment. The cigarette remained in his fingers as he slowly placed it to his lips for another smoke, finding it soothing. It will be alright, I'll find him again tomorrow.
He decided as he kept walking towards his apartment. Within a few minutes he was standing outside it, unable to bring himself to go inside. What is wrong with me? He is safe in the woods.... waiting till morning isn't a big deal... He thought to himself, suddenly feeling a great urge to go back for Baxter. It couldn't wait till the morning, he had to find him right now, bring him home, even if it ended up being by force. He opened up his apartment door, tossing the lighter and pack of cigarettes on the counter before putting his cigarette on the dish to put it out. He would then go back out the door, closing it behind him. Within a few minutes he had walked back towards the outskirts, to his surprise, Baxter's scent was strong, almost as if he had left the woods. Oh no.... he is somewhere in the city, isn't he? He tried following his scent, finding himself wandering around dark corridors of the city. Where was he going? I would have thought he'd at least tried searching me out?
Of course as he followed, he could see that it seemed as if Baxter had been trying to find his scent, though going another direction had confused him greatly. As he followed Baxter's scent, he could hear his voice, at first feeling thrilled until he heard the growl. What is going on? He thought to himself, but as he got closer, he had noticed the weapon and immediately rushed the guy that was hidden in his clothing. Once contact was met, he had pushed him roughly out of the way, knocking him to the ground. Of course as soon as the man was out of the way, Gordon had taken his place. Gordon looked up at Baxter, having wrapped his arms around him when he had been pounced. He laid on his back with Baxter on top of him, refusing to loosen his grip. Now that he had his mate, he wasn't about to let him go, no. Of course within a few minutes, he managed to stand up from the ground, still having Baxter in his arms as he slowly carried him away with him.
Now all that was left to do was take Baxter home with him. With a grin on his face, "If you wanted me to carry you home, all you had to do was ask." He was teasing, it was clear to him that Baxter had likely changed his mind to try and follow after him. He couldn't help but remember what it was like when he had first come into the city, it had been so strange to him. The ones that bothered him the most were the cars, at the time he had been confused on why it screamed at him but never chased after him when he moved away from it.
Baxter could hear the voices of his fuzzy pack mates grumbling suggestions to him, insisting that they tear into this shady creep and make him into a meal. The to-be alpha was not opposed to this idea in the slightest, but he also didn't like making the first move like this in a situation where he wasn't even acquainted in the slightest with this new environment; no, this new world entirely. The male didn't know if there was some new trick in this plain that he wasn't quite away of yet.
Yet, at the same time it was dangerous to offer the first move to a stranger who's capabilities were unknown since their abilities could come off as an irreversibly dreadful surprise. The wolves began barking impatiently, drugging Baxter full of urgency and adrenaline. A move had to be made, and he knew he had to make it in order to keep his pack safe since he knew they'd act if he didn't.
With a kick of his feet, he sent himself forward at a high speed, lunging at his prey with his claws out and at the ready. The wolves were slow to react and follow up with his action, and his prey only had the time to widen his eyes in awe in response to his predator's agility. It was an expression that he had been familiar with; the look of regret of having meddled with an enemy beyond their league.
Just as he had about made contact with his prey, claws ready to drill into their skin, teeth prepared to rend their throat, his intended victim had suddenly been blasted out of the way and replaced by a far more formidably hulking figure.
At first, he hadn't recognized them; and his body slammed into theirs with immense force, slamming them into the ground along with himself rather sloppily due to having been caught off-guard mid-flight. Baxter's face was buried into the other's warm chest, and his body was completely flat. Anger coursed through his veins until he had finally gotten a nose-full of the fragrance he had been tracking and savoring only moments before his confrontation with that dirty outsider.
"The fuck is the big idea?!" he snarled, aggressively pushing himself up from his mate's chest and eyeing down at him. "Where were you? How could you make me come to this place? Why'd you sabotage my pack's meal?" he went off, throwing all sorts of questions at his mate.
He had realized that it was all too much for him to be tossing around for him just having been reunited with him once more. Curling his lips in an attempt to temporarily quell his frustration, he pulled him close and applied an expression of his affection to Gordon's lips.
Baxter turned his head to the sorry-looking sap that had been sprawled on the ground with a look of horror on his face, and with a single nodding gesture he gave his furry companions authorization to dig in. Cries erupted from the man as several rows of teeth had been buried into him, and he had been silenced by a chomp on the throat at last. Bitterly, Baxter shot a lob of spit at the corpse.
"Fuck you... don't ever screw with me," he growled, and returned his attention to Gordon as they had started lifting up from the ground and started carrying him away. "I already hate this place."
Not eager to leave his wolves behind, he emitted a whistle from his lips rallying the attention of the beasts and compelling them to run up to catch up and follow them closely.
Gordon held Baxter tightly, not about to let him go no matter what. Of course Baxter had managed to free himself somewhat so that he could glare down at him. He would stare up at him, smirking slightly as he watched him rant, choosing to remain silent. When Baxter had moved closer, kissing him on the lips, he kissed him back deeply, planning to never lose sight of him ever again. He listened as the man was being eaten alive, trying to get the image out of his head. The sooner they left this place, the sooner he could get that image out of his head. Gordon had picked Baxter up, "Your about to hate it even more...." He whispered, walking back towards his place. "Because that was your last kill...." He added, feeling relief when Baxter had whistled for the wolves to follow after them. "That bastard shouldn't have threatened you but you can't go killing people.... They have laws here...." He whispered as he kept walking. It is a good thing they will think it was a wolf attack, else we'd be in so much trouble right about now. He thought to himself, finally realizing just how dangerous Baxter could be if he wanted.
I'm going to have to hide the street fighting from him, but if I don't keep my eyes on him. He is going to possibly kill my friends.... People I enjoy street fighting with. He thought to himself with a sigh. Things just got complicated as soon as Baxter had come into the city, at least before people were safe as long as they kept away from the woods but now.... If Baxter was upset, scared.... they were at risk of being harmed and as much as he didn't mind Baxter going berserk on them, he didn't want them being noticed by the law. His apartment finally became in view, he would adjust Baxter slightly so that he could turn the door handle before pushing the door open with his foot, he would wait for the wolves to get inside before closing the door behind him. He would then slowly walk towards the couch before leaning forward to set Baxter on it, slowly getting on top of him to snuggle. "It isn't so bad...." He whispered, trying to convince Baxter that it could be nice here too. Who wanted to sleep on the floor when couches existed.
"... Laws?" he busted out blasphemously, eye twitching with impatience. "Laws! Against killing?" he proceeded to question. "If someone were to threaten mys life, your life or even just to scratch either of us, they deserve no more than to be eaten alive by my babies"-he gestured to the wolves-"or learn what it feels like to have dirty claws sunken into their hearts!" he stated, balling his clawed digits into a fist.
It was appalling to even think that any civilization would taboo the consequence of death upon threatening the life or well-being of another, or treat it as such a god-awful thing. After all, Baxter's had no close connections with anyone before besides the one he had just become mated to- not to mention, having experienced death and peril in many different varieties that he's become entirely numb and accustomed to the sight and perpetrating of it.
"I didn't know that dude, but he didn't deserve to live anyway if he were going to threaten another's life and then on top of that, turn out so weak as to be incapable of protecting himself," he bluntly stated, proceeding to simmer over the course of the walk.
During their walk, his attachment to the larger male had become more and more tighter as a result of his subconscious discomfort at the consistent change in their surroundings. Massive buildings made of processed building materials, being incredibly sturdy looking and hulking in size comparison of him to them. It was almost intimidating, the structures were that large; as though they could topple over on top of him at any point in time. It was the illusion in perspective he had, looking all the way up at their great size from his puny position.
The idea of lights being used by energy sources other than flame had also been disconcerting for him. The beast man's head couldn't wrap around it, and so he attempted to quell this head-aching frustration by choosing to purposely ignore it and pretend it were normal and that it was certainly fire-related in one way or the other.
Unfortunately, the entirety of the civilization would swamp him with the same exact questions: how does it work? How did they make this? What is this/that? Where did they get it? It became so exhausting that he chose to hide his face away in the shoulder of his mate. The protection of darkness, being able to see nothing, would surely protect him... only it didn't. Baxter would continue to think about it and be reminded that this was his mate's home, and therefore it was now his new home.
Baxter hadn't seen the world again for quite sometime, and only had glimpsed upon it once more in the darkness of the male's apartment once he was laid down upon the oddly cozy structure and topped like icing on cake by his mate. The alpha-to-be responded by pulling him closer and murmuring.
"This is too much... I've never felt so weird about something in my life," he replied grimly, looking away and sighing softly.
While it was very dark in the room, his cocoa slits could pierce it and perceive a general shape in entity from all the furnishing in the living room. Much of it he did not recognize, and possessed intimidatingly foreign features that he felt he'd never get the gist of even when explained to. Baxter felt somewhat helpless, unable to process anything and as a result he had been worn from overthinking about his surroundings. It was culture-shock in a nutshell, but on a completely different level. In his situation, it was more like age-shock.
The male looked down at the wolves, curling up at the foot of the couch and settling at ease. Baxter wondered why it was that they were able to adapt so well and not be so frazzled by this change in atmosphere- then he remembered, it was because they had no reason to care as they were mammals of this earth living a lifestyle, and time beyond his tribe and this civilization combined, completely separate and unable to be interfered with. There was no culture with these beautiful beasts, as they had simply lived in the most casual way of all beings on this earth.
"This feeling on my skin is so strange yet... I like it..." he whispered, stroking the surface of the soft couch delicately, careful not to rub his claw against it since his claws were sharp enough to rip into a material if he weren't careful. "The air in here is pretty dry though... it's so much different from out there, ya know?"
Baxter laid back and closed his eyes, trying to clear his mind and remind himself that he was with his mate. All would be alright as long as he had his mate, right? Or so it was told.
"I can't lie... I'm..." he gulped, and growled lowly at the idea of actually admitting such a thing. "... nervous about all this."
Gordon smirked slightly when he noticed Baxter's face expression, but it changed to being serious when Baxter made his comment. "No." He whispered, halting in their walk back to the apartment. "I like living here because there is less violence.... the laws are in place to avoid such violence from needing to happen. Of course there might be times when it isn't a choice, but if it can be helped it should be avoided at all costs." He answered, trying to convince Baxter of this type of life. "Besides, many of those bastards won't stand a chance if they try, so I'm not worried." He was talking about his own life, if anybody were to threaten his Baxter on the other hand, he would tear them to shreds, regardless of his speech only moments prior. He would start walking again, the sooner they got back to the apartment, the sooner he could rest assured that Baxter wouldn't have a fight with anybody else, or at least not tonight. "That is the reason why the laws are in place.... for weeklies like him." Gordon counted, "Besides, there is such a thing as the death penalty so why dirty my hands when the law will handle it?" He asked, just giving Baxter another taste of his world, but at the same time an idea of why he didn't want him randomly attacking other people even if he thought they deserved it.
He couldn't help but glance down when he had felt Baxter hide his face against his shoulder. This could be expected, he had been the same way when he had come here. Shortly after he had gotten to the apartment, he had set Baxter on the couch before joining him on it to snuggle him some more. "Is it really?" He asked, whispering as he pressed closer. "I think with you here, this became a real home." He flirted, meaning every word of it. Prior, he never saw himself enjoying this place but with Baxter in his apartment with him, he doubted he would rush to leave anytime soon. Not unless somebody wanted to street fight, but right now Baxter had his mind and so he would stay with him. Besides it was late, so if anything, sleep should come first. He found himself glancing towards the side of the couch to see the wolves had settled down near the foot of the couch. He was pleased, that they seemed to know their place, most likely because Baxter had trained them well. He looked back towards Baxter when he commented about the couch. "It is comfortable, wouldn't you agree?" He teased, pressed up against Baxter. "Yeah, it is.... but that might be because I'm not the only one that smokes.... that thing that you said had a horrible odor earlier...." He further explained as he talked about the cigarettes.
He couldn't help but smirk slightly when Baxter confessed to being nervous about this. "Come now, we've already had fun quite a few times." He teased, knowing exactly what Baxter meant but thought it would be funny to throw a joke into this. "In all seriousness, it took me a while to get used to it too..." He paused, "Your not planning on leaving, are you?" He knew it would be easier to adapt, if he planned on staying here for a while.
Gordon's statement made the primitive male flush and narrow his eyes, keeping his eyes away from the other in embarrassment. Baxter was unused to such compliments, especially after having been chastised and shunned among his people. To think he had any worth to anyone beyond being a murderous machine and martyr for his people was difficult.
Making a place feel like home was awfully ironic to him. Baxter had no home. Though he referred to the forest as his home, it wasn't a home unless there was someone or something there to greet him with open arms harboring love, care, and appreciation. Essentially what his mate was saying, his presence here alone made it feel like a home to them. It was touching, so much that it flustered him into bated breath and silence from the sheer denial that attempted to retaliate against that claim.
"Mmm..." he mumbled stubbornly, sulking in place of his raging ego.
If he made this place feel like home for Gordon, would that in turn make this place a home for him? Anywhere could be a home so long as he was settled with his mate and happy with them and they with him as well. Baxter's never really felt at home anywhere, even in his tribe... so now, it would take much adapting to actually see this place as a home he can always return to. Until then, Gordon will have to carry that burden unknowingly.
"It's... comfortable, I guess. It's like nothing I've ever felt," he remarked, sinking into it with his weight but holding back, as if afraid that it'll swallow him whole. "It's... weird. I'm not gonna fall through right?"
The man scoffed at his words. The smell of ash and whatever chemical was strong, and it was putrid. It gave his nostrils the sensation as if several smoky needles were stabbed into them and injecting doses of asthmatic symptoms. A deep exhale through his nose, and he rolled his eyes. "Those sticks are disgusting. They stink, and I don't know what is so attractive about those things to you people," he commented bluntly. "No more of those or I think I'll actually die... it's terrible. It sticks to everything it seems."
The inquiry caught him off guard. "Leave?" he thought incredulously, lifting himself up into a cross-legged seat upon the couch while draping an arm over his mate to keep him close. "That's what I would do, huh..." Adapting to an entirely new environment and culture was going to take a very long time... it was even arguable that he would never become fully accustomed to this new life. However, that's the price to pay when you mate with someone from a new world, and it was inevitable if you already allowed yourself to attach to that mateship.
"I- er... I don't think I am. Actually, I don't think it's possible as long as you're here. It's a mate's duty to stay back to back with their partner. Protect them and love them until the end and even after," he recited as he learned and obediently believed.
If Baxter had ears, they'd be raised up sharply since his attention was completely stolen by the massive glass window on the other side of the room; or rather, what was outside, being the "clear" not-so-clear starry sky (thanks to light pollution). "Strange... there's no air going through here..." he thought to himself, a little baffled by this. Quickly, he stood up and speed walked towards the outside world, only to slam straight into a hard barrier that sent him down onto his ass.
"W-Wh... what the fuck... how?" he questioned aloud, calling blasphemy upon this peculiarity. He reached out, and touched the chilled surface of this "barrier." "What is this?!"
Gordon was pleased when Baxter seemed to agree with him, or at least that it what it appeared like anyway. It was a good thing too because he was prepared to give further explanation on the matter. He couldn't help but smirk as he listened to Baxter talk about the couch. "No, you won't fall through it." He answered, thinking to himself, If you do, it will be time for a new couch. He would cross that bridge when he got to it, the last thing he wanted to do was run the risk of making Baxter nervous but admitting that a broken couch could make him falling through possible. He shook his head, still smirking when Baxter commented back to him. "It is hard to explain." He answered, choosing to not bother trying. Maybe he would attempt to have Baxter understand it later but for now, he just felt a great need in trying to dodge that subject as much as possible. "Ohhhhh come on, your not going to refuse kissing me just because I smoked, are you?" He teased, not making that promise. He knew he was addicted to them and despite wanting to please his mate, making a promise that he might fail to keep seemed less appealing.
When Baxter had lifted himself up onto the couch, he had been forced to sit up too. Thankfully Baxter still had his arm wrapped around him, because the temptation to pin him against the couch had been strong. He couldn't help but feel slightly disappointed when Baxter made his comment, believing him to be serious about leaving. Though he cheered up when Baxter had changed his comment as long as he remained here. "So you'll stay with me then?" He asked, thinking that might have been a common phrase over Baxter's feelings on the subject. The subject had come to an end when Baxter's attention seemed to go else where. He listened to his comment, smirking slightly as he watched his mate stand from the couch to walk over to it. If he had known what would come next, he would have grabbed him to stop him first, instead his mate had walked into the sliding door before landing back on his butt. He laughed at the sight, moving to stand from the couch. He watched as Baxter reached out to touch the glass to the sliding door.
"It is called a sliding door." He answered, unlocking it before sliding it to the side so that air would enter the apartment. He then turned to face Baxter, bending slightly before reaching his hand out to try and help Baxter back up. "It might be best to reach out before running into things, such as glass. That is what this door is made out of mostly, and those windows.... are also made of glass. It does keep air from going into the apartment but at the same time, it is nice when the sun rays can enter the apartment and such."
Baxter’s eyes expanded in disbelief at the sight of his mate seemingly grabbing air, and effortlessly pushing it aside with nothing but a click. It was dumbfounding, until he had heard the very casual explanation on what it was exactly and how it worked. The male’s eyebrows twitched, and then furrowed in annoyance. Surely, Gordon could have caught the very brief sight of the warrior puffing his cheeks out in petty sulkery.
”S-Sh… shut up… I knew that, yeah. What fucking idiot would think there was some kind of barrier there? I have bad eyesight… (not really but…) Whatever!” he exclaimed out of frustration and embarrassment.
It was humiliating for him, not knowing how anything works in this society nor the technology and advanced structures they’ve innovated in this civilization. Coming from the primitive, natural world, everything was basic and nothing was complicated… and being uneducated and left behind in time, in a future-like world, it was not going to be a fun roller coaster ride for him.
Pushing him up to a squat, he leaned forward towards the glass door and sniffed it, glaring daggers of contempt into it. Baxter was harboring a grudge against an inanimate object due to how badly it had humiliated him just moments before, but he'll control himself this time and not completely smash it out of vengeance of his pride and self-esteem. Instead, he grumbled some curses lowly and stood back up, peeking outside and feeling a mighty breeze like no other hit him hard. This was no normal breeze he was used to; it was uncommon in the flat and sometimes hilly forests of the Lupek territory.
Walking out, he felt the wonderful air of high altitude; a sensation he’s experienced from no other kiss of the wind. It was so pleasant, that he smiled and ripped his fur-cloth right from his pelvis and tossed it back into the apartment, likely ending up smothering Gordon’s face with it incidentally. Now, his heavy set was experiencing the caress of the wind. The air wasn’t as fresh as that of the wilderness, but it was a pleasant experience nonetheless.
”Ahhh… there we go, come out here and tear that weird shit off. This, this right here… this feels nice. My balls have never felt such a good, strong breeze pass by them,” he shamelessly commented, t-posing for the world.
It wasn’t to mention that he’s never seen quite a sight like looking at the city from an elevated height. While there wasn’t that great of a view since the building wasn’t among the tallest structures, he could still see the sky glazed by light pollution and the urban layout that he’s never seen in his life.
"This place is... unlike anything I've seen before, and I can tell there's way more to it than this... but honestly, I wouldn't call it as pretty as... you know, out there," he commented, lowly, scratching the back his head. "I'm... going to miss it, to say the least."
The air suddenly became cold to him, chills running down his spine and goosebumps lifting to the surface of his skin. Sadness and longing, was it? Baxter didn't appreciate feeling this way. After all, an alpha male shouldn't show weakness. He should show strength, resolve, adaptability and dominance. Realizing his behavior, he perked up, cleared his throat and spun around to face Gordon in all his glory.
"So... what now...?" he asked him. "I... I hate to admit this but... now I don't know really what to do. Just this morning I was planning on moving on until I found a mate, some territory and settled down... but now I'm in... whatever this place is-" he gestured out from the balcony-"and I have a mate but... this isn't territory I can exactly claim, as of yet anyway cause of the circumstances. Not to mention I... I don't know much about my own mate nor my new "home" embarrassingly enough... this is degrading."
Gordon kept laughing, finding this sight rather amusing. "When your in the city, it is common knowledge." He answered, finally managing to hold back his desired laughter any further. He had reached out his hand to try and help Baxter up, but found himself watching Baxter leaning towards the glass door, clearly examining it. He watched him stand without his assistance before walking out onto the balcony. Baxter ripping his fur-cloth off had come as a surprise to him and before he had time to react the cloth had been tossed in his direction before smacking him in the face. It wasn't the fact the cloth had hit him in the face but the fact, Baxter was showing himself off to the world whether that had been his intention or not, he found himself jealous at the idea of others seeing his Baxter. He rolled his eyes when Baxter told him to take his clothing off, it wasn't about to happen. "Not a chance. I am not going to show myself off to the rest of the world." He answered, "Unlike some people." He mumbled the last comment, hoping that Baxter would miss it despite their close distance. He listened to Baxter make his comment about the view outside, choosing to remain quiet. He didn't want to tell Baxter what to do, but couldn't he make the comment not outside if he wasn't going to wear his fur-cloth? He noticed Baxter shiver but he remained inside despite Baxter turning around to face him.
"Why can't you claim it? It wouldn't be any different then people forming gangs here. Except we are stronger then them." He moved onto the balcony, slowly reaching out to attempt to reach his arm around Baxter. "Fights happen here all the time, even death. So it wouldn't be unhead of it happening every once in a while. I just don't search it out, there is a difference." He was hinting at the two groups out there and those damn creatures that were known as Terrors. "It would be different since the borders would be closer to one another and we don't have to hunt...." Or at least he hadn't done so since coming here. He would street fight for fun and managed to earn a living off of it because he would do it often. "Is fighting to you, only for self defense?" He asked, knowing his views about mate harming and death upon that person and yet, he would street fight because he had a craving for fights and it was an income too. "Come.... lets go to sleep in the morning I want to take you shopping." He tried encouraging Baxter to come back inside since it was late outside.
”Gangs, huh?” he confirmed of his mate, stepping back in from the balcony and leaning towards him inquiringly. Baxter was well familiar of the term “gang”, but such miscreancy was uncommon amongst his people due to the harsh repercussions there’d be if a smaller group had excluded themselves from the tribe itself and even attempted to refer to themselves as anything superior without the alpha chieftain’s approval. The man wondered what these “gangs” were like in this society, but based on the way that Gordon brushed off the word with such loose dismissal, it sounded like they were none of his concern nor worthy of his respect.
Gordon’s description of the situation piqued his interest. The lack of need to hunt was a massive boon, as it not only improved the chance of survivability, it also meant more attention could be diverted to more important tasks and responsibilities, while also would give them an advantage in prospering. However, the idea of borders being far more closer- even squished together like a puzzle- was defeating. It meant there was not only a higher chance for conflict, but it set in stone a obligation for diplomacy and the assertion of dominance… in other words, war.
”A boon, and also a curse. The circumstances would make settling down a pack here challenging, and considering I… haven’t the faintest fuck of a clue about this region, this place, this whole damn society of yours… claiming territory and forming a pack is impossible right now,” he admitted defeatedly, every single word of his confession striking him in the pride like an poisoned arrow. It discouraged him from looking into the eyes of his significant other, even as they had wrapped their arm around him and kept him close.
”I… am inferior here. There’s so much to be done before I can think of becoming an alpha…” he told him in quiet grumbles.
It was wholly overwhelming, thinking broadly about it, how he’d have to go about it. First came learning, then came adapting, then applying his knowledge and adaptation to a plan to bring his ambition to fruition. Easy to put into steps, but the process would be long and grueling. Such vexation wouldn’t deter him from advancing forward. He was starting to get a headache from all this, and just as he was did Gordon coincidentally beg another answer from him.
”Self-defence? Tsk… something like that’s buried, if only you knew. Having been a warrior, I learned it was kill or be killed, there was no in between. I also learned… the fucked up truth that if you can’t protect yourself or protect others, you’ll suffer, they’ll suffer, and the enemy will take full advantage of you...” he explained, putting maximum emphasis on the most significant part of his words. It all was flooding back to him in that instant; the formerly frail, pure and innocent flesh that had been defiled with their own blood and the desecrating fluids of it’s defilers. Baxter had not been suffering it during THOSE times, yet still was haunted by the same illness that fueled their bellows.
”Sleep…” he suddenly murmured, squeezing his eyes shut tightly and then reopening them to give his mate a weak look. ”Let’s sleep, please… like you said. We’ve got to do that… what was it, shopping? Yeah, whatever… come on, where will I sleep?” he insisted hastily. As much as he tried to stifle whatever it was that had triggered him, such distress was unable to go unnoticed by a mate. Especially, a soul mate.
Gordon had given Baxter info about the gangs, but they weren't much compared to them. Or at least the ones in this city hadn't given him much of a fight anyway. It was true one ran the risk of getting into sudden fights, but because they lived in the city, rarely any deaths came from it unless it was on accident, though if on purpose, anybody in the other gang was sure to pay the other a visit and murder the mass of them for payback. Unlike the wars that took place back home where it was less likely for them to get into a fight, or at the very least it was based off of what was rightfully theirs in terms of hunting grounds. Here, everybody was just flat out greedy and wanted certain areas for themselves. Gordon couldn't help but grin slightly, pulling Baxter closer to him. "A pack is more important than spending freetime with your mate?" He teased, having enjoyed earlier. "We'll get around to it sooner or later." He whispered, not wanting Baxter to worry too much about it. When the time arrived for them to create a pack, it would happen, for now he might as well get used to the area and hopefully come to enjoy it as he had done when he first came here.
"It will be alright, I'll help you with it." If it wasn't clear before on who'd become alpha, it would become it hopefully by now. He didn't hold an interest in becoming an alpha, not since he had left home. Baxter's comment about self-defense was heart breaking. It almost sounded like he experienced first hand, torture and if he had been around to know about such things, he would have protected him in a heart beat. Despite the difference in packs, it wouldn't matter if somebody was being tortured as it sounded like Baxter had experienced. "Nobody will be hurt ever again." He whispered, pulling Baxter closer. "Not while I'm around." He added, proving to become rather possessive of the idea of somebody possibly trying to lay a finger on his mate. When the subject had been changed to sleep, he couldn't help but feel relieved when Baxter had seemed more than interested in the idea as well. "On the couch." He whispered, hoping that would be okay for now.
It also meant cuddling since the couch was a very tight squeeze for the both of them to be on. Of course one way or another, they were bound to make it work, assuming Baxter would try with him in the first place. Then of course in the morning, they would continue this conversation and then go shopping because he needed to get his beloved mate more clothing so that he wouldn't feel so jealous over others seeing him.
Baxter had stiffened up instinctively when his mate’s arms had laced around him suddenly, tightening and holding him in place. In that mere moment, over ten phantom scenarios had entered his head either from the past or predicting his future in the form of impulsive, defense responses to this move. Yet he had just barely managed to nullify his reaction enough so that he wouldn’t accidentally pull away, push him away or counter the move. The canid male was aware he was not in a good place at the moment, and it was best to avoid him. However, now it was different. The ambitious Lupek could not lash out as he pleased and had to control himself now that there was collateral to be aware of.
”You’re right…” he muttered lowly to his claim, lifting his head back up. ”No one will be hurt again.””And I’m the one that will make sure of that… it isn’t your burden,” he thought to himself instead of saying so aloud, determinedly placing such a hefty load on his own shoulders rather than allowing his mate to carry.
Through context clues, Baxter had at least accessed what the “couch” was, which was why he gave Gordon a questioning look before looking back at the couch to confirm his opinion. ”You sure we can fit on there?” he asked him curiously, walking over to it and laying down on it, trying to figure out how they’d make it work. ”... Meh this’ll work,” he then said, gesturing for Gordon to join him on the couch in any way he’d like to. Baxter tilted his head back, looking towards the front door at an upside-down angle and tucked his eyebrows together. ”Is this place safe? I don’t trust someone to not come in and try some shit.”
Gordon smiled when Baxter agreed with him, though in the back of his mind he couldn't help but think that Baxter was hiding something from him as if pushing him away. He would make himself more clear on the matter just in case Baxter thought he would be handling this by himself, it was just a worry he couldn't help but feel. "I'll protect you." He whispered, making it quite clear that if Baxter planned on handling this alone, he would have one hell of a field day. Of course he would love to see him try, because frankly it seemed to him that it would be somewhat amusing. Shortly the conversation had changed to sleep, he smirked when Baxter asked if he was sure they'd both fit on there. "Of course."
He would follow after him, watching him lay down on it. When Baxter gestured for him to join him on the couch, he took his time before sitting on the edge before crawling on top of him. His elbows would be against the couch as to hold his weight off of Baxter as he laid on top of him. To Baxter's question, he pressed closer. "What's the matter? Scared that we might have to earn our keep here?" He teased, of course it wasn't completely safe here but that hadn't encouraged him to move. Nobody was going to lay a figure on his mate, else they'd lose it. "Sorry, I love my street fighting a bit too much." He whispered, slowly dosing. "I think we'll be fine, anybody would be stupid for trying to break into here." He mumbled before falling asleep.
A grunt fled the male lightly as his muscular mate had began to settle down on top of him gently, holding up some of their weight mercifully at first. Rolling his eyes, one of his arms had wrapped around the top of their back to convince them into relaxing on top of him completely. Baxter had a sturdy body, and he was confident he could handle the weight of another person equal to or even greater than his own weight. Indigenous peoples like his often had the physical prowess greater than that of the normal, first-world populace; however, their immunities were lacking as a drawback.
”The fuck was that?” he scowled tiredly, a vein on his temple bulging at the male’s suggestion. Baxter hated to admit fear or intimidation caused by anything and anyone; he was least likely to admit it, almost as much as he was to be feared in general. ”I don’t have to earn shit for keep, I’ll piss on everything if I gotta to make it clear territory,” he exaggerated, before biting his lip when he realized the look on the male’s face. ”He’s just fucking with me… why am I all stiff?” he wondered, feeling a little awkward for taking his words so seriously. Pride was definitely a sin of the native’s; and a trigger for his impatience.
Sucking on his teeth, he laid his head back and closed his eyes, relaxing back and adjusting himself comfortably. ”My bad… I bite at you a bit too much,” he mumbled. ”I’ll know the instant anyone’s in here… and if I find them in here, they’re dead.” That said, he whistled for the three canines attention in front of the couch, giving them a subtle order to rest and remain alert. Feeling the body of his mate slack in tension, he chose that moment to utter beneath his breath. ”I don’t need protection… I need to keep us safe.” The quietness that ensued afterward had eventually carried him away into slumber without his paranoia.
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The skin is created by Wolf of Adoxography and Gangnam Style. The thread and conversation remodels are by Kagney. The Strange Reality board list, Heal My Soul info center, I Remember Now mini profile and Electric Requiem profile remodel is made by Pharoah Leap. The Who's That Member member list remodel was made by Tictactoe. The Cbox.ws Shoutbox remodel was made by Trinity Blair. All templates used for claims, information sheets, applications, etc are credited to their owners; credits for these can be found in the threads the templates are use on. Images that are used on The Duality of Man are credited to their owners, however, they have been edited by Zac with a few being edited by Chibi Magician. The plot, rules and various other information pieces for The Duality of Man are written by Chibi Magician with the assistence of her co-admins, Finnegan and Dremulf, alongside other unlisted people who were kind enough to give their input. The TRS, AP and face claim were all created by Fleur for specifically the use of TDOM. All plugins used on The Duality of Man are credited to their owners. The templates my members use are credited to their maker, if you find a template that belongs to you, but is uncredited, please speak to Chibi Magician or the member themself. Characters created on The Duality of Man are credited to their owners and should not be used elsewhere without the creator's permission.
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