I had to write this story, it simply demanded to be written-so apologies to those of you who have read/are reading "Who Needs to be Saved?". I've just finished the next chapter for that, and am sending it to my beta today, so hopefully that will be up soon.

Disclaimer: Obviously I don't own it, so why bother with this?

--Prologue--

Kaoru's crystalline eyes shimmered and sparkled with myriads of emotions as she surveyed the calmness of the grey oceans. The mists swirled and shifted over the pearl-grey crests as they headed for the shores, each rise and fall dancing to its own rhythm. The seagulls cried loudly, breaking the enchanting sounds of the waves for but a moment-then blending in with the almost musical sounds.

Although, that wasn't quite what drew her attention today. Something had called her here to the ocean, something inexplicable-a pull, a call of sorts, beseeching her to the ocean's edge. Having answered the call, she noticed what might have been the reason of her calling.

A lone figure garbed in black from head to toe, a long silver cape draped about his shoulders, stood where the earth and water met. The waves swirled around his booted feet, almost as if in greeting.

The young woman shook her head, only she had been greeted in such a manner-only because she was related by blood to a daughter of the sea. Though that had been many generations ago, the magic had returned in this day and age to her-even greater than those who had come before. Surveying the stranger with interest, her bright eyes fell upon his crimson red hair which had been pulled up into a high ponytail and cascaded down his back like a thin fiery waterfall.

Her breath caught in her throat as she realized that he had known of her presence. His stance indicated that he was prepared to attack if necessary. A small smile graced her full lips, she'd just have to make sure that he had no reason to attack, now wouldn't she?

Her eyes flickered then to his sheath, the wind having moved the cape and exposing the sheath and hilt to her view. A warrior then, she hadn't seen a true warrior in many years. The others had simply been imposters, fakes-those who had sought to gain the way of the warrior and yet failed miserably tended to try to fool others into thinking they were to be feared. She snorted inwardly, how on earth anyone could mistake those fools for the real warriors was beyond her comprehension. You could feel the difference, she mused as she practically felt his ki swirl and ebb about her form.

It seemed he was evaluating her without even bothering to look. That angered her slightly, though at the same time impressed the woman. He must either be extremely confident or extremely powerful-though after pondering this for a minute, Kaoru decided it to be both.

She stepped forward, her delicate feet barely making an imprint in the pale sands. "Why are you here?"

To her surprise, he turned his head slightly to look at her. Amber eyes shone in the brilliant sunset, for some reason Kaoru's heart began to beat faster.

He turned back to stare out into the sea. Silence greeted her query.

"I know you heard me." she stated in a louder tone.

"Why do you wish to know?" his dark, mysterious voice captivated her faintly waning interests.

"I was called here, told that I was supposed to meet someone." she inched closer, her long, wild raven hair tossed gently by the wind moved in front of her face. With an irritated frown, she moved it back, "I think I was supposed to meet you."

"You won't be able to come back." he stated abruptly.

Her eyes filled with confusion, "Excuse me?"

He turned back to look at her once more, "You won't be able to return." He glanced up at the sky, "If you leave, you are choosing that fate willingly. I will not tolerate any complaining on your part if you decide later on that you made a mistake."

She glared at him, her arms crossed over her chest, "And why would I want to leave in the first place?" She uncrossed her arms and raised them above her head, feeling the magics and the power of the sea tingling at her fingertips. "This is my home."

The man finally turned to face her, a smirk upon his exotic features. His amber eyes then narrowed, as if in concentration. Reaching up to the sky, he murmured a few words quickly and quietly. Suddenly, the sky erupted in thunder and lightning. The sea tossed and rolled violently, breaking roughly against the shore.

A blinding flash of silvery-white lightning ended it all in a loud cacophony of noise. It tore open a wide hole in the sky.

Kaoru gaped silently at the scene before her. What kind of power could this person possess? He opened a portal as if it were no trouble at all, no sweat beaded upon his forehead-no sign of fatigue could be traced in his features.

He stepped forward towards the ever-widening rend, the force from it whipping his hair and clothes about. "Have you decided?"

The woman shook her head, "I don't even know where you're going to take me." "Besides," she pointed out, "I don't even know you."

She blinked, the man had gone. The rend was still there, seeming as if it would draw her in at any point-but he was gone. Kaoru froze as she felt his presence behind her.

The man leaned in close and bent his head down to whisper in her ear.

Kaoru's eyes went wide at his words, her cheeks flamed furiously as she turned to hit him. "How dare you!" she growled out as he effortlessly dodged her attack. "How dare you talk to me like that! I'm not yours or whatever perverse idea you have."

A wicked gleam flickered in his deep amber orbs. "We'll see." He then turned and looked back at the rend which had expanded to the size of a small house. Energy crackled and roared loudly, light flashed in brilliant streaks at the edges of the portal.

"You do realize that you have little choice in the matter." He smirked, "Unless you wish to carry the guilt of being unwilling to save innocent lives."

Kaoru glared fiercely at the man.

"Are you coming?" he offered a hand.

"Do I have a choice?" she asked sourly.

A brief smirk and a flash in his eyes was the only response she received.

Please review and tell me if you think I should continue it or not. As it was a random thought for a story, I won't be offended if ya'll think it's not good enough to continue.