MiMi TucknShine

I will explain to Fatma about your familiar as for Winnifred and Richard Do you have anything you like to do?. I do see it best we proceed with discretion; under no circumstances can the child see us engaging in any form of magecraft or mystical practice. When we are brought in to meet the child, I can bring one of you as my assistant. Offer a polite smile when I do, then simply appear to be taking notes while I conduct my assessment of Evan. The others can look for evidence around the house or stand guard outside the room."

---

Richard looks at the photo with slight concern, he might be wrong and the photos are used on phones but it appears that the relationship between their client and her son. It wasn’t his place to speak though.

”I could stand guard outside, just yell if my help is needed.” Richard spoke as he took a bite of his boluses, clearing his mind as he looked at the client.

”Just a question, does the ‘demon’ hearing tempt him with something? Having an offer is common staple for their kind if I am right?”

---

“No, I believe we haven't met before. The name’s John, I’m from the CPS.” A lie after another lie, Derald introduced himself to the pastor. With a sleight of hand, He briefly showed his fake flip badge to both of them. It was so quick and yet so believable, as for the Janitor. He is still under his spell; anything the mafiaoso said is still credible to him.

“I’m concerned about the well-being of the child based on our reports. Can you tell me the deets about what the grandparent's concern is? Perhaps we could work something out to help young Evan and go to the school together to find some answers. Call it a temporary partnership for the betterment of the boy,” He smirked at Gabriel.

---

New Covenant Christian Academy

Gabriel looked at the badge 'John' had shown him. To the pastor, the card had indeed shown the name 'John Green from Child Protection Services'

"Whoa!" The janitor exclaimed in surprise. Turning to Derald, he then asked, "Child Protection Services? Is that why you were asking about Evan? Did his Mother—"

Gabriel cut him off, "It's not charitable to think ill of someone before even knowing the circumstances. Besides, while I did come here on the behest of Evan's grandparents, they have nothing but kind words for Evan's mother, Ms Fatma. Well, they lamented the fact that she isn't a follower of Christ, but that's beside the point. In fact, you can say the fact that they still trusted a non-Christian to care for their grandson, despite being faithful Christians themselves, is a testament to their trust in Ms Fatma."

"R-Right...I guess this really isn't my place to butt in," the janitor remarked, looking ashamed after being chided by Gabriel.

Gabriel then turned to Derald, "John, I'm not sure exactly what the circumstances are that merited the involvement of CPS, but I do believe I might have pertinent information regarding your case. Considering your position, I am willing to talk, but let us do it in a more private place. I'm really not comfortable revealing private information entrusted to me by Evan's grandparents somewhere people might overhear."

"Oh, I can unlock a door to a nearby classroom," the janitor suggested, before turning to Derald, "That works for you, sir?"

@Silverstein

---

Amari Residence

"Priest? No, not really," the door responded to Winnifred. Then, in an almost conspiratorial manner, the door added, "When Ms Fatma went to the bathroom, those Mr and Mrs Anderson said that they were going to talk to a pastor anyway."

"Meddling in laws really is the worst," the door concluded with a sigh. It then continued, "But superstitious meddling in laws is even worse. I think they also talked about how the whole possession thing is because their son became an atheist despite being born to a cursed bloodline."

@wikkit

Amari Residence

Fatma nearly jumped in surprise upon finding a large dog after returning from Evan's bedroom, before she quickly regained her composure. It had been a while since she had anything to do with magecraft. But she knew enough that the dog was most likely a familiar.

Then, as Mimi explained how the dog would be able to detect magical energy, Fatma nodded, "All right. Well, I have to say that since I have a magic circuit, it wouldn't be out of the question if Evan also has one. I never really teach him magecraft, though. I mean, I was never properly trained as a mage in the first place. But I suppose it's a good idea to bring a familiar that can detect magical energy. I've already informed him that you will be asking some questions, you...can go and head to his bedroom. Oh, and uh...please don't mind the mess, I haven't had a chance to tidy up his room, with all these things happening. Before we moved here, he used to be more diligent in keeping his room clean...well, never mind. Please, go ahead. Just don't harm him."

Turning to Richard, Fatma then replied, "Tempting him? Not as far as I know. Anyway, while your colleagues are talking to Evan, if you have any other questions for me, I'll do my best to answer them. But umm..." Fatma then turned her attention to Winnifred, who was standing by the door, "Is...your friend all right? They've been whispering at the door."

@Digmata@wikkit@PureWitch@Thanatos 7

---

Amari Residence - Evan Amari's Bedroom

As MiMi and Selene entered Evan's bedroom, the first thing they saw was a messy bedroom. Unlike the rest of the house, which seemed to be more of a 'could do to be more tidy, but its busy residence, did its best' type of mess, the mess in Evan's room was more of a mess that showed a clear lack of care. Textbooks were strewn about here and there. Near the closet, there were a pile of clothes that seemed to have been thrown to the floor while the owner was looking for a specific clothing article.

Selene's dog let out a low growl. It seemed like there were traces of magical energy.



Sitting on the bed was a boy who seemed not to have slept well in days, looking rather haphazard.

The boy then spoke, looking at Selene, "...He said that you're here to kill me. Is that...true?"
@PureWitch@Thanatos 7

Selene “ have I come here to kill you No not particularly if we're being purely objective about the facts , technically my job is to protect the people behind me. If that comes to taking your life I will not hesitate , but as I believe currently that is not going to be necessary.”

Maybe it's Selene demeanor or a child intuition , but Evan can tell she speaks nothing but the truth if Selene intended to kill him , she would have already the action would have already been committed.The fact she chooses to stand there and engage in conversation is proof that she has no intention of doing anything

Selene “ As I am unqualified for the current circumstances , I shall leave my compatriots behind me. Mimi should be able to get a better grasp of the situation than I can.”

Selene proceed to stay in the corner keeping her eyes on the child
And pulls out , texting a benefactor of hers

( A child just asks if I was going to kill him I believe the a demon is is inhabiting his body )

( what do)

"huh."

Winnifred considered pulling out the door by the frame and taking it back to her house, but reconsidered - it'd be unrealistic to think this would fit on some ancient wooden shack's doorframe. Anyway, it was unusually helpful and she'd like it if her own door did as well as this one in ratting out those who came to visit, which usually meant raccoons. If only! This was more than enough to go off of, and to congratulate it on a job well done she patted it softly along its frame.

"Thank you. You're a good door," she said with a hint of a smile, "and I hope you keep standing for decades to come. You can rest again." The will of the door seeped out from it at the same time as her own will to speak to it did, and when she stepped back it was as mundane and inanimate as she had met it. Then, of course, she turned around and--

More eyes than she'd like on her. Perhaps she wasn't whispering quietly enough.

"...I have a cold."

MiMi TucknShine

MiMi walks in. Looking at the state of the boys rooms she thinks to herself. "Not in my house"

“Hi there, Evan. My name is Dr. TucknShine.

I want you to know that we are not here to hurt you or scare you in any way. My job is to help children, listen to them, and make sure they feel safe.

Please do not pay too much attention to my assistant or anything she may have said. She is still learning how to speak in a more kind and professional way.

You and I are going to spend a little time together now. I would like to talk with you, ask you a few questions, and get to know you better. There are no wrong answers. I just want to understand you and hear what you have to say.”

“Now, let’s get started, shall we?” MiMi said to Evan.

---

Amari Residence

"I see...?" Fatma remarked, more of a question rather than a concrete reply. Growing up in a mage family, despite not being a mage herself, she had met several of her father's acquaintances, and they were all rather eccentric...But whispering to a door was a first.

Unless that was a form of magecraft she was not familiar with, which could probably be true, it was not as if Fatma was familiar with many magecraft. Still, she also knew that mages were the secretive sort, so probably best not to press the issue.

Thus, rather than inquiring further, Fatma instead added, "Anyway...do you also have some questions that maybe I can answer?"

@wikkit

---

Amari Residence - Evan Amari's Bedroom

"Okay," Evan said simply, not betraying any trace of emotion. He then added, looking at MiMi, "My house, though. Not yours. So don't mind the mess."

Evan headed to his bed after saying so before sitting down on it. The movement seemed unenergetic, almost lazy. As he made himself comfortable, he spoke again, "Go ahead. You're not a doctor, not really, but you have the skill of a trained psychiatrist. That's what he said anyway."

It was then that Selene received a reply on her phone. The text simply read,

'Don't do anything until I'm there. Give me the location.'

@PureWitch@Thanatos 7

MiMi TucknShine

“Now, Evan, this is your mother’s home. A child’s room often tells us a great deal about his state of mind, and right now, yours suggests disorder, neglect, and a lack of respect for the space she has given you. That will need to change.

And as for my title, doctor is not a term reserved solely for medical practitioners. It applies to a range of disciplines. You are clearly an intelligent boy. I can see that already.

Now, let us begin.

Can you tell me, in your own words, what has been happening?

Have you ever had the sense that there was something unusual about you, or something not entirely your own?

Have you found yourself able to do things other children your age cannot explain or would not be capable of doing?”

After Evan answers the first three questions, Dr. TucknShine studies him for a moment before asking him a deeper question:

“Now, Evan, reading another person’s mind is both deeply intrusive and a serious violation of personal boundaries. Tell me truthfully: is this ability something that has always belonged to you?”

New Covenant Christian Academy

---

Derald nodded and agreed to the pastor's request. He felt a little guilty about lying to the priest, but he needed more information about the case, given how desperate things were. Besides, he wasn't exactly innocent himself, so why start growing a conscience now?

“You're one of those youth pastors, huh?” The mafiaso said, awkwardly starting a small talk as they walked the school halls.

“That’s a big commitment if you ask me. Is your family putting you up to this or something? You don’t have to answer, just curious.” Derald asks haphazardly, just intrigued by the local churchman’s involvement in all of this.

As soon as they were in inside the classroom, Derald immediately locked the door and closed the blinds, making sure there were no prying eyes in this private conversation.

“Alright, I think we're in the clear. Go ahead, Pastor Gabriel. Shoot, I know Ms. Fatma has a lot going on right now, and with everything that's happened to her (and by that, I mean having an actual Demon possessing her child), our reports say that her busy life is affecting the child's mind. Could help shed some light on what her family’s deal is? starting with the concern of her grandparents”

---

Richard looked at Winnifried recalling the few details that he knows about her magecraft before speaking. "Don't mind her, just chalk it out to her flavor of magecraft induced weirdness." he answered with experience. His unique standing with the Association led to him meeting various disciplines of magecraft, he found a number of common denominators the most memorable of which is that practicing magecraft will inevitably lead you into becoming a weirdo.

Some are just more apparent than others.

He watched the ladies enter the bedroom leaving him at Fathma outside, he isn't sure on what he could than stand guard and be ready to enter in a moment's notice. He's not an investigator in the first place.

But he could at least keep a conversation and who knows it might lead to something.

"You can decide to not answer, if this is too personal but I noticed the photos. I can't exactly describe it but it is like you and your felt like strangers living in the same house?"

He knew some of his cousins that are like that, at least at the start.

"I might be barking at the wrong tree but is there a chance Evan resents you?"

(No spot my own personal, better judgment of simply requesting a church to show up.I specifically was requested to not bring the church into the matter)

( the client , seemingly heavy bad relationship with the church associated , starting to avoid that outcome)

( So I saw something provide the relevant information to you , and you feel free to do what as you will
)

(The kid name is Evan Amari's
Father is a mage
The current concern is that they're possessed by a demon (We have yet to prove this)
The demon in question seemed to the child a rapid learning speed and ability to perceive information
( Note the kid might be aware , i'm currently texting you
My wolves detect magical energy in the room it's distinctly growling
I am the only combatant in the area In case altercation gets violent

(Current plans
Plan a Call you to solve the problem ( rejected/on hold)
Plan b do nothing ( currently doing)
Plan c have my Wolf mingle this child ( that's not beats that point of violence)

Yes, Ms. Fatima could answer a myriad of Winnifred's questions about a number of topics, most related to mages as a broad social class - the local girl herself figured she'd be better than others, as clearly she feared her in some form and therefore had less reason to lie. It wasn't going to be that broad though, as that'd be impolite.

Winnifred dramatically wiped her nose along the near whole length of her arm to really impress that this was a physical illness instead of mental, and she said "If you would."

A moment later and she was sitting on the nearest chair/table and, trying to put a little more emotion into her voice to be polite, asked "Has anyone outside of this house learned about these issues? Beyond us."

---

New Covenant Christian Academy
"Yeah, I guess you can say that," Gabriel replied, confirming Derald's assumption of him being a youth pastor of some sort. He then continued, "Well...they don't pressure me to be a pastor or anything, but my dad was one, too. So was my grandfather. So I guess it is sort of a 'family trade' so to speak."

As the two entered the room, Gabriel turned one of the classroom chairs around so it was facing the seat behind it, before taking a seat and gesturing for Derald to sit across from him.

"First things first, John...how much do you believe in the supernatural? I ask this because Evan's grandparents are concerned that Evan has been possessed by a demon. According to them, Evan is seeing a demonic figure that only he can see, and the figure tells him things he shouldn't know. They're worried that Evan is possessed by a demon because both their son—Evan's Father—and Evan are not Christians. Apparently, according to a story passed down in their family, long ago, one of their ancestors, well...uh...they procreated with an incubus—that's uh...supposed to be a type of demon—and the incubus supposedly will possess his descendants who are not protected by the blood of Christ. Now, being a pastor, I believe that such things are real—well, unlike the Catholics, pastors from some of the Protestant denominations don't, but I digress—you can imagine that I am quite concerned as well. That said, I am also of the belief that before turning to the preternatural for explanation, one needs to get rid of mundane explanations first. I'm not discounting the possibility that Evan is perhaps only suffering from mental illness, that's why I'm here at the school to try asking his teachers. I did consider making a visit directly, but Ms Fatma seems opposed to involving the Church, as I understand it, so..."

@Silverstein

Amari Residence

"Resents me...?" Fatma asked, frowning, as she heard Richard's question. After a moment, she replied, "Well...I'd like to think he doesn't resent me, but he did really hate it when my ex-husband and I went through our divorce. That said, he...cheated on me, so...I just can't forgive that and continue our marriage as if nothing happened. About the photos...most of the photos I took together with Evan are family photos, and...my ex-husband is also in there for most of them, since we were only divorced last year, in September. I...uh...removed all the photos with my husband, so unfortunately, that also got rid many photos of Evan and me."

Then, to Winnifred's question, Fatma answered, "About that..."

She sighed, "Evan's grandparents—on his father's side—found out about it. Or rather, the issue first occurred when he was staying at their house. Apparently, Evan woke up in the middle of the night, screaming that he was seeing some demonic entity. Naturally, being faithful Christians, they took it seriously and called me immediately. Being from a mage family, I also took it seriously, so I went there immediately. They...uh...were really insistent on calling a priest. I don't even know if the Church of Christ the Carpenter is connected to the Holy Church, but from what I heard of Church agents, they can be rather...severe. So I don't want to risk it, and I said no to them. They were here last night, and they still insist on calling a priest. I hope they haven't actually done it."

@wikkit@Digmata

---

Amari Residence - Evan Amari's Bedroom

Evan started to answer MiMi's questions, one by one.

"What's been happening...I don't exactly know myself, but last week, I was at my grandparents' house when I woke up in the middle of the night. I was prolly just thirsty, or something, I dunno. But then...I saw this black silhouette with horns and six wings. Since then, when I'm around people, he... tells me stuff, mostly what they're thinking. As for the other questions...no, not really. I was basically just a normal kid before all this. I mean, I guess I'm always good with language, I can speak, like, uh...5 languages somewhat fluently. That's about it."

Selene received another reply on her phone.

'Magical energy alone is not enough proof for demonic possession, that said, it's not impossible. Don't do anything yet, give me the location.'

@PureWitch@Thanatos 7

---

After listening to the priest, Derald paused and thought carefully before speaking. The fact that he was a magus, along with what he had just learned, made it risky for him to reveal too much.

“Can’t say I’m a full believer in the supernatural things, I’m sure you’ll understand this solely professional.” Derald naturally lied as he breathed yet again. He remains composed and continues to play this CSP persona, not a mage with a 500-year-old family crest investigating a supernatural case.

“But in some cases, there's so much mystery to ignore in this world that perhaps it's the only rope that people grasp onto to find a solution to the unexplained. Perhaps there is an angle here where Evan’s grandparents are coming from,” He continued, feigning ignorance to get more information about this incubus stuff from a priest who is really in to this subject.


“Tell you what, I’ll handle the mundane stuff, the legality of the child’s welfare, and exchange notes while we are at it. So tell me, Pastor Gabriel, what are the symptoms of this‘Incubus’ possession? Perhaps we can cross-diagnose them both psychological and preternatural, aligning them with what’s affecting the boy.” He asked.

As Derald waits for Pastor Gabriel’s answer. He picks up his standard-issue company phone and starts tapping on it, messaging the group on his discovery.



@wikkit@Digmata@PureWitch@Thanatos 7

---

New Covenant Christian Academy

“Huh…”

Gabriel seemed to be taken aback at Derald’s questions regarding demonic possession.

“I didn’t expect you to actually take it seriously. Are you religious by any chance? Well, I guess it doesn’t really matter,” he continued, before sighing, “I don’t really know much more than you, honestly. It’s not like they teach me about demonic possession in the seminary. Like, I said, for Protestants, demonic possessions are…not exactly things we talk about. Then again, nowadays, Catholics don’t either. So…yeah, I can’t really tell you. And honestly…I’d rather we don’t even consider actual possession before we thoroughly exclude things like mental issues. Even that famous catholic exorcist in the Vatican who had allegedly performed 50.000 exorcism say that more than 90% of demonic possession cases brought to him were just mental issues anyway?”

Then, after a bit, Gabriel scratched the back of his head, perhaps out of awkwardness, before offering, “I guess if you’re REALLY interested…incubi are not mentioned in the Bible, but they have been mentioned in many Christian adjacent folklores. For example, most famously, Merlin’s—from the Arthurian Legend—father was supposed to be an incubus. This is the ‘Christianised’ version of the Arthurian legend that places Merlin as the anti-Christ, mind you. However, he was baptised and thus was consecrated, and his role as the anti-Christ never came to be, as he used his magical power to help King Arthur instead. An incubus is supposed to be a demon that seduces women and steals their life force—it’s the reverse of a succubus, basically—so if I have to make an educated guess, someone actually possessed by an incubus would have some sort of supernatural ability to charm women? That’s…really all I know.”

Around the same time, Derald received a notification on his phone. Opening the Cipher app, he saw a reply from Leonardo.

‘Afaik, the Church of Christ the Carpenter is not connected to the Holy Church. In Millhaven, only St. Elmo Church is.’

‘The guy is probably just a civilian not aware of the supernatural.’

‘That said, the thing about incubus is possible, I suppose. Mixed-Bloods are a thing, though they don’t have a direct connection to demonic possession.’

‘Well, maybe this isn’t a demonic possession and more of a magus is using their bloodline as a catalyst to summon the incubus from the reverse side of the world. However, that would make them a very competent magus specialising in summoning. Can’t think of anyone though.’

‘Someone like that would be well known in our circles, considering how small the population of Millhaven is, especially the magus population.’

‘There’s really only one really good magus from Eulyphis that sometimes hangs around Millhaven that I know of, but she uses angels. Well, not actual angels, it’s complicated. But the point is, she doesn’t summon familiars from the Reverse Side of the World like fairies or, in this case, an incubus. The MO doesn’t match.’

‘Anyway. Luckily, I’m meeting a prospective client with ties to the government. I’ll try asking if he’s willing to pull some favour and see if that family is registered in the DoM Mixed-Blood registry.’

@Silverstein

---

Richard looked at Fatma and the message on his phone before quickly pocketing it. Should he tell her what Derald found? That felt like overstepping his role as a bodyguard.

He let out a sigh, he would keep this for now considering where it came from. Admittedly he is getting a bit more than what he bargained for. Still he wonders how Mimi and Selene are faring with the child.

Now how should he approach this, should he asked about her husband directly?

Memories of a cousin's domestic problem entered his mind, he only listened to his ranting but he heard enough to know marital issues are a different beast.

Subtlety then.

"Your husband? Are you sure they aren't part of the supernatural, the problem might be from his side of the family."

MiMi TucknShine

“Thank you for telling me that, Evan. That sounds really intense. When you saw the figure, what did you feel in your body first scared, frozen, dizzy, something else?”

“When you say he tells you what people are thinking, how does that happen for you? Is it like hearing a voice, getting a feeling, seeing words in your head, or something different?”

“Does the figure only show up when other people are around, or have you noticed him when you’re alone too?”

“Has he ever told you to do something you didn’t want to do?”

“When he talks to you, does it feel friendly, mean, bossy, protective, or hard to describe?”

“Do you get to tell him to stop? And if you do, what happens?”

“Since that night, have you been sleeping okay, or have you had trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or having scary dreams?”

“Have you noticed headaches, feeling sick, blacking out, losing time, or feeling like things around you aren’t real?”

“Before that night at your grandparents’ house, did anything scary, stressful, or unusual happen that week?”

“When you were at your grandparents’ house, was there anything in the room that might help me picture it better shadows, a window, a light, a sound, anything like that?”

“Have you told anyone else about this before today? If so, how did they react?”

“When you’re around people and hear these thoughts, do they ever make you feel unsafe or overwhelmed?”

“Are there certain people whose thoughts come through more strongly than others?”

“Do you ever feel like your own thoughts get mixed up with what he says?”

“What helps you feel calmer when this starts happening?”

“If you could change one thing about what’s happening right now, what would you want to be different first?”

---

Amari Residence

"Not as far as I know, no," Fatma answered the question with a shake of her head. She then added, "His parents are very devout Christians, but I don't think they're connected to the Holy Church. If they are, I doubt they would have allowed their son to marry someone from a magus family like mine. Especially one that had a conflict with the Executors in the past."

@Digmata

---

Amari Residence - Evan Amari's Bedroom

"Hmm..." Evan trailed off, seemingly thinking the questions over for a bit. After a while, he answered, his voice still remaining somewhat monotone.

"For the first question...not really sure. I don't really remember much other than feeling really scared? I think I felt a headache, though. He just...tells me what a person is thinking. He sometimes appears when I'm alone, too, but he's silent when there's no other people around."

The questions continued, and Evan answered them, one by one.

“No. He's really only ever speaks when telling me what other people are thinking.”

“Hmm...his tone when speaking to me? Uh...neutral, I guess. It's kinda...more like a person delivering the news? If that makes sense.”

“No, I can't tell him to stop.”

“About the same...Sometimes I have bad dreams, but they've been happening even before he appeared.”

“Sometimes I feel a headache if he's been telling me what people are thinking for a while. And then he stops speaking.”

“...Not really.”

For the first time since the interview began, Evan's monotone way of speech shifted just a little bit when answering if anything scary, unusual, or stressful happened in his grandparents' house. It was not something that would usually be noticed, but having fully taken on the role of an experienced psychiatrist, MiMi recognised the telltale sign of a patient still withholding some information.

Then seemingly eager to move on, he answered MiMi's next questions, "Nothing comes to mind, sorry."

“No one aside from my mom and grandparents. They all freaked out. Grandpa and Grandma wanted to call on a pastor immediately. Mom doesn't want to, though. 'He' told me that Mom was afraid that the Church would kill me."

“Unsafe no. Overwhelmed...yeah. As I said, when it's been going for a bit, I start getting headaches, but then he stopped when my headache started to get worse.”

“...He speaks more of people's thoughts when they're closer to me, I guess. When it's far away...he sometimes only tells me a word or two, maybe a sentence. When they're close, it's more comprehensive.”

“Nope. I can tell where my thoughts end and what he's telling me.”

“I guess the fact that he doesn't seem to be doing anything bad to me?”

“Uh...I don't know what to change. Knowing what people think is kinda a cool superpower. I wish it's not coming from some demonic entity, though, since it's making Mom, Grandpa, and Grandma worry.”

@PureWitch

MiMi TucknShine

MiMi walks over to Selene and gently pulls her aside.

In a quiet voice, she explains that she would like to speak with Evan alone for a few minutes. She asks Selene to step outside, close the door, and remain nearby just outside in case she is needed.

MiMi then turns her attention to Evan.

“Evan, I’d like to spend a few minutes talking with you privately. Just you and me in this room. I want this to be a safe space for you to share anything you may be feeling or thinking. And if your friend is here too, that is all right. I would like to understand what is going on from your point of view.”
Once the room is quiet and Selene has stepped outside, MiMi begins with her first question. She does not speak aloud. Instead, she addresses the presence silently in her mind.

My name is MiMi. I am here to understand and help, not to harm. If you are willing to speak with me, what would you like me to call you?