A/N: Hey, readers. It's been a while since my last fanfic, eh? Well, for those who do not know what Alexandre Dumas' novel, The Count of Monte Cristo, is about, I'll tell you. In my opinion, it is arguably the greatest story that revolves around the theme of revenge. Basically, there's this young man named Edmond Dantès, who's been framed/betrayed by his so-called friends. Not long afterwards, he's been condemned to an infamous island prison... and eventually seeks revenge upon those who betrayed him. And since this is my take on the famous novel, I'll make some adjustments, with some other adaptations such as the anime, Gankutsuou, the 2002 film, and others for references/allusions.

And by the way, I own neither Alexandre Dumas' The Count of Monte Cristo nor any other adaptations such as Gonzo's Gankutsuou, the French miniseries, Le Comte de Monte Cristo, etc.

Chapter 1: Domino – Back at home

A mysterious figure (apparently a minister), accompanied by his 'apprentice' of approximately eighteen years, find themselves in Domino, Japan. These two men were seen interrogating a slew of Japanese locals. Much of the questions asked about the current whereabouts of certain individuals. The answers to many of these inquiries had, more or less, surprised the older of the two men, 'Sah Koh Nii.'

Evening came about. The religious persons reached their last destination for the day: the defunct Kame (Turtle) Game shop. When the two entered the small store, it was no surprise that most, if not all, of the Duel Monsters cards were stolen, considering that the shop was already broken into several years ago. Sah Koh Nii and Jack then continued up the stairs and into the living quarters

Amazingly (or not), the living room was left mostly intact; the only things missing were some game consoles, video games, and of course, the TV.

The last owner of this small abode, an elderly man by the name of Solomon Mutou, passed away about a year after the disappearance of his grandson, Yugi Mutou. The minister and his young companion ventured into the old man's bedroom. The old fogey's own quarters was the perhaps the only room left unscathed.

The priest took a long, hard look at the soiled furniture, which had probably doubled as Solmon's deathbed. Jack noticed that tears were streaming down from his friend's stern face; the young man stepped back outside to wait.

After for what seemed to be forever, the oriental minister returned to his 'apprentice.' The two subsequently went inside the abandoned room of the King of Games—it was utterly vandalized. The priest realized that a certain deck of cards was missing. However, it didn't faze the 'foreigner' at all. He did learn that sometime after the Duelist King was 'gone', Industrial Illusions had the deck preserved in an undisclosed facility.

Sah Koh Nii thought to himself:

I can't believe that it has been seven years...

This isn't the story of a special Pharaoh. Everybody has his or her own story... those stories that are filed with hope and light. As for me, my story... of revenge has just started... nearly half a year after the story of my friend, Atem, was completed...

(A/N: The above quote was a rough translation from Janime, but with some things changed around to fit with the tale of revenge here.)

March 2, 2005

For the past week, a prestigious DM tournament was held in America. Seto Kaiba was unable to attend the event, since his company was once again, avoiding a takeover attempt by a rival firm. Téa found herself a job at a local dance studio, Tristan... well, took this opportunity to go out with Serenity, since her brother was with me at the time-

"Yugi! Joey! Over here!" exclaimed a familiar, friendly voice.

In unison, the two best friends replied, "Hey, man. It's been a while." They said this as they walked towards the Black Crown owner.

"It sure has. And as your 'unofficial' agent, I've received several letters from various charity foundations that thank you, Yugi, for the money you donated to them."

Wheeler felt a tinge of overflowing emotions upon hearing this: guilt, jealousy, and regret. He still hasn't made enough money to pay off his abusive father's debt, yet he could ask his best pal for help... otherwise, he would contribute to charities as well.

Yugi knew this, but Joey wouldn't allow it; he wouldn't want any help to overcome any non-saving the world situations after all.. In addition to this, Joseph envied his young friend for his successes in life thus far. Oh how badly he wanted it all... and if only he weren't held back by his short friend.

"Oh, really?"

"Yes, as you're everyone's favorite duelist-- and of course you too, Joey!"

"Yeah, sure, whatever," said the underdog, "Hey, look, I'm gonna go get our bags. Mind if I bring yours too, Yuge?"

"Don't burden yourself, Joey. I may not be athletic, but I can hold my own bags."

"No, no... it's what best friends are for... helpin' each otha out, y'know?" said Wheeler as he left to retrieve their belongings.

Duke said, "I think it's because of his dad's gambling and alcohol problems... why he's still like this for the past few years."

"Yeah, I see what you mean."

"Joey may not exactly be the smartest guy around, but from what I've heard, both his and Tristan's grades are up in school... ever since you befriended those two, am I right?"

Duke continues, "So, why don't I treat you guys to dinner to celebrate your success?"

"Ah, I'd love to Duke, but I think I should pay a visit to my grandpa first. He must be worried sick for this past week. However, I would rather take up your offer later tonight."

"I understand, Yugi. I know that you care about your grandpa."

"Which I assume that he's still okay?"

"I hope so, as he lived shut himself from the rest of us."

A surprised Yugi replied, "Then, perhaps I might have to cheer him up when I return. I'll call you when I ensure that my grandpa is all right."

Wheeler then returns. "All right, I'm back. We good to go?"

Yugi and Joey then gather their belongings and get a ride in Duke's car. About an hour later, the vehicle makes a stop at the familiar Kame (Turtle) Game Shop.

"Oh, that reminds me," said Mutou, "I'll have to check up on Téa as well.

"You mean your lover?" joked Devlin.

"She isn't my lover, Duke; she's my girlfriend. One night, she revealed her feelings to me, and I reciprocated those same feelings-"

Duke chuckled, "Yugi, that must be like the millionth time you told us that. but sometimes they're the same thing."

"Well, I'm not a player like you, Duke."

They all laugh.

"My dear friend, don't let me delay your visits. Go see your grandfather and lover!" exclaimed Devlin as he dropped off the two.

Both Yugi and Joey laugh good-naturedly at this joke.

As the two walk towards the Game Shop's entrance door, Yugi notices something on the door.

As he picks it up, "Hey, what's this?"

"It says its for some guy named P. Crawford, Yuge."

"Oh, that. I'm supposed to mail this letter for someone, that's all. I'll be back in a few min, 'kay, Joey?"

"Sure thing, bud, I dink I'll just sit down on dis bench here!"

The King of Games then enters his home... while Joey ponders.

Hmm... should I?

Taking the letter from the door, Joey begins to read its contents out of curiosity.

"Whoa! This is big stuff here!"

And perhaps might be the thing that'll help me get rid of Yugi!

At first, I intended to begin this story when Yugi returns to Domino after his false incarceration. The reason? Alexandre Dumas originally planned to start his famous novel after Edmond Dantès does the same for Marseilles; the character's betrayal by his 'friends' and an ambitious judge, captivity, and miraculous escape would have been told in flashbacks. This concept, media res, has made me realize the usefulness of its potential; naturally, I used it here. However, the flashbacks won't be parceled out at various points in here. Instead, I'll have it up to a certain point or something. Constructive reviews are much appreciated, 'cause frankly, I don't want any 'praise-all/when are you gonna update/boo, this story sucks (esp. w/ out any explanations) type-reviews.