When Destinies Collide

A side story to How to Steal a Thief's Heart

By Ash Black

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. Plus, we don't own Kaiba Corp.

Ash Kaiba: Wow...you all surprise me. And you are making me happy! Onward!

Previously in When Destinies Collide: Chapter 16: Kaiba Reunion

Noah and Gozaburo Kaiba run into Yugi and crew. Ash gets suspicious of the new faces. Kaiba briefly wakes up and falls back asleep. Ash tells Mokuba that she doesn't wish to work the next morning.

Chapter 17: Remembrance

Ash pulled up in Cherry Blossoms Apartments, in front of 17C. Her father's Explorer stood in its parking space. She parked her bike and went to the door. Her body was consumed by weariness. She opened the door. Captain Black walked up to greet her. Ash allowed him to wrap his arms around her. She was too tired to care. Mae's voice complained how Ash never wanted to be hugged. Ash still didn't care. Tired, she fell asleep in her father's arms. Captain Black picked her up and tucked her in.

Ash explored the temple. Its ground was unfamiliar to her, but her feet knew the way. A cold draft crawled up her back. Brrrrr…It's freezing. Where's the heater? She wondered. Bored, she looked at the walls. Pictograms stared out in blue, black, and red. Hieroglyphics, why are they in my dream? Wait a sec! This…this is Egypt. Ash gasped. Her fingers pulled on her to keep warm, but fabric rubbed against her skin. She looked at her shoulders. A sleeveless dress (dress) was on her with a shawl. What am I doing in a dress? I hate dresses. She panicked.

Kanika…" A voice called out to her. Ash ignored it. "Kanika!" The voice snapped. Ash turned to face it. The speaker caught up to her. His head had purple, reddish spikes with blond spiky bangs. Yugi, what are you doing here? She wondered. "I have been looking all over for you."

"You have?" Ash asked, completely clueless on the matter.

"Priest Seth and I need a word with you…now." He answered. Then, he gestured her to follow him. Ash obeyed. What could she do to disagree with the man? Plus, he said 'Priest Seth.' He was the man that started all this for her. She figured that he was the key to her past, but she needed him in the present day. Was the man a pharaoh? Was he the same pharaoh Ishizu spoke about? Could he be the Yami of the Millennium Puzzle? What does the name of 'Kanika' have to do with her? The man came to a doorway covered by a dark curtain. He reached for the end to pull it aside.

"WAIT!" Ash screamed. Suddenly alert, her eyes scanned the area. She was in bed…in her room of the apartment. Sweat streamed down her skin. Her mind had jumped into hyper drive. It was different from her dream before. She started to wonder if her sister and father heard her. She cautiously got up. A huntress instinct rose in her mind. She approached the door and pressed her ear against it. Silence was only heard. "Thank goodness. Then again, both of them are heavy sleepers." She growled. Should I talk to Kaiba? How would he respond to this? I have been told that he doesn't believe in magic, but he's acting against his reputation. I have to talk to him…but not now. He needs his rest. Now that I think of it, he looks exactly like Seth.

Seth…Archaeologists discovered a mummy by the name of Seth. The mummy still had some hair. Maybe they now have his DNA. Then, I can compare it to Kaiba's. She planned as she pulled out her laptop. Ash turned it on and hooked up to the web. Once it was connected, she worked to find that web site of the mummy. In a matter of minutes, she found it. Scrolling down the screen, she chased the DNA. Then, she found that in matter of seconds.

Ash opened a document with Kaiba's DNA. She managed to obtain it by a strand of his hair and microscope. She compared the two. Immediately, she opened her e-mail account. Ignoring her new messages, Ash started typing one.

"To: DNA

Kaiba,

I know that you will still be in the hospital when you receive this message. I must talk to you…before some friends of mine from Texas come up. I'm not sure if you have heard. Anyway, there is a mummy by the name of Seth. According to his grave walls, he was a 'keeper' of something. Some of his hair was still intact. Scientists estimate that he is around five thousand years old. Plus, from what I have just seen, his DNA matches yours. Okay, I admit it. I got a sample of your DNA from a strand of your hair on your purple jacket. You know the one you wear the cuffs with all the time. Please read this and answer before two weeks from this upcoming Wednesday.

-Ash"

She clicked the Send button. After it was sent, she turned off the laptop and put it away. She lied back down, trying to fall asleep. After an hour, sleep finally claimed her.

"Good morning, drivers. Traffic is very slow today."

Ash hit the off button. She moaned as she sat up. Then, she spread out her arms. I better call Téa and Kathryn. I need to talk to someone. Might as well be the girls. If I told Mokuba, he would think that I was crazy. She thought as she grabbed her cell phone. Great, the battery's dead. What can be worse? She mentally growled as she plugged it into its charger.

"Good morning, Black residence. This is Captain Black speaking, "her father replied. "One moment, let me check."

The door creaked open. Ash instinctively pulled her bed sheet over her chest. "Papa!" She yelled in Spanish. "Get out!"

"Ashley, it is Téa on the phone."

"Then, please tell her I will meet her at the clock in the plaza at 9:30," she requested. Her father nodded as he closed the door. Then, Ash heard him relay the information. She got out of her bed and got dressed. Ash opened her door. Mae and her father sat the table. Then, the phone rang again. "I got it," she replied. "Buenos Dias. You have reached the Black residence. Ash Black speaking."

"Ashley, please put the captain on the phone."

"Yes, Admiral, "Ash answered, recognizing his voice. She handed the phone to her father.

"Going to work, Ashley," Mae asked.

"No."

"Why?"

"Just shut up, Mae."

"Tell me why first."

"Shut up."

"No."

Ash stared at her sister as she grabbed a bite to eat. She approached the door.

"Off to Kaiba Corp.?"

"No, Dad. I'm off to meet Téa."

"Do you have your cell phone?"

"I'll get it." Thank goodness it charges quickly. Plus, I'll pick up Téa at her place. She thought as she put her phone on her belt. "Got it," she yelled out the door. Mae and Captain Black looked at each other as the engine roared and grew softer.

At Téa Gardner's House…

"I don't know, Kathryn. I was hoping that we could get Ash to hang out with us today. She had this look that was like she didn't know what to do," Téa replied through the phone.

"Uncle Makoto has given me a day off. I would like to spend it with you."

"Thanks."

"Téa?"

"Yeah."

"Who was that in the hospital bed?"

"I thought I knew for sure, but last night made me have some doubt."

"Does Ash know him?"

"Yes, I think so." Téa turned around and looked out the window. A figure got off the motorcycle. She looked at the bike. It had a metallic red frame. The person got off.

"What is it, Téa?"

"Someone is here," she answered. The person took off the helmet. "I should've known that it was Ash. See you in a bit, Kathryn," Téa replied as she hung up her phone. She looked at herself in the mirror. Her yellow 'Spirit' shirt revealed her stomach. A black skirt hung from her hips. Téa slid on her bracelets. She grabbed her purse as she opened her bedroom door.

She ran down the stairs and to the front door. She opened it. Ash stood on the other side.

"I thought it would be better if we walk."

A few minutes later, Ash and Téa arrived at Games Unlimited. Kathryn was standing just inside, talking to Bakura. Ash stuck out her tongue in disgust when she saw Kathryn give Bakura a peck on the cheek. "I hate lovey-dovey birds," she muttered.

Kathryn turned around and waved when she saw Ash and Téa. She held up her hand with her first two fingers pointing up, gesturing that she needed two more minutes. She handed Bakura a key and then walked into the back room for a moment. When she returned, she had taken off her store apron to reveal a blue tank top and jeans, and her hair was hanging down instead of being up in two chopsticks. When the girls saw the lovesick look on Bakura's face as Kathryn walked past, Ash groaned and Téa giggled.

"Hey, girls," Kathryn said as she exited the store, purse on one shoulder. "What are we doing today?"

"I don't care," Ash said tiredly. It was obvious that she didn't get enough sleep last night.

"What do you want to do?" Téa asked.

Kathryn thought for a moment. Then she shared a look with Téa, and they both smiled evilly at Ash.

"I'm gonna die…" Ash wailed.

A few hours after that…

Ash was loudly complaining as the girls spent the day shopping and getting their hair and nails done. Kathryn and Téa had somehow convinced Ash to try on a puffy, pink dress, and Kathryn had gotten a picture of it on her camera phone. However, Ash had gotten them back by telling the hair stylist that they both wanted their hair dyed bright blue. Thankfully, Kathryn prevented the odd hair color, thanks to some quick action. She asked the stylist to make sure the red highlights weren't permanent, and the hairdresser realized the blue hair suggestion had been a joke.

"Hasn't this been a great day?" Téa asked while the girls were getting manicures and pedicures.

"I only came for the massages," Ash muttered.

"Oh, don't listen to her," Kathryn said. "She's still upset that I got a picture of her in that pink dress."

"Not anymore," Ash replied. "I erased it."

"Oh, that's okay. I already sent it to Bakura's e-mail, and Kaiba's."

"WHAT!"

"Kidding! Just kidding!"

"Hey, we're here to relax, girls," Téa said reprovingly. "No yelling."

"Well, I can't help it," Ash said. Her voice was on the brink of yelling.

"Ash…" Kathryn began.

"What?" she growled.

"Do you think Bakura will like my new hair color?" She looked up at her hair, which was streaked with bright red hair dye.

"He should. He goes gaga for you anyway."

"He does not!"

"Does too."

"Well, what about Seto Kaiba?"

"What about my boss?" Ash raised her voice considerably.

"Well, doesn't he like you?"

"What's your point?"

"I just wonder if he's going to notice that you look even more fabulous than usual."

"He knows about everything but my hair color. He just doesn't pay attention…ninety-five percent of the time."

"Maybe you should try a temporary dye job, and make your hair black. Maybe then he'll notice," Téa suggested.

"My hair already shines black! Why make it black?"

"There are reasons," Kathryn said, giving Ash a look that plainly said 'This is about Ancient Egypt.'

Ash returned with a look that said 'I'll think about it.' Kathryn smiled and returned to looking at her nails, which had been freshly French Manicured. Ash watched her friend as she examined her nails. When the pedicures and manicures were finished, the girls walked out of the salon. Ash had the look as if she was in deep thought. "Hey, guys. I need to tell you something," she replied in a low voice.

Téa and Kathryn looked at her. Then, they looked at each other. Ash looked as if she was 'itching' to tell them something all day. Kathryn decided to ask.

"About what?"

"It's about last night."

Téa nodded.

"I…I didn't know what to do. I just couldn't stand there and watch something bad happen to my boss. I don't know where that power came from; I don't know how to it. It just happened. I even think I don't know who I am."

"When did this all start?" Téa asked.

"When I first met Bakura. I tried Yugi for advice, but he sent me to Ishizu Ishtar for help."

They stopped in front of a store. Ash looked through the glass. In the window, a midnight blue dress was propped by a faceless model. It had two-inch wide straps and a V-neck. A shimmering light blue fabric was sewn to prevent men/boys looking into it. The fabric matched her eyes.

"That's a pretty dress," Téa replied.

"Yeah, it's a shame that with today's fashion that no one would buy."

"Girls just want boys looking down, do they?" Ash remarked, eyeing Kathryn.

"Do not! At least not me!"

"Uh, ah. I wonder what Bakura has to say."

"Why do you look so sad, Kanika?" Ash heard in her head.

Who are you?

"I thought I had lost you for good, when really you were unconscious. It is so good to speak to you again. I wish that I could see you."

Mr. Kaiba is in the hospital. He is unconscious. I…like him. I want him here. I WANT HIM HERE! She yelled mentally. Ash's heart raced. Her tears stung her eyes. "We need to talk…about men."

Téa and Kathryn exchanged looks. Ash Black, the top tomboy American duelist, wanted to talk about boys. They began to question if this was the Ash they knew or that she wasn't thinking clearly due to the lack of sleep. One prayed the other would answer first. Ash just waited for them to talk. Finally, Kathryn spoke as they walked into the store.

"What about them?"

"I…I think I have feelings for my boss."

"WHAT? YOU HAVE A CRUSH ON SETO KAIBA!" Kathryn and Téa gasped. Ash only nodded. She seemed embarrassed by it.

"Ash, are you sure?" Téa asked.

"At first, I thought I was crazy, but now I am sure that I like him." Ash answered. "There is one other thing, Téa. Kathryn already knows. I am…I mean that I have some past in Ancient Egypt."

"Yeah…"

"I was the Paladin of the Blue-Eyes White Dragon."

Téa froze. "How many years back?"

"Five thousand years."

"That was when the Spirit of the Puzzle was pharaoh." She replied. Then, she looked at the stall. Ash stepped out with the midnight blue dress. It was a perfect fit. "You should get that."

"When would I wear it?"

"We have a Christmas dance coming up." Kathryn answered.

"All right." Ash replied as she went back into the stall. She came back out with her usual clothes on. They walked up to the check out.

"¥2,529." (A/N: about $21.50)

"That is pretty cheap for a dress," Téa remarked. "It must be a cheap brand."

"No, ma'am. It is the best-made dress. It has been on clearance because no one will buy it."

Ash whipped out her checkbook. She wrote up the check and ripped it out. The clerk took it. Ash had her motorcycle license out for him.

"Thank you. Have a good day."

"You too." Ash answered with a bow.

"Ma'am, may I please have your autograph?"

"Any reason?"

"It is for my daughter. She is a big fan of you, Ms. Black." He answered. "Could you sign it here?" He asked, pointing to a computer printed picture of her.

"Sure." Ash answered as she signed it.

"Thank you so much."

"Your welcome." Ash replied.

They left with Ash's only dress in its bag. Téa looked at them.

"Well, girls, what else?"

Kathryn pondered the question.

"How about a bookstore?" Ash proposed.

The other two looked at each other. A bookstore couldn't be that dreadful, they thought. "Okay."

Wondering around the mall's bookstore wasn't that bad. Of course the main idea was to find a book on weapons since Ash was 'a paladin.' Finding the right book was easy, but getting out was the tough part. Téa and Kathryn had found romance novels. Ash expanded her library with a little of sci-fi, fantasy, and nonfiction. Her nonfiction were a thick book on Egypt's rich history, another was the way of life in Ancient Egypt, and a book of the legendary Celtic sword, the Excalibur. Téa, Kathryn, and Ash combined their cash to pay for the books. They did pretty well, since once again Ash's stuff was on clearance. They agreed it was time to have a bite to eat and leave the mall.

"I have to admit. I had fun with you guys," Ash replied as they walked away.

"Good, because I did," Kathryn agreed.

"That was the point." Téa remarked. "Do you want to stay at my place?"

"I wish I could, Téa. But, with my boss in the hospital, I better help out Mokuba." Ash sadly whispered.

"I have to clean the house/store. I have relatives coming in the next two weeks," Kathryn replied.

"Cool, I would like to meet them," Téa replied with Ash in agreement.

"Then, I'll call you when they are here."

"Fine," Ash calmly spoke as she put her things in her sealed compartment on her bike. She put on the helmet and ignited the engine. Téa and Kathryn watched her leave. Kathryn said her good-bye and headed towards Games Unlimited. Téa climbed the steps and walked in. Tired, she went to sleep on her bed.

To be continued…

Next Chapter in the When Destinies Collide Saga: Chapter 18: Sharp Gang

Kaiba finally gets out of the hospital. He heads for Turtle Game Shop, not knowing that Joey, Duke, and Tristan are with Yugi. Will Yugi and Kaiba reveal their secret?

Ash Kaiba: Second chapter posted today. I am impressed. Well, you know your duty. Please review, I like it when people do. It makes me happy. Maybe I need some chocolate.

Kaiba: Shut up...

Ash Kaiba: No...YOU! (Kaiba goes silent.) Hey, he actually listened.