[ShuMika] The Doll’s Question

[anakiddwrites]

 The Demon Lord of the West had everything he could ever want and more.

And if he wanted a garden of living dolls, he would make one. So he did.

Shumika week 2022 day 6 - Dolls and plushies

Art and design by its_sunnwo! Read here as well.

 

The Demon Lord of the West had everything he could ever want and more.

Tremendous magical power of endless source. Territory as large as a human country. Respect, fear and trust from his followers and army. Along with sharp personality and unshakeable willpower, Shu Itsuki became a name that wouldn’t come out of anyone’s lips without some sort of reverence, for the good or the bad.

That being said, it’s easy to imagine how such a unique character would have his share of quirks and particularities, hence few would have leverage to criticize his methods and question his means. After all, we are talking about an ancient demon free of human morals and divine compromises.No human, angel or anything in between would tell Shu Itsuki what to do. 

And if he wanted a garden of living dolls, he would make one. So he did.

Some could say that was a wasteful usage of magic, resources and time. After all, a collection of beautiful dolls may emanate an eccentric atmosphere, but it’s far from carrying the power of an army or the intimidation of a castle. 

However, for most of the followers of the demon lord, the decision came across as natural and expected, hence their master wasn’t secretive in the slightest about his appreciation for creating and manipulating dolls - all of them knew very well to respect and listen to Mademoiselle just like she was a lady of the land blood of his blood.

Shu Itsuki didn’t build his garden on a rush or a whim. Taking time and care step by step, he delighted himself in projecting, sketching and experimenting to make it work like a true artist, pouring his passion and energy to spend those peaceful times without rotting his spirit into indolence.

The initial result was nothing less than perfection for his high standards, even though he knew he could find ways to continuously improve the huge garden where many dolls animated by his magic now graciously wandered without any worry in the world. It was a joy to watch their beautiful figures collecting flowers, softly rocking swing seats on trees, singing with the birds and other mundane activities their simple minds were conceived to do in that small world conceived for them. 

Even though they didn’t have a full-fledged will like demons and humans, the magical spark of conscience allowed them to manifest simple preferences and mannerisms with time and the coexistence with their fellow dolls and master. It wasn’t completely planned, but Shu found himself entertained with the behavior of his dear creations, finding something new to observe every time.

Mika Kagehira was one of the most outstanding dolls in the collection. 

The dark raven hair and the calm expression in his golden eyes graced him with an air of nobility despite the considerably cheap material from his body, even though his Victorian clothes were obviously the best Shu Itsuki could tailor for his dolls. He usually could be found among the younger ones and near the dollhouse in the middle of the garden, always carrying a different plushie in his hands.

It wasn’t rare to find Mademoiselle herself having a pleasant chat with Mika, who quickly became one of her favorite companions to erase loneliness. She was the first to talk to Shu about his habits of showing the garden around to newcomer dolls, holding their hands and guiding them through the many areas and options to explore in their new life. With just a bit of observation, the Demon Lord realized his doll’s personality and quirks were developing fast and it was wonderfully akin to observing nature.

Mika Kagehira liked to guide the younger ones and to keep them company. He also liked plush toys, arranging them nicely in his own corner near the dollhouse. He tried to eat flowers once, making Shu scoff a funny laugh in quite a long time. But like the other dolls, he had his limits and never asked questions, reverencing Shu as his master and Mademoiselle as noble of the same respect.

Time would flow smoothly like calm waters, allowing the doll’s garden to flourish like the Demon Lord’s personal paradise. No matter the tribulations shaking the outside world, his safe haven remained untouched through long periods of forced absence due politics, wars and other necessary troubles to keep his status quo intact and thriving.

And Mika Kagehira was always the first doll at the gates waiting for his return, holding a different plush every time.

“Where did you find this, Kagehira?!” The Demon Lord asked, displeased with the wonky bunny doll Mika carried in his hands this time. Something so badly put together, with crooked seams and fillings poking out, wasn’t from his collection for sure.

“I made it.” The Doll replied calmly, unaware of the impact of his words. Shu couldn’t believe it instantly, but there was no other possible explanation. Besides, his dolls were incapable of lying to him. Or should be. They shouldn’t be capable of creating either.

The demon controlled his first instinct of showering the doll with inquiries, choosing the path of observation first. With no guidance, the plushies Mika created were curious at best and disturbing at worst, but he didn’t give signs of giving up without a direct order to stop. And despite the ugliness for his standards, Shu allowed him to keep going guided by curiosity.

An answer was eventually granted a few winters later.

Shu would find his peculiar doll sitting at the gate, looking down and concentrating on his newest distorted creation, struggling with a red piece of fabric in his hands.

“It’s too cold. How do I make her a coat?”

Not even hundreds of centuries of an immortal life could have prepared Shu for that innocent question and that shining blue pupil suddenly staring at him with genuine worry.

“Oshi-san, how do I make her a coat?” Mika repeated once again, blinking his now two-toned eyes at his flabbergasted master, too unaccustomed to miracles to understand what was happening in front of him.

Shu never understood how Mika’s spark of life wasn’t one of a doll anymore, but of a young demon, or why one of his golden eyes turned blue. But rather than speculate the causes, he found himself more interested in the future developments.

Mika Kagehira still liked to guide the younger ones and to keep them company. He also liked plush toys, arranging them nicely in his own corner near the dollhouse. He also liked candies and the sweetest beverages. He still revered Shu as his master and Mademoiselle as noble of the same respect.

But now he would ask many questions and create his own plushies and clothes, wearing a pair of bright gemstones in his eyes. Soon enough the garden would become too small, hence it was a world of dolls and not of demons. So Shu judged it was time for him to follow his master to a new home, fitting to his new heart.

In time, he would become one of the most outstanding demons in the kingdom. But this is another story, for another night.