The Arrangement

Introduction

First off, I've said it before, I'll say it again, I don't own Yu-Gi-Oh. There, I said it, and I refuse to say it again for this story! holds in tears Anyways, this story is a bit of an alternate universe, so allow me to explain things before we get started.

First: Go back to the episode where we first meet Duke Devlin and he challenges Yugi to a game of Dungeon Dice Monsters. Now, although that episode did happen, there is a slight change in plans. Duke was partnered with Industrial Illusions for a few years, but now he has leaned towards making his game even more like Duel Monsters, and thus, has partnered with Seto Kaiba of Kaiba Corporations in order to make Dungeon Dice Monsters holographic. In other words, Kaiba and Devlin are partners.

Second: In order to completely follow the story, you need to know the characters' ages. So here we go.

Seto Kaiba – 22

Duke Devlin – 21

Selina Mazika – 19 (original character…but don't grow too attached to her last name…)

Yugi Motou – 20 (Yami is still in the puzzle)

Joey Wheeler – 20

Tea Gardner – 19

Tristan Taylor – 20

Serenity Wheeler – 18

Mokuba Kaiba – 13

Grandpa Motou – well, no specific age, but he's old

Roland Karaka – 26 (original character…you'll see in chapter one)

Ichigo Nika – 32 (another original character, but I'm not sure how much he'll appear in the story.)

Mai Valentine – 21

Maximillion Pegasus – 38

Ryou Bakura – 20 (Yami Bakura still in the ring)

Marik Ishtar – 20

Ishizu Ishtar – 24

Not every character listed above will be in the story, but just in case they are, there is the reference for their ages. Also, I may stray from the way we see their character in the show, but keep in mind they have grown up (most of them anyway --) and so they have matured…we hope.

Third: This story was inspired by the many books I've read, written by Lori Wick (great authoress). So if you've ever read any of her books, you may be able to pick up what this story will be about. But I'm not giving it away until the end of the first chapter.

Fourth: Battle City has happened and all that good stuff. But as far as episodes go, I only know that Yugi winds up winning Battle City, but I have no knowledge of any episodes thereafter or the events leading up to Yugi's vistory. This story will not revolve around Duel Monsters or Dungeon Dice Monsters, although they may be mentioned. This story is purely about the characters and how I create their destiny mwahaha

Fifth: I don't think I've forgotten anything, so he's a very brief summary.

At age sixteen, Seto Kaiba is left with Kaiba Corporation after his stepfather, Gozaboru (or however it is spelled) mysteriously dies (or did Seto really kill him? gasp). Anyways, we know what happens after that. Kaiba meets Yugi, Pegasus captures Mokuba's soul, Duelist Kingdom, Battle City, the God Cards, etc. Well, now Kaiba is twenty-two years of age and still recluses himself in his office at Kaiba Corp. and home. Knowing he can't keep running, he finally makes a decision that will change his entire life, as well as his social standings and power. For good? Possibly, in his eyes. But will this decision come back to haunt him, or will it cause his heart of ice to melt?

What is this mysterious decision? That's my secret, until chapter one is released. And once it's made, will anything, and I do mean ANYTHING, change? Only time will tell.

Here is a preview of Chapter One:

"Are the papers all in order?" a young man, no older than twenty-two, with short russet hair and piercing blue eyes asked the younger man standing before him.

"Yes," he responded swiftly, his hunter green eyes staring at the man before him, his hand shaking unnoticeably, the papers still in tact.

"And they have been signed?"

"Yes, they have." The jade eyed man placed the papers gently on the desk before his business partner. His black hair seeming to spike in the air in nervousness. When the request by his business partner had been made, he was almost certain he was hearing things. That is, until he received another call questioning whether the job had been completed. It was a most unusual request; one he never thought would come from the mouth of the man before him.

"And she has signed it, I presume?" he questioned further, his navy eyes flashing in the dimness of the barely lit office.

"Of course. I had her sign them yesterday evening, after discussing the matter with her."

"And her reaction?"

"Shocked, surprised, but not too reluctant."

"Good. And she knows not to expect much, correct?"

"Yes, I've explained everything to her."

--

Note: the only reason I have done this is because of an email I received from saying they were going to remove my introduction page on one of my stories because it "violated the guidelines" or some crud like that (though it doesn't). Anyways, I figure, if it contains part of the story, then it "doesn't violate their precious guidelines" so before they destroy my other stories...I'm fixing them.