[025]

[oliverplus]

[Oliver is sitting by a tree somewhere in the midst of the forest. He is soaked to the bone and looks tired, ragged, and shaky]

I just... [stops, swallows, and tries again, keeping his voice as steady as possible, but his fear is evident] I just wanted to say that... [trails off again, his voice growing very soft and tight] I saw it...it's

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[bit_impossible]

[watches him for a moment before he speaks, ignoring the noises that have been following him all day]

Oliver. Do you really think that's going to work?

[oliverplus]

I told you already. I saw it! It's here! It's... [swallows] It's come back for me, Doctor.

[bit_impossible]

Of all the people it could come back for, why you? You're the one who ultimately defeated it. The Puppeteer wanted to kill me remember? Why not run after me instead?

[oliverplus]

But I didn't! You did. I think...you're too strong for it. But it knows I can't fight it. If it could get me and you got near... [cuts off, grimacing, then grows determined] But I won't let it.

[bit_impossible]

I've been overtaken by brainworms before, Oliver. I told you this months ago. No one is completely immune--except perhaps another brainworm. Why take over one of its own kind? That's like a twisted form of mental cannibalism.

Anyway, good to hear you won't let it. Though, I do have my fears about how you will achieve that end.

[oliverplus]

I'm still a better target. It got me before, but you defeated it.

I'll do whatever it takes. I won't... [voice catches; he's extremely terrified by the prospect] I won't kill anyone!

[bit_impossible]

And I told you before that I would stop you.

[oliverplus]

[softly, voice dark] But you also told me that you'd let me kill you.

[bit_impossible]

Did I?

So I did.

But do you really think I'd let you kill me before making sure you could do no one else any harm?

[oliverplus]

You wouldn't kill me, Doctor.

That's...the problem.

[bit_impossible]

[he's silent for a long moment.]

I've killed before.

[oliverplus]

[hopeful] If it came down to it. Please, don't let me hurt you.

[bit_impossible]

You keep saying that like you're going to run out of that forest any minute wearing a hockey mask and wielding a machete!

[oliverplus]

[stares, but can't help a laugh] That'd be easier, wouldn't it? At least then, everybody would know.

At least then I'd know.

[bit_impossible]

Well, last I knew, you owned neither of those items, unless you plan on carving a mask out of wood while you're out there.

[oliverplus]

[smiles faintly] You never know. I've got nothing but time.