I give credit to the creators of Yu-Gi-Oh, and the artists of any sets of lyrics I might use in this story (which will probably end up being quite a few).

Throughout mankind's history, games have been a part of the world's visual, artistic, and intellectual cultures. In today's times, games are played for amusement and gambling, with such wagers placed as money, possessions, titles, and even scholarships in some cases.

However, in ancient times, in the days of ancient Egypt, the games that were played were for anything but amusement. Territory, power and even human life could serve as the wager for such competitions.

These games, now referred to as the Shadow Games, eventually grew out of control, leading to a war that compromised the fate of the entire world. This war would have consumed the planet, if not for one man…

Now, with the Shadow Games returning, one man must step forward once again, and face the many evils behind the Shadow Games…beginning with his greatest opponent.

I'd pull my weight if it made any difference
He gave his life for the nine million others
But on his graves written "Here lies Joseph"
His countrys gun and innocent soldier

Well fight your way out of this one
Fight your way out of this one
Fight your way out of this one
Fight your way out of this one

He grew a blood red vision for all their good intentions
He made an easy million from a foreign investment
He danced with the devils in beautiful buildings
Affirmative action for a useful reunion

He'd change his name if it made any difference
Now hes waiting in line for the lasting confession
But on his graves written "Here lies our son Joseph"
His countrys gun and innocent soldier

Well fight your way out of this one (ah ah)
Fight your way out of this one (ah ah)
Fight your way out of this one (ah ah)
Fight your way out of this one (ah ah)
Fight your way out of this one (ah ah)
Fight your way out of this one (ah ah)
Fight your way out of this one (ah ah)
Fight your way out of this one (ah ah)

I looked up at my opponent, who stood before me with a victorious grin on his face. Our game wasn't even over yet, and the way he was acting one would think this contest was his!

"Well? Are you going to continue with your turn or not?!" He barked impatiently.

"I'm drawing!" I growled, annoyed at his arrogance. The moment I drew my new card, a bright light exploded forth from the center of the arena, blinding us both.

"What the, what did you do Yugi?!"

"What do you mean Kaiba?! I'm just as confused as you are!"

When the light began to fade, I looked out from behind my arms, only to feel the color drain from my face.

"What is this?!"

There was no way I could have known at the time, but this even would trigger the greatest journey of my entire life…

Author's Note: The song lyrics I used in this introduction belong to a song called "Vicious Traditions", by The Veils. Its one of my favorite anti-war songs, and it seemed appropriate for the intro to this darker, less family-friendly version of the story of Yu-Gi-Oh.