Mirthless Sunshine: Prologue
*Prologue: *
Of Life and Starlight
I:
There is an ancient tale of a star far away from its fellow kind. This star gave life to a very mischievous people who not only disrespected their planet, but also themselves. Century after century the lone star watched as its creatures became more infatuated with perceived wealth and power, to the point that they devoured all beauty from their planet. The star wept daily. Know that stars do not chose whom they give life to, they simply let their love and warmth descend upon their worlds and hope the creatures learn to value the kindness. The lone star dreamt about its fellow kind and their worlds, about how the local creatures, through respect and friendship, achieve a state of pure bliss where beauty resides in all souls and where joy fills the space. That was just a dream for the lone star.
Yes, it is time to farewell.
So the lone star began its millennia of death leaving the pitiful beings just enough time to reach out to new worlds.
Blackness followed.
Of Flowers and Hope
II:
"Can you tell me a story tonight?"
"Again?"
"Please. I want to hear another story"
"You will lay awake and not be ready for the lectures tomorrow, just like last night and the night before. I want you to be smart when you become a big girl. The lectures are very important, you know that do you not?"
"But you told me that stories are good for the imaganiton..."
"Imagination"
"...Yes, and that it is very good to have."
"... I did tell you, no? Very well. But! I do want to hear not one complaint about 'Oh father, I am too tired' in the morning, understood?"
"I promise with my paws folded."
"Good. So. Let me think. Hmm... did you hear this story, about the rich flower field near the Flower King's castle and the traveler who made flower pies?"
"Flower pies? Hihihi this man is silly father."
"Well, he is using what we call imagination. So listen. A many years ago, in a far away land, there was a kingdom filled with rich and colorful fields. The people had plenty to eat and the crops harvested themselves and the animals, gladly, made themselves into thick sausages and juicy steaks. So, because there was no work to be done for the farmers, they sang and danced all day and night. And because the farmers were happy and had plenty to eat, the knights did not have to keep order, so instead they created music and wonderful paintings. And because the lords and generals did not have to control their knights they had time to plan better cities with many joyful theaters and beautiful universities. And because the king did not have to worry about anything at all he concentrated on raising the most wondrous flower garden the world has ever seen."
As the father told the old story about the Flower King and his flower garden the streets outside filled yet again with black smoke. Just as the little girl fell asleep, the world outside of the apartment was reduced to the nothingness of darkness.