Prologue 1.1
Stars are bright, and their brilliance eclipses even the shadows of Nyx. That much is obvious, but it still had to be pointed out to drive home to the very important fact that stars were bright, especially in the dark. And whenever people go stargazing, they expect themselves to feel inspired by the sight of the starry night.
But when I gaze up and observe the stars, I feel saddened instead of the joy and hope people normally feel, for I am aware of the despicable, the undeniable "Truth".
'No matter how bright a star is, they are all destined to fall.'
Just like the flames of a candle, destined to be eventually put out.
As I was about to continue my thoughts, a voice called out to me from behind, interrupting my inner monologue. "Sorry for being late, I… -had something to do."
I tilted my head slightly and met the sight of a limping man with sickly pale complexion. The man was blind in one eye, and had white hair; veins could even be seen protruding on certain parts of his face. Compared to the last time I had seen him, he looked as if he was a cancer patient rather than the healthy man he was supposed to be.
If I were anybody else, I would pity him for his current situation. But then again, anyone who abandons their own child for a child that does not even belong to them deserves neither pity or mercy in my eyes.
"You're always late."
It was a simple answer, but it achieved its objective and made its impact. The man flinched from my shallow answer for he knew it to be true. He was always late when it comes to mother and me.
But I guess I could not blame him for it since he never truly cared for us.
There was an awkward pause as we both silently continued observing the stars, and the tension only increased when he finally mustered the courage to speak out. "I'm leaving."
"Why?" I asked, even though I already knew the answer to it. It was a statement, rather than a question. But it still had to be asked to test him. To test if he was finally going to be honest with me.
"For work."
Liar.
"Where?"
"Fuyuki City."
"When will be the next time I see you." I asked.
The man flinched. "In about a month or so."
Liar.
"I see…" The disappointment within my voice was laid on thick, causing the man to flinch once more.
There was another awkward moment of silence. Nobody dared to speak out, and the eerie silence eventually caused the man to leave, leaving me -- alone -- to watch the stars once again.
A month later, a letter arrived at our mailbox to regretfully inform us of Kariya Matou's death.
Mother gripped my hand tightly as she wept and grieved for father. There was nothing I could do for her, and it made me feel useless.
Nothing has changed, even though my old life was gone.
The Truth -- as always -- is cruel.
Thus, I reject it.
For the sake of happiness, I shall don the mask oflies and shroud the world within the veil of illusions.
And as long as the people aren't aware of it, the Illusion is the Truth.
AN: Credit to Oniele for helping me come up with the name of this project.
