(Oh my God! I can't believe I forgot to update this for more than a year! I know, it's kinda too early/late for a Christmas story but I want to get this over with. Reason why I never updated this till now is because I had a hard time with the last chapter. There's not a lot humor until the very end actually.)

Things to Come:

"And so the second hand of Seto Kaiba's watch began to tick second by second…" Yami sat upon the tree branch, looking down at Kaiba from above. "As soon as the ghost of Christmas present disappeared, Kaiba is forced to wait upon the ghost of Christmas yet to come."

"All right Yami." Joey scowled, crossing his arms over his chest.

"That's Charles Dickens to you Wheeler," Yami pointed a shaky finger towards Joey. "And what do you want now? Can't you see I'm telling the story."

"Obviously, there is no point in telling that portion of the story. Can't we just to cut to the chase already Yam-kun!"

"For the last time, I'm Charles Dickens!"

"All right Mr. Dickens, prove it."

Sighing, Yami shook his head sadly, resting his hand on the tree bark. "You will be sorry for this." he muttered before continuing on. "Soon enough, when the hour hand of his watch struck two, you know who has finally shown."

And at that, Shadi, with his famous turban wrapped around his head, slowly appeared from the shadows and cautiously approached Kaiba.

"Hmph!" Joey scowled at Yami. "Why is it during the Christmas Season that you have to like you're high and almighty?"

(-)

"So…" Kaiba arched an eyebrow. "You must be the ghost of Christmas yet to come."

Shadi glared at him darkly, his earrings dangling from each side. "And you must be Seto Kaiba."

"Let's get this over with." Kaiba crossed his arms over his chest, staring at Shadi. "You're the last ghost that has to haunt me throughout the night."

Shaking his head, a small smile curled Shadi's lips. "So what Marik has told me was true. You obviously had not learned everything, even the meaning of Christmas. Very well, I guess we shall begin." Taking out his millennium key, the key began to glow.

"Do we really want to follow this nutcase?" Joey was in a near state of shock as he watched their surroundings change.

"If you want to know the ending to this story, I suggest we should."

Seconds passed by later as they arrived in the rainy streets of Domino. Snow mixed with water as people walked upon the sidewalks, to and fro.

"It's been a while since it rained on a Christmas Day at Domino." Kaiba looked upon the skies as raindrops continued dripping down.

"Unusual day for a Christmas Day huh?" Shadi looked upon the crowds of people walking about the streets underneath umbrellas in their hands. What Kaiba noticed was that every one of the citizens wore black, their umbrellas black as well.

"What's with everyone wearing black today?"

To this, Shadi smirked. "Oh the things you would never believe." All of a sudden, they both noticed a huge crowd gathering about a street corner. An ambulance parked across the street as paramedics carried a stretcher. A car was overturned while a portion of the road was covered in blood. Those who passed by watched in horror, murmuring of what had just taken place.

"Come on Kaiba," Shadi stood about ten feet behind him, gesturing him closer. "We should get moving. There's a lot more to know, after all."

Obediently, Kaiba followed Shadi until they reached a small, yet familiar neighborhood. "Hey wait a minute! Isn't this…"

Shadi nodded once, although still standing at a distance. With one hand, Kaiba peeked into the window.

(-)

Anzu was kneeling upon the floor, sobbing madly. The phone receiver dangled by its cord with the sounds of the dead ring tone echoing throughout the room. Taking the first thing she could reach from the shelf, a vase most likely, she hurled it onto the wall. In a fit of rage, she stood up and with her hands, she ripped out the entire shelf off of the wall, causing most of the things to collapse and crack around her. The living room was a complete mess with pieces and glass.

"What's going on?" Kaiba looked up at Shadi with a look of horror.

Shadi was cross as he answered Kaiba's curiosity. "Shut up and keep watching."

From down the street, Ryou slowly trekked up the sidewalk, his hair and body soaked from the rain. Hands shoved in his jacket pockets as he slowly made his way towards his home, slowly entering it with caution. A huge crash was heard from inside. And at some point, a music box was hurled outside the window, nearly knocking out Kaiba.

"Anzu-chan." Ryou softly called out, trying to dodge his wife's attacks.

"GET OUT!" Anzu screamed at the top of her lungs, hurling a picture frame towards him.

However, Ryou managed to dodge her attacks before he made his way towards her, trying to restrain her from more of her rage. Kneeling behind her, he held her close to her, trying to calm her down. Before long, Anzu's fit of rage managed to disappear as her anger turned into silent sobs.

"How is he?" Anzu said in a shaken voice. "Is he alive?"

To this, Ryou shook his head slowly. "He lost too much blood. Doctors couldn't revive him in time."

And at that, a huge cry escaped from Anzu. Kneeling onto the floor, her fist pounded onto the floor as hard as she could. "I swear to god Ryou, whoever did this to him is going to pay! Mark my words…I swear…"

"Anzu-chan." Ryou rested his head upon hers, staring off into space. "There's something else you should know."

"Whatever it is," Anzu sneered. "I don't give a rat's…"

Placing a finger upon her lips, Ryou stared out into space. "The one that killed him had found out what he had done. Immediately after the accident, he hung himself in the alley."

(-)

"What in the world could have happened?" Kaiba stepped back from the window, stunned. "Was Yugi part of a car accident?"

"I guess you can say that." Shadi muttered, reading The Domino Times, adjusting his reading glasses.

Arching an eyebrow, Kaiba made his way towards Shadi, glaring at him. "What the hell are you reading?"

Glancing up at Kaiba, Shadi casually handed Kaiba the paper he was reading. Swiping it from Shadi, Kaiba's eyes widened as he read the headlines in big bold letters:

Kaiba Corp. President Hangs Himself After Hitting Child

"You're kidding." Kaiba dropped the papers that he held, each of them fluttering one by one before he looked back up at Shadi. "This is all a trick!"

"No trick Kaiba. Now if you'll excuse me, this dream is over in five seconds. I have an appointment with the ghost of Christmas past." Grinning, he snapped his fingers before he, and the world around him disappeared.

(-)

All of a sudden, Kaiba sat up on his bed looking around, his head throbbing in pain. "God…is this all a dream?" His hands slightly wrapped around his neck, feeling no rope marks. "I'm alive. I'm okay." Glancing outside his window, he noticed the snow falling. "Is it too late? Has Christmas passed already?" Sitting up, he made his way towards the window, opening it, only to notice a little girl with blonde hair and glasses trekking up the snowy sidewalks. "Hey you!"

The little girl stopped in her tracks, looking up at Kaiba with a cross look. "The name's Rebecca you punk."

"Whatever," said Kaiba. "What's today?"

"Say what?" Rebecca arched an eyebrow.

"What's today little girl?" Kaiba returned the favor of giving her a cross look.

"Are you mad? It's Christmas, hello?" Rebecca smacked her head before she slowly passed by the building.

I knew it. Kaiba smirked. It's not too late after all. "Hey Rebecca," he hollered. "Wait a minute."

Stopping from where she walked, she looked up at Kaiba. "Now what do you want?"

"I want you to do me a favor." he reached in his pockets.

"Like what?"

"Go to the store and get two of those huge turkeys that were hanging in the window. I don't think it's been sold."

"What's in it for me?" Rebecca gave Kaiba a suspicious look.

"I'll give you a big tip. In fact," he tossed a small bag out of his window and into the snow. "I'll give you half of what I owe you and you can come back tonight."

Scooping the bag off of the ground, Rebecca opened the pouch revealing at least five 50 dollar bills. "Holy cripes, you're not serious! You're not playing with me are you?" she looked up at Kaiba.

"Come back here at 6:00 tonight." Kaiba smiled. "You'll get the rest of your payment later kid." he then slammed his window shut, hearing Rebecca jumping for joy through the glass.

"Wait a minute Yami," Joey watched Rebecca laughing and skipping for nearly a block. "You know the whole story. What's Kaiba planning tonight?"

"I'm not sure myself," Yami had a confused look implanted on his face. "The ending to this story is that he has some Christmas joy inside of him and decided to give to others."

"What about this whole 6:00 tonight thing Dickens?" Joey crossed his arms over his chest. "Surely Kaiba must be planning something."

"To tell the truth, I don't remember reading into that ending. I do know that Kaiba went and brought some presents for some people, including Ryou and his family."

(-)

"Good God," Kaiba paced around his room wearing bunny slippers and a Blue Eyes White Dragon robe. "I feel so different. I guess that dream has changed something about me." Opening his bedroom doors, he was slightly startled as he saw his business partners and Mokuba standing right outside the door as they too were startled.

"Mr. Kaiba…"said one of them in a shaky voice.

"We just wanted to wish you a Merry Christmas." Mokuba lowered his eyes to the floor. His arm reached out, handing his brother a box wrapped in red shiny paper.

Taken back, Kaiba eyed the present. Reaching out to take it, he placed it on the floor before kneeling down before him, placing a hand on his shoulder. All of a sudden, out of the blue, his arms wrapped around his little brother, pulling him close.

Startled at this, Mokuba looked down at his elder brother. "Seto?"

"Uh…" the two men took a step back. "Should we leave you two alone?"

"Not quite yet." Seto glanced up at the two. He then released his hold on Mokuba. "Happy Christmas to you. I want you to come with me."

"To where?"

"We're gonna do some last minute shopping." he grinned.

"Yeah but all of the stores are closed today Seto." Mokuba gave him a strange look.

"Oh really?" Seto arched an eyebrow, still grinning. Taking out his cel phone, he punched in a few numbers. "Hello…Mandy, it's Seto. Yeah, I know it's Christmas. Merry Christmas to you too. Listen, I want you to do me a favor. No, this will take only a few hours. I want you to open Domino Mall for a couple of hours. Yes I know I'm nuts but I have things in mind for tonight. No, nobody has to come in for work…Uh-huh…don't worry, I will leave them the money. Yes…I'll make sure one of my henchmen will keep an eye on things. Yes…okay, you can come along. Great…" he then hung up his phone.

"Did you just did what I think you've done?" Mokuba stared at him wide-eyed.

"If you think that's what I did, then it's what I did." Seto smiled before glancing up at one of his henchmen. "Rowland, tell Jack to whip up something for at least 50 people tonight. I want you to place a few calls…take this down…"

Rowland reached inside his coat, taking out a notepad and a pen.

Kaiba continued on. "Call up the Playboy Girls, Linkin' Park, Jimmy Eat World, Three Doors Down, Dartz and Noah. I'm sure those two bands are playing at the nearby children's hospital tonight and Three Doors Down are free tonight. Have them come here tonight by 5:30."

"Are you serious?" Rowland could not believe what was going on yet could not help but hide the smile.

"Trust me, they're personal comrades with Mokuba." he ruffled his hand on Mokuba's hand, causing his younger brother to smile. "They'll do anything."

"I'll get right to it sir." Rowland bowed a bit before going down the halls.

"What do I do now Mr. Kaiba?" the 2nd henchman tilted his head to the side curiously.

"You," Kaiba pointed to him. "Madison, you're coming with me and Mokuba. You are going to help as much as Rowland does."

"Yes sir."

After getting dressed, the three piled into Kaiba's car and down the streets they raced. Since it was Christmas, there was not much to worry about getting into an accident.

"Take this down Madison." Kaiba steered gently at the roads. "You're making the guest list. Security's gonna be a little jiffy tonight."

"Oh is it?" Madison grinned, wondering what Kaiba's plan is.

"Oh definitely. We're inviting some high class people tonight. We don't want any chaos to happen. First off, take down the names of the people I have mentioned to Rowland earlier."

"Ah…let's see, those three bands," Madison scribbled. "The playboy girls…Noah…Dartz and his henchmen…" he chuckled at this.

"Good. You got it so far. Next, put down Rebecca Hawkins."

"Professor Hawkins' grandkid?" Mokuba and Madison looked at him wide-eyed.

"Of course. She's doing me a little favor. And of course, there's Rishid, get his butt on the list, pronto!"

"Yes sir." Madison scribbled on the paper. "Anyone else?"

Parking the car beside the mall's entrance, Kaiba counted his fingers. "Let's see, we got Mandy, Mai Valentine…"

"Mai Valentine." Madison scribbled. "Are you sure?"

"Hey," Kaiba smirked. "There's nothing wrong with a little gambling on a holiday now is there?"

"No sir, there ain't." Madison leaned against the chair.

"Get Hugh Hefner as well. I'm sure he has nothing better to do on a holiday so he might as well go with his girls. And these last two, I want you to put a star next to them. I do not want you guys to call them."

"Is that so?" Mokuba glanced at the guest list Madison was putting together.

"I'll make those two calls personally." Kaiba replied. "The last two I want you to put down is Serenity Wheeler…"

"Serenity?" Mokuba stared at him wide-eyed. "But you guys broke up about two years ago. She probably has another boyfriend right about now."

"Perhaps," Kaiba smirked. "But remember Mokuba, Noah and I have a bit of a special connection and he's kept me updated."

"What does that supposed to mean?"

Not answering his questions, Kaiba glanced at Madison. "Did you get that down?"

"Yes Mr. Kaiba." Madison tapped his pen on the pad. Who is the second one?"

"Mr. Ryou Bakura and his family." Kaiba smirked a bit.

"So that's it!" Mokuba was taken back. "You're throwing this party for them. I thought you detested Ryou, Seto."

"So, maybe I have a change of heart after all. Plus, his kid is not as normal as you and me." They slipped out of the car. "Madison, guard the mall's entrance with Mandy. We'll come back in a few hours.

(-)

"What is it Yami?" Joey shook his friend. They have been hanging out across the street of Kaiba Corp on the bench. "You claim to be the all high and mighty Charles Dickens. What the hell is Kaiba planning tonight?"

Yami watched from across the street, noticing one of the Kaiba Corp people putting up Christmas Lights. Two security guards stood at the entry of the gate, playing a bit of Poker with their cards. "I think I have an idea."

"What?" Joey glanced at Yami. "What is it?"

"He looks like he's throwing a party. I mean, you don't see Christmas lights at the Kaiba household everyday now do you."

"Holy cripes, he's throwing a party all right!" Joey stared wide-eyed. "Well, I guess you know what that means, we're invited!"

(-)

5:30 rolled by quicker than expected. Kaiba was already back from the mall with his brother. It took at least two shopping carts to roll in the high piled gifts in the house.

"Where do we put these Mr. Kaiba?" asked Madison.

"The cart with the random gifts go in the corner living room. Leave the cart of personal gifts with me."

Giving a push on one of the carts, Madison lightly pushed it towards his boss before pushing the cart towards the living room.

"Seto," Mokuba looked about happily. "I can't believe you're doing this. I mean…why now?"

"Well," Kaiba smiled. "Perhaps you can say I need a break from the work I've been doing."

Soon enough, the bands that Kaiba ordered, Jimmy Eat World, Linkin Park, and Three Doors Down came in. "Where do we set up?" said one band member from Linkin Park, carrying a bass drum.

Pointing to the back of the living room. "There's a stage where you can set up."

"Hey Mokuba," one of the band members from Three Doors Down ruffled Mokuba's hair. "Long time no see. How you've been?"

"Same old, same old." he grinned back.

(-)

At about 6:00, guests began arriving. The girls from Playboy along with Hugh Hefner, Rishid, Rebecca, Noah, Dartz, and Kaiba's friend Mandy all arrived, checking in with security. Mai soon came along with a luggage in her hand, winking at the security guards.

"We gotta get to that party." Joey with such amazement, especially the girls from Playboy.

"Er…Joey…" Yami looked up at his friend.

But Joey pulled Yami by the arm and across the street towards Kaiba's home.

"Names please." asked the security guard.

"I'm Joey Wheeler," Joey grinned before yanking Yami by the arm. "And this is my good friend Yam-kun! Call him Charles Dickens if you want."

"Watch your mouth Wheeler." Yami glared at Joey.

"Hmm…" the guard's eyes scanned the list. "I'm sorry, there's no Joey Wheeler, nor a Charles Dickens on the list."

"Say what?" Joey's mouth dropped open in shock. "That can't be right!"

"Apparently, you have not been invited to the party." the guard smirked.

All of a sudden, a young, slim brunette got out of the car, allowing Rowland to take her car. Wearing what appeared to be a black satin gown and a black jacket, she made her way towards the guards.

"Serenity Wheeler." she simply told the guards.

"Right," said the guard, smiling as he checked her off of the list. "You're on the list, child. Go right in."

"Serenity, wait!" Joey called out.

Stopping in her tracks, she looked up at Joey. "Oh hey Joey, how have you been?"

"Serenity, you gotta help us!" Joey looked at his younger sister with pleading eyes. "We aren't able to get in."

Frowning, she tilted her head to the side. "I'm so sorry to hear that Jou-kun. Maybe Kaiba doesn't like you after all. I don't know, it's been a while." She then turned to make her way towards the path that led to the house.

"Serenity!" Joey fought against the guards but they held them back. Soon enough, the guards kicked both him and Yami out.

"And stay out!"

Groaning, Joey rubbed his hand on his forehead. "I can't believe it. We got kicked out of a party. And especially at the fact that you're Charles Dickens, Yam-kun!"

"Well," Yami felt a bump on the back of his head. "Maybe there's next year."

(-)

At around 6:30, Anzu, Ryou, and Yugi arrived at the gate.

"I can't understand why your boss would invite us to his house." Anzu shook her head. "I mean, if it's to humiliate us in front of our own family, then I swear, he's going to get the biggest butt kicking he would never forget."

"He sounded serious when he called." Ryou had a confused look on his face as he pushed Yugi. Smoke came out of his breath as he breathed in the night air. "I'm not sure what he wants. It's Christmas for goodness sake. Can't he just go one day without talking anything related to business or public relations?"

"Names?" the guard asked them, having a notepad on hand.

"Oh?" Slightly startled, Ryou had a nervous smile. "Ryou Bakura sir? And my family of course."

Scribbling something down on his pad, he then opened the gate. "Come in. Mr. Kaiba has been expecting you guys."

The three walked upon the stony path that led to the foot of Kaiba's house. Kaiba stood there, glancing at the three. "You're late."

"Sir," Ryou stared at Kaiba wide-eyed. "You gave me and the rest of the men a day off. I mean…it's Christmas Day…you promised…"

"Save the pep talk Ryou." Kaiba sneered. "I don't want to hear any more of it."

"You sir," Anzu stepped forward. "Ought to be ashamed of yourself.! You can't talk that way to my husband! He's been busting his butt for eight years working in your stupid business and you still treat him like dirt! At least show him some respect!"

"I've shown everyone in my business some respect." Kaiba eyed Anzu, the same demeaning look. "You should show your superior some respect if you know what's good for you."

"I know what's good for me you fruit basket!" Anzu snapped. "And I don't bow down to ignorant people such as yourself!"

Eyeing Ryou and Yugi, he gestured them forward. "You three should follow me." he then turned around slowly unlocking the door. "We can all work this out inside. It's a bit too chilly to argue. Of course, it shouldn't be so bad for little Miss Ice Princess over here." he smirked at Anzu.

"Who are you calling Ice Princess?" Anzu glared at Kaiba but the three followed him, noticing that his home was a little too dark. As soon as Kaiba closed the door, the lights went on as people began cheering.

"What is this?" Anzu stared wide-eyed at the people, the surroundings.

Having a cart from behind, Kaiba took out three gifts. A blue one for Ryou, a green and red striped box for Anzu, and, taking out a rectangular purple box, he reached out and gave it to Yugi. "You Yugi, would need this a lot more."

"What is it?" Yugi ripped open the box, his eyes lighted up. "Oh Gods…a new Duel Disk…I've been wanting one ever since my other one broke a few years back."

"But what's going on?" Anzu and Ryou eyed Kaiba.

"Well," Kaiba smiled softly, patting Ryou on his shoulder. "I decided to give you a raise. Maybe in a year or so, I'll consider promoting you. The raise isn't personal," he then glanced at Yugi.

"You mean…my son…" Ryou tried to form a sentence together.

Nodding slowly, Kaiba smiled. "I think you got the idea. Now enjoy yourselves. Yugi, I think Mokuba wants that rematch you always wanted."

Grinning, Yugi wheeled himself away from his parents and weaved away through the crowd. Linkin Park began to perform a number or two while a table had been set up for various card games involving poker chips provided by Mai.

Noticing Serenity looking out the window. Swallowing his own spit, Kaiba made his way towards her, placing his hand on her shoulder. Slowly, Serenity looked up at him a bit startled. "Seto…it's been a while."

Nodding, he then took a step back. "Come with me Serenity, there's something I want to talk to you privately about."

Agreeing to follow him, Serenity followed behind as Seto led her up the stairs. About a minute or so later, the two climbed up to the roof, being about 50 feet from the ground. The moon was full indeed. Kaiba brushed away the snow that covered a part of the roof.

"It's been a while." said Serenity, gazing at the view below her.

"Indeed it has." Kaiba nodded. "How have you been?"

"I've been okay." she replied. "A bit stressed out over the year but I've been okay." she looked up at him. "I'm surprised you've done this. And I saw what you've done for Ryou. I never thought you would pull this off. That was so sweet."

Kaiba's eyes fell onto the snow, his eyes wavering for a moment before he spoke. "Throughout the year, do you still hate me for what I've done? Especially at what I've put you through?"

This made Serenity stop to think. Her face flushed a crimson red, unable to look up at him. "That's…that's what I've been wanting to ask you as well."

Arching an eyebrow, Kaiba glanced at her. "Is that so? Do you though?"

To this, Serenity shook her head slowly. "Ever since that day, I tried to think about my actions and for some reason, I couldn't get rid of my feelings for you. I tried to distract myself by helping with Noah's toy business or even tried dating Dartz but I couldn't get over it!"

"So tell me," Kaiba smiled at her, although his back was turned towards her. "What do you feel?"

All was silent for quite some time. Finally, Serenity parted her lips to answer. "When you called and coming here tonight…I thought I got a second chance."

Reaching out to her hand gently, Kaiba turned towards her, slowly kneeling before her. With his other hand, he reached inside his jacket, slipping something onto her finger. "Miss Wheeler, I'll be more than happy to cure that gnawing feeling." He then kissed the back of her hand softly. "Would you like to be my wife."

Serenity's eyes lighted up, unable to believe what Kaiba had asked. Finally, she wrapped her arms around him, smiling.

Meanwhile, Joey and Yami were watching from the bottom. Joey's eyes widened with horror as he had witnessed the whole thing.

"NO!" Joey screamed like a wolf. "I object to this proposal. And if you guys ever get a wedding, I'm going to object that too!" he then glared at Yami. "Oh Yami, how could you have let this happen?"

"I didn't even know the ending was going to turn out like this." Yami was shocked as much as Joey was.

"You know what," Joey placed his hand on his forehead. "I'm not reading any more of your stories."

(-)

The End.