Chapter 4

Riku left his bed to see who was laughing so hard. He came to find a man dressed in red, with a red bandana covering his face.

DIZ: I am the ghost to Christmas Present.

RIKU: I don't want any trouble. Please, whatever you're going to show me, just get on with it.

DIZ: As you wish Ebenezer. Simply touch my robe.

Riku did so, and he was transported away to the streets.

DIZ: Welcome to Christmas morning Riku. See how everyone is so cheerful?

RIKU: Yeah. So much to be worked up about on a holiday.

DIZ: Because it's the best holiday of all. Christmas! A time of giving, and being with loved ones. Speaking of which, there's one particular family I would like you to see.

The spirit took Riku to an old shack, where someone Riku knew very well was spending Christmas.

RIKU: This is, Sora's home?

DIZ: Yes. Him, and his beloved wife and child.

SORA: How's the meal coming Kairi?

KAIRI: It's almost done. Could you call our son down please?

SORA: Roxas! Time to eat.

A young boy, no older than seven ran to the table.

ROXAS: Great, I'm starved.

As Kairi prepared the feast for her family, Roxas had something ready.

ROXAS: Hey dad. You know how at church, they wanted us to come up with our own Christmas carol?

SORA: Yes.

ROXAS: Well, I think I might have something.

(Starts to sing) Cause what I like most about Christmas,

Is the way we show our pals, we care.

For the fun never ends,

When you give to your friends,

And you share.

That's all I've got. (Coughs heavily)

SORA: That was great son. But don't overdo it. You might hurt yourself.

As the family started to eat, Riku kept his gaze on Roxas.

RIKU: Spirit, what's wrong with that kid?

DIZ: He has a terrible illness. It could be fatal, without medical treatment.

RIKU: Then why don't they get him medical treatment?

DIZ: Because, a certain someone doesn't pay Sora enough money to afford it.

RIKU: Oh……… Spirit, what will happen to him?

DIZ: I cannot tell the future. But, if these shadows remain unaltered, I see an empty chair, where little Roxas once sat.

RIKU: You mean, he'll…

DIZ: What's it to you? All you care about is two things. Yourself and your money.

Then the spirit disappeared.

RIKU: Wait, don't go! I need to know more. Please, don't go!

But alas, the spirit did not return, for time on this world was over.

RIKU: PLEASE!

Wow, Riku seems pretty upset.

He really wants to know what's going to happen to Roxas. Well, I guess he and our readers are going to have to find out in the next chapter.

Oh…… right! About that…… I need you to take over for me next chapter. Why? Let's just say I have somewhere to be. Where? You'll find out soon enough. Huh? Let's just close up this chapter already.

Don't forget to review.