If you've read this far, dare I hope you're interested? If you hope to see more of those left behind, though . . . I must warn you, right now that event is extremely unlikely. Not impossible . . . just not very likely. This story is projected to be entirely WoT-verse-centric from now on.

What possessed me to pick those particular senshi? Sore wa himitsu desu. (translation: that is a secret) *gets knocked upside the head by flying brick* Okay, fine, so I just picked senshi at random. Happy now?


Chapter 1

Where am I? The blue-haired girl stood up on unsteady feet. What happened? Oh right . . . that strange portal. She looked around–forest, as far as the eye could see. Sinking to her knees, she attempted to bring out the Mercury Computer . . . but it wasn't there! Nothing was.

Mercury Crystal Power, Make Up! She no longer absolutely needed her henshin rod in order to transform . . . but it seemed she could no longer transform, either, as she continued to stand, untransformed, in the seemingly empty forest.

Is this what the Sacred Fire meant by a price to pay? Yet, how will we be of any use if we can't access our powers? Except there was a power of some sort . . . just within reach, if she tried.

Standing, she closed her eyes as she attempted to remember Rei's few and short lessons in meditation. Almost . . . there! Shine Aqua Illusion! A stream of ice-cold water flew from her hands, impacting the nearest tree and freezing it.

As the backlash of power hit her, she collapsed to the ground once again, this time involuntarily. Drawing on the power of Mercury had never hurt her like this. Determinedly, she cut off the access to that mysterious power that she had so recently found. The world felt no longer quite as alive, but she was used to the letdown that always came after detransformation. And she was determined that until she found someone to teach her, or some way to learn how to access that power correctly, she would not access it. The pain it exacted was not worth the power it provided.

Standing back up, she noticed for the first time the excessive weight to her side. Reaching down, she drew the long sword that had been attached to her left side. On one side of the hilt . . . she smiled. One blue-painted fingernail traced the intricate harp. Even with my powers lost, you still found a way to protect me. The harp was in silver, over a hilt wrapped in leather dyed a beautiful indigo.

Kneeling, recalling once again to mind the mantras, she wrapped both hands around the hilt. Please, guide me, Mercury Harp. Help me to find Setsuna. As if in answer to her cry, a bond sprang up in her mind, pulling her in a definite direction. Sliding the sword back into its sheath, she smiled. Arigatou. With a long, loose stride, she set off in that direction, sure that at the end of the line, she would find Setsuna.

* * *

Two rode down a dirt path, a small dark-haired woman and her companion and protector a few steps behind. Suddenly, she stopped, turning her horse off the path. What . . .? Though she did not look back, she could feel her protector's querying gaze. I know, Lan. We are going to the Two Rivers. But first . . . someone just appeared, and she has the spark. The dignified woman snorted lightly. Spark, hah! More like a bonfire.

Behind her, Lan's eyes widened ever so slightly. Moiraine, he knew, was strong. For her to feel so strongly about someone who wasn't even in sight yet . . . he suppressed a shudder.

The Forsaken . . .

Surely they hadn't broken free yet?

* * *

Though neither spoke a word to the other, Moiraine shared in her Warder's fear. She had heard long lectures on how powerful Aes Sedai had been back then, but never really believed it. This one . . . the only thing that gave her any hope at all is that this person *seemed* untrained in drawing on the One Power.

They came to a small clearing, and despite her training, Moiraine gaped. What sort of outlandish color of hair was that?! She had never seen anyone with *green* hair in her life, and cut so short (though it looked more like the ends had been seared away). The girl stood in the exact center of the clearing, perfectly still. Suddenly, movement. Pluto Crystal Power, Make Up! She shouted, raising one hand to the sky, then bringing it back down, her shoulders slumping. How am I able to help when I don't have any power? She whispered, only barely loud enough for Moiraine to hear. At least that terrible headache has left me. Who has the power to destroy Time itself?!

With training, you will have power enough to satisfy any three people.

The girl whirled. What power do you speak of?

The One Power, of course. Have you not heard of it?

The One Power . . . The girl frowned. Ah, it must be that remote power source that I sensed earlier. It is a power different than the one I am accustomed to, and so I discounted it. You say I can access this power?

You have the spark–sooner or later, you would have accessed it anyway. Those with the spark always do. With practice, you should be able to do so easily.

Show me.

Moiraine considered, then manufactured a small flame, juggling from fingertip to fingertip. A small trick, but one that ought to prove her claims. The strange girl watched, fascinated.

I would be able to do that? I've never been able to control fire before. That would be useful in my upcoming battles.

Lan shifted slightly. Who do you plan to fight?

I'm not absolutely sure. He wore a cape entirely of red, and a red mask hiding his face. The only other thing I remember is that he had flames for eyes and spurting from his mouth.

The Dark One. Lan and Moiraine both concluded simultaneously.

The girl nodded, accepting their response. Thank you. Now, could you please tell me where I can find the Dark One?

Do you truly plan to take on the Dark One alone? Even one of your potential could not hope to do so alone.

Who would help me? I'll manage somehow. The green-haired girl seemed eerily determined, and surprisingly equally confident, and Moiraine saw that any warning she could give would be for naught.

We are on a quest to find a certain person. Once we finish that quest, we will be headed back to the White Tower. If . . . she sighed inwardly. She did not want this extra burden, no matter how fascinating she seemed, . . . you should choose to accompany us, there you can find training for your extraordinary talent, and other like-minded people who may be willing to accompany you there. The Greens would be after her like a swarm. A futile attack on Shayol Ghul would be right up their alley–especially the younger ones who had yet to learn sense.

How long should this quest last?

The person we are searching for is in a village not far from here. Once we are there, I can pinpoint him and we can be on our way.

Not very long, then. All right. I'll take you up on your offer, for now. She smiled slightly, and bowed. I am Setsuna Meiou.

Moiraine Sedai. And this is my Gaiden, Lan.

Pleased to meet you both.

* * *

Rei awoke, conscious of a dull ache in the back of her head. Where am I?

You are in the White Tower at Tar Valon, child. A voice said, and she turned. We found you unconscious a short distance from here and brought you back to recuperate. I must say, it is surprising that you woke so quickly. The speaker was a tallish woman with brown hair and an ageless face that reminded her of Setsuna. She wore a plain grey dress and a white shawl with yellow fringe.

Rei smiled slightly. Quicker healing . . . definitely one of the benefits of being a senshi. However, she sobered quickly as she struggled to stand up. I'm sorry to have imposed on you like this. I must go now.

Why are you in such a hurry, my child?

Rei paused. Did you find anyone else when you brought me in?

No, dear. Were you with someone?

Yes . . . in a manner of speaking. I followed her here, but evidently we lost track of each other at some point. Now, I need to find her again. The White Tower . . . Rei was suddenly possessed of a feeling of curiosity.

Assuming that the Sacred Fire had influence in where they landed–and she wouldn't put that past the entity–there might be a reason why she had landed here instead of elsewhere. She settled back down to the bed, crossing her legs. Please tell me, what sort of place is this?

This is the White Tower. The woman said that as if it explained everything. Seeing Rei's still-uncomprehending face, she tried again. The home of the Aes Sedai, where we train new Aes Sedai.

What is an Aes Sedai?

One who can channel the One Power, as you have the potential to do. She hesitated. We had not meant to mention this until you were better . . . but we are greatly interested in bringing you in as a novice, seeing as you clearly have the potential to channel. Either way, we will teach you enough to keep yourself from getting killed . . . but as the ranks of Aes Sedai grow thinner, we are ever on the look out for young women with potential, such as yourself.

The feeling that her landing here was more than an unfortunate coincidence strengthened. Rei felt in the back of her mind for the connection with Mars that had always been there (if weakened when she was not in senshi form), and found only a strange, different power. One she had no idea how to handle. Reluctantly, she admitted that Setsuna and the other senshi could take care of themselves. For now.

And by taking this opportunity for learning, she would only strengthen herself for the final battle which would inevitably occur. Noticing belatedly that the woman was growing ever so slightly impatient at her long silence, she nodded quietly. I accept.

* * *

As they entered the Two Rivers, Setsuna gazed around with astonishment. When they said a small village, they weren't kidding. Who should I be watching for?

You needn't look. We have everything taken care of.

Hiding her frown behind a serene mask, Setsuna very carefully refrained from glaring at Moiraine's back. Yes, please do make me feel as unnecessary as possible. A flash of color out of the corner of her eye, in the middle of what looked like a growing mob of people, caught her attention.

She stopped, completely still. Nah, couldn't be. They stayed home, I'm sure. Seeing that their recent companion was no longer with them, the other two stopped and came back. Yes, what is it? Moiraine asked mildly.

Setsuna shook her head. Never mind. For a moment, I thought I saw . . . Sorry I held you back. Let's keep going. She turned away from the crowd.

* * *

Where are you from?

Tear, right? The three crescent moons on your back, that's Tear's sigil . . .

Wow, don't tell me that hair color is natural!

What dye did you use to make it that vivid a blue? Can I have some?

Are you a gleeman? Is that why you dyed your hair that ridiculous color?

Ami stared around, completely at a loss in the flood of questions.

A heron-marked sword. A soft, yet penetrating voice spoke at her side. The girl–who looked to be about her age–looked up, frankly curious but also friendly. Do you know how to use it?

No. It was an heirloom. Ami hedged. She did know how to use the Mercury Harp, but she had no clue as to how to wield an ordinary sword. As to the heron mark–it was on the opposite side of the inscribed harp, and she hadn't paid any attention at all to it. She wondered what it meant here.

I'm Egwene al'Vere. My father's the innkeeper here. If you would like, I'll lead you there. She turned her head to the rest of the crowd. Look, is that the peddler I see coming? As if by magic, the crowd dispersed, its short attention span already focused on the next marvel.

Thank you, the offer is much appreciated. Ami paused, then turned. Is that the direction the inn is in?

Why, yes, how did you know?

The one I seek is in that direction. Perhaps she is staying at the inn now. I can only hope!

Are you a Warder? Egwene's eyes had brightened with interest. I've heard that Warders can sense where their Aes Sedai are. You seem awful young, though.

Ami's attention was abstracted by her concentration on the bond. Responsibility comes when the times demand it, not at a certain age.

Egwene nodded to herself. The youthful look . . . I wonder if Warders are eternally young, like Aes Sedai are supposed to be. And so wise . . . he's *got* to be a Warder. And where there are Warders, there are Aes Sedai. Within her, something thrilled at that thought. I'll get to see an actual Aes Sedai. Wow.

Entering the inn, her companion made a beeline for a certain table. Setsuna-san! I had hoped it was you I sensed.

One of the three at the table stood bold upright, a completely and utterly astonished look on her normally serene face. Ageless . . . yeah, Aes Sedai, all right. Green hair? In the dimmish light of the inn, Egwene was not absolutely sure she had seen rightly, so she dismissed it for the moment. And that other woman at the table, even more so. I wonder if she's one too? Ami-chan?! What are you doing here?

Ami smiled upwards. In a scolding tone. You should know by now. Senshi always stick together.

The green-haired girl frowned. But if you're here, who's guarding the princess?

Ami shrugged. The rest of the senshi. Or who knows, she may be here somewhere too.

The two exchanged a glance, then stated in unison, Dear Kami-sama, I hope not.

I'm sure she's safe, wherever she is. Ami added, pale enough to be seen even in the not-quite-optimum light, and sounding like she was trying hardest to convince herself.

No less than Egwene, Moiraine and Lan also listened, fascinated. If I didn't know better, I'd think the blue-haired lad was her Gaiden. Lan thought. He certainly has the look of one, although there is also a strange sense of fragility about him. He carries the sword–a heron-marked blade, at that!–as if it is an integral part of him, yet clearly has no clue how to deal with it. Curious. Very curious.

Oh, Ami, this is Mistress Moiraine and Master Lan. I'm traveling with them for the time being–I assume you will join us? Though reluctant–she really wanted to stay and listen to the rest of this fascinating conversation–Egwene decided to go find the boys. They ought to know something so interesting as the appearance of strangers such as these!

As Egwene slipped out of the room, Moiraine's eyes flicked in her direction. Yet another girl with the spark–not nearly as strong as Setsuna, but still one of the strongest I've seen in quite a few years. Her attention returned to their new traveling companion, and the blue-haired boy she seemed to know quite well. There is a definite bond there, in the way they anticipate each others' reactions. I'd think it was an Aes Sedai–Gaiden bond, except I know that Setsuna is untrained.

And how could she get a Gaiden (even one who also looks woefully untrained, at that) when she hasn't even begun training as a novice yet? And a princess? What would these two be doing as mere guards, when it is clear that at least Setsuna has a great deal more potential? Her interest peaked, thwarted, as that strange boy–Amichan, Setsuna had called him?–drew Setsuna off to the side and began intensely, if mild-manneredly, arguing with her in a language that Moiraine did not recognize.

* * *

Ami asked. I though you wanted to get done with . . . whatever it was that you came here for.

Have you tried transforming? Setsuna replied heatedly. How can I kill the Dark One–because evidently, that's who we're after–if I don't even have my powers? Moiraine is an Aes Sedai–those are the people who are capable of accessing the power source–and she claims she can teach me to access this strange power source that seems to be all that this world has to offer. Once I learn to use that, I will be ready to get rid of the . . . whatever it is . . . and go home. But there's no reason for me to get myself killed needlessly, when only just a little more time will give me a good chance to win.

Moiraine can teach me to access that source without gaining myself a killer headache in the process? Ami asked, eyes bright. Okay, I'm in, if only for that. And you do have a point. But don't keep saying I'–we're both in this together, now.

So you have accessed that power? What's it like? Moiraine claimed she could sense my ability to do so–I wonder why she hasn't said anything to you yet?

Well, I haven't exactly talked to her yet. Also, I cut myself off as completely as I could manage from that power–didn't want to risk another headache. But while I held the power . . . She hugged herself. It's like that moment when you first transform, when you feel ten times stronger and faster, the world seems more alive and everything is just a great deal more *right* than it used to be. Cutting myself off was hard, but no harder than detransforming back to plain old Ami Mizuno always is.

Sounds addictive. Setsuna frowned. I'm not so sure.

No more addictive than being a senshi is. And when you think about it, both (for us at least) are directed towards the same purpose–fighters for love and justice, dreams and truth, etc. etc.

True. So I assume you're coming with us?

Didn't I say that already? Besides, and you especially have got to learn this, Setsuna, senshi always stick together. Just because you like to hold yourself aloof from the rest of us and pretend you're not lonely and don't need any sort of help whatsoever, doesn't make it true. We'll always be here for you, just like you were always there for us when we really needed it, if there was any possible way you could help and not violate your own very stringent restrictions.

Setsuna smiled. Thank you, Ami.

They returned to the table. I am Ami Mizuno. Since Setsuna decided to follow along with you, so then will I. She smiled briefly. I trust her judgment.

Moiraine stood up suddenly. Excuse me, it was nice meeting you, Ami, but I'm afraid I must leave now, to take care of some business.

What sort? Perhaps I could help. Ami offered.

Important business. She left, Ami staring after her. After a moment, she switched her gaze briefly to Setsuna, then back to the now empty doorway.

Setsuna . . . if Moiraine is indicative of Aes Sedai, then I must ask . . . were you born one, or did you just train yourself gradually?

The green-haired girl crossed her arms. Am I really that bad? She asked, disbelievingly.

All you Outers were, though you're not quite as bad as you were anymore. Does This is our fight, stay out of it' ring any bells?

You interfered anyway. Setsuna pointed out.

A cleared throat caught both their attention, and they turned to Lan. I am curious as to the exact nature of your bond. He stated.

The two exchanged surprised glances. Ami asked. Slowly, she continued, I'd assume that it is our senshi bond you are referring to. All of us are likewise bonded to each other. Though it does seem stronger than I'm used to it being–I was never able to actually locate another of the senshi purely by my bond before . . . but then again, I never really tried, either.

Lan asked. The word was unfamiliar to him, but seemed to belong to the language the two had been speaking earlier.

Warriors, or soldiers, would be the closest translation. Setsuna supplied. She frowned. There is another word . . . asha'man?

Protectors of good. Ami added quietly. Yes, I think asha'man sums it up very nicely.

You said us'. How many of you are there? If there were any others as powerful as Moiraine seemed to think Setsuna was . . .

Here? Only the two of us, as far as I know. Setsuna said, glancing at Ami. The other girl nodded her agreement.

To Lan, that was in a way a relief, and in other ways not. Having more potentially ultra-powerful people on their side could only help, after all–but if they ended up *not* being on their side . . . all in all, perhaps it was just as well that only two had come, and one a man.

Ami seated herself at the table, leaving room for Setsuna. I'm curious. Tell me more about this One Power that Setsuna . . . she almost tripped over her tongue restraining herself from adding and I' . . . is capable of controlling.

* * *

Her first night at the White Tower. Rei looked out the window of her small, novice's room, and sighed lightly, tugging at the white dress that all novices were required to wear. Though unfamiliar, the stars seemed a great deal brighter, even here, in what seemed to be considered a relatively large city.

She walked over to a corner of the room that she had set aside, warded and cleansed in the tiny amount of spare time given to her. On the ceramic floor, she placed the kindling that she had managed to sneak out of the garden and, with a small touch to the new power, set it ablaze.

It wasn't the Sacred Fire, but for now it would just have to do, as the White Tower seemed to have no equivalent. Staring into the flames, she wished she knew if she had made the right choice to stay here. A flash–herself, walking through three great silver portals–in the white dress with rainbow hem of an Accepted, and the Great Serpent ring–out in the courtyard, practicing with a bow–just sitting around, relaxed, chatting, with people she did not yet know but felt would be very important to her in the future–then, blankness.

All the pictures had shown her, here, in the future. She could only assume that she had made the right decision. Regretfully, she called water to extinguish the flame. She would never have done so, back home, but here it was not nearly so protected–and though the floor seemed to be ceramic, she wasn't absolutely sure the walls and ceiling were.

Silence descended, and through the silence, a muffled sob. Rei stood up and exited her room, entering the one to the right, from which the crying had come. The girl there immediately stopped as soon as she walked in, defiantly wiping her eyes as if to deny she had ever cried.

Do you want to talk about it? That helps, sometimes. She asked quietly.

I . . . it's nothing. It's just silly. I'm feeling a bit homesick, that's all.

Rei sat down, as the mild headache she always got after illicitly accessing the Power suddenly struck. That's not silly at all. Everyone gets homesick.

I don't see you weeping about it, though. She accused stubbornly. It shouldn't affect me so badly. After all, I hated home, and I chose freely of my own will to leave.

So? I chose, freely and of my own free will, to give up a normal life, or at least as close an approximation as I ever got, in order to serve what I believed was the greater good of humanity. That doesn't mean I don't ever regret what could have been'. Just because you make a decision does not mean you won't later regret the doors of opportunity you closed to make that decision or question yourself as to whether or not you made the right decision.

The girl glanced at Rei's hand and at the plain white dress she wore. You sound so wise . . .

I've had time to learn. Rei replied softly, sadly. Too much time, too much learnt.

I'm Gwena. The other girl offered, probably in order to switch topic and cheer Rei up–she appreciated the thought. I've only been here less than a week, but I don't think I've seen you before.

I only arrived here this afternoon. Rei replied. I'm Rei. Technically, I should still be in bed–that Aes Sedai lady that was tending to me kept on talking about how weak and tired I should still be, although I feel completely fine–but I heard you crying through the wall, and came over to see if there was anything I could do to help.

Gwena smiled, and Rei could see the glimmering of her teeth from the weak moonlight. I wouldn't have admitted it at first, but just hearing another friendly voice *has* helped, immensely. She lay back down and turned over. I'll see you in the morning, Rei.

Sleep well, Gwena. On padded feet, much as she had entered, Rei left the other girl's room. A . . . friend. And one who is not a senshi. How strange it seems. Back in her room, she leaned out the window slightly to gaze up at the moon, and sighed. I hope she's all right. I hope they all are. Setsuna . . . I will find you somehow, but not now, not just yet. There are other things that must be done, things that I must learn, first.