𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑷𝒐𝒏𝒅 𝑻𝒘𝒊𝒏𝒔 ☆ The Glorious Series ｟ BOOK 1 ｠

A Christmas Carol [Part 2]

Inside, Sardick residence...

Kazran had fallen asleep in his chair. On a wall, a recording of a little boy in his bedroom played.

It was young Kazran speaking to the camera. "Hello. My name is Kazran Sardick. I'm 12 and a half, and this is my bedroom."

"Top secret project." Kazran mumbled in his sleep.

"This is my top secret project." Young Kazran onscreen said. "For my eyes only. Merry Christmas."

"Kazran, Kazran!" Young Kazran's father yelled from offscreen.

The shout woke Kazran with a start and he watched the screen as his father came into the bedroom.

"Kazran, what are you doing? What are you doing?!" Young Kazran's father Elliot peered into the camera.

Kazran stood and backed away in fear of the screen.

"I've warned you before about this, you stupid, ignorant, ridiculous child!"

"I was just going to make a film of the fish."

"The fish are dangerous!"

"I just want to see them."

"Don't be stupid, you're far too young!"

"Everyone at school's seen the fish."

"That's enough! You'll be singing to them next, like gypsies."

"The singing works! I've seen it. The fish like the singing."

Kazran walked closer to the wall.

"What does it matter what fish like?"

"People say we don't have to be afraid of the fish. They're not really interested in us."

"You don't listen to people! You listen to me!" Elliot Sardick backhanded young Kazran.

Kazran reached a hand to his cheek.

"Ow! I'm sorry, Father."

"This is my house!"

The Doctor and Lexi cautiously entered the room behind Kazran. In the video, young Kazran had his head down on the desk and was crying.

The Doctor put hand on Kazran's shoulder. "It's ok. It's ok."

Kazran jerked away from The Doctor's touch and turned toward him and Lexi. "What have you done? What is this?"

"Found it on an old drive. Sorry about the picture quality, had to recover the data using quantum enfolding and a paperclip." The Doctor sat down in Kazran's chair and picked up the newspaper.

Lexi went and put her arms across the back of the chair. "I wouldn't worry about calling your servants, they quit. Apparently they all won the lottery at the exact same time."

The Doctor looked up from the newspaper. "Which is a bit lucky when you think about it."

"There isn't a lottery." Kazran stated.

"Yeah, as I say, lucky."

"There's a fog warning tonight." Kazran's father said from onscreen. "You keep these windows closed, understand? Closed!"

"Who are you two?"

"Tonight..." Lexi started.

"We're the Ghosts of Christmas Past." The Doctor finished.

"Mrs. Mantovani will be looking after you tonight. You stay here till she comes. Do you understand? Do you understand?" Elliot Sardick asked young Kazran.