After scouring for the best place to "set up camp," the gang finally found an optimal location that was close enough to the boardwalk, but not too far from the shoreline. The girls took care setting their tote bags down and laying down some blankets while the guys planted some beach umbrellas into the ground.

"I'm so glad we got here early!" Minako squealed. "If we hadn't, all of the good spots on the beach would have been taken!"

"Agreed." Yumi said with a nod. "Well, what should we do first?"

"I say we play some volleyball!" Haine exclaimed. "Girls versus boys?"

"No way!" Jounouchi interrupted. "It'd be totally unfair to you gals."

Akana raised an eyebrow. "Why?" A pause. "Because you believe your height and strength are superior to ours?"

"Not think – know." Honda countered. "Height is half the advantage to spiking the ball."

"Among other factors." Akana continued. "Coordination, speed, ability to work well with others . . ."

Nataki watched her friends go back and forth in the discussion and couldn't help sighing a bit. Is this what the whole trip is going to be like?

"Oh dear."

Turning her head, she realized that Shizuka was standing beside her, a slight look of concern on her face.

"What do you think we should do, Kuzana-san?" She asked, her voice soft.

"Well," Nataki seemed pensive. "We have eleven people altogether. We can have one person be the referee, so that makes two teams of five?" Crossing her arms in front of her chest she continued, "Maybe we could count off by twos? Have all the ones form a team, and all the twos form the other team?"

"Oh, that sounds like a great idea!" Shizuka said happily.

"Okay then." Nataki inhaled a deep breath. Turning to face the still squabbling group she began anew. "Excuse me everyone!" Her voice wasn't loud enough to be heard above the clamor of her companions. However, Haine's hazel eyes must have caught a glimpse of Nataki facing them and trying to speak.

"Yo, hold up a sec!" Her voice carrying far more than Nataki's had. "Nat wants to say something!"

The conversation settled down into a handful of murmurs before all eyes were on Nataki, who was standing with her hands clasped in front of her.

"So, um, I was thinking of an easier way to solve forming teams." She tried.

"Go on, Nataki-san." Akana said reassuringly.

"Well, instead of grouping by sex, why don't we just randomize it by counting of by twos? That would make two mixed teams of five, and one referee."

There was a brief silence, quickly followed by a collective sound of approval.

"Yeah, that works for me." Otogi said with a smile. "That way I can have lady luck on my team."

Nataki laughed nervously when he shot her a playful wink.

"Hmm, well there are more girls than guys, so why don't we have one of the girls referee?" Yugi offered. "Of course, if no one wants to referee I will gladly step in."

"I'll do it." Yumi asserted. "I mean, I'm not really all that good at volleyball anyway."

"Cool." Haine looked out at the group. "So now we need to make our teams. Yumi, start having us count off by twos!"

Once teams had been arranged and given nicknames (as per Honda and Jounouchi's request), the guys got to work setting up a space for the volleyball court.

Shizuka proceeded over toward Nataki, who was looking for the volleyball Honda had claimed to have packed in his beach bag.

"That was a good idea, Nataki-san." She smiled.

Nataki blinked and then returned the smile. "I'm glad you think so."

"Even though we're on opposing teams, I wish you luck!"

Chuckling lightly Nataki replied, "Yes, you too!" Although your team might need it more than mine.

As it stood, the final configurations were Minako, Shizuka, Haine, Honda, and Otogi on team "Hot Mess" and Akana, Jounouchi, Yugi, Anzu, and herself on team "Spirit." While Haine and Honda were surely fierce opponents, Nataki knew that Anzu and Jounouchi were likely a force to be reckoned with too, and then there was Akana who, although she had never seen the girl play any sports, imagined that she was likely very good at most of them.

"Alright then." Haine chirped. "Let's do this."

Nataki nodded and smirked. "You're on, Haine-chan!"

Suddenly, the sound of Yumi whistling filled the air and everyone took their positions on the court.

"Ready, set, serve!" Yumi shouted, announcing the beginning of the game.

At first, it seemed that whatever team served the ball won the round. But after a while, things started to get interesting, the thrill of battle more intense. As team "Hot Mess" relied on their charm and charisma to distract, team "Spirit" continued to bolster each others' confidence and support one another as best they could – re-configuring where players were positioned and such. Nataki had attempted to spike the ball a handful of times only to end up eating sand, which amused the whole lot except for Akana, who seemed to retaliate the humiliation done to Nataki tenfold. Otogi took a few shots to the face, having provoked this sort of frustration from Jounouchi and Honda in the midst of his flirting and cajoling of the ladies (on both teams, not surprising). After about an hour, the scores revealed the winner to be team "Spirit."

"Yahoo!" Jounouchi cheered. "We're volleyball champs!"

"For now." Haine stuck her tongue out at him. "Don't get used to it."

"Aw, is someone being a sore loser?" He inquired, poking fun at her competitive nature.

"Well, at least I didn't run into the net." A pause. "Or eat a mouthful of sand." She gibed playfully while looking over at Nataki, who was downing a bottle of water like it was nothing. "Speaking of which, how're you holding up, Nat?"

"Don't worry Haine, I'm shore she's fine!" Minako teased.

"Yeah, shell be okay!" Yumi agreed while joining in.

Nataki rolled her eyes. "Ha. Ha. You guys are so funny." She said sarcastically.

"Seriously, you girls are acting like total beaches." Haine laughed. "Okay, I'm done." Walking over toward Nataki and placing a hand on her shoulder she began anew. "Seriously though, you okay?"

"Yes." Nataki nodded. "My throat is just a bit scratchy." Gazing over at one of the snack shacks nearby she continued, "I think I'm going to get a snow cone."

"Good idea!" Anzu said while approaching her. "I could go for one, too!"

"Oh, may I come as well?" Shizuka inquired softly.

"Sure!" Nataki smiled. "Follow us, Kawai-san."

"Thank you." She replied, her gentle eyes filled with gratitude. "And please, call me Shizuka." Her cheeks tinged with a delicate blush.

"Sure!" Nataki replied with a chipper expression. Turning toward the rest of the group she asked if anyone else wanted a snow cone before heading over with Anzu and Shizuka. Once they were standing in line, Nataki's eyes skimmed over the flavor options with glee.

"Oh wow, they have piña colada flavor!" Anzu's eyes lit up. "I'll definitely have to try it."

Nataki continued perusing the options while Shizuka did the same. Almost simultaneously, they both said "Strawberry." Turning toward each other, the two girls laughed a bit.

"I just love strawberry anything." Shizuka giggled.

"Me too!" Nataki stated. "Strawberry smoothies, milk shakes, pies . . ."

Shizuka nodded and added onto the list. "And salads and snack foods, too! Like gummies, cereal bars . . ."

"Wow, you two really are like two peas in a pod." Remarked Anzu after ordering her snow cone.

Once all three girls had their treats, they happily made their way back to where they had "set up camp," only to find that most of the guys had opted to go swimming. Only Otogi remained. Seated on one of the large beach blankets, his sharp emerald eyes hidden behind red rimmed sunglasses, he was smiling coyly, his hand grasping a container of sunblock. Turning toward Nataki, Shizuka, and Anzu he began,

"Would any of you lovely ladies like me to put some sunblock on you?" His voice a purr.

"No fair, Otogi!" Minako hissed. "You promised you would do me first!"

Haine shook her head disapprovingly. "I don't recall hearing him say that."

"Shut up Haine." She countered.

"Ladies, no need to fight." With a smirk he added, "I'll gladly rub sunblock onto all of you."

Anzu's face looked disgusted. "Next thing you know, he'll be suggesting we all sit in a circle or set up a sunblock train."

Akana, who was previously quiet as she lay on a beach blanket soaking up some rays, tilted her sunglasses down the bridge of her nose and crinkled it in disgust. "Like an orgy."

Otogi's face went beet red and he stood up appalled. "What the hell? Why would you . . . !"

While Haine and Minako started laughing hysterically, Akana merely shook her head dismissively. Flustered, he set down the bottle of sunblock and combed his fingers through his jet black hair, attempting to regain his composure. "Well, anyway, you should all make sure you don't get sunburned." A pause. "So do you want me to or . . . ?"

"We've got it covered." Yumi spoke up finally, gesturing to her skin. "I think most of us applied before we got on the train."

A collective sound of agreement filled the space and Otogi sighed. "Fine. Guess I'll go see what those guys are up to." With a wink he added, "But feel free to come get me if you change your mind~"

And with that he ran off, leaving the girls some much needed time for sun bathing and chit chat. Akana continued catching some rays, but participated in conversations that warranted her input or were of interest to her. Nataki had began trying to construct a sand castle, which ended up looking more like a hill of sand than anything.

"Pfft, what is that?" Haine queried. "And don't you dare say a sandcastle."

Nataki pouted while trying to wet the sand a bit more in hopes of making it firmer. "It's a work in progress."

"More like a cry for help." Haine sighed while crouching down next to her. "You're doing it all wrong." And before Nataki had a say in the matter, Haine was restructuring the entire thing. "See, you gotta incorporate a denser, wetter sand in the middle and then build up around it."

"What's all the hubbub over here?" Yumi asked suddenly, her body casting a shadow over the somewhat more satisfying castle.

"Haine-chan is trying to help me build a sandcastle." Nataki laughed sheepishly.

Raising an eyebrow incredulously, Yumi knelt down in between the two girls. "No, no, no." She exclaimed. "You're doing it all wrong."

"Like hell we are." Haine spat. "Get outta here, I've got this."

"No way, you totally need my help."

Soon enough, the rest of the girls had stopped whatever they had been doing to venture over toward the castle catastrophe. It was Akana who merely gazed at the failed attempt without saying much of anything, but feeling it only right that she should show them the proper way to build a sandcastle she cleared her throat.

"This castle will never do." She said flatly, causing the rest of them to look up.

"Oh, so did you graduate from Sandcastle Academy or something?" Yumi narrowed her eyes.

Not quite sure if it was even worth the breath to acknowledge that snarky remark, Akana thought better of it and merely situated herself on the ground next to Nataki, who was looking at her curiously. "We need to start from scratch." She began anew while demolishing the haphazard sandcastle with her hands, which prompted a few outcries from Haine and Minako.

Her golden eyes glinted over at Haine and her two salty swim mates. "You three, go fetch us some water." She suggested while handing Haine an empty bucket. Turning her head to face Anzu she continued, "Mazaki-san, would you help me collect some sand and then remove any debris mixed inside it?"

Anzu blinked, her azure eyes a bit confused. "Sure, but I'm not quite following."

Akana sighed as if tired by the fact she needed to explain herself. "Well, only the fine sand will only be able to be compacted and shaped – pieces of shells, rocks, coarser grains of sand . . . these will merely be in the way and prevent the sand from fully compacting around them, weakening the overall foundation of the castle, and warranting collapse."

Everyone stared at Akana somewhat stupefied, their faces in a state of shock as if to suggest "Holy crap! Did she just explain the science behind making a stupid sandcastle?" Of course they were, in reality, quite speechless for a moment.

Raising an eyebrow Akana asked Anzu again, "So will you help me filter the sand?"

"Y-Yeah, sure." She replied.

"Excellent." Slowly she turned to look at Nataki, whose excitement and anticipation had risen. "Nataki-san, you and Kawai-san will scour the shoreline looking for seashells, sea glass, anything that you feel will add a nice finishing touch to decorate our castle with."

Nataki looked over at Shizuka, who was just as eager to start searching as she was. "Okay!"

"Well then, let's get to work."

About half an hour later the guys returned from their water play only to see the girls hard at work – what that work was, however, they weren't quite sure. After all, they had passed by Haine, Minako, and Yumi gathering water, and Nataki and Shizuka walking along the shoreline picking up shells and starfish only to find Akana and Anzu sitting on the ground sifting through sand.

"What's going on?" Honda wondered aloud.

"Dunno." Jounouchi said flatly. "But it looks like the girls are planning to build a sandcastle."

"Really?" Yugi blinked. "That sounds like fun. Maybe we shoulder build one, too."

Just then Jounouchi started chuckling. "Yeah, how 'bout we make it a contest?"

"Why?" Akana inquired without looking up from her work.

"Because it'll be fun!" Jounouchi retorted. "We'll have someone judge 'em, and the losing team has to buy the winning team ice cream."

"But we just had snow cones." Anzu countered.

"Well then, how about lunch?" He offered. "Losers buy the winners lunch."

"Hmm, interesting." Haine muttered under her breath while returning with a bucket of water. "What do you girls think?"

"Yes!" Minako and Yumi cheered.

"Alright, it's settled then!" Jounouchi barked. "Yug, you and Otogi go get us some water. Honda and I will start getting the sand together to start constructing."

"Why don't we make it into a sandcastle with a moat around it?" Otogi offered. "It'd be pretty hard to beat that."

"Aw yeah, this is gonna be epic!" Honda hooted and hollered. "Let's do this thing!"

While gazing over at the guys start their "plan of attack," Nataki and Shizuka returned with handfuls of small decorative materials.

"What are they doing?" Nataki wondered aloud.

"I'm not sure." Shizuka said softly. "But they seem really into it."

Sitting down next to the already partly constructed sandcastle, Nataki and Shizuka gently set down what they had found – seashells of various shapes, sizes, and colors, a couple small starfish, and even some rainbow colored pieces of sea glass.

"Awesome!" Anzu exclaimed. "Good work, you two!"

Akana nodded. "I knew you two would find something nice to brighten up our sandcastle."

Both Nataki and Shizuka's faces tinged a faint red as they smiled in triumph.

A while later, both groups had finished their sandcastles and had asked three random strangers which castle they thought was the best. While the guys had put more muscle into theirs – making it taller and more bulky in construction – the girls had put more effort into the delicate intricacies of making the castle unique. A cheer erupted from Nataki and the rest of the gals while Yugi and his crew groaned in protest.

"So, you know what that means . . ." Haine jeered. "It's lunchtime, ladies."

Despite their grunts of disapproval, Jounouchi, Honda, Yugi, and Otogi did buy the girls lunches. They then proceeded to buy some for themselves.

"How does your shrimp salad taste, Yumi?" Minako inquired,

A mischievous smirk claimed her face as she replied, "Like victory." before she high-fived Minako.

Honda shook his head. "You may think we're sore losers, but y'all are horrible winners."

"Says the sore loser." Haine spat.

"Haine-chan . . ." Nataki tried.

"Okay, fine. I'll lay off." Turning to face Akana, who was eating a grilled chicken flatbread she added, "You're pretty badass, you know that Shizukami?"

A small smirk tugged at her lips. "Thanks, Suzude-san." A pause. "I'm happy to have helped."

"Like seriously, you know so much about the most seemingly trivial of things. I mean, the intricacies of building sandcastles?" Shaking her head as in disbelief Haine proceeded with, "You're like a walking reference book."

Nataki chuckled lightly at the thought, having remembered what Akana had told her about remembering everything from each lifetime. Haine-chan makes a good comparison without even realizing it. Akana seemed to understand the cause for Nataki's laughter and smiled faintly at her.

"Yeah, next time Shizukami is on our team, capiche?" Jounouchi asserted.

"Oh my." Akana covered her mouth. "Do I have a say in any of this?"

Light-hearted laughter soon filled the space between the group, and Nataki couldn't imagine her life any other way than it was at that moment. They make me so happy . . .

A little over five hours later, everyone had their fill of the sunshine and sand and were ready to head back home. After packing up their belongings and making their way back to the train station the gang waited patiently for the next train. It had been an enjoyable day, a fantastic finale to the end of their summer recess . . . except for the homework that some of them (namely Jounouchi, Honda, and Yugi) hadn't even started yet. But this could not diminish the buzz from their beach high.

When the train finally did arrive, the group shuffled aboard and all managed to find seats next to each other, just as they had that morning. The agreement about who would get the window seat on the way back had long since been forgotten, although Yumi ended up getting it anyway.

Settling into her seat, Nataki let out a yawn before smiling.

"Someone's tired." Akana said softly, a smile tugging at her lips. "From having too much fun."

"No such thing." Nataki breathed, her eyes twinkling from the adventures of the day. "I'm really glad you came, Akana-san."

Her golden eyes gazed at Nataki in surprise, which was quickly replaced with gratitude. "So am I, Nataki-san." Seeing her yawn once more she added, "Feel free to sleep on the way home. I won't mind."

"Thanks Akana-san." She said softly. "I just might take you up on the offer."

About two hours later, the train arrived at Domino City. The somewhat groggy group grabbed their things and exited.

"That was awesome." Haine stated flatly. "We're definitely going to plan another trip like this."

"Agreed." Yumi and Minako said almost in unison.

"Count me in!" Yugi exclaimed with a chipper smile.

Turning to look at Nataki, Shizuka began "I, um, really enjoyed getting to know you, Kuzana-san."

"Me too, Shizuka-san." A pause. "And please, call me Nataki."

With an eager look she replied, "Okay . . . Nataki-san!"

"Aw, I just knew you two would hit it off!" Jounouchi interjected while grabbing hold of both girls around the waist. "I'm so glad!"

After a moment or two, everyone had to head off in different directions. Once they had exchanged goodbyes, Nataki proceeded to head home. About halfway through her journey she felt a hand grab hold of her own. Turning around abruptly, she saw that Haine was staring at her expectantly.

"Haine-chan!" She gasped, her heart thudding strongly in her chest. "You scared the crap out of me!"

"Sorry." Haine offered. "You okay?"

"I will be in a minute." She replied while clutching her chest. "How long have you been following me?"

Shrugging her shoulders, Haine responded with "A few minutes." Sensing Nataki's need for elaboration she added, "I didn't feel like going home yet."

"Really?" Truth be told, Nataki was ready to shower and crawl into bed. But as she continued to look at Haine, she noticed a twinkle of mischief in her hazel eyes, and knew she was far from ready to call it a day. "Well, what did you have in mind?" She inquired while stifling a yawn.

"Eh, not much." Staring up at the clear night sky she continued, "Wanna go for a walk?"

Nataki nodded and followed Haine down the somewhat quiet streets of Domino, engaging in some small talk as she did so. Apparently Haine hadn't started the math homework either, and plans to possibly meet up next week after work began to be made. Two heads are better than one, after all. Nataki thought to herself.

The two continued walking until they realized they were almost at the pier. It was a generally abandoned place during the evenings, and Haine smiled at the thought.

"I like to come here sometimes . . ." She said coolly. "When I need some space. Or time to think."

Nataki shot her a small smile, her dark blue eyes looking out at the ocean that extended far off toward the horizon. "I can see that." Feeling the breeze blow through her raven strands she added, "It's peaceful here."

"Yeah." Haine remarked. "It is."

For a moment both girls just stood there speechless, arms leaning over the rails, eyes fixated on the world beyond their line of sight . . . and then they heard an unfamiliar voice.

"Beautiful view, isn't it?"

Both Nataki and Haine spun around quickly, only to find a boy with ghostly white hair and dark brown eyes staring at them with a slightly amused look on his face.

"Of course, it doesn't compare to the lovely reddish orange glow on the water during sunset."

"Who are you?" Haine lashed out, slightly annoyed by the stranger's presence.

"I am many things." He replied somewhat nonchalantly while looking at both of them, his eyes lingering and narrowing a bit upon meeting Nataki's worried gaze. "To many different people."

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?" Haine spat, growing increasingly perturbed.

Chuckling darkly, the boy approached them both. "Well, how about I make it simpler for you?" Crossing his arms in front of his chest he added, "You may call me Bakura."

Nataki's eyes widened slightly. Where I have heard that name before? She wondered. Then, recalling conversations she had with Yugi and the rest of the gang during lunchtime at school, she made the connection.

"I haven't seen Bakura-kun in school lately . . ." Yugi had said, a look of concern on his face.

"I know." Honda agreed. "He's always doing disappearing on us."

"Bakura?" Nataki recalled wondering.

"Oh, he's a friend of ours." Anzu said softly. "He's in our class, although he hasn't been lately . . ."

"I hope everything is okay." Yugi continued with his train of thought.

Coming back into the present Nataki asked, "Do you by chance know Mutou, Yugi?" Her tone was cautious.

The boy's lips twitched slightly upward into a rather unkind-looking smile. "Yes."

"Nat, what are you doing?" Haine gasped, her eyes looking over at her accusingly. "Don't talk to this guy – he looks like a weirdo."

"But Haine-chan, if Yugi-kun knows him then . . ."

Hazel eyes shot the boy a disapproving look, and he didn't seem intimidated by it the least. "I don't care. Something's not right about him." She retorted, her hands clenching at her sides while she sort of stood in front of Nataki defensively.

When the boy named Bakura proceeded to take a few steps closer Haine narrowed her eyes. "Stay back!"

"Relax girl." He said darkly. "I just came to deliver a message to your raven-haired friend, here."

As he continued to step closer, Haine stood her ground and flexed her arms out in front of Nataki protectively.

"A message?" Nataki exclaimed, attempting to take a step forward, but Haine didn't let her.

"Stay back, Nat!" She yelled.

"But Haine-chan-"

Bakura started cackling, the sound reverberating around them in a haunting melody. "Quite the protector you have." He said to Nataki, his voice dripping with venom as his laughter died down. "As I was saying, I have a message for you, a warning – one I suggest you don't take lightly, mind you." Smiling wickedly he added, "I don't know what fate has in store for you, but it will not interfere with the fates of Yugi Mutou and Seto Kaiba." Narrowing his eyes more intensely, his voice acute, he added, "Or there will be grave consequences."

Fate? Nataki's heart sunk in her chest. He knows about Yugi-kun and Kaiba-san being on the mural? Then, a chilling thought spiraled trough her.

Wait . . . he knows that somehow Akana-san and I are connected to them?

Haine saw that his words, although making little sense to her, had seriously freaked Nataki out – her face a now somewhat paler color, her hands shaking a bit at her sides.

"How dare you threaten her!" Haine growled. "I'll make you eat those words you son of a bitch!"

Dark brown eyes were piercing as they gazed over at Haine. "You're getting on my nerves, girl." He seethed while reaching inside the pocket of his pants, retrieving a deck of Duel Monsters cards. "I think it's about time I shut you up."

"I'm getting on your nerves?"Anger filling Haine, threatening to consume her entirely. "You're getting on mine." Haine shot back while spitting at the ground near his feet. "Step aside!" Turning toward Nataki, who seemed a bit terrified by what was going on she began anew. "Come on, kid. We gotta split." Grasping Nataki's hand firmly in her own, Haine started to run forward, pulling Nataki along with her. When she tried to go around him, Bakura grasped onto her arm.

"Let go of me, you creep!" Haine hissed while yanking away from him, but his grip was relentless and only clenched harder.

"Let her go!" Nataki shouted while pushing him backward, causing him to recoil.

"Heh, so you do have some fight in you." He smirked. "Regardless, it's futile. You're not leaving, because I'm far from done."

"We'll see about that." Haine shot an indignant look at Bakura while reaching into her tote bag.

What is she . . .? Nataki thought.

Sure enough in a matter of seconds, she had retrieved her own deck of cards. "I'll duel your ass into submission." Letting go of Nataki's hand while approaching Bakura she added, "And then kindly take our leave."

Haine-chan . . .

While her words felt indomitable, Nataki couldn't shake the unsettled feeling rising up inside her upon noticing the devious grin of challenge on Bakura's face.

"We'll see how long you hold to that conviction when I'm through with you." He retaliated.

All of the sudden, a golden, ring-like object appeared on his chest. In the middle was a triangular shape with what appeared to be an eye.

Just like Yugi-kun's puzzle! Nataki gasped, but no audible sound could be heard.

The ring started to glow, a blinding light emanating from it that soon ushered in what appeared to be purplish haze. The ominous clouds started to engulf the three of them, and Nataki could feel a bone-chilling, heavy darkness settle around her.

What is this? She thought in horror as she gazed at Haine, with a look on her face that seemed to suggest she was wondering the same thing.

Slowly, Bakura came back into view, the ring still bearing an uneasy glow, but much more dimly now. He was wearing a sinister smile, and the white strands of hair seemed to be more jagged, two in particular standing up from his head like horns. "Heh heh heh" He chuckled, each syllable sounding more perverse than the last. "Welcome to my world . . ." Outstretching his arms as if to gesture at the ghastliness around them. "The world of the Shadow Games."

A/N: I hope you enjoyed the beach outing! :D I hope it was a happy and cheesy and you were hoping! lol It is pretty much the last "light-hearted" event to happen . . . and now the darker stuff!

An appearance by Yami no Bakura (finally!) There's actually a reason he hasn't "openly" made his presence known, and that will be revealed soon. He also won't be a major character in the fic (again, you'll find out soon why!)

Also, I created a new poll on my profile (which I hope you will all take a look at!)

As always . . . I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR YOUR THOUGHTS! xD (But you already know that haha)