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.
A breathe of fresh air and the comforting breeze of the wind are among the few things that still were able to bring a smile to her face. Times alone were all she had to herself to where she could properly feel anything remotely positive. The fae didn't have to worry about putting on a show of playing a happy housewife or being the obedient daughter her parents wanted out of her since the beginning. This walk through the shopping district was the one resetting point she had every week. It was when she could set anew her unhappiness that would steadily grow with each new day. It also helped her with keeping it all together even though she was already far past the starting point of crumbling at this point.
Her hand tightly held onto two various bags of goods she had went to retrieve. Some being various snacks and treats that the youth back home liked eating to some various beauty products and accessories for herself. Serestia feet had come to a stop as turned to take in the beauty of the scenery. Her hand moved to gently push a few strands of her hair out of her face as she sighed softly. She still had a few more shops to go to but... staying here like this for just a while longer wasn't too bad of an idea.
At least... in that moment it wasn't a bad idea at all. She had finally been feeling the peace she had been hoping for but with the turn of her head would that change in an instant. She wasn't unused to the sight of TRS patrolling the area around here when she walked but the eyes that met hers has her whole body freezing up. The bags in her hands shaking and the strength in both hands leaving which makes it's contents fall to the floor.
Those lovely green eyes she loved...
The charming face she grew to love looking at, the face she longed to see after the forceful separation.
She can't control the tremoring of her body but her gaze does snap down as she sucks in a deep breath. Her eyes are already stinging and it's taking everything for Serestia to not break out into tears. She isn't sure if they're out of joy or surprise of seeing him here. Serestia wanted nothing more than to run up to him, to embrace him but fear of rejection. Fear of the concept of being hated by him consumed her. Did he hear about her marriage? Did he hear about the life she was forced to continue without him? The fae lets out a vaguely inaudible whimper... only those close would have been able to hear it. Her heart feels torn in every direction and yet... getting to see him again is bringing up all the feelings that never went away.
Serestia crouches down to begin to pick up her fallen belongings in a panicked state. Her fingers still shaking and she's barely managing to grab onto the various glosses that fell out. She's scared to look up and scared that the chance of him being there was yet another horrible delusion that her mind fooled her to believe.
tags:Mashita Ryley words count: 543 out of character: ready to cry...
Silent. The word used to describe Mashita's return to Lorsette and transfer of the TRS branch in the area. Everything was done with haste and with limited words being shed towards the previous affairs... Already, he received the harsh words from his parents... His first love, Serestia Lager, was married off as expected and according to them, never wanted to see his face again. Parts of his heart were pained under those coldly stated words, however, the young hunter would respect her decision. The time their hearts would beat together was over upon their separation.
[break][break]
She was happier without him and he refused to intervene. Thus, the moment his feet stepped onto Lorsette soil weeks ago, Mashita quietly lived in his apartment without a word stated to POTH. Apologizing for his strong emotions towards Serestia was not among his options, rather, it was hardly a thought. In his silence, Mashita found himself bored, pained and uncertain about the cards being held by the future. Yet, he pressed on, smiling through work as though never told the woman he felt most passionate held no wishes for a re-connection.
[break][break]
Rather, the young sphinx distracted himself with his TRS duties. Daily patrols and constant fighting where nary thoughts of her surfaced. Alas, as the waning, autumn warmth touched his back and his jacket hugged out the breeze, the brunette's thoughts dwindled elsewhere. Their patrol was dead silent, hardly a terror sighting or suspicious activity in correlation to the Assembly of Phantoms. He preferred the distracting heat of a fresh battle to keep his thoughts away from her... The woman he, in secret, continued to love.
[break][break]
Something inside kept those intense feelings burning, feeding the fire inside his heart. As they moved through the streets, rustled by the breeze, Mashita could envision her. Her magnificent brown locks cascading over her slim shoulders while her eyes, sparkling like sapphires shone. Across her soft, pink lips, the familiar smile he adored through his service as her bodyguard... His heart still pinned for her attention and love. The forbidden fruit held well above his head and barred off from his very sight.
[break][break]
The brown-haired sphinx hardly noticed the ever-changing scenery as they move about their patrol. In his thoughts, she lurked, a figure of love and attraction. He missed the way she laughed, seeing her beauty and her adorable mannerisms. Why could he not say no? They told him to get onto that airplane, to fly seemingly endless miles away from her, and he failed to voice an argument. His biggest regret was stepping onto that plane, leaving her behind because of the cruel rules surrounding their idiotic world.
[break][break]
How was arranging marriage considered a fair practice in modern society? It was similar to caging a heart and refusing its freedoms. If love was associated with doves, then one's heart should be allowed the opportunity to fly without the threat of clipped wings. An annoyed sigh breathed through his lips the longer they walked, scenery blurring. These thoughts grasping Mashita's mind were vexing, yet, his coworkers spoke naught about his issues. The pat on the back captured his attention as one flashed him a smile.
[break][break]
"Let's take a quick break," the one suggested.
[break][break]
Perhaps he picked up on his emotional turmoil or wishes to riffle through radio frequencies, but Mashita's eyes shone with a soft sense of appreciation. Quietly, his coworkers leaned against the corner wall of a shopping district parking lot. He watched them for a few moments before allowing his eyes to drift elsewhere. He hardly noticed they entered the downtown area, let alone, the business district. Thoughts of her distracted his mind to maddening degrees. Quietly, he joined his coworkers at the wall, leaning against it while his green eyes swept over the scene.
[break][break]
There were few people out accomplishing their daily grocery shopping, many attending their respective jobs. Every face a stranger, meaningless and not suspicious. Then his heart stopped, rushing feelings constricting the muscle. For a moment he stopped breathing, eyes locking on the very person intruding his thoughts. That familiar brown hair and sparkling sapphire eyes on the delicate face he knew through his years of youth. Automatically, his body pushed away from the wall, staring at the one person he craved to see in all of Lorsette.
[break][break]
Serestia Lager, the source of his romantic feelings and the girl he never stopped thinking about... The one who kept his heart despite being married off to another... In his frozen state, the brunette's green eyes remained locked on her, his coworkers glancing over in confusion. They knew little about his previous purpose as a bodyguard to a woman more important than life itself. Her bags spilled across the ground of the parking lot while her body trembled and her gaze adverted. In an instant, the sphinx flinched, pain echoing in his heart at the whimper.
[break][break]
At his parents' word he heard she never wanted to see him again. Similar to a painful memory never wanting to be recalled by a brain ridden with trauma. As she crouched to gather her belongings, he resisted every urge to hurry over and assist her. Was it best he leave now? Before he worsened her state? Yet, his heart screamed otherwise... It kept him rooted in place, unable to move a step. His lips moved, yet not a sound came until his mind managed to compose himself. Slowly, his hand reached to adjust the collar of his jacket as he cleared his throat.
[break][break]
"I... um..." Despite his wishing to speak, he is uncertain on what to say. "Sorry... I'll just leave... you want that, r-right?"
[break][break]
Hindered by the intense pain of seeing her elegant frame again, Mashita's words are stifled with breaks and an uncharacteristic stutter. Regularly, confidence marked his words, speech flowing similar to a power river, however, witnessing her again broke him. Thinking straight was thrown out the window the moment his green hues locked upon Serestia Lager. Since his feelings manifested, he found himself weak to her and any possible criticisms she held towards him. Compared to anyone in the four realms, Mashita respected her the most, even more than the four gods told through history.
[break][break]
He stood, stationary and expecting prosecution for entering her gaze. If she requested it, he would retreat and make himself scarce. Alas, the question punctuating his words, asked out of sheer hope of receiving a simple no. Even if not as her lover, Mashita desired the opportunity to return to her side and oversee her protection. The chance to catch up and celebrate her happiness even at the sacrifice of his own. Unbeknownst to the suffering TRS hunter, his coworkers stared, eavesdropping on the happenings of their struggling cohort.
Everything that was good in her life mostly ceased the day that Mashita Ryley had left it. A good portion of who she was had been ripped out from her, out from her grasps. The one who had motivated her to live each day to the fullest, the one who had her jumping up out of bed and anticipating the days she had with him. All of that turned into slowly waking up to realization that he wasn't there. That he wouldn't be greeting him when she would go out of her room, wouldn't be protecting her as he promised all those years ago. Mashita would no longer be at her side, no longer hold or love her in secret much like they used too.
It was the realization she had every waking day of not being with him... and that? that devastated the fae. She could never forget whether it was herself not allowing it or just not wanting to give up on the sphinx who won her over with the genuinity of his feelings. This cruel world she had to be born in... the forbidden nature of their relationship. Serestia was upset that it wasn't him she could be with. She wished it could have been him who she had walked down the isle to marry.
At least, in her eyes the day that it happened... she imagined nobody else but Mashita.
It took her a few seconds to realize just how long he had been standing there but it was made aware when his voice cuts in. Her breath hitches and she feels the tears in her eyes swelling up. Her teeth bite down in order to avoid the eventual sob from leaking out of her glossed lips. Hearing the voice that always was so appealing within the memories that remained of him so low and hesitant made the feeling of guilt overwhelm her within an instant.
A strike to the heart when the words of her wanting him to leave fall on out. As if stuck in a trance, her attention to the fallen items on the ground is no longer. Her trembling hand reaches out and grips almost too tightly onto his arm, her pupils wide and shaking from the mere idea of him leaving her all over again. "NO!" Her voice comes out louder than she had intended, the desperation of her plea was practically dripping. She was nothing like the image of the proper daughter her parents intended to be in this moment.
It takes a few seconds of silence for her to realization of what she's done to happen. She could not only feel Mashita's eyes glued onto her but the onlookers of those who were drawn to them by that little shout of hers. Serestia's hand pulls back as if she's been stung. She was never this improper... she knew better than to make a scene like this but Mashita being here made her desperate. That claim of wanting to leave had the fear instilled in her that if he left... he'd never see him again. Her eyes drop down to peer back at the ground, as her tears are finally unleashed. Serestia's voice was not as loud as it was a few seconds ago. It even lost it's urgency and had been replaced with a brittle tone.
The sounds of the atmosphere around them ceased and all that she could hear was the pounding of her heart in her ears. She has to say something... she has to say anything or else Mashita will leave. He'll walk away! Her eyes closed tightly while her tears went flying due to the shaking of her head. "I don't want you to leave. Please."
"Oh please... don't go..." Her eyes slowly unclenched as her head slowly looked back up, revealing the tear plagued eyes of her. Seeing his face so closely has her heart swelling. "I'm so sorry, Mashita. I'm sorry... " Her hand leaves her chest and returns to hold back onto him but this time she limits herself to grasping onto his arm gently. Serestia feels she has to hold onto him like this... to guarantee he won't vanish like he vanished all those years ago.
"I don't want you to be apart from you again..."
tags:Mashita Ryley words count: 720 out of character: i'm broken </3
Thrust upon him was a spotlight of which manifested seemingly endless discomfort for Mashita. Everything he valued was before him. The woman he loved and kept his heart through those torturous years of separation... A brunette who brimmed with endless outer and inner beauty characteristic with divine forces in his mind. Behind those sapphire hues was a soul burning with passion, a person who lit those undying emotions brighter than ever... He never fell out of love with her. Through the days his angered burned as he pleaded to return home and to her side...
[break][break]
Through the days he stared daydreaming out a window with thoughts of her and memories of her scent. Each begging remark refused by his cruel parents. The biggest regret Mashita Ryley had was leaving on that plane upon their request. Left everything he loved most, her. Nobody else truly mattered, but the woman who summoned smiles with her infectious cheer. The one sold away like cattle by her traditionalist parents. Had he refused to leave and fought for everything he believed in with the passions of their love, perhaps fate could have diverted from this path littered with turmoil.
[break][break]
Unfortunately, in those days of old, Mashita found himself weak against the demands of his parents. A meagre lamb to authority, shepherded into leaving Serestia behind. The stunning brown-haired faekin who starred in his dreams of love and romance. In his mind, she was the ideal partner, the one he would die for should destiny bear the fangs of cruelty. Alas, he stood, forbade from holding her close and comforting her. Barred from even protecting her with the edge of his lance should danger come maliciously knocking.
[break][break]
He believed his leave would arrive shortly. Inside its cage, his heart twisted in pain as he prepared for the assumed rejection. Inside his head, the words of his parents echoed, reverberated off the walls of his skulls.
You are forbidden from going anywhere near, Mrs. Lager, understood Mashita? She has expressed wishes of never wanting to see you after realizing the follies of that incident.
As though told mere minutes ago, the words stung. Every letter a claw ripping into his heart and reminding him that never would he stand beside her again. He prepared to turn away, however, his fiery passion for the woman of his dreams kept him rooted- kept him praying a separate verdict would be handed down... His prayers were heard... Abruptly, Serestia's hand latched onto his arm, tight and refusing to release as a loud NO breached her delicate lips. Astonishment mingled into Mashita's emerald eyes as they widened.
[break][break]
They locked directly onto her, his mouth opening slightly. Any desire to speak was silenced by the overwhelming emotions of being wanted by Serestia. The pleading nature of her voice leaking with desperation, almost as though his leaving would be an unbearable concept to weigh upon her shoulders. It kept him immobilized through sheer shock and realization. Had his parents lied? The notion appeared probable given their wishes for prestige outweighed requirements of honesty. Onlookers from the parking lot including his coworkers observed in confusion, their stares burning into Mashita similar to lasers.
[break][break]
However, his optics were trained on Serestia as hope swelled inside him. Warm, welcomed and everything he craved upon returning to Lorsette was represented in the woman sporting brown hair and blue eyes. As her sight drifted elsewhere, the sphinx waited in silence for her final verdict... He knew his linger would be considered forbidden, alas, he could not leave her like this... He never should have left her before. The confession of her desires reaches his ears. Relief flooded into his heart as his eyes softened.
[break][break]
A bittersweet sense of happiness filled his heart at her request for him to stay. Her desire for his attendance was reaffirmed the moment her countenance returned to view, tear-bearing eyes presented. A gentle, inaudible gasp breached through his slightly parted lips at her words... She wanted him here. It meant everything to Mashita to listen to those delightful words. As apologies leaked from her lips, he kneeled before her. His free arm shook, his hand retreating to allow the use of the sleeve, his hand softly approaching as she expressed wishing of never separating again.
[break][break]
On his thin lips featured a soft, reassuring smile as he rubbed his sleeve against her cheek to vanquish the sleeve. Never would a thought be paid to him leaving her, not again.
[break][break]
"I'm not leaving again, not when you want me here," his words came out hushed like a whisper, but calm as rain.
[break][break]
Merely listening to her wishes for his presence soothed the sphinx, yet, an aching remained in his heart. Witnessing her cry hurt... however, thoughts of Serestia never being his burned hotter than the sun. He craved the ability to shower her in endless love, to kiss those reddening cheeks and comfort her lovingly until the tears went away. Alas, he questioned if it was his place to accomplish the actions he covet. Yet, he crouched before her, unaware of her romantic situation to the fullest details, but armed with memories of her disdain for arranged marriage.
[break][break]
He kept those thoughts to the back of his mind, wearing a reassuring smile to bring the woman he loved tranquility. Above anything else her happiness mattered. Bringing jubilation to his beloved's life stood upon an undisturbed pedestal, his own wishes never mattering more than her joy.
Never did the faekin imagine within all the years she had been waiting for this day to come that it'd actually happen. For so long in the beginning had she been hopeful, her parents would come around and surely see her side of things. The forced separation obviously negatively affected her. From being so consumed by depression and heartache that she had days where getting out of bed felt near impossible. To how she could be fine one minute to suddenly bursting into tears the next. The loss of her one true love damaged a part of her that could never be repaired without his return. It wasn't a reckless decision she made being with him. Serestia thought long about it, what it meant... and in the end she felt it was worth it over all. The heiress felt that no other man could compare; that none would be able to make her as happy as he did. [break][break] She had hope that if these people had any ounce of care for her... they'd reconsider their action decisions but as much as she wished, that never happened. Serestia had been determined to not give up but even mentioning his name sparked unfavored reactions. Asking about him to any of her servants resulted in them hurriedly trying to flee from her. It was as like mentioning his name had become the equivalent of a curse. Their answer was told to her upon the announcement of her arranged marriage and from then... the faith she had in the people she once believed cared for her had been tarnished.[break][break] Serestia had no choice but to play along, to keep such feelings at bay and only to expose when in private. For so long had she held back tears, bitten down the loneliness, the wanting she felt for none other than Mashita. She dreamt of their reunions, sometimes it would go as she hoped... and sometimes it'd be the exact opposite. Fear consumed her overtime with the possible notion that... what if he didn't want her anymore? These horrid thoughts flooded her mind as his sleeve gently moved to wipe her tears. Such actions alone cancelled out those thoughts and made her realize that... the both of them wanted the same thing.[break][break] They wanted nothing more than to be with each other again. [break][break] The flood gates had been unleashed and there was no stopping the tears that fell from her cheeks. It was years of her biting back her true emotions about this all. Serestia never thought she'd have this chance again... to be touched, acknowledged, even loved by Mashita again but those words of promise has her feeling happy which was something she hadn't genuinely felt in too long. Her hand shakily draws back to hold onto the hand that settled on her cheek, gently did she nuzzle into it.[break][break] A soft yet quiet whimper emits from her throat before she inhales and exhales deeply to speak. "I won't let you leave... you belong here with me, Mashita..." There's a pause because seeing him so close still has her overcome with emotion but she forces back those tears as her lips tremble. "I forgot to say..."[break][break] If this was anything like them in the past she would've been much to shy to do any of this, say any of this but now? She didn't hesitate to move herself forward, to rest against him and settle her face near his body. The distance between them closed, not only out of desire for the feeling of being in his embrace but the words she was about to speak. She wanted no one but his ears alone to hear. "Welcome back... I missed you so much." She couldn't bring herself to feel shy right now when every inch of her was desperate for him.
tags:Mashita Ryley words count: 649 out of character: these two make me so emotional
In a moment's glimpse of seeing the woman he loved, everything shifted between himself and Serestia. The intense waterfall washing over him as old discoveries were remade. Between them, undying emotions of love prospered, powerful as the day when forcefully "abandoned" through separation. Each shared second between the pair, another reminder on why Mashita should have never left Lorsette. He should have stayed and found for everything they believed in, for without Serestia, he reached unspeakable measures of misery.
[break][break]
Every fibre of himself missed her entirety. Stunning looks long-admired forgotten for memories of her smile, her life, the conversations they shared, the sweet moments and the single action that pained his heart as much as hers. The moment they were ripped from one another's lives, sudden and uncaring by the families determined to maintain faulty traditions. Harmful emotions had washed over him, intensifying at every callous rejection to speak with her. In the end, the thick concrete walls they formed between them seemingly won, yet, here they were.
[break][break]
The heartache worth every precious penny if it meant walking down the path that returned him to Serestia. Without the faekin, portions of the sphinx felt incomplete and numb. The brunette, his first and only love, meant everything to the guard. A childhood of pinning afterwards, wishing for her sweet gaze and sharing a life where they stepped in sync, moving towards the same relationship goals. Parted once and already, in silence, Mashita swore never again. He cared naught if his parents disowned him, kicked him out of the house or slandered his name.
[break][break]
In front of him, was the single individual of which brought Mashita cloud nine levels of jubilee. The woman he always wished to marry because of his kindness, gentle touch and good-hearted nature. Hours could pass of Mashita complimenting Serestia, the woman having long stolen and keeping his heart. When sent overseas, he never took back his feelings, never regretted loving her and never would those emotions of deep longing and love to cease. No matter who approached him, whether their bodies be the magazine ideal or their wit capable of capturing endless charm.
[break][break]
Though unlike the woman he knew before his departure, Serestia, inspired by their years of separation exhibited colours different from her original. The hand of which grazed over his, the soft nuzzling of her face into his calloused hand and softly whimpered words. Before, a brunette captivated with shyness, but sweet as possible entered his dreams, found the courage to move forward. Astonishment flickered over his countenance, brief as she spoke and rested against him, and subsequently replaced with a smile at her words.
[break][break]
Gently, his freed arm wraps around her, pulling her extra close. Choices were blurred from emotions, the publicized area no longer entering the green-eyed man's thoughts as he brought her closer. Everything he wanted was in front of him, their feelings burning with an untamable passion of which never died from the downpour of separation. Rather, it persevered and survived, burning brighter than ever after the cruel waters of accomplished their failed objective. Together, their hearts yearned for one another, craved the touch, the words, the acknowledgement and even the mundane of silent eves with only one another's company.
[break][break]
"I missed you too," he murmured softly.
[break][break]
Across his thin lips was a broad smile. Incapable of wavering as for an instance, everything felt right. The brunette he loved was stationed beside him, closeness desired by both parties. This moment was everything Mashita craved on those long evenings in England, studying to become a hunter or fresh off a dangerous mission. The excruciating minutes where contact was entirely refused, closed off and denied. The emotional hell he dredged himself through thinking of her, imagining her with somebody else and forgetting about him entirely.
[break][break]
The fabricated images dissolved as seconds passed of them reaping the benefits of reuniting. They both required a moment of togetherness. A second to place their hoarded emotions onto the line and pray they crossed the tight rope, unscathed and balanced. Though as the challenges of the future loomed over Mashita's shoulders, he refused to penny it a second, at least, for now. Strategizing around the obstacles blocking the paths to their favoured future could be planned after the required moments of catch up and remembrance. For they both needed that.
Who knew a simple response of four words could brighten up the world around her as much as the ones he had given in return just did. There was no stopping the desperate whimper that escaped her throat upon hearing the sentiment of longing being shared. Her darkest fears lingered onwards within the confinement of her mind but small claims like these soon enough would be sufficient and have a hand in washing away the stains of her fears, regarding her no longer being worthy or even wanted by Mashita. Such thoughts plagued her mind on the day to day basis but much like a hero... Mashita shone so brightly that even these thoughts were bound to be cast away and revealed as false.
She wished time would stop in this moment, that she hadn't need to focus on their reconnection happening in the middle of the shopping area. Serestia shoved the reality that the public space and it's witnesses were here to see the two like this far away from the front of her mind. Instead she focused on calming the tears that wet her cheeks, the attempts of calming her breathing. The feeling of his arms were reminiscent of old times and yet... Mashita grew in the years the two were apart. The muscle he had being much more defined, more appealing too. How his hold felt much more stronger than before and how much it took her by surprise that she enjoyed the grip he had on her like this.
She inhaled deeply, taking in his scent which smelt like a very woody and earth-like. A familiar smell of pine she'd recall whiffing in all the times she would hug him in the past. It was a smell she had became well aquatinted with, one she dared even claimed to have recognized as something which helped ease her down. Something the faekin associated with Mashita and for that it only made her all the more emotional but she forced the tears back. Instead letting herself be drowned within this scent and slowly lulled into a sense of ease by the comfort it brought her.
The sounds of her sobs became less and less until there was no more but faint sniffling. Even then it only took a few more minutes before that had ceased as well. Her arms that clung to him were the only thing to not change through this all. Her body shifts but she doesn't pull away at all but she did loosen her grip, enough to where she was able to pull back a little... enough to properly take him in. He wasn't as young looking as she last recalled him seeing... not that he appeared old by any means but the fact he aged and matured nicely showed. It made her heart swoon and stomach do all kinds of flips. "Look at you..."
"You've become so handsome.." One of her arms pulls back so that her hands can touch him, trail her hand to run across the features she had been discussing out loud. The first thing she did was run her fingers down his arm, pausing for a minute. "Stronger too..." The both of them went through change but seeing it live in person made it all the more real. As much as she wished for nothing more but to go back in time so they were able to experience their developments together... there was no way it was possible.
"Would..." She hesitates, her gaze finally dropping to glance between her lap and his face. "Would it be okay if I asked... where they sent you? What you had been doing in the time... we weren't together?" She was hungry to know more; to know what he went through and who the person Mashita Ryley was now in the present. If... he shared the same traits and qualities she remembered him for or if he blossomed into an even more better version of himself. The faekin was eager to learn, to get to know and further fall in love with the man before her all over again.
tags:Mashita Ryley words count: 686 out of character: crying emoji
Their separation had been the cruellest fate to befall their festering love. Devised and coordinated on short notice by their parents, the pair were forced apart. The reunion manifested those shoved down wishes, the silenced pleading after years of hopelessness. The loneliness of his longing heart crawled away, allowing the sphinx to ease on the hard concrete with arms secured around the woman of his dreams. Outer disturbances disappeared in favour of holding Serestia close and allowing the memories of loving embraces to wash over his mind.
[break][break]
Drinking in those familiar scents, absorbing each second. The tingling across his skin a byproduct of closeness, yet, welcomed nonetheless. Despite the interactions, the flirting and everything in between attempting to persuade his romantic notions elsewhere, they remained on Serestia. Nobody could fill the location inside his heart-shaped in her grace. Though, little was he aware of the changes to her general makeup. The fitting slenderness of her body and subtle changes to her face, yet, each as recognizable as the day he left.
[break][break]
The inevitable maturing failed to waver the intense emotions he felt towards Serestia. In his youth, he grew attached to the brunette, every pang of emotion never diminishing. He maintained their proximity as she sobbed, warranting her the time to release the waterfall of feelings. For years, he craved the opportunity to hold her lovingly close and finally the opportunity arrived. Gently, Mashita squeezed his beloved, calloused hand running over her back in soothing circles. An embrace required by the brown-haired sphinx and one missed for fictional centuries.
[break][break]
Gradually, sobs shifted to mere sniffles as a calmness overtook the situation. Though despite the loosening shifts and decreasing emotional upset, Mashita maintained his tight grip. After years of waiting to hold her, he refused to release her. He savoured the moments, thrived off them. The single most crucial individual to enter his life made her emotional return. His breath levelled slowly as he held her, cherishing the seconds. Her words were sugar to his ears as his cheeks dusted with a soft, red colouring.
[break][break]
He exhaled a soft, breathy laugh as a gentle grin touched his face. The manner her delicate fingers ran across his arm, admiring the changes caused by a steady mixture of maturity and exercise.
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"I think I've been a little too busy looking at you," he began, smile strengthening. "You look beautiful, Serestia..."
[break][break]
The words leave his lips in a slow cadence, softly spoken with undertones of genuine admiration. The long hair cascading from her head and framing her delicate features. The shape of her face more toned with the arrival and passing of puberty. Yet, most striking were those familiar sapphire eyes. Brilliant, beautiful and the feature Mashita discovered his getting lost. Though, his smile wavered at the mentioning of where he was sent. The grin stripped from his face as a gentle frown traced his lips.
[break][break]
"They sent me to Europe, London to be specific... I was enrolled in the TRS over there to keep me preoccupied..." Shortly, the grin returned. "But I don't think they realized that all I could think of was home... and you. God, I missed you."
[break][break]
Carefully, he pulled away, sparing a moment to take in her appearance. The viewing of a familiar face summoned an over-joyed expression of his heart as it danced and skipped. For a moment everything seemed right again. They were together and that seemed everything that mattered.
His words were saccharine, consuming her in a sweetness which reminded of just why she fell in love with him all those years ago. It was if the time and distance they've been apart had miraculously disappeared. "There's something worth looking at here?" It's a comment very unlike her, at least the version of her which he would've been familiar with. She wasn't the fully confident girl she had once been. "Here I thought I looked better than my average lately..." Praises and gestures she had been so used to leaked through with each passing minute they drank in one another's presence. It was clear she was as engrained into him as he was for her; despite her own thoughts the compliments do earn a soft whine as a familiar flush dusted her cheeks. "Mashita..." It was for a few seconds but the feelings that blossomed from the flattering comments lingered until the sudden weight of the ring on her finger kicked in. The guilt churning within her hit her face... and she lost the warm smile she had once more.
Her fingers lock up as she allowed for that realization to consume her. She took the route of silently listening to what he had to say. She had asked to hear about his life since the event after all. "Europe? That's so far... I hate that." It was a soft whisper as a small pout graced her features. Her cheeks had puffed out a little and everything! No wonder... how much she attempted looking she could never. They literally shipped him off and away from her. "I tried for a very long time to look for you but I- I wasn't told anything... nothing at all!" Her voice doesn't go too high but it does crack in frustration. "They must've knew if they put you somewhere close I'd surely... find you..." The guilt hits her once more but this time it neared full force. It sucks her words right out of her mouth and all that leaves is a broken whimper.
She wasn't going to cry again but gods, did she feel like she wanted too. The amount of years she put into search for Mashita... to only be forced to give up after having no trace of a clue as to where he was. When they announced to her what they intended to do with her life since they deemed her incapable of making her own decisions. Judging from the whole situation with Mashita to how obsessed she was even despite how long they been apart. They selected her marriage partner after she refused to hold bachelor events or seeing any potential candidates. When this news reached her- she had done the one thing she never swore she do.
She gave up and stopped living as her own.
She gave up and started doing what they wanted for her and not what she wanted herself.
A marriage to a man she couldn't care any less for took place- and so did the honeymoon which made her cringe. Which devastated her and made fer feel like she had broken every promise she made to Mashita. Serestia gradually lost the life that many claimed on what made her special- a loveless marriage and forced to give up any real desire of her own but of course for the public's eye did she put on a show. Craft the sight that everything was fine and dandy- even to this husband of hers did she play along. The truth couldn't be the exact opposite- deep down she was crushed... and suffering.
Meeting Mashita today certainly helped rejuvenate her but... it wasn't going to rid of that guilt. It wasn't going to set her free from the reminders of all she's failed Mashita in now that he was right here before her. "I really don't deserve to be missed." Her hands shook when he pulled away as she drew both of her own hands back to herself. She felt his eyes on her and it was only in due time the rock on her finger would be noticed- a sharp inhale is taken in as she fiddled with the ring anxiously. "I tried so hard and... and... in the end I couldn't stop them." Her voice was gradually returning to being strained.
"Oh..." A desperate gasp as she pushed back tears that had tried resurfacing. "I've failed you, Mashita. I'm sorry... I tried for so long... and then- they... forced me to get married..." A pause before she softly whispered. "And then I gave up on my own happiness... and wants. I let it happened... and now... I... broke all of our promises- our vows... I'm so sorry."
tags:Mashita Ryley words count: 784 out of character: crying emoji
Years of painful torment haunting the concaves of his mind had managed the fuel him. Surviving off the sheer desire to have Serestia held inside his embrace. The warmth of the young woman was a comfort for Mashita. In his shining green eyes, the faekin was a stunning beacon, both inside and out. A flower who he watched blossom since her youth, witnessed a smile and glow in the spotlight of his gaze. Her companionship those years ago provided the drive Mashita required to protect her and developed the flickering determination inside him.
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Briefly, Mashita sucked a breath deep into the depths of his lungs. Merely the familiar scents of Serestia brought a sense of calm to the brown-haired man. If the opportunity existed, the sphinx would hold the faekin for a lifetime, never once wavering in his cherishing of her existence. The sheer mention of worth only affirmed Serestia's inside Mashita's mind. Her delicate touch in his life possessed the largest impact in his. The young woman inspired him and journeyed with him through those years. She was an essential connection in Mashita's life.
[break][break]
The softest smile played across Mashita's lips as he gently pulled back. His green eyes examined every feature as his hands settled on her shoulders. Glitters of jubilee filled his emerald eyes as she stared into her enchanting sapphire ones. Never he heard her in dire faith, yet, the intense sense of joy blinded him from the potential problems.
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"There always is when I look at you, there is always something worthwhile, Serestia. And I argue you're way better than anything average," his smile grew in strength. "You mean so much to me... You're my first and only love."
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The soft whine of her voice panged in her ears as he gazed over the gentle faekin. Every compliment he gave to Serestia was greeted with no regrets. Though the return to his leave resulted in a slight break in Mashita's grin. As beautiful as the country was, it was impossible to enjoy knowing the puppeteering happening in the background. The evening calls where he pleaded with his parents to allow him to return. They always denied him and immediately hung up on their child upon him mentioning his desires to be home.
[break][break]
The sphinx listened to the words. Their mutual attempts to reconnect were barred, each of their parents acting as teammates. The words of their children mattered naught to the flow of traditions. Those ancient expectations were praised in their minds and treated with the significance of a life or death scenario. He questioned it all after their parents ripped them apart and refused to allow them to connect. What was the point of traditions if they left everybody unhappy? Neither of them was content being ripped apart, yet, the olden promises nonetheless conquered without a second thought put to them.
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"It was the same for me. I would beg for them to let me come home, but they would just hang up," a sigh escaped his lips. "No matter how much I told them I wanted to come home, they told me no... They probably knew if I came back, I would be returning right to your side again."
[break][break]
His expression was bittersweet as his green eyes shifted back to her. Those long years without Serestia were the definition of suffering. No matter how hard he fought with his parents, Mashita was merely a hang-up away from being "handled" as a problem. Leaving was always the male's biggest regret in life. The day he adhered to his parents' decision was the moment he failed to fight for the relationship he believed in and the woman he loved. Remotely, there was nothing the sphinx could do but sit in his sorrows, praying for something good.
[break][break]
I really don't deserve to be missed. The words burned in Mashita's ears as his countenance shifted to shock and confusion. Silence claimed his lips as the shock won over the opportunity to question anything. Though, his eyes slowly followed her arms down to her fidgeting hands where the golden handcuff resided. Slowly, his smile faded as memories of his parents' words resurfaced. In his absence, Serestia had married, however, given her reaction to his presence, the sphinx assumed there was no consent.
[break][break]
The echoes of her words rung deep in her ears, the pain in her strained voice being clearer than glass. Though, as the apology arrived, the woman he loved was entirely innocent in his mind. Slowly, his hand reached for her's, grabbing the one bearing the weight of the golden cage and providing a tight squeeze.
[break][break]
"It's not you're fault... and even with that, I'm still willing to fight for us if you are," his words left his lips soft, "because I still love you, Serestia... No matter how long we are apart or where we are or even if your feelings changed... I still love you, and it will always be you I love."
[break][break]
The sphinx's green eyes shifted, fixating on her once more. For years, the pair were separated, only to discover themselves again and those years only fired up his determination. If she was willing to head down this perilous road alongside him, he would fight for them every second. He would not allow them to force his leave or break him down if it meant there was light at the end of that dark tunnel.
The praise that fell his lips were the sweetest words she's heard in a long time that she felt she could really acknowledge. To know that despite their distance and time apart- that through everything he had still thought so highly of her. Viewed her as this dazzling person even if she felt she's long lost that spark. "It makes me happy..." The brunette could only cling to the warmth of her one true love, the warmth she had been deprieved of for as long as she had. It puts a smile of embarrassment on her face with the addition of faint giggles. As if the years they were unable to see each other never happened, she finds herself falling into the old habits. With Mashita naturally does he invoke this out of her.
Like saccharine, just the sight of Mashita blossomed the sweetest parts from within her. "I've always been scared of being rejected by you." It's ridiculous to think about now but deep down some of that fear lingered. " Maybe you'd hate me for being whittled down and unable to be strong or... or fight the marriage." She couldn't admit to it but the fact she was able to hear just how he viewed her as his one and only stung. Made the fact she was forced into a ceremony and to be another man's wife hurt all the more. It was out of her control and yet Serestia couldn't help but antagonize herself for it. That smile of hers only lasted for so long.
How she wanted to tell him the same but was she even deserving of it at this point? Wore down by emotions she had to stew in over the years. For her, she wished she could've escaped to somewhere new but she remained in the same place. Surrounded by sights and scenery she was so used to being at with the other. Even moments where she'd caught up in this daydreams, turning her head expecting to see him only to be meant with an empty space and tear-jerking silence. The blame was not on her but the parents who put her in such a situation yet the female couldn't see it like that.
"Hearing how you never gave up on trying to come back to me..." Her words leave in yet another pained whisper. "For you to come back to this... to me when I'm like this..." All she felt was apologetic. Mashita waited, struggled and suffered alone for so long. Had to be taken away from home and live a life apart from what he's always known. Serestia wanted to know more yet it feel like that wasn't something that could be done here of all of places.
Her fingers cease movement upon feeling his cup her own. She might've tensed up briefly but it wasn't long before she had eased into his touch. The only minor change was the tremble of her arms. Despite their distance it seemed he never lost the touch of knowing exactly what to say when she needed it the most. Her head lifts up at those words, from the shaking of her pupils and the way tears returned to the corner of her eyes... she was surprised. The fae's lips part to speak and yet no sounds come out. Simply those lips trembled as her dainty hands squeezed tightly onto his.
He... still loved her.
She leans forward into him, letting the guard she put up come undone. Soft sniffling as her head nodded. "No one could ever take your place..." A pause as she shook her head. "My heart belongs only to you... the only one I want to stand by my side is you, Mashita. I've dreamed of this day time and time again..." She poured her heart out to him- gave him herself in complete. "It's not even a matter of being willing. I have been fighting for you the day you were forcefully taken from me...! I... I... won't deny myself any longer..."
She pulls back once more with that hand of hers still squeezing his. Teary-eyed yet the smile on her face suggested she had been furthest from sad. "My feelings could never change... you're still the one I want, still the man I want to be married with and... and spend the rest of eternity with." She laughs weakly as a few tears trailed her cheeks. "Will you still have me... even if I'm... I'm bound by another man? I want to find a way out of this... to be with you..." But she knew it would be foolish to have aspirations of it happening overnight. "Do I really have the right to ask if you can be patient...? You know my parents... y-you know how binding these traditions are but I want to find a way..."
tags:Mashita Ryley words count: 804 out of character: hi
Blissful moments that made everything feel right in the world had become rare for Mashita. After being cruelly torn away from the woman he loved most and shipped overseas, the world had grown dull. Alas, the moment his eyes viewed her, it coloured into fireworks and her voice was their ever-pleasant crackle. Everything felt dream-like, those emotions persisting the longer he spent in the incredible woman’s presence. Her clinging hands and welcomed worlds strengthened the smile on the young man’s lips, his heart skipping gleefully inside his chest
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Everything felt natural, their interconnected gears churning together, their parts colliding without a second thought. Her gleeful giggles, quiet and reserved, managed to summon those emotions he felt years ago. The quaking heartbeat inside his chest, a soft grin across his lips and those overwhelming emotions of bliss from hearing Serestia’s happiness. His dreams existed in these moments from reuniting with Serestia to her determination to fight the condemning traditions of her family. He listened to her frets, how she had worried about rejection.
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The thought of rejecting his true love made Mashita’s heart lurch into his throat. If anything, the male brunette would struggle to carry on without the magnificent woman he grew attached to years ago. Their separation was one of the most difficult times in the sphinx’s life. Years of forlorn because of the absence of his lover.
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“I could never,” he murmured, his voice soft and sweet. “Serestia… I struggled to think about what I would do without you.”
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A single hand’s fingers brushed across her cheeks, moving any straying brunette hairs from her face. The sphinx’s green eyes shone as they gazed upon the faekin he adored.
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“I know you didn’t have a choice, but when they told me you were married… and that you never wanted to see me again… I felt so lost,” his voice was quiet as his hand stayed there, feeling the warmth of her face. “I thought maybe you were happier without me. I wouldn’t mind if you were, that’s all I would ever want for you. But I was so uncertain about what I would do without you.”
[break][break]
Before this day, Mashita gruelling pondered the future he was destined to lead. One devoid of love and jubilee, but brimming with emotional hardship as he attempted to push through. Her reassurances only elevated the male sphinx’s mood about the circumstances. Their hearts belonged to one another, kindred souls who loved each other entirely. The promises to fight for their love comforted the brunette entirely, the smile on his face only broadening. Her squeezing hand prompted his grin further as his green hues stared into her gorgeous eyes.
[break][break]
Her words and questions failed to deter Mashita. While by the golden ring she was cuffed and bound to another, the brunette cared naught. Many would state his actions as ridiculous and foolhardy, ideas thought by a man clinging tightly to hope. Alas, the brunette knew where his affections lie and it was entirely with Serestia.
[break][break]
“Of course I am… Serestia, you’re the girl of my dreams,” he answered with a grin.
[break][break]
Confidence was evident in his tones as he responded to Serestia’s question. The traditions of his crush’s parents’ hardly mattered to the brunette. Those opinions they held in a vice grip were cruel and brought about suffering to those who followed. From marriages devoid of love and expectations considered rude and unjust. It became the inspiration for Mashita to carry on despite the consequences and concerns alongside his undying love for Serestia.
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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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