Yes, all four of them are channellers. Nynaeve-strength, at least. They already have a vague idea as to how to handle some of the more common combat weaves, and invent their own at will, mostly in mimicry of the various attacks that the senshi have used in their careers. This is, I think, only a fair reflection of their experience as senshi, previously. Likewise, I have connected contacting saidar, in the minds of the senshi, with transforming–rather addictive, extremely empowering, reluctantly let go, but they have had a great deal of practice in letting go already.

Wheel of Time, as I'm sure you know, does not belong to me. Neither does Sailormoon. But if you have, or you know of someone who has written a SM/WoT crossover, please do let me know. I'd really like to read it. (and knowing that I'm not the only one who came up with this wacko concept would help, too . . .)


Chapter 2

I just can't get the flower thing. Setsuna glared at Moiraine. How is that supposed to help me reach this power of yours?

Beside her, Ami sighed. Think of the flower as your staff, as you gather power for a Dead Scream. She advised quietly in Japanese. There is you, and the power, and the flower is the channel through which you can reach the power.

Why don't you try, then? Setsuna hissed, Since you seem to have such a firm grasp of the concept.

You heard Lan last night. Guys don't channel--and for some reason I don't yet understand, I'm supposed to portray a guy. I'll practice on my own, later--but not in front of Moiraine! Now calm down, Setsuna. It may just be your anger blocking you from the source.

Setsuna closed her eyes wearily. In her mind's eye rose the flower--a rose of deep red, nearly the color of blood. The color of her eyes. Petal by tiny petal, it unfurled, to reveal a glowing pulse of garnet light. She smiled happily and reached out.

Gasping, she sat straight upright as the power flooded through her. You were right, Ami. It's like transforming again. So . . . beautiful . . .

To Moiraine's eyes, she nearly had to shield her eyes from the glow the younger girl produced as she touched the power at last. What did Ami say (not to mention why he would even be interested or know the first thing about the One Power)? Whatever it was, it obviously helped. I knew when I first saw her that she was strong, but this . . . she could probably take on Siuan, Leane, and I at the same time with both hands tied behind her back, and have absolutely no problem whatsoever. And I shudder to think how many of us it would take if we ever tried to shield her from the Source!

Congratulations, Setsuna. I'm happy for you.

With a sigh, the green-haired girl let go of the power. I'm afraid it is addictive . . . but you were right again. I doubt it's any more addictive than being a senshi ever was.

And will be again. Ami's eyes narrowed. We are going to get back safely, Setsuna. I may not be psychic like Rei--but I promise, I am going to get you out of here alive. And if you try something foolish like attempting to die on me, I will rip you to shreds. With my teeth.

Believe me, I have no intentions of dying. Why do you think I took up Moiraine's offer? We need all the help we can get.

Ami's expression turned mischievous. Because you think Lan's hot, that's why.

Setsuna spluttered. I do NOT! Take that back! Ami ran out of the room, laughing. Get back here, Ami, and face your punishment! I am so going to get you for that! The chase was on.

Moiraine remained where she was for a few more minutes, considering. I missed something, there. Oh, how I wish I spoke that language of theirs! I know practically nothing of them, with the exception of Setsuna's futile quest to face Ba'alzamon and Ami's apparent determination to accompany her. And the fact that they are tied together in some way, similar to the Aes Sedai-Gaiden bond, but seemingly more limited. Senshi, Lan mentioned. Warriors . . . and ones who claim to be asha'man. Well, they certainly carry themselves as such--they make me think of battle-hardened steel hidden in a plain, unadorned sheath. Intriguing.

She shook her head, standing up. What am I doing, woolgathering over these two strangers as if I was still a novice scrubbing pots with Siuan after one of our pranks? I have the Dragon to find. Briefly, with no one there to look on and wonder, a troubled look passed across her face. Oh Siuan, if only a childhood prank was all we were trying to pull this time. The stakes for this trick are far too high--but it will work. It has to. Our lives, the lives of everyone, hang in the balance. And if these strangers try to upset that . . . so help me, I will find some way to stop them.

* * *

Though the topic itself was interesting, Rei had problems keeping her attention centered on the teacher. Hm . . . I wonder if Usagi's scepters and other various magical implements are angreal or sa'angreal? She chuckled softly at the incongruity of her thoughts. Now the ginzuishou--that one is definitely a sa'angreal.

The instructor had noticed her inattention, Rei realized guiltily. She ought to know better by now. As the class was dismissed, she reluctantly walked to the front of the room. On her way out of the room Gwena, who shared this class among others with the black-haired priestess, shot her a sympathetic look. The young blonde had already caught more than her share of kitchen duty, it seemed like–though admittedly none from this particular instructor.

The instructor, an Aes Sedai of the Brown Ajah, looked down on the taller girl coldly. Well, Miss Hino? Could you perhaps tell me what you found so amusing about the Breaking of the World by the male Aes Sedai?

I apologize, as I allowed my mind to wander. It is the topic I thought upon that I found so amusing, not the subject on which you were instructing.

You do not seem to be the sort who would normally stray so badly, and this is a very important subject for you to learn about.

About male Aes Sedai . . . I heard tales of False Dragons, men who could channel. When the real Dragon Reborn comes along, what will you do?

Get him under our control and guide him. Make sure he is kept safe and alive until Tarmon Gai'don. The answer was stunningly simplistic, and no more than Rei had expected.

Rei shook her head sadly. So you will attempt to control the one man who, according to prophecy, is this world's only chance for survival. I am not surprised. You Aes Sedai seem to have a need to control everything. But what if he is uncontrollable? She sighed, turning eyes of the deepest violet upon the Aes Sedai who suddenly found herself strangely discomfited by that solemn stare.

I'm sure at least some of you, along the way, have considered that possibility--but you've probably also ignored it. People in general are not so easily controlled, and I'd think the Dragon Reborn would be the least controllable of all. He'd have to be, to survive what he must do. It would do all Aes Sedai well, I think, to keep in mind that destiny does not make a habit of being so easily twisted, and attempting to interfere with destiny will only bring pain. It always does.

As she left, the instructor shook her head. Who is that girl? She knows nothing of the world, yet . . . she holds the air of wisdom and indefinite age of the greatest of Aes Sedai, though she is far too young and untrained. And her power . . . this girl bears a close watch.

* * *

The sun neared the horizon, at the end of an eventful day. They had seen the peddler, talked with the gleeman, quietly observed from the background the three boys who seemed to be the objects of Moiraine's search. Now, the town quieted, people packed up to travel home as others went to bed--an early night in honor of the big day the following morning.

Out in the woods near the town, Ami knelt, mind at peace. A flower . . . a rose. Blue, like the cloudless sky of midsummer. As each petal meticulously unfolded, she could feel herself growing closer. There, at the center of the open rose, lay the pulsing power that she had called upon so haphazardly, earlier. Carefully, she reached . . . touched . . . and reveled in the familiar-yet-strange sensation that flowed through her veins.

Every sense heightened, she opened her eyes, smiling a tiny smile of triumph. Then, she felt it. The taint of evil, so nastily distinct with her senshi sense of wrongness heightened as well. Without so much as a conscious thought, she drew her sword, running towards that taint she felt.

Out near the Maypole, under the comfortable and comforting light of a recently risen full moon, she saw them enter town. Youma? They seemed horrible enough to look at, and carried torches as they headed towards the houses. Yes, this was the evil taint she had sensed.

Drawing in a breath, she realized belatedly that she was not a senshi anymore. These were not youma that would wait on her to make a speech, much less listen to the words she said. The stakes seemed infinitely more real now, without the protection of her fuku or her teammates. Without any more protection than these half-realized powers she did not know even the beginnings of how to use properly.

Surrendering her will to the sword that had once been her Mercury Harp, eyes half-closed, it raised itself to guard position. In a voice meant to project as far as possible, she called, Youma! Evil approaches! As lights sprang up like magic in the houses around her, she prepared herself to do battle against evil, as she had always done and always would.

So what if, this time, the means were somewhat different. The outcome would remain the same. Failure was not an option.

* * *

But why can't you use the Power on yourself? Setsuna asked. I still don't understand that part.

You just . . . can't. I'm not sure why. The admission of her ignorance seemed to pain Moiraine.

It doesn't make sense. Setsuna's frown grew darker. If I can do something to someone else . . . say, this . . . She wove bonds of Air, lifting Moiraine despite her (barely suppressed) indignant squawk. . . . then why can't I do it to myself? Weaving seemingly identical bonds, she applied them to herself. Nothing happened. Absentmindedly, she dissolved the weaves of Air that Moiraine had been attempting to saw through, letting the Aes Sedai fall to the floor.

I suppose it's like trying to yank yourself up by your own bootstraps. Setsuna sighed. But still, there ought to be some way . . .

She stiffened suddenly. What . . . Her eyes flashed angrily. She dashed over to the window--one that overlooked the village green, and groaned. What does Ami think he's doing? He doesn't know how to use a sword any better than . . . than I do!

Moiraine and Lan shared an unsuprised look. A flash from Setsuna--a sudden increase in the amount of power the green-haired girl held--brought Moiraine's attention back, as the green-haired novice to the use of the One Power wove several platforms of hardened air and vaulted out of the window in a manner that spoke of long experience with jumping down long distances. A trick that Moiraine would never have even thought of, much less attempted.

With a certain amount of trepidation (and some surrepitious strengthening of the platforms herself, now that Setsuna had done the work of creating them in the first place), Moiraine jumped down as well, dragging a wary Lan. Only once both the others were down did Setsuna nod and release the weave. Follow me. She stated curtly, dashing off.

The feeling crashed down upon Moiraine and Lan simultaneously. Trollocs. They ran after Setsuna, towards the taint they had sensed. But . . . how did she know? And before us, even!

* * *

Ball lightning crashed down upon the oncoming horde, and the eyes of all those villagers close enough to see widened as they looked upon the source of that lightning, the Lady Moiraine. Aes Sedai, they realized. Which would make the swordsman, not her bodyguard, but her Warder. Only one face showed no surprise. Rather, Egwene smiled with satisfaction. I knew it. It's just like a story . . .

Suddenly lightning began crackling around the other girl. She had introduced herself as merely Setsuna, though she was just as obviously a lady as Lady Moiraine. The attention of the viewers shifted, as they realized that she, too, was most likely Aes Sedai. From the green-haired girl came a ball of lightning just as big and just as bright as Moiraine's had been.

And wherever the lightning from the two Aes Sedai was not, flowed the Warder and the blue-haired Tairen stranger. While the Warder slid from one enemy to another with all the grace of a stalking wildcat, the Tairen flowed, leaving ripples of dead or dying Trollocs in his wake. Those closest noted how his wide blue eyes were now shut, as he flowed along as if he were dancing in a dream, now open but curiously blank, staring deeply into something far away, still evidently paying no attention to the Trollocs he killed so efficiently.

Deep within the horde, her eyes suddenly came sharply back into focus, as one of the Trollocs finally managed to torch one of the houses--the village blacksmithy, it looked like. Her eyes narrowed. No need for trigger phrases . . .

To the watchers and other participators, it looked like a stream of water suddenly appeared from the middle of the Trolloc horde, angled directly at the burning house. Wherever the water touched, the fire went out. Only a few noticed the frozen path of Trollocs between Ami's position and the house. Crisis over with, Ami withdrew into her mind, allowing her sword to take full control once more.

Setsuna berated herself inwardly for not catching the burning building before Ami noticed it, as she carefully wove another ball of lightning. As a side note, she wondered why she had not seen Ami's corona before she channeled. This lightning, released into the horde, split into two, then four, each only slightly smaller than its parent. Her quadruple-lightning balls wreaked a great deal of havoc--they had worked perfectly. Perhaps it was the advent of this even more potent weapon of mass destruction, or perhaps they felt their numbers had grown too small for their mission to have a significant chance of success, but the remaining Trollocs living turned and ran.

Ami turned to Setsuna and flashed her a V-sign. The other girl looked tired--who wouldn't, after such an exercise as this?--but her ebullience in spite of that reassured Setsuna that none of the blood liberally covering her form was her own. Setsuna grinned tiredly back, and looked around.

Despite Ami's quick thinking, the smithy looked as if its days were pretty close to over. And with her concentration for the most part on her sword, she had missed several smaller fires. Fires, even small ones, meant burnt people. And there were all the youma . . . that is, Trolloc, she thought they had been called? . . . corpses to get rid of, somehow . . .

Setsuna wiped her face tiredly. She had a sinking feeling that this night was far from over.

* * *

Wake up. Rei opened bleary eyes. As a priestess, she was used to getting up early, but there are limits. Stumbling out of bed, she looked out the window. The moon remained up, though it was setting, in a sky that was still black as . . . well, as the night which it obviously still was. Even she almost never got up this early (though with all those youma and other assorted monsters, she had probably stayed up this late a time or two).

Pulling the white novice dress over her head, she yawned pointedly. Briefly grasping saidar (as she had recently learned was the name of the strange power she now seemed adept at using) she pointed at the lamp on her table and lit it with a small flame. Only then did she bother to turn to face the girl who had come to get her up so early. An Accepted, she noted by the bands on the bottom hem of the girl's dress.

The Accepted girl eyed the lamp. The Amyrlin Seat requires your presence.

Another thing Rei had picked up quickly was the particular knack of swearing people on this world had. Muttering, she walked over to pick up the lamp. Usually, if only for the practice, she'd float it over on a weave of Air. As tired as she still felt, she'd be likely to drop it this time. If the Amyrlin (bloody) Seat is up at this time of day, she has too (flaming) much time on her hands. Taking in the Accepted's aghast expression, she tapped the fingers of her right hand against the side of her leg as she raised a single eyebrow. Well? Are you planning on taking me to her any time soon? If not, I am going back to bed.

The Accepted turned hastily. Please, follow me.

* * *

Standing silently grew wearying after a while. But Rei was used to wearying tasks. Like trying to convince Usagi to pay attention during senshi meetings. She smiled, but just as quickly her face fell. Light, I wish I was back with her right now, instead of chasing Setsuna on that fool quest of hers. Whatever it is, and wherever she is. Although she would never admit it, what scared Rei most was the fact that she was learning to like this place, to feel at home both in this tower and on this world. Even their strange power source no longer seemed quite so strange. She shivered.

Meanwhile, the Amyrlin had been studying her quite intensely. This girl. I can see what the others meant about her looking practically Aes Sedai already. And her past, a complete mystery. She knows so much about life and yet so little about life here, in the Tower. What are you? The way she responded to the question would tell nearly as much about the girl as her actual answer.

The girl smiled slightly, knowledge shining from her wise violet eyes. I am what I was born to be, as are we all. She laughed lightly. Though my life has taken something of a different turn than I had expected it to.

Rei walked over, leaning on the Amyrlin's desk and looking straight into her eyes with a serious gaze. But that's not what you're interested in. What you really want to know is my purpose for being here. She laughed. I don't blame you. If one such as I appeared so unexpectedly . . . well, I'd be suspicious too. Stretching, putting her hands behind her head as she looked upward, she continued, But know this. You have nothing to fear from me, unless you harbor evil. My purpose', if you can call it that, has always been and always will be to destroy evil.

Siuan had no doubt within her mind that this intense young woman was very good at it. Indeed, that she would be exceptional at whatever she put her mind to accomplishing. Still, although a very laudable goal, most people looked for more out of life than just that. The other Aes Sedai were right. Minutes I've spent talking with and observing her, and I know so very little more than I did before. She slips away from my questions like a minnow through a damaged silverpike net.

Was there a specific reason you brought me in here? Rei asked quietly, once more the picture of a proper novice. Or did you just want to see what you could find out about me?

Siuan folded her hands, and favored Rei with a level, assessing look. She noted, with a certain amount of pleasure, that the black-haired novice did not flinch. Certainly as much could not be said of many full Aes Sedai. Considering your obvious mastery of the Power, the suggestion has been made to administer to you the test for Accepted. True, they usually only did that this early on for wilders, but Rei had picked up nearly every aspect of manipulation of the Power so quickly, it was hard to believe she hadn't ever touched the Power before coming to Tar Valon. An honorary wilder, so to speak. Remember, you are allowed to refuse, but only three times. Think carefully before you decide.

Rei's eyes had widened, but only slightly. She paid attention in class, so she knew what this meant. What need have I for extra time to think? As an Accepted, I will have whole other avenues of knowledge open to me--and in this arena, I will need all the knowledge I can find to even figure out what the evil I am to combat is. I need no time to consider--I am willing. Administer the test whenever you are ready. She curtsied prettily. And now, with your leave, Amyrlin? I am going back to bed. She turned and walked out.

I'd reprimand her for not showing the proper respect. Even left completely alone in her office, Siuan still suppressed the smile that was attempting to break through her iron control. If I thought it would do any good, that is. Oh well. It makes a refreshing change, at least. The formerly Tairen fisher-girl and street rat, now one of the most powerful (politically and otherwise) people in the world, turned her eyes back to the papers on her desk.

Fascinating novices or no, there was other work to be done.

* * *

Get some rest. You're asleep on your feet. Lan ordered the slender young blue-haired man. He felt . . . protective . . . towards Ami and Setsuna, much in the same way he felt towards Moiraine. We can finish burning the Trollocs tomorrow.

Ami swayed on his feet, a strange smile on his face reflected in his too-bright blue eyes. Haven't you ever stayed up all night studying the night before a test? Oh, but that's right . . . I don't even know if they have school here, much less high school. Don't worry, lack of sleep has never hurt me before. And he returned to begin dragging a couple more Trollocs in the direction of the Beltane fires.

Setsuna snorted. Ami is so stubborn, too stubborn for h--is own good. But we really ought to get this over with. I, for one, want a good night's sleep. Oi, Ami! She yelled in the other's direction. All of you over there, stand back! She brought her hands into a prayer position, bending her head.

Suddenly, spontaneously it seemed, all the remaining bodies burst into flame. Ami walked back over. Fire Soul. She commented with a grin, and Setsuna nodded. Both burst out laughing, at a joke only they could understand, nearly falling to the ground laughing as their weariness translated itself into giddiness.

Lan just shook his head.

* * *

Where am I? The blonde girl stood up, stretching the cricks out of her back and neck. Beside her feet . . . she picked it up. The item seemed to be a spear of some kind. Along the entire length of the mahogany shaft, roses had been caringly engraved, and the spearhead itself seemed made of some golden stone–amber, perhaps? Gently, she scratched the edge against a nearby rock, then looked anxiously to see if any damage had resulted on her spear. Nothing. She looked at the rock, and gaped. A line close to a centimeter deep had been gouged in the rock along where she had scratched it.

She murmured, and looked around. A desolate desert greeted her eyes, with the exception of a large grouping of tents, seemingly a relatively short distance away. Giving the entire situation a mental shrug, she set off in the direction of the tents. Surely there would be people there to tell her what was going on.

Who are you? The voice stopped her dead in her tracks, and she turned slowly.

The person who had spoken wore tan–only logical, in this sort of heat–and had a deeply tanned face, bright blue-green eyes, and red hair. Another girl, one who carried a spear, if a normal one. The tan clothing, she suspected, was the main reason she had not seen the other girl before she spoke. Who wants to know? She asked warily.

The other girl's eyebrows raised, but she still answered, if reluctantly. I am Ilandrin, Far Dareis Mai of the Nine Valleys sept of the Taardad Aiel. Now who are you?

Minako Aino.

The other girl tapped her spear against the ground and frowned. What is your sept and clan? She sneered suddenly. Or are you a wetlander?

Minako shook her head. I understand none of this. What are these septs and clans that you speak of? Who are the Aiel? And what is a wetlander?

Ilandrin's frown took on a thoughtful edge. Even wetlanders know of the Aiel, though they shiver in fear at the very mention of our names. She shook her head in disgust at the ' lack of courage, beginning to walk slowly around Minako. You are a puzzle. What sort of puzzle, however, she did not elaborate. Finally, she stopped her walk and shrugged. I will take you to our Wise One and let her sort it out. She set out in a rapid walk toward the tents. Well? Are you coming? She turned around and demanded impatiently. Making sure to keep a firm hold on her spear, Minako dashed after the other girl.

Soon enough, they came among the tents, and though they all looked alike to Minako, Ilandrin seemed to know exactly where she was going. Stopping at one in particular, Ilandrin ducked inside for a moment, before sticking her head back out and motioning Minako inside. The veteran senshi came in slowly, allowing her eyes to adjust to the dimmer light. At the sight of the grey-haired yet young-looking woman inside, she automatically bowed, remaining standing. It seemed the right thing to do.

Ilandrin tells me you appeared suddenly where none had been only moments before. She also tells me you claim no sept or clan. From where do you come?

I was born in Tokyo, though I lived for a while in London. I doubt you have heard of either place, as they are very far from here. As for my sept and clan . . . I have no knowledge of these things. My given name is Minako, Aino is the name that my family as a whole holds. I suppose that might be considered a clan . . . But I have no idea what a sept is.

You are not Aiel . . . but you are not a wetlander, either. Do you come from beyond the Three-Fold Land to the east, then?

Far beyond, in any direction you choose. Minako felt within her, and suppressed only with the greatest of trouble, the urge to giggle uncontrollably. I have no idea what the Three-Fold Land is, either, but I'm sure I come from far beyond any land you could think of. Too far . . . with no idea where I am or what I am supposed to do. Can the situation get any worse than this? She looked from the grey-haired woman to Ilandrin and back, and again suppressed the urge to laugh. Yes, it can. I'm alive, well, and might possibly now have some friends and allies. I may yet find Setsuna, even . . . I've been in far worse situations than this, and still managed to survive. I will survive this one, somehow.