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!
Cold nipped at any exposed skin on this frosty winter morning. Breath escaped the mouths of passing individuals in a white, smoke-like puff. Thick snowflakes danced down from dreary, grey clouds that hid both the sky and sun. Each day was growing silent filled and uneventful as people avoided the snowy streets due to the frightening concept of lurking terrors. The weather alongside the constant threat to survival kept the streets a sinister type of quiet. Although, there were always the courageous adventurers who decided to enter the freezing embrace of winter and risk the chance of a terror's appearance. A majority would require to be roaming the quiet city, but Dexter left the warmth of his abode for personal reasons. Leaving out of presumption that his emotional state would be perturbed on this morning. Naturally, his relatives had witnessed his upsets before, but for once he wanted sanction from bawling his eyes out; from the sorrow-filled horror that was speaking about his deceased parents.
During the early hours, prior to his grandparents' waking, he had slipped out of house. It was a strategy to escape those intense emotions of sorrow. The avoidance of extensive conversations about the company his parents formerly owned. Recently his uncle had taken over, awaiting the possible day for the redhead to claim his parent's business. Alas, being both unprepared and disliking the constant reminder of the parents he loss caused him to openly refuse. Thus, instead of remaining in safety he pulled on a pair of grey sweats, tugged on his warm, back jacket and pushed his yellow and black glasses onto his face. There was consequence for leaving without verbally informing his grandparents, but caution was thrown away. A merger note had been pinned to the fridge, something a majority of people would accept, but his grandparents in the instance they witnessed the stark white paper with black ink scrawled across it would already begin practicing a lecturing and conjuring thoughts of a suitable punishment. It was instinct after the fainting episode about a month back which caused sudden sparks of concern when Dexter left the premises. Alas, the introvert acted abrasively towards their worry on this winter day and selfishly only cared about his own emotional state of mind. Leaving was necessary, he was determined to not cry today.
The fringes of Dexter collar were tugged higher, causing it rest just below his chin. His yellow eyes scanned the area around him, finding the concrete sidewalks empty and the street without cars. A sigh escaped his lips, perhaps he should have locked himself away in his room, a usual salvation. Although, he was certain the moment leaving was required he would be fetched to join the conversation that would end in an emotional catastrophe for the redhead. For a few moments, Dexter walked wearing a frown until his gaze shifted to curiosity upon seeing a tiny alleyway. Darkness lingered in the alleyway, the introvert's night vision flaring a few moments later. There was some familiarity, distant memories piecing together when the darkness faded from Dexter's vision. A few cautious steps were taken as the redhead's eyes gazed upon the black, metal gate sitting peacefully in the alleyway. Doors closed and locked, black spires reaching upwards to make its appearance daunting.
Years had passed since Dexter had last visited Hell's Gate, those days being plagued with childish bored and necessary tests of courage or dares. His former friends always insistently shouting about how only the brave walked up and touched the gate that once led to the fiery abyss. A slow walk was taken towards the eerie gate, footsteps echoing off the alley walls which brought fourth a foreboding feeling. The air around the gate changed, the temperature rising and embracing Dexter's bare cheeks to a slightly warmer air; causing the once cold skin to sting. A slight paranoia set over the young man, he had never ventured this close to the daunting structure without the judgement eyes of friends observing his every movement.
The gate was not threatening, but there was the smallest pit of fear in the redhead's stomach while he stared at it. There was always the lurking thought of what was stationed behind those doors and what should occur if somebody managed to re-open them. A shaky breath and tremble overcame Dexter at the concept considering the extensive amount of time that Hell and Heaven had spent at war. Vindictiveness was also a thought considering he could already imagine that the two gods were infuriated with being locked away in their realms for thousands of years. The main concern centered around them desiring vengeance for being imprisoned and deciding that Enki's realm inhabitants were a suitable one to inherit the vindictive debt.
Silently, Dexter remained standing there for minutes as he stared at the gate, raveled in various thought. The remainder of his senses seemed to fade as attentiveness remained on his pondering and yellow eyes curiously gazed upon Hell's Gate. Automatically, his pale hands retreated into the depths of his black coat as he remained still, almost as though awaiting for somebody to disturb him.
- - because it's difficult to find people who understand.
Nicholas always volunteered to go out on patrols, it meant that he had more time to try and search for his sister before anybody else had a chance to find her first. It hurt to know that she hadn't been at the hospital when he had woken up, of course finding out she was missing hadn't helped, though it seemed safe to assume that she might have been on the run after killing their parents since he didn't know of anybody else with the motive to do so. It still surprised him to think that she was capable of such an action but after she made the most wanted list for attacking TRS members, he could believe it. He knew that she would likely die unless he caught to her first, so he didn't volunteer to share knowledge on what exactly he knew about her, such as the real name she went by, how she was his twin sister. He felt bad for never mentioning it when he found out his sister was in fact alive, well for the time being anyway.
He had mixed feelings on the subject, her wanting to go out and kill people, joining the wrong side, or the fact that she was still alive when he told himself that she must be dead because they would be no way that could be his sister. He sighed, his sister not in sight but it wouldn't be the end of the world she would be bound to make an appearance sooner or later. He started making his way towards hells gate, it wasn't an interest for him to be going over there, in fact the idea of being so closed to it kind of scared him but he felt a great need in knowing that it was still closed. It was knew wreaking to know the god might be furious on the other side, just waiting to pass through and take his revenge on the world since it was his god that locked him back in hell in the first place. He was ready to leave, until he noticed another guy going straight up to it. There was a high chance that going so close was an innocent act but he couldn't help but feel somewhat overwhelmed at the idea that this guy might be up to something.
So he followed, trying to remain quiet. He reached his hand out to touch the guy's shoulder. "What are you doing out here?" He asked, hoping that the guy would be more interested in leaving over standing so close to hells gate.
Standing in its usual sinister manner, Hell's Gate seemed to be staring down at Dexter, casting menacing atmosphere to the warm air around it. The redhead felt small as he gazed upon the sleek, black iron and permanently shut doors. Slowly, his yellow eyes drifted towards the doorknobs that laid quiet and untouched. For a few moments his gaze remained pinned there as he pondered about the magic locks. What happened if he reached out and touched them? The horrifying thrill of the concept made it desirable, but alas the introvert found himself scared. A deep breath and an extensive exhale were taken as Dexter moved a few steps closer to the daunting gate. The wind kicked up and howled, causing the redhead to shudder in a moment of fright. This was screaming classic horror movie, which was causing his heart rate to increase. Being an avid watcher, reader and game player of just about anything horror related caused Dexter's thoughts to swim.
His breaths turned shorter and shallower at his terrifying thoughts. The introvert felt tense as ideas of psychopathic murders and nightmarish creatures filled his head and made him paranoid. The concepts were shortly shoved to the back of his mind, but lingered with concerns over a terror arriving and using those thoughts to its advantage. Another quiver gently shook the redhead as he gradually began regretting his decision to venture closer. What if the doors suddenly opened and Volos was released from his bindings? Immediately, the thought was discarded as Dexter refused to believe the frightening idea. Memories flooded through, a feeling of nostalgia sparking from the terrifying encounter with the gate. In those youthful days of daring, the redhead had been one of the few to venture the closest, but never had he touched the gate. Curiosity filled him alongside a determination to complete what his younger self had not.
A few more cautious steps were taking towards the gate, the redhead pausing for a moment to stare and think about the furious god awaiting across the closed threshold; more fear followed the thought. Then came the pressure on his shoulder from a hand touching it. Instantly, Dexter jolted and pulls away from the hand with horrifying thoughts of Volos somehow managing to escape. A shout of surprise echoed through the alleyway from Dexter. His heart shortly began racing from the sudden startle until he managed to turn around and see the white haired stranger in a TRS uniform. Based on the man's appearance, he was not the god from the fiery abyss known as Hell. Gradually, the redhead eased, his breath remaining quick for a few moments longer until his heart calmed. The inquiry about his reasoning for being here was ignored.
"Oh, I don't know, how about waiting for somebody to scare the hell out of me?!" Dexter retorted sarcastically, displeased with his own fright. "You know, sneaking up and scaring somebody is not cool!"
Answering the question seemed pointless to the redhead, all he was accomplishing was frightening himself after all. Besides, even given his criminal past, Dexter could not think of any vandalizing or thieving projects that could be completed with a magically sealed door and no supplies. Thus, the man's authority mattered little to the rude introvert. The man was unlikely to be a law enforcement officer. Avoiding police officers were a common for the redhead, his criminal past making him wary of their presence. He was praying this TRS agent did not double as RCMP considering the introvert could already imagine the conversation following.
"Anyways, why are you here?" The introvert asked in an irritated mumble.
Today was one where Dexter was not necessarily in a talkative mood and being startle did not assist the matter. Although, this situation screams the possibility of a terror lurking about considering the stranger's uniform. Terrors were a creature that Dexter feared, especially since his parents were viciously slaughtered by them. There was a sorrow that glossed over the redhead's eyes as he averted eye contact to avoid questioning about it. He stood still, forgetting about the gate well he attempted to push away the various memories and his own personal fear.
- - because it's difficult to find people who understand.
Nicholas watched as the guy jolted away, a shout of surprise. He couldn't help but stand his ground, somewhat amused at the scene, waiting patiently for the guy to answer his question. He raised an eye brow when the guy gave him a sarcastic answer. He then shrugged when the guy made his comment about sneaking up on somebody else. "Neither is taking the daring step towards hell's gate, but I doubt that'd stop you in the near future." He answered back, finding the skill of sneaking up behind others useful. He didn't get to where he is at today by making himself obvious to others, if they wanted to take notice of him they would have to become much more observant first. Besides it hadn't been his goal to scare him, but it just made Nicholas wonder what exactly the guy had been up to just before he had made his presence known.
He looked towards hells gate when the guy had repeated the question right back at him. "Patrolling the area." He answered, giving half a truth. He didn't see a point in admitting that he was searching out the Ice Queen. Though some people might had seen her in the past, there wasn't a point in running the risk of this guy knowing exactly who he was looking for. Hopefully the uniform and answer would be good enough because he wasn't in the mood to give this guy too much detail on what had been going on in his mind, prior to seeing him so close to the gate. He had looked back towards the guy, noticing that he wasn't looking directly at him, it was hard to see his face expression because the glasses had a glare. If he had, he might have asked the guy if he was doing okay. "I was only passing through, I would have kept going if I hadn't noticed you so close to the gate." He admitted, finding it might be better to break this awkward silence over letting it continue on.
Upon noticing the somewhat amused look on the stranger's countenance, Dexter's eyes narrowed. The expression gave the impression of intentionally sneaking up on the introvert and the concept made the redhead feel irritable. He fancied the occasional horror flick, but naturally Dexter did not appreciate the cliche fright. The amount of annoyed the redhead felt towards the mysterious white-haired stranger was obvious by his face. When a retort was made about approaching Hell's Gate being in a similar category as sneaking up behind someone, the introvert's eyes narrowed further. Something about the comment screamed an accusation of mischief which drove him to mild paranoia over this mystery man being a law enforcement officer as well; or somebody aware of Dexter's crimes. The redhead huffed and crossed his arms, looking away from the white-haired man.
"You act like I was going to commit a crime. Approaching a door is not a crime! What? Did you expect me to magically open the bloody thing and release Volos? Cause if so, hell no! I'm not an idiot," Dexter rebuked snappishly.
When the hunter mentioned patrolling the area, the redhead tensed slightly over the concept of possibly terrors. His heart rate raised a tad due to his intense fear of the creatures. There was no desire to run into one of those in this dark alleyway. A paranoid survey of the area was taken as Dexter's concerns grew, but alas nothing appeared out of place. Witnessing the lack of alarming creatures in the alleyway soothed the redhead mildly, allowing his heart rate to calm. Shortly, he shifted position and shoved his hands into his coat pockets well he listened to the stranger's silence breaking comment.
"Oh? I suppose I was automatically a shady character because of that?" Dexter replied in a grumpy tone. "That's one dubious assumption! You're here too, so I guess you are pretty shady yourself."
In the stranger's defense, it was completely possible he was aware of the redhead's various crimes around Lorsette. Although, Dexter was not necessarily famous, there was the small portion of people who automatically knew his face because of it being plastered on newspapers and channels. Naturally, the buzz about himself had decreased over the last few months and the amount of gossip dwindled down to the occasional bout he heard in passing. While he awaited the stranger's response, Dexter's gaze shifted back towards the gate in curiosity of what would have occurred if he managed to touch it.
- - because it's difficult to find people who understand.
Nicholas couldn't hide the small grin forming on his face when the guy's eyes narrowed, it was what he got for being up to no good in the first place. So he wouldn't feel any regret in sneaking up from behind him when it might have saved them the trouble of running the risk of hell's gate being opened. Nicholas looked away when the guy made his comment at him. "Now hold on for just a moment, I never said it was a crime." He corrected the guy, "But I won't lie, anybody going near hell's gate just makes me feel uneasy is all." He wasn't trying to make the guy believe that he thought he was a criminal or anything, he just didn't feel comfortable seeing the guy so close to hell's gate, besides who was to say that he couldn't open the door and wouldn't do so. "So you don't mind being so close to hell's gate but you have a problem with me sneaking up from behind you?" So the thought made some sense but Nicholas found hell's gate more scary that somebody coming up from behind him.
At least that person coming up from behind him wasn't Volos or at least Volos was supposed to still be locked in hell. The subject was than changed and he couldn't help but frown when the guy seemed to look around himself as if expecting something to come out of nowhere. "I wouldn't have called you shady but if the shoe fits..... than wear it." He answered back, starting to grow bored of the guy's attitude towards him. "I'm not shady, paranoid at times but shady wouldn't fit my character. No." He corrected the guy, resenting the fact that the guy had the nerve to call him shady in the first place. Or at least he closed that door on his life a long time ago but this guy didn't need to know that. "Are you planning on giving a name or will I have to think of shady each time I come across you?" He asked, feeling it was about time he dished some back towards the guy who was rude to him first.
The gradual forming smile on the stranger's lips infuriated Dexter and reminded him why exactly he disliked social interaction. There was also vague familiarity in it from the former friends who ditched him during a crime, resulting in a near arrest. This innocent nostalgia venture was transforming into an irritating conversation with a stranger and the introvert possessed low tolerance for strangers. Perhaps enduring the emotional conversation that constantly caused the redhead to retreat into his bedroom to sob was better. When the white-haired man looked away, correcting him in the process, an annoyed sigh escaped Dexter's lips.
"Gods sealed it! If I was capable of opening it, that would be a pretty crappy spell, don't you think?" Dexter snapped again.
The amount if dislike Dexter possessed towards this stranger was obvious in his retorts and general body langue. The introvert remained closed off with a guarded gaze in his yellow eyes. When the comparison between the fear factor in Hell's Gate and a sudden startling was brought up, Dexter gave the gate a glance. Admittedly, the introvert still found the gate imposing and haunting as he did when he was younger, although, it still influenced curiosity. A horror fanatic was bound to find a location such as Hell's Gate interesting, and Dexter supposed he was similar. A shrug was given towards the stranger as his yellow eyes trailed back towards the white-haired man.
"My friends and I always had tests of bravery, so it's not that big a deal." Dexter responded in order hide his secret fear of the imposing structure.
There were numerous times when the redhead desired to give off the impression of being a brave individual, thus pretending that approaching Hell's Gate was nothing seemed perfect. In complete honesty, the introvert had been frightened of the gate prior to the man's arrival; being before the imposing structure was difficult when alone. Although, there was still a mild feeling of fear that the gate itself seem to emanate. The peculiar warmth in the air accompanied by the overall eeriness of alleyway always brought forth those vibes. When the shady comment was shot back towards him, Dexter found himself glaring at the stranger again.
"I did nothing wrong! I literally just walked up to a giant, locked door!" The introvert rebuked to the comment. "More like incredibly paranoid! What? Do you think Volos is going to jump out and grab ya or somethin'?"
With crossed arms, Dexter turned away from the white-haired man. It was becoming increasing obvious how immense the redhead's hatred for this conversation was getting. There was a portion of him who desired to leave and be anti-social for a long period of time. Once the stranger inquired about his name, Dexter glanced back towards him.
"Dexter, now I expect you to tell me yours."
The introduction was simple, possessing tones of irritation caused by the proceedings of the conversation. Although, offering his name seemed like an excellent beginning to stop the presumptions about being shady himself. Shortly afterwards, the introvert's yellow eyes preformed another area survey out of his personal concern for terrors lurking.
- - because it's difficult to find people who understand.
Nicholas couldn't figure out a better comeback so he stayed silent, it wouldn't matter if Gods sealed it or not, he wouldn't run the risk of feeling safe near that gate when it was possible to be opened by another method or so he told himself which was why he was on edge in the first place. He wasn't amused to hear Dexter claim it was a test of bravery, it still seemed risky to be so close to the gate and if Dexter didn't move away from it soon, hew as tempted to reach out and pull him away from it by force. "I never said me...." He corrected the guy back, "But yes.... I do think it is possible for him to come out so.... why don't you do us all a favor and move away from it...." He suggested, trying to sound brave but it was hard to keep up the act when he was nerved with how close the guy was still standing so close to the gate. At least now he knew how uncomfortable he felt to the guy being near the gate, maybe he would play nice and move away from it already.
As glad as he was for getting the guy's name, he wasn't amused at how the guy seemed to demand that he had to give his back to him. Now lets see, should I give him a real name or a fake one? I mean I really doubt he'll be calling out to me in the near future, though giving him a fake name would be so childish.... He thought to himself, remaining silent as he thought of how he would go about answering Dexter's question in return. Oh forget it, I'll just tell him it. He thought to himself before answering. "You don't have to be so demanding about it, my name is Nicholas." He answered back, somewhat annoyed with how he chose to answer Dexter's question in the first place. It was too late to turn back now. Dexter seemed to look around them again and Nicholas had done the same, the last thing he wanted was to run the risk of being attacked by a Terror or a Phantom that tried sneaking up from behind him. "I guess I'm the not the only one with fears though." He commented back, taking the chance to throw one at Dexter since he seemed to be watching out for something.
Irritating Dexter was a simplistic task considering his low tolerance towards other people, strangers being the worse of that. Factoring in the notion of it being the earlier hours of day explained further why the introvert found other individuals nettlesome. Although, his irritable attitude soothed mildly when the white-haired man lacked a response towards his comment about the gates opening. A feeling of victory transcended over the redhead for a few moments, but his expression did not display the emotion. Dexter's yellow eyes trailed over to the black gate, staring at the ominousness Hell's Gate. When the stranger spoke again, the introvert's eyes flitted back towards the white-haired man and narrowed. The stubborn attitude overtook as the redhead's mind insisted against the concept of the gates suddenly opening.
"You're a hunter and you're scared of a black hunk of magical metal? That's ridiculous! Enki and Thanatos sealed the gates up tight, they won't open!" Dexter insisted with a choleric tone. "I can't believe a person who risks their life everyday is scared of a tightly locked gate!"
Shortly, the introvert's eyes returned to Hell's Gate in disbelief of the stranger's fear despite the fact his own heart rate remained elevated in the presence of the gate. Even the warm air embracing him was enough to cause Dexter to feel uncomfortable lingering around the gate's door. Remaining in the area reminded the introverted man of those numerous history books that informed him in vivid detail of the horrendous atrocities the War of Traitors brought. Various connections towards nowadays problems were matched with the events that occurred thousands of years ago which made the concept of the vengeful Volos escaping the fiery abyss of Hell a horrifying notion. When the return of the name reached Dexter's ears, he glanced back and displayed acknowledgement. The ridicule towards his demanding attitude was ignored as the introvert began analyzing the large gate with curious, but fearful eyes. Although, when Nicholas commented on his fears was when the redhead glared back towards the hunter with annoyance; being a horror maniac made the personality critique sting.
A deep breath and lengthy exhale was taken as a determination to prove this imposing gate did not spark an ounce of fear came across the redhead. When the topic of the introvert's fears was acknowledged, he always felt the immense requirement to display his courage; nobody should be allowed to call him a coward! Once his heart was mildly soothed, Dexter took another step towards Hell's Gate, inching himself closer. When he entered the distance to be able to reach out and touch the smooth, metal surface the introvert stopped and stood stalk still. The close proximity to Hell's Gate was already flaring frightened palpitations in the horror lover's heart. A few moments were spent muted, gazing at the menacing gate. An extensive period of time was spent slowing his breathing, calming the rapid heart rate before he turned back towards the white-haired stranger.
"Would somebody who is scared get this close to the gate? I will even touch it if you want more proof!" Dexter exclaimed towards the stranger.
Without waiting for the answer, Dexter inched towards the foreboding, black gate and reached his pale hand towards it. As the redhead reached, his heart rate skyrocketed as his the hidden fear screamed for retreat from the menacing gate. Alas, the bespectacled man was prepared to touch the smooth sooth. Delicately, his fingers brushed against the metallic surface that remained warm, similar to the air around the gate. When his heart rate began to gradually calm, the introvert laid his hand flat against the black metal and chuckled in triumph.
"See? Easy! Not scary at-" Dexter was interrupted by a loud booming noise.
Instantly, the redhead backpedaled from the Hell's Gate with palpitations claiming his heart rate and fright clouding his judgement. His right heel collided with uneven ground, causing Dexter to lose balance and tumble towards the ground with a thud. There was something array, or at least the startled redhead thought as he witnessed a blur bolting out of the alleyway. He turned his head towards it only to watch a dark brown tabby flee from the warmth of Hell's Gate. No motions were made to return to his feet as the redhead's embarrassment over being frightened by a mere cat consumed him. Instead, he shifted into a sitting position and reached back for his black hood, pulling it over his head to hide his face and humiliation; this was after all the part where his former friends would laugh and administer mockery.
- - because it's difficult to find people who understand.
Nicholas frowned at Dexter, "I don't see the problem with being scared, just because I risk my life doesn't mean there isn't fear involved. Jeez you make it sound like you believe all of us risking our lives are robots or something.... we have emotions you know." He answered, making sure to make a comment about Dexter's fear as if to justify his own reason for being fearful of being so close to the gate. He was still frowning when he noticed Dexter moving towards the gate, preparing to reach out and touch it. Pointing out the fear was supposed to justify his fear not encourage the guy to try and prove him wrong. He was annoyed when Dexter made his comment towards him, enough though he wanted to reach out and stop him he didn't dare move closer to hell's gate, having the fear that it would still open up to swallow him whole.
Dexter than reached out to touch the gate and Nicholas flinched, somewhat relief that nothing had happened. "Alright smart ass, clearly you have things you aren't fearful of too." He answered as if to allow Dexter to be right. There was a noise and he took a step back before seeing Dexter moving back before tripping over himself. To his relief it was only a cat that had made the noise but no sooner had it come was it gone again. He watched as Dexter reached for his black hood as if to hide his face. "Are you alright?" He asked, more interested in the fact that Dexter had fallen on his butt, over the fact that he had lied about fears or at least that it what it had felt like to Nicholas when he had bolted away from hell's gate like that only moments before. He reached out his hand to try and help Dexter to his feet.
The retorted comment about everybody having fears merely caused Dexter to huff since he lacked any proper responses. Although, an eye roll was displayed as the response to the retort against him. Fear was foreign to nobody, but the redhead's defense remained that the gate was a hunk of metal. Although, it was a giant door holding a possibly furious god that was locked away for thousands of years, however, in the introvert's mind, terrors were more horrifying than the imposing gate. The concept of a terror trespassing into the darkest sections of his head and creating those everlasting frights into a reality always scared Dexter. Ultimately, the justification towards Nicholas' fears was useless against the redhead who thought all hunters were expected to be brave fighters. Alas, it has fueled Dexter's determination to touch the gate which ended horrible.
The comment that the stranger made, although rude, had made the redhead feel victorious in the battle of fears until he tripped over himself. As he remained sitting on the warm concrete, gripping his hood over his face that was painted with hints of red from his embarrassment. The redhead's knees remained close to his head while he awaited the criticism and laughter he always received when around his former criminal friends; they never inquired about his well-being. The foolishness of being scared by something petty was all that would matter to them, which was why they had gotten avoided during thunderstorms. When the stranger asked about his health, Dexter's yellow eyes slowly gazed towards him with surprise written on his face.
"... Aren't you going to laugh at me? I just made a fool of myself," Dexter murmured.
With that being said, the introvert glanced away, once again awaited for the expected. There were not many people who were willing to treat him with benevolence. His spree of criminal activity and poor group of friends made it unlikely for anybody to spare kindness to him.
- - because it's difficult to find people who understand.
Nicholas' face expression of being worried remained on his face when Dexter had looked up at him. He couldn't help but feel somewhat confused at the guy's question back to him. "Of course not." He corrected Dexter immediately, still holding his hand out to help Dexter up if he would accept the help from him would be another story, but he would be patient. Dexter had looked away from him, it was hard to not feel pity for this guy. He tried to appear so brave and it backfired in his face as soon as the cat came out of hiding. Anybody could have found that terrifying..... He thought to himself, finding silence easier than making a comment back. "I don't agree with you. Whether you have fear or not, going to hells gate goes to show you are willing to go closer anyway. Anybody could have been scared by a cat." He answered, not wanting Dexter to think he would be any different just because he happened to be a hunter for TRS. If there was one thing that Dexter could be assured of, it was that Nicholas wasn't about to laugh at him for getting scared over something, seeing as most scary things weren't funny in the first place.
The concern on the other man's countenance was surprising to Dexter, which became obvious from the subtle changes of his own expression. A complete stranger displaying concern over his health was a peculiar and incredible rare event for the redhead to witness. There was oftentimes disdain in the eyes of fellow citizens and malicious laughter from his friend, but never an expression of worry. The correction towards his inquiry caused Dexter to raise an eyebrow at the kindness he was receiving. Hints of confusion over the question had littered Nicholas' expression, almost as though he remained not familiarized with the rudeness of humanity. Hesitantly, the bespectacled man reached for the hand being offered to him with astonishment remaining in his yellow eyes as he was assisted to his feet, a silence falling over him.
There were still feelings of shame orbiting Dexter as he stood near the stranger with guilt quickly accompanying it. Despite the rude conduct he displayed towards the white-haired man, Nicholas had managed to retain a kindness towards him. When the answer was furthered with an explanation, a vestige of admiration glimmered across the redhead's expression at the hunter's pleasant attitude. A moment of wonder was taken towards pondering if he was worthy of the kindness after the discourteous behavior he used towards the man.
"Most people don't tend to help somebody who spent several minutes being a rude jerk," he grumbled. "Do you even know who I am exactly?"
The inquiry was spoken for sole curiosity reasons since Nicholas lacked the usual mixed emotions that Dexter witnessed in the eyes of who recognized him. Those who had probably kept tabs on the news months prior were aware of the exploits he involved himself in during his lazier, more crime ridden days. With crossed arms, the redhead glanced away from the benevolent stranger as guilt made attempting eye contact too difficult, especially considering his introverted attitude.
An irritated sigh aimed at his own conduct escaped the introvert's mouth. "Listen, I wasn't very nice to you and that doesn't sit well with me since you seem like a pretty nice guy. So is there anything I can do to make it up to you?"
There was a tone of bluntness held within the words as Dexter requested a chance at redemption. It felt required given the symptoms of guilt (something the redhead had grown familiar with) were spreading like wildfire through him, even going lengths to leave a pit of uneasiness in the depths of his stomach. Redemption felt necessary to obtain in order to banish the ill emotions, and Dexter was praying the stranger would allow him to it.
- - because it's difficult to find people who understand.
Nicholas was glad when Dexter had accepted his hand so that he could assist him to his feet. There was silence between them but no matter, it wasn't like words needed to be shared regarding his helpfulness anyway. He listened to Dexter give a comment back to his previous explanation. He shook his head no, of course he didn't know who this guy was, he just met him after all and he has only been in town for a few months at the most. "No. Why?" He asked, his face expression changed to being confused. If this guy was popular he would have thought to figure that out. "I'm not like most people." He added, glancing away. If it wasn't for his parents raising them to where he desired to protect his sister and later finding out that she had joined the wrong side he would have likely grown up to act a different way.
He had looked back towards Dexter to see he wasn't looking at him anymore. When Dexter had made his comment and later asked his question, he was tempted to turn him down, though it seemed rude to do so and besides he was having trouble finding his sister so the help could be useful for him. "Have you come across a pink haired woman?" He asked, deciding there would be no harm in asking. "She goes by the Ice Queen and she seems to favor attacking TRS members....." He wasn't sure if he should be giving so much information but he felt desperate to find his sister first. "She is on the most wanted list for TRS and the Police have been keeping an eye out for her too." Another thought crossed his mind, he couldn't help but hope Dexter wasn't apart of AP else he'd be in so much trouble.
There was certainty in Dexter's mind over the stranger being aware of his identity, but the redhead found himself mistaken. When Nicholas responded about being unbeknownst to his identity, he was surprised. Anybody who followed the news months back possessed knowledge of him making it peculiar for somebody to state otherwise. When questioned about the reason, Dexter waved his hand dismissively. Somebody else could inform the white-haired man, but the former criminal preferred to limit those hateful or pitiful stares. Even if this situation was temporary, the redhead decided to allow his past to be an unknown factor.
"Don't worry about it," he responded casually.
The inquiry had been asked solely for his own curiosity and to Dexter that was enough to warrant silence about the past. When Nicholas stated that he was different from a majority of people, the redhead shrugged in response. There was always the possibility that he was merely being cynical. The glance away made the introvert presumed it was a topic best left for privacy. Considering his own displeasure in personal questions, Dexter remained hush, deciding not to push the stranger into informing him. They were after all mere acquaintances which meant these matters were unsuitable for topic in Dexter's opinion. When inquired about an Assembly of Phantoms woman, the redhead's yellow eyes widened a bit since it brought concerns about nearby terrors again.
"I haven't seen anybody like that, Dexter began. "I usually avoid AP members since I don't wanna be around terrors."
The redhead responded, feeling moderately guilty about being unable to redeem himself. When it came to concerns about Zeredah alongside the Assembly of Phantoms, Dexter was clueless. His fears over meeting a similar demise as his parents haunted him constantly, resulting in a constant avoidance of the menacing group. Shortly, eye contact was avoided as the thought crossed his mind and his yellow eyes clouded over with sorrow; an effect of pondering over his lost parents.
- - because it's difficult to find people who understand.
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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.
Special thanks for the members of TDOM who make suggestions to help make this site better. Even though we can not accept all suggestions, we immensely appreciate it. Thus, we give credit to any additions that you thought of and were later implimented by the staff, because we are glad you give us these excellent ideas.
