"Give it some thought, okay Kiba? I don't want to see you hurt."
"Alright I will"

With the day gone by and night taking over the sky Kiba found herself tossing and turning through the dark hours, with the slurred words of Yuki roaming through the room the swimmer found herself facing the top of the bunk bed the polished wood staring back with more life then she held at the moment. These passed few days have all been the same, tired and sore she would fall to bed having overworked her mind and body only to fail to fall into sleeps awaiting arms.

The offer still played in her ears, her mind throwing the idea throughout the worried void that so desperately wished for. Grabbing her tooth around her neck she found her fingers straying away from the smooth bone gripping the new thick leather that held her bond with the past. The soft hid denting at her fingertips she recalled the conversation she received on the phone only to come back at a blank slate.

The words from Yuki turning to snores Kiba found her hand leaving the comforting keepsake her violet eyes scanning the darkness she swung her legs off the bed her bare feet meeting the cool floor causing her to wake up even more. She could never stay in bed long if she could not sleep, dressed in only shorts and a tank top the tomboy felt for her shoes slipping on the tennies without bothering for socks carefully opening the door to make out like a bandit.

Leaving the dorm Kiba was greeted with the night air, the winter kissing her skin with angry shards forcing any chance of sleep away goosebumps already making their way on her skin.
The pathways lit with the street lamps the once shadowed space was given a cool glow, taking off at a jog Kiba found herself with no destination in mind, the rhythmic beats of her feet the only thing coming to mind with only her path in front of her. The full moon hanging in the black sky guided her, just like Kiba the ever present light slowly made its way through it's own path. An ever watchful guardian.

Her feet finally finding a place to stop Kiba plopped on a bench the swim club building looming over her like a shadow, leaning her head back she allowed her arm to hang over the back of the seat her eyes lazily resting on the sky that always held so few stars. "Why must Japan always find a way to take the natural beauty?" A cold wind whipped through the streets, dead leaves blowing through the abandon path like dancers, forgetting her coat at the dorm she simply allowed the cold to seep into her skin needles running deeper.

In some strange way being cold and alone in the dark made her feel like she was in the water right before a race, no one to bother her as the cold turned her vein's to ice. She remembered how scared she was the first time she went into those waters, how she was in total darkness all alone besides the presence of a black tip reef. Never would she have thought to form a small obsession with the sport, so obsessed that she found enemies and allies in all the wrong places.

"If only I could sleep on it." Running a hand through her hair she found herself feeling so helpless, she might as well have been a newborn no longer able to decided on anything even basic human needs.
"Bit late to be out don't you think?"

Closing her eyes for a moment she released one to see Rin, hands in his pockets dressed in his normal swimmers jacket a smirk on his face with a small glint of concern in his eyes.

Sighing Kiba forced herself to sit up, her back cracking she leaned over on her knees to tired to greet him. "I would be sleeping but I just don't have it in me." Grabbing a few coins Rin turned his attention on the vending machine the dull blue glow illuminating his face, with a thud as his cue the boy reached for his drink only to produce two cans of pink.
Sitting at her side Rin placed a drink in her hand the cold droplets soaking her skin like mist. "Mind telling me what's wrong?" Opening the can with a hiss she took a long drink from the beverage, the sweet taste of strawberry coating her tongue, looking over to see Rin sitting patiently with the drink in hand she found herself running her fingers through her hair again never understanding how he can find her whenever something happens.

"I'm on the board for the ocean races, they start up in a few months, late Spring actually." Giving her a smile he rubbed her head frizzing up her already tangled mane, "thats a good thing dummy, do you want to back out or something?" She shook her head taking another sip of her drink "no I'm going to give it my all it's just someone offered to lend me his boat so I can train in the ocean." Rin stared off at her, his mind still unable to figure out her discomfort, she couldn't blame him she would be scared if he did know what was wrong. "You see the one who wants to help me is a man by the name of Tsume, I never had a problem with the guy, said he wants to keep me alive by making sure I had everything I need so he kinda became a sponsor, problem is his son has been wanting nothing more than to see my body wash up on a beach."

Rin had to take a drink, his anger already spiking at the confession, how could anyone want something like that for Kiba? The way she was slumped over her hair covering her face while her words were slow and tired made her look like a fragile little thing that could break from the breeze. the sight of it worried him, he was so used to seeing the proud spunky girl that would throw him in the water, one that shown no fear around anyone not even him or Sousuke, the sight of her being worried over the offer made him set his jaw he only hoped the sight was do to fatigue.

"How much will Tsume's help affect you?" Tilting her head he saw amethyst eyes peeking through the black stands in some ways Momo was right she really was cute, "hes offering me the kind of help that could get me used to swimming in the ocean, basically it would bring up my chances for survival by a lot." Turning his head to see her fully he put a hand under her chin causing her to look up, as if waking from a daze Kiba pulled back shaking her head in annoyance. "What if I came along? I'll keep an eye out for this guys son so you could focus on training, would that make it better?

Slowly coming to realization at the words he said he watched her slowly raise her head on her own, disbelief on her face "you would do that for me?" All he did was roll his eyes, I'm pretty sure were going to be watching your races and I'm sorry if I'm not a fan of seeing you almost get eaten. I can't stop you so the next best thing is making sure you can survive."

Kiba was touched, Rin wanted her to have all the help that she could get? She was so used to having friends stay away from her swimming habits altogether they were too worried that they would see her be killed and be scarred for life. Yet here was Rin, short tempered, harsh, funny, determined Rin, the one who wanted to see her through the very end wanting to make sure she gets through this alive.

Feeling a rock being lifted from her chest she leaned back draining the last drop of her drink already feeling tired the sleepless nights falling on her like meteors "that would be amazing, I don't think I would be able to be in the same place as him without someone like you." Trying to surpass a massive yawn only to fail she heard the shark boy laugh "okay come on you need to get to sleep, we got school in the morning."

Nodding her head she heard him get up no longer processing what was going on around her. "When did you sleep last?" Yawning again she raised her eyes to see Rin crouching down in front of her "I think since Friday" rolling his eyes he let out a sigh as he turned around "get on, lets get you back to the dorm at least."

Without complaint Kiba wrapped her arms around his neck, feeling him pull her up like a child she felt the world move, too tired to look she simply buried her face in his neck her eyes sometimes looking ahead she would feel his hair tickle her face like feathers, the smell of mint filling her nose, "had he always smelled this nice?" She thought. Hearing her name only causing confusion she heard him laugh softly his voice sounding miles away she felt her body finally fall into the long awaited arms of sleep, even if it was not the way she intended.


"Hey Tusme its me Kiba...Yeah I thought about it and if I can bring a friend with me then I would really appreciate the help...I should be free next week...alright see you then."

Closing her cell Kiba stretched, her body finally feeling refreshed after all the lost days, jumping from her bed she quickly did her morning routine the early sun having yet to greet her, if it was up to the tomboy she would have slept for another year.
Taking a sock she threw it up at the top bunk, protesting sleurs and thrashing caused her to see a pair of green eyes through the covers "what is it Kiba?"
"come on slow poke time for school."


"So I'm heading out next week, the entire thing will take a few days is that alright with you?" Rubbing her head with a pat on her shoulder Kiba found herself pushed forward a bit "I told you I'd come so thats what I'm doing, makes it easier for me that its next week anyway."

Back to work at the swim club she was greeted with eager faces as her and Rin made their way to the pool, the echoed sounds of splashing and cheers were slowly growing on her, the positive activity becoming more and more welcome when the team would call her one of their own.

"Tachibana-senpai!" Waving a hand over her head she and Rin parted ways already knowing their jobs with a high five for good luck she threw off her baggy cloths the sight of her stripping to her swim wear becoming a normal routine to the guys.

"Alright, which one of you thinks that they can keep up with me while under?" Facing the boys she was greeted with a unison "hai!" Taking her place with Momo the first up for the challenge she waited for her mark "this time for sure!" a smirk placed on her face she looked at him from the corner of her eye, "big words aren't they Momo?" With the voice allowing her take off she pounced the clear liquid taking hold once again leaving the red head in her bubbles.


With the day passing quickly and the team thinning out Kiba found herself on the water's edge Nitori at her side with a bottle in hand, the cool liquid quenching her thirst at another hard days work. "Your improving a lot out there Nitori" the words causing the shota to beam he leaned forward "you really mean it?" she nodded "yeah I noticed that you improved your underwater time by almost 30 seconds, thats no short feat, it takes a lot more work to improve your internal organs than your muscles." Looking out to the pool that was emptying of swimmers he took another drink from his own bottle, his posture becoming taller at the words of praise.
"Hey Kiba"

Both looking up to see Rin with a towel over his head she tilted her own watching the other boy take a seat on the waters edge as well. "Whats up?" Drying his hair he pulled the fabric around his neck hanging on with both hands a worried look on his face. "I was wondering if you could stay after, I'm going to need your help with something." A small smile on her face she pushed his shoulder slightly "I owe you a lot so I can't say no can I? Seeing Rin take on a big toothy grin he leaned forward Nitori laughing nervously at his friend's face "nope, it won't be any different then when you snuck in here for two weeks." Nitori's face taking on a shock he stared at the two his mouth slightly open "wait Tachibana-chan you used to sneak in here?" She shrugged taking another drink she used her towel to dry her still dripping hair "not that big a deal, I had nowhere to train and its not like I could be lazy about it so I thought this was the best place, sadly Rin caught me on my first try." With the two boys laughing at her bad attempts of sneaking in she playfully punched both in the arm causing a small wrestling match to break out between the three ending with Kiba pushing Rin into the pool soon being dragged along for the ride.


"Bye Tachibana-chan, Rin-senpai!" Sousuke walking past to pat Rin on the shoulder the two friends left the building the once echoing room now silent. With Kiba laying on the floor arm over her face to block out the lights she waited for her task only to see Rin sit back down his face in his hand.
"So what did you need help with?"

"I've been helping a friend who can only use butterfly stroke, hes determined to learn the others but I thought seeing you would spark something in him." Kiba had to pinch herself to keep from laughing, how can someone be on a swim team yet not know how to swim?"
"Guess its kinda like you huh Kiba?"

Sitting up she glared at the captain violet meeting crimson, "I can swim all strokes, I just chose to stick to my own cause it feels right." Putting a hand on her head she shook it off "no need to defend yourself I'm sure you have reasons for lying" with a grin and mocking voice Kiba rolled her eyes, standing up after only being dry for a few moments she made her way back to the water's edge.

Turning to face him he gave her a confused look, with the sound of water lapping at her feet she dove backwards embracing the awkward dive that quickly engulfed her only to smirk when Rin came running to the side his mouth hanging open at the sight.

"Backstroke right?" Using her old memories she began to switch to her side "free?" She yelled over her own movements going to the other side of the pool she took off changing to a breast stroke only to shift in perfect form she ended in butterfly each looking as if she practiced all of them every day. Pulling her head out of the water she looked him dead in the eyes his own looking confused and surprised while she held one of boredom, how could he think she didn't know the other strokes? "Look if you ever underestimate my own skill in the water I will throw you in the ocean so you can be with your own kind."

Crouching in front of her he no longer held the confused face only one of annoyance "don't make me tickle you" she laughed "like you can catch me in here" Rin snorted "I done it once I can do it again." Rolling her eyes she leaned on the dry land her head tilted to get a good look at him "you only got me cause I wasn't paying attention."

The sound of the heavy door echoed through the room, getting to his feet Rin made his way over to the newcomer. Throwing an arm around his shoulders Kiba could see he was the same size of Rin, with blue hair and thick red rimmed glasses he looked to be a shy one, easily intimidated.

Making their way to the awaiting girl she smirked when the boy jumped at seeing her, still leaning against the tile she waved at him "yo" looking to Rin for confirmation the older teen only gave a nod, nerves wrecking his whole body he quickly bowed "My name is Rei Ryugazaki, its a pleasure to meet you." Kiba couldn't help but laugh causing only poor Rei the confusion, waving her hand back and forth she looked to the two boys her aloof nature causing Rei to relax next to the smirking Rin. "Names Kiba Tachibana, Rin's told me a bit out you, glad you want to improve."

Watching as Rei slowly broke out of his shell Rin took his chance mentioning to the girl in the water "Kiba here specializes in no offical stroke but is better than most on our team, I thought you'd like to see that you don't have to play by the rules all the time."

Kiba gave a shy smile, was she one of the better swimmers? The thought never gave her much interest but hearing it from her shark faced friend made it sound like sweetened candy. "I do all my swimming under water though so its sometimes hard for others to see it, pay attention Ryugazaki." Pulling himself out of his trance he held himself at attention with a loud "hai" causing her to find amusement on her mind, what a strange boy he was.

Diving backwards again she arched her back slithering into the depths without disturbing the surface. Opening her eyes to the blue tinged world she allowed herself to be lost in the waters, moving as if she belonged to the sea life as she swayed her entire body through the calm waters. The warmth seeping into her form like the lightest blanket.

Rei watched the sight with non hidden awe, he was very picky about swimming styles most of which he never thought to be beautiful, yet as he looked through the crystal waters at the girl beneath he couldn't help but fall in a trance. It was one of the ultimate forms of beauty. Black hair trailing after her moving like streams of shadows, cutting through the water so gracefully that she never caused so much as a ripple. "Amazing" Rin was right when he said he would like to see this kind of style, it gave him even more drive to better his own now striving to become just as graceful as Tachibana and Haru both beings one with the world that did not belong to them.

Putting more power in her stroke she threw herself a few feet above the surface diving back in hands first as she took in a deep calming breath. Like a sea creature she sunk back in no more was the graceful slow dance of the waves but a powerhouse of speed as she twisted her entire body pushing the sides she launched herself every muscle working in perfect sync with one another as she speed towards them like a predator, his eyes widened at the display of control and power he couldn't help but lean for a closer look only to see unprotected eyes of violet through the blue world.

She pushed her head through the water once again taking in a deep breath and breaking her spell, Rei found himself staring at the girl. "So what you think, a bit more motivated?" Nodding his head he came to his knees staring at her face to face. "Your swimming is just as lovely as Haru's I only hope one day I can be as graceful as you two!" Backing up just a bit she swung her head up to Rin, water spraying from her soaking locks. Realization hitting her like a bag of bricks her eyes narrowing at the nervous Rin Kiba climbed out of the pool, the sight causing his breath to be caught in his throat as she seized his past rival up his eyes traveling to her back.


"This a friend of Haru!? Why didn't you tell me? I would have asked him to bring the guy along so I can race against him!" Her teeth bared in a snarl she watched as Rin rubbed the back of his head looking away. "Well you can't do that cause Rei wants these lessons to be a secret so you're just going to have to wait." Kiba found herself growling at the shark boy, ever since Nitori told her there was someone who even Rin had trouble keeping up with she had her heart set on becoming faster, with stamina and speed on her side she could be unstoppable. "Listen if you went against Haru you'll have the same results as me, when you turn at the end of the line you go sideways and it loses you some seconds, practice turning front ways and I'm pretty sure we would be at the same level."

Her eyes widened at the words, throwing up her hands she was close to wanting to hit him "how long have you had that secret, I could have been keeping up with you this whole time if I just changed the way I turn? Why didn't you tell me?" Crocodile tears spilled from her eyes like streams, she was mad at Rin and he was going to pay. Falling for her trap he began waving his arms trying to find a answer that would save him. Becoming frantic even he looked to Rei for help only to see the guy shake his head not knowing what to do.

Defeated he lowered his head like a dog in submission "I'm sorry alright, I wanted to see if you could figure it out on your own, that way you would have felt better at the results then me telling you. But I found out when watching you about two weeks ago I didn't mean to hurt your feelings." Looking away she caught the sight of a small red tinge to his cheeks, ending her fake tears at the sight she smiled, who knew a few tears could get him so embarrassed?

Turning on her heel with a grin on her face she dove into the pool a new drive pulling her in. Turning back to them she pointed at the boys who were still dry. "Come on Rin I expect you to teach this guy sometime tonight, he hasn't got all year." With that she dove underwater no longer able to hear the world above her.


Turning to look at the team captain Rei found himself again at a loss of words, he was used to seeing Rin being a scary person who held a cold shoulder to most, he did warm up to everyone last year but the way he was around Tachibana gave him a number of ideas on what could be happening. The girl was a sight, the way she swam could even get to Haru, she looked much different then most as well. "So what's the story between you and Tachibana-san?" Unlike his friends in Iwatobi he thought it beneath him to come up with ridiculous ideas about someone without clarification.

Rin found himself staring at Kiba when Rei spoke those words, already she was trying to turn the same way he did, her first few tries ending in failure but slowly getting the idea.

Closing his eyes he really had no idea what to say, they were friends, to him she was as close as Sousuke and Nitori he didn't know if its because shes a girl that he was always there to help her though. Seeing her tears made him think that he was the worst person on the planet only to lighten the moment she turned back to her old self telling him she was joking about the whole thing. She was a proud, playful, funny and yet fragile person that he always found enjoyment in being in her presence the thought of jumping to her side when needed was always on the back of his mind.

"I'm not entirely sure, in some ways she and I are friends just as close as I am with you and the other guys, sometimes I find us being more than friends but then we turn around and become rivals the next day, she's not someone who you can really explain."

Pushing his glasses to his face Rei looked back to the powerful swimmer in the pool, Rin truly was clueless the boy saw them for only 10 minutes and noticed them being a bit closer than friends, throwing calculations in his head about the reactions between the two he looked back to Rin noticing his eyes trailing to the pool. "One more question, is the scar real?" Rin only nodded a flash of fear running through his eyes disappearing in a blink. "Well lets go I don't think you want her to be angry with you."
Rin laughed already jumping in "no one wants to have her angry at them."


Okay i am so sorry that this chapter really has not a whole lot going on (in the world of anime this is what we call fillers) The only reason why this happened though is because I got the idea for rei and thought it would be a fun little spin off only to realize that the next event is pretty freaking big. I'm pretty sure it would be by far the longest one in the story so I am unable to combine the two because there would be way to much going on.

Still next chapter will be focused on ONE thing but that chapter will probably be one of the more intense chapters here THAT IS ALL I SHALL SAY

still it means a lot to see over 300 people read this, I started this cause I was board and already this has more love then everything. So thank you guys and don't forget to review and tell me what things you like and what you don't because I do enjoy leaning to the readers.