The Brain of Rot

**The Brain of Rot** is a major antagonist in Louse. It is one of the main parts of Rot.

## History

The Brain of Rot is one of the main parts of Rot, presumably existing for as long as Rot itself. It is the primary consciousness controlling Rot, and is responsible for controlling the rate of Rot's growth.

When Null, the main protagonist of Louse, came across a branching path with Turmoil, they were told by them that there were two options. They could either go up, to the Face of Rot and the Brain, or go down, to the Bones of Rot and the Heart of Rot. Null chose to go up to the Face and Brain.

After nullifying the Face, Null and Turmoil traveled through an opening in the wall that went upwards. Turmoil confirmed that this led to the Brain, while also saying that they never met it before. The two of them then began to walk through the tunnel; as they did so, the opening behind them sealed shut, and the Brain's voice echoed through it, asking for them to continue as it wished to speak to them.

The two of them continued walking until they reached a room, which housed the Brain at the center. It stated that it was not interested in hurting either of them, and asked them to resist hurting it for the time being. Null consulted Turmoil, who said that they were afraid but would follow them. The Brain then revealed that it knew both had weapons, and reiterated its request that they listen before making any permanent decisions, which Null chose to do.

The Brain expressed that it was glad to be listened to, and said that Null had come a long way to be here; it then revealed that it knew Null killed the pilgrims that accompanied them on their journey to the mountain. This caught them off guard, but they chose not to react, instead staying silent as the Brain continued. The Brain questioned as to whether Null regretted it or not, before stating that they were guilty either way; it said that the Old Friend didn't tell them to slaughter the others, before revealing that it knew what he was planning while he was up on the mountain, as it spoke to him.

The Brain then reiterated that it was defenseless, and that it could be ended at any point; however, it said that there would be unforeseen consequences if Null chose to do so, and looked at Turmoil. Before it could continue talking, Null chose to nullify it, pulling out a shard and a nullification vial; the Brain then informs them that regret will soon follow their eagerness for violence and suffering. After throwing a vial, the Brain smiled, telling Null that they made many bad decisions, while asking how many more they could survive. It then looked to Turmoil, and told them that "Turmoil ends." It then dissolved to dust.

All that remained after it was nullified was a hollow, fleshy shell. Turmoil grew shocked as Rot did not end with the Brain; instead, the walls of the room began to close in. They apologized to Null for not knowing that ending the Brain wouldn't end Rot, while saying that without the Brain to maintain it, Rot's spread had began to grow out of control. Null attempted to stab at the encroaching Rot, but was unable to make a dent in it as they were grabbed. Turmoil, meanwhile, crawled into the Brain's shell, resulting in a blinding flash of light. Null was then left floating in a blank white void, with a giant eye in front of them.

While in the void, Turmoil spoke to them, saying that they have taken the Brain's place in an effort to slow Rot's uncontrollable spread. They then said that the Brain's influence still surrounds them, and asked Null to end the Heart as quick as they could. Upon being asked where they were, Turmoil looked around, saying that the white void is where a vast network of connections were made to the rest of Rot, while explaining that nullifying the Brain erased those connections. It then offered to rebuild any that would prove helpful; Null gave their approval, and Turmoil began to do so as they opened the way out from the Brain's room.

When the blinding light retreated, Null was left to see Turmoil in the Brain's shell, having become the new controller of Rot's spread. Meanwhile, the Blot became active; it stated that its senses were too damaged to make it out, but that it heard the Brain speak to Turmoil in a way that Null could not understand. It also stated that the Brain was planning. When Null asked what was said, Turmoil calmly responded that the Brain told them their true name was the Seed of Rot; however, they rejected this label, saying that they are Turmoil, while reiterating their request for Null to hurry and end Rot. As they left the room, the Blot spoke once more, saying that the Brain told Turmoil more, and that they were hiding something. Null turned back to look, but the way back to the room was already closed when they looked. They then began to travel back down to find the Heart.

Although the Brain was nullified, its influence continued to be felt throughout the rest of Null's journey, as Turmoil began to make connections to the rest of Rot. As this happened, Turmoil began to feel the desire to spread, until it overtook all other thoughts they had, and resulted in them replacing the old flesh of Rot with new growth.

The Brain of Rot is deceased.