A Kingdom Hearts Christmas Carol:
Act 2
Okay, one quick note here, I'm a little miffed at how the formatting for the cast came out, not my fault at all. The changes will be made in due course. And in case someone points it out, I don't own "A Christmas Carol", that belongs to Charles Dickens or the executor of his estate. The characters here to either Disney or Square-Enix and not me.
Another note, I'm sorry for not update for these past couple of weeks, I say that for all my fanfics: Between forgetting and writer's block, I'm finding it a little hard to update my fics. I suppose my new year's resolution would be to remedy that problem.
Now for Act 2
Ravenf6: It was 10 o'clock, and Ansem was resting peacefully in his bed that night. But out of the shadows someone was approaching. A small figure waddled up to clock and struck its bells loudly.
Ansem: !?! (mutters incoherently then snores again)
Ravef6: Despite this failed attempted the stranger tried again.
(A large gong is produced and rings loudly. This time, Ansem hits the ceiling)
Ansem: Owww!! If it was those kids, I'll- hey what are you doing in my chambers?
The stranger was a duck decked out in a white robe, bearing a staff topped with holly
Donald: (clears throat) I am the Ghost of Christmas Past.
Ansem: . long past?
Donald: Your past
Ansem:. Of course you are. I'd thought you'd at least be able to speak clearly
Donald: What?! (starts squawking madly) If I didn't have to do this, I'd turn you into an oglop!
Ansem: I'd like to see you try.
Donald: Well let's get a move on.
Ansem: Then go. Don't let me stop you.
Donald: takes his staff and zaps Ansem with a spell
Ansem: !?!? What are you doing to me?
Donald: I'm taking you to visit your past. Now let's go.
Donald grabs Ansem's hand and they vanish. They reappear in the middle of a busy street.
Ansem: Where are we, duck?
Donald: That's "spirit" to you, ya big palooka!
Ansem: (thinking) I think I'm better off with those chains if the other spirits are like this speech-challenged duck.
Donald: (Angry) I heard that!
Ansem: I'm not scared of you, I could easily crush you with my heartless- are you crazy? We'll be run over by carriages!
Donald: Keep your shirt on, old-timer. No one can see or touch us.
Ansem: Hmm. I remember this place. And if no one can see or touch us.
Ansem passes through the wall and inside the building, Donald following in his wake.
Donald: This place was where you first worked. See the guy over at that desk?
The miser looks over and sees..
Ansem: Egad! That's me! If this is truly the past than that old man must be my old boss, Feziwig!
Young Ansem: It's a small wonder why few take accounting as a vocation
Ravenf6: It was Feziwig indeed, a jolly old accountant who treated his customers and workers quite well.
Zeus: Always the hard worker, aren't you Ansem? All right everyone, closing time. Put the desks in the back and make some room,. It's Christmas Eve, so let's party like it's the end of the world!
The workers cheer
Zeus: Ansem, I want you and Hojo to pick up some wine. We're going to need a few casks for tonight.
As the younger Ansem and Hojo leave, Donald fast-forwards the clock to when the party is in full swing. Everyone in the room is dancing, eating, talking, etc.
Donald: Do you remember that night?
Ansem: How can I forget? The constable's temper was at its boiling point that night.
Donald: That, and you met someone special.
Ansem: Oh yes, the Lady Beatrix. (He turns to the aforementioned) She was as soft as silk, I remember countless times the others tried to impress her. We've been friends for a long time and this..oh words can't say it..
Beatrix walks up to young Ansem and taps his shoulder.
Beatrix: Ansem?
Y. Ansem: Yes, Beatrix?
Beatrix: Isn't this a wonderful night? The snow is falling, my heart is racing,.
Y. Ansem:. You're also standing on my foot.- I .umm. would you like to dance?
Beatrix's face lights up and they take to the floor. Ansem watches in wonder while sugared thoughts flooded his head.
Donald: Hello? Anyone home in there? (waves a hand in front of Ansem, but no response) Oh brother.
It's after the party when the love-struck couple leaves.
Beatrix: Oh that was such fun, wasn't it, Ansem?
Y. Ansem: It was the best night of my life. Beatrix, might I ask you something?
Beatrix: Yes. What is it.
Y. Ansem: (begins to hold Beatrix in his arms) Beatrix, every moment I spent with you is like a ray of sunshine in my life. It's filled me with unearthly warmth that not even the Sun could match.
Beatrix: (Eyes brighten up) Yes, Ansem?
Y. Ansem: Beatrix. (kneels and holds out a small box) May I be so bold as to ask. (opens the box, revealing a diamond ring) for you to become my wife?
A short distance away, Donald and Ansem watch as Beatrix squeezed her lover in a tight hug.
Donald: (smug) Aww, aren't you the lady-killer? Ansem: Watch it duck, or I'll have you for Christmas dinner.
Donald: Yeah right.
The two spectral visitors vanish from the streets and reappear in a large, dark building.
Donald. In ten years time, you learned to love something else.
Ansem: ! This is my counting house.. and-
Ansem sees his younger self in front of a large desk, piled with money. With Hojo on his right and Beatrix in front.
Beatrix: Ansem?
Y. Ansem: What is it, Beatrix?
Beatrix: I was going to ask you about our vacation.
Y. Ansem: Vacation?
Beatrix: When we got married, you said that we would take a trip to Alexandria. It's been 10 years and.. I must ask you have you made up your mind.
Y. Ansem: I have. I've decided to pursue study of those creatures in the basement of the castle.
Beatrix: (shocked, then crestfallen) So it's true then. Another has taken my place
Y. Ansem: (realizes his arrogance) my love, that's not true.
Beatrix: Yes it is. You care more for your money and your .. heartless beasts more than you do me!
Y. Ansem: That's not true!
Beatrix: It is. It's been too long since then. And now. I'm setting you free
Beatrix drops the diamond ring into Ansem's hand and flees the building in tears.
Donald: You loved those two idols more than that precious creature, and she's gone forever.
Y. Ansem: . Why, Hojo? Why did this have to happen?
Hojo: Love is a passing thing. They'll be others. Now let's get to the castle. Surely we can find some use for things.. these "Heartless" as she called them.
Ansem watches with a feeling of deep guilt.
Ansem: Spirit, take me home. I can't bear this tragedy anymore.
Donald: Remember Ansem, you brought this memory upon yourself.
Everything goes dark, then Ansem awakens in his bedroom, as if nothing happen. The time is now 11:00 pm.
Ansem: . brought them upon myself? No, it must have been a nightmare, nothing more. (looks at the clock) Those kids are probably at the high tower by now.if they're lucky
Ravenf6: As Ansem began to settle himself to bed, a loud thump echoed into the room Taking him by surprise, Ansem goes into his closet and takes out his halberd. Starting down the stairs, he could see light coming from the dining hall. Sure enough, there was someone in there, a lot of someone to be in fact. Hundreds of moogles were scampering about the room and at the head of the table, there was a blond haired man clad in a large green robe, wearing pilot's goggles on his head
Ansem: ?? Who are you? What are you all doing here?
Cid: Man, aren't we the jittery one? Come on, take a load off there's a whole feast here
(Points to a table loaded with food and drink)
Ansem: . You still didn't answer my question.
Cid: All right, old man. I'm the Ghost of Christmas Present. And these moogles are my friends.
Ansem: No offense, but you don't look like the type of guy who'd have friends.
Cid: At least I got friends more than you, ya greedy old bastard.
Ansem: What did you call me???
Several soldier heartless emerge from the floor. Unimpressed by the show of force, Cid snaps his fingers and the heartless vanish like a flash.
Cid: Listen up, creep. I'm one of the spirits sent to see you whether you like it our not.
(In a menacing voice) So sit down, shut up, and have a #@$^#^%! meat pie for crying out loud!!
Ansem:. Oh all right, what brings you here?
Cid: Let's see, big open spaces, quality time with the moogles, free grub.. And you, of course. So let's get to business.
A snap of the finger later, Ansem finds himself in midair. Cid grabs him by his hand and takes him to the other side of town.
Ansem: That was fast, where are we this time?
Cid: Take a look in the window; this is the house of your most overworked and underpaid Employee: Cloud Strife.
Ansem: What a hovel, how can anyone live in a dump like this?
Cid: You'd live here too if someone paid you so poor a salary as his, jerk.
The tow peer in the window as activity unfolded within.
Aeris: Kairi, can you tell Riku to come down and help set the table?
Kairi: Yes, mother.
Ansem: Two children? It must be hard to keep them feed on such a salary.
Cid: Just wait; it's get better.
Cloud passes through the ghostly visitors and enters, behind him, a small child hobbling in on a keyblade-fashioned crutch.
Ansem: !! That's-
Cid: Save your breath; they can't see or hear us.
Kairi: Daddy's home!
Aeris: How was it at church, Cloud?
Cloud: You should have been there. Everyone was amazed that Sora could sing so well, they forget that he's crippled.
Kairi: Wow Sora. That must have been amazing.
Sora: (blushes) Well, it's no big deal, being in the church choir.
Riku: Look, he's blushing.
Sora: I didn't see you do anything.
Riku: At least I can walk.
Cloud: All right boys, settle down. I don't want to have to leave you out in the cold like last year, do I?
Riku & Sora: No, dad.
Cloud: That's good. Now go wash up for dinner.
Soon after, the family sit down to a meager dinner of roast pheasant and very few peas.
Aeris: (sighs) I know it's not much of a dinner but.-
Cloud: - You're wrong Aeris, it's wonderful.
Sora hobbles into a chair and sits down.
Sora: Yes. Look at all this food. .. We should thank Mr. Ansem for this.
Aeris turns aside for a bit, not wanting to spoil the moment with reality. The family then begins the meal.
Back at the window..
Ansem: This is most unusual, spirit; I'm actually feeling something other than exasperation. But what is the matter with young Sora?
Cid: We gotta go somewhere right now, come on.
Ansem: But this is starting to get interesting.
Cid: I'm on a busy schedule, you damn viper! Let's go!
Cid grabs Ansem and they vanish once again. They reappear inside a larger house with lots of people.
Ansem: Where are we now?
Cid: Man, you don't get out much do ya? This place belongs to your nephew.
Ansem: Squall?
Cid: See for yourself.
Ansem walks over to the living room and watches everyone enjoy a game of charades.
Rinoa: Four words? Okay first word..hot..
Squall nods, then acts like a mutt
Rinoa: puppy...um. oh wait! Dog
Irvine: Hot dog, isn't it?
Squall nods, then holds an invisible sack
Selphie: Laundry.. Bundle. thief?
Squall nods again
Selphie: I've got it! Hot dog thief Zell!
Zell: (indignantly) Hey, I'm no thief!
Irvine: Not with the way YOU eat hot dogs. (snickers)
Zell: Laugh it up, cowboy.
Selphie: Now, boys settle down. We're here for a party, not a brawl.
Rinoa: I think it's time for the dinner. Everyone at the table.
While everyone sits down, Ansem and Cid observe them from afar
Ansem: Hmm. My nephew seems to have a good time.
Cid: I can name a lot of people doing the same thing elsewhere.
After a short while of eating and conversation, Squall calls for silence
Squall: This has been a good night. Now I'd like to make a toast.
Rinoa: Really? What about?
Squall: I'd like to make a toast to my uncle Ansem.
Zell: You're kidding! That greedy despot?
Irvine: Squall, I know you're not crazy, but your uncle? I think you had too much wine.
Selphie: Yeah. Of all people you shouldn't' toast him.
Rinoa: I'm going to have to agree with them, Squall. Surely you could toast something else.
Squall: Hey, I know he's a grump sometimes. But I wish were here, just the same.
Rinoa: Well. since it's the season. alright, a toast to Uncle Ansem.
The others follow suit as glasses of wine clink together.
Ansem: How can he? Even though everyone sees me for my evil, he makes a toast to me still.
Cid: Welcome to Christmas 101: The season of family and sharing. Even though you are scum, there are some people with enough warmth in their hearts for people like you.
Ansem: But what about that child; the one so small that people would mistake him for a baby? What about Little Sora?
Cid: .. I see a vacant seat in the chimney corner.. . and a little crutch without an owner, carefully preserved.
Ansem: . What are you saying?
Cid: If these events were to remain unchanged. I fear I see a empty seat, where Little Sora once sat.
Ansem: Spirit. are you saying Sora will die?
Cid: I'm afraid I can't tell you, as though you would care.
Ansem: What?
Cid: (in Ansem's voice) "Let the poor starve, the sooner the better! Their deaths would serve to decrease the surplus population!"
Ansem: (aghast)
Cid: That's what you said earlier tonight, did you not?
Ansem; .. I did but. but now I'm starting wish I never said that.
Cid: You don't like it? Tough luck for you. I'm afraid it's time for you to go back.
Ansem: Wait! Don't go! I've still some things to ask you!
Ravenf6: Alas for Ansem, as his plea fell on deaf ears, he found himself back in his cold dark bed. The time, 11:59 pm.
Ansem: That was a nightmare. What else could happen?
At that precise moment the clock hit 12 midnight. Each bong sounding like the mournful groaning of church bells.
Ansem: Midnight? Than that means the last spirit. is here.
Ansem turns around to see a tall figure, decked out in a black habit, baneful green eyes stared at him from the recesses of his raised hood.
Ansem: You.. Are you the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come?
Sephiroth: .. I am.
Ansem: I can see now that this is no hallucination. Go then, spirit. Take me where you will.
End of Act 2
I must confess one thing though. Being a fanfic writer is more than just making stuff up, but sometimes it might require a little motivation and resolve. Looking back at several stories I read this past year, there are some brilliant and talented writers here, but sadly, only a handful of them are recognized. So if you are reading this, I would be honored if you left a review about my story. But at the same time though, do not slam someone else about their writing. I knew some people during the old days of the FF Republic who criticized people's artwork a little harsh. It's much easier to criticize than create something. For a writer's is a hard lot. Sorry if this seems longwinded, but it was something I wanted to get off my chest.
The third and final act will be written soon, and hopefully in the near future, posted up here.
-ravenf6
Act 2
Okay, one quick note here, I'm a little miffed at how the formatting for the cast came out, not my fault at all. The changes will be made in due course. And in case someone points it out, I don't own "A Christmas Carol", that belongs to Charles Dickens or the executor of his estate. The characters here to either Disney or Square-Enix and not me.
Another note, I'm sorry for not update for these past couple of weeks, I say that for all my fanfics: Between forgetting and writer's block, I'm finding it a little hard to update my fics. I suppose my new year's resolution would be to remedy that problem.
Now for Act 2
Ravenf6: It was 10 o'clock, and Ansem was resting peacefully in his bed that night. But out of the shadows someone was approaching. A small figure waddled up to clock and struck its bells loudly.
Ansem: !?! (mutters incoherently then snores again)
Ravef6: Despite this failed attempted the stranger tried again.
(A large gong is produced and rings loudly. This time, Ansem hits the ceiling)
Ansem: Owww!! If it was those kids, I'll- hey what are you doing in my chambers?
The stranger was a duck decked out in a white robe, bearing a staff topped with holly
Donald: (clears throat) I am the Ghost of Christmas Past.
Ansem: . long past?
Donald: Your past
Ansem:. Of course you are. I'd thought you'd at least be able to speak clearly
Donald: What?! (starts squawking madly) If I didn't have to do this, I'd turn you into an oglop!
Ansem: I'd like to see you try.
Donald: Well let's get a move on.
Ansem: Then go. Don't let me stop you.
Donald: takes his staff and zaps Ansem with a spell
Ansem: !?!? What are you doing to me?
Donald: I'm taking you to visit your past. Now let's go.
Donald grabs Ansem's hand and they vanish. They reappear in the middle of a busy street.
Ansem: Where are we, duck?
Donald: That's "spirit" to you, ya big palooka!
Ansem: (thinking) I think I'm better off with those chains if the other spirits are like this speech-challenged duck.
Donald: (Angry) I heard that!
Ansem: I'm not scared of you, I could easily crush you with my heartless- are you crazy? We'll be run over by carriages!
Donald: Keep your shirt on, old-timer. No one can see or touch us.
Ansem: Hmm. I remember this place. And if no one can see or touch us.
Ansem passes through the wall and inside the building, Donald following in his wake.
Donald: This place was where you first worked. See the guy over at that desk?
The miser looks over and sees..
Ansem: Egad! That's me! If this is truly the past than that old man must be my old boss, Feziwig!
Young Ansem: It's a small wonder why few take accounting as a vocation
Ravenf6: It was Feziwig indeed, a jolly old accountant who treated his customers and workers quite well.
Zeus: Always the hard worker, aren't you Ansem? All right everyone, closing time. Put the desks in the back and make some room,. It's Christmas Eve, so let's party like it's the end of the world!
The workers cheer
Zeus: Ansem, I want you and Hojo to pick up some wine. We're going to need a few casks for tonight.
As the younger Ansem and Hojo leave, Donald fast-forwards the clock to when the party is in full swing. Everyone in the room is dancing, eating, talking, etc.
Donald: Do you remember that night?
Ansem: How can I forget? The constable's temper was at its boiling point that night.
Donald: That, and you met someone special.
Ansem: Oh yes, the Lady Beatrix. (He turns to the aforementioned) She was as soft as silk, I remember countless times the others tried to impress her. We've been friends for a long time and this..oh words can't say it..
Beatrix walks up to young Ansem and taps his shoulder.
Beatrix: Ansem?
Y. Ansem: Yes, Beatrix?
Beatrix: Isn't this a wonderful night? The snow is falling, my heart is racing,.
Y. Ansem:. You're also standing on my foot.- I .umm. would you like to dance?
Beatrix's face lights up and they take to the floor. Ansem watches in wonder while sugared thoughts flooded his head.
Donald: Hello? Anyone home in there? (waves a hand in front of Ansem, but no response) Oh brother.
It's after the party when the love-struck couple leaves.
Beatrix: Oh that was such fun, wasn't it, Ansem?
Y. Ansem: It was the best night of my life. Beatrix, might I ask you something?
Beatrix: Yes. What is it.
Y. Ansem: (begins to hold Beatrix in his arms) Beatrix, every moment I spent with you is like a ray of sunshine in my life. It's filled me with unearthly warmth that not even the Sun could match.
Beatrix: (Eyes brighten up) Yes, Ansem?
Y. Ansem: Beatrix. (kneels and holds out a small box) May I be so bold as to ask. (opens the box, revealing a diamond ring) for you to become my wife?
A short distance away, Donald and Ansem watch as Beatrix squeezed her lover in a tight hug.
Donald: (smug) Aww, aren't you the lady-killer? Ansem: Watch it duck, or I'll have you for Christmas dinner.
Donald: Yeah right.
The two spectral visitors vanish from the streets and reappear in a large, dark building.
Donald. In ten years time, you learned to love something else.
Ansem: ! This is my counting house.. and-
Ansem sees his younger self in front of a large desk, piled with money. With Hojo on his right and Beatrix in front.
Beatrix: Ansem?
Y. Ansem: What is it, Beatrix?
Beatrix: I was going to ask you about our vacation.
Y. Ansem: Vacation?
Beatrix: When we got married, you said that we would take a trip to Alexandria. It's been 10 years and.. I must ask you have you made up your mind.
Y. Ansem: I have. I've decided to pursue study of those creatures in the basement of the castle.
Beatrix: (shocked, then crestfallen) So it's true then. Another has taken my place
Y. Ansem: (realizes his arrogance) my love, that's not true.
Beatrix: Yes it is. You care more for your money and your .. heartless beasts more than you do me!
Y. Ansem: That's not true!
Beatrix: It is. It's been too long since then. And now. I'm setting you free
Beatrix drops the diamond ring into Ansem's hand and flees the building in tears.
Donald: You loved those two idols more than that precious creature, and she's gone forever.
Y. Ansem: . Why, Hojo? Why did this have to happen?
Hojo: Love is a passing thing. They'll be others. Now let's get to the castle. Surely we can find some use for things.. these "Heartless" as she called them.
Ansem watches with a feeling of deep guilt.
Ansem: Spirit, take me home. I can't bear this tragedy anymore.
Donald: Remember Ansem, you brought this memory upon yourself.
Everything goes dark, then Ansem awakens in his bedroom, as if nothing happen. The time is now 11:00 pm.
Ansem: . brought them upon myself? No, it must have been a nightmare, nothing more. (looks at the clock) Those kids are probably at the high tower by now.if they're lucky
Ravenf6: As Ansem began to settle himself to bed, a loud thump echoed into the room Taking him by surprise, Ansem goes into his closet and takes out his halberd. Starting down the stairs, he could see light coming from the dining hall. Sure enough, there was someone in there, a lot of someone to be in fact. Hundreds of moogles were scampering about the room and at the head of the table, there was a blond haired man clad in a large green robe, wearing pilot's goggles on his head
Ansem: ?? Who are you? What are you all doing here?
Cid: Man, aren't we the jittery one? Come on, take a load off there's a whole feast here
(Points to a table loaded with food and drink)
Ansem: . You still didn't answer my question.
Cid: All right, old man. I'm the Ghost of Christmas Present. And these moogles are my friends.
Ansem: No offense, but you don't look like the type of guy who'd have friends.
Cid: At least I got friends more than you, ya greedy old bastard.
Ansem: What did you call me???
Several soldier heartless emerge from the floor. Unimpressed by the show of force, Cid snaps his fingers and the heartless vanish like a flash.
Cid: Listen up, creep. I'm one of the spirits sent to see you whether you like it our not.
(In a menacing voice) So sit down, shut up, and have a #@$^#^%! meat pie for crying out loud!!
Ansem:. Oh all right, what brings you here?
Cid: Let's see, big open spaces, quality time with the moogles, free grub.. And you, of course. So let's get to business.
A snap of the finger later, Ansem finds himself in midair. Cid grabs him by his hand and takes him to the other side of town.
Ansem: That was fast, where are we this time?
Cid: Take a look in the window; this is the house of your most overworked and underpaid Employee: Cloud Strife.
Ansem: What a hovel, how can anyone live in a dump like this?
Cid: You'd live here too if someone paid you so poor a salary as his, jerk.
The tow peer in the window as activity unfolded within.
Aeris: Kairi, can you tell Riku to come down and help set the table?
Kairi: Yes, mother.
Ansem: Two children? It must be hard to keep them feed on such a salary.
Cid: Just wait; it's get better.
Cloud passes through the ghostly visitors and enters, behind him, a small child hobbling in on a keyblade-fashioned crutch.
Ansem: !! That's-
Cid: Save your breath; they can't see or hear us.
Kairi: Daddy's home!
Aeris: How was it at church, Cloud?
Cloud: You should have been there. Everyone was amazed that Sora could sing so well, they forget that he's crippled.
Kairi: Wow Sora. That must have been amazing.
Sora: (blushes) Well, it's no big deal, being in the church choir.
Riku: Look, he's blushing.
Sora: I didn't see you do anything.
Riku: At least I can walk.
Cloud: All right boys, settle down. I don't want to have to leave you out in the cold like last year, do I?
Riku & Sora: No, dad.
Cloud: That's good. Now go wash up for dinner.
Soon after, the family sit down to a meager dinner of roast pheasant and very few peas.
Aeris: (sighs) I know it's not much of a dinner but.-
Cloud: - You're wrong Aeris, it's wonderful.
Sora hobbles into a chair and sits down.
Sora: Yes. Look at all this food. .. We should thank Mr. Ansem for this.
Aeris turns aside for a bit, not wanting to spoil the moment with reality. The family then begins the meal.
Back at the window..
Ansem: This is most unusual, spirit; I'm actually feeling something other than exasperation. But what is the matter with young Sora?
Cid: We gotta go somewhere right now, come on.
Ansem: But this is starting to get interesting.
Cid: I'm on a busy schedule, you damn viper! Let's go!
Cid grabs Ansem and they vanish once again. They reappear inside a larger house with lots of people.
Ansem: Where are we now?
Cid: Man, you don't get out much do ya? This place belongs to your nephew.
Ansem: Squall?
Cid: See for yourself.
Ansem walks over to the living room and watches everyone enjoy a game of charades.
Rinoa: Four words? Okay first word..hot..
Squall nods, then acts like a mutt
Rinoa: puppy...um. oh wait! Dog
Irvine: Hot dog, isn't it?
Squall nods, then holds an invisible sack
Selphie: Laundry.. Bundle. thief?
Squall nods again
Selphie: I've got it! Hot dog thief Zell!
Zell: (indignantly) Hey, I'm no thief!
Irvine: Not with the way YOU eat hot dogs. (snickers)
Zell: Laugh it up, cowboy.
Selphie: Now, boys settle down. We're here for a party, not a brawl.
Rinoa: I think it's time for the dinner. Everyone at the table.
While everyone sits down, Ansem and Cid observe them from afar
Ansem: Hmm. My nephew seems to have a good time.
Cid: I can name a lot of people doing the same thing elsewhere.
After a short while of eating and conversation, Squall calls for silence
Squall: This has been a good night. Now I'd like to make a toast.
Rinoa: Really? What about?
Squall: I'd like to make a toast to my uncle Ansem.
Zell: You're kidding! That greedy despot?
Irvine: Squall, I know you're not crazy, but your uncle? I think you had too much wine.
Selphie: Yeah. Of all people you shouldn't' toast him.
Rinoa: I'm going to have to agree with them, Squall. Surely you could toast something else.
Squall: Hey, I know he's a grump sometimes. But I wish were here, just the same.
Rinoa: Well. since it's the season. alright, a toast to Uncle Ansem.
The others follow suit as glasses of wine clink together.
Ansem: How can he? Even though everyone sees me for my evil, he makes a toast to me still.
Cid: Welcome to Christmas 101: The season of family and sharing. Even though you are scum, there are some people with enough warmth in their hearts for people like you.
Ansem: But what about that child; the one so small that people would mistake him for a baby? What about Little Sora?
Cid: .. I see a vacant seat in the chimney corner.. . and a little crutch without an owner, carefully preserved.
Ansem: . What are you saying?
Cid: If these events were to remain unchanged. I fear I see a empty seat, where Little Sora once sat.
Ansem: Spirit. are you saying Sora will die?
Cid: I'm afraid I can't tell you, as though you would care.
Ansem: What?
Cid: (in Ansem's voice) "Let the poor starve, the sooner the better! Their deaths would serve to decrease the surplus population!"
Ansem: (aghast)
Cid: That's what you said earlier tonight, did you not?
Ansem; .. I did but. but now I'm starting wish I never said that.
Cid: You don't like it? Tough luck for you. I'm afraid it's time for you to go back.
Ansem: Wait! Don't go! I've still some things to ask you!
Ravenf6: Alas for Ansem, as his plea fell on deaf ears, he found himself back in his cold dark bed. The time, 11:59 pm.
Ansem: That was a nightmare. What else could happen?
At that precise moment the clock hit 12 midnight. Each bong sounding like the mournful groaning of church bells.
Ansem: Midnight? Than that means the last spirit. is here.
Ansem turns around to see a tall figure, decked out in a black habit, baneful green eyes stared at him from the recesses of his raised hood.
Ansem: You.. Are you the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come?
Sephiroth: .. I am.
Ansem: I can see now that this is no hallucination. Go then, spirit. Take me where you will.
End of Act 2
I must confess one thing though. Being a fanfic writer is more than just making stuff up, but sometimes it might require a little motivation and resolve. Looking back at several stories I read this past year, there are some brilliant and talented writers here, but sadly, only a handful of them are recognized. So if you are reading this, I would be honored if you left a review about my story. But at the same time though, do not slam someone else about their writing. I knew some people during the old days of the FF Republic who criticized people's artwork a little harsh. It's much easier to criticize than create something. For a writer's is a hard lot. Sorry if this seems longwinded, but it was something I wanted to get off my chest.
The third and final act will be written soon, and hopefully in the near future, posted up here.
-ravenf6