An end to loneliness.

To learn, of this 'master's plots'...And of course...FOR POWER!!!

Piggy 2016/04/08(Fri)17:43 No. 714905 ID: 25ea9d
File 146016258055.png - (11.61KB , 640x480 , 01002.png )

You've just been born and you feel the need for something beyond yourself. Yet you cannot find the ability to express this. The being that is your master forms ideas, considers words, but you find yourself struggling to convey yourself. Perhaps you, too, must find words. But for now, you attempt to convey something more complex, a feeling to find camaraderie.

"Ahah...hah..." What was that? I... I suppose I went a little overboard. Got a bit woozy? No matter! "So... It comes to this. Finally. Jared Dillinger, today you lose. Completely. Utterly.” I just can't help myself. The joy of victory is simply too sweet not to enjoy to it's fullest.

You find the man's plans easily enough. Your summoner is Darey O'Reilley, a disenfranchised lord who's fallen from grace. He, hungry for power, has sought the aide of nightmare creatures and found his patron in a demon. Now, to seal the pact, he must make sacrifice of a young girl, Antoinette Lavarre. The man before him has interfered in this multiple times, but now it is over. Once the ritual is complete, you, The Yotian Mind Word, shall dominate the hero's body. Through him, the deed shall finally be done.

“You...” he manages. Somehow my enemy resists my enchantments enough to mutter this meager, futile word. “I won't...”

He can't seriously be speaking in these conditions, can he? “You won't... what?” I urge.

What is your desire?

To bring about Hell on Earth.

>What is your desire?
Boobs!

To end the world in a nuclear kitten apocalypse.

Piggy 2016/04/08(Fri)18:09 No. 714915 ID: 25ea9d
File 146016419661.png - (12.94KB , 640x480 , 01003.png )

That most infuriating of men raises his eyes from the ground to meet my own. “I won't let you have your way, O'Reilley.

A shriek of rage builds in my throat, but I kill it before the pathetic act can occur. How can this fool resist a binding of this magnitude? Surely it is impossible! But... But perhaps this is a blessing. Like this, I can hear him in his final moments as I grind his will to dust. “Then do it, boob!" What? "You boob!" What am I doing? "Stand up!” I dare him.

>Hell on Earth

Yes, yes, he will pay! He and all the rest! This is just the beginning! With this power, I'll be free to take what I wish! When I want it! How I want it! I'll never be alone again!

"Stand up, Dillinger!"

The presence from the hall draws closer. They are emotional, confused, frantic. The captive is somehow calm. O'Reilley falls, deeper and deeper, under your command. He doesn't even realize what's happening. What is your desire?

...To bring about Hell on Earth? Is this thing on?

>>714917
It's, uh, more like a prompt. 'Please suggest an action'. Like, make O'Reilley not such a jerko through mind control shenanigans or one up his cliche villain dialogue with your own, that kind of thing.

Sorry if that wasn't clear.

...reflect, on how you've lost your power. There's a reason they say 'the devil's in the details', as well as this so-called 'hero'. What makes him so sure he's right?

>>714915
Hah. If we control him, then... might as well let the hero go. No need to continue the failed ritual.

Piggy 2016/04/08(Fri)19:20 No. 714940 ID: 25ea9d
File 146016842024.png - (13.28KB , 640x480 , 01004.png )

Moments pass, but he still remains trapped. I cackle with unbridled glee. “Of course! Oh but that we could only have an audience to this! This beautiful, perfect moment of your utter FAILURE!”

> Reflect

Yes... That's right. This all built up from that moment, 20 years ago. My family had already lost everything. I was born into poverty, robbed of my birthright. Our age of wonder had died with the last great master, The Golden King.

And where did it go? To her. Lavarre. Her family of wicked serpents were keen to see the shift in power. They betrayed the greatest king in all the world and opened our country to western invaders.

There is no good in this world. It died long ago with the crusades at the end of a traitor's blade. And I will prove it! With my new found patrons, I shall right the injustices of this world! With the power of a demon lord, I will claim what is rightfully mine! The filthy invaders will be sent crawling back to their domains! No, I shall chase them off of this world! And all shall bow to a new master! ME.

No wandering, do-gooder vagrant can stop me now! How dare he impose in this! Dillinger! He had nothing to do with this! Outsider! Always in my way, always... KNOWING. How does he always know? BUT NOT THIS TIME! Not...

…

But... how could this happen? The ritual... It... failed? It's impossible! All the planning, all the effort, all the sacrifice! How could it all come to this? It was all pointless. I should just let the boy...

Piggy 2016/04/08(Fri)19:21 No. 714941 ID: 25ea9d
File 146016846361.png - (12.94KB , 640x480 , 01005.png )

Wait... No. I feel the energy building ever stronger. My staff yet glows, the runes are in place. Everything is as it should be. So then...

Panic grips me. I thought I noticed something earlier. Something is not right. An invasive, perverted influence whispers something unknowable in soul... I realize I tremble, steady myself. “You...” I accuse, yet my voice quakes. “What have you done?”

Your servant offers a feeble resistance. Yet it will not stand before your will. He is aware now, aware that something is wrong, but it matters not. You shall not be denied. The ritual nears completion. You feel the barest sensation of Dillinger's consciousness. But it still eludes you. What is your desire?

>>714941
Tell the hero that the ritual failed, you are succumbing to the worm now. The worm is new to this world and wishes to parley. There need not be more death today.

I've assumed control of you both. Kneel before the Worm!
>>714956
...I amend that to "Kneel Before the Worm That Doesn't Parley With Lesser Beings!" It's a long title, but you'll get used to it. The honorifics will only grow longer.

>>714995
We're only in control of the summoner though.

Piggy 2016/04/08(Fri)20:25 No. 715008 ID: 25ea9d
File 146017231390.png - (13.61KB , 640x480 , 01006.png )

“Dillinger! What have you done to me?!” I scream, parrying the creeping influence that digs deeper into my mind.

He simply looks at me, a pained, confused look on his face. “What?”

But then it all becomes so very clear. Yes. I know what to do. I drop my staff. Instantly, it's energy dissipates. The binding trap loses all power. I look my foe directly in the eyes and state. “The ritual has failed. I am succumbing to the mind worm now. The worm is new to this world and wishes to parley. There need not be death today.” Of course. I feel like I've been waiting my hole life to say this. It's as if a great weight has been lifted from my shoulders.

WAIT, NO! What madness is this? YOU? THE WORM?! I am your master! My wishes are yours to obey! You have no mind, no independence, no will! You are an instrument of my revenge! Without me, you are nothing! Nothing! Get out of my head! Release me!

Piggy 2016/04/08(Fri)20:32 No. 715013 ID: 25ea9d
File 146017273763.png - (11.08KB , 640x480 , 01007.png )

Dillinger looks at me, donning the most disgusting of smiles. He speaks, finally unhindered by the agonies of my most-labored, wondrous spell. “Wow... You know, I really didn't see it ending like this. Thanks for the release. I don't really get this whole mind worm thing, but I'm glad you finally came around, O'Reilley. Okay. Let's talk this out. But I'd make it quick. We have a mutual friend who should be here any moment and I believe her intentions are of a more murderous nature than my own.”

Yet even with the mage's trap dispelled, your power grows. What has been put in motion cannot be stopped. Jared Dillinger's mind shall be opened to you as well. For now, O'Reilley is dominated, though he fights with what little strength he can muster. What is your desire?

>>715009
Tell him that the mind worm is an entity from beyond, summoned to enslave him, but it backfired. The mind worm has a mind of its own, despite what you think. Tell him that the worm will defend itself if necessary, but... for now, it will flee.

Run down the right corridor with no presences, so we don't have to go near the hero.

Ah, wanted to get another one out but I'm beat. I'll be back tomorrow. Thanks for playing folks. I'm bed.

Defend yourself 37 times in Dillinger's chest.

Piggy 2016/04/09(Sat)10:13 No. 715195 ID: 25ea9d
File 146022199553.png - (13.44KB , 640x480 , 01008.png )

Something happens. The last motes of energy manifest and you are made whole. You fulfill the duty for which you were created. But all is not as it should be. Rather than leave the mind of your summoner, you are stretched, impossibly, across the space that exists between the cognitive minds of the two men. It is something beyond you, you know it deep within yourself, yet the incomplete ritual cares not of your limitations. It breaks. You break.

And suddenly O'Reilley's thoughts are not yours. Your thoughts are not O'Reilley's. Your powers match your mind. Your thoughts are yours, independent of the man. You have a sense of self and are able to separate whose thoughts are whose... including Dillinger's.

The hero's mind is opened to you now, though it is a much different beast. For now, you only have access to his thoughts. Control over the man is barred by a will that inspires awe within you. It is a magnitude greater than than O'Reilley's, dwarfing the villain's power. If you desire to dominate Jared Dillinger, you shall find it a most difficult task.

But your desires are yet unfulfilled. Your powers are unaltered. You will.

O'Reilley speaks. “The Mind Worm is an entity from beyond, summoned to enslave you. The ritual backfired. The Mind Worm... no, I have a mind of my own. I will defend myself if necessary, but... for now, I flee.”

You take the briefest moment to swing by Dillinger and give him a hard shove in the chest. O'Reilley's will briefly usurps your own as he shouts, “I shall be your ruin! Remember it!” You depart.

“Wait!” The hero shouts after you, but he makes no effort to pursue. Your host charges down the corridor, opening up a wealth of space between you and the man who sought to defeat your former master.

You feel his efforts to repel you, but they are a small thing. Instead, he thinks. 'Curse you! I had him right where I wanted him! You've ruined everything! And no fleeing! This robe was made for gloating and plotting, not physical activity!'

You notice O'Reilley's breath quickly catches. Seems he's not in the best of physical shape. He also seems a bit clumsy, as he almost loses his footing more than once.

'This leads to my personal chambers,' O'Reilley continues. 'But there is no safety here! Mind Worm, you fool! You lead them to my best kept secrets! But there are no more traps! If you wanted an escape, you should have turned around and ran through the rear exit!'

Piggy 2016/04/09(Sat)10:14 No. 715196 ID: 25ea9d
File 146022207275.png - (4.40KB , 640x480 , 01009.png )

But O'Reilley's thoughts are not the only ones you hear. A new voice joins. You turn your attention to Dillinger, but you only hear.

“What was that?” You hear, distinctly Dillinger's voice. “Really, just... there are no words.” He laughs in spite of the situation.

“Couldn't tell ya, kid,” a voice answers, this one alien, unfamiliar. Where Dillinger was friendly, this new voice seems to have an edge to it, though there's an undeniable playfulness to it. “We've seen some weird stuff over the years but, uh, that's definitely new.”

'Well now what do we do?' The hero thinks. 'There's no way we can just leave him here. But what about Lady Milmont? I somehow doubt she'll be on board with this whole, 'Let O'Reilley live' thing. Oh, great. Speak of the devil.'

“Where is he?!” is the furious shout. A newcomer, and you do not need Dillinger's thoughts to hear her. The woman's enraged demand echoes down the corridor.

The hero seems to be at a loss. 'Things sure are moving fast. Now I just need to think of a way to stop my friend from killing an almost murderer. Should be easy, right?'

“Thinking you should lie here, buddy.“ The mysterious voice chimes in. “Actually, on second thought, you should just tell her where he is. We both know he deserves what's coming to him.”

Piggy 2016/04/09(Sat)10:16 No. 715198 ID: 25ea9d
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Your connection to Dillinger is interrupted as O'Reilley's thoughts turn to panic. 'Did... Did I just hear Milmont? Minerva Milmont? Here?! Keep running, Mind Worm! Run, you fool! Ahh! No, no, no, what is she doing here? It can't end, not like this!'

The mage's mind shuts down into a useless frenzy of fears. Between losing control of the situation and his body, he seems to be in quite the state. You sift through his thoughts for something of use. First door on the left, personal chamber. Second door on the left, storage. 1st right, third door, laboratory. Corridor's end, something O'Reilley doesn't want to think about.

Your control over Dillinger grows. O'Reilley remains under your sway, something that seems unlikely to change.. What is your desire?

Keep working on Dillinger. Dig up memories of the contents of the mysterious room. Figure out which of those rooms is likeliest to have a weapon. If you can't find an answer in O'Riley's mind, check the lab.

Piggy 2016/04/10(Sun)08:20 No. 715453 ID: 25ea9d
File 146030162872.png - (10.79KB , 640x480 , 01011.png )

Dillinger's sight still escapes your influence. “It is done,” he says, deciding his course. “I thank you for your efforts, Lady Milmont, but the villain is defeated.”

“Oh buddy, this is a bad idea,” you hear from the unidentified voice. You realize that the voice doesn't come from 'outside' of Dillinger. It is a mental presence, something like yourself, a consciousness without physical form. While Dillinger's eyes are still denied, you see the entity as a flaming sphere through some kind of specialized sense the hero possesses.

Lady Milmont fails to respond to the mystery voice. “I see... “ she calms. “It's foolish, but I had hoped to be able to see his fall myself. But it is a passing thought. Jared, it is good to see you well, my young friend. You continue to impress me.”

“I have the devil's luck, it would seem.” Dillinger laughs.

The two continue to exchange greetings, she believing the threat to have passed. “Excellent. Gods, I can't believe it's really over. This has truly been the most troubling month of my long life.”

“You are not so old, my lady.”

“I am not so young, either.” Her tone is full of mirth.

'Okay, this is going well enough so far,' Dillinger thinks. 'And here I was worried.'

“But enough pleasantries, friend,” Lady Milmont states. “Our work is not yet done. We should contact the inspector. His men will take care of the rest...” She stops, considering something. “Before that, though, I would see the body. I'd love to hear the story of your adventure told, but I imagine you've had quite the day. But I fear I will not rest till I see the villain's corpse. Too many sleepless nights...” she trails off.

Dillinger's mind stutters. 'This is definitely where I'm supposed to comfort her and show her poor dead O'Reilley. Okay, no, this is fine, I'll just, uh...”

'Oh no, you wanted this so badly, you figure it out.' The flaming sphere seems unhappy with the situation.

'Not helping, Eric.'

'Wasn't trying to, durr,' the spirit childishly responds.

Your hold over Dillinger is still weak. He shall prove a more stubborn host. For now, you are confident that he can hear your words, should you desire it. And you know well that your words hold power. But do they hold enough power to sway this mind that stands like a wall of steel? Of course, you could simply elect to parlay.

Piggy 2016/04/10(Sun)08:22 No. 715456 ID: 25ea9d
File 146030176023.png - (18.06KB , 640x480 , 01012.png )

Your other host's thoughts interrupt your reverie. 'Oh, everything is ruined! It's such a shame. I had the best lines practiced. I was so proud of you, Mind Worm. Look how I am repaid for my efforts! Truly there is no justice in this world!'

The Mind Worm digs into O'Reilley's thoughts, clawing past his resistance for the things that you desire. There is a weapon in the personal chamber, a magical blade that O'Reilley cherishes, but it is stored in a safe and will take time to access. The laboratory contains alchemical substances that could be quite dangerous. Normally it would be a double edged sword, but if your host donned the proper protective gear it would not be an issue. O'Reilley normally has a mundane long sword available as well, but he'd moved it to the ritual room in case he needed it. To acquire it, he'd have to cross paths with Dillinger and Milmont. Finally, he could acquire a new catalyst for his ritual magic from storage.

'But that's stupid,' O'Reilley thinks. 'Argh, cease your cursed acts! You are a plague! And even with a blade, I could not hope to defeat that cow of a woman. Ritual magic is delicate, it takes time to prepare, to execute. I told you, I am doomed! And you shall die with me!'

You are not done. You search for the meaning of this last room. Your host would not have considered going there, not for a moment, for it is a dangerous place. It is an abandoned wing of this sprawling underground facility that was once the workplace of your servant's mentor, Fergus O'Reilley. His uncle. But his uncle dabbled in the most dangerous of arts and one day disappeared. You unearth a hidden trauma from Darey O'Reilley's past, memories of a hulking monstrosity patrolling the catacomb. The rest is beyond you. Your servant refuses to go down there without every precaution being taken. But he does dare the venture on occasion. After all, it is the residence of his demonic patron, Bjayhjukbja.

'Now what?' O'Reilley becomes more docile by the moment. He doubtlessly resents your presence, but he is adapting. “Quickly, Worm, take action!”

What is your desire?

Get the enchanted blade and go into the spoopy wing. If there's time, grab some alchemical reagents to leave traps. As an example, you could get two chemicals that react explosively. Place one very gently underneath a loose brick while inside its bottle and empty the other bottle overtop. When someone steps on the brick and shatters the bottle, the two chemicals will mix and explode. Voila. Quick and dirty booby trap.

As for Dillinger... Let him figure out his mess. Continue to stealthily and passively gain more influence with his mind. When he's at an even more precarious moment, we can exert a little bit of influence to tip him one way or the other, and thus likely strengthen our hold over him.

Piggy 2016/04/11(Mon)16:04 No. 715881 ID: 25ea9d
File 146041587367.png - (17.61KB , 640x480 , 01013.png )

Finally, you take his eyes. His senses are yours. You find the face of the woman O'Reilley so fears. She is aged, yes, but you see a woman who wears armor and blade. Just below her neckline you catch a reflection of light caught by metal rings. She is at ease, though her face bears a certain edge to it even as this. She gives the air of a hardened woman, and considering O'Reilley's thoughts she's likely a dangerous person to cross.

Dillinger settles on a course of action, though he is unsure of it. “Yes, certainly, Lady Milmont.” The young man steps over to the fallen staff. “Here,” he confidently says.

“The villain's tool,” she remarks. She looks to Dillinger for guidance on the twisted wood. He nods approvingly. Lady Milmont takes it up and considers it.

“It was this very room where we... settled things.”

'Was the dramatic pause really necessary?' the spirit asks. 'Don't tell me you're enjoying this.'

Dillinger juggles the multitasking well. 'Not particularly, no,' he thinks. 'Not a big fan of lying to friends.'

'Yeah, I know you bud. So why do it?'

Dillinger ignores the apparition, returning his attentions to the woman. “Everything went as we'd planned, or so I assume from your arrival.”

The woman smiles. “I encountered no real resistance on the way here. My house guard still proves capable.”

“Well, you should know well how things went on my end.” The boy shrugs. “Thankfully, O'Reilley burned most of his bridges getting here. There weren't too many allies left in his camp.”

“I'd say we had a fair bit of involvement in that as well,” the lady adds, her tone somewhat menacing.

“When I got here, I thought it was all over. But he had one trick left up his sleeve. A magical trap of binding.” Dillinger gestures to the arcane sigil marked on the ground.

The lady grimaces. “Foul sorcerer.”

“Yes. Worse, he had something else planned. My helpless state gave him plenty of time to prepare something wicked. He called it the Mind Worm, said it would rob me of my will, make me his slave.” Dillinger gestures grandly. “Thankfully, it was no match for me. I overcame the enchantment and then...” The hero stops, burying his guilt as he plays this game. “And then...” He furrows his brow.

“Jared?” Milmont's face contorts. “Jared, what happened? Where is O'Reilley's body?”

“Right, the body,” Dillinger says, his voice wavers slightly, but of his own volition. “Why was I talking about... What was I talking about?”

The spirit groans. 'Oh jeez Jared, this is messed up.'

The lady's face turns hard. “Stay with me Jared. You're confused. You said O'Reilley cast a spell. You said he tried to enchant you, dominate your mind. What happened then?” Her hand opens slightly as she leans towards her sheathed blade.

'The best fiction has a hint of truth to it,' the hero explains.

'Great.' Eric sounds unenthused.

“Jared.” Milmont demands his attention. “Where is O'Reilley?”

Piggy 2016/04/11(Mon)16:05 No. 715882 ID: 25ea9d
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O'Reilley bursts into his personal chambers. The place is in mild disarray, dirtied clothes are haphazardly strewn about. The mage is slightly embarrassed knowing that you see the room as it is. 'Don't judge me, Worm. It's not usually like this.' A cursory look over his recent memories reveals that he's telling the truth. It's usually worse.

In spite of his earlier resistance to your will, he seems eager to retrieve the blade. 'Behind the painting of the Wraith Tree, my sealed vault. I'll have to dispel the defenses, but no matter. Better than seeing it fall into Dillinger's hands.' Your desires become his own so easily. Time passes as he sets about retrieving the item, until...

Piggy 2016/04/11(Mon)16:05 No. 715883 ID: 25ea9d
File 146041593471.png - (10.30KB , 640x480 , 01015.png )

'Ah, the shapeshifting blade, my family's last great treasure! 'The Veiled Maiden'. To the untrained eye, it appears as a curious dagger, an ornate piece of cutlery or an artistic curio, nothing more. In the hands of a master mage, however, it can take the form of any edge imaginable. Subtle, deadly, versatile and wondrous. A relic of the age of magic, a treasure from the haunted Northlands, now doomed in this age of ignorance. You and I are not so different, oh blade.'

O'Reilley's musings aside, the business is done. If there is nothing else, you'll have him head to the laboratory next. Dillinger's mind slowly opens to you as the business with Lady Milmont escalates. What is your desire?

> Playing with the color choices a bit, don't mind me!

Continue following the plan outlined here: >>715578

Inquire into O'Riley's mind if it's feasible as envisioned.

As for Dillinger, I'm curious what his game is. Let it play out. Meanwhile, can we start tapping into the woman's mind?

Piggy 2016/04/12(Tue)14:56 No. 716053 ID: 25ea9d
File 146049819801.png - (20.89KB , 640x480 , 01016.png )

An uneasy silence settles over the room as the warrior woman examines Dillinger. The whole mind control thing seems to have her on edge. She seems weary, uncertain of the action she should take.

The incorporeal flame speaks. 'You want to fill me in on the plan here, pal?'

'I'm winging it.'

'That is not a plan.'

'True,' Dillinger admits. Lady Milmont takes an uneasy step back as she grasps the hilt of her blade. 'Just stay with me here Eric. I want to give O'Reilley a chance. What do you think will happen if Milmont gets her hands on him?'

Eric makes a grotesque sound that comes out as, 'Squuuok.'

'Yeah, that. If we can get her away from here, though, I might be able to talk him down. Maybe even get him to surrender peacefully.'

The spirit tries to speak but silences himself as Lady Milmont decides on a course of action. “My friend, forgive me,” she says. “But these words you speak are most worrisome. You say the villain is beaten, yet he is nowhere to be found. You say your mind was attacked, but you were the victor. Can you tell me plainly the answers I seek? Dear Jared, can I trust you?”

“Of course,” the hero answers.

“Really?” She doesn't buy it. “What madness this is... Yet I must ask it. Can you prove you are Jared Dillinger? That your mind is your own?”

'I don't even have to build the story anymore. She get's it,' he thinks. “How could I even go about proving such a thing?”

The woman thinks a moment. “Your history. O'Reilley doesn't know you half as well as I do. A few simple questions should suffice.”

“Very well,” though he makes an effort to seem uneasy. He plays the role well enough.

“When did we first meet?”

Dillinger answers casually. “A month ago. Before that, we were strangers, you and I.” It's true. Even O'Reilley would know that much, or so the hero thinks. If you were so inclined, you could tell him that he was right.

Milmont does not relax her guard. “And before then? From where did you come?”

“The south,” your host replies. “From Brilsby, and Durham before it.”

The lady stands a little taller. Even without a mental hold, you can practically read her thoughts. 'Perhaps I was overreacting. How silly. It was all for nothing.' But you know well that Dillinger is aware of her state as well. “Farther back,” she pushes. Now she comes to something more private. “Where were you 3 months ago?”

Dillinger smiles. There's no way O'Reilley would know this. “From the west,” he confidently answers. “The Western Empire, from Astasia.” Considering him, it's the perfect answer. A traveling wanderer, he lacks the look of someone who'd been through the northern wastes and the south was far too tumultuous. What fool would have dared these raging seas or the nightmarish anarchy of Reinholtd's Territories?

Lady Milmont's face tightens. She knows the answer. “Oh... Oh friend...” The woman shakes her head, sadly. “How cruel are the fates that our journey has come to this.” She knows well that Dillinger is that kind of fool. Jared makes to protest, as the role demands, but a glare from the warrior woman stops him. “Silence! You know well... You know, you know!” She looses a howl of frustration. “Damn you! Damn you, O'Reilley! Have you not taken enough” Lady Milmont steels herself as she draws her sword and levels it at her comrade. “Where is he!”

'She's really buying the whole Mind Worm thing, holy crap.' Eric interjects. 'Just a reminder, pal, but O'Reilley almost murdered this woman. And Anna too, she almost died! Y'know, just Milmont's ward, practically her daughter, no big deal, right? Let's just have a big ol' hugfest and work it out! Jared, you are KILLING me here!'

“Disarm yourself!” Milmont commands. “I can't...” she seems at a loss for words, doubting how she should continue. She glaces to the paths leaving the room to her left and behind Dillinger. “I can't trust you like this. You understand, don't you? You poor soul, can you even understand?” Watching the noble woman plead for forgiveness as she turns a sword on him, Dillinger feels the most poignant stab of remorse.

The man silently raises his arms in surrender. 'I just want a happy ending, Eric.'

'We had one.'

'For everyone,' Dillinger insists. He's met with silence. 'Can you go keep an eye on O'Reilley? I still have to confront him, after all.'

'I...' The flame stops. 'What about you?'

The hero drops his blade, just a simple dagger, to the floor. 'Relax. I can manage myself without a disembodied voice telling me what to do.'

'That's what you think,' Eric jokes, but the uncomfortable air ruins it. 'Just... get us that happy ending, okay?'

'Now who's being melodramatic?' Dillinger returns. The spirit almost smiles as it floats down the corridor in pursuit of O'Reilley.

You try to reach out to Lady Milmont, but there's simply nothing to hold on to. When you were 'born', you felt a connection to both Dillinger and O'Reilley. Whatever has allowed you to tap into these minds, the conditions are not present in the noble woman. Perhaps O'Reilley knows more?

Piggy 2016/04/12(Tue)14:57 No. 716055 ID: 25ea9d
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You press your servant for answers as he hides the Veiled Maiden on his person. 'An explosive booby trap? Perfect for a boob like Dillinger! Mye-ha-ha-ha!' He storms out of the room in a grandiose fashion. 'If only we had the proper ingredients. I've had bad experiences in the past with agents that have such potent chemical reactions. I've gone to great efforts to make this room as safe a place as possible, but that just meant increasing it's ventilation. With that in mind, I possess both caustic and noxious agents. I could ruin his stupid face, or smoke out the whole facility!' You discern that this is a slight misrepresentation. O'Reilley has a great ability to exaggerate. 'But I would definitely need my protective equipment. Gloves, hood, boots and a leather smock. It would take time to don. Do you really think it wise to take such efforts with the two interlopers so close at hand?'

You appreciate the muted tone of O'Reilley's thoughts. You rather appreciate the subservience. It is something you could get used to. He is, of course, unaware of Dillinger's actions in the ritual chamber. You note the mage's fears as you probe deeper, seeking information of your powers, but find that it is a most complex thing. Even O'Reilley's understanding of it is limited. You recall his memory, of finding an ancient tome that gave instruction to your ritual of summoning. But it is so terribly complex, you don't even know how to begin deciphering the information. It appears that rituals are beyond you. Such information would have to be condensed and explained by a knowledgeable source.

The Mind Worm considers O'Reilley's fears. Your life is tied to your host's but you do have a spare. How important are his concerns of his well-being? And now that the details are explained, how worthy is this action of your time? What is your desire?

I'm astonished that O'Riley doesn't have a quick and easy way to weaponize his reagents, something set up ahead of time. He isn't a very good villain, is he.

No matter. Tell him that Dillinger is making moves to protect him. Tell him we have access to Dillinger's mind. Ask him why we can't access Lady Milmont's.

I'm beginning to think we don't need the alchemy--perhaps the terrifying nature of that wing itself is enough to deter pursuit? Grab anything from the alchemy lab that's immediately, obviously helpful and quick to take, and head for the dangerous door.

As for Dillinger... I'm still not exactly sure what he's thinking, and this is coming from someone who's reading his thoughts. Is he subconsciously picking up our desires and acting on them?

The Lady won't be satisfied until she sees O'Riley's corpse, so as much as I would like Dillinger to act like this was all a joke and take her out for drinks to celebrate, I don't think that's an option. If at any point it looks like she's about to overcome her resistance and cut him down, he should act like he's breaking through the mind control. Something like, "No, get out of my head! Stop what you--Ah, I'm sorry, my lady. I'm perfectly fine don't--No, I'm fighting to control myself!" Something along those lines. It should keep her from killing him, if she was thinking about it. We should make our presence known to Dillinger to offer that suggestion if it starts to look like he'll need it. Otherwise, I'm liking the stealthy approach there.

Piggy 2016/04/13(Wed)18:46 No. 716345 ID: 25ea9d
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> He isn't a very good villain, is he?

O'Reilley is as enraged as a mentally dominated person can manage. 'Y-you're not a very good villain! Jerk!' That was childish. His inner voice turnes falsetto. 'Oooh, look at me, I'm the big bad Mind Worm, the most ungrateful, useless summoned servant ever! I know all about being a villain and rituals and alchemical reagents! And even though I wouldn't even EXIST if it weren't for my super awesome master, I'm going to whine and belittle him 'cause I'm sooo greaaaat.'

There are no words to describe this. Missing the more subservient version of your slave, you coerce him into a more amiable condition.

> Grab anything from the lab that's immediately useful.

'Of course, Mind Worm.' That's more like it. O'Reilley dashes to the cupboard and retrieves a box of matches, a flask containing a viscous yellow caustic agent, a handful of dried herbs related to his ritual practices and a pouch to hold them all in. The flask is well secured. He then moves to his workbench and takes the burner. It's a tiny metal canister the size of O'Reilley's hand full of flammable liquid. He heads to the storage units by the wall but not before grabbing his hood and gloves, just in case. He dons the gloves as he moves. O'Reilley finally grabs two last bottles, both tiny things, and a large flask. The flask has nothing more exciting than a pint of distilled water. As for the bottles, the first is a lime green fluid that, when excited, turns to a gaseous form. Interacting with the gas causes irritation. Inhaling it would render the victim helpless as they succumbed to a wicked coughing fit. Drinking the fluid directly would be most unwise. The second, a warm orange substance that bubbles lightly, a reactive agent that makes a purple smoke when exposed to flame, though O'Reilley plans on using it as a fuel source. It has a rather wild reaction when exposed to the fluid in the other bottle, but those aren't his plans. Last thing he wants is to suffocate himself. O'Reilley imagines that he'll need it, and the burner, to light the foray into the abandoned wing.

He stops. 'Wait, we're going to the basement? Oh n-..noo, that is- that is dumb. That's an awful decision. Let's not do that. How about anything but that? Let's just...” His legs move him down the corridor. 'Oh no.'

> Dillinger moves to protect you, O'Reilley. We know.

You kind of like the sound of 'we'. Or 'I'. Or just referring to yourself in the third person. It's all rather pleasant, this whole 'having an identity' thing.

> His mind is ours.

'What? What?! Really!' O'Reilley's reaction is jubilant. 'Ahahah! Yes, yes, yes! Eat it, Dillinger! Eat it!' You ponder what 'it' is. Flashes of O'Reilley's insight suggest that it's a vulgar thing. 'At least it wasn't all for nothing, then. Excellent work, Mind Worm! I never should have doubted you! Now, have him dispose of that wretched woman! After all, why flee when we have the upper hand? Especially if it keeps us out of that most dreadful place.'

> We cannot take the woman's mind. Why not?

'Oh, that doesn't matter! There's so much more-' You stop him. That's not his decision to make. You insist. 'Ah, right, right, of course. It's because you don't work like that. I don't think so, at any rate. Mind Worm, you must understand, I merely followed a terribly detailed set of instructions that led to your summoning. You weren't supposed to have power over me and see how that worked out! Oh, certainly, there were warnings of the danger involved with you but I was under the impression that a powerful master would be able to curb you to their will! It's quite obvious that you are some awful curse created ages ago by some nefarious trickster. With a proper ritual, I could change your host, but I had always worked under the impression that you could only have a single mind under your sway. You're breaking all the rules! How am I supposed to enforce them?'

O'Reilley seems uncertain, however. 'Perhaps with greater study I could find a method to extend your influence? Or even better, find a way to kick you out of my mind. Mye-ha-ha-ha! Wait, you can read my mind! Ignore those last thoughts, they were nothing but a figment of your imagination. You're crazy, Mind Worm! Crazy!'

Piggy 2016/04/13(Wed)18:47 No. 716346 ID: 25ea9d
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That's enough of him. You mind your other body.

'Okay, Jared, get ready.' He hypes himself up. 'Jeez... Think we can safely check this off as the most awful thing I've done in recent memory.' Dillinger's thoughts go back to some incident months past, but he blocks it out. 'C'mon, focus, focus!'

“I've decided,” the woman says. She breaths a sigh that reeks of defeat. “Cross the room. Slowly.”

Dillinger seems at a loss. 'What? This is where she's supposed to fight me.' But he does as she has instructed.

“You understand, don't you?”

He doesn't. The hero seems to be losing his control of the situation. He so desires to play the villain here, but he knows not how to act. He wants to say something as O'Reilley would, something to better enforce the illusion he's woven, but her most recent turn has caught him off guard. What happens next?

Dillinger stands next to the passage from whence the Lady emerged. The man has quite a few thoughts on the subject. It was quite troublesome, finding the path that led to this little passage from the outside. If it weren't for Milmont's efforts, perhaps O'Reilley could have escaped today. It had been quite the effort to plan this all so as to trap that rat.

Like this, his back is to her. It would be a perfect moment to cut him down. But he knows her. She would never. Dillinger trusts her implicitly. They've been through a lot this past month. No, even if they were not comrades, she would never. Minerva Milmont is simply too noble. But she cannot safely have him by her side, behind her, not with O'Reilley free to act. Considering her, the warrior lady who fought her way to personal glory and regional infamy, she really only has one choice. With no way to bind him, render him helpless, she'll have to fight him, beat him down, break his ability to endanger her. And that's when-

“Forward,” she demands.

“What?” Dillinger turns just enough to see her behind him, her blade poised and threatening.

“I won't pretend to understand how all of this works. But I imagine that you... O'Reilley... You can hear me, can't you?” He can't, you think. These people really don't have any idea what they're talking about. But then, you don't really know either. “So listen closely.” Lady Milmont takes a deep breath. “You win,” she says, sadly. “You win, O'Reilley.” You see her swallow, her face pained, like every moment disgusts her. “I retreat. So you can keep on living for another day. You can keep plotting and scheming in your little hole. Do whatever it is you do with your miserable life.” And then her face lights up with power. She is driven by a fierce determination. “But you will not have this boy. Do you hear me O'Reilley?”

Dillinger is stunned. It is not the outcome he had predicted. And as he watches it unfold, he feels his heart ache.

The Lady's face becomes softer now, the kindest look she's had since you first came to observe her. “I don't know if you can hear me, Jared. I don't know how much of you is there. But if you can hear me, don't worry. I'm going to save you, Jared.” Dillinger shakes at her words. “Fair is fair, after all. If it weren't for you, my friend, would this old body still draw breath? Would I still be able sit in the lounge and enjoy a quiet moment, to read with my sweet girl? Would Anna even... It is far too dreadful to imagine.”

She continues, more words of kindness and love. Jared Dillinger can hardly stand to suffer it. “So when you get to it, there's really no comparison to make. O'Reilley's life or yours? No. Let us go home. There will be other days. And we'll beat this, whatever this is. I promise.”

In his efforts to save everyone, Dillinger has led himself down a road that puts him at odds with one of the most magnificent people he's ever known, all just to give a miserable soul a chance to live. But his friend, given the choice of taking arms against her companion to slay a monster that threatened her and everything she held dear, took the road of peace. And all of this, all of this is because of a few words from a madman, words that inspired doubt in Dillinger's mind. 'That's it!', Dillinger thinks. 'There is no Mind Worm! Doubt, that was O'Reilley's Mind Worm.'

How little he knows, you think.

From that doubt came all of this, this ridiculous, convoluted plan that pitted his friend against a nemesis that doesn't exist. And now she wants to save him from nothing. 'It's the stupidest thing I've ever heard of.'

“You fool!” Dillinger shouts, his voice cracking from emotion. He prays she doesn't notice. The hero adopts the closest thing he can manage to a voice akin to O'Reilley's. “That's simply, utterly ridiculous! Pointing a sword at a pawn? Oh my, I'm shaking in my boots! Mye-ha-ha-ha!” The man flashes Lady Milmont a wicked grin. “Oh Minerva, save me, save me! Ahh-ha-ha-ha! It's too much! It's just! So! Funny!” Lady Milmont's face darkens. “Well, c'mon then!” Dillinger says in mock cheer. “This is where I walk up the stairs and you 'cure me', right? But I'm not feeling very cooperative. I mean, really, why would I? So, I guess you'd better make good on that pointy promise, eh? Go on, take a stab!” He thrusts his chest at the blade, but the Lady withdraws, fleeing backwards. “Here! Here! Ahh-ha-ha-ha! Look at you! You don't have the GUTS!” He rubs at his stomach. “But I do. Right here. Right here, here, here!”

“Stop it!” she screams, despair taking her.

'It really was an overly complicated plan, when you think about it. All this just so I wouldn't feel guilty about thrashing her. I thought it'd be easier if she took the first swing.' You know that he feels guilty as hell now. 'I really am a monster. But this has gone on long enough. I'm committed. No more dancing around the issue.' Yet that's all his mind can seem to do. 'At the very least, I'm just glad Eric isn't here to see this.'

“Not feeling it?” he mocks. “Oh, what a shame. You see, this is really a rather magnificent body here. I've been dying to see what it can do!” Dillinger thrusts his arms to the side as he adopts a wide stance. “And you, well, I should hardly have to speak of your martial history. There's no audience, but let's have us a show! Don't worry, at the very least, I'll be watching!”

“No,” she cries. “I won't do it!”

“Oh, my poor dear,” Dillinger says. “That simply won't do! I won't take no for an answer!” This is the narrative he was looking for, just not how he wanted it. If Lady Milmont wouldn't let O'Reilley live, she'd just have to be removed from the equation. And now, Jared Dillinger was going to beat a wonderful old woman until she couldn't render a conscious thought anymore. Oh, but his heart aches. “En guarde!”

It appears Dillinger sought this conflict, even unarmed as he is. Do you still wish to intervene? And what of your servant? You believe he is as prepared as can be expected considering the time allowed. Or do you have something else in mind? What is your desire?

Gonna step back a second and have a little chat, figured I'd get some feedback. This isn't very professional of me, is it? But as a fresh quest maker, it's okay to be a little clumsy, right?

Anyway, I feel like these updates are getting really unwieldy. Am I giving enough opportunities for interaction within the scene? I'll admit, I kind of fall in love with the idea of an event and I want to play it out. It's been really fun. But this update was in surplus of 2k words and I worry that it's excessive.

I also skipped out on the 'art' this time around. It takes quite a while to make, far longer than I'd care to admit, and, well, we won't speak of the quality. I'll try to keep at it but too much time passed between this and the last update. I at least want one a day. It's crazy going back and reading Mudy Quest and seeing Reaver push out something like 10 minute updates. Wild. But I will keep drawing. There's just stuff you can't get away with in the written word alone. Like that there's no chair in O'Reilley's room, but there's a pile of wooden debris in the alchemist lab, or the sad long sock hanging off of his dresser. That kind of thing.

Well, anyway, thanks for reading. I'm really glad I'm doing this. I haven't written this much in two years. And thanks cbd7dc for keeping this quest alive. I really do appreciate it.

Hey man, my pleasure! I'm having fun with it.

By the way, is Dillinger doing this because he's being influenced by our desire as the mind worm?

O'Riley, start moving back towards the entrance. Don't worry, we won't hit the basement. Do you need to do research before you can figure out how to expand our influence? Put that on the to-do list. Ooh, also, grab some rope and bring it with you as you move towards the entrance. We're gonna have you throw some coughing potion at the lady, then have Dillinger subdue her. Then the two of you will tie her up so we can figure out how to take her mind.

Dillinger, you catch all that? Going with this plan, do you think it likely that we'll be able to capture her, or do you think we should let her run and confront her later, under more favorable circumstances?

Piggy 2016/04/16(Sat)10:11 No. 716980 ID: 25ea9d
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> Start moving back towards the entrance.

O'Reilley does so. His relief is palpable.

> Do you need to do research before you can figure out how to expand our influence?

'Absolutely,' he answers. 'Let me see if I can explain this. Ritual magic doesn't have a lot of give. It is what it is and that's all that it is. So let's look at the ritual that created you. I, the summoner, pulled you to this realm and bound you to your host, Dillinger. That's all that should have happened. Apparently you also bound yourself to me. Wish I had known that was coming... In any case, if I were to recreate that spell, I would bind you to a different host...' His mind wavers. 'Actually, I'm not sure. Maybe you aren't unique. Maybe there's another Mind Worm or even countless others awaiting summons. Which would mean that if I repeated the spell, we'd just have another, different Mind Worm on our hands. And that sounds dreadful. One of you's bad enough. Actually, did I even summon you, or did I create you? Did you exist before this?'

You're certain that you existed prior to O'Reilley's summons. But the nature of the realm in which you lived before is difficult to explain. Your sense of self was weak then. Your memories of that place are tied to all of the denizens that you possessed. Their nature of experiencing and sensing their surroundings, it's not comparable to how this human observes the world he lives in. How do you explain that 'you' didn't exist, but that the being that you are did? Yet that realm hardly even bares mentioning. Things were so very simple then. This is far more entertaining.

'That's just a singular part of the matter,' he continues. 'Ignoring the details, let's get back to magic. I can change a ritual spell, in a sense. Rather, I have to remake it, from scratch. I don't think you can comprehend how difficult a matter that is, however. First, there's the level of understanding that goes into the spell itself. You can read a book on spells and with time have the knowledge, but the actual execution is so much more than just knowledge.'

'Let's see... This is just an example. Say the tome says to say 'Aba' to begin a collection of power, to continue with 'Baba' as the power grows and to say 'Chacha' when the power manifests as a symbol of essence. Sure, fine. But in practice, the symbol doesn't appear for some reason and you're just there with a building mass of energy thinking, 'Holy crap, what do I do with this?' A reminder, you can't just do whatever with it, there are strict rules that govern this whole process. You have to have a degree of creativity in dealing with problems that arise while still obeying the rules. With rituals, there are details unaccounted for, minute, yet dangerous, changes that can happen in the actual execution that change the magic from a by-the-books procedure to a daunting challenge that requires flexible, timely answers to mounting problems, which in turn demands a complete understanding of the details involved. Anyone can go 'Aba, baba, chacha', whatever. Please don't actually do that. That does nothing. But you're not a real ritualist until you've had three deadly complications arise and still smoothed out the procedure.' It mostly sounds like he's bragging at this point. He seems quite proud of himself. 'Where was I?' he continues.

But you stop him. He seems very passionate about the matter, but there are other matters to attend to. If you desire more information, you're certain that you can press him for more at a later time. Instead, you press him to get to the point.

'Right. Basically, making a ritual is about a thousand times more complicated than executing one. As it is, I don't really understand your ritual at the level required to recreate it. I don't even know how long it would take to do such a thing. I'd guess at least a month, likely more.'

You consider the matter. O'Reilley appears ignorant of a method to further your powers. But this is a new desire within you. Until most recently, you have only had a singular host. And that was fine. But something about this Dillinger/O'Reilley situation has awakened you. Previously, your wants were not unlike those of your host. But now, you have something within you. You have desires.

What if I could have more? Why should I only have one host, two hosts? There's something in O'Reilley's own desperate grasping for power that speaks to you. You could be stronger. Safer. But how? And now that you are mindful of it, you are aware of a hunger. But it is the most frustrating thing. For in this hunger, you know not how to sate it.

But now that you are conscious of this hunger, something calls out to you. It is close, so very close. There, you know the source. It is the blade. 'The Veiled Maiden', as O'Reilley called it. Your hunger demands that you consume the helpless item, yet the thought is foreign, alien. How would you do such a thing? You have never devoured something before, the notion only has an element of familiarity from the countless hosts who have done the same. They ate for sustenance, to survive, but you? You have no such need. While you question the possibility, something within you simply knows that this is within your capabilities. But do you yield to this yearning? What are the consequences of this new hunger? You set the matter aside for now.

> Grab some rope.

O'Reilley makes a brief stop in the area he'd called 'storage' earlier. The place is packed with crates, boxes, chests, lockers and various pieces of furniture. He takes a minute sorting through the place, cursing as he does so, till he finds what he's looking for.

> We're going to have you throw some coughing potion at the lady, then have Dillinger subdue her. Then the two of you will tie her up so we can figure out how to take her mind.

'Well, thanks for filling me in. It's nice to be kept in the loop. While you're at it, let me have control of my body back and I'll do it myself! Ooo-ho-ho-ho, this will be delicious. Dillinger is going to be the instrument of my revenge! Revenge~! Revenge~!'

As O'Reilley makes the effort to return to Dillinger, you note the presence of the spirit you observed through Dillinger's eyes. You remember being aware of the creature when you first possessed O'Reilley, but at the time you were unable to actually see it. Something about your connection with Dillinger has made you able to identify the entity even without his senses.

The spirit seems content to watch, mostly. It also makes rude faces and blows raspberries at O'Reilley. It appears the mage isn't the only childish one here. But you also that the incorporeal flame has that same allure as the blade. And you hunger.



You consider sharing the details with Dillinger, but not before exploring a nagging thought. Has Dillinger been acting of his own accord? Or is he acting on your own desires to preserve your host? You search his mind for the answer.

It is a difficult effort. Dillinger's mind remains as resilient as ever. You take that as the first bit of evidence that the man is working independently of your desires. But as you peruse his memories, you find reoccurring evidence of this soul's naive idealism. The specialized sense you discovered earlier? It appears Dillinger is a most complicated entity. He possesses some kind of supernatural ability to sense misery, sadness and despair. Not only that, he can sense these things before they happen. Using this ability, he travels the world and tries to prevent these events. He has a strong sense of righteousness and believes it is worthy to sacrifice of himself in pursuit of notions like mercy and salvation. He's doing all of this because he wants O'Reilley to have a second chance at life, one where he isn't a sad, miserable creature trapped in his family's history, lusting after an innocent young girl's destruction. Your intentions and presence have yet to be recognized.

The naive one steps forward in a sudden lunge and strikes at Lady Mormont's wrist. His efforts to disarm her are unsuccessful as her hold stays strong, though her arm is thrown wide. 'So much for surprise', he thinks.

Physical conflict seems to reawaken the warrior woman. She grits her teeth, grunting, “O'Reilley!” as she slams her shoulder forward. Dillinger's thrown backwards as the wall of steel collides with him, though he's quick to recover. The Lady gives him no respite, moving forward to continue her assault. She still hesitates to use her blade and Dillinger takes advantage of the opportunity granted. As Milmont lunges forward with a left handed straight punch, Dillinger skillfully bats the strike aside and moves against her momentum. She twists and tries a feeble blow with her sword, but the angle's all wrong and she can't manage any speed. Dillinger dodges the attack and whips out another chop at her sword hand. She curses at the stinging blow and steps back, adopting a defensive posture.

Her back is to the path from which she came. Lady Milmont glowers at him. “All that armor and you didn't think to guard your hands?” Dillinger taunts. “Or your head!” He moves to press forward but is pushed back as the woman strikes out with her blade in a dangerous arc. Just a bit more pressure and he can force her into the hallway, limiting the offensive reach of her long sword. But she is every bit aware of this as Dillinger, he's sure.

For now, she seems content to hold her position, carefully eyeing her opponent. While her position is precarious, her hand is certainly stinging from their earlier exchange. Perhaps she's just buying time to get some feeling back, or maybe she's still sorting out some inner conflict. Still, Dillinger had hoped to disarm her from the start. Fighting an armed Lady Milmont is no easy task. If she discards her inhibitions, Dillinger fears he may have to escalate the battle, something he dreads.

But you have a decision to make. Knowing well that Dillinger operates of his own desires, do you still wish to make your presence known? Till now, you have simply been an observer of his actions, but should you make yourself known you believe that the manner in which you interact with the man will change considerably. And then there is the matter of this hunger. How do you respond to this new urge? What is your desire?

Can you communicate with his flame buddy? Talk to him, so it's less disturbing to Dillinger, and so he won't know to block you out. Tell him to tell Dillinger, "If you were really mind controlled, you would intentionally put yourself in the path of the blade. She won't slash you with it, and if you hamper her movements by trying to make her cut you, you'll restrict her fighting options. Better not to disarm her, actually." It's a strategic decision.

If Dillinger wants to give O'Riley a second chance, why didn't he just let the lady run away when she wanted to? I don't understand.

Piggy 2016/04/17(Sun)18:11 No. 717449 ID: 25ea9d
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You dig further, seeking answers to your queries on Dillinger's motivations. As you do, you observe several scenarios play out from his perspective. Scenario 1, Dillinger helps Milmont find O'Reilley. Result: Milmont slays O'Reilley, unfavorable. Scenario 2, Dillinger and Milmont leave the facility. Result: O'Reilley continues as before, threatening the lives of good people, unfavorable. Scenario 3, Dillinger stops Milmont and O'Reiley both. Result, no one dies, O'Reiley is unable to endanger people, O'Reilley is likely incarcerated. Favored. Scenario 4, Dillinger disables Milmont but is unable to stop O'Reilley. Result... Dillinger is unwilling to consider this outcome. He also has something envisioned where he somehow convinces O'Reilley to renounce his ways, though he lacks any kind of planning for this. It's more like wishful thinking.

It appears Dillinger has some unrealistic expectations of himself. Considering his motivations and what you know about O'Reilley, the most realistic option which satisfied the hero's desires was the one in which Lady Milmont struck the villain down. O'Reilley would certainly never agree to imprisonment and any desire to 'be a good person' or something like that is simply ridiculous. But you also understand that there is a stubbornness in Dillinger that makes it so that he has to follow through with these ridiculous attempts. You also recognize that the turning point for Dillinger, the moment at which his conviction to stop O'Reilley wavered, was a word of doubt and a wish to parlay. It's kind of difficult to predict how things will unfold now, though. If you wish to shape how these events transpire, you will have to take a more active role in communicating with the man.

You will O'Reilley to speak to the spirit. “What? What are you talking about?” Of course he doesn't understand. You explain that there is a presence here that he cannot see. He seems resistant to the demand, however. Concerns of him 'looking silly talking to nothing' grace his mind. It's too much of a hassle to explain. You do it yourself. “You.” You have O'Reilley point to the incorporeal entity. It stops making faces. “You,” you insist.

“Me?” It asks, uncertain. You have O'Reilley nod. “Huh. Wow. This is awkward.” The flame doesn't seem that bothered though. “We always figured you could see me. You use magic, after all. You just never seemed to acknowledge that I was around. Didn't seem to make a whole lot of sense. I just figured you were just a really terrible mage. Turns out you were super rude. In hindsight, not so surprising.”

Is it good that O'Reilley can't hear him? His reaction here might be amusing. But you press. “This is not O'Reilley. I am the Mind Worm.”

“Ugh,” the spirit groans. “Really? This crap again? O'Reilley, do you really expect us to believe this desperate gimmick? This is sad.”

He seems unhurried, but you have business. You get to the point. “I have Dillinger as well.”

“Desperate bluff.”

You are undeterred. “His thoughts are opened to me. He does battle with Lady Milmont in the ritual chamber. Dillinger wants to stop her from killing O'Reilley.”

The spirit laughs. “That's ridiculous. You're our enemy! They're allies!”

“It's still the truth.” The flame doesn't respond to that. “Your name is Eric.”

“Lucky guess,” it tsks.

“Your belief doesn't change anything. What I desire is your cooperation.”

“Not happening.”

This is tiresome. “I'm making contact with Dillinger shortly. It will go more smoothly if you warn him that there will be another presence in his mind.”

The flame scowls. “Listen, buddy, I'm spying on you and there's nothing that's gonna change that. I'm incorporeal, what are you gonna do? Magic me away? Oh wait, that's right! You're some kind of garbage mage who needs, like, a decade to do anything. I better watch my mouth or you might do something about it in the next week or so.”

'Are you really just having me talk to an empty room?' O'Reilley adds his complaints to the frustrating situation.

O'Reilley leaves the storage room under your will. It may as well be your body at this point. O'Reilley should be unable to act of his own volition unless you will it. You flex his hands and appreciate the feeling of total control. “Keep spying, Eric. Follow. When we return to the ritual chamber, you can tell him these words before I do. 'If you were really mind controlled, you would intentionally put yourself in the path of the blade. It's in O'Reilley's best interests to see you dead, after all. Milmont won't cut you down. If you hamper her movements by trying to make her cut you, you'll restrict her fighting options. Better not to disarm her, actually.' It will make this so much easier.”

Something about the exchange puts Eric off. It seems less smug, less cocksure. You note its discomfort as he begins to consider your words. “You're an idiot O'Reilley. You go back there and you're a dead man. You really think this is going to go the way you want it?”

You're not even sure. What are your desires for O'Reilley? His body is convenient. There is that. But for the first time in your existence, your survival is not tied to your host. It begs interesting questions. Given time, what will you do with this form? And if O'Reilley does die? Well, he probably won't die here. But if he does, what of it? O'Reilley seems to think his life has some kind of special value but Dillinger seems to believe that the value of a human life is tied to a notion of good and evil. They're new concepts to you. You're not quite sure how you feel about them just yet. Right now, your own views on such things are painted in distinct Dillinger and O'Reilley flavors. But you desire 'you', an independence from that.

“You've ignored me enough, haven't you O'Reilley? C'mon, you sick bastard, we were having such a nice little chat!” The spirit interrupts your musing. It mentioned 'desperate' earlier and hearing its words you have a better understanding of what it means now, though it tries to hide it. The flame is afraid.

You reach out to your other host. The scene in the other room plays out and you take the opportunity . “Jared Dillinger has had enough waiting. Every moment she's given is a moment where her sword arm is strengthened.”

The spirit's 'face' flashes with concern. “What are you doing?”

“Proving my claim,” you announce, then continue to narrate. “He leaps back and grabs hold of one of the candle stands. It's light, lighter than he'd hoped. He knows it won't survive more than a few blows against Milmont's blade. He strikes anyway. Once, twice they collide. The top part of Dillinger's improvised weapon flies across the room.”

“You're not proving anything,” the spirit says, it's words full of anger. You anger him. What a shame. This would be much simpler if he simply cooperated.

“It's hard to keep up. They move so fast. Dillinger is unarmed again, lost his footing. He knows she won't hesitate to press that advantage, though we all know her blade will stay, don't we?”

“O'Reilley!”

“Mind Worm,” you insist. “She chases after him as he rolls back, slams a boot into his side. There's pain, but he rolls with it and finds himself on his feet once more. Milmont seems so very sad, so very terrible. Dillinger has no doubt he will be victorious.”

The sounds of metal scraping against stone sounds down the hall. You draw close. A loud bark from Lady Milmont echoes around you. Eric seems to be at quite the loss. It has no more words for you. “Eric,” you call. “The top half of the candle stand is in the back right corner, next to the sword display.” You hold unflinching eye contact for as long as it meets your gaze. Eric breaks, chasing down the passage after the hero.

You walk to the ritual chamber. No, you peruse O'Reilley's vocabulary for a better word. Saunter. There's a confidence and power in you that 'walk' simply fails to describe. But within you, O'Reilley begins to panic. 'You're certain you have Dillinger under control?' You don't, but it doesn't matter. He doesn't need to know that.

A bestial grunt welcomes you to the chamber as Lady Milmont strikes out at Jared Dillinger. You simply watch for a while. It is nice, watching this fluidity of movement, this clashing of blows, Dillinger's inner turmoil, it's all so interesting. You watch not with Dillinger's eyes, but with eyes that you feel comfortable calling 'yours'. Still, not too close. Best to stay out of sight for now.

But you were musing. Does the outcome of the event even matter when the process is so fascinating? It will come to an end eventually, won't it? And then what happens? The natural process of events was for O'Reilley and Dillinger to defeat her, then talk and then something happens. But what if Milmont is the victor? What if you just stand back and watch and this armed woman defeats the hero? How does the scenario unfold there? Would it be interesting? Now that survival is not a fear, interest, interest, interest. But what of your desires? It is enough to simply be an observer? Or do you demand to have things go your way? You are so uncertain, but there is a bliss in the notion of choice.

Eric approaches the hero. 'Now a bad time?' it jokes, but Dillinger notices the strain.

Dillinger opens up some space between his foe. She seems content to accept the reprieve. The two combatants stand in the center of the room, with Milmont on the raised portion of the room closest to the rear exit. 'You okay, pal? You look like you've seen a, well, a you.'

“Ha, ha, super funny,” the flame rushes. “Hey, listen, you haven't heard anything weird? Had any mental compulsions? Heard a super creepy voice that's like O'Reilley but not?”

Dillinger almost laughs. 'Wait, so you're on board with the Mind Worm thing now?'

The flame breaths a sigh of relief. “Oh gods, I'm an idiot. That's embarrassing. I can't believe I let him get me like that! It's complicated but-” Eric stops. His gaze is in the corner of the room. The top part of the candle stand is there. The O'Reilley in you wants to cackle. You simply remain just out of sight by the entrance to the room, for now.

“What's the matter?” Lady Milmont calls to Dillinger between labored breaths. “Lost your nerve, O'Reilley? No real surprise, spineless worm!”

Your host doesn't seem to appreciate the remark, but the 'worm' comment strikes you as amusing.

“Jared, I need you to listen to me for a second,” the flame says, it's voice grave. “I think the Mind Worm is real. I think it talked to me. It said it was in your head, Jared. And it said it was going to contact you. Said something about getting stabbed by Milmont or something.”

Now. 'Not quite,' is your mental push, loud and clear, the first into Dillinger's head.

Dillinger relaxes his fighting posture and adopts a curious look. 'Ohhhhhh...'

'Holy crap, it just talked to you, didn't it?' The flame sputters. 'The Mind Worm is real?'

'Don't misunderstand,” you interrupt. “It was just some tactical advice. She won't actually strike you, I know as well as you. You could use it to your advantage, put her in an awkward position. Disarming her robs you of that opportunity.”

Dillinger nods. 'Easy for you to say. I played it well the first time but it's kind of scary when she looks like that.'

The flame shakes. “Creepy. I can hear it too. But it's in your head? Oh, weird.”

'Well, you can read my thoughts. And I guess it's thoughts are in my head? So it kind of makes sense.'

Lady Milmont seems to have tired of waiting. “Here I come!” she announces, charging forward. The two resume their dance.

You continue to watch, satisfied with this for now. You hold the potion O'Reilley identified as a choking agent. The rope is readily available. A moment of panic washes over Dillinger as he suddenly stops and ducks as Milmont brings her blade down in a crushing arc aimed at his torso, now at his head. It's all too predictable, save something curious hidden in Dillinger's mind. The Lady stops her blade short. A heavy moment passes as she realizes that he was ready for this. Dillinger brings his hand up and delivers a fearsome open palm uppercut to her chin. Lady Milmont's head snaps up suddenly, violently. Her sword falls out of her hand. The Lady loses her strength. Dillinger catches her as she falls and gently lays her down. He stands. He is not happy.

The same cannot be said for your host. 'That was the greatest, simply the greatest thing ever! Mye-ha-ha-ha-ha! Unbelievable! Oh, it's so beautiful!'

“One last thing,” Eric prompts in the uncomfortable silence that follows. “It's O'Reilley. He's here.” Dillinger's back on his feet in a moment, scanning the room.

A shame you couldn't bring your plans to fruition. Your feelings on outcome versus experience comes up once more. You step out into the room. Back where this started.

The hero's eyes meet yours. “O'Reilley...” Dillinger starts, his voice wavering slightly.

You've done this before. “Mind Worm,” you declare.

A pregnant pause follows. He speaks. “You know... I just hurt a good friend of mine for you. On a whim. You understand that, right?”

“In a sense,” you say, using O'Reilley's body to convey your thoughts. “I'm inside your head and I can hardly believe the things you do, Jared Dillinger.”

Eric laughs bitterly. “Even supernatural brain parasites think you're a moron.”

The hero breathes deeply, trying to calm himself. He knows he's riled up, his body still tingling with adrenaline from his fight with Milmont, still fired up from watching that killer deathblow descend on his head, still amazed at himself that he played his comrade's love for him against her. He wants to size you up, get a feel for who you are. Dillinger knows nothing about you, after all, only what you are called and that you have some kind of capability to speak through his mind, see his thoughts. He wants to know that you won't hurt him, won't hurt his friends, won't hurt innocent people. He wants to know that you're 'one of the good guys'. He wants to trust you, what an interesting thought. Trust? That thing he has for Milmont, he wishes to give that to you. For now, he is cautious. But such curious thoughts. What a very different person from O'Reilley. Dillinger decides to get his answers. “Earlier, you said that you wanted to talk.”

“I did,” you answer.

“Then let's talk, Mind Worm.”

"Well, Dillinger, I'm new to this plane. I don't really understand the ideas of 'good' and 'evil.' Not in any experiential way, at least. I see the images that flash past your minds eye when I say them, but that's a different thing altogether. Right now, what I'm interested in is power and experience. I want to taste this world. So far, it's rich and vibrant. And I want to put my hands on it. Change it. Makes me giddy. Want to help me understand the ways of this world? Cause and effect? Or should I say 'consequences?' I'd appreciate the guidance. You and O'Riley see the world so differently."

Mentally note that they're both fools in opposite directions. They don't have to know that you think that, and Dillinger doesn't have to know that you don't particularly care about his ideas of goodness.

Is there any way to slowly, silently take his mind over? Give him a subtle boost of serotonin every time he thinks of you or something like that?