The next day, Niko felt better. Much better. He could stand and eat. But he didn't like Mallomor's continued presence.

Mallomor was eager to make a connection with Niko, wanting someone to talk to, at least.

Both curious about the other, they decided to interrogate each other.

Niko asked the first question. "How did you find me?"

"I can take human form. The people say that you're a worst person who ever lived here, worse than the serial rapist from a few years back. Why is your skin that color?"

"Are you asking me about my heritage or...?"

"Yeah, that."

"I'm half Scottish and half Venezuelan. Why are you still hanging around me?"

"Anywhere is better than Hell, you know. Could you explain why I wasn't able to possess you?"

"Because you suck at it. Next question-"

Mallomor grabbed Niko's shirt and stared him directly in his eyes.

"I've possessed many humans in my lifetime with various backgrounds and personalities. And never, at any point, did the host body reject me."

Niko turned away from Mallomor. "So you're blaming me for your own incompetence? Very classy."

Mallomor lost it, and scratched Niko's face. "DON'T VILIFY ME FOR SOMETHING YOU DID!"

Niko's shock became acceptance. "I'm sorry. I guess I deserve it."

Mallomor was confused. "Is this a kink or...?"

Niko rolled his eyes and shook his head. "You'll have to come to that answer on your own."

"The kinks of yours?"

"NO!"

Mallomor was shocked by his sudden outburst.

"Are you OK?"

"I'm fine."

There was some tense silence.

"Why did the posession fail? Because I feel you know."

Mallomor noticed a gleam in his eyes, and for a brief moment, he doubted there was much difference between him and Niko.

"That's a secret."