Chapter 13) – Hesitation

A/N - All the feedback so far has been extremely helpful, so thank you very much ❤ If you wouldn't mind, please continue to provide feedback on my writing as it helps me to improve and give you all a better story.

Big one today, roughly 5.5k words. Hope you enjoy ❤

*****

20 minutes after entering the museum, the duo had made their way almost entirely around the Nature Lab. After checking out the snakes, spiders, frogs, rats, and various other small animals, they were about to move on to the next exhibit, before Mara had a realisation after glancing at the final species present on display.

The ants.

[Hey, El. Klyntar's are hivemind creatures, right? What happened to your connection when we came to this universe? Can you somehow still connect to the previous universe's hivemind, or have you connected to this one's?]

By tapping into the instinctual connection all Klyntar's have with the hive, I received a prompt answer to Mara's query, <The short answer is that I am currently not connected to any hive. If wanted, have a feeling could connect this universe's hive, similar tuning radio different station. But also strong it would do more harm than good currently.>

As my host continued to examine the varying ant species, she offhandedly asked, [Why would it cause harm?]

Knowing Mara's inquisitive nature, I had a response already prepared, <The Nexus, the being at centre of hive, would immediately discover us. It is my understanding that Nexus has un-obstructed access to every Klyntar consciousness and can view them whenever it so pleases. For an ordinary Klyntar, like myself, in order memories or another species, I need have either following: Express permission from a known – can't just randomly another's consciousness. Or, alternatively, parental bond with Toxin. But even unwillingly created connection could be closed off if parent was somewhat capable. Well, those are only methods am aware anyways, there more. This course disregarding option consume assimilate their way.>

Picking up what I was metaphorically putting down, Mara soon realised the danger such access could cause to us, [Ah, I get it. So, you're saying that if you connect to the hive here, the Nexus thingy will immediately notice you and read your memories. Memories that clearly show us not being from this universe.]

Ever proud of my quick-witted host, I expanded on the last little bit of our joint conjecture, <Exactly. This would either result in the Nexus itself coming after us order to investigate or sending another Klyntar do it for them. There is always a chance that won't be interested us, but considering how nosy with its ability forcefully read any Klyntar's consciousness, I highly doubt pass up this opportunity travel across multiverse. Even if we don't actually know happened.>

Shivering slightly at her own thoughts, Mara had a bigger concern, [Let alone the multiverse travel, I'd be more concerned about the Infinity Stones of this universe. I dread to think what would happen if it got its grubby mitts on those damn mega rocks.]

Just going off the name alone, I could tell that an Infinity Stone was something dangerous yet even more powerful. Nevertheless, I had to confirm my suspicions, <What is an Infinity Stone, dear? And why does it sound like bad news?>

Mara had finished looking at all the ants, and therefore all the Nature Lab exhibits. We had started to move onto the next stop on our tour while she explained what the infinity Stones were, [You would be correct in assuming that they are, babe. I watched Infinity War enough times to know Wong's explanation off-by-heart, but I'll paraphrase since he was a bit dramatic with his words. There are 6 stones that control every essential aspect of existence: Space, Time, Power, Reality, Soul, and Mind. When all 6 stones are used in tandem, well let's just say that's how the purple alien I mentioned was able to wipe out half the universe's population with a snap of his fingers. Make sense?] 

It did indeed make sense. It was terrifying information, knowing that some rocks were able to manipulate the universe to such a degree. But I would be lying if I said it didn't make me curious. After all, clearly with Mara's knowledge of this universe, she would know where these stones were. With such powerful items, I would be able to help Mara fulfil her wishes all the more effectively! 

Amid such thoughts, I inquired, <Perfect sense, that was a concise explanation. With your knowledge, you undoubtedly know where they all are right? Do plan to get any of these stones in the future?>

Almost immediately after I had questioned her, Mara shouted out loud in vehement denial, "FUCK NO!"

Inevitably drawing attention to herself by shouting out profanity in public, everyone in the museum turned to look at her. Even Natalie was confused by her outburst and questioned, "Is everything alright Mara? What happened?"

Realising that she had spoken aloud and that everyone was now looking at her, she did the sensible thing… She ran away. 

Somehow still able to control her strength in her embarrassed state, Mara sprinted through the Hall of Birds exhibition at a pace ever-so-slightly slower than professional athletes. 

Natalie was dazed for a fraction of a second before following after her at a much slower pace, but still managing to keep up.

Both runners made it out the back of the museum, with Mara, and subsequently Natalie, coming to a stop underneath a tree before then resting with their backs on the trunk. 

"What was that, Mara?! Why did you suddenly curse and run away?!"

Understanding that she couldn't exactly tell Natalie that she was speaking to a space alien in her head about magical universe rocks that have the potential to end the universe, Mara did the next best thing, "I, erm, I got scared of the birds."

"…"

<… >

Going off Natalie's facial expression, baffled wasn't even the half of it, "You shouted, 'Fuck no' and ran out of the museum at breakneck pace… because of some stuffed birds?"

Looking at her feet in shame, all Mara could do was nod and say, "Yes…"

Trying to help my downtrodden host out, I offered some advice, <I don't think she's going to believe you, dear. Maybe you-> 

Interrupting me mid-sentence, and giving an exaggerated sigh, Natalie said, "Haaah, why didn't you just say you were scared of the birds? We could have gone around the exhibit quite easily. There was no need to shout like that, but I get that you don't really know all the dos and don'ts in public since your memories are missing. Listen, you shouldn't really shout profanities out loud like that in a public setting, especially when there are children around. Still, at least we know that even without your memories, some things are ingrained in your subconscious." 

<-don't need to do anything? She believed that??> If I had my head projected out at the time, I would have definitely been as slack jawed as Natalie was when she witnessed our suit transformation.

Mara was equally as disbelieving as me, but thankfully this time she controlled herself and did not express as such externally, "Thanks Natalie, and I'm sorry for causing bother. Can you give me a minute before we go back in to calm down, please?"

With a slight smile on her face, Natalie understandingly agreed to my host's request, "Sure thing, Mara. Take as long as you need."

Woefully for me, however, Mara was not going to use this time to calm down. Rather, she turned away from the assistant to hide the scowl that wouldn't leave her face no matter how hard she tried, [What the fuck El?! Why would you ask me if I wanted to get the fucking space rocks WHEN I JUST TOLD YOU HOW DANGEROUS THEY ARE?! AND TO TOP IT ALL OFF, NOW NATASHA THINKS I'M SCARED OF SOME CUNTING PIGEONS!!]

Having spent what was my entire existence with Mara, it was easy enough for me to discern that she was not actually furious with me. Not entirely anyway. Thus, after giving her enough time to vent all her frustration in our head, as opposed to punching something - like the inviting looking tree she was stood next to - I took the initiative to apologise.

<I apologise Mara. I should have realised with how you described them, that wanted nothing to do the stones if could help it. thought we managed get even one of stones, would be able in a larger capacity than currently do.> 

Mara sat down on the grass with her back resting against the tree trunk before also apologising, [Me too El. I'm not really mad at you, I'm mad at myself. Sure, what you said made me react the way I did, but I should have the self-control to not react out loud like that. Plus, we will inevitably have to come into contact with the stones at some point, even if I wanted to avoid them as much as possible. I plan to follow the same timeline pretty closely as to not waste my knowledge of future events, so I shouldn't overreact too much. And to top it off, I went and said some stuffed birds made me scared out of my wits in front of my fictional idol. Albeit she's real now.]

With the air being cleared between each other, we both felt like we became closer after everything settled down. This was made none-so-more obvious than when I felt that our bond could be deepened, when we were in a safe location and had the time to do so.

<At 10 least something good came out of this situation, dear. I can feel that we're able to deepen our bond your bones when we have the time. For now, though, you should probably continue with tour, considering it has been about minutes since Natasha gave some breathing room.>

Imperceptibly nodding at my words, Mara pushed herself off the grass and made her way over to where Natalie was stood.

"Thanks for that Natalie. Should we get back to our tour now?" she said with her lips in a grateful smile.

Pleased that Mara resembled her previous relaxed self, Natalie agreed, "Yeah of course. Do you want to cover your eyes while I lead you through the exhibition, or will you be okay?"

Slightly surprised at how accommodating the spy was being, my host froze for a second. This was a good thing however, as it gave me time to help out even if it probably wasn't needed.

<You should tell her that you want to face your fear get over it. Now she's seen 'scared', witnessing trying overcome will leave a bigger impression on her.>

Gaining a fire in her eyes, my host followed my advice and replied as such, earning herself a slight look of recognition from the undercover spy. Natalie knew how difficult it would be to overcome a fear powerful enough to cause Mara to physically sprint away from it. She respected the resolve it took to confront it head-on, as both women walked back inside the museum, making a beeline for the Hall of Birds.

------

After just over an hour and a half of entering the Los Angeles National History Museum, the time was exactly midday, and both women had seen every exhibit that was on display. 

Considering Mara had decided to go to the museum as part of her recruitment plan, and was not particularly interested in it, by the time it came to leaving she realised that she had actually really enjoyed it. 

As the pair were walking back down the stairs from the 2nd floor, to head towards the exit, Mara made sure to ask Natalie, "Thanks for taking me round here Natalie, I had a lot of fun! Who would have thought there were so many variations of the same type of animal? Even if you didn't have a choice in following me around, did you enjoy yourself even a little bit?"

Amicably replying to my host, the assistant said, "It was fairly enjoyable Mara. Truth be told I've never been around the exhibits, so this was a new experience for me as well. Do you know where you want to go next? Just remember that since it is after midday, Mr. Stark may contact me if he needs anything, and I will have to leave."

As the duo conversed, they quickly made it to the base of the stairs and only had to walk through the way they entered the museum, to return to the parking lot where the car was.

"No worries, Natalie. It's ultimately your job and you already told me it could happen. Nevertheless, for the next stop I feel like we should get some food! Do you have any preference or are you not arsed?"

*BANG* 

Preventing Natalie from replying to Mara, and intruding into their conversation, was the distinctly deafening sound of a gunshot.

The pair whipped their heads around to face the back of the museum, where the noise originated from.

Natalie seemed to have lost all pretences in her momentary confusion and incredulously asked, "Who the fuck is shooting a gun in a museum?"

Slightly excited, my host replied, "No idea, but I'm interested to find out. Could be pretty fun if there's someone I could beat up. You coming?"

Without waiting for a reply, Mara set off at a casual walk towards what any normal person would have coined a danger zone. She didn't have to wait long for a reply from Natalie either, as the steady steps trailing behind let Mara know her answer.

The two made their way through the Hall of Birds with relative ease as they were the only ones, in the flood of panicked people running away, that were heading towards to the source of fear.

After exiting the Hall of Birds and going past the back exit the intruders most likely entered through. We were presented with an unobstructed view of the criminal group that fired the gunshot, as they smashed the glass display cases containing various meteorites and gems. 

Dressed in all black attire were 3 men and 2 women. All 5 wore matching combat pants, tactical jackets, and bulletproof vests containing a variety of extra magazines for their weapons. On their feet were military issue boots, hands covered with hard knuckle gloves, and their heads were protected with ballistic helmets. Finishing off the look were balaclava face masks, only allowing their eyes to be seen, but even that uncovered slot was covered with all-black visors, preventing any part of the intruder's body being shown.

They wouldn't be criminals without weapons either, and all 5 had the same scoped M4 carbine assault rifle and Glock model 17 combo on their persons. In fact, all 5 were so identical that other than all 3 men having a much larger frame, being a whole head taller than the women, and their voices, there would be no way to differentiate between them.

Considering everyone else had run away from the armed combatants, Mara and Natalie were the only ones remaining on the entire ground floor of the museum, excluding the combatants themselves. This inevitably drew attention to themselves and even caused the two men that were cleaning out the displays to turn around to focus on the duo. 

Ignoring the 5 individuals that were now staring at them, Mara turned to Natalie in confusion, "Hey Natalie, is this a normal thing around these parts?"

Without taking her eyes off the criminals Natalie gave an immediate reply to her, "Absolutely not Mara. Sure, robberies may happen, but that's more petty crime than anything. For them to be wearing full military ensemble is most definitely not normal."

"Cool! So, I can have some fun right?!" Instead of showing fear, or reluctance, like the armed robbers were expecting, Mara instead flashed a smile radiating child-like joy.

Sighing at how happy she seemed about, at least in Natalie's eyes, fighting with her life on the line against armed personnel. Natalie couldn't help but feel that the question itself was rhetorical and the only answer she could give was already predetermined, "Yes you can fight them, but try not to kill them. They need to be questioned on where they got the equipment and why they're stealing rocks from a museum."

"Awesome!" Mara shouted. She then turned away from Natalie and pointed at the closet criminal before telling her, "Imma deck you in the schnoz!"

Slightly confused at the exchange the two civilians had in front of them, the woman that was pointed at aggressively countered back by raising her gun at Mara and screeching, "Who the fuck do you think you are?! Get out of here bitch, before-" 

Sadly, for the woman, she didn't get to finish her sentence as for the first time in my existence, I felt anger. Something even stronger than what my host had felt earlier. A blinding rage.

Faster than anyone could react to, I shot out a solid tendril of my form from Mara's shoulder into the woman's filthy mouth. Silencing the heathen before she continued to spout any further blasphemy. 

Without hesitation I forced my way down her oesophagus, branching out spikes from the main tendril to spread throughout her body. I wrapped around, and penetrated, bones, muscles, ANYTHING that would induce the most pain a human body could feel as I pierced her body from the inside out. While controlling the tendrils, I instinctually avoided any life-threatening areas like essential organs or arteries that would hasten the creatin's death.

They needed to understand that actions had consequences. And insulting a Klyntar's host was akin to requesting an agonising suicide. So, who was I not to fulfil their request with all my being?

Throughout my procedure the other bugs were frozen in fear. The creatin's agonising screams muffled by the trunk-like tendril filling her gullet. Even Natalie seemed bothered by what I was doing. But, with how hyper-focused I was, I had stopped paying attention to anything else other than inflicting suffering.

The more pain I inflicted, the louder the scream.

The louder the scream, the more my anger died down.

The more my anger died down, the clearer my consciousness became, and I could think about more effective ways to inflict pain. 

Not wanting to let the heathen off with something so painless as suffocation, I reduced the girth of the tendril in its oesophagus. Thus, allowing it to breathe and resume its agonising melody.

Within seconds of first forcing my tendril into its mouth, the branches had covered the vast majority of the filth's innards. As my mind cleared, and my tunnel vision was removed, my imagination was able to bloom. This allowed me to recall one of the types of creatures we had seen during the museum tour, that made even the infamous Black Widow shiver slightly.

An Ichneumonidae. A parasitic wasp.

These inspiring little insects inject their eggs directly into an unfortunate host's body. The eggs then gestate over a period of time, before hatching into larva. The cute little babies proceed to feast on their still living host, oftentimes paralyzing the hosts muscles, and preventing it from moving. However, said paralysis doesn't prevent the host from feeling pain. Thus, allowing it to feel every minute sensation of being ravaged from the inside out with absolutely no hope of escaping or surviving.

Earth's nature truly is beautiful at times.

With my tendrils now completely covering the dirt's insides, I forced it to turn away from my host and Natalie, making it face the bugs it associated with. Since it couldn't move its own limbs, but could very much still feel the pain – denoted by how beautiful the tune it was producing sounded – the first part of my wasp imitation was complete.

The next step was to start the 'eating'. But obviously, I wouldn't be the one eating the dirt. No. Worms eat dirt. And why would I eat dirt when there were 4 worms absolutely starving for some grub, hmm~?

Taking full advantage of the other worm's still being completely frozen, even after the solid minute of torture their comrade suffered through. I split more tendrils from the main trunk that linked the dirt's mouth to Mara's shoulder. These tendrils shot at the 4 worm's heads, wrapping around them to completely encase their heads like helmets, and created branches to penetrate their extremities. The branches this time were not aiming to inflict pain and were just to hold the worms in place. Couldn't have them accidentally shoot themselves when they have such a banquet prepared for them after all.

By this point, tears of joy were pouring out of both the dirt and the worm's eyes. Clearly, the dirt was very happy to be able to feed its friends, and the worms were more than pleased to indulge. 

[E...it....op.....ne…..] I could tell that Mara was trying to speak to me through our connection, but she was safe. Although I was fully focussed with the task at hand, I had, at some point, subconsciously covered her body in our suit form for protection. I would quickly finish my wasp imitation with the dirt and acquiesce to her desires regarding what she wanted to do with the worms. I still remembered that Natalie had asked Mara to try not to kill the worms, but dirt isn't sentient. So, since it wasn't alive in the first place, it couldn't be killed. Thus, removing it from the picture would be fine since it wouldn't be unable to answer any questions after all. 

Slowly, piece by piece, strip by strip, millimetre by millimetre, I begin the process of dissecting the dirt's stomach using my main tendril. By hollowing out the main trunk, and the offshoots going to the worm's mouths, I was easily able to transport the sustenance from the source to my hungry diners.

To make it a more enjoyable experience for my worm customers, I made sure that the delivery tube only just entered their mouths. Tasting and chewing are a part of the eating enjoyment as well.

As I began to feed each of the patrons their starter of fresh stomach with a side of duodenum lining, topped with gastric sauce, I notice that I underestimated how famished they had been. If a human starved for too long, their stomachs stop producing the gastric acids used to dissolve food. As such, if, said human, then tried to eat normally again, their body would reject the food and cause them to vomit it out.

Who knew that worms suffered from the same thing? I learned something new every day.

Deciding to help out the struggling clientele, I extend the feeding tube past their mouth and directly into their gullet, pushing back down all of the vomit they almost accidently spilled. Such helpful and dedicated service would definitely get me a positive review. Of that, I was certain.

Over the next 5 minutes I stuck to my principles and steered clear of the essential internal gubbins. Even when I stayed away from the key organs, I knew that the dirt would not live for much longer.

Stomach, kidney, pancreas. So many snacks, so little time.

After finishing up the liver, I could feel that the dirt's heart was starting to slow down. No noise was coming out of its mouth by now, its larynx collapsed from overuse. Just before its life was extinguished, I wanted to leave a lasting impression on my diners. One that would surely play in their minds, eternally.

I removed the offshoots covering their heads and detached all the branches that were penetrated into their limbs, letting them unceremoniously flop to the floor. Instead of pulling all the branches back into Mara's body, I used them to prop up the worm's torsos and hold their eyes open. Without such help, they would have most likely fallen into a food coma and missed the show.

Once I was sure all 4 of my audience were giving the performance their undivided attention. I moved the branches in the dirt's head towards its eyes. With a resounding *pop* I pushed both eyeballs out of their sockets, letting them dangled on the dirt's cheeks. Swinging side-to-side like twin pendulums, still attached to the optic nerve.

After the worms got their eyeful of the supporting act, I swiftly transitioned into the show's finale. My main tendril, and branches, in the dirt's body rapidly inflated with explosive force reminiscent of a grenade. As such, the result was as expected when it came to explosions – a rain of blood, tendons, skin, bones, and all manner of unknown effluvia. 

All 4 worms, as well as the surrounding walls, floor, and ceiling, were dyed red, brown, and yellow with the dirt's innards. Natalie and Mara, on the other hand, were protected by an umbrella and shield I had created in anticipation of the poor weather. 

With my punishment meted, and a calmer mindset, I retracted all the external tendrils back into Mara's body. I deactivated our suit form and turned back into the attire she had been wearing all day. By letting the worms fall flat onto the ground, they all drifted off into their predicted food coma. 

With a sigh I finally heard Mara's voice properly, the last was when the dirt somehow gained the ability to speak, [Haaah, El. As impressive, yet disgusting, as that was, Natalie asked us to try not to kill them. Let alone blow them up into scraps barely resembling human body parts.]

Slightly confused with what she had said, I asked for clarification, <What do you mean, dear? I left the all worms alive, as she requested.>

Now it was Mara's turn to be confused, [What are you on about babe? Clearly you just killed one by blowing them up. Who else's innards are those 4 fuckwits covered in?]

I replied, as deadpan as I could be, <Obviously they're covered in dirt, dear. Worms naturally get so it's nothing out of the ordinary. Dirt isn't alive how could I kill it?>

[…]

<… >

"WHAT THE FUCK MARA?!" Breaking both of us out of our silence was Natalie's banshee cry.

[Ah shit, now we've got this to deal with. Well, El? You did this, so you can fix it.] 

Since Mara had already pacified Natalie once already, it only seemed fair for me to do the same. Even if I didn't exactly know what I did wrong, <Sure thing, dear. Just repeat after me.>

Regurgitating word-for-word what I transmitted into her head, Mara turned to face Natalie before replying, "What do you mean?"

Looking at us like we had grown 2 heads – which I guess would technically be correct but that was beside the point – she repeated our question, "What do I mean? What do I MEAN??-" Pointing towards where the dirt previously stood, she continued, "-Obviously, I mean how you just tortured and blew up that woman up after I explicitly said to try NOT TO KILL ANYONE!" 

Most definitely not buying the oblivious act, I decided to evolve the act in a way not even Natalie would expect, "That wasn't me."

Yup, shameless denial.

Going from furious to baffled, before back to furious again within a short space of time, Natalie retorted, "OH and you just expect me to believe that some alien from space controlled your mind to attack them like that?!"

['In fact, that's exactly what happened', is what I would like to say.] Thought Mara.

Rolling my eyes at Mara's remark, I mentally crafted the story I wanted to project. Using my host's philosophy - when she was convincing the Monaco group how she lost her memories - it was best to mix truth with lies, and force Natalie to come to her own conclusions. Thus, making the lie more believable.

Holding up her hands in surrender, as I directed, my host rather convincingly explained, "No no no, I mean technically yes, I guess I did do it, but it wasn't actually me. To be honest, I don't know what it was. Sometimes my mind goes blank, and I end up in a completely different location. Or other times, like this, where I come to and there are entrails everywhere. I was concerned that it didn't happen to everyone, but before this point I was too afraid to ask since it doesn't sound normal."

Taken aback slightly by Mara's declaration, clearly signifying multiple personality disorder – which wasn't really incorrect since there were 2 personalities in her body, just one is an alien – Natalie took a few deep breaths to calm her emotions and think clearer. She had very impressive emotional control, but one could suppose that came with being a super spy. It also made one question if anything she ever showed were her real emotions, or everything was just an act.

Heading down the path I laid out for her, Natalie asked, "How often does this happen Mara? And are there any similarity between the times it does; like a trigger you can think of?" 

To emphasise the fact that she was thinking, I advised Mara to close her eyes whilst tilting her head up at the ceiling and wait a few seconds. Before she then answered with the response I had already prepared for the probing questions.

"It's happened 3 times that I can think of. The first time was when I woke up in Hawaii. I wasn't sure how I would get off the island to get to Tony's expo. But right after thinking about that, the next thing I remembered was that it was several hours later, and I was in Austin. The same thing happened with Monaco. I wanted to go, and next thing I could remember, several hours later, I was just there." 

Stopping for a second to allow Natalie to digest everything, she continued, "The innards thingy happened when I was in New York waiting for Tony's Expo. I, obviously, didn't have a place to stay so I was just sleeping on the streets anywhere I could. Some woman invited me to stay at her place for the night, so I accepted her act of kindness. You can probably imagine where this is going, but it turns out genuine kindness isn't really a thing. Instead of a nice comfortable bed, I was taken to an underground room where, besides the woman who tricked me, there was a pair of men with various sharp instruments and bindings. If I had to guess, they were either after my body parts or were just sick in the head and enjoyed torturing random homeless people that no-one would notice went missing. Needless to say, when I came back to my senses, the entire room looked exactly like the ceiling and floor in front of you, but with smaller chunks."

Silence reigned for a few minutes as Natalie thought about what Mara said, while the woman herself stayed quiet to allow the spy to do so.

While she stayed silent outside, however, Mara was actually communicating telepathically with me, [El, isn't this emotional manipulation? I feel bad lying to her.] 

Rebuking my host, as I could feel she was thinking emotionally as opposed to logically, <I understand Mara, but this is necessary. She may become your friend and colleague in the future, at moment she, least somewhat, views us as a potential threat. If we explain that I am an alien could theoretically bond with anyone to create whatever stage above super soldier is. have no doubt she would inform S.H.I.E.L.D. they, or whoever else caught wind, separate using any means. might not even need else. They perform experiments on me somehow force split, similar what you did Toxin, without giving somewhat of choice. For now, it's better for everyone think multiple personalities like Hulk hero mentioned and, him, these powers are part DNA. they try blood tests, well I'm bonded yet, so it will just show normal human.>

Staring at Natalie's thinking expression, Mara ultimately agreed with me, [You're right. I need to stop thinking the heroes I watched on the screen are my friends just because I know all about them from the movies. Now that the Marvel Cinematic Universe is real, and I'm in it, I need to be extra sceptical of the people I think I know the best. The tiniest change in the timeline might cause a hero to become a villain or vice versa. Thanks El, I needed that reality check.]

Pleased with the progress my host had made during the short exchange, I naturally replied, <Of course, dear. Anything for you.>

I did not expect my host to immediately change her behaviour, but that was what I was there for. I had no impression, positive or negative, of the movie characters and I would therefore act as her anchor, grounding her to the real world. Because that's what it had become. 

Not a fictional movie. Nor a book to be read. But our real world.

And nothing would stop me from protecting my host or ensuring she achieved anything she could imagine. No matter how impossible.