When Destinies Collide

By Ash Kaiba

DISCLAIMER! We don't own any of the characters/term(s) from the Yu-Gi-Oh show and games. We do own Ashley "Ash" Black, Kathryn Takemura, and Mae Black, and all the other original characters.

Ash Kaiba: Welcome to Chapter 7! Sorry for all the italics in the last chapter, but Kaiba was dreaming. Okay? Well, enjoy.

Previously in When Destines Collide: Chapter 6: Another Dream

Kaiba learns that Ra has 'chosen' him to walk the earth in his stead. But in order to save his soul, Kaiba has to find Kanika at all costs. He starts to believe what Yugi has been telling him since Battle City.

Chapter 7: To the Museum

"What are her measurements?" Mrs. Hays asked in Italian.

"What?" Ash asked, able to understand the language thanks to her many years of foreign language classes in America.

"Sorry. My Italian blood got me there. Everything is ready," Mrs. Hays replied.

"Okay." Ash stated, confused by the comment. It seemed to have come from a movie, or something. (A/N: Just thought that I'd put that comment in there. If you don't know what movie it came from, it's Master of Disguise.)

"You start tomorrow after school. All you do is what Mr. Mokuba has yet to do. Well, good night."

"Good night." Ash replied as she left for her apartment. Then, she changed her mind. The moon shined in its first quarter phase. On these nights, Ash always felt drawn to the celestial force of the sun and moon. The moonlight reflected off her star and moon earrings. A necklace hung around her neck and rested on her chest. On it was an Egyptian artifact that was dragon-shaped. It was important to Ash because her mother had given it to her. All she knew about her mother was that she had been Egyptian. Her father was an American. Mae had inherited all her characteristics from their father. Ash, however, had inherited her traits from her mother. The only thing she had from her father was her dirty blond hair.

I'm going to tell to Yugi about my dream. I'm getting tired of keeping this a secret. May be Yugi can make some things clear, Ash thought to herself as she walked.

Thankfully, the Turtle Game Shop was nearby. As Ash approached the shop's door, she read the "Closed" sign. Still, she walked in, knowing that the door was unlocked. Mr. Mutou was a short, gray haired man who always wore a bandana on his head. He was the one who had originally taught Yugi how to play Duel Monsters. Because of him, Ash improved her American deck even more, making it a force to be reckoned with. He wasn't standing behind the glass counter, as he did during the day. She ventured behind the counter to a door in the back right corner. Ash politely knocked, and the knob turned as the door swung open. Mr. Mutou stood behind the door.

"Ash, please come in," he greeted as she stepped into their living room.

"Thanks. Mr. Mutou, is Yugi around? I wish to speak to him."

"Ho, ho, he is in his room, Ash. How about you go on up." The old man chuckled. Ash smiled at him. Mr. Mutou always seemed cheerful. There was one day, though, where he had been rather quiet, as he had heard about Seto Kaiba's serious condition from Mokuba. Since then, he made occasional calls to the Kaiba Mansion to see if Kaiba was all right. As far as he knew, Kaiba had been sleeping all day. Mr. Mutou reminded the house servants to make sure he ate. On this day, he grinned at her as she climbed the staircase. She knew Yugi's room was on the left side of the hall. She knocked on his door. Yugi opened it, and his eyes widened as he realized that it wasn't his grandfather.

"Ash! What a surprise! Come on in!"

"Yugi, I need your advice," she said. Suddenly, the room started to grow cold. Ash looked by Yugi and saw someone taller than him. The young man stood by Yugi and, despite the height difference, looked like he could have been Yugi's twin. "Who is he?"

Apparently, Yugi, your friend can see me, the person replied to Yugi. Then, he looked at Ash. When you ask Yugi for help, you also talk to me. I am Yami, the Spirit of the Millennium Puzzle. He can't hide anything from me.

"Yeah. Ash, is something wrong?" Yugi asked her with eyes full of concern.

"It's my dream, Yugi," Ash answered. She saw the Spirit nod and Yugi visibly relaxed. "It's been coming to me every night, since the night I first met Bakura."

Who is in this dream? Please, Ash, tell us what happened.

"I don't know much about him, except his name. It's, like, scratched into my mind."

"What was his name?" Yugi asked, like he was hoping it wasn't somebody he knew.

Ash, we can't help you if you don't tell us.

"His name is Seth. I think he looks a lot like that Kaiba you keep talking about. In my dream, he tried to kiss me, but was sucked in by a dark void. That's all I know."

"KAIBA?" Yugi harshly whispered. The Spirit of the Puzzle looked down at him. He knew Yugi was trying to figure out Ash's true identity.

Yugi, he addressed, you shouldn't worry about that now. I know it is possible that Ash had some sort of involvement in my past. But, for now, we need to leave Kaiba out of this. He is already in a great deal of pain and won't believe what I tell him.

You're right, Yami. I'll try talking to him tomorrow at school. He probably believes now.

"I don't know how I can help, Ash. May be you should go to the museum and talk to Ishizu Ishtar," Yugi suggested. "Sorry, I wish I had more to tell you."

"You don't have to. It is okay, Yugi. Maybe this Ishizu Ishtar has some answers for me. See ya later," Ash thanked them, and left. Mr. Mutou watched her walk past him. When he saw her determination, he left her alone. She mentally thanked him for understanding as she jogged out the door. Ash stopped when she reached her bike. She allowed her lungs to fill up with the night's air as her helmet clicked under her neck. Slowly, Ash straddled the end of the seat between her legs. She prepared the pedals for take off. Then, she rode away.

The streets were less crowded that early in the morning. Of course, Ash was thankful that Mrs. Hays had allowed her to rest while comparing the applications. The Domino Museum was near the plaza, so Ash knew where it was. She had memorized where everything was in the town. One day while exploring the town, she had stumbled across the Kaiba Manor. After that day, she had stayed away from the place. She had never wanted to go there until now. Ash was starting to feel concern for the other Kaiba brother, the one she hadn't met nor wanted to meet any time soon. Surprised with her sudden thought, she fixed her mind to focus on the museum. After a long ride, she finally made it. Uncertain of what awaited her, Ash climbed the stairs with great caution. The doors were unlocked as if someone was expecting her to come. She walked in with her hands curled into fists.

"I was expecting you, Ash Black." A calm, smooth voice replied. Ash scanned the room for the source, determined to find it. "You seek answers to your dream. Don't worry; I have foreseen it with the Pharaoh."

"Pharaoh? Egypt hasn't had a king for years. Who are you and who is your king?"

"My king is Pharaoh Yami, Ash. For my brothers, Marik, and Odion, I am Ishizu Ishtar." The woman answered. She was dressed in a long, tan dress and black high heels. Golden bracelets and anklets shined in the light. Two parts of her night-black hair were in gold wires. Her dress was held in place by a gold satin belt with chains hanging down. A gold collar stood near her neck. Her blue eyes kindly looked down at Ash.

"So…you're Ishizu. If you have foreseen me coming, then why didn't you come to me?"

"Ash, I do not possess the power of Yugi's Millennium Necklace. The answer is in your heart," she answered before turning away. Then, she added, "It was destiny that brought you here, Ash. Come. I will at least clear some things up for you."

Ash followed her. Ishizu kind of represented her mother, but she decided not to think about it. Comparing one of the living to one of the dead was too much for her. Ishizu led her through the exhibit, explaining each artifact. "There is one artifact that no archeologist has found. It is said to have a dragon on a garnet heart with a sword sticking through it. According to legends, this artifact was a gift from the Keeper of the Blue-Eyes White Dragon to his love, the Paladin of the Blue-Eyes White Dragon. But, other legends say that it was left with the Paladin when her mother left her. This artifact is also said to help archeologists with the 'son of Ra' mystery." Finally, silence hung in the air. Ash quickly looked at her necklace. Two men waited for them. One was a light blonde haired boy and the other man had a black ponytail on a shaved head. The younger boy looked at them. His hard purple eyes pierced Ash's skin.

"Marik, Odion, what brings you here?"

"Sister, you know Seto Kaiba, don't you?" Marik growled at her. Ishizu nodded. "Well, he's suffering from exhaustion. There has to be something you can do."

"No, Marik. Seto Kaiba is suffering from something beyond our comprehension. Only the Paladin can aid him," Ishizu answered with confidence.

"First, we wait for the Pharaoh's return and now we must wait for this Paladin?" Marik yelled in anger. Ash could tell that he didn't like this. Marik so far was cursed with a short temper. Plus, he had said 'Seto Kaiba.' She remembered Yugi's tales of the guy and his younger brother Mokuba. She wondered if that was the Kaiba that she hadn't met yet.

Suffering from something beyond our comprehension? Could that be the void that Seth fell into? Ash wondered as Odion and Marik argued. She looked down at her necklace again. Then, she looked at Ishizu. "How do you know about the Paladin? What is this Paladin's power?"

"First things first," she answered. "What happened in your dream?"

"I've been having this dream every night. It's about a man named Seth. He is about to kiss me when he is sucked into this void of darkness," Ash answered as Marik and Odion watched her. "He called me by some name that I don't understand."

"What did he call you?"

"Kanika." She replied. The Ishtars collectively flinched in shock.

"Ishizu, do you think that she is…?" Odion gasped. He was clothed in black with a purple cape over his shoulders. He had dark forest green eyes that locked onto people as he spoke to them. Then he asked, "Is Seto Kaiba all right?"

"For now, Odion, yes. Later on, the danger inside him may consume his soul. As for the Paladin, Ash may be of her line. Come, Ash. If you are the Paladin, I have more to show you," Ishizu requested as Ash followed her down the stairs. "Tell me, Ash. Do you believe in destiny? If you do, something is about to happen. Something of great importance." She replied as the light came on. "Behold, Ash, the true origin of Duel Monsters."

"I can't believe this." Ash whispered in awe. Before her stood many tablets that were kept separate from the exhibit. "I believe in destiny, but this is insane. What is going to happen that is of such great importance?" Ishizu walked to a tablet.

"Ash, you aren't the only one who has seen these tablets. Two others were here before you. Look at this one for the answer." Ishizu instructed, saving the question for later. Ash looked at it. On the tablet, she saw the Millennium Puzzle with three monsters. Below that inscription were two men fighting each other. She figured that the one with the Puzzle was the Pharaoh. The other reminded her of the Seth from her dream.

"Yami and Seth!" She exclaimed. Ishizu, Marik, and Odion looked at her in surprise. Ash stared at the tablet while her mind decoded the text. She understood all of it. A scene from the past flashed in her mind and suddenly vanished. "Yugi and Kaiba were here. I don't know how, but I can feel their presence in this room. But… How can I understand the text on the tablet?"

"Ash, you must be careful." Ishizu warned her. Ash looked at her in surprise. "The same darkness is also after you. You must find the Keeper of the Blue-Eyes White Dragon and fast." She warned again as she left. Ash gasped in shock. "He needs your help, Paladin. And he can help you uncover your past. Ash, I know your favorite monster is the Blue-Eyes White Dragon. It was in the past. Please don't think of this as a coincidence."

Ash watched Ishizu leave. Then, she decided to go back to work. She left the museum with Ishizu's warnings in her mind. "The same darkness is also after you."

At Yugi's house…

We should've gone with her, Yami. What if something bad happens to her? Yugi cried as the Spirit stood by him.

Yugi, we have known Ash for a month. If something bad does happen, she can take care of herself. Anyway, she had to go alone. Now, we all need to stay with her.

Why?

Something is telling me that she is in grave danger.

Is Kaiba protected from this evil? You know that in his weakened state, our enemy can get to him with ease. And when are we going to tell Ash about the Rare Hunters? She has to know as much as I want to know their purpose this time.

Yugi…I said to leave Kaiba out of this. His disbelief is probably enough to save him. You can tell Ash at the right time. For now, Yugi, focus on your friends and grandfather. Good luck in trying to talk to Kaiba tomorrow, Yami answered as he went back into the Puzzle.

Yugi touched the Puzzle, hoping Yami was right. He didn't want to lose Ash, nor did he want to lose the rich businessman, Kaiba. Deepdown, Yugi considered Kaiba a friend. Yugi knew, however, that Kaiba said friends and friendship held him down. However, he had often gone out of his way to help Yugi. One example was when Yugi had been forced to deal with Marik and the Rare Hunters. That time, he had faced a mime named Strings. Marik had equipped Strings with an Egyptian god card called Slifer, the Sky Dragon. Mokuba and Kaiba had appeared when he was starting to lose hope. Kaiba had figured out Slifer's one major flaw. Then, he had given Yugi a big hint. Yugi had understood, and had used Strings' Revival Jam to keep Strings drawing three cards each time Slifer attacked the blob until he had run out of cards to draw. Smiling at this memory, Yugi wondered if perhaps Kaiba didn't really believe everything he said. Then, Yugi paused as he heard the door hit the bell.

"Yo, Yugi!"

Yugi grinned as he ran down the stairs. In the shop, Joey, Tristan, and Téa waited for him. Then, another person walked in. "Ash!" He cheered. Ash grinned as she grabbed the dust cloth and started working. I hope everything went well with Ishizu.

"Yugi, do you want to know what we heard?" Tristan quizzed with Joey giving the blank look. Téa joined him as she looked at him. "Ash, you got the job. Your experience with technology really impressed Mokuba."

"Oh ho ho, congratulations, Ash," Mr. Mutou cheered as he got off the phone.

"Who called, Grandpa?" Yugi asked as his grandpa turned around.

"It was Mokuba. He told me that Ash has the job, but also that Kaiba is going to school tomorrow."

"WHAT? HE'S GOING TO SCHOOL IN THE CONDITION HE'S IN?" Joey screamed. "He should stay at home!"

"But his doctor gave the nurse a note stating that Kaiba can rest in the infirmary," Ash added as she dusted the glass cabinet. "I know because I enrolled at the same time his doctor enrolled him."

"Oh…" Joey sighed. "I just hope we don't end up in 'his' class again."

"Joey, give the poor guy a break," Téa snapped at him. Ash and Mr. Mutou looked at her in surprise. "Just be thankful that Kaiba hasn't gone insane."

"True…"

"How can someone like him go crazy?" Ash questioned.

"Mokuba told us the story. They lost their parents when they were young. Kaiba's mom died after Mokuba was born. His dad was killed in a car accident. Later on, Mokuba was kidnapped by Pegasus, and he challenged Kaiba to a Duel over his brother's soul. There was one condition: if they were to use Kaiba's duel disks, Mokuba would have made Pegasus' moves. Kaiba declined and they dueled on the regular arena. Pegasus eventually won and 'sealed' Kaiba's soul in a card. Later on, the Big Five trapped him in his own virtual reality game; the only problem was that they had reprogrammed it. The game was made to destroy his mind," Téa explained.

"Then, during the Battle City finals, a creep named Noah appeared. He put us through a lot of trouble with the Big Five again, not to mention his daddy," Tristan added. "We don't know what he put Kaiba and Mokuba through, but it was enough to get Kaiba mad. At one point, Noah brainwashed Mokuba and turned him against Kaiba. That fired him up even more. When he was dueling against Noah with Mokuba, Yugi gave Kaiba a hint and he summoned his Blue-Eyes White Dragon. That monster broke Mokuba out of Noah's control. Finally, that little jerk turned the brothers to stone."

"D-, Tristan! Don't remind me!" Joey snapped at his friend. Tristan had a spike of brown hair in the front of his head. He was wearing a black jacket over his white T-shirt. The two started arguing, and Ash chuckled. It was just so funny to see them fight. But, like all fights, this shortly ended. "Alright, ya got me. If I see dat guy tomorrow, I'm not gonna say a word ta him." Joey snorted with everyone laughing. Then, he laughed at himself.

To be continued…

Next Chapter in the When Destinies Collide Saga: Chapter 8: First Day

Ash Black and Seto Kaiba meet for the first time. Kaiba senses power in her. Joey gets defensive of his friend.

Ash Kaiba: Like I've warn you in Chapter 1, Joey is a potty mouth. Thankfully, he only curses when the time is right. Review please. And thanks for reading.