#ygosummer

1. Beach: A character or characters enjoying the beach! Or not enjoying. Maybe Yuma had a crab crawl up his swimtrunks. Who knows?  ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

2. Fireworks: I don’t know about other countries, but fireworks are huge in the summer in the US. Gotta have that Fourth of July blast. So have some ygos watching fireworks or something! Or accidentally shooting one into a window. Oops.

3. Camping: What’s summer without mosquitoes, tent-pitching fails, and running from bears, amiright?

4. Party: There are plenty of holidays and birthdays in the summer, so the ygos should celebrate! Or just get together to crack open a cold one with the boys.

5. Amusement park: One of my best summer memories is going to Disney World! I’m sure the characters would love a good ol’ amusement park! .... Or a Death T reboot ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

6. Cookout: It’s time to grill up some meat (or veggies yknow)! Let’s see who has the best outdoor cooking skills--or watching Jack Atlas try to boil ramen over a bonfire.

7. Stargazing: Night is a perfect time when the heat finally dies down to a bearable temperature (usually). What a better way to celebrate than watching the stars? Or staring at Kaiba’s stupid space elevator as it blocks the view.

8. Cruise: Who doesn’t like cruise? Those who get motion-sickness easily. ;)

9. Sunburn: Ah, one of the biggest caveats of summer. Gotta remember that sunscreen!

10. Hotel room: Is it Pegasus in a penthouse suite? Or did someone end up in a roach-motel? Find out next time, on Yu-Gi-Oh!

11. Sleepover: Slumber party!! Who’s there, and are they playing spin the bottle? Sexy pillow fights? Or did somebody fall asleep on the coffeetable?

12. Long distance adventure: Send a character or characters on a getaway to somewhere far away and exciting! Maybe Tea is in New York checking out dance schools, or Jaden is revisting Venice (when it isn’t burning). 

13. Pool: Time for someone to get dunked.

“WE’RE FINALLY HERE!” Joey and Tristan yelled as they jumped out of the limo and raced down to the water. Yugi, Atem, Tea, Bakura, Duke, and Serenity got out and chuckled as they saw the two teens jump into the water.

“They didn’t even grab their towels,” Tea said and she picked them up.  Everyone started walking towards the beach to find a place to set down their stuff.

Yugi and Atem stayed behind for a moment.  “Thanks for taking us here Mokuba,” Yugi said.

“Don’t mention it. But don’t forget, Seto will be waiting for his duel with you,” Mokuba said turning towards Atem, who chuckled in response.  Yugi grabbed Atem’s hand and the two ran over to join their friends.

Everyone set up their towels, chairs, umbrellas and anything else they brought.  Everyone applied their sunscreen and gathered around each other.

“So, what should we do first?” Serenity asked.

“Does anyone want to catch up to Joey and Tristan?” Duke asked as he pointed towards the teens out in the ocean.

“I’m sure they’ll be back here eventually,” Bakura said.

“Until then,” Serenity said taking out a beach ball.  “How about we see how long we can keep the ball off the ground.”

“You guys can do that, I have something I need to do,” Yugi said.

“Partner?  What’s going on?” Atem asked.

“You’ll see soon enough,” Yugi said winking before he went over near the edge of the water. Serenity hit the ball and everyone started playing.  After a while, everyone was getting hungry and thirsty.  Their longest chain was 30, broken by Duke who was taking notice how Serenity looked with the sun’s rays hit her.

Tea grabbed water and sandwiches from the cooler and everyone sat down on their towels. “Where’s Yugi?” Bakura asked.

“He’s right behind you,” Tea said.  Everyone turned around and saw Yugi, smiling down at everyone.

“Hey Yugi, where’ve you been?” Duke asked.

“Making something special. Want to come and see?” Yugi asked.

“Of course,” everyone said. Yugi walked them over to where he was before.  Everyone looked down and were surprised with what they saw, especially Atem.

“Partner, is that…?”

Yugi smiled.  “It is your palace my pharaoh!” he said as he pretended to bow to Atem.  “It didn’t take me that long to make.”

“Wow Partner, I love it!” Atem said looking at the small sand replica.

“Thank you,” Yugi replied. Everyone chuckled along when suddenly they heard a scream, well, two screams actually.

“SHARK! SHARK!” Everyone turned around and saw Joey and Tristan running up to them.  “Guys, Tristan and I saw a shark in the water!”

“We’re not kidding!” Tristan added.  Everyone looked out at the ocean, but couldn’t see anything.  Tea then looked around the beach and spotted something.

“Uh guys, is that your shark?”  Tristan and Joey looked over to where Tea was pointing and saw a little boy with his mother.  They boy was wearing a shark fin on his back.

Joey and Tristan turned towards the others with embarrassed faces.  “Heh, I guess that’s the one,” Joey finally said before looking down. “Hey, nice palace,” he said trying to change the subject.  Atem smirked.

“How about we all spend time in the water?” Serenity said.  She tagged Joey.  “You’re it!” she called as she ran into the water.

“Hey!” Joey said smiling as he ran in behind her.  Everyone else scattered around trying to avoid Joey, everyone except Atem.

“I think I’ll sit this game out.  I have a palace to guard,” he said as he sat down on the shore with small waves crashing on the land.

“Suit yourself,” Joey said as he swam out to catch up to the others.  Before the gang knew it, it was getting late, and everyone was starting to get tired.  Everyone packed up and headed to the road to wait for Mokuba and the limo.

“Is Atem’s palace still out there?” Bakura asked.  Yugi and Atem turned towards the shore and sure enough, there it was.

“Yep, and I’ll make sure it stays there,” Atem said.  “Not only is it special because it’s my palace, it’s also special because of who made it.”  Yugi blushed a little and smiled.

“Well, I had a great time. We’ll have to do this again,” Tea said.

“Yeah, just be sure to watch out for sharks,” Duke joked.

“Ha ha,” Joey and Tristan both said.  Soon Mokuba came by with the limousine.  As everyone piled in, Mokuba stopped Atem.

“Don’t forget your deal with my brother.”

Atem smiled.  “I haven’t.”  And with that, the limo drove off into the sunset.

Yugi, Atem, Joey, Tristan, Tea, Bakura, Duke, and Serenity arrived at the camping grounds just as the sun was starting to set on the horizon.

“Whose up for smores?” Joey asked.

“Already?  We haven’t even put up the tents yet,” Tea said.

“Oh yeah…” Joey said with a little bit of embarrassment.  “I’ll go get them.”  Once he did, everyone else had already gathered their bags and were beginning to unpack. After a moment, Joey came back with a question.  “How is this going to work?  There’s only three tents and eight of us?”

“Easy.  One tent will hold two people and the other two will hold three,” Tea explained.  Tristan quickly looked towards Serenity and made his move.

“Serenity, will you share a tent with me?” Tristan asked, with Duke asking at the same time.  “Hey!  I was here first!” Tristan said.

“No you weren’t!  I asked Serenity first!” Duke argued back.

The two argued back and forth until Serenity called for them to stop.  “Why don’t both of you share a tent with me?  We can take one of the three person tents.”  Both teens looked at Serenity, who was smiling back at them. Both Tristan and Duke wanted to share a tent with Serenity only, but even if they had to share a tent with each other, they at least could be with Serenity for the night.

“Anything for you Serenity,” the two said simultaneously.  As they were making arrangements, Yugi and Atem approached Bakura.

“Do you want to join our tent?” Yugi asked.

“Really?”

“Of course, we’d love to have you join us Bakura,” Atem added.

“Wow, I don’t know what to say.  Thank you,” Bakura said with a smile.

Tea and Joey looked at each other.  “Guess that means we have the two-person tent,” Tea said.  Joey looked over at Serenity, and wasn’t thrilled about Duke and Tristan sharing the tent with her.

“Joey?”  Joey was snapped out of his thoughts when he heard Tea’s voice.

“Huh?  Oh right, the tent.”  Once everyone decided which tent they would be sleeping in, they got the tents pitched up and everyone put their sleeping bags inside.  By that time, the sun was almost gone.

“Did you guys bring any firewood?” Duke asked.

“I did.  Grandpa gave them to me,” Yugi said as he took out huge logs for firewood, with Atem’s help of course.  The two placed the logs near a fire pit.  Joey lit up some kindle and a small fire started.  Everyone threw logs into the pit and the fire started to get stronger.

“Don’t forget the food,” Bakura said bringing out hot dogs and marshmallows.  Everyone grabbed a stick and started roasting their food.

“Hey, does anyone have a scary story to tell?” Tristan said.

“I have one,” Yugi said. Everyone turned towards Yugi as he started his story.

“Once upon a time, there was a duelist, and he was challenged to a card game by another duelist.  The game went on for hours, and the duelist was about to win with only three turns left.  But then his opponent activated Swords of Revealing Light!  Which prevented him from attacking for three turns!”

Everyone stared at Yugi for a minute.  Then, Atem started laughing, followed by everyone else.  “Nice story Yug,” Joey said.

“Thanks… uh Joey…”

“What?”  Yugi looked down, and Joey did the same thing.  “Aw man!” he said as he saw his burnt marshmallow.

“Sorry about that Joey, want another one?” Atem asked.

“Nah, I think I’ll go for a hot dog instead,” Joey said.  Atem handed him a hot dog and he started cooking.  Once everyone ate, it was getting late.  The group said goodnight, split up into their tents, and got into their sleeping bags.

In the first tent, Tristan and Duke were trying to arrange their sleeping bags so they would be sleeping next to Serenity when she returned to the tent.  Joey’s head was poking out of his and Tea’s tent.

“Hey Tea, mind if I make an adjustment?” he asked.

“So Atem, what’s it like being in your own body?” Bakura asked.

“It’s nice.  I get to be with my friends all the time, and no feelings of being trapped.”

Bakura looked down where the Millennium Ring used to be.  “I wonder how he felt, being trapped in the ring.”

Yugi placed a hand on Bakura’s shoulder.  “He didn’t like being trapped either, but he only wanted to get out to spread darkness and nothing more.”

“You’re right, but still… I wonder about him sometimes.”

Yugi chuckled.  “You’re too nice Bakura.  You remind me of myself.”  Bakura blushed a little.  “I’m glad we’ve been hanging out more often.”

“Me too.  It’s nice being able to hang out with you without having to watch out for evil,” Atem said.

Bakura started getting teary eyed.  “Guys…” Then, Bakura let out a yawn.  “I should be getting to bed.”

“We all should,” Atem said as they got into their sleeping bags.  “Good night Partner, Bakura.”

“Good night Atem.”

The next morning, the sunrise caused everyone to wake up.  Duke and Tristan woke up and looked over at the other sleeping bag.  “Good morning Serenity!” they both said.  The sleeping bag rustled and blonde hair came out, connected to the man in the sleeping bag.

“Well well, good morning you two,” Joey said.

“JOEY!?!?” the both yelled. Just outside their tent, Tea and Serenity poked their heads out.

“Will they be okay?” Serenity asked.

“I’m sure the will,” Tea said.  In the third tent, Yugi, Atem, and Bakura woke up, and saw Joey being chased by Duke and Tristan.

“Guys, what did we miss?” Yugi asked.

“Nothing too much,” Tea said.  The three decided to stay in the tent until everything cleared up.  “Mind if we join you?” Tea asked with Serenity.

“Here looks like a good place to watch the fireworks,” Joey said as the group was looking at the possible locations.

“It’s in front of a gas station, we could get snacks while we wait and during the show,” Tea added.

“I’m worried though, it’s sprinkling outside.  I hope the show won’t get cancelled,” Tristan said.

“I wouldn’t worry about it. The show would only cancel if it was raining pretty hard,” Joey said.

“Well, if we want to catch the show, we better get going,” Yugi said as everyone left the game shop. As the kept walking, Atem was getting excited.  This would be his first fireworks show since getting his own body, and from what Yugi had told him, he was beyond excited.

“Guys, I think the rain is starting to pick up,” Tristan said.

“Don’t worry, were almost there,” Joey said.  And soon enough, within a few more minutes they had reached the area.

“Well, now that we’re here, now we just need to find a place to watch the show,” Joey said.

“Hey, there’s a place right there,” Yugi said pointing to an empty space.

“Wow, we got lucky,” Tea said.  Everyone gathered their blankets and sat down.  The grass was a little wet because of the rain, but nobody minded.  Tea went into the gas station and bought soda for everyone.

“Hey, check it out!” Yugi said.  Everyone turned towards where Yugi was pointing and saw some small fireworks. Atem looked at them in amazement.

“Wow, they look amazing!” he said.

“Just wait until the main show starts,” Yugi said giving him a wink.  Atem smiled in response and pulled Yugi a little closer.

The sky was cloudy, but everyone thought it looked cool, and the moon was shining behind the clouds, making a cool light in the sky.  The clouds were also lighting up from the small fireworks that went off everyone once in a while.  More and more people were starting to show up and everyone was getting situated.

Suddenly, some loud bangs were heard.  Atem flinched as more fireworks lit up the sky, some were closer to the area.

“You okay Atem?” Yugi asked.

“Do all fireworks make that banging sound?”

“Yeah, they are caused by small explosions,” Tea explained overhearing Atem’s question.

“You nervous or something?” Joey asked.

“Don’t worry.  I’ll be fine, just takes some getting used to,” Atem replied.

Yugi smiled and placed his hand on Atem’s.  “It’ll be fine.”  Yugi’s smile reassured Atem as they waited for the show to start.

After chatting for about 15 minutes, a series of loud bangs got everyone’s attention.  “Hey guys, I think it’s starting!” Tristan said.  And sure enough, fireworks began going off.

There were fireworks of all different kinds.  There were fireworks that exploded in beautiful colors, fireworks that had more than one color.  There were some fireworks that made flashing lights, and others that made very bright lights.  Some fireworks exploded, and those flares made little light shows.  For some fireworks, as the flares drifted towards the ground, they left trails of color.

Atem was amazed at all the fireworks.  After about 20 minutes, there were many fireworks going off at the same time, signaling the finale.  Once those fireworks exploded, everyone clapped their hands.  Some people waved little American flags while others waved glow sticks.

The group got up and packed up their blankets.  “So, what did you guys think?” Yugi asked.

“That was amazing!” Tea said.  Joey and Tristan agreed.

Yugi then turned to Atem. “How was your first fireworks show?”

“I… I don’t know what to say other than… That was one of the best things I’ve ever seen!” Atem said with a huge smile on his face.  “So this happens on this day once a year?”

“Yep, this is the day America became an independent country, and the people here celebrate with fireworks,” Tea explained.

“Wow, what a great tradition,” Atem said.  “We’ll have to visit here again next year.”  Everyone chuckled as they headed back to their homes, still excited over the fireworks show.

“I bet we’ll be able to see people shooting off their own fireworks,” Yugi said.

“Possibly, or maybe another display will be happening as we head back,” Joey said.  “I’ll be the first one to find more fireworks to watch!” he added as he ran off.

“Hey no fair!  Wait for me!” Tristan said running behind him. Yugi, Atem, and Tea laughed as they tried to catch up to their friends.

Joey entered the room where everyone was getting ready for the party.  There were golden balloons and golden table decorations everywhere. Waiters and waitresses were getting food ready and setting up the buffet.  Everyone who was gathered were chatting and getting ready for the party.

“Hey Tea, you getting the camera ready?” Joey asked.

“Yep, but I’m trying to decide if I should take multiple pictures or if I should record a video.”

“I’d say record it so we can get his full reaction.”

“Alright,” Tea said as she adjusted her camera.  Joey looked around and saw Tristan, Bakura, Duke, and Serenity sitting at a table talking to each other.

Suddenly, Joey felt something bump his head.  He turned around and saw Kuriboh flying by on a balloon.  “Kuri kuri,” it apologized.

“Don’t worry little guy,” Joey said smiling.

“Kuri,” Kuriboh said as it flew off.  As it did, Joey noticed two people sitting at a table and was still surprised that they had come to the party.  He walked over to them, and one of them didn’t take notice, but the other did.

“Hey Joey, you ready for the party?” Mokuba asked.

“Of course I am, but I should be asking you two if you’re ready?”

“I am, and Seto is too, he just won’t admit it.”  Kaiba glanced over at the two.

“Look, I’m only here because Mokuba wanted me to attend.”

“You sure, or do you really see Atem as a friend, and someone you want to attend a party for.” Kaiba quickly looked away.  Joey chuckled before heading off somewhere else. Kaiba turned his head again, and had a small smile on his face.

Joey walked over to Dark Magician and Dark Magician Girl.  “How’s the cake coming along?”

“Don’t worry, I got this,” DMG said as she waved her wand.  A cake started forming, along with candles and flowers.  Suddenly, the cake disappeared.  “Aw man, I almost had it!” DMG said.

Dark Magician shook his head and turned to Joey.  “We’ll have it ready in time,” he said.  Joey nodded and started walking again.

He looked around once more at all the guests.  Tristan, Tea, Bakura, Duke, Serenity, Kaiba, Mokuba, Mai, Pegasus, Solomon, Kuriboh, Dark Magician, Dark Magician Girl and… wait.  Joey looked around and noticed some guests, including three V.I.Ps were not there.  Suddenly, a rumble was felt.  ‘That would be the V.I.Ps’ Joey thought.

“Joey, what was that?” Tea asked.

“More guests.”

“What guests?”

“Well, notice how we decided to have a party in a room with a very high ceiling?  That’s because three large V.I.Ps are attending.”

“Three large V.I.Ps?”

“Actually, more like V.I.E.G.”

“V.I.E…G… wait, you don’t mean…?”  As soon as Tea stopped talking, the rumbling started up again.  Everyone looked up at the ceiling and saw a portal of some kind open. Out of the portal came Slifer, flying around the room before settling down.  Obelisk dropped from the portal and landed with a bang.  A few seconds later, a bright light appeared and Ra descended down. Once it landed, the portal closed.

“How… How did you…?”

“I didn’t, they did.” Joey motion towards the three people who had just entered the building.

“Hey guys, hope we aren’t too late,” Marik said, Ishizu and Odion behind him.

“Not at all.  Thanks for bringing the gods here,” Joey said.

“Of course, they’re willing to do anything for their pharaoh,” Marik said winking.  “They’re pretty excited too.”  Slifer roared in response.

Joey looked down at his phone.  Oh man, it’s almost time.  I better keep a lookout.”  He ran over to the window and peeked out.

After a few minutes, Joey gasped.  “Everyone, he’s here!  Quiet!” Everyone quickly quieted down and got out of sight.  Tea got her video camera ready.  Everyone kept shushing each other and tried to stay as quiet as they could.

Suddenly, Joey was heard mumbling something under his breath.  He turned around.  “Sorry, it wasn’t him.”

There was a large collection of groans and ‘are you kidding me?’ and other comments coming from everyone. “Sorry,” Joey said.

“Well where is he?” Tristan asked.

Joey took out his phone and texted Yugi.  A minute later he made another announcement.  “They’re at Target.”

“What!?” everyone asked. “What’re they doing there?” Duke asked.

“I dunno, but he isn’t here yet.”  Everyone went back to talking to each other.  Joey felt a little embarrassed, but was at least glad the surprise wasn’t ruined.

After about 15 minutes, Joey received a text.  After reading it, he looked outside.  “They’re here!  For real this time!”  He then saw Yugi and Atem.  “They’re they are, everyone hide!”

Everyone hid out of sight. Some his under the tables, while others hid behind columns.  Kuriboh hid behind balloons.  The Egyptian Gods crouched down as best as they could, with Ra curling up into its ball. DM and DMG hid behind the table where the cake would be.

Suddenly, everyone heard Yugi’s voice.  “Hey Atem, why don’t you check and see if anyone’s in that room?”  Footsteps were heard, and as the door opened, everyone jumped out of their hiding spots.

“SURPRISE!  HAPPY BIRTHDAY ATEM!”

Atem’s mouth dropped open and within minutes a huge smile appeared on his face.  Atem walked in and was surrounded by everyone.  Yugi walked in moments later, also with a smile on his face.  Atem was beyond excited to see everyone in one place, and on his birthday as well, people and Duel Monsters alike.

“Why don’t you give a speech?” Yugi suggested.

Atem smiled and cleared his throat.  “I honestly don’t know what to say.  I’m just so happy to see all my friends here!  Everyone in this room means so much to me, and all I have to say is, enjoy yourselves, have fun, and thanks for making this the best birthday ever!”

The gods roared in celebration and everyone clapped and cheered.  “And now!” DMG announced.  She waved her wand one more time, and a large cake appeared.  DM waved his staff as well, and the cake materialized and stayed that way.

“Wow, thanks you two,” Atem said.  Ra used the tip of his claws to light the candles.

“Kuri kuri!” Kuriboh said flying by on a balloon.

“He’s telling you to make a wish my pharaoh,” DM said.

Atem chuckled.  “I don’t need a wish.  I already have everything I wanted.”  He then blew out the candles and everyone clapped, with Yugi giving Atem a small hug.  “Now let’s eat!”  Everyone made their way to the buffet, with Atem taking his seat up in front.

“Happy birthday Atem!”

After an hour or so, everyone had started leaving.  The Duel Monsters disappeared, and things were quieting down.  Yugi and Atem approached Joey.  “Thanks for helping plan this,” Yugi said.

“Aw, it was nothing.”

“This was a great party. Thank you,” Atem said.

“Don’t mention it. Happy Birthday!”