"Sigh, do I have to spell everything out for you? Don't you watch horror films?" said Jack. "Spirit possession is an unusual or altered state of consciousness, along with associated behaviors, which are purportedly caused by the control of a human body and its functions by spirits or ghosts. In other words, a ghost takes full control of the body and its actions."
"Now, spirit possession can be used for two things: communicating with the dead, or utilizing a spirit to contact an evil or tainted soul as a means of controlling it. Possession may also be considered voluntary or involuntary and may have either beneficial or detrimental effects on the host. However, in our case, Ryner, you'll be alright because you have some spiritual awareness and can see ghosts. In short, you're special, so you'll be safe," Jack explained.
"Wait, so are you saying that I should possess Ryner?" asked Thomas.
"Yes, that's exactly what I mean," said Jack.
"There is no way I'm going to let Thomas, of all people, possess me," said Ryner firmly.
"What this young lady is experiencing is no ordinary haunting—it's a poltergeist. And not only that, it's an old spirit. It's been around for a very long time. Based on what you told me about the rituals she performed, it seems she attracted this evil spirit, and now it's attached to her, claiming her soul as its own," Jack said seriously.
"The longer we wait, the harder it becomes to get rid of that spirit," he added.
"Excuse me, but what exactly is a poltergeist?" asked Rita.
"A poltergeist is a type of ghost or spirit responsible for physical disturbances, such as loud noises and objects being moved or destroyed. They're also known for moving or levitating objects—furniture, cutlery, you name it—and causing knocking sounds on doors. Foul smells are also common, along with spontaneous fires and electrical problems like flickering lights," explained Jack. "Alright, that's enough explaining. Let's begin. Thomas, will you do the honors?"
"I'll try," said Thomas as he attempted to enter Ryner's body. However, he simply passed through without success.
"What? It didn't work," said Thomas, confused.
"Try again," said Jack.
Thomas tried once more to possess Ryner but failed again.
"That's strange. Looks like we'll have to do without that method, then. Alright," said Jack, turning toward Shimoya. "Spirit that's tormenting this girl—reveal yourself. I know you're nearby," he said, beginning to chant while sprinkling holy water around Shimoya.
"I command you to leave this girl alone and never return. You foul spirit, return to where you came from!" Jack shouted.
Shimoya suddenly held her head in pain.
"Shimoya, are you alright?" Ryner asked, concerned.
Shimoya then let out a sinister and eerie laugh. "You believe your little parlor tricks are enough to scare me off? Don't make me laugh," she sneered.
"So then, I finally got your attention," said Jack. "Why did you choose to possess and torment this girl?"
"It was not my choice. She was the one who called out to me," said the evil spirit through Shimoya.
"Who the hell are you, and where are you from?" Ryner asked angrily.
"No, Ryner. I'm the only one who can ask questions," said Jack, cutting him off.
The evil spirit began laughing hysterically. "Why should I tell you anything about me? All I came for was the girl's beautiful soul—and I shall claim it as mine, and mine alone."
"Well, I hate to break it to you," said Jack, "but this girl doesn't belong to you. You will leave her alone for good once I'm done exorcising you."
Jack began chanting again.
"Holy water of divine retribution!" Jack declared as he sprinkled the water on Shimoya.
The evil spirit screamed in pain and agony, and suddenly, everything in the room began levitating.
"Ryner, be careful! This spirit is unstable!" Jack warned, continuing his chant while reading from sacred scriptures.
A chair flew across the room and struck Ryner in the head, knocking him out.
"Oh no!! Ryner!" cried Rita.
"I warned him… Damn brat didn't listen," muttered Jack.
The spirit laughed maniacally. "You just don't get it, do you? No matter what you do, you will never be able to get rid of me. I'm here to stay—until this girl dies!"
Jack threw more holy water at Shimoya, causing the spirit to scream again and sending Jack flying into the wall, where he was stunned.
"Oh no, what are we going to do? The spirit is too strong for Jack alone to handle!" said Rita in panic. "Wait… maybe I should try to possess Ryner. Since he's unconscious, maybe it's possible," she said, focusing her energy.
Moments later…
"Huh? I feel weird… I can touch my face… and my hands—they're not pale anymore. Could this mean… the possession was successful?" Rita said, shocked at what just occurred.