Chapter 1

*Lunch Break at Domino High

Joey and Tristan walk into the classroom to find Yugi and Tea with their heads in a pamphlet talking excitedly back and forth to each other.

'Hey Yug, what's goin' on?" Joey asked, slightly taken aback by their enthusiasm.

"Oh, Joey! You'll never guess what!" Yugi exclaimed excitedly.

Before Joey could open his mouth to 'guess what' Yugi rambled on.

"Kaiba is holding a charity at his mansion next week! You pay $50 to spend the week and there will be all kinds of events and games and prizes an-"

"Yug! Take a breath for cryin' out loud!

While Yugi struggled to contain his excitement, Joey picked up the pamphlet and started flipping through it. "Since when does money bags go to the trouble of raising money when he's got plenty himself?"

"Maybe he's decided to do something charitable and good for once?" Tea wondered outloud.

"Or maybe he's being hounded by charities and decided to make other people give money instead of reaching in his own pocket." Tristan stated matter-of-factly.

Joey continued to flip through the pamphlet, his mouth watering when he saw a page describing a menu so delectable it made him forget the 12-inch cheese steak he had for lunch five minutes ago. "He sure is going all out for this. I wonder what he's thinking." Joey thought to himself.

"In any case guys," Yugi started, finally managing to calm down, "We should go and contribute to the cause!" Joey looked up from the pamphlet. "An what cause is that Yug?"

"...uuuuh"

"HAHA!" Joey laughed, slinging his arm around Yugi's neck. "Just as I thought! You just wanna go cuz all the events are about duel monsters!"

"Oh please Joey." Tea chastised, "You know Yugi better than that. He's always thinking about others, I'm sure he's just as excited to contribute as he is to playing games, right Yugi?"

Yugi looked up, startled. "Uh...sure Tea." he replied with a nervous smile.

"Well, sorry guys but I can't go." Joey said hesitantly. Tristan looked at Joey with surprise. "Why dude what's up?" All eyes turned to Joey as he nervously fidgeted in his seat.

"Well, see, my old man got fired again," he whispered. "So it looks like money's gonna be kinda tight till I can find another part-time job..." Everyone looked at each other nervously. It was a well known fact that part-time jobs were prohibited and could result in expulsion. Yugi spoke first.

"Joey, I can understand your situation but you could get in big trouble if the school finds out. You're having enough trouble keeping your current job a secret."

"I know Yugi, it's what I gotta do though. You know the old fart spends what little money he gets on booze."

Tension filled the air as everyone's eyes drifted slowly to the floor. It was plain to see they were all thinking the same thing: "I could pay for you to go." Unfortunately, Joey would see it as charity and they all knew his pride wouldn't stand for it. Then, a thought drifted into Yugi's head.

"Joey," he started carefully. "My Grandpa is looking for some part-time workers to help out at the game shop. I'm sure he could start you today and it pays weekly so by the time Kaiba's charity starts you would have enough!" Plus, this is a great opportunity to get away for a week and relax."

Tea and Tristan watched nervously as Joey sat back in his chair, thinking the idea through in his head. Minutes went by and tension grew to an almost unbearable level.

"Y'know!" Joey exclaimed suddenly, causing everyone to have mini heart attacks. "That ain't such a bad idea Yug, but..." he hesitated. "Ya sure Gramps'll hire me?"

"Sure, Joey." Yugi replied, a wave of relief washing over him. "He knows you're reliable and you know so much about duel monsters. You'll be a great help!" Joey laughed, the excitement getting the better of him.

"Haha, Better pay your cooks overtime Rich Boy! Joey Wheeler is comin' to dinner!"

-End Chapter 1