Stave 4
Robotnik stood in the fog that surrounded him. His body was shaking with the chill in the air. Or was it the fear in his heart? He didn't know anymore. He looked around at the gravestones and the one weird-looking tree. A creaking sound made him turn around. He saw a mausoleum with its door open just slightly. He saw no one and started to turn back around.
He shouted with shock when he came face to face with a dark figure. Or sort of face to face. He couldn't see its face, only shining gold eyes that pierced his soul. "A...are… are you the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come?" The Spirit nodded in response and he continued. "I must say that I fear this encounter most but I know that I must endure it. I promise, I will hang on your every word. Please, lead on." The tyrant fought to regain his composure.
The Spirit held up his hand and began walking into a portal. When they walked out of the other side, Robotnik saw the road around the palace was nearly deserted aside from three people standing around a pile of clothes.
One feline with graying fur laughed over the stuff. "Look at this. Silk underwear from Grevillea. They'll fetch a pretty penny. They even have little smiley faces on them." The male chortled.
"Yes! And these velvet pillowcases. I might keep them for myself." A basset hound declared as he rubbed the soft pillowcases on his face. "I can't believe he's finally gone."
The third, a kangaroo with a shrimp's head, chuckled. "I know. I was starting to think the bastard would never go."
Robotnik listened to their harsh words. The Spirit guided him through the city and let him hear from others how glad they were that this person was dead at last.
Finally, he had to ask. "Spirit, please, I think I understand. This poor man's fate is the same as what mine will be if I don't listen to you and the others. Isn't it?"
The Spirit didn't respond but only let him continue listening. He could take no more. "Spirit, please, I understand but please, indulge me. Show me some tenderness in this world. Please." Robotnik pleaded.
A few moments later the city before became the inside of Sleet and Dingo's hovel. Beside the bed, the two brothers sat in silence. Their faces betrayed a deep agony burning inside them and Robotnik saw that the bed was empty.
"No! Not Tails. He was just a child! Spirit, please tell me there's a way to avoid this fate! That boy deserves to live!" Robotnik pleaded before the Spirit guided him back to the cemetery. A gravedigger had just finished his job of burying a body and putting out the stone and was leaving the vicinity. Robotnik looked on the grave. "Wait… is this the grave of the man from earlier?"
The Spirit nodded and pointed for Robotnik to go look at the stone marker. The chill in his chest turned to ice as the man began to comply. He stopped midway, just past another headstone and turned back. "Spirit, please, I must ask. Are these the shadows of things that will be or are they shadows of things that could be?" The Spirit only pointed again and Robotnik went a few more steps. "Spirit, you wouldn't bring me here if I was past hope. Please, speak to me…" He begged as he approached the now neglected and weathered stone. He rubbed the dust off of the name and hiccuped a sob. "Julian Robotnik! Oh!" He stood and threw himself at the Spirit's feet, clutching the long, gray robe. "Spirit, please! I understand now. Please! I'll change! I promise. Tell me these shadows can be changed. Please! I promise that I'll be better man, starting with Christmas. I will honor Christmas and keep it all the year. Please, please!" He pleaded desperately for some sign of mercy.
AN: A short chapter. Will Robotnik truly change his ways?