When the Universe Began [A Blackmadhi Fantasy AU]

Chapter One

(POV: SIMON)

Simon sat in his cell, staring at the blank walls covered in tally marks. 2555 days, that's how long he had been here in this rotten place. If only this goddamn country had fair trials. Then, the rusting iron door opened with a click and a screech. He glanced over to see his former captain standing there with a scowl on his face.

"Get up," he commanded. Simon instantly obeyed, it must be something important if he was here.

"Sir, if I might ask... what are you doing here?"

"You're free to go, Simon Blackquill. All of your charges have been cleared." Charges...? Cleared...? Simon hadn't been aware that a murder charge could be cleared here.

"Who...?"

"If you must know, his royal highness, Prince Nahyuta, ordered this himself." Captian Edgeworth gestured for Simon to get out of the cell, handing the keys over to the guard of the prison. He left his cell for the first time in seven years, and even though they were still inside, the air outside felt much better than that stuffy old room.

"Why would he...?" Simon asked as the Captian lead him out of the prison.

"I have no idea. But does it matter? You have your freedom now," he opened the door to the outside and the sudden blast of bright light blinded Simon, "report for wall duty tomorrow morning." He shoved him out the door and slammed it behind him. Simon headed for the city, hoping he would find some sense of clarity if he could find a familiar face.

~~~

Of course he wound up at the tavern, of course. The decor had changed since the last time he'd been there, but otherwise, the small building remained the same. The sound of soft lute music filled the air, a nostalgic sound that reminded him of an old friend. It made him wonder where that man was now and if he was doing well.

"Simon? Is that you? It's been far too long!" A musical voice with soft undertones came from behind Simon. He turned around to see his old friend, Klavier Gavin.

"Hey, Klav." Simon deadpanned.

"Well don't sound so excited to see me! How have you been?" Klavier asked, pulling up a chair.

"I could be better."

"Yeah, you look like a mess. Here, all your drinks tonight are on me." He slammed a pile of gold coins on the table, summoning the barkeep over at the sound of a rich man's purse jingling. The barkeep scraped the coins off the table and ran over to the small bar. The pudgy man came back a second later, placing two beers before the pair of men.

"What in the world have you been doing Klavier? There's no way that you could get that much money working at your family's shop." Simon said, gesturing to the purse hanging off of his friend's belt. Klavier laughed softly before shaking his head.

"I'm not working in my family's shop anymore," Klavier said, sighing and staring at the amber liquid before him, "I left to pursue my own dreams."

"Which are?"

"I've told you this before, idiot," he said, flicking Simon on the forehead, "I've been working as a travelling bard. I'm finally doing what I want, honestly... it's quite fulfilling."

"I see..." What was it that he had wanted to do again? It felt like such a long time ago that he had been a young man who'd spoken of his dreams. Simon could barely remember what he'd dreamed of before he entered the Royal Guard. Oh well, it didn't matter anyway. Not anymore. Simon downed the beer in front of him and continued to speak of the past with his old friend.