Ghost BC - Oneshots

Unfestive Cheer With The Rats

UnFestive Cheer With The Rats 

Rain trickled down the colourful stain glass windows of the unholy church, the hallways of the Ministry were silent. The day was downcast and cold, the winter season's grip was cruel. It was Krampus Eve, the devilish one would be here soon to spread festive fear amongst the Clergy. The festive season outside of the Ministry was full of joy and cheer, but things were different in this place of Satanic worship. They were waiting patiently for the arrival of Krampus, he always gifted them with coal. The odd beating for those who had been extremely naughty this year with branches and sticks, but for some their fate would be severe. Devoured and bound for Hell, there was no return for the ones who didn't know their place at the Los Angeles Ministry.

Black and red paper chains hung in the hallways, there was a beautifully decorated Christmas tree at the top of the Ministry's main stairway. Red and gold baubles hung from it's branches, the Devil himself sat at the tree top. Mistletoe was hung above some doorways, the scent of cinnamon and mulled wine drifted throughout the unholy church. Music echoed down the hallways, the sounds of ABBA songs filled the air. The unholy cheer was strong, they were ready to greet the 25th of December with their own unfestive twist. 

The hallways were silent until hurried footsteps disturbed the peace, a shadow crept across the wall. The footsteps echoed down the hallway, it was soon followed by the sounds of scuttling, the plague of rats haunted this place. Copia wandered down the hallway with several of his rats not far behind him, he was taking them for a festive stroll to the lounge. He had left his Krampus book in the lounge earlier, he needed to tell his furry children a story before he tucked them in for the night. He did this every year, it was their Krampus Eve ritual. Entering the lounge he was greeted with a homely glow, the fireplace was roaring and the Christmas tree was twinkling with red fairy lights. Scented candles burned brightly in their holders above the fireplace, there was mistletoe hung in the doorway. Copia searched the room, he checked beneath the cushions and underneath the couch, he couldn't recall where he had left his book. His attention was soon caught by one of his rats squeaking, he finally had found what he had been looking for in the lounge. His book was near the chessboard, his fingers clicking he approached the table and claimed his book. But his rat squeaked and motioned her paws at him, she wanted to play chess with her owner. A soft sighed escaped his lips, he hated saying no to his beloved rats. But it was getting late, he had presents to wrap and tiny festive stocking to fill with treats before he turned in for the night. He still hadn't placed a glass of sour milk, headless gingerbread men and razor sharp candy canes for his unfestive dark excellency in the kitchen yet. He listened to his rat squeaking, he was torn between his plans and pleasing his little one.

Squeak, squeak!

" It's getting late, we don't have time for games." He said. 

Squeak, squeak!

" But I have things to do, it's nearly Krampus Day." He said.

Squeak, squeak!

" Okay, okay! Calm down, we can play one quick game." He said before he gestured towards the chessboard. " Then we need to get ready for bed. You don't want to be awake when Krampus gets here, he may take you to his lair in his sack! You know what happens to bad rats, right?"

Squeak, squeak!

" I know he doesn't eat rats, it was a joke." He sighed.

Squeak, squeak!

" No more rat mouth, it's time to play now." He said.

Copia took a seat at the table, he placed his book next to the chessboard and cracked his knuckles. His rat soon joined him, she jumped onto the table and sat on the other side of the chessboard. The rats always used the black chess pieces, they were very fond of that colour. His fingers coming together his gaze lingered on the chessboard, the unseen cogs in his head were turning. He had a game strategy already planned out, he had taught his rats how to play chess many years ago. But he had kept a couple of his chess tricks to himself, he never gave many of his board game secrets away.