• There was no place more successful than the club known as Club China. Its manager, the Emperor, was a crude and ruthless business owner. He wouldn't ever accept anything other than the best for himself and his servants, whom he lovingly called his royal court.

    A new fad was sweeping the city. Droids have been created to complete the simplest of tasks without complaint or tire. These mechanical marvels instantly won the Emperor's favor. He replaced his servants with these droids. He even went as far as to replace his favorite singer who was called the Nightingale. She didn’t want to leave for her love of the Emperor was great. The Emperor’s heart had been turned from her and his royal court.

    Years passed. The servants were able to find other jobs. Even the Nightingale was able to find a new place to nest. Club China flourished and the Emperor was ecstatic. One perfect night, the Emperor fell ill. The most talented doctors were called. The Emperor had fallen pray to an unknown illness. With nothing to do but reflect on his life, the Emperor thought of all who was important to him. He realized that his servants were his family and friends and he had sent them out like they were trash to be replaced.

    Feeling guilty, the Emperor sent for all that was apart of his royal court. All reluctantly show up and paid their respects. The Nightingale is the only one who was happy to see the Emperor. She asked for a private audience with the Emperor. It was granted.

    The Nightingale confessed what she was too upset to confess upon her dismissal. She knew Death wanted the Emperor but couldn’t reach him because he had the love of his royal court to keep him alive. Without that love, Death was able to make the Emperor ill. The Nightingale told the Emperor that Death was with them at that moment. Death was there to take the Emperor away.

    The Emperor was ready for Death. He believed his mistreatment of his royal court and his Nightingale was most dishonorable. His death would be best for all. The Nightingale didn’t agree. She quickly proposed a deal with the Emperor. She would sing her plea to Death for the Emperor to live. If she was successful, the Emperor must get rid of all the droids and reinstate the royal court. The Emperor agreed.

    Death laughed and taunted the Nightingale saying that he had heard every song that had ever been sung. The Nightingale didn’t waver. She sang a wordless song fueled by her love for the Emperor. As the last note faded into the air, a tear formed in Death’s eye. It trailed down Death’s bony cheek and turned to vapor. Without a word, Death left.

    The Emperor’s health returned instantly. He sold all the droids. Club China opened the next night. The royal court was back. The Nightingale sang her songs… All but one. The song she sung for Death was never sung again.