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!
[attr=class,toplyrics] maybe someday my heart's whispering wish
[attr=class,punkihomeslant]
[attr=class,punkihomelyrics]
[attr=class,punkihomeicon]
will lead the way to finding you
[attr=class,punkihomebottom]
[attr=class,punkihomebulk]
Warmth engulfed Alfonse's frame as the demon lowered to the ground, keeping him held up against him with his arm. However much his spirit yearned to find an escape and venture whichever way lead him far enough to find a means of returning home... his energy was painfully drained, dangerously low and leaving his weakened body in a state of vulnerability. A vulnerability that rendered him helpless at the hands of the demon, whom Alfonse.... felt.... overwhelmed by. H-He was.... in a state of shock from all that'd trapped him, but.... h-he was also overwhelmed.... by relief that this young man wasn't doing anything to harm him and was instead trying to save him.[break][break]
A quiet apology for his capture's actions reached the red bloodied fur of his ears, causing them to lightly twitch at the sound of his voice. Alfonse's small chest slowly, and steadily moved along with quieter breaths as he remained too weak to move... and too ruptured in an increasing painful aching within his head and bruised limbs to properly fend for himself. His eyes solemnly befell a soft narrow that glazed past the demon's T-shirt, his cheek lowered against the demon's warmth. Slowly, Alfonse attempted to look up to see the face of the unlikely source of his survival... but through the unfocused weak narrow of his eyes, he was just as unable to see his true features like before.[break][break]
The blurry vision of the demon's hand met with the dark tip of his horn, the sound of punctured flesh ringing in Alfonse's ears and stirred tension within him. His senses had dulled.... his ability to react or fully decipher what was happening numbing away from him, distancing from consciousness slowly. The smell of iron, strong and arising from blood pooling upon the floor, surfaced.... the obscure blurred room was darkening through the slow narrowed blink of his eyes, clinging to what he had left in him.... and it was only upon the activated soothing touch of summoned dark magic when the reality of consciousness slowly begun to repair within him.[break][break]
Gradually, the pulsation within his skull eased away, as did the distraught heaviness in the ways his eyes had closed start to uplift. Everything begun to brighten at a slow but certain rate from where his weakened body had laid, the warmth of the jacket underneath him becoming all the more apparent to him as did his surroundings. The smell of blood.... the scent of the demon, the aroma of certain furnishings within the room.... it all steadily started reaching his senses before Alfonse's eyes returned a fatigued but nonetheless still brightening life to them. They opened from their previous closed rest, initially flinching from returned light searing their delicate recovery sight. Wincing, blinking slowly, and reopening them entirely.... for the first time, the room was clear to him. While his body felt exhausted from what it'd been put through, the dire injury was gone... his pain nearly diminished in entirety.[break][break]
He still felt disconnected from his physical body, and shell-shocked... it took him a few moments to gather himself, shifting in place slowly to try regaining his strength as relief filled his chest. H-he couldn't believe.... the demon healed him, and that... h-he actually felt okay. He wasn't dead.... but everything still felt surreal. The scent of meat immediately dawned upon him when he'd shifted, his head lifting and seeing a plate with what he could easily tell was turkey and something else with a bowl of milk. Wearily, he tried to use his renewed strength to sit up as Alfonse's rejuvenated brightness in his eyes gleamed with remaining dismay, internal gratitude, and confusion. The faint markings of a hexing symbol were recognizable to him, and.... in that moment, he saw that not only had the demon saved his life, but even offered him a meal.[break][break]
The sound of bodily movement caused him to quickly turn his head in the direction of which he heard it, seeing the demon boy clearly for the first time. Dirty blonde hair, framing his face, with curved black horns... Alfonse was nearly intimidated by being met with his fully physical appearance for the first time. He could feel a quake of anxiousness within his chest.... conflicted by the fear of being trapped, and being thankful for what the stranger did for him. He observed him, taking in his demeanor, his scent, his facial features.... and as he rose onto all four paws and took a cautious few steps forward away from the coat, the strengthening scent of blood matched the scent of the hexing circle. He stopped without getting close to the demon, continuing to curiously observe him and process everything. I-It still completely overwhelmed him.... that the demon used his own blood to save him... gave him his coat, a meal... and didn't shove him back into the cage. What was he supposed to think of all this...? He couldn't fully trust him, could he? That... wouldn't be smart of him, would it? But it wasn't him who'd actually caged him, either...
An intense stare harbored from the pale blonde maiden, one of which evoked such a dominant stance that Alfonse could feel a gut-turning sensation of intimidation within his small frame. From where he'd clumsily fallen onto his bottom, the boy felt petrified into stillness... confused, shocked, a-and completely startled by this... th-this lady showing up out of nowhere while he was sleeping! His chest continued to visibly rise and lower with every shaken breath... and upon a multitude of pure white wings extending around her, his large eyes radiated in astonishment upon the sight. [break][break]
Only Guardians had so many wings... and wings that were so white... beautiful and rare, but... somehow eluding to even more of a gutting nervousness upon realizing the possible weight of him being met with one of her kind. There were two types of Guardians. Those whom derived directly from Heaven and were only on Earth to protect someone, and those whom were of Earthly origins but were still inevitably tasked with something of value to protect. E-either option.... was admirable, but very intimidating in his current predicament. His thoughts were scattered but in that moment of seeing the species she descended from, one thought was clear. Did he possibly disturb something, or someone she was protecting?[break][break]
Petals fluttered, carried away from the trees by the wind and framing her ethereal appearance. The strength in her voice as she introduced her status, eyes heavily examining him.... m-making him all the more nervous and frazzled. His face begun to warm from being overwhelmed by the situation, and sent into a panic from her powerful demeanor and scrutinizing question. He felt like he was going to faint.... how could he be so stupid to choose a Spiritually guarded tree to nap against?! Out of all the trees he'd passed by! H-He felt like he was going to die... he was going to die, wasn't he? [break][break]
"N-no! I swear, I-I didn't mean to disturb anything!" He frantically blurted out to her, and immediately after answering, he regained his posture into a sitting position that transitioned into a bow upon the petal-dusted forest floor with his cloak cascading around him, "I'm so sorry for intruding, I had no idea this was a sacred tree..." The boy's auburn hair had messily waved over his head due to his face being lowered towards the ground, a few stray petals visibly caught within their locks. His heart pounded against his chest as he remained in his bowed, respectful position... silently hoping and praying that the Guardian would have mercy on him for his oblivious mistake.
For a few distracted moments, Alfonse's wide and youthful eyes curiously roamed along the shelves of books they were now surrounded by. It, admittedly, wasn't very much compared to what he was used to. Perhaps he was spoiled by the ancient archives and libraries of the shrines he'd once spent ample time in overseas, although the concept of being spoiled was one unbeknownst to himself. He never really consider such things... but nonetheless, even while the library was quaint to his previous Library experiences, Alfonse still felt the same appreciation and wonderment regarding the multitude of books.[break][break]
He remained beside Preston while he glanced around, only returning his gaze when hearing Preston starting to answer his question. The brightness of his Aquamarine hues gazed upon the blonde as he described the appearance of the yearbook he was in search of. Silently, Alfonse took note... red cover with 2017-2018 printed on the spine. A small smile touched his lips and the boy promptly joined him in physically checking the rows of books in front of them. One of his lean hands revealed itself from its lifting motion, the sleeve of his cloak slipping down towards his elbow as his finger tip gently touched the spines of every book he glimpsed over. [break][break]
A soft deep-in-thought hum left him after a pause arose in their book hunting. His sixth sense begun creeping upon him, however... and slowly, he turned his head in a cautious manner towards the side, finding two students whom were hiding around the corner of a nearby shelf. Their faces were visibly peering over, staring at them... and it was only when Alfonse's eyes locked with theirs when both students quickly dove back behind the shelf entirely. His face once more warmed in self-conscious awkwardness, eyebrows knitting together. S-seriously? People were even spying on them now!? M-Maybe that would be the only time that happened.... he hoped...[break][break]
He resumed their book hunt, warily glancing over where the spying students had once been caught, and only relaxed when seeing that they weren't there anymore. It wasn't long before the book Preston described was found, his finger tip pausing on its spine as a brightness shown in his gaze. "I think I found it...!" He quietly declared, enthusiasm present in his voice. The boy slipped the book out from its spot and turned to face Preston with the year book extended out to him, "It looks like the right one!" A vague accomplished pride matched his enthusiasm and cheerful smile. Alfonse was always quite happy whenever succeeding in helping out another person with something they needed.
The few books Alfonse collected weren't a difficult feat to bring into his arms. One was heavier than the other, definitely being a class textbook given its larger size and hardback covers. When he'd already brought them within his grasp he reached for a couple others that he knew would be able to balance among the others he had with him. [break][break]
Goodness, Ivory had dropped a lot of her books... the more he observed and tried helping her, the more he realized that this girl had spilled what looked like a whole academic day's worth of reading material. Realistically, he couldn't collect all of them for her... and he did notice that Ivory seemed stagnant. [break][break]
Through his light auburn, wavy bangs he peered up at her, seeing one of her hands tightly cupping her knee. The observation was one he silently noted, once more glancing down to gather what else he could before reaching what was a comfortable limit of what he could help her with in terms of book-weight. A burst of laughter, not one belonging to Ivory, resounded before the demon's black-coat arms came reaching down near him to offer her own assistance. The laughter was enough to bring his gaze to look up at her, having missed whatever ordeal happened... and had clearly made Ivory all the more jumpy. The look on the demon's face seemed... almost menacing? An eyebrow lightly arched in confused apprehension, but Alfonse remained silent, standing up with a good amount of books in his arms.[break][break]
At the back of his mind, Alfonse wanted to use shadow magic to levitate some of the works... but, he could hear his mother's warning words of caution lingering within his thoughts. Warnings that it was better to lay low for awhile on his true species while getting a feel on the type of environment surrounded the high school and Lorsette itself. Back in his last homeland, it was more so common knowledge that he was a Nymph, and one thing he liked about being in a new place like this so far was that he didn't have that facade defining him. He was a clear slate. The demon's question shifted his thoughts back over to them, and he offered a light but uncomfortable smile strongly driven by Ivory's own uncertain aura surrounding her and whatever relationship she had with the older girl. "We have Alchemy together," He answered in his natural quieter voice, before another sheepish smile crossed his face, "W-well, we just met though. This is my first day at school,"[break][break]
Awkwardness tugged at him and mildly strengthened the light headache he encountered from the draining day of school. "Are you... related...?" He asked, attempting to be both polite and not... visibly awkward. He was still trying to re-compose himself after the literal collision from a few seconds again and now being met with a Demonness... who smelled very strongly of shampoo and hair product, of which he was noticing more. The abruptness of everything had prevented Alfonse from realizing how much Ivory had scraped her knee up.
Ivory's frazzled appearance and teary blue eyes succeeded in softening Alfonse's expression much more. He still felt a pang of irritation a moment ago, since... she'd taken him down with her during her clumsy spiel, but when seeing how upset she was and how she was apologizing... it was difficult for him to stay annoyed with her. He lightly sucked in his lower lip as he listened to her, sympathy beginning to show within his expression.[break][break]
Another presence appeared near them near the last few sniffling words of Ivory's explanation and Alfonse's eyes rose from Ivory, uplifting to see a darkly-dressed blonde girl.... one that stood out like a lone shadow in the middle of daylight. His youthful eyes gleamed in a less startled surprise than before, one of which that instead resonated from intrigue... before his gaze fell upon the obvious set of horns upon the girl's head. They were even decorated in long, flashy chain-like jewelry... i-it was hard not to notice.[break][break]
I-It was kind of.... well, honestly, h-he was a little startled by seeing a Demon like her in broad daylight. He'd only ever encountered them on a rare circumstance when being brought along to affairs involving Dawn of Shadowstride, and... he had one very unpleasant experience with them not too long ago. Alfonse was... intimidated by being presented with someone of her caliber, but... her jewelry around her horns... was also... really cool. The hues of his eyes nearly brightened in their momentary distracted fascination, almost failing to pay any attention to the brief exchange of words between her and Ivory. They seemed to know each other... so that must have meant a good thing.[break][break]
The demon extended a hand out to him, and Alfonse's large Aquamarine eyes lowered in a shy manner as he reached to grasp her hand. His hold was gentle, but firm enough to allow him some of his own leverage to lift himself up and onto his feet. "U-Um, thank you..." He murmured in the same shy mannerism, a sheepish smile crossing his face as his gaze still remained lowered off elsewhere before they fixated on Ivory. Briefly, he smoothed a hand over the front of his cloak to help it retrieve its meticulous cleanliness. "And, it's okay, Ivory," Alfonse attempted to offer in a supportive manner, not wanting her to feel too guilty or embarrassed with the situation, "Accidents happen... I'll help with picking up your books, okay? It really is fine," He flashed her soft, but more so encouraging smile in further attempts of trying to soothe over her feelings, reaching to collect the few scattered books that were closest to his feet.
A silent, barely audible groan left the young teen when not seeing one of his family's escort vehicles in clear view. A sea of other cars surrounding the front entrance yards of the school, and the parking lot... but either in the midst of other bustle he was missing his own form of transportation, or for whatever reason Ezriel was late. Which... Ezriel was never late... but for all he knew something else regarding his father's private affairs with him may have kept his hands tied. Then again, it wasn't like he had that much time to double-glance around.[break][break]
Before that could happen, a loud commotion hustled behind him. A multitude of items crashing behind him, and a loud squeak of a sneaker sharply reached his ears, arising a mild startled look of surprise within his large orbs. In a millisecond a hand had grabbed him, pressure pushing him forward.... before just as lightning-fast, whomever grabbed him yanked him backwards as though defying gravity by pulling him the exact opposite way he could have fallen forward. It all happened too fast for him to as much as turn around and see what even happened behind him. Without much need for any extra strength, the light weight of his body was practically flung backwards and swept right off his feet. [break][break]
His heart leaped in shock as his back fell atop of another body, the impact causing him to lean mid-ways onto his side. "Wh-what the--!?" His voice blurted in the very shock, if not secretly fright, that overtook him as he quickly squirmed up and off the girl. His frantic movements were swift in getting him off her, and instead beside her as he lightly fell onto his knees and jerked his head to look at the culprit. Among the clear shock that captivated his widened eyes, his eyebrows had lightly knitted in a defensive annoyance.... which only lightened up a bit when seeing it was Ivory. "I-Ivory...? What just happened, are-- are you okay?" He asked her, eyebrows knitting closer as his Aquamarine glaze flicked from her, to the books, to... more books that cluttered around them, then back to her....
[attr=class,toplyrics] maybe someday my heart's whispering wish
[attr=class,punkihomeslant]
[attr=class,punkihomelyrics]
[attr=class,punkihomeicon]
will lead the way to finding you
[attr=class,punkihomebottom]
[attr=class,punkihomebulk]
The sound of ascending footsteps reached Alfonse's ears, elevating him out of his previous fatigue when realizing that the demon was one more approaching the cage. Quickly, he tried to jerk his head out between the bars with more frantic force... but an immediate sharp, merciless sting rung throughout the nerves of his neck and head. A loud, short yip surfaced from him and rendered him into a halt... pain pulsing strongly enough to finally hold him down. The presence of the demon hovered above him and Alfonse could feel within the quivering of his body, reluctance and misery of being so helpless.... h-he felt.... so degraded, and weak.... unable to hide or escape as a pair of hands touched his fur, attempting to pull him out. [break][break]
The red fur along his spine bristled and twitched from the unwanted closeness of the demonic stranger. Though Alfonse was unable to fend for himself, his body still tensed defensively. His bones were stiff as he mentally tried preparing himself for the worst... if the boy was rough or harmed him, but nothing of that nature occurred. The stranger was careful and did nothing that detoured away from attempting to aid him from his... e-embarrassing, and really painful position. When the demon's hands left him, Alfonse didn't move. The worsening sensation within his head was enough to overcome his willpower to continue fighting against the bars. He could feel it in every fiber of his body that... he was in danger of loosing his health completely... and at every pinging, sharp, pain that arose, he didn't want to move and make it worse. [break][break]
His limbs caved in underneath him and his belly fell flat against the metal, head heavily weighing downwards towards the bed as blood glossed the bars that wedged him. At the sound of footsteps leaving the room, Alfonse weakly remained where his body collapsed with nothing but the distant noises outside the room accompanying him. It all fell numb to him... as did the room, as spots shown in his vision.[break][break]
By the time the demon returned, Alfonse's head had fallen down towards the outside lining of metal beyond the bars. The defensive tensing his body lessened and the strength he mustered was almost drained. He recognized the scent that followed the demon and didn't feel the same fear as he did before. He still didn't know the boy's true intentions but he knew enough that... he wasn't heartless and he seemed to want to help him... at least enough to get out of the cage. The whispering voice caused Alfonse's gloomy, narrowed eyes to blink open a little wider to glimpse towards him when hearing the sound of items being thrown onto something. All he could see was the demon's blob, infiltrated with spots.[break][break]
The boy's hands once more reached for him, and Alfonse subconsciously tensed a little at the returning feel of fingers grasping him. The strong scent of butter sweetly arose and nauseated him as it smeared along the fur on his neck and the bars. When he was grabbed, the icky feeling of its grease smoothed along his neck before his head started to finally slip through... slowly, but much better than before. The impact along the bloodied gash on his head pressed a cry from Alfonse, trying to resist its agony, but it was all over with... the faux red fur was matted in blood and buttery grease, and his throbbing pain screamed in affliction... but he was free... and limp within the boy's grasp, a shaking breath noisily leaving through his nose as spots continued infiltrating his fogged eyesight.
[attr=class,toplyrics] maybe someday my heart's whispering wish
[attr=class,punkihomeslant]
[attr=class,punkihomelyrics]
[attr=class,punkihomeicon]
will lead the way to finding you
[attr=class,punkihomebottom]
[attr=class,punkihomebulk]
From behind him, Alfonse could hear the shuffling of body movement.... the very notion stirred his weak front paws to reach impossibly farther ahead of himself in desperation. He fought to squeeze his muzzle through the bars more, but found himself unable to push more than he already had. The throbbing in his skull hadn't ceased but within the passing moments of his final panicked attempt of freeing himself, the pain caught up with him... enough to slow his movements. The fire in his spirit refused to be defeated by the poor physical state he was in... but it was but when the looming of the demon boy's shadow overcame the cage when Alfonse's heart tightly squeezed in his chest with immediate, greater fear.[break][break]
The sound of a latch came undone. Terrified and weary, his Aquamarine eyes flicked beside him in the direction in which the boy's hands had just touched the perimeter of the cage. Thump, thump, thump raced his heart in a wild manner. Th-this couldn't be the end of him... he didn't want to die... h-he didn't want to be a prisoner... and he didn't want to be touched... his mind raced with subconscious horrified paranoias that only vaguely ceased when hearing a softer voice leave the demon. Alfonse's arms stopped in their reaching for freedom... the heaving of his chest persistently, albeit he took notice of the lack of aggression displayed by the demon. While his vision was still blurred, it was enough for him to see that he took a few steps away from the cage and bed.[break][break]
He didn't grab him, but.... Alfonse still lacked trust. His eyes focused the best they could on him, not once glancing away and trying to observe him... he wanted to see his face, the way his body language presented himself.... but both features he couldn't decipher because of his own weakening consciousness. He felt worse, even, then before....[break][break]
A pause arose as his still, injured frame remained posted where he'd positioned himself and his eyes carefully stared at demon. If he left the cage... what if he entered another, worse trap than this? Anxiously he tried to sort through what to do, the beating in his skull arising an occasional flinch in his gaze... before Alfonse, slowly, begun to once more try to stand up on his own. His paws wobbled, his bum and tail slouched underneath him, as he tried to bring his head out from between the bars. His movements appeared dizzy and unsteady, but with motive. However it didn't take long at all for Alfonse to realize a new predicament... his shoulders were stuck at the bars, as he was unable to squeeze his head out from the bars as easily as he squeezed it through. He tried tilting it in a different direction but found no luck, and if anything, it caused him more pain. Another small, stressed whine left through his nose as he tried yet another angle... feeling defeated.... a-and overwhelmed with anger towards his capture and himself... f-for even getting more stuck than he already was.
Alfonse tried hiding how anxious and uncomfortable he truly felt, his smile nervously remaining upon the fair complexion of his face while gloved hands once more threatened to resume its nervous folding and fidgeting of fingers. The long sleeves of his silken cloak were able to conceal them, much due to the reasoning that his hands were low near his sides. A murmur of curious voices reached his ears.... voices all but too whispered for him to understand what they were saying. [break][break]
H-he felt.... like a weirdo here.... a-and it didn't help that his dad was insistent that they always had guards with them even in the city. N-no one else had a guard with them at this school! Why should he? Was his dad going to make him have a guard with them in class too? T-the thought was really embarrassing.... he kind of felt like it was unlikely, though... unless if his dad had them spy on him in secrecy. That sounded a lot more likely...[break][break]
When Preston told him that he was considering finding a yearbook, Alfonse attempted to push his fretful thoughts away and focus solely on the boy and his tasks. He wanted to act as normally as possible... i-if it even were possible, so that things wouldn't feel as unnerving to him and he could maybe even make a new friend before his first day of class. He nodded in a listening manner and when the blonde begun his stroll towards the back, he begun following him. His guard started doing the same before Alfonse turned around, pausing in his steps with a hitched breath in preparation for what he was about to say. H-he did feel a little... annoyed with the man's looming presence when he was trying to be a normal kid. "Would you mind waiting for us to be done? Maybe you can find a book to read...." He asked in a lowered voice and with a polite smile. The man's greys momentarily weighed upon the youth before he closed them with a slight nod of his head in compliance. "Yeah... as you wish," His husky voice answered and relief shown within Alfonse's discomfort pooling within his gaze. "Thank you, Ezriel,"[break][break]
Thank goodness! He didn't see why his guard had loom over them so much in a library, anyway.... and it meant he could talk with Preston more. A-and, maybe not be stared at so much! Alfonse had easily caught up with Preston,having not fallen behind by much anyway, and his light footsteps had made him sound nearly inaudible before he found himself once more near and beside the blonde boy. "Can I help?" He asked him, gaze maneuvering about the boys as curiosity gleamed within his gaze, "What does a yearbook look like?" Truth be told, Alfonse had never seen a year book before in his life. He had class photos but never a need for the type of book Preston was referring to.
The gentle light breeze kissing the Peach blossom tree with its sway allowed for the sole lullaby of undisturbed nature to touch the boy's ears. The clearing was isolated from what felt like the rest of the world.... and yet, in such isolation, he felt the utmost peace and tranquility. A sensation that was rare to find in the presence of other people; in the rushing bustle of cities where so many dwelt and were often unaware of the natural beauties that lurked beyond the man-made territories. [break][break]
His slumber was soothing and deep enough to prevent him from being aware of the presence of another soul. Upon the feeling of soft fingers gently touching his skin, brushing the few wavy locks that'd befallen his cheeks from the sweeping breeze, a smile delicately hinted along his lips. The touch was soft and caring, reminding him of his mother. When he was small, he'd sometimes feel his hair brushed away from his eyes, or his cheeks caressed. The touch always brought him the warmth of security and safety. Subconsciously, Alfonse had related such a gesture to those memories, not awake enough to realize anything different within the shelter he'd found.[break][break]
A peach blossom floated down onto his face, tickling his small nose and causing it to twitch... and then catch a sweet aroma that stirred him. Among the floral smells of blossom petals fresh flower-dolloped grass, something else joined among them that touched his inherited enhanced sense of smell. Something that was really pleasant...[break][break]
A quiet, tired hum left Alfonse as he lightly shifted in his sleep, causing for his head to lift up higher and rest more so against the base of the tree. Wisps of hair befell his ears and away from his face upon the notion.... before, slowly, his eyes begun to open as he awoke from his nap. Large Aquamarine eyes opened into a soft narrow, before slowly blinking open wider. The same beautiful scenery of the clearing unveiled before him... until his sleepy gaze arose beside him. In that moment, the presence of a light-skinned maiden, pale blonde hair flowing over her frame dressed in white and a nostalgic warmth showing within her purple hues dawned upon him.[break][break]
His eyes grew impossibly larger, wide and startled, as a shocked yelp left him. The boy jolted in a panicked fright to stand himself up, but what instead happened out of his clumsy moment, was him falling back down along the scattering of fallen blossoms. His cloak flowed with his movements and the petals that'd collected on his face had, too, floated to join the rest upon the clearing ground. "A-a-ah....!" He breathed out in a shaking voice, chest heaving as wide youthful eyes stared at the maiden whom had joined him, unbeknownst to himself. One leg had awkwardly laid in front of him while the other had its knee bent up, arms behind him with hands planted among the soil to lift the upper region of his body up. "Wh-who-- wh-who a-are you...?" He managed to stammer out through his unsteady breaths, visibly quite caught-off guard by her company. His chest rose and lowered with every breath, his heart feeling as though it were attempting to leap right out of his chest. H-he d-didn't think anyone else was out here...! H-he didn't remember seeing anyone.... n-not here, a-and not near the willows...
Alfonse's first day of public school was... well.... okay. All of his determined attempts of persuading, convincing, and arguing to his parents how he would benefit much more from continuing his academics the way they'd been presented to him before didn't work. His father, with his ruling iron fist, told him that whatever he says he wants him to do, he will do.... a-and it wasn't fair! I-It made him, so... so--! So mad! Whenever his father was stubborn with his decision, though, Alfonse knew that there was a limit on how much he could press and plead before hitting a nerve. With great disappointment, he was forced to attend Lorsette High whether if he liked it or not. Apparently the 'exposure' would be good for him and his future as a well-rounded individual.[break][break]
His first day of being stuck in prison was finally just about over, though, and it took forever to get through all the mundane classes. Time went by painfully slow. He was introduced in front of the class on more than one occasion and it didn't take long for him to have a strong sense that a lot of the students in his freshman level were already well-established with one another. It was already difficult for him to feel at ease in his new academic environment... but seeing as how so many students were already friends and having accustomed themselves to everything made it all the more alienating for him. The boy kept mostly to himself, only finding solace with the company of one other quiet and reserved individual named Preston whom had been his tour guide. The only other youth his age whom was recognizable here to him, not surrounded by a multitude of others, and had the familiar sent of pine and winter essence cologne that lulled him away from stale aromas of bodies crammed into closed-off rooms. Don't even get him started on how awful the designated 'cafeteria' smelled.... e-ew....[break][break]
The industrial classrooms felt unnatural and unnerving, much like when he was on tour the week prior, and the numerous scents his sensitive nose picked up were still very unpleasant to him... it was still overwhelming... and nothing like what was home to him. H-he really didn't like it here... at all.... and missed having his private studies, roaming wherever he desired and having all the time possible during daylight hours to practice his craft with mentors and fellow magically inclined children. Everything was just... cold and dull here. It made him nervous... and the sensation of not fitting in, or belonging, didn't once cease. A-and he didn't care for the topics discussed, either. Only when he was introduced to his first elective did something catch his wandering drifting thoughts that daydreamed of when he'd finally be able to leave after the long, boring, awkward day. [break][break]
The school offered an Alchemy elective that Alfonse's parents convinced the Principal to allow him to join, and it was the only class out of his whole day he enjoyed. The teacher was passionate, quirky and odd in a way that intrigued Alfonse's interest all the more when hearing of their own stories behind certain gathering expeditions and experiments of all kinds of potions. The learning material was provided in a much more hands on and creative way, too, which differed greatly from his classes earlier on in the day. It was like a fresh breath of air for his mind... though a lot of what they went over were things Alfonse already knew. It was easy but still more fun than anything else today. The class was smaller, too, which was quite consoling to him and he even found himself raising his hand a couple times.[break][break]
By the end of the class, they were given a group project to work on for the week. While everyone had quickly found their friends to pair up with, one girl named Ivory saved him from the sheepish anxiety of being all alone without anyone to work with. She was very friendly and nice, asking him if they could be partners, and Alfonse agreed in gratitude and relief. The teacher showed them a few possible alchemist potions, what they would look like when done correctly and if performed improperly, and also showed a variety of possible approaches that would be allowed for their project. Students, for the most part, would have the freedom to conduct what they desired to so long as it was safe and Alfonse's imagination was pleasantly peeked with such freedom. He was kind of excited to work with Ivory and make something... it was at least something fun in the midst of everything else.[break][break]
When class was over, it signified the end of the day and a time when Alfonse could finally go home. He had been miserable for most of his first normal school experience but it ended on a good note... he was definitely thankful for that fact, and how there was a glimmer of hope that he could still practice something he cared about while attending this institution. Th-that is, until his parents changed their minds... he didn't give up yet on that happening![break][break]
With a weary yawn, Alfonse had left class a little later than his peers. The chaos of students in the halls intimidated him and weren't worth getting caught up in. He waited before the hallways sounded quieter before he slipped his button-up cloak on and ventured out. His book bag neatly laid over one shoulder with a hand grasping its strap, tired Aquamarine eyes gazing in front of him as he navigated his way towards the building's exit. He was drained... and he felt a light headache starting to occur within the top of his skull. It would be nice when he could finally hide himself away in a drawn bath at home... where he could rejuvenate his energy and remedy away the tension in his head. The thought encouraged him to speed up in his walking. As he stepped outside he paused at the top of the stairs, where the entrance of the school yards unveiled. The flecks of green and blue swam within his irises as his eyes narrowed through the sunlight, trying to see if he could spot his escort. Ezriel was supposed to be waiting for him outside of a vehicle.
Silence was consumed in tranquility of the forested outskirts, where spring brought forth new life after the brutality of winter. Light April showers tumbled over the forests all of yesterday with a break-through in the weather this morning. Although the sunlight was sparse with pale clouds abundantly canvasing the skies, a glow of warmth still cast down upon the softened soil as though offering hope for better seasons. Not a single human soul dwelt among the orchards of trees where Alfonse had taken upon himself to journey through, nor did anything but the cool spring breeze disturb the stillness of nature. His footsteps were light, his hiking boots all but leaving a vague trail of small prints along the dewy soft earth as he traveled along the private grove of scenery. He wore upon him a rich, dark blue cloak trimmed in gold thread, a large hood pulled over his head and a satchel buckled over one of his shoulder. He was alone, but on a mission. [break][break]
A mission of assisting the Apothecary that was currently visiting their home located in the seclusion of the Coastal borders. The man was a loyal medic under one of their clan's defense divisions in New Zealand and was currently staying with them, most likely temporary and for business purposes with his father. The Apothecary was in need of specific root-flowers and herbs grown within a very specific region of the forests, far away from where human feet normally touched. Alfonse was sent to gather what he required to bring back so that he may continue formulating his potions. The young boy enjoyed being outside after the period of rain and having an excuse to venture out of their estate without his mother being suspicious of him. He, of course, was unable to leave without having a tracking charm placed upon him so that his whereabouts were always known...[break][break]
As he walked, he held within his palm a glowing amulet that served as his compass. When nearing the plants needed for the Apothecary's recipe, the amulet was supposed to intensify in radiation and warm in temperature. Alfonse navigated through numerous paths of the forest as he followed whichever direction the amulet responded to. Its guidance lead him to an expanse of willow trees, branches swaying with long flowery vines that he gently brushed through using a gloved hand while stepping through their veils. The amulet continued warming, more and more, with its light gradually brightening.... he was headed in the right direction, and thankfully hadn't gotten lost. When reaching his destination, he found an abundant dolloping of herbs scattered throughout the grassy bedding surrounding the Willows. [break][break]
Wood sorrel, toothwort, knapweed, crimson clover, purple deadknettle all were within his reach. Alfonse knelt down, collecting the herbs and flowers matching the description of what the Apothecary provided him. Busily he toiled away for a countless time as the morning sunlight fought to break through the clouds with little luck. When he'd finished within the Willow grove, Alfonse set forth to seek the remaining herbs needed. As he brushed through the veils of willowy vines, they gradually became more scarce.... until, eventually, the boy happened upon a lone Peach Blossom tree. Pink petals vibrantly shown where the sunlight cast effortlessly, defeating the clouds, and allowing for a spotlight to cast over its lonesome existence. The sight was beautiful... immediately capturing Alfonse's attention as curious Aquamarine eyes befell where it stood. He stepped towards it, feet brushing along a few fallen blossom petals, and the closer he drew towards the tree the grander and taller it towered above him. [break][break]
He stood before its presence with his head tilted up to take in its mysterious beauty. The blossoms covered every contouring of its branches with brilliant pink hues illuminated by the ring of light. His youthful eyes shown in awe as he appreciated what he saw. "What a beautiful tree," Alfonse softly spoke aloud, a gentle smile crossing his features. The strap of his satchel was slowly slipping off his shoulder during his distracted state of mind but before it could tumble off him, he caught it and instead removed it himself. The boy set it aside, some of the herbs peering through its pockets. Alfonse stepped up to the base of the tree, chin tilted upwards and allowing for his hood to fall down as he lightly spun in a circle while trying to see how far up the branches stood.... how many tiers, and how many blossoms there were. His innocent smile grew as his thoughts took him through a moment of daydreaming, before he stopped in his idle spinning. "I don't think they would mind if I rested for a few minutes..." He mused softly. The ground was still damp.... but Alfonse fixed the issue with a rehearsed swish of his hands, dew droplets immediately levitating away from the surrounding patches of grass and floating up towards his hand. The dew drops gathered into a small water orb that Alfonse carefully sent towards a small bedding of nearby flowers, so that they may receive the extra sip of water before he sat down up against the base of the tree. "I hope it's okay if I keep you company..." The youth spoke in a gentle tone, his large eyes slowly blinking closed, "I promise I won't stay long,"[break][break]
Although he'd merely intended to close his mind and meditate, absorbing the essence of nature for his mental well-being as Master Leon taught him to do for the vitality of the soul, the peacefulness was all but too comforting. Alfonse unintentionally drifted off into a light slumbeer, sunlight gently kissing the Peach blossom tree. His legs lay in front of him with the peaceful expression of a resting child capturing his expression of his slightly-lowered face.
.... Y-yeah, yeah that's right! I-I'm strong, and... and brave, and can take care of myself and my allies. So, um, don't... mess with me! Or my friends!
.... Not that I'm trying to start a fight with anybody..."
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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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