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 2024
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.
Since the wonderful members of TDOM enjoy the site enough to play around on it, this thread is to assist with the site's tidying! Functionality is important and we want to make the site functional even if its activity will be minimal at best!
Years transformed in centuries quickly, each day passing like the previous, the only differences being the unpredictable weather changes which inevitably occurred. There was a mild wind, snow falling from a gathering of grey clouds covering the regularly blue skies above. A chill embraced anybody who exited their comfortable homes, Cato included as they exited the Ivory Fortress, evidently irritated by the recent affairs. They were particularly reckless as a result, hastily arriving in desperate hopes they would be provided with the opportunity to finally speak with Elizabeth, their precious daughter. The crucial individual they wished to converse with after centuries of separation, but still, the Assembly refused the requests of a worried father. As long as Elizabeth was in their clutches, they knew Cato would become a slave, hanging off every demand in hopes no harm would befall their offspring. Despite the unfortunate falling out with Elizabeth's mother, the reaper still cared immensely about their daughter's well-being, going lengths to assure the assignments the Assembly demanded were accomplished with excellence.
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Footprints were left across the birch forest as Cato gradually moved back towards their home, thankful for the temperature regulation bracelet hugging their wrist. In winter conditions, the reaper was frightfully easy to track unless they decided to fly through the cold sky; although, the medic's horrible mood kept them from accomplishing the action. They desired a long walk of sulking before they returned home to Quentin and proceeded to carry out the orders of the Assembly. As they walked through the thick snow, their fists remained clenched, eyes secretly narrowed beneath the plague doctor mask. Their dark robe embraced their body but failed to conceal the body language of anger. They were slouched over, fists clenched tight as they angrily stomped through the white snow. These were the instances the reaper wished they could finally free their daughter, the most precious person in their life; their only living family. There were times Cato wished they could risk outright opposing the commands of the Assembly, even desiring to reach lengths of getting violent because of their ill-temper towards the group who terrorized people on a daily basis.
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Unfortunately, the luxury was taken away because of their uncompromising position in the grasp of the vile individuals. Forced service through means of threats proved to be an effective, albeit, a hate-sparking method of making efficient employees. Each begrudging action Cato was forced to take sparked their endless amounts of loathing for the Assembly of Phantoms. As the reaper proceeded through the snow, they swore to the gods a day would arise where they would escape this trap; they would free Elizabeth and escape the clutches of the Assembly, both their daughter and Quentin in tow. There were prayers a time would arrive to warrant the action. The surrounding area began to change the further they walked, Cato eventually reaching a river, long frozen from the frigid temperatures of a Canadian winter. For a moment, they paused, taking a deep breath before slowly releasing it in defeat. Freedom would be elusive considering the dire circumstances, Elizabeth's life hanging in the balance, evident by the threats the Assembly consistently created; and Cato doubted they were lying.
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Based on the conversations the reaper held with them previously, Elizabeth was merely a pawn on the chessboard, a bargaining tool to keep Cato under their thumb. After centuries of following their commands, the Assembly knew the medic would work as long as Elizabeth remained a card in their deck. A father's love was a powerful thing, but occasionally it led to a miserable life when offspring get tangled in a web of mischief; stuck without any escape. A soft sigh escaped the reaper's lips, their red eyes staring at the icy riverbed as they viciously forced any tears to remain held. There was a deep desire to see their daughter, to know she remained healthy, to hear her delightful voice and perhaps even reach out to hug her. Only during the earliest stages of Elizabeth's childhood has Cato managed to see their precious little girl; their wish to assist others in tearing the family apart. Now, the sorrowful father wished for at least a final conversation, a chance to become acquainted with the woman who felt like a stranger; Elizabeth Ramagi, their only child. The flood of positive emotions which would arrive with a chance would be overwhelmingly stupendous, but instead, Cato was forced to suffer a broken heart as they prayed for mending. There was a pain in forceful separation, and the reaper felt it every single day.
[attr="class","wassup1dangerfoot"]
[attr="class","wassup1dangertag"] 763 words for open
[attr="class","wassup1dangernotes"] Cato is just being grumpy after a meeting with the Assembly~!
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[attr="class","jawntatlyrics01"]if you fall[break] i will catch you[break]i'll be waiting
[attr="class","jawntatlyrics02"]time after time ___
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[attr="class","jawntattxtdiv"] In all honesty, Hector would have liked it if Spring came quicker than it usually did.
[break][break]Winter in this year has not been the easiest season to deal with. The snow grows thicker and it makes people's treks through the roads harder and harder with each footstep, and the temperature still remains cold with each passing hour even at the time of day. It brings him in quite of a bad mood, which was pretty unusual for him that it scares him to the point of thinking he may be turning into his tiger slowly as time passes. Usually he would not mind the winter, but he could not concentrate. Stories could not be written as it seems the snow has completely frozen his mind. Taking a walk doesn't really seem to be helping matters either.
[break][break]But that isn't really the reason why he is such in a foul mood today.
[break][break]He could not remember, but last week he had visited Rose Grove Cemetery, simply so he could explore parts of it and be familiarized with the place. But it became an unexpected turn of events. Meeting with a young woman named Danika, she allowed herself to be his guide around the place and helped him search for a few graves that he knew shouldn't exist at all. They weren't buried. They were never buried. They were supposed to be left there in the house to rot like natural dying corpses.
[break][break]But they were there. Names printed bold over gravestones.
[break][break]He viciously kicked spare snow and dismantled it in specks, flying in different directions. Hector was angry with himself for bringing Danika into this mess, even crying in front of her when he should not be doing that. But the question of who found and buried them remains a mystery, and it frustrates him so much he could kill just so he could find the answers to his questions. Who buried them? Were they friends? Relatives? People Hector had no idea who? People his parents hadn't mentioned to him even once? Just who were they?
[break][break]His frustrations got the better of him.
[break][break]He lets blue light rigorously take over him and transforms into a tiger, stomping one foot into the ground and roaring loudly like he had never been before. He'd forgotten where he is. He didn't care. He needed to let go of these frustrations. It's hindering his focus and it's hindering his way of functioning as a whole body.
[break][break]But after such a feral roar, the anger still did not go away.
[break][break]He growls and furiously claws at the trunk of a nearby tree, before walking off, remaining in his tiger body and panting and grunting in anger.
Miserable emotions filtered through Cato's mind as their yellow eyes remained locked on the frozen surface of the small stream. Gently, they sighed, emotions numbing as they remembered everything which occurred should have been expected considering their current circumstances. A mere glimpse of Elizabeth could potential spoil their plans if the reaper managed to concoct an organized plan on how exactly to break their daughter out of her prison. There was a determination which settled in Cato that a time would arrive when they could reunite with their dearest daughter, the young woman they abandoned as a child... Would she even accept their apology when the time arrived? While the verdict appeared unlikely, the reaper kept praying their offspring would understand the efforts they went through to rescue her from the grip of the Assembly of Phantoms. They never expected their apology to be accepted, but the thought of knowing young Elizabeth Ramagi was finally safe from the malicious group would be enough to secure Cato's happiness. A slow glance was taken of the surrounding area as the non-binary individual finally soothed themself to a degree.
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A hesitant step was taken, the reaper walking beside the stream with intentions of heading straight home. There would be sanction inside the walls of the old shack alongside a man who would gladly listen to their woes (or they supposed to read their woes). Footsteps were slowly accomplished, Cato prone to walking slowly opposed to rushing through the woods to hurry to their home; a pleasant walk could potentially soothe their irritated nerves. The last thing the reaper desired was to return home and frighten Quentin with the intense frustration which plagued them. Quietly, they continued through the woods, navigating to their home, only to abruptly freeze. Through the trees echoed a monstrous roar, the reaper backpedalling in fear of the sudden, thunderous noise. Immediately, Cato's heart rate increased as their breaths became quicker from the booming sound which carried through the trees; something was out there. More steps back were taken, the dark-robed individual failing to notice the large branch behind them. The unexpected impact of their heels against the branch knocked them off balance, the reaper falling onto their bottom.
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The Assembly medic's hands were buried deep into the snow while their yellow eyes glanced around wildly in search of the noise's source. After the thunderous roar arrived the haunting sound of claws ripping into the wood of the surrounding birch trees. Alarmed, Cato hastily returned to their feet, their eyes searching as they manifested a pair of black wings, unfortunately, the process was slow. Peril was entirely possible, especially considering the reaper was uncertain if there was merely a terror lurking through the area of something worse. From the Assembly medic's knowledge, there was few natural wildlife who could create the menacing roar which sounded similar to a large cat. Either way, the blue skies above remained safer than walking through the deep snow that could only be traversed slowly. Once Cato's wings finished manifesting, the reaper took another glance around, gradually preparing for takeoff; they were never incredible in their flying abilities after all. However, Cato was aware their life was required since should they perish, Elizabeth would become a useless tool for the Assembly of Phantoms.
[attr="class","wassup1dangerfoot"]
[attr="class","wassup1dangertag"] 548 words for @meredith
[attr="class","wassup1dangernotes"] YES! I AM HYPED! :D Welcome to the thread where Hector scares the heck out of Cato. XD
[break][break]...This method of calming down doesn't seem to work.
[break][break]His thoughts keep telling him either to calm down, or rage on, and in all honesty, he could not choose neither. The matter of father and mother buried in Lorsette's Rose Grave Cemetery does not seem to leave him at all. His thoughts are a chaotic, crumpled mess of papers left, so many possibilities ran through his head but he could not put a single finger at one of them, feeling as though he'd picked the wrong thought.
[break][break]But then again, maybe all his thoughts are wrong, anyway.
[break][break]He growls in frustration and shakes his head, his tiger walking along the stream that doesn't seem to lead him anywhere. Not even he could calm down in this form. The snow is gradually making the air grow colder but he doesn't seem to care, the fur of his tiger's coat protecting him from freezing. The possibility of any witness finding him did cross his mind, but with a few scares he may actually prevent that from happening--
[break][break]--He hears a branch being hit somewhere and he whips his head rapidly, the sound most likely coming from inside the forest.
[break][break]There are witnesses, after all, or maybe a clueless wanderer who heard him roaring.
[break][break]Hector is sure he'd been found out, though he does ponder the possibility and ends with the conclusion that they it were just an animal running away once it'd heard him. There were no people nearby, only the rabbits that would avoid him once he passes through them. He was tempted to eat one and end his frustration, but his human knows it's just gross. Maybe he'll be in the wrong with this, as well. Only an idiot like him would appear walking into the Ivory Woods to let go of their frustrations.
[break][break]As he back into the shadows of the forest, from the distance he could spot a figure of a person, sprouting something from behind. Hector walks further to get a closer look of the figure, but he could not see anything except the clearer figure of wings sprouting behind their back.
[break][break]They may have known he was here.
[break][break]Hector heaves a small sigh, his tiger taking it as a form of a rumble down his throat.
Additional weight arrived on Cato's back as the large pair of wings with gritty black feathers stretched out behind them, undamaged and prepared for flight. They moved smoothly behind them, the freshly manifested wings requiring a brief moment to stretch the reawakened muscles. The sounds of soft crunches on the fresh snow resulted in the reaper peering over their shoulder, which resulted in their eyes widening. Paces behind them was a large, white tiger, the muscles of the beast easily frightening the Assembly medic. Never had Cato seen a tiger during their travels, thus fear automatically entered their mind alongside a certain logic. Before they pondered further, the reaper flapped their large black wings, scattering snow around beneath them from the sheer force of their lift-off. Strength was evident behind the graceful movements of their wings, enough to lift their feet off the ground and promptly entering the cold air above. The flaps were adjusted to allow Cato to hover in the skies above, yellow eyes watching the mysterious, giant feline beneath them. Their thoughts were already churning, confusion becoming evident in Cato's eyes.
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Tigers were not associated with the Canadian wilderness, the only large cats which could potentially be in Newfoundland being cougars. Evidentally, tigers were not on the list unless one escaped from a nearby zoo and somehow managed to navigate and survive the unfamiliar Canadian wilderness without the assistance of zoo officials. The reaper kept hovering above, eyes narrowing after a few moments after Cato reached a conclusion. Chances were, this creature was a type of species which could shift into an animal, this particular one being a tiger. There were a variety of species which filtered through Cato's mind, although, there was no solid solution to the potential species; they lacked the information to make an educated assumption. The serious lacking of information made anything possible, especially the notion of this individual perhaps being associated with the dreaded Assembly of Phantoms. Had Cato's sudden anger resulted in the decision to have somebody watch them? Under most circumstances, they would have members of the Assembly arrive to do check-ins, making certain the reaper proceeded in the work they were given.
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Silently, Cato continued to hover in the air, waiting to witness what the tiger would do. If there was a chance the reaper could be provided with a hint about what this individual was planning. The reaper desired to gain knowledge about what was occurring, especially considering his precarious situation.
[attr="class","wassup1dangerfoot"]
[attr="class","wassup1dangertag"] 413 words for @meredith
[attr="class","wassup1dangernotes"] XD Cato is definitely frightened of him and has no clue exactly what to do, sooooo they will just watch from the safety of the sky.
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[attr="class","jawntatlyrics01"]if you fall[break] i will catch you[break]i'll be waiting
[attr="class","jawntatlyrics02"]time after time ___
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[attr="class","jawntattxtdiv"] The winged figure soared through the sky, and Hector watched as they did so. First, he'd suspected that this person would tell on him, but they just hovered in the sky without moving, presumably watching him. Hector's tiger glares back at the stranger, but Hector has no say in anything for this matter yet, nor does he make a move. One little mistake and he may find himself behind bars in the zoos, confined to the living world without any freedom at all. And that's the last thing he wanted to happen.
[break][break]He heaves a small breath and closes his eyes. Blue light glows around him and creates an aura, all while it starts to make him shrink. Tiger claws turn into hands and feet, and fur turns into pale skin. His yellow eyes are the same, only more human than it used to look. In a matter of few seconds, as the light disappeared, the tiger is gone from where it is and is replaced with a man of white hair standing in its place.
[break][break]Hector did not want to have to do this. In truth, he wanted to rage on and just not mind a thing. But the circumstances of him being caught all because of a witness cannot be left unattended. All he really just wants to do is go home and not care about going outside again. There he could probably throw anything against the wall just so he could release all his frustrations. That would have to wait for a later time, however. There is still someone to be dealt with.
[break][break]He looks up at the flying figure and raises both hands, closing his eyes and shrugging his shoulders dismissively. "Hey man, calm down." Is the first of many words of reassurance he could think of. "See? Just a shifter. Nothing to be afraid of, trust me."
Thoughts were slowly orbiting through Cato’s mind as their large wings proceeded to flap, allowing them to hover above the snowy ground. These circumstances were unforeseen since, obviously, the reaper was never expected to see a white pelt covered in black stripes; the physical characteristics of a white tiger. Curious remained in their yellow-coloured eyes, obscured by the plague doctor’s mask which hid their damaged face from the world. The blackened features beneath from a time of suffering for the people of Europe, although, nobody would ever witness the ugly patches. There was a silence which settled between themself and the wild animal lurking below. The subtle sounds of the reaper’s wings flapping as they quietly watched, waiting for some kind of response from the creature. Leaving was a valid option, however, Cato was worried about being potentially stalked by the large cat. As they hovered in the cold air, they stared down at the tiger, only glancing away momentarily as a blue light engulfed the creature. The initial brightness was unexpected, the reaper quickly adjusting as their eyes slowly glanced back towards the tiger's shape, witnessing the creature morph into an entirely different one.
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Shortly, the large cat is replaced by a white-haired young boy standing in the snow. Surprise hardly touched Cato's face as their suspicions were proven correct, the questionable presence of a tiger in the Canadian wilderness was the result of some species of shifter, although, there were plenty of animal-shifters. Hands were thrown into the air, a sign of peace, as confirmed by the words which left his lips, however, the cynical reaper failed to ease their nerves. Years of endless betrayal and serving the Assembly made Cato distrustful. People were selfish, the generosity perhaps manifesting for a moment to make themselves feel better were the beliefs the reaper held because of the manner they were treated. Eyes were narrowed slightly as the reaper noticed the stranger's closed eyes, which would make communication difficult and strenuous on Cato's throat. A soft sigh escaped the Assembly medic's throat as they briefly paused, prepping themself for the dreaded verbal communication.
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"We just met... for most of that, you were a tiger... Why should I trust you?" Cato stated in a raspy voice.
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Bluntness was evident, Cato's words as they made it obvious their trust was lacking, although, the hardness was difficult to detect on account of the reaper's rather creaky voice; in the depths of their throat, there was even an acute pain. Plenty of people had hurt them previously, making it impossible to merely surrender because somebody informed them trust could be provided! Trust required earning, the reaper deciding to hold his ground until then. While they flapped their large, black wings, Cato crossed their arms, yellow eyes staring down at the mysterious shifter who interrupted their walk home.
[attr="class","wassup1dangerfoot"]
[attr="class","wassup1dangertag"] 473 words for @meredith
[attr="class","wassup1dangernotes"] OMG! I AM SOOOO SORRY! I ACCIDENTALLY MISSED THIS AND NEVER WROTE IT DOWN! X.x Although, they are glad Hector does not plan to hurt them, but Cato is super distrusting. ^^’
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[attr="class","jawntatlyrics01"]if you fall[break] i will catch you[break]i'll be waiting
[attr="class","jawntatlyrics02"]time after time ___
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[attr="class","jawntattxtdiv"] The witness remains where they are, up in the sky and observing from above. He does not look the slightest bit surprised with the reveal of tiger actually being a human, but Hector knows he remains skeptical about trusting someone or not. This quite irks Hector, in a way, as he does not understand the philosophy of such behavior. What more does he want from Hector to further more have proof that he could be trusted? Of course, not all people have the same people, and this such belief is just as understandable in some cases, but perhaps his temper got the best of his beliefs. Hector just simply does not have the time to present more proof that he is a trust-worthy individual.
[break][break]He watches the stranger for any more movements, but all he does is cross his arms, and for Hector he could probably see the smugness of the stranger as he stares down at him. Hector did not like being stared down at, but this is inevitable at this point. Hector only glares back up at the winged stranger, not even bothering to clarify him any more due to a foul mood. Hector still could not get over the irritations of not knowing who his parents knew. Frustrations only increase at the thought of being held off by this stranger in the sky.
[break][break]"We just met... for most of that, you were a tiger... Why should I trust you?"
[break][break]So Hector was correct. This strange being was distrustful. Hector stays silent with a smirk, shrugging and closing his eyes. People are so sensitive that way, he thought, and this is why Hector can relate right now. For now, he does not trust anyone to talk him out of the situation. Mental dilemmas plague his mind, the primary one being the people his parents may know and have never told him about before.
[break][break]The shifter takes a step forward and sighs. "Oh my... I guess I'm not the only one with a personal problem with people here, am I?" He asks himself, but loud enough for the stranger to hear. He's trying to prove a point here. "Being distrustful of others is understandable, therefore I cannot blame you for not trusting me for now. However, I have no intention of hurting anyone with my tiger, and it would be a bad page for me as well if I were to hurt someone." He lifts his head up to face the stranger, a small smile on his lips.
[break][break]"I am true to this testimony. Is that enough for me to gain your trust?"
[attr="class","jawntatsidefld jawntatsidefld03"]NOTES AAAAAA IT'S ALRIGHT YOUR FINE!! ;O; Also I can understand Cato pretty well ;o; although both them and Hector would be in the same page here, that's gonna be a subject of interest for my shifter XD
[attr="class","jawntatsidefld"]CREDITS _TIME AFTER TIME post template created by JAWN of WW
The movement of air remained evident as Cato's large, black wings proceeded to flap, keeping them high above the snow-covered ground while their yellow eyes stared, analyzing the movements of the man below them. Eventually, their wings would tire from hovering, but the reaper refused to swoop down and settle in the snow where the potentially dangerous shifter stationed himself. Fighting capability was nearly nonexistent for Cato, the lack of deceased in their current proximity meaning there were no weapons they could presently procure. There were plenty of abilities which could stun the mysterious individual should they suddenly become a threat, but spawning their wings consumed time and energy. A soft sigh escaped their lips as they swooped towards the nearest tree, slowly easing closer until a foot managed to grace the branch. The reaper was hasty to allow themself to lean on the branch, hands reaching to tightly grasp it while their wings attempted to slowly reach their back. Careful movements were made on the shaky tree limb until they sat, feet dangling over the edge; there were plenty of people who would likely joke considering the bird-like features of a plague doctor's mask.
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Comfort was difficult to discover as Cato inched closer to the main section of the tree, keeping themself stationed on the rough wood. Quietly, they sat, listening to the stranger's words as he provided a potential reason for trust. The longer the shifter spoke, the sterner the reaper's expression became, although, everything was hidden by the long-beaked mask strapped to their face. When the man concluded, a soft sigh escaped Cato's lips as they thought about the numerous people who harmed them because they foolishly placed their trust in another individual. Each time, the reaper was harmed emotionally, making each betrayal taxing on their mental health, thus, they refused to move.
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"The world is a cruel place," they stated cynically. "I've been hurt far too many times than I care to mention... so I am not lending you my trust."
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The cynical explained it naturally, the words flowing from their mouth without hesitation. There remained a raspiness, the words croaking from the depths of their throat as they spoke. A mild irritation entered their throat, Cato's hand unconsciously moving to rub their neck over their jacket. People had betrayed them, harming their ability to trust another individual for the end of days.
[attr="class","wassup1dangerfoot"]
[attr="class","wassup1dangertag"] 397 words for @meredith
[attr="class","wassup1dangernotes"] Ooooh? <3 I like this idea, maybe it will be the start of a VERY SLOW friendship. XD Also... Cato is perched in a tree... Welp, they earned the nickname "Birdie". lol
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[attr="class","jawntatlyrics01"]if you fall[break] i will catch you[break]i'll be waiting
[attr="class","jawntatlyrics02"]time after time ___
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[attr="class","jawntattxtdiv"] Gaining the trust of this stranger is, according to what Hector has seen today, going to be quite a handful. They don't seem to be giving up on not trusting Hector at all, and for the young man it's only too irritating to even think about. Although in some certain levels, he could certainly relate. His reasons for coming here have been because of the realization that he should not have trusted his parents when he was a child... not that they were ever trustworthy in the first place, given the treatment he had received from them since childhood.
[break][break]Still, he could not stop himself from looking up at the stranger with a disappointed frown on his face. Any more further attempts of trying to comfort this stranger, Hector knew, would be unsuccessful. He watches the winged-stranger swoop from the sky and onto the branch of a tree, perched comfortably on it, if Hector were to put it. It almost makes Hector laugh. His mind starts coming up with names to call this stranger later, but so far he could only muster a small smile to show his amusement.
[break][break]"The world is a cruel place," Meredith hears him speak, and he watches him intently with slight interest in his words. "I've been hurt far too many times than I care to mention... so I am not lending you my trust."
[break][break]Hearing those statements, he could only sigh to himself, shaking his head in disappointment. "...I was hoping you'd say something better than that." Hector mumbles, but he does relate to this as well. The world is, indeed, a cruel place. But love can be found there in a little spot of it if one digs deeper enough. "But then again... I know how that feels." He finally confirms, eyes closed with a sad smile on his face.
[break][break]"Alright then. Understood." the shifter simply bows and turns to face away from the stranger. "But you do have to know... I've experienced what you have once upon a time, so I can relate. In fact... maybe much worse than you've ever had."
[attr="class","jawntatsidefld jawntatsidefld03"]NOTES Hello it's me with a new post again!! o.o He's gonna call him a little birdie later, look forward to it XD
[attr="class","jawntatsidefld"]CREDITS _TIME AFTER TIME post template created by JAWN of WW
Few people could be trusted in Cato's eyes, the cynic's long history of betrayal from those they once labelled friends and family manifesting an inevitable hesitance to provide a complete stranger with trust until they have thoroughly earned it. Merely handing out the single thing which could allow for betrayal around without consideration was a move of ignorance in the reaper's eyes. Their own family decided to flaunt the luxury, their father removing the mask and getting close, spreading the deadly, contagious sickness the people of those times lacked knowledge about. Those thoughts of a father betraying his son were enough to keep Cato in the safe branches of the tall tree; their father was plenty willing to pull away the "protective" mask of the plague doctor to assure for spreading of the nasty disease. The tiny, amused smile on the white-haired gentleman's face resulted in the reaper cocking their head to the side, evidently, this individual was among the few who found the notion of a plague doctor sitting in a tree humourous. Then arrived the disappointment, a countenance they were prominently forced to display on account of other people's action.
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When the stranger spoke, a brow raised from beneath the mask. Rarely were their people who could potentially understand the emotional devastation from constant betrayal from others and perhaps the crushing sensation of manipulation. Somebody who could comprehend cynicism because of similar experiences provided to them on behalf of the world's malice. However, the idea of another's experiences through life being worse was always a questionable notion, yet, the reaper never questioned it. There were plenty of people who became the punching bag of the malicious, thus Cato did not prod at the idea.
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"Centuries of torment... betrayal... I apologize, but... I am unable to merely trust," Cato explained vaguely.
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There were attempts to keep the responses clipped because of the mild pain manifested in their throat, the damaged vocal cords lacking the capability during these long conversations. Despite returning as a reaper, the sickness which tortured them until they inevitably died proceeded to haunt them in these minor inconveniences.
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"By any chance... do you know sign language?" The reaper asked, praying in hopes of giving their throat relief.
[break][break]
The croaky nature of their voice was becoming more prominent the longer the conversation continued, thus they hoped switching to sign language was a possible method of communication. Unfortunately, previous encounters informed Cato few people delved into the silent language.
[attr="class","wassup1dangerfoot"]
[attr="class","wassup1dangertag"] 413 words for @meredith
[attr="class","wassup1dangernotes"] OMG, YUS! XD Cato says they are NOT A BIRD. lmao
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[attr="class","jawntatlyrics01"]if you fall[break] i will catch you[break]i'll be waiting
[attr="class","jawntatlyrics02"]time after time ___
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[attr="class","jawntattxtdiv"] Trust is a thing that would form great friendships and alliances, if applied by the person properly to another. Strangers who intend to use it on other people they have no idea who would eventually make friends with those strangers if they were to not break the trust that they have easily earned. When it happens otherwise, people become distrustful, therefore it is no question why they would refuse to talk to others that they deem suspicious. That is why, as Hector looks up at the stranger stationed on a large tree branch like a bird, he wonders what they have gone through to become so distrustful like this.
[break][break]Hector realizes to himself that he may have been lying when he'd said the hardships that he'd gone through may be worse than the stranger's experiences. It makes him only utterly curious when they say, "Centuries of torment... betrayal... I apologize, but... I am unable to merely trust," that anytime soon he may eventually ask what those centuries of torment have been, and he would regret it soon after. For some reason, he hears the sincerity of the stranger even with the evident voice changer that he may harbor under that mask... Hector stops, his eyes softening a little bit. What they'd gone through... he wants and does not want to know at the same time.
[break][break]Further to not hurt them even more, he keeps his mouth shut and suppresses the questions that may come out of his mouth. Hector manages a small smile at the bird-like man, shrugging. "Alright then. If you say so, Birdie." He states, the nickname almost making him want to choke himself. That would only cause the depletion of the stranger's minimal trust in him, only listening to that... insult, probably knowing them. But then again... with that bird mask, large wings, and his position in the tree... someone may mistake them all the same.
[break][break]"By any chance... do you know sign language?"
[break][break]That sudden particular question makes him raise an eyebrow in surprise. What, he doesn't want to talk now? "So that's how minimal your trust is in everyone? Even you do not like to talk to them verbally?" He teases, with a small chuckle. A little more, and he's probably only going to fly away. "But... I mean, I've learned quite decently about that in my travels, but I'm no expert at it. Sorry."
[attr="class","jawntatsidefld jawntatsidefld03"]NOTES Hello it's me with a new post again!! o.o He's gonna call him a little birdie later, look forward to it XD
[attr="class","jawntatsidefld"]CREDITS _TIME AFTER TIME post template created by JAWN of WW
Everything about this situation was slightly frightening, but also possessed a factor of interest due to their mutual difficulties in trusting others. However, the basis of friendship could not manifest until they learned the bonding sensations of trust. Unfortunately, Cato's cynical nature would prolong the field of extreme wariness towards the other individual; it was an inevitability. Quietly, the reaper observed, almost entirely motionless except for the subtle twitches of their wings and the occasional rubbing of their aching throat. Breathing was soft, the gentle breaths purposeful to cease the subtle pains evident inside their throat. There was a brief silence after Cato allowed the stranger to become privy to their woes through a vague sentence indicating an extensive amount of time suffering from those who manipulated them. Details were currently unnecessary considering their lack of friendship, thus the reaper remained hushed about the many occurrences of betrayal in their life. As they remained perched in the tree, still watching the mysterious individual below. The sudden nickname resulted in Cato's eyes narrowing into a glare.
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"I am not a bird..." The subtle tone of vexation breached Cato's words as they crossed their arms.
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Nicknames were something peculiar to the plague doctor, their already shortened name usually sparring them from something they never truly favoured. However, the bird-like mask they always wore appeared to provide them with an irritating alias... Despite their disdain over the nickname, they refused to speak about it, the aching in their throat bothering them immensely. The response to their peculiar inquiry resulted in their eyes narrowing further. While the request was strange, it was solely because of their difficulties in verbal interaction. There was a chuckle which would have labelled the sentence as a mere joke, however, the serious reaper failed to be amused.
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"No... my throat gets sore from speaking," Cato countered. "What level would you be?"
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Being provided with an approximate comprehension level would allow Cato to become aware of how speedily they could sign and the diction required for their conversation. The reaper's hand reached up to rub their throat again, making their soreness evident through these random actions.
[attr="class","wassup1dangerfoot"]
[attr="class","wassup1dangertag"] 356 words for @meredith
[attr="class","wassup1dangernotes"] This is what Cato gets for wearing a plague doctor mask. XD
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[attr="class","jawntatlyrics01"]if you fall[break] i will catch you[break]i'll be waiting
[attr="class","jawntatlyrics02"]time after time ___
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[attr="class","jawntattxtdiv"] Communication between a man perched on the branch of a tree and a man standing on the snow below him is already difficult, Hector muses to himself. For one, even when he could hear the stranger's voice from his current elevation, his voice is soft and faint and it almost couldn't be heard if he were to walk a few steps farther. For proper conversation to occur, the participants must be just near enough for each other to hear. Otherwise, if a little or too far, they would end up not hearing each others' words and not understand each other at all.
[break][break]...Unless you were a shifter, of course; granted, he is blessed with the ability to hear even the faintest sounds. But Hector just simply prefers that they talk to each other at a nearby distance. "...Hey, uh. I know you still do not trust me at all yet, but--" He is abruptly interrupted by the wind, which blows straight to his face, but he continues. "Why don't you come down here, stop perching on that tree? It'll be easier to talk if we're at least a little close by to each other."
[break][break]He chuckles at the stranger's complaint of being called a bird, almost breaking into a laugh. "What else could I even call you? I don't know your name, unfortunately. Plus you do seem to look like one with those wings and your position right now." Granted, the mask always sets it off, the beak reminding him of a bird... he knows they are worn by plague doctors but the comparison to the winged animal is unavoidable. "If you do come down here, though, maybe I'll stop calling you 'Birdie', Birdie."
[break][break]It seems like his statement to come down is justified once the beaked stranger tells him of his sore throat when speaking; Hector frowns, clicking his tongue. "Well now, that's unfortunate. All the more reason for you to come down here." He adds with a mischievous smile. "But like said, I'm not too good at sign language. I've learned quite a decent amount of it to talk to mute people in the simplest matter, though, so I would say... fair level." Sign language is no expertise of his, like many other skills. But it held necessary to communicate with speechless individuals around the world, hence his fair amount of knowledge in it. He isn't so sure if said knowledge would help him speak to the stranger, however...
Safety was discovered from being perched in the tree considering it created distance between themself and their mysterious company. The distance between them manifested comfort for Cato, thus they remained motionless, comfortably maintaining their position on the branch. Unfortunately, the distance resulted in making conversation difficult on account of the reaper's raspy voice. Alas, the stranger appeared to be properly hearing their quiet voice, thus Cato assumed there would be no qualms over their current distance. The scarred heart Cato possessed kept them from relenting their trust, the endless paranoia about potentially being betrayed resulted in them keeping their distance. People proved to be dangerous, merely desiring to accomplish their own objectives rather than worry about the feelings of other individuals. The request to return to the ground brought a frown onto Cato's face. A soft sigh escaped their lips, the reaper's mind debating if swooping to the snowy ground below was a good idea. Worries remained about what could occur should they decide to land, especially considering the plethora of possibilities which arrived with landing on the ground.
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The laughter caught Cato off guard, the reaper's eyes quickly flitting towards the mysterious shifter. A scowl crawled onto the plague doctor's face, however, it remained hidden by the bird-like mask secured to their face. The assistance to the ridiculous nickname the stranger gave them was bothersome to Cato, however, nothing could remedy the situation. Comedically, the plague doctor was perched in a tree with their black wings stretching behind the individual. The offer to remove the nickname only if they returned to the ground made a sigh breath through the Assembly medic's lips. An angered grumble was muttered out of Cato's lips as they positioned themself into a position to swoop from the tree. A short leap was taken, the reaper's wings spreading and gliding down from the branch. Clumsily, Cato landed in the snow, the weight of their wings alongside the robe's style making them stumble. Their arms pinwheeled slightly before the plague doctor fell forward, their gloved hands plunging into the snow. Cold embraced the reaper's hands and knees, an irritated sigh leaving their mouth as they slowly pushed themself back to their feet.
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"Happy?" Cato mumbled out as they brushed the snow off their black robe. "Now stop calling me a bird..."
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Dispelling the 'Birdie' alias was Cato's primary objective since they despised the foolish nickname. They were entirely displeased by the decision to give them the silly nickname. Eventually, the snow was brushed off their fabric, Cato wanting to avoid soaking their clothes if possible. There was a pause as the reaper glanced at the mysterious individual, their curiosities about the man's comprehension crossing their mind.
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'Ask me if you don't understand something, but signing is easier,' they signed.
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Each movement was surprisingly quick, Cato's extensive years of handling the problems created by their death manifesting a familiarity. The signing was natural solely from long years of learning the language, but the reaper attempted to be cautious. Their signs began quick, however, were slowed after they thought about the shifter's statement about only being a fair level; evidently, they were used to speaking to Quentin who thoroughly knew sign language.
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[attr="class","wassup1dangertag"] 534 words for @meredith
[attr="class","wassup1dangernotes"] I NEED TO STOP ACCIDENTALLY MISSING THIS POST! ;-; Also, Cato thinks this is unfair. XD They like their tree.
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