FF7 Christmas Carol

A Final Fantasy 7 Christmas Carol
Fanfic Written by Sailor Poison


* Disclaimer: I don’t own the ff7 characters. Nor do I own the christmas carol story. Not everything here is cannon. This is merely an adaptation of a classic story and a game. *


Once, not long ago, there lived a man who hated Christmas. Though he was very rich and very handsome, he was not happy. Rufus ShinRa was his name and making money was the only thing he lived for. He was stingy and pinched every Gil, not caring for his fellow man.

Every morning he would go to his office promptly at Seven o clock, while his Turk Escort awaited outside. Both Tseng and Reeve gave their morning report everyday before going about their business. And when Christmas came around? He hated the carolers who sang in the streets. He hated the brightly packaged gift and the requests for bonuses. The requests for time off seemed to anger him as much as the people who come asking for his gil.

Christmas Eve came, as it always does, with Rufus having a light breakfast of Coffee and toast. Then Reno, who's turn it was this week, greeted him at the door to take him from the Penthouse suite all the way to the roof of the ShinRa headquarters in a helicopter. Rufus knew what will be asked, as it was the same thing asked every year.

Reeve, “ Sir, before we begin, mind if I have tomorrow off? “

Rufus only gave a cold, cold scowl, “ You know this business doesn’t stop for the holidays! You already used your vacation time this year. “

Reeve sighed, “ Sir, I broke some bones when you insisted on trying that robot out. “

Rufus, “ Well next time dodge. Fine, fine... I’ll give you only part of the morning off but I expect you in at eleven am, come in late and you might as well never come back. “

Tseng took his coat, Rufus made his way to his always clean desk. From there they began with the morning memos and requests. There was the annual request for donation for the orphanage from Cloud Strife. That always went right straight to the trash. Then was the invite to Cid Highwind’s home for a small party. Rufus didn’t even know why former head of the space program cared. He mostly suspected the invite was sent by Shera. As always he trashed that invite.

Tseng, “ Why not come with us? The Turks plan to have a private get together. Simple drinks and talk... “

Rufus, “ I don’t care what you do with your time. As long as Reno takes me home. I had enough of this christmas stupidity! “

Rufus worked hard most of the day breaking only for Brunch with Tseng, a lunch alone, and then a heavy supper before he went home. Though, of all the nights, tonight felt different. It had a strange, eerie feel as if something was following him.

Rufus asked rather annoyed, “ Are we being followed? “

Reno, “ Not that I am aware of sir. “ Rather bored of this as nothing ever happened. Ever.

Rufus, “ Tsk, just go now. “ Dismissing his guard getting to his door.

As soon as he entered the penthouse, felt eyes looking upon him more strongly. A face stared at him from a clock, making Rufus reach for his shotgun without a second thought. But the lights click on and there was no face. The face was familiar, there was no doubt. But Sephiroth has been dead for years!

Rufus muttered under his breath, “ It must be bad chocobo meat... or some gag slipped into my drink. “ He took a shower and dressed for bed.

As Rufus snuggled in his silken sheets, strange sharp chill filled his room. He even saw his breath in the air. Face began to float at the foot of his bed and the rest of him formed as well. A man in a coat with long silvery hair and one broken wing But now his coat was draped with long heavy chains that trailed behind him as he came closer to the bed.

Rufus, “ Who and what is this? I am not afraid of you! I doubt your are even real. “ Trying to sound brave and strong but the words came out anything but.

Sephiroth scowled, “ I am very much here, Rufus, so don’t try to deny it. “

Rufus had to ask, “ Why are you here? Are you here for revenge?”

Sephiroth moaned, “ I am here to warn you, Rufus ShinRa, that your soul in in danger! “

Rufus felt himself shaking, “ What do you mean? I live a healthy life! I don’t even eat too much trans fat! “

Sephiroth gestured about his chains, “ I lived a life cruel and selfish. I never once helped my fellow man and now I must bear these chain for eternity! But the chain that awaits you, Rufus, is even longer and heavier then this unless you can change your ways. Tonight you will be visited by three ghosts! First at the strike of eleven, the second at the strike of one and the third at the strike of three. “ He began to rise up, “ Heed their message, Rufus... For tonight it a battle for your very soul! Listen and learn! “ As he faded his words Listen and learn were echoed across the cold room.

Rufus was scared but decided it was best he just sleep. If this was sick stomach or drugs then rest will have cured him of it by morning. It was not long before he found himself not along again. The Clock ticked eleven and a green glow rose from the floor. A young woman stood at the foot of his bed, Her soft brown hair tied back with a red ribbon and she wore a red dress.

Rufus asks feeling unsure, “ Are you a ghost or a flower girl? “

The ghost smiled sweetly, “ I am the Ghost of Christmas Past. “ She walked over and pulled him from bed, “ Come with me, Rufus ShinRa, for we have much to see and there is not much time. “

Rufus and Ghost of Christmas Past became like smoke to rise high above the city of Midgar and flew into time.... To arrive at the an old private school. The school frosted all with snow’s pure elegance.

Rufus was indeed amazed, “ This is where I went to school when I was small! “

Ghost of Christmas Past nodded and gestured to a window, “ Look inside. “

Inside atll alone was small little child. Little Rufus waiting his father to come pick him up for the christmas holidays. Like many other times, Little Rufus doubted he will come. Always a broken promise from the older man.

Ghost of Christmas Past put a tender hand on the President as they watched, “ It must have hurt you alot. “

Rufus shook his head wanting to look away, “ It was for the best. Father needed to concentrate on work. His work was the base of my empire! “ wanting to defend his father’s action.

Ghost of Christmas Past, “ Do you really believe that? But remember what happened this year! Look... “

A young Turk came into the room, “ Sir, I know this is not much... but I am going to bring you home with me. You can spend it with my wife and kids. Have a real christmas. Your father already cleared it. “

The child’s face lit up with unexpected happiness. Then took the turk’s hand and they both left the school together.

Ghost of Christmas Past, “ You had fun there, didn’t you? “

Rufus smiled remembering it well now, “ Yes, that was one of the few times I ate with a family. “

Ghost of Christmas Past, “ It is time to move on. “

Once again, they flew into the clouds of the past. Time seemed both endless now for him. The clouds broke and they landed outside another window. Inside was the sound of music and merriment.

Rufus, “ I remember! I just started working for my father’s company! “ watched all the people inside having fun. “ There I am! “

Ghost of Christmas Past giggled, “ You look a little awkward tonight. “

Rufus, “ Tonight is the night I first saw her... “

As if everyone else no longer mattered for In midst of all, a beautiful woman was standing alone. Younger Rufus went over and asked her to Dance. Oh how they danced and danced! It was clear both were in love at first sight!

Rufus, “ She was my first love. “

Then the scene changed, both were in the office. Shera asked him when will they be married? Rufus saying when he has control of the company. Shera looked away and told him she can’t wait forever.... and asked what was more important? Love or Power? Rufus reached out but he was not truly there and she was gone from his life.

Ghost of Christmas Past, “ She later married Cid, didn’t she?

Rufus, “ Yes... I was an idiot! “ Hated himself for letting her go.

Ghost of Christmas Past, “ Remember, we are only able to control our own actions. We must use the past to learn for our future... Remember. “

Rufus was once again back in his room. Was it all real? Was it only a dream? But hardly a chance to even sit down, another ghost had arrived. Fresh fire sprung in the fireplace. His den was filled with all sorts of merry food. The tree in the corner bigger then he ever seen before. A golly bald man floated with great merriment as he hollered to Rufus a merry Christmas greeting.

Rufus, “ Are you another ghost? “

Ghost laughed with such warm merriment, “ Ho ho ho! I am the Ghost of Christmas Present. Come my good friend, there is alot to see! To watch all who still celebrate me! “

Took up his hand and whisked Rufus away to the home of Cid Highwind. The home was filled with such life. Inside, The pilot was merry with his wife Shera and children. Of course, there was Vincent and some of Cid’s crew who had no families to celebrate with. In a corner, quiet and wise sits Nanaki, also known as Red XIII.

Cid, “ Okay okay... “ Drew something badly shaped, “ What is it? “

Shera, “ A cow? A chocobo? “ The children laughed at their mother’s wrong guess.

Rufus shouted unheard,” Its a reindeer, duh! “

Vincent, their godfather crossed his arms, “ Its a Reindeer. “ Guessed it right but had to poke fun, “ A poorly drawn one. “

Cid scowled, “ Then you draw something, smart ass! “ But struggled not to smile as soon as he said that.

Nanaki asked the children, “ Who wishes to ride my back?”

Rufus watched them have fun and felt a pang of longing within, “ Is this how they waste their time? “ Pretending to not care.

Ghost of Christmas Present, “ Not everyone is a humbug like you! “ and laughed again.

Shera sighed sadly, “ I do wish Rufus had accepted the invite. “

Cid scowled, “ Why? The man is a greedy asshole! “

Shera , “ But he must be so lonely. “

Cid dropped his scowl, “ You are too good a woman, babe. “ and kissed her on the cheek. “ Hell, maybe someday he might. I won’t even mind if he did! Hell, everyone needs a merry christmas right? “

Shera then hugged Cid close. Rufus turned his back on this display. To think she still cared despite all the years. Left the scene of cheer and a large wolfish beast giving children each rides.

Rufus demanded, “ Take me away! “

They were taken away in a flurry of snow to a building in Midgar. Inside was Tifa tending to all the orphans within. The place had few decorations and even less food. It took much of their money to pay the bills and little was left.

Cloud entered the orphanage with a boy on his shoulders, “ Merry Christmas!” he yelled.

Denzel laughed then coughed as he mimicked his hero, “ Merry Christmas! “

Cloud dragged a freshly cut tree inside and they began to decorate it with much care. Soon, little Denzel was too weary to help so they sat him in a chair.

Denzel declared, “ This is the best christmas yet! “

Cloud and Tifa exchanged sad glances but tucked a blanket around him anyway. Tifa had tears threatening to spill so she hid her face by working on some pudding.

Cloud, “ Yes it is. “ All he could say.

Rufus looked in, “ That is hardly anything at all! How can the boy be happy?! “ Unable to understand what he had seen.

Ghost of Christmas Present, “ Christmas is more then gifts and drink! It is about family and love! That mere child holds the very spirit of me, why everything else is nothing but glitter. “

Reeve quickly captures Rufus’s attention when he hurried inside the room with some small boxed gifts, “ Am I too late? “

Cloud snorted, “ Kinda. The tree was just trimmed. “

Reeve sighs as his Boss made shopping almost impossible then asked in a whisper, “ How is Denzel? “

Cloud, “ He is weaker these days but he tries so hard. I watch him and feel as if I’m the weak one. “

Rufus can’t bare to watch more and asked softly, “ Ghost, I need to know this, Will the child get well? “

Ghost of Christmas Present could only shake his head, “ I can’t not say for I am only a ghost of the present. If things do not change, I see the shadow of an empty chair. “ Then pulled Rufus away, “ There is still one more sight for you to see! “

They few not too far to the upper level of Midgar. To a bar where singing was heard. The Turks at the counter with their drinks in hand as they just did a simple gift exchange.

Reno, “ A pamphlet to AA? “ Not amused as he was given the real gift by Elena, “ A new pair of shades! These are expansive! “

Elena, “ Don’t lose them! “ She warned.

Rude seemed pleased with his silk tie. Tseng was given worlds best boss mug and presented to Elena an engagement ring. Reno hooted with pride when she said yes and they toasted more.

Tseng, “ I want to make a special toast to Rufus. “

Elena sighed, “ Can’t we toast something more cheerful? “

Reno grumbled, “ Yeah anything but him. “

Tseng, “ Because despite it all he still pays us well. “ Reminded them severely, “ We are to respect him even if he’s notthere. Beside, he is a very lonely person. If you can’t like him at least feel for him alone in his penthouse. “

Reno mumbled, “ I guess. “

Rude raises his glass, “ To Rufus! “

The others raised their glasses in cheer to the man who they swore loyalty. Rufus smiled slightly. Tseng always seemed so formal and yet he still showed so much loyalty

Rufus, “ I don’t appreciate them as I should. They risked their lives for my own so many times.”

Ghost of Christmas Present laughed, “ My time is done and I must go.”

Rufus, “ What is that it? Ghost where are you going?! “
Rufus tried to stop him but the snow swirled him away. Rufus was not back in his room , instead swallowed by darkness. The clock rang out the hour of the last ghost. At first there was nothing at all. Then a formidable shape a man with black spiky hair and a small X like scar on his left cheek and wore a black cloak. His mako blue eyes held no pity.

Rufus, “ And you’re the Ghost of Christmas Future. “

Ghost of Christmas Future said nothing and pulled Rufus away down the dark road. At first there was nothing to see but an old buidling. Then two men came out from an alley. He can see they are only two grunts.

First Grunt, “ I can’t believe he is gone... But look at what I got! The key! We can loot his place before they clear it out! “

Second grunt, “ I kinda feel bad.. its like robbing the dead or something. “

First Grunt, “ It is robbing the dead, moron! Lets go! “ Dragged the other away to loot someone’s room.

Rufus asked, “ How can these two vultures even get away with this?! “ Disgusted at the two men he saw.

Ghost of Christmas Future said nothing and led Rufus further into a lonly grave yard. Cloud and Tifa stood next to a marker, weeping. Cloud laid next to it a small sword.

Cloud, “ We have a plastic tree this year, Denzel. Its not the same but.. well, it will be easier to decorate it. “ Paused to control his feelings, “ We are trying to be happy... I wish you could be here. “

Tifa knelt by the gave and kissed the cold stone before they both left. Rufus walked over to look at the stone. He felt a stabbing pang of grief for the child died too young!

Rufus, “ He died?! Why are you showing me this! Can we not change this? Spirit talk to me! “ Demanded to the silent man.

Ghost of Christmas Future then gestured at the grave marker not far off. A cold chill went down Rufus’s spine as the grave was much newer then the child’s grave. Tseng laid in a rose down and his rose the only one there as he gave a soft prayer.

Rufus, “ Is that me? Oh spirit... I don’t want to die! I have so much I need to do! Please, tell me I have a chance! “ he pleaded.

Tseng left with his head bowed down. Rufus was left walking over to look down at his stone. Was it too late? Was there no redemption for him?! Rufus broke down in tears and cried.... And found himself back inside his penthouse.

Rufus stood up as the morning sun shined into his windows. Quickly he ran to see what day it was. It was still christmas morning!. Rufus began to cheer and laugh! The ghosts have shown him the light and they did it all in one night!

He spent some time to get ready and plot. Went to the officer without an escort and began to put forth his greatest scheme of all! Tseng arrived, to his shock, catching Rufus doing so much work. With the Turk now at hand, he had some gifts sent. Even okayed a surprise Christmas bonus for his employees.

Next he ordered the largest roasted chocobo beast. Asked for some gifts to be wrapped and other nice treats. Then gave Tseng and the Turks the day off, but said don’t get too drunk for they have work the next day. Even sent a gift to Shera, knew it will be a day late getting there, no rush.

Reeve was made startled when Rufus appeared at his door. He never expected the president of ShinRa to arrive!

Rufus, “ You are late! “ He scowled all mean and cold.

Reeve, “ I am?! I’m so sorry, sir... “ Left unsure what to say, till he saw the clock as it was not yet ten thirty.

Rufus, “ Got you. “ Smirking at his joke, “ But I need your help bringing some boxes to the orphanage. Cloud and Tifa still run it? “

Reeve left stammering, “ Yes, they do. “ Was this his boss or an imposture?!

Rufus, “ Lets go and deliver them! And bring that cute robot cat along. “

They delivered the food and the gifts and then he spent the rest of the day with the children. Enjoyed the love that money can’t buy. After that day, Rufus was a changed man. He helped Denzel get better and made sure all the children were educated properly. It was many, many more years that Rufus lived, spending it wisely and helping out his fellow man to ensure a legacy of hope. There was never a man more caring and giving then Rufus ShinRa. When he also married and had kids, he passed down this wisdom so that no one would ever forget.

A Merry Christmas to all and have a Happy New Year.


The End