crossover_chick | A Multiverse Christmas Carol: Stave Nine

Stave Nine:
The last stroke of midnight vibrated for a moment in the air, then ceased. Edna pulled her dressing gown close around her, shivering with cold and anticipation. What mysterious, unexpected figure would make itself known to her now?
Without warning, her body was bathed in deep shadow. Taking in a deep, steadying breath, she turned around, ready to confront whatever figure was standing behind her.
Except – there was nothing there. Nothing physical, anyway. Instead, she beheld the silhouette of a man, top-hatted and big-chinned, looking as if it had been painted on the very air itself. It reached out and took one of her hands, kissing it in greeting. Her flesh grew icy where the insubstantial lips touched. She shuddered and drew her hand back. “You are the Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come?”
The shadow bowed, then pointed outward with one arm, as if indicating something behind her. “Can’t you speak?” Edna asked, unwilling to set out on her latest journey just yet. “The other two were very talkative.”
The shadow didn’t reply, except to jab his finger outward more forcefully. “I thought I would have been happy with some quiet,” Edna murmured, looking at her feet. “But – you scare me most of all.” She looked up again, setting her shoulders. “But I know you have my welfare at heart, so – please. Lead on.”
The shadow glided forward, taking her hand in a gentle yet unshakeable grip as it passed. Edna allowed it to pull her along, frightened she would not have the strength to follow otherwise. Funny – she’d always sort of wanted to see the future. Wanted to see if the people around her would stop being so silly and stupid and improper. Wanted to see they would finally wake up to the fact that her sort of life was the best one.
Now she was terrified by the prospect – because what if they had?

-M: What the -- who's this?-
-TTV: *staring* Is that -- IS THAT THE SHADOW PUPPET OF BARKIS FROM "REMAINS OF THE DAY?!"-
Yup! XD More inspiration from the Carrey/Zemeckis version of "A Christmas Carol," where the Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come was a shadow figure. And again, I wanted more Corpse Bride characters in this, so -- hell, why not? I admit I was originally inspired by the first Disney take on "Carol" -- the one with Scrooge McDuck. I thought Barkis might be good in the Pete role, as a Ghost who ends up actively stabbing Edna. Because, you know, the whole "ruthless killer" angle. . . This is probably better, though.
-TTV: *grumpy* I suppose he does serve as a good cautionary tale. Be a good person, or the dead will have their revenge upon you eventually.-
This is true.
Anyway, not much to say about this one. It's just Edna getting introduced to the Ghost, as per usual. I hope it came off as at least a little creepy. Tomorrow's installment, though -- that's going to be really depressing. Fair warning.

First day of break! It went pretty well, all things considered. Woke up to a raging rainstorm this morning, which was pleasant. Blah. Spent the day indoors in pajama pants because where the hell was I gonna go? Mostly bummed around the web catching up on this and that. Also finished off two more Christmas drabbles -- just one to go!

And -- that's about it. Wow, I have an exciting life, don't I? XD