Hearth's Warming Carol

Diamond Tiara glanced at the old clock and her frown deepened.

"He's late." she muttered before adding another coal to the small fire.

Diamond and Silver's Jewelry Shop was well known as one of the best stores in Manehatten. However, now it was just Diamond who ran the business ever since Silver Spoon passed away seven years ago. Yes, it was just Diamond and her co-worker who was now five minutes late.

Suddenly, the door creaked open and a young stallion trotted inside. Brown spots covered his body and his eyes were brimmed with joy; for it was almost Hearth's Warming Eve.

"You're late Pipsqueak." Diamond stated flatly.

"Sorry Ms. Tiara but you see I was stuck in-" Pipsqueak began, only to shut his mouth when Tiara raised her hoof.

"I don't want to hear your excuse, just go and sort the cinnamon rubies from the cherry rubies." She commanded.

The stallion nodded his head and trotted over to a glossy pine table with bags of gems on top. Then, with a heavy sigh he picked up a bag and dumped all of it's treasures onto the table.

"Miss Tiara?" Pipsqueak asked while trying to determine weather the ruby he was holding up was cinnamon. "Can I please have Hearth's Warming Eve off?"

Diamond Tiara looked up from her papers and shook her head. "I am not paying you to sit around all day doing nothing."

"You don't have to pay me." Pip argued.

The mare placed a hoof upon her chin and thought for a moment. "Fine, but you'll have to work double shift on Friday."

Pipsqueak nodded his head happily and continued to work.

A couple minutes later the door once again opened and two slim unicorns walked inside. However, Diamond paid no mind to them until one cleared his throat.

"What do you want?" she snapped, causing the two to take a step back.

"Miss I am Flim"

"And I am Flam"

"And we were wondering if you would like to give a donation to the On the Streets foundation." Flim explained.

"This organization gives homeless ponies shelter and warm food, which would be an excellent gift this holiday." Flam piped up, though his focus was more on the piles of rubies.

"Bah humbug." Diamond replied, "Why would I give to those lazy street rats?"

"STREET RATS!?" both brothers shouted in union.

"Yes, why I bet all those ponies you see on the streets are just too lazy to get a job. So they decide to steal from ponies who actually work to make a living." she informed.

The two unicorns just stood there with their moths aghast. Never in their wildest years have they ever came across such a mean pony before. So with quick haste, they galloped out of the shop and ran as far away from Diamond and Silver's shop as they could.

"Good riddance," the mare huffed before shifting her gaze to Pipsqueak, "Once you're done start sorting out the emeralds."

"Y-yes ma'am." Pip gulped.

Hours past and soon it was closing time. Diamond hopped from her chair and followed her employee out into the streets of Canterlot. Then, once she made sure her shop was locked, they went their separate ways.

Diamond Tiara trotted through a brightly lit neighborhood until she came to a gloomy, three story house. Unlike the other houses, this one had no lights or a welcome sign. Instead it's windows cast an eerie shadow that even gives the most fearsome pony chills.

The mare walked slowly up the steps and unlocked the door before going inside. Once inside, the mare maneuvered her way upstairs until she came to a door with a money sign. Then, with a grin, she opened the door and turned on the lights.

The grand bedroom had oak floors, plain white walls, and a bed covered in pink and purple blankets. Beside it was a yellow dresser. other then that, there were no other pieces of furniture.

Diamond trotted to her bed and slid underneath the warm covers. Then, with a yawn, she closed her eyes and fell asleep.

That is until she heard the bedroom door opened with a bang.

The mare jumped out of bed and stared at the open door. "Who's there?" she questioned.

"It is I." an all too familiar voice cried out.

"S-Silver Spoon?" Diamond Tiara whispered. Her mouth went dry and her body was shivering. How could her friend and business partner be alive?

"Indeed." Silver Spoon replied before walking into the bedroom.

Iron chains snaked around her transparent body. Her eyes were covered by broken glasses and a blue scarf was draped across her neck.

"Wh-what, how, who?" Diamond stuttered, only to be silenced by Silver's ghost.

"I have come to show you want will become of you." the ghost explained.

"H-how did you become l-like this?" Diamond questioned.

Silver rattled her chains which caused a loud ringing, even louder then the old clock tower. "I became like this because I was greedy and selfish; just like you. These chains you see before you I have built ever since I was three. Every selfish and greedy discussion I made added another iron ring to my chain."

"But you were the best business partner I've ever had! You were also one of the most wealthiest mares in Canterlot!" Diamond cried.

"Business, all I ever thought about was business." Silver sneered, "Because of business I turned cold. Instead of being with my family I stayed away from them like the flue because of business."

The ghost took a hefty sigh and gave Diamond a cold hard gaze. "In order to prevent you from becoming me, you will be visited by three ghosts. The first will arrive when the clock strikes one, the other two of the next day, and the last ghost will arrive at the stroke of three of the third day."

"Can I call in a sick day?" Diamond squeaked.

"This is for your own good." Silver Spoon replied before walking out the door. Her chains dragging across the floor.

The mare tried to run after the ghost, however she grew drowsy and soon Diamond felt her eyelids close.