Aeoryi she/her Posted January 31 Posted January 31 15 hours ago, Ashkaloda said: “Something that decides the future?” he offered. "I guess so. If we can't avoid fate, we might as well dance around it." 2 hours ago, DragonHeir said: “I think both of us would prefer I stay far away from Rirrom. Afterwards, you could bring the body to me, or I could arrive to take the core.” "Rirrom can't hurt you." Ribbon said simply. "He can never be plot significant."
Verdance he/him Posted January 31 Posted January 31 11 minutes ago, TwinStorm said: Redemption's voice echoed through his head. "You are unworthy to hold me, unless you truly desire peace." Hide contents yeah I know I lied ok I couldn't leave that easily Does Redemption have a specific Intent, or does it react differently depending on the person? For example, is it telling Rebus he must seek peace because that would redeem him as a murderer? How might Redemption react to someone taking the sword out of ambition, for instance?
Through The Living Ash he/him Posted January 31 Posted January 31 14 hours ago, TwinStorm said: Cricket's eyes widened, as the blade wrenched through the heart. He felt no pain, however, only peace. It was done. He looked into Rebus's eyes and smiled. "You bastard." he whispered. But there was no venom in his words, no hatred. It was the statement of a fact. "You know . . . I expected nothing else." He sighed. In the end, he hadn't needed to be the hero. He'd never needed to be. He just needed to set the stage, and hopefully, someday, his actions would bring the downfall of the Antagonist. He coughed, hacking as blood spilled out of his mouth. The end was soon. The pain was beginning to take hold. No amount of healing would save him now. He struggled, and tried to stand, slowly, hesitantly. He would not face death on his knees. He'd always defied. He fell, catching himself inches away from the soil, lashed by the soil. He glanced up at Rebus, at the Antagonist. He'd always found a way, to beat Malan, to beat the hunters, to beat Malevolence. Now, there were no more tricks. Just acceptance. He glanced at Redemption. The Blade was glowing, shining as bright as the sun. The storm continued to rage, but the light brought peace. Even the winds seemed to fade in the face of Redemption. "I hope . . . I hope you can find peace." he smiled, and extended his hand slowly, gripping Bat's talisman. "Here . . . take this. If you ever decide . . . to surrender Antagonist . . . this will help." He stood up, slowly, swaying with the loss of blood, but he stood, supporting himself. He smiled. His shirt was drenched in blood, and he felt faint. And yet he smiled. And in his last moments, he began to glow, dark energy enshrouding him. There are some of you who will doubt me. he spoke softly, broadcasting his thoughts to the entire Thread. Some who say I should've taken the blow. And to be honest, perhaps I should've. But to tell you the truth, I am not the Protagonist. I did not deserve to kill Rebus, and perhaps never knew. I knew one man good enough to hold that Blade, and he's gone. He breathed softly. We, characters, have a purpose. A reason. Why we exist, why our Authors willed us into being. For a long time, I thought my purpose was to avenge. To find Rebus, and kill him. And perhaps it was. It doesn't matter anymore. Rebus lives, and the Protagonist must come. Come and finish what I've started If I'm not meant to bring vengeance, then who am I? A misfit? The last in a dying generation, fit to be killed? Perhaps. Or . . . perhaps I was meant to feel pity. Perhaps I was meant to spare him. What I'm trying to say is . . . the past is gone. Only the future matters now, and what we do with it. And at the end of our days . . . our lives are nothing more than the sum of our choices, for better or worse. I think I made the right choice. He paused. He had nothing more to say. No more dramatic words of inspiration. The silence said the rest. He lifted one hand, and sent hope. Hope to the Authors, to the characters. To Bat and Tam, he sent peace. To Rose, wherever she was, he sent love. A doomed love, but a love nonetheless. And to the rest, he sent strength. Strength to continue. The shadows surrounding him faded. The darkness vanished. Cricket stood amidst the storm once more, and slowly, with effort, raised his head, to meet Rebus's eyes. He would die on his feet, a man. He saluted one last time, smiling, despite the pain. A golden lightning bolt split the sky, severing the wind in half, and slamming into Cricket, killing him instantly. A last gift from his Author. --- --- --- Cricket opened his eyes slowly. Was he . . . dead? "Unfortunately, yes." came a voice from behind. Cricket turned, finding himself in a white room, bare except for a wooden door. Behind him stood a man who looked very similar to him, with the same blazing hair. His Author. TwinStorm. "Then . . . it's over?" Cricket blinked, the weight of it settling on him. "Yes. Indeed. It's over. Finally." Cricket nodded. "What's beyond that door?" he asked, pointing. Storm turned. "That? Beyond there? Elysium. The final resting place of heroes. Where you must go." Cricket nodded again. Silence spoke well enough for him. They stood there, for a few moments, treasuring that golden silence. Storm spoke again. "I hope . . . I hope you know, for what it's worth, that you're are not alone. Me and you . . . we're the same. The Creator and the Created. And you've done so much for me, more than you've ever known." Cricket remained silent, stepping towards the door. Storm sighed. "Look, before you go . . ." he paused, then blurted out suddenly. "Do you forgive me?" Cricket reached the door, twisting the handle and opening it. He turned, looking Storm in the eye. "You know, I used to think this Thread was torture. Now . . . I'm not so sure." He smiled, and shut the door behind him. *claps vigorously* 8 minutes ago, Aeoryi said: "I guess so. If we can't avoid fate, we might as well dance around it." "Rirrom can't hurt you." Ribbon said simply. "He can never be plot significant." “Eh, I guess. But I must ask again, how is this relevant?” 1
Aeoryi she/her Posted January 31 Posted January 31 3 minutes ago, Ashkaloda said: *claps vigorously* “Eh, I guess. But I must ask again, how is this relevant?” "It really isn't. Either way, do you really think Rirrom's threat has any weight behind it?"
TwinStorm He/Him Posted January 31 Posted January 31 (edited) 14 minutes ago, edgyswordname said: Does Redemption have a specific Intent, or does it react differently depending on the person? For example, is it telling Rebus he must seek peace because that would redeem him as a murderer? How might Redemption react to someone taking the sword out of ambition, for instance? your thinking as a TLTer should lol its motives were set in stone by TwinStorm when he designed the Plotblade specifically for Cricket, so the sword will follow his sense of morals and judge people at first as Cricket would, instinctively hating Rebus, liking Tam or Bat etc the sword does not distinguish between Author's characters tho, so any of Glass's characters it will trust at first, and any of Heir's characters it will dislike on first sight ye this is so random and so nerdy lol Edited January 31 by TwinStorm 4
Through The Living Ash he/him Posted January 31 Posted January 31 11 minutes ago, Aeoryi said: "It really isn't. Either way, do you really think Rirrom's threat has any weight behind it?" “His threat to murder everyone close to me? I never took that seriously.”
Aeoryi she/her Posted January 31 Posted January 31 2 minutes ago, Ashkaloda said: “His threat to murder everyone close to me? I never took that seriously.” "Good." Ribbon sighed. "Why'd you..."
Through The Living Ash he/him Posted January 31 Posted January 31 5 minutes ago, Aeoryi said: "Good." Ribbon sighed. "Why'd you..." “Why did I what?”
Verdance he/him Posted January 31 Posted January 31 23 minutes ago, TwinStorm said: your thinking as a TLTer should lol its motives were set in stone by TwinStorm when he designed the Plotblade specifically for Cricket, so the sword will follow his sense of morals and judge people at first as Cricket would, instinctively hating Rebus, liking Tam or Bat etc the sword does not distinguish between Author's characters tho, so any of Glass's characters it will trust at first, and any of Heir's characters it will dislike on first sight ye this is so random and so nerdy lol Hehehe. Trying to understand the rules of narratorblades and plotblades and other important things for plans *insert malicious cackle* 1
Aeoryi she/her Posted January 31 Posted January 31 10 minutes ago, Ashkaloda said: “Why did I what?” "Do what he said?"
NameIess Posted January 31 Posted January 31 (edited) On 1/30/2026 at 12:19 AM, DragonHeir said: "Stone for the water. Paper, drawn for words. The man - xob a ni deppart." Meat pulled his soul out of his body, and dropped it upright on the ground. A piano fell out of the sky, and the keys scuttled around before becoming his suit. "Digging - grilling rocks to crunchy me." Meat bowed, the wind carrying roses to land at his feet. Omen stared at Meat with eight unblinking eyes. "You speak of Bacon the Bard? What does he have to do with... but of course." Omen spun four of his eyes to Mischief, the others still locked on Meat. "Who sent you to me?" @ChipsAHoid On 1/30/2026 at 12:19 AM, DragonHeir said: Jack nodded. "You should sleep first; we've been walking all day." "Sleep?" Lyric shivered. "I do not sleep. If I slept, I might dream." On 1/30/2026 at 11:06 AM, Sequence said: Aelinor jumped back with alarm, whirling to face the split in the air. "Uh... Is that... Nameless's place? That you were talking about earlier?" She asked, peering through the rift with narrowed eyes. "Where did this come from?" It is a gift from me. spoke a voice. Sequence deserves a place to rest in peace, one that will not be disturbed. This is such a place. Unintelligible's eyes widened. "I've heard that voice before." He said. "When I was dead. It's my Author." Without any further hesitation, he stepped forward into the forest. 18 minutes ago, Aeoryi said: "Good." Ribbon sighed. "Why'd you..." Abruptly, a man appeared next to Ribbon. He was short, balding, and a bit portly. He peered at her through glasses so thick they almost obscured the color of his eyes, which were grey. He held a clipboard and a pen in his hands. "Excuse me." The man said. "I am Dr. Pree T. Ense. I am participating in a research study of newer characters, and I was wondering if I could ask you a few questions?" Edited January 31 by NameIess
Verdance he/him Posted January 31 Posted January 31 (edited) Inkwell awaits Rebus’ response. The voices in his head have all gone silent. Dang it, the suspense is killing me Edited January 31 by edgyswordname
Through The Living Ash he/him Posted January 31 Posted January 31 17 minutes ago, Aeoryi said: "Do what he said?" “He offered me the Plotblade afterwards, and he is likely to look favorably on us in the future. Although, that no longer matters if you succeed in killing him.” 16 minutes ago, NameIess said: Omen stared at Meat with eight unblinking eyes. "You speak of Bacon the Bard? What does he have to do with... but of course." Omen spun four of his eyes to Mischief, the others still locked on Meat. "Who sent you to me?" @ChipsAHoid "Sleep?" Lyric shivered. "I do not sleep. If I slept, I might dream." It is a gift from me. spoke a voice. Sequence deserves a place to rest in peace, one that will not be disturbed. This is such a place. Unintelligible's eyes widened. "I've heard that voice before." He said. "When I was dead. It's my Author." Without any further hesitation, he stepped forward into the forest. Abruptly, a man appeared next to Ribbon. He was short, balding, and a bit portly. He peered at her through glasses so thick they almost obscured the color of his eyes, which were grey. He held a clipboard and a pen in his hands. "Excuse me." The man said. "I am Dr. Pree T. Ense. I am participating in a research study of newer characters, and I was wondering if I could ask you a few questions?" Erdikan scowled at the man. “What is the study for?”
Aeoryi she/her Posted January 31 Posted January 31 49 minutes ago, NameIess said: Abruptly, a man appeared next to Ribbon. He was short, balding, and a bit portly. He peered at her through glasses so thick they almost obscured the color of his eyes, which were grey. He held a clipboard and a pen in his hands. "Excuse me." The man said. "I am Dr. Pree T. Ense. I am participating in a research study of newer characters, and I was wondering if I could ask you a few questions?" "Sure." She Tagged him. "I'll tag to you when you're ready, but please do so elsewhere." 33 minutes ago, Ashkaloda said: “He offered me the Plotblade afterwards, and he is likely to look favorably on us in the future. Although, that no longer matters if you succeed in killing him.” "I don't think you understand. He will never, ever ever, be plot significant. He will never matter."
NameIess Posted January 31 Posted January 31 35 minutes ago, Ashkaloda said: Erdikan scowled at the man. “What is the study for?” "There has been some concern in scholarly circles, what with recent events." Pree explained. "The recent deaths of several of the 'old guard' so to speak, has left many concerned as to whether the upcoming generations will be able to handle the antagonists and trials that the older generations have had to deal with. I'm collecting research to discover whether these concerns are unfounded." He eyed Erdikan. "I'd be happy to interview you as well, if you're willing." 9 minutes ago, Aeoryi said: "Sure." She Tagged him. "I'll tag to you when you're ready, but please do so elsewhere." "I'm ready now." Said Pree obliviously, readying his pen and clipboard.
Aeoryi she/her Posted January 31 Posted January 31 11 minutes ago, NameIess said: "There has been some concern in scholarly circles, what with recent events." Pree explained. "The recent deaths of several of the 'old guard' so to speak, has left many concerned as to whether the upcoming generations will be able to handle the antagonists and trials that the older generations have had to deal with. I'm collecting research to discover whether these concerns are unfounded." He eyed Erdikan. "I'd be happy to interview you as well, if you're willing." "I'm ready now." Said Pree obliviously, readying his pen and clipboard. "Very well." She Tagged a duplicate of herself. "First question?" 1
NameIess Posted January 31 Posted January 31 2 minutes ago, Aeoryi said: "Very well." She Tagged a duplicate of herself. "First question?" "Would you consider yourself a Protagonist or an Antagonist?"
Aeoryi she/her Posted January 31 Posted January 31 3 minutes ago, NameIess said: "Would you consider yourself a Protagonist or an Antagonist?" "Moral, isn't this one?" She paused. "An Antagonist, probably. But one for good."
NameIess Posted January 31 Posted January 31 4 minutes ago, Aeoryi said: "Moral, isn't this one?" She paused. "An Antagonist, probably. But one for good." "Interesting." Pree checked a box on his clipboard. "Would you say that your self-determination of Antagonist is due to your desire to eliminate the influence of Narrators from the Thread? Because you think many will oppose you in that goal? Or would it be because you will use any means necessary to reach a goal you see as good?"
Aeoryi she/her Posted January 31 Posted January 31 6 minutes ago, NameIess said: "Interesting." Pree checked a box on his clipboard. "Would you say that your self-determination of Antagonist is due to your desire to eliminate the influence of Narrators from the Thread? Because you think many will oppose you in that goal? Or would it be because you will use any means necessary to reach a goal you see as good?" "It is the unpopular choice, so it will be going against the wishes of many. But the loudest voices do not reflect the will of the many." Ribbon said. "Good and bad are subjective, and they don't necessarily have definitive meaning. If you mean antagonist in terms of compromised morals, I would not necessarily fit your box."
NameIess Posted January 31 Posted January 31 5 minutes ago, Aeoryi said: "It is the unpopular choice, so it will be going against the wishes of many. But the loudest voices do not reflect the will of the many." Ribbon said. "Good and bad are subjective, and they don't necessarily have definitive meaning. If you mean antagonist in terms of compromised morals, I would not necessarily fit your box." "The term antagonist has little to do with good or evil." Pree noted. "If it did, then Rebus would not be The Antagonist." He crossed something out on his clipboard. "No belief in objective good and evil, I see? Do you believe in objectively good or bad acts?"
Through The Living Ash he/him Posted January 31 Posted January 31 55 minutes ago, Aeoryi said: "Sure." She Tagged him. "I'll tag to you when you're ready, but please do so elsewhere." "I don't think you understand. He will never, ever ever, be plot significant. He will never matter." “We’re discussing him. One would assume that does make him relevant to the plot.” 44 minutes ago, NameIess said: "There has been some concern in scholarly circles, what with recent events." Pree explained. "The recent deaths of several of the 'old guard' so to speak, has left many concerned as to whether the upcoming generations will be able to handle the antagonists and trials that the older generations have had to deal with. I'm collecting research to discover whether these concerns are unfounded." He eyed Erdikan. "I'd be happy to interview you as well, if you're willing." "I'm ready now." Said Pree obliviously, readying his pen and clipboard. “Huh. Well I don’t think you want me.”
NameIess Posted January 31 Posted January 31 Just now, Ashkaloda said: “Huh. Well I don’t think you want me.” "Oh? Why not?" Pree tilted his head "Are you not a newer generation character?"
Through The Living Ash he/him Posted January 31 Posted January 31 1 minute ago, NameIess said: "Oh? Why not?" Pree tilted his head "Are you not a newer generation character?" “I am. But I don’t find it likely I run into any of your antagonist troubles you mentioned.”
Through the Living Heir he/him Posted January 31 Posted January 31 3 hours ago, edgyswordname said: Inkwell, growing more concerned for his safety, tried to step back again, but his back slammed against the trunk of another loblolly. Narrators, Rebus. Terms everyone else feared. “I know what an Antagonist is. Forces of nature destroy things. Antagonists oppose ideals. Can you call yourself an antagonist without a protagonist, though? And before you try and bind me to anything, I’m not volunteering. I’m comfortable being a third party, an other, for now. But I digress. I’m not interested in what you call yourself, or your sword. Who are you really?” “Your questions are both valid and difficult. Sauron without the Fellowship remains a threat, and arguably an antagonist. There were more protagonists in the past, but I keep having to kill them - which is obviously detrimental to a never-ending plot.” Rebus waved a hand, his utility fog assembling two chairs across from him (the first for Inkwell, and the second for the person who had been stuck in a tree. “At my core, I would say I am a person, despite my fictionality. I want to exist, and the best way to do so is to create a plot. And thus, since at the time every villain existed only briefly before being vanquished, I decided to become a recurring antagonist - that pattern has since reversed, with protagonistic characters the oft-slain rarity.” 3 hours ago, Keke said: "not really, but thats not what im asking. Im asking, are you sane?" She ignores the pineapples but one of the other crewmates gets hit in the head with it. - She nodded, "come on." She walked to the door leading under deck. - Evaiya nodded. "Its kyler," she nodded to the man. "I dont know why, but everyone seems to fear him." kyler seemed seemed to grimace at her words. - "True, he plays dnd so." - Atlas appeared next to crickets body. She knelt down and rested her own pink flower on top of him. "Say hi to sequence for me cricket. Tell her, I love her " she rested a hand on his chest, a small flash cleaned up some of the blood and fixed his clothes. She looked up at rebus. "Rebus, i think ive learned something these past few pages." Her eyes were no longer black. But a dulled red. "Everyone dies. But no one wants it. Even authors, even people like you. The killers, they hate themselves for the deaths." She bowed her head. "Rebus, may I join you?" “I do not know.” Rebus paused, and it could been seen that a burn mark was slowly appearing on his right palm. “In some ways, that is a good thing - the very insane often believe themselves perfectly normal. You believed me to be hallucinating, not too long ago - if that is true, it is either extensive or shared throughout many others.” - Rebus followed, duplicating himself fully so he could continue speaking with Eli. - Rebus nodded. “Some would take pride in that.” - Rebus nodded. “Do you need anything else?” - “You may,” Rebus said, once again resorting to wordplay so as to avoid accidentally lying. “Sometimes I am not remorseful. This is not one of those times.” 2 hours ago, TwinStorm said: Redemption's voice echoed through his head. "You are unworthy to hold me, unless you truly desire peace." Reveal hidden contents yeah I know I lied ok I couldn't leave that easily Rebus nodded. I know. What happened to Moment and Savior Complex? 2 hours ago, Aeoryi said: "Rirrom can't hurt you." Ribbon said simply. "He can never be plot significant." “Ah, but that is exactly the problem. Even if that sword of his doesn’t touch me, associating with him breaks down my own ability to interact with the plot, since anything he does cannot be relevant.” 1 hour ago, NameIess said: Omen stared at Meat with eight unblinking eyes. "You speak of Bacon the Bard? What does he have to do with... but of course." Omen spun four of his eyes to Mischief, the others still locked on Meat. "Who sent you to me?" @ChipsAHoid "Sleep?" Lyric shivered. "I do not sleep. If I slept, I might dream." Wow. I frankly have almost no idea what he was trying to say, and I wrote it. - Jack frowned - that seemed a bit ominous. “Do you need to rest in some way?” Dramatic Irony would still make a really good Plotblade.
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now