Mirror Mirror

An Unwelcome Guest

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Marie, accompanied by Simone, arrives at the orphanage. Sister Theresa rushes toward them, pushing Simone away from Marie protectively.

"Stay away from her! I knew there was something suspicious about that Gauche I saw before!"

Simone steps back, raising his hands in a gesture of peace. "Please, Sister Theresa, I mean no harm. I only helped Asta and his friends. Marie can vouch for me."

Marie steps forward, her voice filled with reassurance.

"It's true, Sister Theresa. Simone saved us and assisted Asta and the others. He's not a threat."

Sister Theresa, still on guard, channels fire magic in her hand, "He brought you far away from the church without my permission Marie. For all I know, hes a threat."

The nun stands her ground against Simone.

"One wrong move, and I won't hesitate to protect these children."

Marie interrupts, placing a hand on Sister Theresa's arm.

"Please, Sister Theresa. He might have tricked us before but he means well!"

Sister Theresa's anger subsides, and she takes a deep breath, considering Marie's words. She mentally sighs. What a mess this day turned out to be. She cant believe she let Marie be taken away but the sister trusted Gauche at that time... Sister Theresa rubbed her temples and caved in.

"Very well. I'll trust your judgment, Marie. But I'll keep an eye on him."

Marie nods, grateful for the compromise, and they enter the church. As Simone passes by Sister Theresa, she notices his translucent body, prompting her curiosity.

"Simone, you're a spirit of mana... You won't last here forever."

Simone nods, his expression solemn, understanding the fragility of his existence.

"I know, Sister. But as long as I can, I.. need to stay a little bit longer. I... want to see the battle through."

Sister Theresa looks at him, her gaze softened by compassion.

"You've been through a lot, haven't you? Make yoursf comfortable. But no funny business."

Simone nodded with no words, deciding that it might be better to be silent for now.

As Marie walks back into the church with her little snow boots that left a trail of melted snow on the ground. She is greeted by a crowd of worried and curious children. They bombard her with questions and concerns.

"Marie, where were you? Why are you wearing that?"

Julie joined in "And why wasn't Gauche with you? Is he okay?

"Gauche said he was gonna have a sleepover with us tonight!"

Marie sighs as she reveals the truth to everyone.

"Gauche is not having a sleepover with us."

"You're lying, he said so before you two left hours ago."

"No. He didnt."

"Huh? How are you so sure? He definitely said so."

Marie motions to Simone as he entered the room, "Gauche didn't promise to have a sleepover, 'he' did."

The kids in the church look at Simone with confused expression, noticing his translucent body. Marie stands among the curious and concerned children, taking a deep breath as she prepares to share the truth.