What Goes Bump In The Night

X: Ancient History

After washing up, I headed to the cafeteria to meet with Sister Gertra. She wasn't very happy with my question, telling me to leave before she fetched the broom. Nonetheless, I'm curious as to what I'll learn in my one-on-one session. Entering the large dining hall, my first surprise comes early. Sister Gertra is seated at a table, dressed in her formal uniform, and sitting before a full artisan tea set. I had put on my formal attire as well since she said to wear something nice, I suppose she wanted it to be an elegant affair. Sitting down, Sister Gertra lifts the kettle and pours a steaming cup of dark amber-colored tea. Going to take a sip, the nun smacks my hand with a ruler she retrieved out of thin air.

"Manners, dear."

Rubbing my hand, I wait for her to take the first sip. After she does so, I then lift the cup with both hands and sip gently. It's delectable and eases my body as the warm liquid runs down my throat.

"You make a wonderful cup of tea, Sister Gertra."

"Thank you."

She nods while setting her cup aside.

"So, which territory do you wish to delve into first? The demon or the wolf?"

Considering that Mephisto pertains to me directly, I feel it slightly more important.

"The demon, please."

Elegant and fluid, she wipes her mouth with a napkin and then begins to orate.

"Ever since we found you, your case has been peculiar. Demons have a long history of possession. Usually, they can be expelled with an easy, albeit painful, exorcism. You, however, are host to an entity far too strong to be expelled."

I remember that all too well. In my early years here, they tried their hardest to exorcize Mephisto, but the bastard just refused to let go.

"Is there anything you can tell me about Mephisto specifically?"

"He's a high-class demon, only mentioned in a couple of texts-"

As she says the last part, her leathery hands dip beneath the table to pull forth two books that look older than time itself.

"-both of which, we hold here in the Church. I took some time to peruse them as I awaited your company, it fetched some interesting information."

Leaning forward, I cut in to ask something.

"Is this the first time you're checking these texts? How have you not referenced them before?"

"Because-"

Sister Gertra snaps back.

"-we had looked over them several times. Never did any of it feel like it was pertinent. Every case detailed a different scenario, none similar to yours. For many years, I thought the demon had lied to you and given you a false name."

"Has anything changed?"

She sips some tea like we're not discussing a topic of utmost importance.

"Yes. Mephisto has a common factor in all his historical possessions. He always offered to amplify the abilities or features of his host. For the man who came before you, it was enhancing his knowledge and ability to digest information. Before that, it was a warrior who was made to be stronger and take far more brutality than any normal man could. In your case, he appears to give you some sort of magical powers that are practically unheard of. In the past, there are cases of him possessing people and blessing them with powers. A noble was given the ability to convert lead into gold, a power practiced through magic non-existent beyond this specific case."

Through all of this, it surprises me that Mephisto is dead silent. Whether he's standing by silently or not even home, it matters little to me.

"So, you think I'm one of these rare cases?"