My BAKA Gaidin

                  Wheel of Time (Crown of swords)

                           Ranma 1/2

 

Keys

*(thoughts)*

 

Chapter 1

 

             The blazing morning sun shone in the sky over a withering forest. A boy sat in deep thought all the while searching his faithful backpack for a filling breakfast. He looked about seventeen, black hair, tied in a pigtail. He was a handsome boy with crystal blue eyes and of course with the build of a martial artist.

 

              Ranma Saotome was confused. Everything felt so weird, but then lately everything was confusing. Recent events had turned his already confused life even more confusing. He had been shunned out, not that it hasn't happened before, but it wasn't serious last time. It had been pondered over many times before and now it seemed little more than a nagging memory. "I'm running a bit low," he muttered, noticing his food supply was vanishing. *I wonder how much money I still have left*

 

             Breakfast had been pretty good to a starving Ranma, given his talent for cooking. He would turn someone into a pulp if that someone ever mentions it though. With stomach filled, he became more aware of his other thoughts and feelings. The first was where was he. *This can't be the same place I was last night* The whole place felt weird to say the least. Withered trees were everywhere, dried and wrinkled. The land seemed not to have rained in months and with the heat to match it. It was not a pretty sight.

 

             The second thought puzzled Ranma to no end. He felt other emotions different from his own, like it was not his.  It was faint. Confusion seemed to be the strongest he felt. The origin of the emotions pointed in the direction he was now facing. *There is probably a reasonable explanation for this. Like going back in time or some wizard sending me somewhere because Pop ate his dinner or something*

 

             Giving a sigh, Ranma went in that direction, commenting that some things were getting too easy to predict.

 

                                    < OH MY! >

 

             Siuan Sanche was recorded to be youngest Amyrlin to have ever lived, or at least in the tower. The newly raised one was now even younger. Her life had been stood on its head ever since that meeting with the Dragon Reborn. Many things changed besides her now youthful face. She had been the most powerful Aes Sedai, now she was one of the lowest, the highest in rank and back down. The first woman to be cured of stilling that anyone ever heard of.      

 

             Stilling was not a thing done, or mentioned often in her society. It was a fate worse then death to some and it led to eventual death to those stilled. Anyone who channeled the power feared being stilled, as it was the permanent cutting of the source that gave new meaning to pleasure and happiness and if ever experienced would never live again without it. It was said to be permanent until Siuan Sanche changed that fact.

 

             Siuan thought she had faced everything that the pattern can weave her into, but again something new and unheard of wiggles right to her. Her thoughts and emotions were in turmoil. She felt something that wasn't possible. To have felt a bonded man that had been long dead was unheard of. *Alric... it can't be...* Alric, Siuan's warder, now long dead when she had been dethroned. She had seen him die, felt him die, and cried many nights for that.

 

             "He's dead, it can't be..." wide eyed, she spoke softly to herself. *I can't be feeling him, could I? Maybe...no... there was no other I could have bonded with. But he's dead!* She was sure of her memories at least, there was no knowledge of her bonding with another man since that day. *Maybe it was an effect of being stilled and brought back. No it can't be...can it?* Siuan tried to think, there had to be some explanation to this. *Leane! She would have felt something too*

 

              Leane, her keeper and companion for many years, was the only other person to share the experience of being stilled and brought back. If anyone had felt what she felt, it would have to be Leane. Barely getting dress, she scurried out the tent opening seeking for answers.

 

             Leane and Siuan, former Keeper and Amyrlin Seat, had a plan to pretend to hate each other, but that was far from Siuan's mind right now. Dodging past women, she felt worried to no end, but decades of Aes Sedai taught her to better mask that. Deep in her own worries, Siuan almost ran over a body, when it hit her. In front of her was the youngest Amyrlin to have lived, complete with the seven colors of the Amyrlin's stole.

 

             "Mother," mentally and physically, she calmed herself all the while mentally giving herself a good kick in the bottom for being so childish.

 

             "Is something the matter Siuan? You seemed worried to the point of running me over," Egwene, now Amyrlin looked at her. Siuan's tutoring had made Egwene act at least like the Amyrlin despite her youthful face.

 

             "Nothing is the matter, Mother," Siuan calmly replied with Aes Sedai serenity. *Nothing much, just my dead warder coming back to haunt me! Maybe I'm going crazy*  "I'm going to Leane to ask her something. Do you know where she might be Mother?" Her face never wavered, giving no sign of her emotions, but Egwene knew better.

 

             Egwene blinked and quickly leaned closer to Siuan. "Is something really the matter? You two are not to be seen with each other." Her voice lowered to a whisper. Aes Sedai could not lie. They could make truth stand on its head though, but Siuan was an exception. Another secret effect of stilling. *Well I will find out later...* "I have something to speak to you, daughter." She motioned Siuan to follow her into the tent.

 

             "I just got this last night," Egwene pulled out a folded letter, "it's a message from our group. They ask for you Siuan. Want you to go to Caemlyn. There was no reason mentioned." Taking a breath to ready herself, Egwene continued, "Siuan I have no idea what this means. Do they have some intention for you or is this all a trick... maybe Moghedien is... I don't know Siuan."

 

             Moghedien, one of the female forsaken, even the mention of such a name would put fear into the bravest. Recently she had been captured and had been made to do countless things that would call out for revenge. Now that she was loose, she had four targets and two of them were Siuan and Egwene.

 

             Siuan face had been featureless, while she calmly listened to all this. "I know nothing that could pull me to Caemlyn. It's up to you, mother." *Caemlyn, why in the light must I go there?*

 

             "All the same Siuan, I need you here. I will see if anymore information comes. Be careful Siuan, if it's Moghedien..." Egwene's voice trailed off not needing to explain further.

 

             There were little need for things to be discussed more and Siuan left in search of Leane. *First Alric and now Caemlyn, could this be Moghedien's revenge?* Things always got more confusing for Siuan in the time of the Dragon Reborn.

 

                                    < OH MY! >

 

             In the streets of Caemlyn, Ranma was quite annoyed. The whole way here, there was not a drop of water on the road. That was except the splash of water on the now her. When he went up to a guy in a wagon asking for directions, the guy accidentally spilled his water bag on him. The guy fainted of course, but luckily he had told him there was a city near by at the end of the road before he did. Then in the city, the now female Ranma, found out something or someone had transported her to a different time or a different place. *This does not look like Japan even if it's a different time*

 

             Ranma thought she was in a pretty bad situation. *At least I speak the language* He shuddered with the thought of the many times how the lack of communication led to big headaches. The place looked like some western movie with knights in shinning armor and stuff. Obvious with all the guards around, and the large palace that he could see even before he reached the gates.

 

             Looking around, Ranma tried to loosen up a little. *It's not all that bad, not like I got anywhere to go anytime soon* Still she wanted to go back to the world she had slept in yesterday. *First thing to do is to get rid of whatever is happening to me and go back to...China. I need to find the cure for my curse* With that settled she now went in search of the temporary cure, hot water.

 

             Spotting a tavern, it seemed the best choice for hot water then any place else around. So Ranma casually strolled in with a now slightly oversized pack from the result of the curse. As usual there were stares and whistling. Some not because of the backpack, but rather a pretty face and some other looked at parts. She had been through this before. Doing her best impression of 'One more look and I'll kill you' stare, people quickly looked elsewhere.

 

                                    < OH MY! >

 

             Siuan was confused, annoyed, and furious. Leane had outright mocked her about the situation when she asked.

 

Leane(V.O.): Why Siuan, I didn't know you wanted a warder so badly. You should have became a green, with that sly mind of yours. You're quicker to think of bonding then me.

 

             More emotions flowed through her. She was certain it came with the mysterious bond that had inflicted her. It had all of a sudden tripled; breaking down the mental barriers that kept her coolness. The worse part was the emotion of confusion caused her to back down from Leane like a little accepted to an Aes Sedai.

 

             It  had took her a couple of minutes to control the boiling emotions, but the feelings of the bond were as strong as ever. *This can't be happening! Oh Light I'm going crazy* Siuan made up her mind, she had to find out the source of the bond and strangely or rather not so much, it came from Caemlyn. *It has to be in Caemlyn, the two events are too closely tied* Trying to compose herself, she stalked off to find Egwene.

 

             Egwene wasn't far off when Siuan came up to her. "What is it daughter?" Siuan had one of those looks that meant something demoralizing happened. *Maybe Sheriam gave her a hard time again*

 

             "I ask to go to Caemlyn, Mother." Siuan tried her best to keep that Aes Sedai calmness. It wasn't the emotions this time that worried her. It was the fact that she would have to explain to Egwene.

 

             Scurrying the conversation off to the side from prying ears. Siuan began her explanation with Egwene's eyes going wider with every sentence. "I see..." Egwene sounded almost scared. There were certain problems if this story got out. "I will make you a gateway to Caemlyn and make up some excuse for the Hall. Be careful, the whole situation cries of danger."

 

             Siuan gave a nod. "I will hurry back as fast as I can Egwene." Little more was said.

 

                                    < OH MY! >

 

             A now male Ranma walked the streets again. While in female form the emotions got thicker, much more thicker. It spooked him; this never happened before. He became more aware of anger and confusion while in girl form and was all too happy when the hot water went into effect. He also felt like he was being watched. But between the pool of emotions, thoughts, and unusual clothing he wore, he couldn't tell for sure.

 

             "Man, this is got to be the weirdest yet." Ranma swore to himself. One good thing was the location of those foreign emotions suddenly got closer, a lot closer, and was moving toward him. Somehow he could feel she was close.

 

             *I wonder why I call it a she?* the unconscious part of his mind asked.

 

             Siuan came out of the stable in Caemlyn. The trip was short, via traveling. The bond was also close and headed towards her. She almost jumped with nervousness from who it might be. *Alric please be you*

 

             Suddenly pain came, much pain. Siuan fell to the ground from a dazing blow to the head. Fighting unconsciousness, she barely kept her eyes open as her attacker dragged her into the alley. She tried to get up, but all her strength went to keeping consciousness.

 

             Ranma felt a stab of pain. Somehow whoever it was, was in trouble, she had been hit over the head and he felt it. Without a second thought he leaped and sped to her from the rooftops. *She's in trouble, gotta get to her!*

 

             There were five grizzly men circled around Siuan's moaning body. Each had a fairly deadly weapon at hand, clubs, knifes, and the sort.

 

             "She's on of those Aes Sedai witches. Kill her!" one said.

 

             "She doesn't look like an Aes Sedai," said another.

 

             "They mean to control the Dragon Reborn. Kill all Aes Sedai witches and anyone with them!" put in the third. They made their decision with that as everyone prepared to kill.

 

             Siuan would have screamed if she could. All she could do was watch them come closer. Suddenly a red and black blur came into view followed by a "Oof" and a hard drop to the pavement.

 

             "Nobody is touching her!" a male voice snarled.

 

             *Alric...* She felt it, the bond came from him. A view of his back could only be seen for Siuan; sleeveless shirt of red, loose fitting pants, and braided black hair. The group only growled as the assault began. Knifes and clubs swung at him, but he moved with lightning speed, dodging and counterattacking with deadly accuracy. The five would be attackers fell all with pain followed by unconsciousness from their weaponless opponent.

 

             Ranma dodged easily out of the way of a knife while he ducked under a clubbed swing. The attackers were armed men, but not very good. He punched a guy in the gut and back kicked another guy's face. Something was not right here. He couldn't quite define it, but everything seemed easier. He felt more powerful, faster, stronger, more aware of surrounding. His would be attackers fell with little effort from him.

 

             Ranma looked back at the source of his worries. The girl seemed to be trying to get up. He could tell she was in pain. She took quite a blow to the head. He acted instinctively, he picked up his pack on the floor and the girl, and leaped up to the rooftop to a safer place.

 

             Siuan tried to scream yet again as her savior jumped to the rooftop and sped away with her and at high speed at that. *This can't be Alric. Who is he? I never seen him before in my life* The young boy she now saw was definitely not her dead warder. But with all the denial, she could feel the bond with him. There was no doubt she had gotten him as a warder.

 

              A safer place away he put her down. Ranma saw a young girl, maybe a few years older than him. She was pretty with blue eyes and dark hair down to her shoulders. Even with a few screams of "Put me down!" he felt she was confused.

 

             Finding a small medical kit from his pack he decided to ask, "How are ya?" while trying to tend to the wound on her head. She wriggled a bit, but eventually accepted.

 

             "Who are you?" Siuan asked in an infamous Aes Sedai tone, cold and demanding. *He's not Alric, who is he? How did I ever bond with him?* The boy was handsome, lean, muscular, and aged around seventeen or so. Also very deadly from the show he putted for her, but nothing like what a warder would be.

 

             "Urr...name's Ranma." He tried to act polite as possible. *Don't want her to think I am crazy by blabbering out my feelings towards her* "Yours?" he asked.

 

             "Siuan Sedai" Siuan replied calmly. Ranma blinked at that.

 

             "Nice to meet'cha, Siuan. Umm hey I know it crazy, but..." Ranma was abruptly cut off by Siuan's cold stare.

 

             "I am Aes Sedai. " Siuan said coldly showing her golden serpent ring, all the while staring daggers at him. *Why that insolent boy! Bad enough the others look down at me, but my own warder!*

 

             Ranma backed away a bit, feeling anger from the Aes Sedai. "Umm...sure, umm Siuan Sedai." He had not known what he had said to put his foot in his mouth, but he could visibly see the anger on her with that last comment.

 

             "I should teach you a lesson, boy, for being so insolent to an Aes Sedai." Siuan was very much angered now.

 

             "Hey, what did I say?" Ranma spoke brashly back giving a mutter "Uncute tomboy" at the end. He then felt and saw her anger go up more than he thought already possible. *Uh oh, looks like she heard that one*

 

             Siuan hadn't really caught all that much of the end, but uncute, added to his tone of voice was enough. *Why that...!* Weaving a small flow of air she hurled the nearest object at the boy, which happened to be a battered bucket.

 

             Ranma was good at dodging, but he had one downfall; with all his skills, almost anything an angered woman throws at him, it always seemed to go ten times faster.  Needless to say the bucket slapped him flat in the face and he promptly fell over. Objects flown at him on their own should have provoked some thoughts in Ranma (sometimes anyway), but the only thought he was thinking was *Why do I always get stuck with violent women?*

 

             At least the bucket was empty.

 

             Not far from the two, a white cloaked figure casually leaned against the wall. The cloak covered the figure from top to bottom with red triangle like patterns embroidered along the edges. "Humm... this is sort of boring, just watching them like this. Maybe I should do something else to keep myself...err help with the cause." The voice emitted by the figure was definitely female.

 

                                    < OH MY! >

 

              A SD figure clasped in a cloak of pure white, with some red decorations along the edges, steps out.

            

             Speaking out in a cute high-pitched voice, "Hellooo! This is a special section to explain the Wheel of Time world that I'm manipulating."

 

             "Channeling, drawing magical powers from the 'One Power' to do magical things. Saidar is the female half, Saidin is the male."

 

             SD embraces the source, channeling, she starts throwing fireballs at fleeing bystanders by weaving weaves of fire all the while cooking a lovely dinner.

 

             "Bond, A male that is attached to a female Aes Sedai, those with mystic powers much like magic. They generally get more power, better senses, among other things. It is not known totally all the effects of it, but it is very bad if it was broken whether through death or some other means. Bonded men are called warders or Gaidin meaning protector."

 

             SD posts a 'Help wanted' ad, "Must have great fighting skills, must be incredibly handsome, must have..."

 

             "Forsaken, a bunch of old fogies who think they're gods, but are dropping faster then Akane can mallet Ranma, to Mister Dragon and some insignificant others."

 

             [A cheap stick figure] : HAHAHA I AM God!

                  [BOOM]

 

             "Amyrlin Seat, Miss president of Aes Sedai."

 

             SD reads the "Political Leaders and Impeachment" pamphlet.

 

             "Till next time on the 'I hate those women' world of Wheel of Time..."