Gema J. Gall: Almost done! Yippee!
Bakura: Will someone get her out of the eggnog?
Gema: Not eggnog! I am so happy, because it is HOT COCOA!
Seto: So what torture do you have planned for us, now? *Gema smiles evilly.*
Tristan: If I remember right, this is the ghost of Christmas future, meaning Gema is going to have a lot of ways to torture you, like.....*Gema stuffs a marshmallow in his mouth to shut him up.*
Tea: Is Yami going to be in this?
Mai: Why do you want to know? It isn't like the two of you are a couple or anything, is it?
Tea: *sweat-drops* No.....
Joe: *to Seto* So, what was your brilliant plan for getting us out of this?
Seto: POF. I sent Alpha to find them in the first chapter, and he hasn't come back.
Mai: Smart boy. *Drake enters, his face is covered with lip prints. He is blushing.*
Yu-Gi: What happened to you?
Drake: Lara has mistletoe. *Everyone snickers.*
Gema: I think I did it! The perfect cup of double hot cocoa! Marshmallows, chocolate shavings, cinnamon, whipped cream, double the chocolate with a side of double chocolate chunk, chocolate dipped, covered in whipped cream cookies!
Seto: And she is typing!?
Mai: Like is said, OD on chocolate.
Gema: I am not hyper! Now, on with the story.
All: RUN FOR YOUR LIVES!
The final phantom slowly, gravely, silently, approached. When it came near him, Seto Scrooge bent down upon one knee, for in the very air through which the spirit moved, it seemed to scatter gloom and mystery.
It was shrouded in a deep, black garment, which concealed its head, face, form, leaving nothing visible except for an outstretched hand. It was difficult to detach the figure from the night and separate its dark form from the darkness surrounding it. The spirit was tall and stately. Its mysterious presence filled Seto with solemn dread. The spirit did not speak a word.
(Seto: Who is under that black bath robe?)
(Pegasus: I am.)
(Seto: What?! Do you actually expect me to be afraid of this psychopath! I am going to kill him for that stunt he pulled on the duelists kingdom!)
(Pegasus: Isn't it enough that I have to be in this stupid story?)
(Gema: *Shoves a marshmallow in his mouth* I gave you the silent role. Shut-up. No one wants to listen to you anyways.)
(Seto: Can someone take those marshmallows away from her?)
"Are you the Ghost of Christmas Future?" asked Seto. The spirit did not answer, but continued pointing. "You are going to show me shadows of things that have not happened, but will happen in the time before us? Am I correct in thinking this?"
The hood bobbed slightly, and that was the only answer Scrooge received. Scrooge was so afraid of the figure that stood before him that his knees began to shake. The spirit looked at him, but no expression was visible.
Seto tried to peer into the shadows of the black robe and make out the figure under them. But all he saw was more shadows and the outstretched hand, still pointing.
"Ghost of the Future," cried Seto Scrooge. "I fear you more than any other specter I have seen. But, I hope your purpose is to do me good, and as I hope to become a changed man. I am prepared to bear your company, thankful. Will you not speak to me?"
Future did not reply. He just kept pointing before them.
(Seto: Gema!)
(Pegasus: I think I like this. Kaiba, trembling before me.)
(Gema: Be quiet! Or do I have to use duct tape instead of marshmallows?)
"Lead on," said Scrooge, "Lead on. The night is waning fast, and I know time is precious to you spirits. Lead on!"
The phantom moved away as it had come towards him. Scrooge followed in its shadow. Seto seemed to be trapped in his wake, unable to flee if he even tried.
(Seto: Don't say a word, Pegasus!)
(Pegasus: Wasn't going to....)
The scarcely seemed to enter the city. Is was more like the city formed around them. But, there the two were, standing in the heart of it. The local vendors that Scrooge had often seen were there, selling their wares. The spirit stopped near one knot of these businessmen so Seto could hear there conversation.
"No," said the fattest one. "I don't know much about it either way. All I know is that he is dead.
"When did he die?" asked a weasel-faced man.
"Last night, I believe."
"Why, what was the matter with him?" asked the third member, a red bearded man with a strong chin. "I thought he would never die."
"I know," muttered the first.
"What has he done with his money?" asked the weasel-faced man.
"I haven't heard," said the third. "Left it to his company, perhaps. He hasn't left it to me, that is all I know." The group laughed. "It is likely to be a cheap funeral, for, upon my life, I do not know who would go. Suppose we go together?"
"I wouldn't mind, as long as lunch is provided," said the weasel. Everyone laughed again.
(Mai: That sounds like Joe!)
(Joe: Hey!)
"Well," said the first. "All I know is that I will not wear black, and I never eat lunch."
(Joe: That sounds like Mai!)
(Mai: Hey!)
"I will go if anybody else will," the first continued. "I wasn't his friend. We hardly ever said 'hi' to each other."
"Well, maybe not," muttered weasel. The group walked away and mixed with the other people in the square. Scrooge recognized each face, and looked to Future for an explanation. The spirit glided across the street and pointed to two other figures. Seto went to listen, think the answer might be with this new group.
"I am glad he is gone," muttered the woman.
"I can't say ill one way or the other," replied the man.
"I thought he was ill, not dying," said the woman. "My debt to him was canceled!"
"All very good," said the man and they parted. The spirit motioned Scrooge to another group of two.
He knew these men, also, perfectly. They were men of business, very wealth, and had high social status. Seto had always tried to stay on their good side, for business reasons.
"How are you?" asked the first.
"Fine," returned the second. "So, Old Scratch has got his own, at last, hey?"
"So I am told. Cold, isn't it?"
"Makes sense, for Christmas. A good day."
"And good day to you." They parted.
Seto was first surprised that the spirit found such a trivial conversation so important. But, being haunted for so long, he figured there must be a hidden meaning, although he had no idea what that meaning might be. They couldn't have been talking about Marik Marley, because this was the future and not the past. Seto could not think of anyone else he knew that this conversation could apply to, either. Scrooge made a mental note not to forget the conversation, hoping it would have meaning later.
The spirit continued to point. Seto involuntarily shuddered and complied. They left the business scene and went to an obscure part of town. This was a part of town that he had never been to before, although he recognized the area be its preceding bad reputation. The streets were foul and narrow, the shops and houses were dilapidated, the people drunk, slipshod, raggy, and ugly. It stank like a cesspool, reeked like crime, misery, and filth.
Far into this section of town was a sleazy pawn shop. The floors and walls were covered with various knick-knacks, each with its own dark secret. They entered this shop, just as a woman with a heavy sack entered. She brought it to the man behind the counter. But before she made it there, another woman, with a similar sack entered. The two women recognized each other, but did not say a word. That was when a man, dressed in dirty black clothing entered. He knew the two ladies and they knew him, but not a word passed between them. The man behind the counter laughed, breaking the tension.
"Let the char-woman be first," he declared to the first lady. "Then the laundress, and finally the under-taker's man. Look at the three of you, meeting here without meaning it! And you couldn't have picked a better place. Relax, none of you are strangers here!"
"What is this worth?" asked the first lady, the char-woman. "Everyone has a right to take care of themselves. He always did."
"True indeed," agreed the laundress. "And no man more so!"
"Very well," agreed the first. "And what does he care what happens to his stuff, he is dead!" They laughed.
"He would take them with him if he could," joked the laundress. "Why hadn't he been normal in his life? Then he would have had someone with him when he died, instead of gasping out his last minutes alone."
"That is as true as it gets," said the under-taker's man. "And now judgment is on him!"
"Can we get back to business?" asked the man, pushing his way forward. "What is this lot worth?" His plunder was not extensive. A seal or two, a pencil case, some cuff links, and a cheap brooch were all it consisted of. The pawn broker glanced over them and scribbled the total on a piece of paper.
"That is all I will give for the lot," he replied. "I will not give a penny more. Who's next?"
The laundress was next. In her sack were sheets and towels, a little bit of clothing, two silver teaspoons, a pair of tongs, and assorted boots. Her total was calculated as well.
"I always give too much to the ladies," muttered the pawn broker. "It is a weakness of mine, and it will be my ruin. But don't ask for another penny!"
"Now, how much is this worth?" asked the char-woman. She was bitter about being cut before. Her sack contained one roll of dark cloth and that was it.
"What is this?" asked the pawn broker.
"His bed curtains!" she replied, crossing her arms.
"You don't mean you took them down, with him lying there and all!"
"Yes, I do," she retorted stubbornly. "Why not?"
(Mai: That is going too far!)
(Gema: That is the story, like it or not!)
(Tristan: I don't like it.)
(Gema: Then have some hot cocoa.)
"The blankets too?" asked the pawn broker as he unrolled the bed curtains.
"It isn't like he is going to be cold, where he is going," she shot.
"I hope he didn't die of anything contagious," muttered the laundress.
"Don't worry about it," chided the first. "You won't find a hole or thread bare place in those clothing. And it would have been wasted, had it not been for me!"
"What do you mean by wasted?" asked the under-taker's man.
"Putting it on him to be buried in!" she exclaimed. "Somebody was stupid enough to do that, but I took them off again. Burials are what calico is good for."
(Joe: Hot cocoa or no, that is sick!)
(Gema: Tell that to Charles Dickens!)
Seto Scrooge listen to them in horror and disgusted.
"Isn't it ironic?" asked the laundress. "He frightened everyone away when he was alive, to make us profit when he died!" They laughed.
"Spirit!" shuddered Seto. "I think I see. The case of this unhappy man might be my own. My life tends that way now. What is this?!" He recoiled in terror as the scene changed. He almost walked backwards into a bed. The bed was bare, and had no sheets on it. Something was laying on it. The room itself was to dark to identify anything in it. Scrooge looked to the phantom. Its hand pointed back to the cadaver. Scrooge felt pity for this man, who had no mourners, no family, no friends. He was just an unkept body whose possessions had been picked over by gutter trash.
"Spirit!" cried Seto. "This is a fearful place. If we leave now, I will not forget the lesson. Trust me, just let me go!" But still Future pointed.
"I understand you," begged Scrooge. "I would do it, if I could. But I have no powers." Future did not move. "If there was one person in this town that felt pity by this man's death, show me him, I beg!" The spirit drew his cloak like bat wings for a moment and the bedroom dissolved. They were in a different room, in daylight, with a mother and children.
The mother was Mai Cratchit. Her children were sober and still as statues. Duke was reading in the corner. Mai was sewing with Martha and Belinda. But they were so quiet! Mai set her worked down and rubbed her eyes.
"The color hurts my eyes," she muttered. "Don't worry, I'll be fine. I have to be strong when your father gets home. He'll be home soon, right?"
"He is a little late," replied Duke. "But, I think he has walked a little slower than he did before." It was silent again.
"I remember," said Mai, to break the morbid silence. "I have know your father to walk very quickly when Tiny Yu-Gi was on his shoulder."
(Yu-Gi: Here we go again....)
(Gema: Quit interrupting! This is supposed to be the sad part!)
"So have I," agreed Duke. "Often."
(Duke: That is so sad! Poor Yu-Gi. *Begins to cry.*)
(Gema: It is just a story..... Drink hot cocoa.)
"So have I," agreed Martha.
"But he was light to carry," muttered Mai Cratchit. "Your father loved Tiny Yu-Gi very much, there was no doubt of that. Here he is now!" Joe Cratchit had just entered through the door. Mai raced and embraced him. Then she escorted him into the house and gave him a cup of tea. His kids then surrounded him with hugs. He looked at his family and smiled.
"Did you go there today?" asked Mai.
"Yes, my dear," replied Joe. "You should have gone. It would have done you good to see how beautiful the place is. You'll see it soon enough, because I promised him we'd visit every Sunday. My little, little child." He broke down into tears.
(Yu-Gi: What is going on?)
(Marik: Don't you get it?)
(Isis: This is the part in the story where they kill Tiny Tim.)
(Yu-Gi: WHAT!?)
(Marik: The graveyard isn't that bad. Besides, we will be having more company soon.)
(Gema: Don't worry, drink cocoa! Don't worry drink cocoa!)
(Seto: Alpha! Where are you?)
(Pegasus: I thi.....)
(Gema: *shoves another marshmallow in his mouth.* Don't talk!)
The family drew close to the fire. Joe told of the kindness of Scrooge's nephew, Mokuba, who he had met the other day on the street. He mentioned that Mokuba was willing to help in any way he could.
"He has a good soul!" remarked Mai.
"Yes, you should have been there to speak with him," agreed Joe. "He even wants to take Duke as an apprentice." The family was delighted to hear this. But then they fell back into melancholia as they thought of their missing family member.
"We must never forget Tiny Yu-Gi," Joe Cratchit said. "We should not fight among ourselves, Yu-Gi would not have liked that."
"No, never, father," agreed the three kids.
"I am very happy to be blessed with angels like you," he hugged his children. Mai kissed him, so did his daughters. The spirit of Tiny Yu-Gi was the child-like attitude Christ had mentioned.
"Specter," said Seto as he watched the Cratchits with a heavy heart. "Something tells me that our parting moment is at hand. I know it, but I don't know how I know. Just answer me this, who was that dead man laying on the bed?
The spirit brought him to a churchyard. Names were written on headstones, which were half covered by long grass. The entire place was over run by plants. It was a worthy place for the dead. Future stopped in front of one of the graves and pointed. Seto Scrooge approached it, trembling. He looked back at the spirit, but the apparition had not moved. Seto now saw the meaning of his form, a bringer of death.
(Seto: At least she got that right about Pegasus.)
"Before I look at it," said Seto, nervously. "Answer me one question. Are things shadows of things that will be, or are they shadows of things that may be." But still Future pointed. "Life foreshadows certain ends, which they must lead to. But courses can be changed! Say it is possible!" Future was immobile as ever.
Scrooge stepped closer to the tombstone, shaking. He traced the words with his finger. He read his own neglected name on that tombstone; Seto Scrooge.
"Am I that man who laid on the bed?" he muttered in fear. He collapsed in remorse.
The finger still pointed at the grave.
"No, spirit! No! No! No!"
The finger did not move.
"Spirit!" begged Scrooge. "Hear me! I am not the man I was! I will not become that an in the grave! There must be a chance for me to change, or else you would have never shown me all of this!"
The finger wavered.
"Good spirit!" pleaded Scrooge. "If you have any pity, give me a chance to change these shadows! I promise I will live an altered life!"
The hand trembled.
"I will honor Christmas in my heart! I will keep it all year! I will live in the Past, Present, and Future. The spirits of all three shall live within me! I will not forget your lessons! Just let me change this future!"
Holding his hands in prayer, Scrooge saw a change in the black robe. It shrunk and collapsed into a bed post.
Gema: Yippee! Finally chapter! And more hot cocoa!
Seto: I am going to hurt you for making me beg to Pegasus!
Pegasus: Don't take it personally.
Gema: Shut-up! *Throws the eggnog over his head.*
Yu-Gi: So, I am not dead?
Gema: Right!
Tea: What a relief!
Joe: I wouldn't want my best friend to be hurt!
Tristan: Yu-Gi is your son, remember?
Mai: Get him!
**************************************************************************** ****
Bakura: Will someone get her out of the eggnog?
Gema: Not eggnog! I am so happy, because it is HOT COCOA!
Seto: So what torture do you have planned for us, now? *Gema smiles evilly.*
Tristan: If I remember right, this is the ghost of Christmas future, meaning Gema is going to have a lot of ways to torture you, like.....*Gema stuffs a marshmallow in his mouth to shut him up.*
Tea: Is Yami going to be in this?
Mai: Why do you want to know? It isn't like the two of you are a couple or anything, is it?
Tea: *sweat-drops* No.....
Joe: *to Seto* So, what was your brilliant plan for getting us out of this?
Seto: POF. I sent Alpha to find them in the first chapter, and he hasn't come back.
Mai: Smart boy. *Drake enters, his face is covered with lip prints. He is blushing.*
Yu-Gi: What happened to you?
Drake: Lara has mistletoe. *Everyone snickers.*
Gema: I think I did it! The perfect cup of double hot cocoa! Marshmallows, chocolate shavings, cinnamon, whipped cream, double the chocolate with a side of double chocolate chunk, chocolate dipped, covered in whipped cream cookies!
Seto: And she is typing!?
Mai: Like is said, OD on chocolate.
Gema: I am not hyper! Now, on with the story.
All: RUN FOR YOUR LIVES!
The final phantom slowly, gravely, silently, approached. When it came near him, Seto Scrooge bent down upon one knee, for in the very air through which the spirit moved, it seemed to scatter gloom and mystery.
It was shrouded in a deep, black garment, which concealed its head, face, form, leaving nothing visible except for an outstretched hand. It was difficult to detach the figure from the night and separate its dark form from the darkness surrounding it. The spirit was tall and stately. Its mysterious presence filled Seto with solemn dread. The spirit did not speak a word.
(Seto: Who is under that black bath robe?)
(Pegasus: I am.)
(Seto: What?! Do you actually expect me to be afraid of this psychopath! I am going to kill him for that stunt he pulled on the duelists kingdom!)
(Pegasus: Isn't it enough that I have to be in this stupid story?)
(Gema: *Shoves a marshmallow in his mouth* I gave you the silent role. Shut-up. No one wants to listen to you anyways.)
(Seto: Can someone take those marshmallows away from her?)
"Are you the Ghost of Christmas Future?" asked Seto. The spirit did not answer, but continued pointing. "You are going to show me shadows of things that have not happened, but will happen in the time before us? Am I correct in thinking this?"
The hood bobbed slightly, and that was the only answer Scrooge received. Scrooge was so afraid of the figure that stood before him that his knees began to shake. The spirit looked at him, but no expression was visible.
Seto tried to peer into the shadows of the black robe and make out the figure under them. But all he saw was more shadows and the outstretched hand, still pointing.
"Ghost of the Future," cried Seto Scrooge. "I fear you more than any other specter I have seen. But, I hope your purpose is to do me good, and as I hope to become a changed man. I am prepared to bear your company, thankful. Will you not speak to me?"
Future did not reply. He just kept pointing before them.
(Seto: Gema!)
(Pegasus: I think I like this. Kaiba, trembling before me.)
(Gema: Be quiet! Or do I have to use duct tape instead of marshmallows?)
"Lead on," said Scrooge, "Lead on. The night is waning fast, and I know time is precious to you spirits. Lead on!"
The phantom moved away as it had come towards him. Scrooge followed in its shadow. Seto seemed to be trapped in his wake, unable to flee if he even tried.
(Seto: Don't say a word, Pegasus!)
(Pegasus: Wasn't going to....)
The scarcely seemed to enter the city. Is was more like the city formed around them. But, there the two were, standing in the heart of it. The local vendors that Scrooge had often seen were there, selling their wares. The spirit stopped near one knot of these businessmen so Seto could hear there conversation.
"No," said the fattest one. "I don't know much about it either way. All I know is that he is dead.
"When did he die?" asked a weasel-faced man.
"Last night, I believe."
"Why, what was the matter with him?" asked the third member, a red bearded man with a strong chin. "I thought he would never die."
"I know," muttered the first.
"What has he done with his money?" asked the weasel-faced man.
"I haven't heard," said the third. "Left it to his company, perhaps. He hasn't left it to me, that is all I know." The group laughed. "It is likely to be a cheap funeral, for, upon my life, I do not know who would go. Suppose we go together?"
"I wouldn't mind, as long as lunch is provided," said the weasel. Everyone laughed again.
(Mai: That sounds like Joe!)
(Joe: Hey!)
"Well," said the first. "All I know is that I will not wear black, and I never eat lunch."
(Joe: That sounds like Mai!)
(Mai: Hey!)
"I will go if anybody else will," the first continued. "I wasn't his friend. We hardly ever said 'hi' to each other."
"Well, maybe not," muttered weasel. The group walked away and mixed with the other people in the square. Scrooge recognized each face, and looked to Future for an explanation. The spirit glided across the street and pointed to two other figures. Seto went to listen, think the answer might be with this new group.
"I am glad he is gone," muttered the woman.
"I can't say ill one way or the other," replied the man.
"I thought he was ill, not dying," said the woman. "My debt to him was canceled!"
"All very good," said the man and they parted. The spirit motioned Scrooge to another group of two.
He knew these men, also, perfectly. They were men of business, very wealth, and had high social status. Seto had always tried to stay on their good side, for business reasons.
"How are you?" asked the first.
"Fine," returned the second. "So, Old Scratch has got his own, at last, hey?"
"So I am told. Cold, isn't it?"
"Makes sense, for Christmas. A good day."
"And good day to you." They parted.
Seto was first surprised that the spirit found such a trivial conversation so important. But, being haunted for so long, he figured there must be a hidden meaning, although he had no idea what that meaning might be. They couldn't have been talking about Marik Marley, because this was the future and not the past. Seto could not think of anyone else he knew that this conversation could apply to, either. Scrooge made a mental note not to forget the conversation, hoping it would have meaning later.
The spirit continued to point. Seto involuntarily shuddered and complied. They left the business scene and went to an obscure part of town. This was a part of town that he had never been to before, although he recognized the area be its preceding bad reputation. The streets were foul and narrow, the shops and houses were dilapidated, the people drunk, slipshod, raggy, and ugly. It stank like a cesspool, reeked like crime, misery, and filth.
Far into this section of town was a sleazy pawn shop. The floors and walls were covered with various knick-knacks, each with its own dark secret. They entered this shop, just as a woman with a heavy sack entered. She brought it to the man behind the counter. But before she made it there, another woman, with a similar sack entered. The two women recognized each other, but did not say a word. That was when a man, dressed in dirty black clothing entered. He knew the two ladies and they knew him, but not a word passed between them. The man behind the counter laughed, breaking the tension.
"Let the char-woman be first," he declared to the first lady. "Then the laundress, and finally the under-taker's man. Look at the three of you, meeting here without meaning it! And you couldn't have picked a better place. Relax, none of you are strangers here!"
"What is this worth?" asked the first lady, the char-woman. "Everyone has a right to take care of themselves. He always did."
"True indeed," agreed the laundress. "And no man more so!"
"Very well," agreed the first. "And what does he care what happens to his stuff, he is dead!" They laughed.
"He would take them with him if he could," joked the laundress. "Why hadn't he been normal in his life? Then he would have had someone with him when he died, instead of gasping out his last minutes alone."
"That is as true as it gets," said the under-taker's man. "And now judgment is on him!"
"Can we get back to business?" asked the man, pushing his way forward. "What is this lot worth?" His plunder was not extensive. A seal or two, a pencil case, some cuff links, and a cheap brooch were all it consisted of. The pawn broker glanced over them and scribbled the total on a piece of paper.
"That is all I will give for the lot," he replied. "I will not give a penny more. Who's next?"
The laundress was next. In her sack were sheets and towels, a little bit of clothing, two silver teaspoons, a pair of tongs, and assorted boots. Her total was calculated as well.
"I always give too much to the ladies," muttered the pawn broker. "It is a weakness of mine, and it will be my ruin. But don't ask for another penny!"
"Now, how much is this worth?" asked the char-woman. She was bitter about being cut before. Her sack contained one roll of dark cloth and that was it.
"What is this?" asked the pawn broker.
"His bed curtains!" she replied, crossing her arms.
"You don't mean you took them down, with him lying there and all!"
"Yes, I do," she retorted stubbornly. "Why not?"
(Mai: That is going too far!)
(Gema: That is the story, like it or not!)
(Tristan: I don't like it.)
(Gema: Then have some hot cocoa.)
"The blankets too?" asked the pawn broker as he unrolled the bed curtains.
"It isn't like he is going to be cold, where he is going," she shot.
"I hope he didn't die of anything contagious," muttered the laundress.
"Don't worry about it," chided the first. "You won't find a hole or thread bare place in those clothing. And it would have been wasted, had it not been for me!"
"What do you mean by wasted?" asked the under-taker's man.
"Putting it on him to be buried in!" she exclaimed. "Somebody was stupid enough to do that, but I took them off again. Burials are what calico is good for."
(Joe: Hot cocoa or no, that is sick!)
(Gema: Tell that to Charles Dickens!)
Seto Scrooge listen to them in horror and disgusted.
"Isn't it ironic?" asked the laundress. "He frightened everyone away when he was alive, to make us profit when he died!" They laughed.
"Spirit!" shuddered Seto. "I think I see. The case of this unhappy man might be my own. My life tends that way now. What is this?!" He recoiled in terror as the scene changed. He almost walked backwards into a bed. The bed was bare, and had no sheets on it. Something was laying on it. The room itself was to dark to identify anything in it. Scrooge looked to the phantom. Its hand pointed back to the cadaver. Scrooge felt pity for this man, who had no mourners, no family, no friends. He was just an unkept body whose possessions had been picked over by gutter trash.
"Spirit!" cried Seto. "This is a fearful place. If we leave now, I will not forget the lesson. Trust me, just let me go!" But still Future pointed.
"I understand you," begged Scrooge. "I would do it, if I could. But I have no powers." Future did not move. "If there was one person in this town that felt pity by this man's death, show me him, I beg!" The spirit drew his cloak like bat wings for a moment and the bedroom dissolved. They were in a different room, in daylight, with a mother and children.
The mother was Mai Cratchit. Her children were sober and still as statues. Duke was reading in the corner. Mai was sewing with Martha and Belinda. But they were so quiet! Mai set her worked down and rubbed her eyes.
"The color hurts my eyes," she muttered. "Don't worry, I'll be fine. I have to be strong when your father gets home. He'll be home soon, right?"
"He is a little late," replied Duke. "But, I think he has walked a little slower than he did before." It was silent again.
"I remember," said Mai, to break the morbid silence. "I have know your father to walk very quickly when Tiny Yu-Gi was on his shoulder."
(Yu-Gi: Here we go again....)
(Gema: Quit interrupting! This is supposed to be the sad part!)
"So have I," agreed Duke. "Often."
(Duke: That is so sad! Poor Yu-Gi. *Begins to cry.*)
(Gema: It is just a story..... Drink hot cocoa.)
"So have I," agreed Martha.
"But he was light to carry," muttered Mai Cratchit. "Your father loved Tiny Yu-Gi very much, there was no doubt of that. Here he is now!" Joe Cratchit had just entered through the door. Mai raced and embraced him. Then she escorted him into the house and gave him a cup of tea. His kids then surrounded him with hugs. He looked at his family and smiled.
"Did you go there today?" asked Mai.
"Yes, my dear," replied Joe. "You should have gone. It would have done you good to see how beautiful the place is. You'll see it soon enough, because I promised him we'd visit every Sunday. My little, little child." He broke down into tears.
(Yu-Gi: What is going on?)
(Marik: Don't you get it?)
(Isis: This is the part in the story where they kill Tiny Tim.)
(Yu-Gi: WHAT!?)
(Marik: The graveyard isn't that bad. Besides, we will be having more company soon.)
(Gema: Don't worry, drink cocoa! Don't worry drink cocoa!)
(Seto: Alpha! Where are you?)
(Pegasus: I thi.....)
(Gema: *shoves another marshmallow in his mouth.* Don't talk!)
The family drew close to the fire. Joe told of the kindness of Scrooge's nephew, Mokuba, who he had met the other day on the street. He mentioned that Mokuba was willing to help in any way he could.
"He has a good soul!" remarked Mai.
"Yes, you should have been there to speak with him," agreed Joe. "He even wants to take Duke as an apprentice." The family was delighted to hear this. But then they fell back into melancholia as they thought of their missing family member.
"We must never forget Tiny Yu-Gi," Joe Cratchit said. "We should not fight among ourselves, Yu-Gi would not have liked that."
"No, never, father," agreed the three kids.
"I am very happy to be blessed with angels like you," he hugged his children. Mai kissed him, so did his daughters. The spirit of Tiny Yu-Gi was the child-like attitude Christ had mentioned.
"Specter," said Seto as he watched the Cratchits with a heavy heart. "Something tells me that our parting moment is at hand. I know it, but I don't know how I know. Just answer me this, who was that dead man laying on the bed?
The spirit brought him to a churchyard. Names were written on headstones, which were half covered by long grass. The entire place was over run by plants. It was a worthy place for the dead. Future stopped in front of one of the graves and pointed. Seto Scrooge approached it, trembling. He looked back at the spirit, but the apparition had not moved. Seto now saw the meaning of his form, a bringer of death.
(Seto: At least she got that right about Pegasus.)
"Before I look at it," said Seto, nervously. "Answer me one question. Are things shadows of things that will be, or are they shadows of things that may be." But still Future pointed. "Life foreshadows certain ends, which they must lead to. But courses can be changed! Say it is possible!" Future was immobile as ever.
Scrooge stepped closer to the tombstone, shaking. He traced the words with his finger. He read his own neglected name on that tombstone; Seto Scrooge.
"Am I that man who laid on the bed?" he muttered in fear. He collapsed in remorse.
The finger still pointed at the grave.
"No, spirit! No! No! No!"
The finger did not move.
"Spirit!" begged Scrooge. "Hear me! I am not the man I was! I will not become that an in the grave! There must be a chance for me to change, or else you would have never shown me all of this!"
The finger wavered.
"Good spirit!" pleaded Scrooge. "If you have any pity, give me a chance to change these shadows! I promise I will live an altered life!"
The hand trembled.
"I will honor Christmas in my heart! I will keep it all year! I will live in the Past, Present, and Future. The spirits of all three shall live within me! I will not forget your lessons! Just let me change this future!"
Holding his hands in prayer, Scrooge saw a change in the black robe. It shrunk and collapsed into a bed post.
Gema: Yippee! Finally chapter! And more hot cocoa!
Seto: I am going to hurt you for making me beg to Pegasus!
Pegasus: Don't take it personally.
Gema: Shut-up! *Throws the eggnog over his head.*
Yu-Gi: So, I am not dead?
Gema: Right!
Tea: What a relief!
Joe: I wouldn't want my best friend to be hurt!
Tristan: Yu-Gi is your son, remember?
Mai: Get him!
**************************************************************************** ****
