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The Emperor and the Nightingale

Summary:

The previous Emperor of Yumenosaki, Itsuki Shu, was once enamoured by the natural song of a young Nightingale and created a mechanical Nightingale that performed according to his will. He settles for Mika Kagehira, his own mechanical Nightingale, and slowly forgets the all natural voice of the original. Replacing it with a controlled and bewitching voice.

Or so he thought.

Perhaps the Emperor was trying to deny himself from the possibility of liking a being of the living. The very being that too, brought him down from his former glory. The Ex-Emperor suffered from his downfall and yet, it was the sorrow and sympathy of the Nightingale he first loved that saved him from hell.

Notes:

(See the end of the work for notes.)

Chapter 1: The Fall and Rebirth of Valkyrie

Chapter Text

. . . . . . . . . . . . ~ ♪

A soft, gentle voice flowed with the wind. 

The young child sang till his heart content with another as his sole audience.

The 'audience' was enamoured by the other child's voice.

Their time together was short, but he grew attached to the song.

He wished to be able to hear it once more.

To create something of equal beauty.

Perhaps it was a song, that shaped the child to who they are today...

And who they became...

...

..

.

The Emperor stood with his marionette, his doll, Nito Nazuna.

They have been attempting to find inspiration for a new 'creation'.

Many days went by unsuccessful.

Yet the marionette encouraged the Emperor to keep looking for the inspiration he needed.

And then, one day, that inspiration came.

Or rather, returned to him. 

"Um...excuse me? Do you know where Yumenosaki High School is? I kinda got lost..."

Violet eyes lock onto the mismatched lapis and amber ones.

It felt like a surge of his much needed inspiration had just hit him at full force.

He knew at first glance that he must have the boy be part of his next creation.

Without a moment to spare, he spoke to reply,

"Of course I do! I literally go there if you couldn't see that. Though if you're new around here, I won't say anymore. But what on earth are you wearing? The colours and fabric don't match you whatsoever! Come with me! I need to see that this eyesore of an outfit is fixed. We both need to go to the same destination anyways." 

He quickly grabbed the strangers arm and started dragging him along, Nito swiftly following behind.

"Wah! S-sorry! I'm not actually that rich so I haven't been able ta get anything good looking. Thank ya kindly for your help tho! My name is Mika Kagehira by the way. Nice ta meet ya!"

Had a thicker dialect then he would've liked but he was happy regardless.

"I see. I am Shu Itsuki, the Emperor of Yumenosaki and leader of Valkyrie. You are a new student so it's best if you are aware of where you stand compared to me. You were lucky to have run into me and even more lucky that you have this opportunity. If you wish to repay me, then join me and the three of us will destroy all who stand against my art!"

...

..

.

A part of Shu felt a sense of nostalgia when hearing Mika's voice.

He just can't seem to put his finger on why though.

He was sure that he'd never seen anyone like Mika.

Perhaps a few changes would better suit the image that he is after.

He got Mika to first limit calorie intake to bring him into a shape more beneficial to him.

He then got Nito to teach Mika how to act like a doll.

Upon being questioned, Shu said,

"Only through dolls can beauty actually shine its brightest! As you can see, Nito is the culmination of perfection that I've created. You therefore, are to no longer question my ways to performing. You are only a doll now and your sole purpose is to do what I say! I have a reputation to maintain and I expect you to bring yourself to standard by next week. I may terminate you from Valkyrie otherwise if you can't provide what I seek."

Mika saw no more reason to talk and went back to practice.

The rest of practice was rather awkward for the remainder.

Mika took note and started practicing outside of practice time.

He didn't want to be kicked out, to be abandoned, so he practiced harder.

He would practice until he got it perfect, to how Shu wanted him.

He finally was reunited with the one who was there with him.

He wasn't going to let go.

...

..

.

Where the nickname came from is still up for debate.

But Shu knew that it suited Mika to-the-t.

Since Nito was his doll, Mika is not a doll, but a mechanical Nightingale.

Shu saw Mika's presence and voice like that of a Nightingale.

Beautiful and soft.

And yet to fit the doll-like behaviour of Valkyrie, Mika behaviour was more like a mechanical one than a living one.

It could also stem from Shu's underlying hatred towards humans that made him take this approach.

To create the beauties of life, pure from the presence of humans who defile that beauty and destroy it.

To create art instead of 'life'.

To distort something human to better suit his want for perfection.

...

..

.

He, his doll and his Nightingale sang and danced for the last time...

No music audible for the audience to hear...

Or at least, no music for him...

They walked off the stage that rightfully belonged to him and his creations, embarrassed and tired...

Never had they made a mistake and it showed when the lights flipped off...

Shu Itsuki could only watch...

As HIS stage, was swept off beneath his feet...

And stolen by the new Emperor of Yumenosaki...

Eichi Tenshouin...

...

..

.

The room was dead silent, save the whispers from the shell of a man, Shu Itsuki.

He locked himself away in a paradise created by his mind and refused the entry of anyone, even his own creations.

Well, creation now.

His most beloved doll, Nito Nazuna, severed himself from the strings that he used to adorn himself and left his master behind.

The fall of the Emperor was the final motivation for him to leave, seeing that nothing but pain will follow should he continue on this path.

The creation that stayed however?

That would be his most loyal Nightingale, Mika Kagehira.

Extending his broken-down wings in an attempt to comfort and soothe the pain that was inflicted on his beloved master.

Though with every attempt, he was rejected.

Left untouched to rust.

And despite that, he provided Shu with basic supplies and would keep trying to get his master to talk once more.

To come out and command him as his sole purpose to serve.

Even though he lost himself in loneliness...

And yet when Shu came out after much reflection, he was too remorseful...

He was upset with himself for giving up...

For leaving his Nightingale behind...

For how broken his Nightingale became in his disappearance...

The light given by life diminished and replaced with a gaze that only resembles a human gaze...

Now...

He is determined to find a way to restore the Nightingale to his former glory and bring back the legacy they shared...

He will repay Mika's servitude with his life, as Mika did for him...

...

..

.

Chapter 2: Stage of Denial

Summary:

A whole month of contemplation passes by and nothing has changed.
Shu is confused on what to do in this situation, especially since this new Mika is exactly how he wanted him to be during his reign.
With some outside comments from his childhood friend, Kuro Kiryu, however, Shu starts trying to act nicer around Mika.

From Kuro as well, Shu gets a theory for his distress over Mika.
Though, he is in utter denial of such a possibility.

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

No words were spoken between the two.

Mika emptily stared at Shu, his gaze fixed on him alone.

He was unresponsive to anything and this worried Shu.

He didn't even know how to fix what he had done, even less where to start.

Mika had few connections to anyone else outside Valkyrie so he most likely can't find anyone to consult.

Well, besides his fellow classmate and best friend, Arashi Narukami.

Though knowing her, she would beat the living daylights out of Shu for essentially breaking Mika.

With his reputation now, she would have every right to as well.

He decided to hold off asking Arashi for the time being, more-or-so for his own safety.

He has long declared that Valkyrie would be on a hiatus so he has time to work with.

He just hopes that he can bring him back.

The one who was there for him at his worst moment.

The one he discarded when he needed him most.

The one who stayed despite having been destroyed beyond repair.

...

..

.

This isn't going well.

It has been one week so far Mika still remained unresponsive.

He could move at least and still do what Shu wants from him.

But he lacks in communication with Shu.

He wouldn't even make a sound.

Mika too lacks in the ability to show emotions.

Had this been during his reign as Emperor, Shu would've been pleased with himself.

Having transformed him fully into a 'doll'.

But now, Shu can barely even look at Mika without being reminded of his deeds.

At least for 'family reasons', they both haven't needed to attend school.

Shu barely got away with that excuse however since they weren't biologically related.

Still, this gave him more time to work with.

Though it seems unlikely that he would heal as quickly as Shu would've liked.

Shu starts spending alone again to think of ways to help Mika.

He needs to fix this.

...

..

.

Week two went by and still no progress.

Shu was starting to become desperate.

In his time alone, he would speak with his doll, Mademoiselle.

A voice born from previous trauma.

She would try to comfort Shu, assuring that Mika will be able to heal, so long as Shu keeps trying.

Shu had little belief that it would work, but he had no other ideas.

Well, besides seven possible consultants.

Albeit, one would most likely not comply with him and another five have similar issues they need to deal with.

He decides to hold off on asking for help for the time being.

Maybe because of his own pride, but he doesn't want anyone to see him like weak.

Not after his miserable defeat against fine.

Yet, perhaps it was for that reason too that Mika grew distant.

Nonetheless, Shu keeps trying to find ways to help Mika.

He also begin to reflect on something else too.

Why he felt so distressed after seeing Mika in that state, even though that was what Shu had originally wanted.

Both answers however, didn't come to mind.

...

..

.

A whole month has gone by and Shu finally caves in to ask for help.

Not directly of course.

He has minimal experiences with modern technology but it is clearly his best shot at getting discrete advice.

He scrolls through his contacts and slowly starts typing.

------------

Shu: Kiryu, I have an issue that I appear to require some extra opinions on.

------------

The amount of time it took for his to write that clearly is almost laughable but he gets it across.

And in a few seconds, he gets a reply.

------------

Kuro: Hey. It's not like you to be using technology.

Kuro: What's the issue that you're on about?

------------

Discussion between the two honestly took more time then it should've but they eventually worked it out.

Though, Kuro said an idea that Shu could never thought about on his own.

------------

Kuro: You've never been this distressed over someone that isn't a doll before.

Kuro: Maybe you've fallen for him??

Shu: Wha-

Shu: Absolutely not! That isn't even possible.

Shu: I could never feel such emotion for him!

------------

Kuro didn't seem to believe him.

And somewhere deep down, Shu didn't believe himself either.

And yet it fits perfectly for a reason to Shu's disorder.

Even so, he doesn't want to even think about the possibility of loving Mika.

Not when he only used Mika for his own selfish wants.

Not when it's forbidden for idols to partake in official romance.

Not when Mika would surely not feel the same way...

...

Shu definitely needed more time...

...

..

.

Notes:

Kinda slipped in an Acanthe scene :|
I wanted to try and build up Shu's emotions towards Mika while also giving the vibe that he has liked Mika for a long time but was blinded by his own pride and unable to tell that he was hurting him until it was too late.

Arashi and 5 Oddball mention was nice but Kuro was probably OOC, soz ;-;
I hope this flowed on well enough from the first chapter XD

Chapter 3: Crumbling Hope

Summary:

With still little progress being made, Shu finally decides to consult Mika's best friend, Arashi.
He should probably be mentally prepared for a light beating.
Though, that was the least of his worries at this point.
With the amount of time Mika remained practically empty on emotion, he was becoming worried.

Worried that perhaps the damage he did is now irreversible.
Worried that he lost the only one who cared.
Worried that Mika would leave when he returns to his senses.

To say the least, his regret grows worst after the meet up with her.

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

. . . . . . . . . . . 

Another month passes by.

No progress made yet again.

He began to worry that the damage was irreversible.

Shu started writing notes and diary entries now though.

Though the notes have been looking the same for the whole month.

He otherwise wrote diary entries to keep his emotions on track.

He would try at least write an entry daily seeing if he could note down anything that Mika would react to.

Or maybe if he's getting better.

Chances are unlikely but it gave him something to do.

He couldn't even design outfits like before.

For some reason, all his ideas circle back to Mika.

His guilty constantly comes back to him.

Kuro has been trying to help despite not knowing much about Mika.

He had to cut off his help however because of school work.

He didn't even get time to see Shu personally, but he hopes that Shu is ok.

Kuro would send a text every now and then to check up on him.

Shu however takes more time to contemplate how he feels about Mika.

If maybe Kuro was right...

That Shu had possibly at a point, fallen in love with Mika...

...

Shu pushes the idea of love aside to keep taking care of Mika.

Though with every passing moment, he grows more worried.

...

..

.

Another month have passed since he asked Kuro for help.

Kuro otherwise hasn't been able to help because of new unit work.

Apparently the events of the war have subsided and now is just a time when people would recover.

There will be few who will move one from the war.

But there are those like Shu, who are still suffering greatly.

Namely the other unit he was a part of, The Five Eccentrics, consisting of himself, Rei, Wataru, Kanata and Natsume.

Well, The Three Eccentrics now.

Shu and Natsume didn't fare well during the war.

Especially Natsume since his now unit mate, Tsumugi, 'betrayed' him.

Shu himself never was fond of Tsumugi but in this situation, he couldn't help but wonder if this is what Tsumugi felt.

Both he and Tsumugi had good intentions that were badly executed, resulting in loss to someone close.

Tsumugi's being that he wanted to rectify the damage done to Yumenosaki's reputation, even if it mean the 'execution' of his childhood friend.

Unlike Shu however, both Natsume and Tsumugi has moved on, forming their own unit, Switch.

Valkyrie on the other hand, fell into ruin.

Nito leaving Valkyrie with Shu and Mika becoming distant with others and themselves.

Now he worried that he would lose Mika.

Valkyrie was doing worst by the second after the war.

But Shu saw that Switch were healing and he realised it was because, unlike him, Natsume and Tsumugi talked things out after the war.

That time that could've been used for recovery, Shu used to mope in his room.

The time he should've used to find a way back, he isolated himself from the one other member that stayed with him against his protests.

Time he should've used to mend his relationship with Nito and Mika, he threw away.

And it showed through Mika's current state.

Regret was a common feeling he has nowadays.

Yet, reminiscing of the past, he couldn't help but shed some tears.

He had to stop todays entry and chose to call an early night.

Today marks the first day of many Shu cries himself to sleep. 

...

..

.

Shu takes another month before finally giving in and reluctantly asking for help from Arashi.

He has heard many things about her, but the most common being that she wouldn't hesitate to get into a fight should her friends get hurt.

Though, getting a few bruises is the least of his worries right now.

The longer that Mika sits idly, the more worries and regrets he gets.

He goes on Mika's phone to get her number before texting an invitation to her.

First meeting with Arashi went as smoothly as he expected.

Incredibly short and not smooth whatsoever.

She immediately agreed to come over as soon as Mika's name was mentioned.

And oh, how shocked she was to see his lifeless form sat sombrely in his room.

She ran up and cupped Mika's face in her hands, gently calling his name and praying that Mika was alright.

She didn't get any response from him.

She stood for a moment in remorse before turning to Shu in disgust.

Arashi went in for a slap to the face but settled for punching his gut instead, bringing Shu to his knees, lurching in pain.

Shu is still an idol after all, so she couldn't damage his face of all things.

She still wanted to vent out her frustrations however.

Luckily for him, kinda, Arashi took a more verbal route afterwards.

"What the actual hell is wrong with you?! Mika has been like this for three whole months and you haven't done anything?! Not even look for professional help?!"

Yup, this reaction was expected.

Though he didn't trust anyone professional to help since they never knew Mika outside his stage persona and didn't know what was 'normal' for him.

"I can't believe that you were the Ex-Emperor of Yumenosaki! You practically treated your own unit-mates as prisoners for gods sake!"

He knows, and he regrets how he acted in the past.

A light pause from her onslaught and she finished up.

"Don't you find yourself disgusting?!"

A heavy silence came after.

Arashi started trembling in the amount of anger she just released, while Shu kneeled solemnly.

She then excused herself and left as fast as she could.

She shouldn't bear seeing Mika this way.

She couldn't stand seeing Shu for being responsible for Mika.

Shu gained nothing but pain, as he expected.

Still on his knees, he moved towards Mika's form and laid his head on the side of Mika's legs, tearing up again.

He nuzzled briefly against his leg before asking him with a quiet, shaky voice.

"Kagehira..."

No...

"Mika... had I been a better person... if I became someone better... would you... still be here with me...?"

His question yet again was left unanswered as the room fills with the sounds of light sobbing.

Nothing was written for rest of that week.

...

..

.

Notes:

More Oddball mentions, Tusmugi getting mentioned as well, short as hell Arashi intro, Mika's still dead inside and Shu slowly becoming even more depressed :D
Totally not me destroying Shu's pride.
Does this count as a slow burn? Probably :/
Still wondering how long I want to extend this story to be, but we'll see.

Chapter 4: Crack of Light

Summary:

Another few weeks past by, during of which Shu would often embrace the husk left of Mika, begging for some form of reaction, positive or negative. On some nights, he even fell asleep next to Mika and yet even then, nothing changed.

But something happened...

Shu could've sworn he saw it...
He though he saw Mika finally move, even if ever so slightly.
With new found hope, Shu found himself regaining inspiration.
He made a silent promise that night, he would create a song specifically for Mika.

Notes:

So yeah, exams were fun...getting sick was even more fun...
Sorry for the long delay on the chapter, it may be somewhat underwhelming in comparison to the other chapters unfortunately TT

Chapter Text

. . . . . . . . . . . 

Another few weeks past by.

Arashi seems to be actively avoiding Shu, refusing to pick up texts or calls anymore.

Frankly, Shu doesn't blame her.

Her punch and comment stuck with him for a few nights and he would find him asking himself that same question.

'Don't you find yourself disgusting?'

The question replayed in his head like a broken radio.

After all, it was Shu who tainted the poor Mika Kagehira and abandoned him in his time of need, even when Mika used to be there for Shu.

Nights were simply not the same afterwards, the silence and loneliness slowing swallowing him alive.

During of which Shu would often embrace the husk of Mika, begging for some form of closure, some kind of reaction, positive or negative.

On some nights, he even fell asleep next to Mika and yet even then, nothing changed.

Hope was becoming bleak.

Shu could practically feel him losing himself but simply didn't care anymore.

The fate Mika received must surely be worse than what he is calls suffering.

To live as what he was forced to become by the very leader he swore an oath to, only to be left to decay, the one he held high shunning him away.

Like a child's favourite toy that they inevitably throw away when they've lost interest, the Emperor used to be fond of his mechanical nightingale.

Yet the Emperor no longer interested in it.

Because what he yearned for now is something long discarded by said Emperor.

Humanity.

Life.

Warmth.

He wanted to be able to hear that nightingale's song again.

Even if just once more...

Because it was his voice that helped the Emperor recover from his own sickness of pride...

...

..

.

But something happened one night.

Shu was simply getting a cup of water after going a few days without properly staying hydrated.

He turned around and froze.

Shu could've sworn he saw it.

Mika moved, ever so slightly, as if trying to speak.

He dropped his glass on the ground which shattered on impact and quickly rushed to Mika's side.

He fell to his knees and grasped Mika's shoulders.

"Kagehira! Kagehira, answer me!"

Shu lightly shook Mika as he spoke.

Warm tears beginning to stream down his face again.

And yet he didn't respond.

Even then, Shu knew that definitely Mika moved.

Never has Shu been more glad for his sharp vision and attention to detail.

Shu once again found hope that Mika could reawaken.

With new found hope, Shu found himself regaining inspiration.

The mental block in his mind finally starting to clear up.

New clothing designs, lyrics, choreography just to name a few.

More possibilities for Valkyrie in the future.

He hugged Mika again and made a silent promise that night, he would create a song specifically for Mika.

He looked out the window and saw the beautiful crescent moon.

He noted that he should go back to bed.

Though, he couldn't help but think the moon seemed to glow a little brighter tonight.

...

..

.

Much to Shu's surprise, Mika started to move more often from that night onwards.

Usually in light gentle movements but it sure was an improvement.

His breathing was more noticeable and he blinked more often during the day.

He could take in food and water on his own, though would need to be spoon-fed.

Mika was yet to be able to walk on his own or even respond to situations properly.

He would most often slowly turn his head to Shu, almost as if waiting for his command.

He acted like a possessed doll.

Eyes like black holes, letting no light escape.

He was also yet to speak on his own.

Shu didn't mind though.

Mika was recovering after all. 

Kuro also visited more often to check up on Shu.

He was mildly surprised to see Shu so attached to Mika.

Even more surprised whenever Shu would start crying again.

Kuro also told Arashi about Mika's recovery, which explains why Shu heard her bashing on his door, demanding that he let her in to see Mika.

After letting her in, she rushed to Mika's side and true to Kuro's word, he appeared to be a bit more animated then the last she saw of him.  

She showed up more often to also check up on Mika, completely ignoring Shu for most of her visits.

On others, she would either make snarky remarks about Shu, glare at him or at least try to hold a conversation.

Albeit that those conversations are more one-sided with Shu not knowing how to talk to her without upsetting her further.

Shu also managed to talk to his fellow oddballs about the situation.

'If you need ever cheering up, your very own Hibiki Wataru is here~!'

'Don't 'worry', your 'friend' will surely be well in 'no time'~'

'As long as Shu-nii san is alrighT. Remember to take care of your selF.'

'Fufu, just remember that you can rely on this old man for assistance.'

All of them were supporting Shu and agreed to help where they can.

Shu found himself smiling again.

He finally felt like he can be happy again.

All that's left is Mika.

...

..

.

Notes:

After hearing 'Uruwashi no Nightingale', I really wanted to write a fanfic based on it.
Since it had reference to the fairy tale, 'The Nightingale', I wanted to follow a similar path.
I figured since Valkyrie used to be the top unit, Shu has his obsession with dolls and Mika believes at that time that his only purpose in Valkyrie was to be a 'doll', I would have this basically be a retelling of the ex-fine and ex-Valkyrie story and being dramatic.
I'm still figuring my style of writting tho, so do give feedback ^^