AN: This is the result of me talking to Michael on the way home from work yesterday.

Will, this is just sort of the start of it. I was going to make it a one shot, but I opted to go ahead an post this.

Yes, it's another version of the Charles Dickens Christmas Carol. But I promise this one will be a touch unique! (you read the summary ;) )

I hope you enjoy! I'm going to work on chapter 14 of Hikari to Yami no Enishi now. :3

It was a cold, icy day outside of the Kaiba Corp building in Domino City. Still, a large crowd was gathered to hear the CEO's public announcement of a yule-tide Duel Monsters Tournament. Jounouchi shivered, hugging his old coat closer to him as cold air cut sharply across his features. His friends stood around him, Anzu chastising him for not dressing warmly enough, missing the fact that he was dressed in his warmest clothes. Yugi stood on his toes, trying to get a good view of the stage while Honda leaned against the cold blond in hopes of helping him stay warm while not seeming too obvious.

Of all his friends, Honda was the only one who truly understood the teen's financial troubles. After all, Jounouchi had a reputation to maintain.

As Seto went over the rules of the tournament, Jounouchi couldn't help but let his thoughts wander. It was nearly Christmas and Shizuka was off with their mother visiting relatives, which left the blond to contend with his father alone. He didn't anticipate any presents save perhaps some more Duel Monsters cards from his friends. Maybe a scarf from Anzu the way she got on him about not dressing warmly.

Ever since his parents had divorced, Christmas had been bitter-sweet for Jounouchi. Sure, he loved the idea of what the season promised, but the reality was disheartening. 'Mean while people like Kaiba have money to throw around on tournaments and fancy presents for his brother. Tight ass probably doesn't know what it's like to live like I do. What I wouldn't give to trade places with him. Would serve him right...'

"Now, all duelists will form a line to the left of the stage to receive your locater cards," Seto announced. The rules for the tournament were similar to those of Battle City except the finals would be held in a different, more local location.

"Why don't you guys go warm up," Yugi suggested. "Jounouchi and I will get in line and catch up with you later."

"Sure thing, Yugi," Honda nodded, eager to get out of the cold. As he and Anzu left, Yugi and Jounouchi queued up and began looking for familiar faces.

"Che, Haga and Ryuzaki are here," the blond tsked.

"I saw Mai earlier. I think she was with Valon," Yugi said.

"Figures," Jounouchi grumbled.

"Huh, I don't remember sending you an invitation, mutt."

The blond growled, shooting Seto a glare as the CEO came to a stop beside him. "I was a finalist in Battle City. And I would have won against Marik if-"

"Details details," Seto smirked. "I suppose I'll let you in since you somehow managed to survive in Battle City." The CEO continued walking, wanting to get a look at the other competitors, though it was only Yugi that mattered to him in his mind. 'Without the spirit of the Pharaoh to duel for him, I wonder if he stands a chance against me?' the brunette mused, visions of glory dancing in his head.

"Damn you, Kaiba," Jounouchi growled, turning to chase after Seto. "I'm fed up with you treatin' me like a dog! Would it kill you to be nice to me just on-ah...woah!" the blond's foot slipped on a small patch of ice, his hands reaching out to catch himself on anything available. He just missed grabbing a hand rail of a nearby set of stone steps, though he did manage to brake his fall when his face slammed against it. His mind reeled as he dropped to the ground, hitting his head again with a groan. As the world faded to darkness around him, he heard Yugi calling out to him and Seto barking at people to stay back.

AN: Well, it's a start. Man, I'm going to have to go on a writing frenzy, huh?

Oh noes! Jounouchi hit his head and fell down! *gasp!* I wonder what will happen next!

Oh wait, I know what happens next :D Guess you guys will have to wait until I write some more! :3