Simon The Simple

Chapter 1: Destiny Unravels

Simon's mind raced with possibilities as he stood in the line of students, a tumult of hope and trepidation swirling within him. 'Could I be Simon the Valiant? Perhaps Simon the Protector?' he mused, a thrum of anticipation pulsing through him.

His gaze drifted to the girl ahead. Sensing a presence, she glanced back. "Hello," she greeted, her smile warm and bright. "I'm Susan."

"Simon," he replied, their hands meeting in a warm shake, his smile mirroring hers. As Susan clasped Simon's hand, a surge of mutual warmth and unmistakable sincerity flowed between them, affirming to her the goodness that resided within his spirit.

"It appears we may be headed to the same destiny," Susan remarked.

"It does seem so," agreed Simon, hinting a nod of affirmation.

"Having a friendly companion would be a comfort," she added. Their shared laughter was a light moment amidst the gravity of the impending ceremony.

"Step forward and unveil your legacy, Miss," Malary, the headmistress, beckoned to Susan. Simon watched, a silent observer, as the Seeing Stone bathed Susan in its virtuous light, her name gracefully inscribed into the ledger.

"Susan the Compassionate," emerged in resplendent golden script, adorning the page beside her father's esteemed entry, "Peter the Provider"- a testament to his unwavering support and generosity to others.

Joyful tears cascaded down Susan's cheeks as the tome radiated a comforting, golden glow. With a gentle smile, Malary presented Susan with the key to her new dorm room. "My deepest gratitude," Susan uttered. She turned and embraced Simon warmly, whispering, "Fortune be with you, my friend." With that, she stepped aside, her gaze lingering on Simon, a silent sentinel during his pivotal moment.

"Simon Schimbley, please approach and unveil the tome that bears your name," intoned Malary, the esteemed headmistress of Verdant Grove Academy.

Puzzled by the headmistress's familiarity with his identity, Simon moved forward, his expression a tapestry of confusion and surprise, subtly dismissing her recognition. 'Could his destiny mirror that of his mother?' pondered the headmistress, curiosity etched within her gaze.

As apprehension etched his face, Simon approached, his fate and future academy hanging in the balance. Malary surveyed him, her eyebrow arching in contemplation. 'Where will his path lie?' she pondered silently.

"Lay your palms on the Seeing Stone," she commanded. Trembling, Simon obeyed. Initially, the stone radiated a luminous golden hue, a beacon of hope and virtue. A fleeting smile graced Simon's lips, only to vanish as the stone morphed into an abyssal hue, emanating an ominous violet aura.

"No, this can't be!" he protested vehemently. "I am not evil- I know I'm not!" Simon's denial echoed through the hall, his head shaking in dismay. "It is erroneous; I am virtuous, I swear!"

Malary's gaze was unyielding as the somber tome sprang open, its pages fluttering until they settled on his entry- Simon obversed in horror as his name began materializing in resplendent, golden script: "Simon the Simple," being inscribed alongside "Gilda the Benevolent."

"Simon the Simple? How stupid!" he cried out, his voice tinged with incredulity and distress. Laughter rippled from the line behind him as embarrassment washed over his face.

"It is what the fates decree," Malary responded with a resigned exhale, "A simple malevolence, it appears, is your lot."

"The stone is wrong. I am virtuous, through and through. This is a mistake," Simon declared, his voice breaking as tears streaked his cheeks.

"Claim your key and make way, sir. The ceremony must continue," came the brisk instruction from Malary.

"This is unjust!" Simon asserted, his plea fervent. Susan's hand rested on his shoulder, a silent solace, as she coaxed him to hold back. "Trust in my words, I'm good!"