Note: SORRY for the late update. Also, the original A Christmas Carol belongs rightfully to Charles Dickens.
Everyone was helping Denny and Russell setting things on the scrapyard for christmas. Snow fell from the sky, and Steeljaw observed as one snowflake landed on his muzzle. Denny and Russell guided the Autobots on everything, except with baking, since the bots didn't eat what they did.
"Why are there so many things to do here?" Sideswipe complained.
"It's always like this during Christmas. How can you guys not know?"
"We never celebrated Christmas." Drift pointed out. "AllSpark Day is the closest we get of a celebrational holiday."
"That's sad." Russell pointed out. "Well, since it's the first time you guys get to enjoy it, I think you should at least know the basics."
"Like the figure called Santa Claus that invades properties, giving things and spoiling the young members of your kind?" Strongarm pointed out.
"You make it sound like it's a bad thing." The boy pointed out. "Besides, it's not only about this."
"What Russell means is that this time of year is a special date to celebrate with those we care about." Denny pointed out.
"That sounds actually fun." Steeljaw pointed out. "A time of gathering with the ones you care for."
"Finally a happy smile in the middle of a bunch of gloomy faces." Grimlock pointed out, Christmas garlands all over his tail. "What do you think?"
"Grim, the garlands go at the entrance door, not at your tail." Bee chuckled, but he allowed him to keep one anyway.
"Sir, I'm sorry, but I just don't- *sigh* We shouldn't be searching for the Mini-cons or for any of the cons Starscream worked with?" the cadet complained. "I just don't see the point of celebrating today if there's nothing for us to do this."
"Yeah… I guess I'm just gonna go over there." Sideswipe walked away, seeing Strongarm pouting and turning on her rule book. Drift just sat down to meditate.
"Wow… some bots are not in the mood for the holidays." Denny assured.
"Yeah… but luckily I know something perfect for this." Bee said, before rushing somewhere, asking Russell to follow him.
Soon, all the team sat nearby the command center, the scenario all decorated with light strings. Russell had a spot already with a book. All the others were unsure about what was going on, except Bee and Denny.
"Okay, I brought warmed-up Energon for you all." Fixit arrived with a pile of Energon cubes.
"Thanks, Fixit. this will be perfect." Bee greeted. "So, everyone settled up?"
"Yes, sir, but… what are you up to?" Strongarm asked.
"Well, I know you have a point, cadet; we have much to do in the Starscream subject, and the past days haven't been of much luck, but this holiday is one I really would like you all to enjoy." Bee pointed out. "Since most of you never got to understand it, I gathered something that might help you at least get to know it a bit better."
"Sir, I am already pretty familiar with the concepts of home invasion, fake stereotypies and material gain. I don't have anything else to know about this holiday."
"Strongarm!" Russell pouted.
"Look, cadet, I know you'd rather be learning something, but trust me on this… you WILL. So try keeping your specifications at minimum, okay?" Bee pointed out. Strongarm sighed loudly and Sideswipe looked over at her grumpy face.
"Well, one good thing this Earth holiday brought." He joked. Jetstorm settled himself close to Drift and Steeljaw, and Slipstream picked up an Energon cube.
"Okay… it all started in a very cold Christmas Eve..." Bee opened the book.
The meanest man in a very faraway London village, Ebenezer Scrooge, arrived at his working place, after a long walk in the freezing weather.
In a snowy cybertronian corner, Ebenezer (Ratchet) entered a working station, where his worker Bob Cratchit (Bumblebee) wrote all he had to.
"So, um… how was your walk, Mr. Scrooge?"
"It's cold out there, Cratchit! I hope you haven't stopped writing for nonsense."
"Oh, no, sir." Cratchit promised. "I've just stopped to light up the candles. It's getting dark."
"Hope you haven't lighted all of them! It's a waste of money here." Scrooge grumbled and sat on his desk.
"Hey, Uncle Scrooge!" Fred (Smokescreen), Scrooge's nephew burst into the room, a garland on his hands. "Hi, Bob!"
"Fred!" Bob smiled. "Judging by the garland, you're almost ready for the christmas Eve party later, huh?"
"You bet, and i would like to invite you, your family and you, Mr. Scrooge to join the celebration."
"Ugh, more waste of time!" Scrooge grumbled. "Fred, I told you every single year I don't join in these foolish events when there is more important things to do."
"Uncle Scrooge, please. If you just accepted my invitations once, I think everyone wouldn't think so bad of you all the time;."
"Bah, humbug! Let them think whatever they want." Scrooge pouted. "I am not going and that's final!" Fred lowered his head and sighed.
"I can go help you if you want. I-it's time to close already." Bob pointed out,. "Good night and M-merry christmas, Mr. Scroo-"
"See you. Tomorrow." Scrooge grunted and turned around, as the two lads left.
"Every year it's the same thing." Fred complained. "Why can't Uncle Scrooge just join us for one dinner?"
"Well, you can't change the people's choice." Bob pointed out. "I guess this means I can't join you on the celebration, buddy."
"YEah, I guess..." Fred thought for a moment. "Look, I have to go now but don't worry. Christmas will be great for you!" He assured as he left. Bob smiled at his friend's optimism.
After closing up the office, Ebenezer Scrooge headed upstairs. It was already dark, when he got there. He set up a code to open the door and laid on his berth.
"Ebenezer..." A whisper then woke him up.
"Hello?" Scrooge looked over around his dark room. Nothing present, but silence. He thought perhaps he was imagining things...
"Ebenezer..." The repetition of his name erased the last assumption, and the sounds of chains were heard. He stood up and turned on his headlights, to try finding the source of those strange sounds.
All of a sudden then, a glowing figure that seemingly appeared out of nowhere startled him.
"Ebenezer Scrooge… my old friend." It was a tall, spectral figure (Optimus Prime) wearing along with a ripped robe, many chains around his body..
"Marley? But… how? Y-You're dead..." Ebenezer stepped back.
"Yes. However, you might have noticed the sounds i made while trying to reach for you." Marley nodded. "Sound of the chains I have to carry for eternity due to my greed and the horrors I caused in my life."
"T-this must be a nightmare!"
"It is far too real, Ebenezer. Now listen closely what I have to tell you." Marley stared firmly at him and saw him pointing at the watch on the wall. "This very night, you will be visited by three groups of spirits. Listen closely what they have to say till the strokes of midnight ring or the consequences shall be heavier than my own chains..."
With this, Ebenezer heard and saw the spectre of his former partner vanish slowly and found himself alone again in his room.
Scrooge was confused. Was that a dream or reality? Anyway he was glad that was over. He turned down his headlights and the darkness returned… for a short moment.
For two small sparks of light entered the room through the window and bounced all over the room until they landed on the floor forcefully. Scrooge took the chance and knelt down to see what was that exactly.
Two small identical spectres (Fixit and Toolbox), wearing white coats, or more like blankets on them.
"Be careful, cousin!"
"Sorry, I'm just not used to this-this-this-" The bot repeated that word until his cousin hit his head to get back on track. "-this wind change! It's hard to travel without wings."
They both turned around and spot Ebenezer Scrooge.
"Who-who are you? And why are you here?!"
"We are the Spirits of Christmas Past. I think your old associate might have mentioned we would come." One of the spirits explained.
"We came here to help you see something. Something you probably haven't seen in years."
"Humbug! There's nothing I need to see."
"I beg to differ, Mr. Scrooge. We have a long night so you better be prepared." The other spirit pointed out. Then, the wind came from the window started to drag them.
"The winds are changing now. This means our journey will start."
"Follow us, Mr. Scrooge! F-f-f-f-follow us!"
Scrooge's effort on holding to his berth was useless, for the wind carried him as if he was a feather. Scrooge and the spirits traveled in the wind, seeing the town beneath them. No one didn't notice them, while wind took them far far away.
After a really fast ride, the wind stopped and landed all three on the ground.
"This place...it looks familiar." Ebenezer said.
"Well, no wonder, this is your old Academy." One of the spirits said. Then, the three peeked from the window, were young Bots were working in their desk.
"But… that's me."
"Yes, when you were young."
"Back when you thought what to give others when the first snow came."
Ebenezer Scrooge notice that it was true. His younger self was already making the list of what to give to the other students. And it sure was a big list.
Right then, an older bot (Drift) came in. He was surprised to find him on his desk while the others haven't arrived yet.
"Ebenezer, how… when did you?"
"Pardon me, sir. I want to came early to make my list."
"A list?"
"Of what to give others. It's Christmas soon."
His mentor looked disappointed when he heard that and sigh.
"Ebenezer, I appreciate that you come here early than others, but I would rather having you learning something than wasting time with lists."
"But…"
"There will be time for that later. But right now I want you to use your time wisely. As in for studying."
Young Ebenezer looked down while he put his list away. Just then, a femme (Arcee) came in while the teacher left and she noticed Ebenezer's gloom.
"Don't mind my uncle. He's just not in the mood for sharing."
"Isabelle… My first love." Scrooge recognized that beautiful femme.
"Oh, I-Isa, y-your name's the first on the list." Scrooge said, standing up and rushing with a small package. "T-there you go. I took a while to join money to get it, b-but I hope you like it."
"Oh, Ebenezer, thank you." she said and seeing they were standing under the mistletoe, gave him a kiss on his cheek.
"Those were the greatest times of my life." Ebenezer admitted.
"Until your love for something else became stronger than what you felt for her."
The wind blow covering the scene for awhile and they stood front of Ebenezer's work station. All three looked from the window and saw there a bit grown Scrooge and Isabelle. But something felt out of the mood. It felt so...gloom.
"Ebenezer… Are you here?" She stepped closer to his table.
"Who is there?"
"It's me." Isabelle said. "I'm still renting that special place for our honeymoon. When will our marriage will happen? I'm still awaiting for your answer."
"I fear it would cost me much to join you in these travels. I can't go, Isabelle."
"But Ebenezer…"
"I said NO. Now leave me alone!"
With this she felt her spark breaking and left without saying a word. It started to rain outside.
It didn't effect on the real Ebenezer Scrooge and the spirits who saw it all though.
"You chose this path, Scrooge. And lost the woman you've cherished so much."
"A sad event that y-y-y-y-you brought up yourself."
"I-I-I can't bare seeing this anymore, spirits... p-please let's just leave." Scrooge looked away… and as the scenery vanished, he saw himself on his room, again. He looked around and find that everything looked normal. Was it just a dream? Well, he didn't have time to decide, when the window opened up again.
This time however, instead of two sparks of light, two bigger figures came in landed on the floor, one with a hard thud. Two bots, one green covered in a green-colored robe (Boulder), the other in an orange-colored robe (Blades).
"I hope we're in the right house."
"I'm just glad we're on the floor again. I don't like these fast flying trips."
"Oh, great." Ebenezer sighed, seeing that wasn't a dream after all.
"Oh, greetings. You must be Ebenezer Scrooge. We're the Ghosts of Christmas Present."
"Ghosts!? Where?"
"Uh… we are?"
"Oh, right. We are." the orange-clothed spirit remembered. "But… I rather be called spirit."
"Now, Ebenezer Scrooge. We like to show you something."
"No wind travels, please. Let's just walk this time." The orange-robed one asked. "Come on, put on your coat and follow us."
As they walked outside, the three observed the cheer around the streets. Bots walked everywhere smiling and cheering. Everything looked so peaceful and nice. Even Ebenezer felt calmer seeing all the smiles.
"And here we are."
"This old house?"
"This old house you call is your worker's lair."
They looked inside: there was Bob Cratchit, and his son (Slipstream) and daughter (Strongarm).
"Dinner's almost ready, kids." He said, picking up two-half-filled Energon cubes.
"I'm glad we at least have dinner." His daugher sighed.
"I didn't even knew he had a family."
"I wonder why." The orange spirit pointed out.
"And look who's coming over." The green-robed spirit said, pointing at the front door. There was Fred, followed by some of his friends. He knocked the door and Bob went open it.
"Fred? W-what are you-"
"Well, since you couldn't go to the party, we decided the party should come to you! Let's get it, everybody!"
Other bots came in bringing the goods inside. It didn't take long before the table was full with delightful food and everyone took their seat.
"But why Fred would do such a thing?" Scrooge asked himself.
"Friendship. Kindness. Maybe the slightest care."
"Dinner is served!" Fred announced, and the bots all gathered around to eat.
"Thank you for moving the party here, Fred." Bob pointed out. "That's really nice of you."
"It's the least I could do since you-know-who wants to see you at the office tomorrow.." Fred assured. "but hey, w-where's your other boy?"
"He's upstairs." Bob said. "Come on, Tim. Come join the party."
Tim (Jetstorm) stepped forward with his crutch, being lifted up by his father and placed on a seat at the table nearby his siblings. He started to cough a bit and Fred looked at Bob with a worried expression.
"So… um, Tim, would you like to make this night's first toast?" The boy's father asked.
"Oh… yes, sure. I would like to make toast to all of you." Tim said. "And for Mr. Scrooge."
The crowd was surprised by the boy's request. A toast for the meanest man in town?
"I mean… I know we don't like the way Mr. Scrooge treats us at all, but… maybe there is something good on him… or daddy wouldn't be able to stay here with us to celebrate." Tim pointed out. The crowd went "awww" at the child's innocence. "So… yes, I want to make a toast to mr. Scrooge."
"Cheers." Bob smiled at him and touched his Energon cup with his own.
"Spirits… that young boy..." Scrooge sure wasn't expecting that. "W-what is wrong with this kind soul?"
"A lot more than you might imagine," The green-robed spirit sighed.
"If the situation doesn't change… Oh, it hurts just to think of it..." The orange-bot sniffled. Ebenezer saw the spirit's worried expression and looked back at the coughing child, who received a drink and some more food on his plate.
His spark hurt. As it never did before. Then, the sound of midnight rang. Once more, it was time for the spirits to go.
"Guess our job for now is done." The green-dressed spirit nodded, as him and his friend started to vanish.
"Wait! D-don't go!" Ebenezer pleaded. "Y-you have to tell me what happens next!"
"I guess that's not exactly our job..." The orange spirit pointed out as he vanished too.
"...but it's our friend's, so, listen to him, okay?" Bumblebee read the dialogue in his Blades voice, and then noticed the team looking at him, Sideswipe and Grim snickering. "I was doing my Blades' voice, right?" Grim's laugh almost escaping and Steel's awkward nodding was the answer he needed. "Ugh… I need to stop doing this."
"So… what happens now?" Jetstorm asked.
"Well… Ebenezer watched as-" Bee continued until he was cut short by fixit.
"Sorry, sir, I'll get a refill no our drinks and I'll be right back." Fixit said and left in a hurry.
"Okay… Just hurry up, Fixit. I'm almost at the best part."
Fixit finished filling up everyone's cubes.
"Okay, go on, sir." Fixit assured, and Bee chuckled rolling his optics.
Ebenezer watched as the spirits of Christmas present disappeared and just as the lights turned off, he felt a cold blizzard.
Ebenezer rubbed his servos. When did it got THAT cold? And then, he found himself beneath two dark figures, both cloaked up.
"Let me guess… the Spirits of Christmas Future?"
One of them nods while another one opened a portal. The other pointed to the portal, as if telling saying Ebenezer to go through it.
"I guess I no longer can fear anything else..." Ebenezer said and as he crossed the portal, he saw the sudden cheer of Christmas present really wasn't there in the future. All seemed gloomy and frightening. Ebenezer found himself in an empty building and the Spirits behind him.
"Where are we?" Ebenezer asked.
Then a maid (Airachnid) and a butler (Knockout) carried some things, meeting a fence (Thunderhoof) on that building.
"Ey-yo brought somethin' worth it to Ol' Joe? What the ol' cog left?"
"I brought some of his finest curtains."
"Here are some of his silverware."
"Well, they are worth somethin'."
"I say, there is not a single soul attempting his funeral."
"I would go… if they offered food." The maid pointed out.
Ebenezer remained confused on what was going on, until the scenery changed. They were in a graveyard filled with crypts, with small holograms of the fallen people on top of them.
The spirits pointed on one direction, where Bob and his two other children stood in front of a coffin-like crypt. Fred came to them, tapping his friend on the back and watching him place his son`s crutch on the gravestone. Scrooge watched in pain as Bob struggled to not cry.
"No! I-I never wanted this to happen!" The old man feared. "Please, t-tell me this can change! Any of you!"
Without saying a word the Spirits pointed out to another direction, where two cryptkeepers (Airazor and Divebomb) prepared another crypt.
"Never saw a funeral like this before. Nobody's here to mourn this guy."
"Maybe he didn't had much friends." They left for lunch, and the spirits and Scrooge stepped forward.
"Is this that unspoken man's grave?"
One of the spirits illuminated the crypt revealing the name in gravestone. "Ebenezer Scrooge".
"No…"
"Yes, Ebenezer Scrooge… the grave is yours!" One of the spirits said, before pushing him into it. The spirits (Soundwave and Starscream) uncovered their faces and watched as Scrooge looked down at the fiery pit. "The loneliest of graves for the meanest of man!"
Ebenezer kept falling down and down fearing that this was his end, until he opened his eyes and found himself in his room. He then looked at the window, seeing it was already morning.
"I'm here! T-there's still time!" Ebenezer knew exactly what he had to do.
Bob and Fred cleaned up Cratchit`s house, after the party yesterday and smiled at the children asleep at the nearest berth, snuggling.
"I guess I should be going to the office."
Then there was knocks on the door and Bob went open it.
"Mr. Scrooge? I was going to…"
"You're not going anywhere!" Scrooge said, sternly closing the door. Then, his expression changed. "I mean, not before I give you this."
"It's your old partner's business card."
"Your card now, Bob. I'm giving you not only a raise but making you my partner."
"Uncle Scrooge, that's really cool!" Fred smiled.
"Thank you very much, Mr. Scrooge."
"And for you kids..." Mr. Scrooge said and things from the pack he was carrying.
"Whoa! Look at all these toys!" Bob's son said.
"And these books!" His daughter cheered.
"A new crutch!'
"And a teddy bear for you, Tiny Tim."
"I knew you were good inside, Mr. Scrooge." Tiny Tim hugged his leg. Ebenezer chuckled.
"Thank you, my boy. And Merry Christmas."
"And may God bless us all!" Tim cheered.
And since then, Ebenezer made the best efforts to become the jolliest and happiest on man in the village. For he had finally understood the true spirit of Christmas time.
"And that's it." Bee closed up the book.
"Wow…." Grimlock said.
"That was… actually pretty cool. Most stories we hear on cybertron end up with space monsters eating bots." Sideswipe reminded.
"A gratifying tale, I must admit." Drift nodded. Jetstorm wiped a lubricant tear and Slipstream smiled.
"That was a great story, Bumblebee." Steeljaw pointed out. "Hey, but where' s Strongarm?"
"I saw her going somewhere during that part of the future spirits." Grim pointed out.
Bumblebee and Steeljaw went looking for her and found her sitting under the tree the team had finished setting up. As if she was working on something.
"Cadet?"
"You know, that story was… pretty resembling. I'm sorry for being-"
"Rude? Incomprehensive? Scrooge-y?" Steeljaw teased a bit.
"...I deserved that."
"It's okay, Strongarm. It's never too late to make a change. Even the smallest bit of comprehension can make a difference." Bee assured, looking at Steeljaw, and throwing him a Christmas hat.
"Which is why I wanted to give you… this." she said and gave him a small gift box.
Bee took it and started to open it. Inside there was a small picture frame of the team, decorated with small Energon crystals.
"I know it's not good looking, but it's just because I managed to make it in just a few…"
"It's great."
"Really?"
"One thing I learned from here from this holiday, is that when people give gifts what Really matters is the thought" Bee assured. "And you, Strongarm, might have had the best of thoughts."
"Thank you, sir."
The others joined by their side, and Denny and Russell turned on the Christmas lights. Grimlock was already getting more decorations, but the light startled him and made him drop them all over his Dinobot body.
"A Christmas Dinosaur? Best. Holiday. Ever." Russell chuckled. The others chuckled for that.
"Merry Christmas, everyone!" Bee said.
"And may Primus bless us all!" Jetstorm, on Steeljaw's shoulder said. They all kept celebrating the holiday, as more snow fell from the sky.