The Longest Thread (Misadventures)

[Through the Living Wrath he/him]

44 minutes ago, Bird Furious said:

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That… seems wrong.

But that’s not important. I need to convince you that I deserve Protagonist. And I’m not sure how to go about that. 

 

 

“You are NOT expendable,” she said. “Least expendable person in the world. No.” 

Xanther yawned. 

-

“How am I supposed to get to know her if I never talk to her???”

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It makes sense, trust me.

Mmhmm

totally

Bat! I thought this would be obvious! I’ve thought you were worthy since I gave you the Notblades.

 

 

 

[Bird Furious she/her/un/important]

18 minutes ago, SpiritOfWrath said:

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It makes sense, trust me.

Mmhmm

totally

Bat! I thought this would be obvious! I’ve thought you were worthy since I gave you the Notblades.

 

 

 

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The Scribe felt the mental impression of a blush.

Oh. Thank you. I just have to convince everyone else now. 

 

 

 

[Through the Living Wrath he/him]

1 hour ago, Bird Furious said:

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The Scribe felt the mental impression of a blush.

Oh. Thank you. I just have to convince everyone else now. 

 

 

 

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Hang on. Rebus has already violated the agreement. But I won’t hold it against him.

 

 

 

 

 

@Dragonheir

”Rebus.” The voice was pained. “Do you seek to take advantage of my Author’s inactivity? Did it not OCCUR to you to tell me that you already had Antagonist? With this information, I’d like to revise the terms. If I win, you relinquish Antagonist, and are bound not to quest for it again.”

[Bird Furious she/her/un/important]

1 hour ago, SpiritOfWrath said:

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Hang on. Rebus has already violated the agreement. But I won’t hold it against him.

 

 

 

 

 

@Dragonheir

”Rebus.” The voice was pained. “Do you seek to take advantage of my Author’s inactivity? Did it not OCCUR to you to tell me that you already had Antagonist? With this information, I’d like to revise the terms. If I win, you relinquish Antagonist, and are bound not to quest for it again.”

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Oh. Oh, I see. 

 

 

 

[Through the Living Wrath he/him]

6 minutes ago, Bird Furious said:

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Oh. Oh, I see. 

 

 

 

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You see… what? Hopefully something good.

 

 

 

[Through The Living Ash he/him]

17 hours ago, Dragonheir said:

It was a weird feeling, having a machine inside her, absorbing Narration she sent into it. 
This is Chaotic Order - it manipulates emergence, usually interesting interactions between parts of things. It can cause coincidences, allow magics and skills to combine in ways they wouldn’t, and boost bonds and interactions up to Narration levels of power. The material and magic users don’t have cool names, yet, though. 

Tam has not been gone 1000 pages, unless there has been something strange happening. 

It makes sense. 

Rebus assembled a body on a deserted planet he was converting to nanomachines. “This clone shall be considered my champion for this challenge.” 

“Nanomachines are very small tools that function on their own - there are many types, and they can do nearly anything.” He waved his hands around, and piles of treasure, tables of food, several people, and a house appeared. “I’m sure you can see the benefits.” 

It would, because in order for it do be used for anything it must be unfrozen, but this does slow down the cost when unused to an incredible degree. 
Rebus would have been a little surprised by the realization, but Heir was pretty sure his Thread Perception had been taken away again. Once Keys had finished setting up the fire, Rebus began to strike sparks at it. 
Rebus nodded. “It is only fair - we shall see if you get use out of them, for they are magic.” 
Bat frowned. “Nothing - I just woke up here. What’s wrong?” 
“They’re still technically supposed to be looking for you, actually, but they stopped trying once it stopped looking like they’d be paid.” 

"I can see that. Then what did you need of us?" 

[xinoehp512 he/him]

On 6/21/2025 at 4:41 PM, Bird Furious said:

She scowled. "Well... how do you know I'm not a danger to myself? Maybe leaving me here is the least safe thing you could do." 

"As long as you are here, no harm will come to you."

On 6/21/2025 at 5:46 PM, Hawks said:

"yeah but will I come back?"

"Indeed you shall! Roller coasters always come back to where they started. Unless something goes very wrong. But nothing's going to go wrong! I guarantee it."

On 6/21/2025 at 8:09 PM, Dragonheir said:

“Alright… this will require physical manipulation of your core, either inside or outside your body.” 

“Someone to run the public transportation network, with general efficiency and good public image - though of course you don’t need to actually live up to it - and a cut of the more eclectic payments going to me.” 

“That, I can try,” Rebus said, somehow making a small white rock appear in his hand. It was quartz, and he’d found it on the ground a few minutes earlier, slight-of-handing it to add unnecessary flair. “If you have something metal - or I suppose I could try the hinges of my glasses - this will spark.” 
Rebus nodded thoughtfully. “Gloves representative of me, or of you? For the former, I have some consideration to do - lasers and lightning do not provide the elegance I believe you desire.” 
Rebus took mental notes, realizing once again what a genius this man was. “You have done incredibly well, Mr. Whitlock. I’m glad to have had you in my employ. But that isn’t the whole reason I came to visit you - I’m still not entirely sure how I should tell you this, but Bat is dead.” 

“It is,” Rebus said, “but if you pick the right person and the right hobby, you’ll enjoy it and actually succeed.” 
“I assume literal corners as well, but you are right.” 

“Exactly? Answering that question would never end. But generally, Fate used a favor I owed him to have me read his book - specifically the messed up page you have.” 

Traps, mostly. There’s not a ton you could do to avoid hurting yourself, though you can restructure the maze. 

"Um." said Bacon, taking a step backwards. "Uh. I don't know what you're talking about."

21 hours ago, Bird Furious said:

Meanwhile, Xanther went to meddle somewhere else. 

@xinoehp512 

He knocked with his staff. “Fate? Fate, my dear, I’m here on behalf of a friend.”

The wind whispered.

"What do you seek?"

[TwinStorm He/Him]

7 hours ago, Bird Furious said:

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That… seems wrong.

But that’s not important. I need to convince you that I deserve Protagonist. And I’m not sure how to go about that. 

 

 

“You are NOT expendable,” she said. “Least expendable person in the world. No.” 

Xanther yawned. 

-

“How am I supposed to get to know her if I never talk to her???”

"If I am gonna die, I'm going down swinging." he said, moving past her. He was getting angry. "Xanther! You coward! Come fight?"

-

"You don't start off that way."

[Bird Furious she/her/un/important]

10 hours ago, SpiritOfWrath said:

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You see… what? Hopefully something good.

 

 

 

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Oh! Yeah. Very good. Just... thanks. For believing in me. 

 

 

7 hours ago, xinoehp512 said:

"As long as you are here, no harm will come to you."

The wind whispered.

"What do you seek?"

"I don't like it here!" 

=

"Were you to have a guarantee from me that no harm would come to her, would you let her go in order to avoid mental damage?" 

6 hours ago, TwinStorm said:

"If I am gonna die, I'm going down swinging." he said, moving past her. He was getting angry. "Xanther! You coward! Come fight?"

-

"You don't start off that way."

He yawned again. "Coward? Hah. Apparently common courtesy is cowardly now." 

=

That... made some sense. 

"How do you start?" 

[TwinStorm He/Him]

8 hours ago, Bird Furious said:

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Oh! Yeah. Very good. Just... thanks. For believing in me. 

 

 

"I don't like it here!" 

=

"Were you to have a guarantee from me that no harm would come to her, would you let her go in order to avoid mental damage?" 

He yawned again. "Coward? Hah. Apparently common courtesy is cowardly now." 

=

That... made some sense. 

"How do you start?" 

Cricket grit his teeth. "You realize I'm trying to taunt you? Most villains fall for it?"

-

"I don't know."

[Through the Living Wrath he/him]

8 hours ago, Bird Furious said:

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Oh! Yeah. Very good. Just... thanks. For believing in me. 

 

 

"I don't like it here!" 

=

"Were you to have a guarantee from me that no harm would come to her, would you let her go in order to avoid mental damage?" 

He yawned again. "Coward? Hah. Apparently common courtesy is cowardly now." 

=

That... made some sense. 

"How do you start?" 

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Yep! No problemo, Joe.

 …soory. Um…

Yea… please ignore that. Um…

 

 

 

[KnightSkye Reforged They/Them]

On 5/20/2025 at 11:47 PM, Through The Living Glass said:

The water hated him back.

'Twas a giant turtle. The shell was weirdly warm . . .

It took a deep breath of air and stayed just below the surface, resting.

@Bird Furious

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Eepy landed happily on his arm and then clung to his head.

Sorry for taking so long to get back to this.

"Well." Cadewyn looked around. "#%$&. Eepy, do you have any ideas for what to do, cause I am out."

Edited June 24, 2025 by KnightSkye

[Bird Furious she/her/un/important]

5 hours ago, TwinStorm said:

Cricket grit his teeth. "You realize I'm trying to taunt you? Most villains fall for it?"

-

"I don't know."

“Of course I realize, dear boy.” He yawned again. 
Rose tugged on his arm. “We should go.”

Xander considered whether to let them or not. 

-

“Wow, thanks for the advice,” he drawled. 

4 hours ago, SpiritOfWrath said:

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Yep! No problemo, Joe.

 …soory. Um…

Yea… please ignore that. Um…

 

 

 

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Laughter. No worries. 

 

4 hours ago, KnightSkye said:

@Bird Furious

Sorry for taking so long to get back to this.

"Well." Cadewyn looked around. "#%$&. Eepy, do you have any ideas for what to do, cause I am out."

No worries  

Eepy thought. 
“Make a raft!” She chirped. 

[TwinStorm He/Him]

1 hour ago, Bird Furious said:

“Of course I realize, dear boy.” He yawned again. 
Rose tugged on his arm. “We should go.”

Xander considered whether to let them or not. 

-

“Wow, thanks for the advice,” he drawled. 

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Laughter. No worries. 

 

No worries  

Eepy thought. 
“Make a raft!” She chirped. 

Cricket sighed. They probably should but . . .

"Hey!" he called out. "If you're a literal Author, an extradimensional being of immense power, why do you work for Rebus?"

-

"Of course." replied the sky, who did not understand sarcasm.

[𝖂𝖍𝖎𝖗𝖙𝖊]

On 6/17/2025 at 11:40 AM, Dragonheir said:

Rebel smiled back, and teleported Rose to them. And then frowned, because it didn't work. "Ah, the Nullite tattoos." 

Would you like to do something different? 

The crossbow did not turn into a hot cross bun. Instead, frost crept up Bacon's musical instrument - whichever one it was - and it began to crumble. 

Rebus frowned. The Authors were being frustratingly busy this summer. 

Rebus's mind was not a nice place to experience. Branching strands of mental connections reached to other places: Zoomslug, a mind-numbing number of machines surrounding Zoomslug, more minds identical to Rebus, a faint link to something vaguely recognizable as a conscience, and an otherworldly mind - somehow both human and incomprehensible - linked fully and completely to Rebus. His personality was a terrible ball of pain, fear, and longing wrapped with cold callousness and brilliant plans -  the edges covered in a mask of kindness, curiosity, and happiness far to thin to be healthy. 

Rebus took in the entire scene: the woods, the stars, Symbol's expression. Then he started shivering, and realized how cold he was. "We should find shelter - or make it." 

The air around his neck solidified, the utility fog dragging him backwards and pinning him to the wall. "No," Rebus said, walking towards Bat with fury in his eyes. "You will not." 

Zoomslug fluted in alarm and zipped over to Rebus, nuzzling his foot. Zoomslug attempted to project comfort, not quite understanding the contents of Rebus's mind, but knowing something was horribly wrong.

[Through the Living Heir he/him]

On 6/22/2025 at 11:58 PM, Through The Living Glass said:

Hmmm, I don't remember admitting anything

hmm

A character would be nice

hehe

In my defense, it was midnight. That should say that Rebus looked at him. 

I suppose you didn’t. 
A fairly large area of darkness darted over to the portal, having been abandoned once again. Whan - who was of course the source of the darkness - looked around. 

On 6/23/2025 at 1:25 AM, Bird Furious said:

She gave him a thumbs up and glanced at her watch. “We won’t have to sleep here. My gateways should come back in two hours.” 

“Ahh, fascinating.” He grinned. “Thank you.” 

Mr. Whitlock pulled away and carefully examined him. “I’m glad you’re here,” he said softly. 

“Beh. If she tries to kill me I’ll just chuck fire at her.” 

Xanther grinned and saluted Rebus. Why was he there? A good question. Mostly because he wanted to be. 
Mostly. 

Rebus smiled, putting a few more sticks on the fire. “That’s good, then. Have I introduced myself?” 
Rebus nodded at him. “You have done much for me - I should be thanking you.” 
“Me too,” he said, looking around. Then he frowned, suddenly distressed. “Where’s Tam?” 
Rebus sighed. “A good chunk of the Machination went into hiding - they have antiteleportation devices, and have actually concealed a number of planets.” 
Mostly…

On 6/23/2025 at 8:59 AM, TwinStorm said:

alright so some luck powers

She winced. "This is . . . weird. What does it do?"

“Many things, likely some of which I haven’t discovered. It can create coincidences - most of which so far have been the failure of my equipment, but you should be able to direct it - as well as control other forms of emergence. Strengthening bonds and facilitating interactions between things seem to be the most useful application.” 

On 6/23/2025 at 12:53 PM, SpiritOfWrath said:

Dragonheir

”Rebus.” The voice was pained. “Do you seek to take advantage of my Author’s inactivity? Did it not OCCUR to you to tell me that you already had Antagonist? With this information, I’d like to revise the terms. If I win, you relinquish Antagonist, and are bound not to quest for it again.”

Rebus chuckled. “I did do that - what were you expecting? Whom are you intending me to relinquish Antagonist to, should you win? For I did earn it - both me and my Auther have spent time for it; Bat’s death was in part so I could have it. A containment system I don’t particularly need unless the plague travels through space and a redundant material I don’t know how to use is not a significant prize in the face of giving up all I’ve worked for.” 

On 6/23/2025 at 3:49 PM, Ashkaloda said:

"I can see that. Then what did you need of us?" 

“I need citizens, bureaucrats and administrators, more eclectic sources of payment or resources, and plenty of other things.” 

On 6/23/2025 at 5:31 PM, xinoehp512 said:

"Um." said Bacon, taking a step backwards. "Uh. I don't know what you're talking about."

“That could be true, given your memory loss, but I doubt it. You should know I never break my promises, Bacon.” 

6 hours ago, 𝖂𝖍𝖎𝖗𝖙𝖊 said:

Zoomslug fluted in alarm and zipped over to Rebus, nuzzling his foot. Zoomslug attempted to project comfort, not quite understanding the contents of Rebus's mind, but knowing something was horribly wrong.

Rebus looked down at the creature, a faint smile on his face. “That’s the point, little one. I carved out my conscience, and earlier than that my restlessness and pettiness, for a reason. A normal mind would not be able to do what I can and stay intact.” 

[TwinStorm He/Him]

14 minutes ago, Dragonheir said:

In my defense, it was midnight. That should say that Rebus looked at him. 

I suppose you didn’t. 
A fairly large area of darkness darted over to the portal, having been abandoned once again. Whan - who was of course the source of the darkness - looked around. 

Rebus smiled, putting a few more sticks on the fire. “That’s good, then. Have I introduced myself?” 
Rebus nodded at him. “You have done much for me - I should be thanking you.” 
“Me too,” he said, looking around. Then he frowned, suddenly distressed. “Where’s Tam?” 
Rebus sighed. “A good chunk of the Machination went into hiding - they have antiteleportation devices, and have actually concealed a number of planets.” 
Mostly…

“Many things, likely some of which I haven’t discovered. It can create coincidences - most of which so far have been the failure of my equipment, but you should be able to direct it - as well as control other forms of emergence. Strengthening bonds and facilitating interactions between things seem to be the most useful application.” 

Rebus chuckled. “I did do that - what were you expecting? Whom are you intending me to relinquish Antagonist to, should you win? For I did earn it - both me and my Auther have spent time for it; Bat’s death was in part so I could have it. A containment system I don’t particularly need unless the plague travels through space and a redundant material I don’t know how to use is not a significant prize in the face of giving up all I’ve worked for.” 

“I need citizens, bureaucrats and administrators, more eclectic sources of payment or resources, and plenty of other things.” 

“That could be true, given your memory loss, but I doubt it. You should know I never break my promises, Bacon.” 

Rebus looked down at the creature, a faint smile on his face. “That’s the point, little one. I carved out my conscience, and earlier than that my restlessness and pettiness, for a reason. A normal mind would not be able to do what I can and stay intact.” 

"Alright." she nodded, wishing he was less vague. "Wanna test it?"

[Through the Living Heir he/him]

1 minute ago, TwinStorm said:

"Alright." she nodded, wishing he was less vague. "Wanna test it?"

“Yes, I do - that would allow less vagueness. Let’s see… if we go to somewhere with people, you can probably start a flash mob or riot.” 

[Bird Furious she/her/un/important]

9 hours ago, TwinStorm said:

Cricket sighed. They probably should but . . .

"Hey!" he called out. "If you're a literal Author, an extradimensional being of immense power, why do you work for Rebus?"

-

"Of course." replied the sky, who did not understand sarcasm.

Xander shrugged. “Because I feel like it. Must there be a reason for everything, boy?” 

8 hours ago, 𝖂𝖍𝖎𝖗𝖙𝖊 said:

Zoomslug fluted in alarm and zipped over to Rebus, nuzzling his foot. Zoomslug attempted to project comfort, not quite understanding the contents of Rebus's mind, but knowing something was horribly wrong.

Awwwww :3

1 hour ago, Dragonheir said:

 

Rebus smiled, putting a few more sticks on the fire. “That’s good, then. Have I introduced myself?” 
Rebus nodded at him. “You have done much for me - I should be thanking you.” 
“Me too,” he said, looking around. Then he frowned, suddenly distressed. “Where’s Tam?” 
Rebus sighed. “A good chunk of the Machination went into hiding - they have antiteleportation devices, and have actually concealed a number of planets.” 
Mostly…

Keys shook her head. “I’m Keys, by the way.” 

“Your propriety is nothing to me.” He smiled at the music box, then tucked it into a tiny pocket. 

“I haven’t seen her,” Mr. Whitlock replied. 

“Hmph. Cowards.”

[Through The Living Glass She/They]

1 hour ago, Dragonheir said:

In my defense, it was midnight. That should say that Rebus looked at him. 

I suppose you didn’t. 
A fairly large area of darkness darted over to the portal, having been abandoned once again. Whan - who was of course the source of the darkness - looked around. 

Someone glared at him from afar. Definitely female but otherwise undefined.

[Through the Living Heir he/him]

25 minutes ago, Bird Furious said:

Keys shook her head. “I’m Keys, by the way.” 

“Your propriety is nothing to me.” He smiled at the music box, then tucked it into a tiny pocket. 

“I haven’t seen her,” Mr. Whitlock replied. 

“Hmph. Cowards.”

Rebus held out a hand. “It’s nice to meet you - I’m Rebus.” 
Rebus nodded thoughtfully. 

Bat frowned. “Why did I come here, then? Is she alright? Did I leave her somewhere?” 
“She’s gone missing,” Rebus said. 
Bat rounded on him. “What? She can’t be missing - did I abandon her? We have to find her!” 
How has my performance as Bat been so far? I think I’m going a bit over the top; I might look back a little further to reread when he’s a little more sedate. 
 

“They have good reason to avoid my jurisdiction, given my history with them. And they might join the revolution against me as soon as there is enough of one to find.” Wouldn’t that be something - though actually, they’d probably want to be paid, so it’s not all that out of character. 

Just now, Through The Living Glass said:

Someone glared at him from afar. Definitely female but otherwise undefined.

Whan’s darkness expanded a bit from residual nervousness. 

[Through The Living Glass She/They]

3 minutes ago, Dragonheir said:

Whan’s darkness expanded a bit from residual nervousness. 

The figure grinned.

"Hey there."

[Through the Living Heir he/him]

4 minutes ago, Through The Living Glass said:

The figure grinned.

"Hey there."

I’m not actually sure if whoever this is can actually speak to Whan. Eh, who cares about thousand-page-old canon (it’s not yours, but it’s also not mine). 

Hi? Whan’s darkness pulsed briefly out of startlement. Oh yeah, and a particular Author who should go to sleep forgot to mention Whan was leaving behind a trail of darkness (though it’s not nearly as large as the aura of darkness).

 

[Through The Living Glass She/They]

1 hour ago, Dragonheir said:

I’m not actually sure if whoever this is can actually speak to Whan. Eh, who cares about thousand-page-old canon (it’s not yours, but it’s also not mine). 

Hi? Whan’s darkness pulsed briefly out of startlement. Oh yeah, and a particular Author who should go to sleep forgot to mention Whan was leaving behind a trail of darkness (though it’s not nearly as large as the aura of darkness).

 

Oh? :3 Why ever not?

She eyed the trail.

"How are you?"

[Bird Furious she/her/un/important]

7 hours ago, Dragonheir said:

Rebus held out a hand. “It’s nice to meet you - I’m Rebus.” 
Rebus nodded thoughtfully. 

Bat frowned. “Why did I come here, then? Is she alright? Did I leave her somewhere?” 
“She’s gone missing,” Rebus said. 
Bat rounded on him. “What? She can’t be missing - did I abandon her? We have to find her!” 
How has my performance as Bat been so far? I think I’m going a bit over the top; I might look back a little further to reread when he’s a little more sedate. 
 

“They have good reason to avoid my jurisdiction, given my history with them. And they might join the revolution against me as soon as there is enough of one to find.” Wouldn’t that be something - though actually, they’d probably want to be paid, so it’s not all that out of character. 

Whan’s darkness expanded a bit from residual nervousness. 

She shook it. 

Xander vanished in a puff of purple smoke.

A firefly drifted by. 
Mr. Whitlock frowned. “I don’t know where she is.”
Hehe. Bat’s been decent. I’m interested to see how this will play out.